Staff Sgt. Chad J. Simon, 32, of Madison, Wis., passed away on Aug. 4 in Madison, Wis., while under hospice care. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, Madison, Wis.
He succumbed to wounds sustained on Nov. 8, 2004, in an explosion while conducting combat operations in Babil province, Iraq.
Map of Babil Province, Iraq
Early Life and Enlistment
Chad was born on March 4, 1973, to Bunnie McGee. He enlisted in the Marines in 1989, several months before graduating from LaFollette High School in Madison in 1990, according to an obituary released by Gunderson Funeral Home.
“He just had this desire to go in and serve his country. He was very dedicated,” said his grandmother, Eileen Simon of Cuba City.
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Service in Iraq and Tragic Incident
Simon was wounded Nov. 8 after his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device while on a patrol in Babil province, about 30 miles south of Baghdad, according to Maj. George Williams.
Three other Marines with him - Lance Cpl. Shane O’Donnell, 24, of DeForest, Lance Cpl. Branden Ramey, 22, of Belvidere, Ill., and Cpl. Robert Warns, 23, of Waukesha - died at the scene.
His service and sacrifice are a testament to his dedication to his country.
US Marines in Iraq
Family and Personal Life
He was a platoon commander and marksmanship instructor. He married Regina Collins in 1997, and the couple had a 5-year-old son.
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Simon owned a painting business, Badger Painting, that he started only a short time before he was called to active duty, his grandmother said.
“He was a great sportsman, fish and hunt. He loved fishing of any kind,” she said.
Simon was also a sports fan and especially enjoyed professional wrestling, his obituary said.
Chad was raised in Ithaca, NE, where he would later become a pillar of the community. His greatest joy in life was his children, whom he adored with all his heart. He was the loving father of Tyler (Kerrii) Gibson, Taylor (Curtis) Hartshorn, Cassidy Simon, Jayden Haag (Mitchell), J.T. Haag, Trey Simon, and Chase Simon. Chad’s devotion to his children was unmatched, and his love for them knew no bounds.
Outside of his role as a father, Chad enjoyed the simple things in life. He found immense joy in playing cards with his friends, engaging in a little friendly sports betting (even if it was all in good fun), and spending time with loved ones around the grill. Chad was a diehard Michigan Wolverines fan.
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Chad will be remembered for his infectious laughter, his generous spirit, and his unwavering love for his family and friends. Rest in peace, dear Chad.
So far, 43 Wisconsin service members have been killed in Iraq. Since the Iraq war started in March 2003, many U.S. military members have died, according to an Associated Press count.
Maj. George Williams, a spokesman for Company G, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, said, “The family is extremely proud of him and his service in the Marine Corps and this nation. The family is grieving this tragic loss and asks to mourn in private.”
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