Soldiers' Angels Mourns Cpl Bradford H. Payne

From Cathy of the Soldiers' Angels Living Legends Team:

We have a fallen hero from Soldiers' Angels, Cpl. Bradford H. Payne.

Brad, 24, of Montgomery, Ala., died Oct. 6 while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar province, Iraq.

He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Brad is survived by his parents, Howard & Carol, and his wife, Erin, along with 2 children. We are going to support both his parents and his wife & family.

Cathy

Cpl Payne was killed together with his Marine brother Lance Cpl. John E. Hale, 20, of Shreveport, LA.

Payne's parents said the only solace in their son's death is knowing he was killed while living his dream.

"He pretty much shot for (the Marines) in the sixth grade," Howard Payne said. "That's what he wanted to do."

Hale's military career was inspired by the 2001 terrorist attacks. He graduated from high school in 2005.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Camp Lejeune Marines and their families.

Please take a moment to read the Marine Cpl. Bradford H. Payne tribute at the Soldiers' Angels Fallen Heroes blog.

Remember our Heroes.