This is not so much a story as it is really me just wanting to let it be known what a HERO my brother was. How much I love and miss my brother. How much the whole family loves and misses my brother.

He decided he wanted to join the Marine Corp,we were very proud of him and supported him in what he wanted to do. He graduated bootcamp at Parris Island ,SC February 11, 2011. December 12th 2011, which was also his 22nd Birthday he was deployed to Afghanistan.

Only 6 weeks after being there on February 1,2012 he was shot by a supposed Afghan Ally and killed instantly .The news was a shock to my mother,,,,who had marines show up at her door with a letter just hours after it had happened, He died just 10 days shy of one year since graduating.

We love and miss him so very much.I try to tell myself that he died doing something he was proud to do and somehow it helps ease the pain.some nights telling myself doesnt help at all. He was only 22 and had so much life left to live..He had a girl he was very sweet on and couldn't wait to get out of Afghanistan to continue his relationship with her.

I know that eventually he wanted marriage and to have babies of his own. Knowing he will never experience those things breaks my heart so badly.

I just want my brother to be remembered as a hero and recognized.
I love you so much!
RIP Lance Corporal Edward J Dycus,
Stephanie Johnson Greenville, MS

Stephanie Johnson, Sister