Cpl Nicholas K. Uzenski, USMC, 21, Tomball, TX (Afghanistan)

[cmyr]

Marine with Bozeman (MT) ties was killed in Afghanistan
By Rachel Hergett Chronicle Staff Writer
published Thursday, January 14, 2010 9:39 PM MST

Marine Cpl. Nicholas K. Uzenski, 21, son of William T. Uzenski of Bozeman, died Monday in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Uzenski and two other Marines from the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan, were killed while supporting combat operatons for Operation Enduring Freedom, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

"He was a tremendous asset to our battalion, " Maj. John M. South, executive officer of 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, said in a Marine Corps statement. "He will be missed."

The public affairs office for the III Expeditionary Force/Marine Corps Bases Japan said details surrounding Uzenski's death are unavailable because of the sensitive nature of his reconnaissance mission.

The other Marines killed Jan. 11 were Staff Sgt. Matthew N. Ingham, 25, of Altoona, Pa., and Cpl. Jamie R. Lowe, 21, of Johnsonville, Ill.

Uzenski, whose decorations included the National Defense Service Medal, the NATO Medal ISAF and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, was set to return home to the U.S. in June.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for two years beginning Jan. 15, 2008, emulating both his father and uncle, who were also Marines.

"He was a guy you naturally gravitated toward because you loved being around him," said Maj. Jordan Walzer, Uzenski's officer in charge in Afghanistan. "We will sorely miss our brother."

Uzenski's family in Bozeman includes his father, stepmother, two sisters and three half-brothers. His mother, Lisa, lives in Franklin, N.Y. The family's local telephone number is unlisted.

http://bozemandailychronicle.com/art.../200marine.txt

[LRGANN]

So close to home rest in peace our brother.