PLANT CITY, FL, US
U.S. Marine Corps
LCPL, 2D CEB, (II MEF FWD), 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC
04/28/2011, HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
Ronald “Dougie” Freeman wanted to be the best. Those who knew him knew him as the best student, the best worker, the best brother.
“He could have had anything he wanted,” said his father, Brian Freeman. “But he wanted to go into the Marines.” “He just had it inside himself that he wanted to be the best.”
A 2004 graduate of Plant City Senior High School, Lance Corporal Freeman made good grades throughout his school years. “Everybody loved him and knew him in Plant City,” said his sister, Melissa Brown. “
Standing 6-foot-1 inch tall, with a husky build, Lance Corporal Freeman was known more as a studious kid than as an athlete. Aaron Freeman always looked up to his older brother. His wanted to follow Roanld’s lead in all things. And when “Dougie” chose to play the violin in the school orchestra, Aaron learned to play the cello.
Lance Corporal Freeman thought hard and long about enlisting. He wanted to serve and believed that the Marine Corps was where he needed to be. In 2008, after leaving his job as a machinist for a local pipe and valve company, he got into shape and headed for basic training at Camp Lejeune, NC. On his way to North Carolina, he met the lady who was to became his wife, Katie.
It was Ronald Freeman’s joy to become a father to a baby girl, Kaitlyn Michelle on April 28, 2010. His son, William Douglas, was born April 18, 2011- 10 days before Freeman was killed. The births of his children were cause for Lance Corporal Freeman to opt out of a military career. He planned to leave active duty in 2012. His new mission was to be at home and to concentrate on being an outstanding husband and father.
“He was a hero,” Mr. Freeman exclaimed. “If anyone could be a hero, it was him.”