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North Caroline, NC – The American military community recently welcomed back one of its own in a poignant moment of remembrance and honor. The remains of a U.S. Marine veteran who had been unaccounted for in Ukraine for over a year have been brought back to his home country. The journey ended in his home state of North Carolina, where he will be laid to rest.
A Turkish Airlines flight carrying the remains of the esteemed retired Marine Captain Grady Kurpasi, landed at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport from Istanbul. From there, the fallen hero’s remains were transferred to a private jet headed for Wilmington, North Carolina, his hometown.
Kurpasi, a commendable figure and a veteran of the Iraq War, was 50 years old when he volunteered his services in Ukraine in February 2022. Known for his courage and dedication, he actively participated in evacuating Ukrainian residents during the escalating conflict. Later, he joined the ranks of the Ukrainian Foreign Legion, showcasing his unwavering commitment to service, as reported by the Weatherman Foundation. This non-profit organization played a critical role in locating and repatriating Kurpasi’s remains.
In April 2022, after responding to an incident involving gunfire with his fellow volunteers in southern Ukraine, Kurpasi was last seen. A few weeks ago, his status was officially confirmed by the U.S. State Department: he had fallen in the line of duty.
Meghan Mobbs, the president of the Weatherman Foundation and the leader of the effort to bring Kurpasi’s remains home, spoke passionately about the bond that ties those who serve in uniform. She said, “There is an unspoken bond between those who serve in uniform. If you give your life in combat, your fellow Americans will bear any burden to bring you home.”
In tribute to Captain Grady Kurpasi, we remember the unspoken bond that unites those in service – a bond that transcends borders and withstands the test of time. His return home is a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that service members are prepared to make, and of our commitment to honor them, in life and in death.
Source: Associated Press
