Anthony C. Melia, 20

Marines, Lance Corporal

Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), I Marine Expeditionary Force

Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Died: January 27, 2007

Ramadi, Iraq

Single

Gender: Male

Hometown: Thousand Oaks

High School: Thousand Oaks High (Thousand Oaks)

Burial: Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Memorial Park, Westlake Village

Melia was the first Iraq war casualty from Thousand Oaks, and residents held a "rolling tribute" to him as his casket was driven through town on the day of his funeral. About 2,000 people attended the service.

Cornell C. Chao, 01/28/2007

David T. Toomalatai, 01/27/2007

11 memories of Anthony C. Melia

“

Dear Anthony,

What is the definition of a teammate? In the sky 12,000 feet above the Earth, it is a "teammate" who checks your parachute before you jump, it is a "teammate" who falls beside you at terminal velocity speed - ensuring you pull at the right altitude, and it is a "teammate" who lands beside you in enemy territory. On the ground, it is a "teammate" who walks your side, covering your back protecting you from the enemy. It is a "teammate" who lays down a base of fire so you can maneuver against the enemy. And sometimes it is a "teammate" who lays down his life for yours...

Anthony, you define the true and authentic meaning of what it means to be a teammate. You manifested the highest level of humility, caring and willingness of any soldier I have ever encountered. I am a firm believer in God and I believe that Heaven does exist. I also believe that God put you here on Earth for a purpose, and after you achieved that purpose, you simply just went home! I honor you and continue to pray for you and your family... God Bless you!

Former Navy Gunners Mate Phillip Jamison

” — Phillip Jamison, August 12, 2013 at 1:05 p.m.

“

One of my favorite and last memories of Anthony, was an ordinary day at practice. We were warming up and getting ready for those damn 5 by 3's. All the sudden, we see this soldier in his dress blue uniform walking down to the field. God how majestic he looked. I remember we all went crazy talking to him. He told us stories of training. And and how he was shipping out. I've never felt so much pride for someone than I did that day. I remember thinking I want to be like him. There isn't a day that goes by that don't I think about the time visiting his parents house and seeing his helmet, rifle and boots. It's something that breaks me down.so vivid that day is in my mind when I go the phone call. I felt so many emotions; anger, hatred, fear, sadness, sorrow all I could do was sit and weep and ask why. I used to think how macho I was, but now I can't fight back the tears from my eyes when I see soldiers in movies, on tv or real life. Anthony I know your looking down, protecting all of us, like you always tried to do when you were here on earth. We love you and miss you. You will never be forgotten by the ones who love you. There is nothing I can do to thank you enough. But I will try to live the best life I can, always trying to help people with a smile, like you did. THANK YOU ANTHONY AND MAY YOUR FAMILY FIND PEACE!

” — Lancer Player 2006, January 29, 2015 at 8:38 p.m.

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Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org

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Anthony C. Melia, 20

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11 memories of Anthony C. Melia