I never knew Marine Cpl. Stephen "Coty" Sockalosky, age 21. I never had the chance to meet him in his short life. He was from Cordele, GA, which is a 1 hour drive south of Macon. Why am I writing about him? He was killed Oct 6th by injuries sustained from an IED during combat operations. He was flown to Germany for emergency treatment, but later succumbed to his injuries. It is my understanding his wife was flown to Germany to be with him, but I do not know if she got to see him again before he passed.
Today, he was flown into Robins AFB on an Angel Flight where he was met by the Robins AFB Honor Guard and his family. He was driven in a very large procession through base, where thousands of people lined the streets to pay their respects for him. He was also met by thousands of other people along Watson Blvd. and in his hometown of Cordele. Amazingly, his mom was hanging out the window thanking everyone for their support of her son. It was emotional.
So, I just wanted to share in the tribute of Coty. Please, take a minute to remember our troops overseas, still fighting for us.
Some news clippings and tribute videos
Coty
Coty's Procession
The motorcycles are the Patriot Guard, in case you were wondering.
Finally, here are a few newspaper links
Georgia Marine killed in Afghanistan has local ties
Cordele Marine Returns Home
Thousands in Crisp County honor fallen Marine
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