Marine Lance Cpl. Garrett W. Gamble

Remember Our Heroes

Marine Lance Cpl. Garrett W. Gamble, 20, of Sugar Land, Texas

LCpl Gamble was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died March 11, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

A family spokesperson said Garrett joined the marines shortly after graduating from Austin High School. He was on his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Gamble’s mother, Chelle Greer, brother’s Cody and Gunner and stepfather Brad Greer live in New Territory in Sugar Land. Gamble, 20, graduated from Austin High School.

Mary Williams of the Fort Bend Marine Moms described the news as “our worst nightmare.”

“This is a very sad time for all of us and Garrett's family,” Williams said.

Lance Cpl. Bryce Ritzen, son of Sugar Land resident Karla Ritzen, will be escorting Gamble’s body from Dover Airforce Base back to Houston on March 16, according to the family.

“This is a terrible thing that has happened and we are all shocked,” Ritzen said. Ritzen expressed thanks to the community for the support they have provided to the Houston Marine Moms. Chelle Greer is an active member of the Houston Marine Moms.

Gamble's father Troy played in the National Hockey League for the Vancouver Canucks, but spent more years in the minor leagues. He played for the Houston Aeros from 1994 through 1996. After retiring, he has worked as a broadcaster with the Aeros.

Those who knew him describe him as outgoing with a lot of friends and a gentleman who loved life. "He was doing the thing that he wanted to do. He volunteered for this and he was in the place that he wanted to be," Gamble family spokesperson Mary Williams said.

LCpl Gamble is the older brother of ISHL Austin team player, Cody Gamble. A moment of silence was to be held at the ISHL championship game in honor of LCpl Gamble.

Flags line the street outside the family's home in Sugar Land. "It will mean everything in the world to them. They want their son to be remembered as a hero that he was. They're appreciative of the fact that people appreciate his service and sacrifice," said Williams.

A neighbor reportedly asked the Boy Scouts of America for help erecting the flags along the street and within hours two eagle scouts worked through the night to get it done.

"They are all our sons and daughters. If one of us hurt we all hurt," said Williams.

From a Facebook page:
"Whether in Sugar Land, Jacksonville or Helmand, LCpl. Garrett W. Gamble approached life with enthusiasm. He was caring, kind and fun to be around, but he took his job as a US Marine very seriously. Garrett spent a lot of time "outside the wire" and yesterday, that's where he laid down his life so that we may live in Liberty. Thank you Garrett for the precious gift of Freedom. May you Rest In Peace with our Lord and may God's Angells surround your family until you are reunited.
Sincerely,
Pat"

LCpl. Gamble leaves his father Troy, mother Michelle, stepdad Brad, and brothers Cody and Gunner to mourn his passing.

Marine Lance Cpl. Garrett W. Gamble was killed in action on 3/11/10.