Gregory A Posey

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KNOXVILLE, TN, USA U.S. Marines LCPL, G CO, 2D BN, 8TH MAR, (2D MEB FWD), 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC BASTION, AFGHANISTAN 07/30/2009

Lance Corporal Gregory A. Posey, 22, of Knoxville, Tennessee, grew up in a military family, traveling the world, his father was a Navy officer. A 2005 graduate of Franklin County High School, he attended college at the University of Tennessee for four semesters, where he took computer and engineering classes and was on the wrestling team.

In March of 2007 Greg enlisted in the Marine Corps, something he had said he really wanted to do when he was growing up. His dad tried to talk him into joining the Navy, but Greg knew what he wanted to be, a United States Marine. He deployed on May 18, 2009, with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Franklin County Mayor Richard Stewart stated that he knew the Poseys well and had sent Lance Corporal Posey a letter shortly before he was killed. “This is truly a tragic event for the Poseys and their family, friends and county residents,” Mayor Stewart said. “These young men and women prepare to give the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and Lance Corporal Posey’s made that greatest sacrifice to protect our way of life. Our sympathy goes out to family.”

Growing up, Greg’s father said his son was an outgoing person who loved children, animals and the outdoors. “He was the ‘adrenaline guy,'” Steven Posey said. “He loved any snow boarding, snow skiing, anything of that nature … from a very early age.” When Mr. Posey was in the Navy, he took his sons all over the world with him, and he said Greg loved to travel. “We vacationed all over the Far East,” Mr. Posey said. “They had seen a lot of the world at a young age.”

Lance Corporal Posey died July 30, 2009, from wounds suffered while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Lance Corporal Jonathan F. Stroud, 20, of Cashion, Okla., also died from wounds suffered in the same operation. His remains were interred at buried in Franklin Memorial Gardens, Tennessee.

He is survived by his parents, Steven and Delma Posey; brother, Kristopher Posey; paternal grandparents, Tommy and Joyce Jackson; maternal grandparents, Del and Shirley Mantle; paternal great grandmother, Alberta Davis; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by maternal grandmother, Petey Templeton and paternal grandfather, J. D. Posey.