FAYETTEVILLE, AR, US
U.S. Marine Corps
LCPL, 1ST BN, 2D MAR,( RCT-2, I MEF FWD), 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC
08/09/2010, HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
Lance Corporal Richard R. Penny, 21, of Fayetteville, Arkansas., died May 6 , 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. . LCpl Penny’s personal decorations include: The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star device, Combat Action Ribbon and Posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
Richard was born August 6, 1988 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the son of Merv and Sharon Easterly Messender of England (United Kingdom). He is survived by then, his maternal grandmother of Fayetteville, one brother in Arkansas, and one sister in Spain.
This young man’s smile, charismatic personality, adventuresome spirit and true leadership abilities are just some of characteristics expounded on by his friends, family and fellow Marines.
He attended Greenland high School where he was a respected athlete with a great personality. He was considered a beast on the football field and off the field was known as a quiet kid with a big heart. Richard was adventurous and a bit of a daredevil. Sometimes his devilishness was not successful. He took up riding motorcycles, but wrecked them. He took up four wheelers and wrecked those. He also took up dirt bikes, with the same result. But, he had fun. The more dangerous it was, the more he liked it. He thrived under pressure. Richard was well liked and he liked and enjoyed people. Richard had recently fixed up a jeep, but he gave it to another guy who needed something to drive. Typical Richard. He would help wherever. He could. He was a hard worker who stood for what he believed in. His great sense of humor was appreciated by many. He joined the USMC in February 2009 and deployed March 2010. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in April 2010.
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