The Marine Corps' Semper Fi motto means "always faithful". And Corporal Craig Comstock lived that out in his life according to friends. Friday we talked with Marco Jones, Corporal Comstock's best friend, about how a bus ride would forever change the two of their lives.
"My first day riding on the bus he was one of the first people that went up to me and introduced himself and asked me to sit with him," best friend Marco Jones recalls.
They never looked back from that day in the 4th grade. Jones says they became fast friends; more than that in fact
"He was like my brother."
Some have said that the two broke down racial barriers that once seemed to exist with their friendship. The pair was friendly but fierce competitors when it came to Playstation 2, chess, and fishing. Craig's smile is what many have said they will remember.
"Man we would laugh about some of the stuff that people would never laugh about and we would just crack his big smile, his teeth would be showing," Jones laughed. "It was genuine. You knew he was really, really pouring out from his heart."
They were best friends, neighbors, and on the football field and track they were teammates. He once ran track and played footballs at Cedarville High but later played at and graduated from Alma.
"His junior year against Ola he ran a kickoff back about 85 yards for a touchdown, and you know, if he ever got loose Craig would score," Cedarville Coach Brad Rey told 5NEWS.
Coach Rey and Craig's best friend recall the big heart Craig had. Now, Marco Jones is trying to focus on the time they had but says it's tough.
"It's just so much stuff that I'm going to miss with him."
In the end what can one really say? His fiance Kyra ended an email with this: "Â…words will never truly give him the honor he deserves."
Kyra gave us a list of words she says describes Craig:
He was loving, prideful, compassionate, stubborn, hardworking, funny, inspiring, hopeful, determined, goofy, a showoff, protective and caring.
The phone calls and emails have not stopped coming into our newsroom. It's clear that while Corporal Comstock loved many people. They loved him back. The corporal was on his second tour of duty in Iraq. He had been shot on his first tour but wanted to return. His fiance says he had just proposed to her and they had plans to marry, but she says he told her: "I'm doing this so that those Marines over there can come back and be with their families. It's time for them to come home, I'll make that sacrifice."
And he did.
The military says Corporal Comstock was injured in iraq in a non-hostile action and died Wednesday at a hospital in Germany. Another friend, Sara Mahan says Craig made her a better person and that he was and always will be a Marine; a true gentleman.
Corporal Comstock's full military funeral will be Saturday, May 2nd, 11 am at the Fort Smith National Cemetery.
Remembering Corporal Craig Comstock
Express your condolences to the friends and family of Corporal Craig Comstock
Craig, I didn't know you directly but I met you once at a pool function in Alma. I have met your fiance a few times. Even though I didn't know you well I still feel it when another Marine dies. Thnk you for your duty and secrifice. Semper Fidelis.
PFC Catlett, USMC @ 6:09 PM CDT, May 3, 2009
It was an honor to be a part of your life. I'm grateful for the time I had you in class and know you will be greatly missed. Everyone will miss your smile. Your truly were a hero! Thank you for your sacrifice!
Melissa Lampinen @ 11:29 PM CDT, May 2, 2009
My granddaughter Jessica Goutierez mourn the loss of her brother Craig. She has flown out from Ca. to be with her and Craigs mother, Beverly and Craigs brothers KJ and Isiah. God bless you Craig and may God be with your family
Sharon Larsen @ 7:25 PM CDT, Apr 29, 2009
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