Community Corner

On 10th Anniversary of Iraq War, Merrick Remembers Scott Michael Bandhold

The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began 10 years ago this week -- on March 19, 2003 -- and although officially "over," fighting continues with discouraging persistence.

By one count, the war is directly responsible for 189,000 deaths, not including those who died from hardship caused by the fighting.

In Merrick, Corporal Scott Michael Bandhold died on April 12, 2006 in Misiab, Iraq.

Bandhold studied ballet, jazz and tap since age seven. He performed at Disney World and on cruise ships around the world. Then he met his soon-to-be wife Cristina, and they settled down in her native Portugal.

After Sept. 11, Bandhold decided to enlist just before meeting the army’s age limit. According to FreedomRemembered.com, Bandhold died from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive detonated near his humvee. 

Would you like to thank Bandhold and his family for their sacrifice? Tell us in the comments section below. 


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