SEAFORD- A community is mourning the loss of a young man who died from injuries he suffered while serving in Iraq.May God bless the family and loved ones of Cpl. Palmer.Twenty-one-year-old Cpl. Cory L. Palmer of Seaford was injured on Monday, May 1 by a homemade bomb in Iraq. He was being transferred to a Texas hospital for treatment when he succumbed to his injuries Sunday, May 7.
"He was proud to be serving his country and being there for the cause," said Timothy Lee, who coached Palmer at Seaford High School from where Palmer graduated in 2002.
Palmer, a Seaford native, was voted "most rebellious" in his senior year. But Lee says Palmer was unforgettable and "fun loving, definitely a real character".
Relatives say Palmer had many dreams and ambitions for his life. He planned on going hiking and fishing with his brothers when he returned home from Iraq.
After high school, Palmer attended West Virginia University for one semester. He then joined the Marines.
Palmer left Delaware for his second tour of duty in Iraq in March. Palmer was with the 2nd Recon Battalion, A Company 1st Platoon when he was mortally wounded.
Flags across Delaware have been lowered to half-staff in honor of Palmer.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time," said Seaford Mayor Edward H. Butler Jr. "It is a small token of our gratitude for Cory’s service to our country that we lower our flags in his remembrance, and we encourage all local entities to do the same."
Relatives say they're still in shock over Palmer's death. They say support from their friends and close knit family are helping them through this difficult time.
Palmer is survived by his parents and two older brothers. He would have turned 22 on Wednesday, May 10.
Semper Fi, Corporal.
Posted by Kyer at May 9, 2006 10:31 PM | TrackBack