Three young U.S. Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune lost their lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning while parked at a gas station in North Carolina. The incident has raised many questions about national security due to the circumstances of their untimely deaths. Authorities continue their investigation as friends, family, and the nation mourns the loss of the brave servicemen. Let’s take a look at all the details of the incident and explore the lives and careers of the fallen Marines.
How did the three US Marines die?
The tragic incident unfolded on the morning of July 23 when deputies from the Pender County Sheriff’s Office discovered the three Marines unresponsive inside a privately owned car parked outside a Speedway gas station in Hampstead, North Carolina.
The car’s engine was still running, which led to suspicions of carbon monoxide poisoning. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but it was too late to save their lives.
The local sheriff’s office later confirmed that all three deaths of the US Marines were indeed caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. However, they did not immediately reveal whether the deaths were accidental.
2nd Marine Logistics Group mourns the death of three Marines.
Lance Cpl. Tanner J. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Merax C. Dockery, and Lance Cpl. Ivan R. Garcia. pic.twitter.com/MH8jIF9Bnv
— 2nd Marine Logistics Group (@2ndMLG) July 26, 2023
The three US Marine Corps Lance Corporals who lost their lives were Tanner J. Kaltenberg, 19, from Madison, Wisconsin; Merax C. Dockery, 23, from Pottawatomie, Oklahoma; and Ivan R. Garcia, 23, from Naples, Florida.
The lives and careers of the three fallen US Marines
Merax C. Dockery:
Merax Dockery grew up as the youngest of five siblings in Oklahoma. He graduated from Seminole High School in 2019. In June 2020, he entered active-duty service, choosing to serve in the US Marine Corps for personal growth and the opportunity to travel.
He was stationed at various locations throughout his service, including San Diego’s Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Camp Pendleton in California, and Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.
His military accolades include the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Global War on Terror Service Medal.
Tanner J. Kaltenberg:
The Madison, Wisconsin, resident attended Verona Area High School, where he actively participated in baseball and hockey. In May 2021, he entered active-duty service, driven by his passion for serving his nation.
Tanner J Kaltenberg’s military journey took him to Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri before being stationed at Camp Lejeune.
The 19-year-old Marine received recognition for his service, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Medal, the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, and the Global War on Terror Service Medal.
Ivan R. Garcia:
Hailing from Naples, Florida, Ivan Garcia graduated from Lely High School in 2019. In July 2019, he joined the US Marine Corps. He served at several bases, including Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, and Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina.
Ivan was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Global War on Terror Service Medal for his dedicated service.
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