WINSTON, GA, US
U.S. Marine Corps
LCPL, 1ST BN 6TH MAR, (RCT-8, II MEF FWD), 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC
10/13/2011, HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
Lance Corporal Harper graduated from Douglas County’s Alexander High School in 2008. Around Alexander High, everybody knew “Boots”, said Chad Jenkins, a friend . He was “that guy. You know, the guy who wanted to be friends with everybody, and everybody wanted to be friends with him.”
Brian Harper said his son, “wanted to be a Marine because he believed they were the best. You know, the few the chosen … and that’s what he wanted to be.” Scott was a proud infantryman serving his country in the US Marine Corps.
Mr. Harper said he and his son communicated often via Facebook during deployments. He’d look at the pictures Scott posted and they chatted often. That’s how he knew his son had received a special package sent just after Lance Corporal Harper deployed.
“He was serious about his guitar playing, so he asked me to send it to him,” his father explained. “I saw pictures of it on Facebook and a lot of his friends had signed it. There were signatures all over it.”
Lance Corporal Harper came back to his hometown and was welcomed as a HERO. Family, friends, and strangers came to pay their respects, offer words of kindness, and stand silently as he passed. Along the route, “the roads were lined (with people) and it was such a great showing,” said Douglas County Sheriff Phil Miller. “I’ve never been so proud of Douglas County in all my life. But more than that, I’m proud of Lance Corporal Harper who gave his life for this country.”
These words come from the Harper family: “Although we are heartbroken over Scott’s death, we are so proud of his service. He will forever be our hero and his memory will live on in our hearts. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers and kind words. Knowing that Scott touched so many lives brings us comfort. “
“Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD. “ Psalm 31:24