MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH, USA U.S. Marines CPL, WPNS CO, 3D BN, 25TH MAR, (RCT-2, 2D MAR DIV), 4TH MAR DIV, AKRON, OH HAQLANIYAH, IRAQ 06/09/2005
Corporal Brad Squires was born in Parma Heights, Ohio on February 21, 1979. He began life in Strongsville and grew up in Middleburg Hts., Ohio. He was fun loving, always looking for a way to keep smiles on everyone’s face and always looking for an adventure. Anyone that met Brad had their day brightened and their life was enriched because they were guaranteed a smile.
He graduated in 1997 from Berea High School and accomplished many goals in his life. He joined the Marines in 1999 and spent his 21st birthday on Parris Island in Marine Boot Camp. He served as an active reservist out of Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Akron, Ohio.
In 2004 Brad aspired to become a fire fighter. He began taking classes at Lorain County Community College. In November, 2004 he married Julie (Brandyberry) Squires. He was delployed to 29 Palms, CA in January, 2005 where he went through extensive training. In February, 2005 he was sent to Al Anbar Providence in Iraq with his Infantry Marine division, where he served four months with his battalion.
Throughout the many farewell events and the going away parties, Brad always seemed to hold up strong and kept that smile on his face, he showed the world how proud he was of himself. Brad excelled in being a Marine in everyway possible and had received the following awards: Purple Heart, Expert Marksmanship Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Global Award on Terrorism Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Navy Achievement Award, Certificate of Commendation and the Certificate of Excellent Performance.
Brad was killed in action June 9, 2005 when their vehicle hit an explosive device while conducting operations near Haqlaniyah, Iraq. Brad gave the Ultimate Sacrifice, his life for Our Country and Our Freedom. Brad lived life, loved life and regretted nothing. Brad’s priorities in life were his love for his family, his love of our country, his commitment to the Marine Corp. and his mission at hand.
Brad is the beloved husband of Julie loving son of Donna Squires and Bruce Squires, brother of Chad (Sharon) Squires, Jodie (Mike) Bogdan, uncle of Chad and Cassidy Squires, Alexis Bogdan, nephew, cousin, friend to many and an American Hero to all.
This is a bible verse that was important to Brad:
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose in deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.
If I am inclined to doubt; steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand