WINFIELD, MO, USA U.S. Marines LCPL, G CO, 2D BN, 8TH MAR, (RCT-3, 2D MEB FWD), 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN 08/09/2009
Marine Lance Corporal Patrick W. Schimmel, aged 21, of Winfield, Missouri was assigned to the 3rd Platoon, Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. He died August 9, 2009, of wounds suffered while supporting combat operations in Helmand province.
“I think one of the most important things to remember is he joined the Marine Corps because he loved it,” said Dan Anderson a high school classmate. “He did what he loved and he died doing it. I think there is nothing better you can say than that,” added Anderson. Patrick was a 2006 Graduate of Winfield High School where he participated on the school’s cross country team. He was also a Boy Scout.
“Some gave some, some gave all. This boy gave all,” said Marine veteran Glen Rappold. “I don’t want America to never forget these boys. They put their lives on the line.”
His mother had a different perspective. “Everyone says he was a man, a warrior, but I still picture him as my little boy,” said his mother, Mary Jean Schimmel.
It was not hard for Patrick to think of becoming a Marine. His father, Wayne M. Schimmel, had been a Marine during the Vietnam War. In addition to his parents, his brother Matthew survived him.
Lance Corporal Schimmel deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from October 2007 to May 2008. He deployed a second time to drive military vehicles and work as a translator between English and Arabic languages.
To honor the memory of Lance Corporal Schimmel the governor of Missouri ordered all flags at all State and government offices to be flown at half-staff for one full day on Sunday, August 16, 2009. In addition State and government offices flew the flag at half staff in Lincoln County, where Patrick lived, from Sunday, August 16, 2009, until dusk on Saturday, August 22, 2009. Remains were interred with full military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery south of Saint Louis.
Patrick’s girlfriend, Lisa Anderson, posted the following comment online in November 2009:
“Patrick Schimmel was my boyfriend and the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I’ll never forget the night his father called to tell me Patrick was gone. It is a feeling I never want another to experience.
“Girls and guys, hang on tight to your Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, or Airmen. They need your support and your love.
“To those in uniform, and especially the ones in 2/8 Golf Company: hang in there. You’ll be home before you know it. Just think of all the Pizza you can eat when you get back to Camp Lejeune. Order a pepperoni and drink a Coca-cola for Patrick.”