DUBOIS, IN, US U.S. Marine Corps LCPL, I-I STAFF, (1ST CEB, 1ST MAR DIV, I MEF FWD), 4TH TANK BN, FORT KNOX, KY 09/03/2012, HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN
LCPL Terwiske was a 2010 graduate of Northeast Dubois High School. He joined the Marines in 2010 and deployed to Afghanistan in April, 2012. A high school classmate, Eric Himsel said simply that saying goodbye to his friend was “one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
LCPL Terwiske was on his first deployment to Afghanistan when he was killed. He was supposed to return home in two months to celebrate the holidays with his family. Terwiske’s sister, Ashlee Gramelspacher, said: “He was very optimistic about coming home, very sure of himself, very sure he was coming home.”
“Alec loved what he was doing, and was absolutely committed to his job. He was very proud to be a US Marine,” explained Alec’s aunt, Amy Patterson.
“We were always so proud of all of Alec’s accomplishments in the Marines and in life. He constantly pushed himself to be the best and we were always supportive of his decisions,” added Amy Patterson. Alec’s uncle Gerald Terwiske said, “He showed a lot of courage when he enlisted in the Marines. He said he was not afraid to die because he would be fighting with his fellow Marines to defend our country and that’s what he wanted to do. Not too many people have that kind of courage. He proved he was an outstanding young man.”
LCPL Terwiske’s family said that Alec always knew he wanted to be a Marine. “Alec will always be our hero.”
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