Lance Corporal Rick Centanni Memorial Scholarship Fund | "The tragedy of war is that it uses man's best to do man's worst." ~Harry Emerson Fosdick 1933

Rick is the only son of Santa Ana Police Department Gang Unit Sergeant Jon Centanni. Rick was born and raised in Yorba Linda, California and attended Esperanza High School where he played football. Raised as a proud and selfless American patriot by his father, Rick was determined to serve his country. Just weeks after graduation, Rick enlisted in the Marines and was ultimately assigned to H&S Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. In November 2009, Rick and his unit were deployed to Afghanistan on a mission to stop Taliban soldiers and supplies coming from Pakistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Tragically, while on the forward edge of our nation's defense Rick and 27-year Marine Corps Veteran Sergeant Major Robert J. Cottle were killed in action on March 24, 2010 in Afghanistan's Helmand Province.

Rick was an outgoing, funny, and earnest person who was an inspiration to many people throughout his life. Rick's football coach said that Rick "played with so much joy and enthusiasm. He was a great teammate and it's no surprise at all to me that he chose to join the one other thing with as much camaraderie - the U.S. military." Rick's enthusiasm and love for his country was so great it inspired Five other Esperanza High School classmates to join the Marines. Roger Malcolm, Adam Thate, Joey Patterson, Kyle Martin and Ryan Byrnes. Two of them, Kyle Martin, and Adam Thate were assigned to the same Battalion and continue to carry on Rick's mission.

Rick was smart, motivated and always ready for a challenge. His stated goal in life was to become a Santa Ana Police Officer, just like his father Jon. He had enlisted in the Reserves with that in mind. Rick planned to graduate from college and apply as soon as he was able to. As a man of integrity, honor, and courage, Rick would have made an outstanding Santa Ana Police Officer.

Jon Centanni said Rick was a blessing to him, a great man who made him proud. Jon said that he would like Rick to be remembered as a pround Marine who died doing what he loved, protecting our country from people who would cause us harm. Jon fully supported the mission that his son was engaged in and this tragic incident only reinforces his belief that our country needs to complete that mission. Rick and Sergeant Major Robert J. Cottle sacrificed their today for our tomorrow and for this we will remain eternally grateful.

1st Annual Centanni-Cottle Memorial
5K Run/Walk in honor of LCpl Rick Centanni and SgtMaj Robert Cottle

Saturday, March 24, 2012
Yorba Linda, California

CHECK BACK SOON FOR
5K RUN/WALK DETAILS

Join your friends and family at this inaugural 5K run/walk honoring LCpl Rick Centanni and SgtMaj Robert Cottle.

To sponsor or volunteer for this inaugural event please contact us at:

info@rickcentanni.org.

Semper Fidelis.


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