PHOENIX, NY, US
U. S. Marine Corps
CPL, E CO, 2D BN 8TH MAR, (RCT-8, II MEF FWD), 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC
06/30/2011, HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
Marine Corporal Kyle R. Schneider died June 30, 2011, while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He unit was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
New York Governor Cuomo directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Thursday, July 7, 2011 in Kyle’s honor and in tribute to our state’s service members and those stationed in New York who are killed in action or die in a combat zone. The twenty-three year old was a resident of Phoenix, New York. His younger brother remembers Kyle as an American Hero. He knew as a wonderful person, very caring, giving, loving, and protective.
He was the little guy who couldn’t run straight, but went on to be a track star and a hero. Kyle was a 2006 graduate of Baker High School, and was recently engaged to Theresa Dodge who serves in the Air Force. They met while Kyle was stationed in Washington D.C. Just a week before he was killed, he stepped on an IED. Though he suffered a concussion and lost some hearing, he wouldn’t stop fighting—a testament to his strength and spirit.
He joined the Marine Corps in March 2008 and was promoted to corporal June 1st of this year. Matthew was deployed to Afghanistan this past January; it was his first tour of duty. His family was able to see him off right before he deployed and he departed noting that serving was about honor and commitment. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and NATO Medal – ISAF Afghanistan.
“We had 23 years with him, I feel sorry for those who didn’t get to meet Kyle,” said his Grandmother.