Marine’s Dream of Flying Ends in ‘Ultimate Sacrifice’

Brian McGinnis wanted to be a Marine, and he wanted to fly. The Delaware native got both his wishes.

But they were dreams that were cut short this week when the UH-1N Huey helicopter McGinnis was riding in crashed at a refueling spot in southern Iraq, killing him and two other Marines.

McGinnis, a 23-year-old sergeant, was stationed at Camp Pendleton, where he lived with his wife, Megan, his high school sweetheart.

McGinnis, who joined the Marines after graduating from high school, had aspired to join the military since at least the ninth grade. He made his goals known in an application to Caravel Academy, a small college preparatory school in Bear, Del.

“He hoped to go to the U.S. Naval Academy and become a pilot,” said George Glynn, McGinnis’ guidance counselor at the school. “When I heard what happened, I thought how ironic it was that he was on a helicopter at the time of his death.”

McGinnis’ mother, Mildred Williams, who lives in Port Charlotte, Fla., said her son had earned his crew wings the day before Sunday’s crash.

“I am sure it was a big moment for him. He just loved flying. He was always so excited. He’d call me and tell me about all the stuff they were doing,” Williams told the Associated Press. “He was supposed to leave the Marines in March, but the war stopped that.

“He wanted to get a job and start a family, do it right.”

Outside the Woodbury Heights, N.J., home of his father, William, is a sign with Brian’s picture surrounded by balloons and yellow ribbons.

“In loving memory of Sgt. Brian McGinnis, who made the ultimate sacrifice,” the sign says.

Glynn described McGinnis, who grew up in St. Georges, Del., as an above-average student and standout on the school’s soccer and wrestling teams.

Wrestling was a passion, and he left the academy after his sophomore year to attend nearby William Penn High School, drawn by its top-notch wrestling program.

While there, McGinnis placed fifth in a state high school wrestling tournament.

“He was a real fine young man. Friendly,” Glynn said. “A real nice kid.”