2010 Deployment to Afghanistan
1st Battalion 2d Marine Regiment
Camp Lejeune, N.C.

KIA: May 12, 2010 Helmand province, Afghanistan

Sgt. Lamar was raised in Stafford County and was a 2004 graduate of Stafford High School, where he was a wrestler, baseball player and football player. After graduation, he joined the Marine Corps, and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

~ FreeLanceStar

May of 2011, the Lamar family held a candle light vigil at Hurkamp Park, Fredericksburg.

Donald’s father shared these words:

Donald lived and fought every day of his life with unmatched vigor, strength and courage on and off the battlefield; a proud Marine who has given the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation.

Donald was one of many young Americans whom could have done anything with his life. Of all of the choices he could have made and futures he was presented, he chose to defend his nation during this time of war. Donald fully understood what he was doing and what lay ahead of him and continued to press the fight regardless of what lie ahead.

I am going to take you to the night of May 11th 2010 Donald’s team. Navy Corpsman Brenton Lane better known as Doc (RIP) sat down with a few members of C co 4th platoon and members of the Sniper Team including Donald. Doc read the following from Shakespeare’s Henry the 5th. And I quote……

“Whoever does not have the stomach for this fight, let him depart. Give him money to speed his departure, since we wish not to die in that man’s company. Whoever lives past today and comes home safely will rouse himself every year on this day, show his neighbor his scars, and tell embellished stories of all their great feats of battle. The stories will teach are children and from this day until the end of the world we shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for whoever has shed his blood with me shall be my brother. And those men afraid to go will think themselves lesser men as they hear of how we fought and died together.”

In Donald’s memory I am going to share his embellished stories of battle

On April 1st 2010 Sgt Lamar led his team during company operations, providing reconnaissance which allowed multiple platoons to orient and close with enemy positions and ultimately resulting in a successful company attack.

On April 5th 2010, while under heavy and effective enemy machine gun fire, he provided direction to two platoons and served as the single link between units in contact and higher headquarters. Thus, resulting in three destroyed enemy positions.

On April 20th 2010, he took selfless initiative and led his men to successfully destroying one enemy vehicle, killing eight insurgents, and wounding six others. Due to his personal bravery under fire, unparalleled leadership capability, and initiative to personally influence the battlefield many Marines and Sailors lives were saved and at least one squad of enemy fighters was destroyed.

On May 12th 2010, he led a successful clearing operation over 1 mile of enemy territory consisting of 40 buildings. He dauntlessly and relentlessly continued his pursuit of the enemy and it ultimately cost him his life. He was mortally wounded by a directional radio controlled IED while VOLUNTEERING to stand security so other Marines could rest!

Although his body has been laid to rest, when we speak of Donald, we must remember that he is still with us in many ways.

In every action we take there is a reflection of the model he has set for us. In our minds, each decision is made with knowledge and wisdom he imparted upon us. In our memory, he will never die as we tell his story and refuse to let him be forgotten. In spirit, his soul will always live on in heavens gates, eternally watching over us. Donald is still with us in many ways.

Donald understood that if you want peace, then you must prepare for war; . . . if any one new Donald he was always ready to let the dogs out….

So let us take a moment to reflect on and to celebrate his memory and the distinct honor and charge bestowed upon us to ensure that he will always live through us. Let every day of our lives be another day we live in honor of his sacrifice. Every day we and our nation live in peace is a day the Donald will look from the heavens, and know he did not sacrifice in vain.

Just a reminder to us as Americans to be thankful for the many men and women of our armed forces who put service before self, so that we may all be free and to the men and women who have given their greatest treasure — their lives — to protect us and to defend us, so that we can lead abundant lives of our choosing. May we strive to never take that price and the resulting freedom for granted, and may we seek to live lives of gratitude for the price that is being paid on our behalf daily.

Thank you so much for taking the time to honor Donald’s memory this evening. The past year your kindness and appreciation has given us much comfort and encouragement in the loss of Donald, and we are very humbled and grateful. May God bless you and continue to bless our country as we trust in Him. ~ submitted by Donald Lamar, Sr.

Organization,