Lance Cpl. Wesley J. Canning
U.S. Marine Corps 04/01/83-11/10/04 Friendswood, TX Springbrook Marine Lance Corporal Wesley Joel Canning, died valiantly serving our country and our Nation in Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In just 21 short years, he had already exhibited a lifetime of courage and boldness. He was killed in combat on November 10, 2004, in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, during the successful American offensive against the insurgent enemy in Fallujah. He was a native of Friendswood, Texas. Wes graduated from Friendswood High School in 2002 and left for boot camp in July, just 2 months after his graduation. Resolute about becoming a Marine since his junior year, he had approached his parents with the idea. The devastating terrorist attack on September 11, which occurred before he ever graduated from high school, further fueled this desire. He graduated from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. He steadfastly pursued a post that would allow him to see action. Open for deployment in Iraq, he stayed at Camp Pendleton in California rather than accept another assignment. In mid-March of 2003, with the commencement of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Lance Corporal Canning's wish came true. He then returned to Texas after completing his first of ultimately two tours he volunteered for in Iraq. Two months after being deployed to Iraq for a second tour he was killed in action precisely on the 229th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. We extend our prayers, our condolences to his parents, relatives, fellow students at Friendswood High School in Texas, and his beloved wife. May this American hero's devotion to his country continue to kindle our dreams and ambitions as a free and independent people.