A MARINE TO THE END
Web-posted Jul 8, 2006
In a poem, Lake Orion native wrote 'do not feel pity for me, for this is my choice'
By CAROL HOPKINS
Of The Oakland Press
LAKE ORION - A simple poem written by U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Raymond J. Plouhar became the centerpiece of his funeral service Friday.
Read twice during the hourlong service, the poem, "This is Me," explained that Plouhar was "a Marine to the very end."
"I will leave my loved ones, my kids, my wife, leave them all behind, to give you a better life.
"I have given up many things for you to be free.
"Do not feel pity for me, for this is my choice."
On Friday hundreds of friends and family came together in Lake Orion High School's auditorium to bid farewell to Plouhar, who was killed in Iraq on June 26.
The 30-year-old Marine - a 1996 graduate of Lake Orion High - died of wounds sustained while conducting combat operations in the Al Anbar province of Iraq.
In school, Plouhar played football and wrestled for the Dragons. Some of his teachers remembered their student during the service.
"He was such a happy-golucky person," wrote one of Plouhar's high school teachers, Judy Skiba, in a note read by fellow teacher, Donn Hoganson. "I've been crying for two days," Skiba continued. "I can still see his smiling face."
Plouhar joined the Marines right after high school, and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Both Plouhar's grandfather and his sister served in the Army.
Friend Ken Burnham of Lake Orion was with Plouhar last Christmas when Plouhar was home on break.
He was proud to be a Marine," said Burnham. "He was a lifer."
Plouhar's flag-draped casket was placed at the center of the auditorium stage. Dozens of family members were seated at either side.
The service included messages from Plouhar's father-in-law, Owen Barker of Texas, and the Rev. John Hoskins of Owosso.
"My son-in-law chose to go where others will not and cannot," said Barker.
"Staff Sgt. Raymond Plouhar, we humbly thank you." Childhood friend Kerry McGettrick said Plouhar befriended her at age 9, back when she had first moved to Lake Orion and "felt like an outcast."
"He was my friend when nobody else wanted to," she said.
"He reminded me we are never alone. He gave his whole life for us to be free. We love you, Ray, and we will miss you dearly."
Tim Kennedy of Pontiac, Plouhar's uncle, offered an emotional tribute to his nephew, explaining how willingly Plouhar had donated a kidney to him about six years ago.
"That man gave so much of himself, it was unreal," said Kennedy, his voice breaking.
"He laid his life on the line for (me). Ray, you will always be here with me."
Hoskins spoke at length about Plouhar's courage, comparing him with the biblical David.
"Ray heard the call of his country so we have freedom," Hoskins said. "Thank God for the Raymonds who are not afraid."
Before and during the funeral services, nearly 200 Patriot Guard Riders stood outside holding flags. The motorcycle riders have been attending military funerals since a Kansas minister began disrupting services last year. There was no disruption during the Plouhar funeral.
Plouhar is survived by his wife, Leigha, and two sons, Raymond, 9, and Michael, 5, who reside in Scottsdale, Ariz.; and by his parents, Raymond and Cynthia of Lake Orion; sisters, Toni Plouhar and Marie Martinez; and many other relatives.
Plouhar was buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.
