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By Jaedda Armstrong
VIRGINIA BEACH
Pfc. William "Lee" Meredith wanted to find a purpose in life when he stopped attending Ocean Lakes High School.
He worked at fast-food restaurants, a grocery store, and finally, after talking with friends and family members, he decided to join the Army.
When he returned to Virginia Beach from basic training last year, the usually shy Meredith had changed.
"It was the first time I saw him stand up straight and look someone in the eye," said Sandra Mahoney, the mother of Meredith's best friend, Chris. Meredith lived with her in Ocean Lakes for about five years before leaving for the military.
At Fort Carson, Colo., Meredith had become a combat engineer, deploying to Iraq in February and to Afghanistan in April. The 4th Engineer Battalion specializes in clearing bombs from heavily traveled highways the Army uses to haul supplies.
On Oct. 1, he was planning to come home on leave.
Meredith died Monday in Kandahar from wounds he suffered when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device, according to the Defense Department. He was one of two service members killed Monday, a day when NATO forces called off any offensive operations in honor of the United Nations' International Day of Peace.
"He was a great guy," said Chris Mahoney, his best friend of 10 years. "He never hated anybody. He tried to get along with everybody."
Meredith loved to play video games, visit Ocean Breeze Waterpark and hang out with his friends, Chris Mahoney said.
Meredith celebrated his 26th birthday earlier this month, Sandra Mahoney said, and was planning on proposing to his longtime girlfriend.
Although he had been in the Army only a year and a half, he had earned 10 awards, among them the Bronze Star.
His body was flown to the United States on Wednesday.
"He was glad he was doing something with his life instead of sitting around here," Chris Mahoney said. "He took life day by day - just trying to get by."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jaedda Armstrong, (757) 222-5846, jaedda.armstrong@pilotonline.com
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A fine young man
I knew Lee from the time he was a baby...his dad was a friend and co-worker.
Rest in peace, young man.
Thou has been faithful over a few things. God will make you ruler over many.
Your son's a hero
I too have a son on his second tour in Afghanistan. He's supposed to be coming home late November even though he's already been held over. Obviously I am wishing for the time to fly so I can know he'll be coming home alive and well. Of course, who knows if his mind will still be well. Still, I feel very much for parents and family of troops who will not be coming home. I know that I, personally, feel my heart sink when I hear of guys getting killed in action knowing that their parents were anxiously waiting for them as I am my son. Please know that I pray for you and that your son will not be forgotten. He wanted to make something of his life and he did, indeed, even though it was cut short. I, along with many other Americans, appreciate and honor your son. He did what many his age would never, voluntarily do---fight for his country. There is nothing more honorable than that. I salute him.
William "Lee" Meredith
I knew Lee and his dad. We all lived in Wadsworth Military Housing at the same time. My Daughter is also in the Army. My heart goes out to Sgt Meredith, Chris and his family. I remember Lee as a shy kid and his best friend Chris was equally as shy. Good Kids trying to get by. This devastating loss truly hits home. Lee we are so proud of you, we will never forget you.
This young man..
did as countless others have. He determined that his life needed a new direction, and he apparently found that in the Army. It's a crying shame the sacrifice he made for his country, but his story is an example of the opportunities that exist in this nation if one is willing to take the steps necessary to pursue them. Per the medals and awards this young man earned, he evidiently found a home in the service. My prayers and condolences to his family. God bless him and them!
to Mr E....
I'm sorry Sir to disagree with you....Of course I TOTALLY understand your sentiment (of which I wholeheartedly agree with you) but this Country doesn't remember any of our servicepeople's ultimate sacrifices so we can continue our lives each day. Proof in the pudding will be todays 4, 5, 5:30 and 6 o'clock news broadcasts of killings, robberies, abductions, etc by the same suspects every day. We pay football players MILLIONS but yet a large percentage of our military families are borderline poverty status. I weep for his family to have lost a son who found his meaning in life...But unfortunately this news will be immediately overshadowed by a bank robbery or some murder suspect/victim in downtown Norfolk in the broad daylight by someone who doesn't deserve the coverage this serviceman provided!!!
PFC William "Lee" Meredith
As a mother of an Army Officer who has completed one 14 month tour of duty in Iraq, I am heartfelt and saddened whenever I read of the demise of any young man or woman whose life has been cut short by this "senseless" war. To the Meredith and Mahoney families, I pray for closure at this time. Remember that Lee was doing something that "he" believed in. He was serving his country to make a better world for you and I.
CDolberry
God Bless you Pfc William Lee Meridith
And may God give comfort to your family in their time of grief and mourning. You are in the prayers of all of us in the Ocean Lakes community. May you rest in eternal peace knowing you have made the ultimate sacrifice for a grateful nation.
Daniel and Janice Haney
Good Man, gone too soon
I had the opportunity to know Lee and indeed after he joined the Army, you could see the man he could become. I am truly broken-hearted at this loss. My thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends. I know this has caused me to slow down and look at my life. Thanks for your sacrifice Lee, Godspeed.
Thank You!
All gave some, you gave all. Thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten!
His Sacrifice Not Forgotten!
"Blessed are the peacekeepers, for they are the children of God!" So it is written in the Bible. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this selfless young man. Many of our brave young men and women have voluntarily made the ultimate sacrifice to save others from tyrany and evil. They must never be forgotten!