Royal Marine Commando Leaves a Trip to Vegas for 32 Friends

Commando, Royal Marine, David Charles Hart
Photo, Ministry of Defence, Great Britain

Why did this story lie dormant for nearly a year?  Well, to the rest of the world, British, 40 Commando Royal Marines, David Charles Hart, was just another casualty of the War on Terrorism in Afghanistan.  Yet, within the past 24 hours, his death made headlines on a global scale when it was disclosed that of the £250,000 ($400,000) insurance policy he took out before his departure to Afghanistan, in the case of his death, he directed that $150,000 of that amount pay for a Las Vegas trip for 32 of his friends.  Well, one year later, and you know how insurance policies are, payment to his friends occurred. 

Marine Hart, was part of Combined Force Sangin, killed while on foot patrol in the Sangin District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.  He passed the eve of his 24^th birthday.  Marine Hart joined the military in February of 2009 and was awarded the Commando Medal on 16 October 2009.   Prior to his deployment to FOB Sabit Qadam and Patrol Base Sangin Tufann, he qualified as a combat medic, and was selected to become part of a newly formed Police Mentoring Team.  Arriving in country in April of 2010, Marine Hart was quickly recognized as an outstanding professional in arms, his commanding officer, Major Ed Moorhouse, stated that "This wholesome, compassionate and thoughtful man was fiercely proud of his profession, of his Corps, Charlie Company and the Band of Brothers who he fought alongside.”  In the early evening of of 08 July 2010, Marine Hart along with Charlie Company was conducting a joint reassurance patrol with the local Afghan Army and at approximately 1825hrs, an explosion occurred, killing Marine Hart. 

It is without a doubt that first and foremost Marine David Hart was doing what he loved and accomplishing what he loved for the country he loved.  His devotion to duty and sacrifice for his country is duly recognized and honored.  The fact that this young man made a choice for his best friends, his fellow brethren in arms, is doubly without a doubt an outstanding showing of his character.  Dilys and Chris Hart, his parents, said “His cheerfulness, his sense of humor and of course his smile will be sorely missed but never forgotten.  We are immensely proud, as he was, of his achievements.”  “He was a truly exceptional marine, a great bloke and a good friend, said Marine Gareth Wilkinson, part of Marine Hart’s troop. 

"As his Troop Sergeant, I can say that he was an outstanding man to work alongside, totally professional and dedicated to his job and friends, of whom there are so many. Sadly when such a person is taken from us the void left behind is huge.  We will always remember you Dave; you were the best of us, Rest in Peace my friend."  

Sergeant Damian O'Sullivan, Troop Sergeant

Since this story broke just hours ago, the amount of respect this young man has earned here, across the pond, is incredible.  The blogs, social networks, and threads alike are literally “blowing up” with respect and admiration for one, his sacrifice, and two his loyalty to his friends.  Upon reading the story, I walked to the fridge of beer, cracked one or two open and toasted to this outstanding example of a man.  May your sacrifice be noted and your love for family and friends be toasted… cheers David Hart.