Cpl. Marcus W. Preudhomme

Cpl. Marcus W. Preudhomme, 23, of North Miami Beach, Fla.0  died June 26 while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq: He was  assigned to 2d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3rd Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Marcus W. Preudhomme's thirst for knowledge marked his entire life, said Disiree Downing, a family friend. Some kids just come and want to do one thing, he was one who wanted to learn everything, she said. Marcus always had high standards and high expectations of himself. Preudhomme, 23, of North Miami Beach, Fla., was killed June 26 by a suicide bomber in Anbar province. He was a 2004 high school graduate and was assigned to Kaneohe Bay. He's the kind of kid that as a teacher you come to school everyday looking forward to the opportunity to teach, said Josh Carey, a former teacher. In high school, he received a number of academic honors and was a member of the school's wrestling team. He loved the competition, the challenge, his sister, Jessica, said about his wrestling career. It was something new for him to learn. Preudhomme was quiet and strong, said Roy Fallon, a wrestling team coach and a Marine veteran himself. When he would come visit the team, he looked like a Marine. He seemed happy with the opportunity to serve his country. He also is survived by his father, Jean Preudhomme.