HOYLETON, IL, US
U.S. Marine Corps
SSGT, 1ST EOD CO., (1ST MLG FWD, I MEF FWD), 7TH ESB, CAMP PENDLETON, CA
09/07/2010, HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
Staff Sergeant Emrick was an explosive ordnance disposal specialist serving his 3rd deployment to the middle east.
People stood with American flags on Illinois Route 177 as SSG Emrick was conveyed from the local airport. And store fronts displayed painted windows one which read: Thank you
The chaplain of the 1st Marine Logistic Group in Afghanistan prayed saying, “Jordan represents the best America has to offer, a Marine working in EOD, as dangerous a job as there is. He risked his life daily and finally made the ultimate sacrifice so that others might live.”
Gunnery Sergeant Terrence Bean who escorted the Emrick family to Dover Air force base and back to Hoyleton knew Emrick for six years and was stationed with him in New Orleans. “I will always remember him,” Bean said. “He was a jokester when I met him and a wonderful person and wonderful human being all around.”
Terry Emrick, Jordan’s father observed that “It was an unbelievable tribute to him,” witnessing the tremendous turnout for Jordan and the family. Jordan, he explained was free-spirited and led the life he chose. “This is what he wanted, and he knew the risk was there, but he was creating freedom for the rest of us. We’re never going to forget him. He’s always been an outstanding, free-spirited young man.”
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