R.I. native killed in Iraq, family says
MARYVILLE, Tenn. - A Rhode Island-born Marine who had married about a month ago and just found out his wife is pregnant was shot to death in Iraq during a house search, his family said yesterday.
Sergeant Michael Ferschke Jr. died Sunday, his father said. Ferschke, 22, of Maryville, was assigned to the Third Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division, and stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
The Department of Defense has not confirmed the death.
Ferschke's father, Michael, said his son had been in Iraq since March. He said the newlyweds had just found out they were going to have a baby.
He said his son was born in Rhode Island, but grew up and went to high school in Maryville, about 16 miles south of Knoxville.
The younger Ferschke joined the Marines because he was looking for a challenge after high school, his father said.
"He looked at all the other forces, but that didn't look like a challenge for him," his father said. "He loved his job and he loved what he was doing."
Ferschke, who was a radio operator, completed a diving school while in the Marines and hoped to become a diving instructor.
He had the option of finishing his service in the Marines in October, but he felt an obligation to stay and serve a tour in Iraq, like many of his fellow Marines, his father said.
His mother, Robin, said Ferschke was an energetic and adventurous teenager who liked riding BMX bikes and skiing. They talked often by phone, even while he was in Japan, and he was always giving advice or trying to help his friends and family, she said.
"He was like a male 'Dear Abby,' " Robin Ferschke said. "He helped me through things and I helped him. He always used to say his dad was his hero, but he's our hero."
She said her son was excited about becoming a father and talked about the things he wanted to share with his child. "He had lots of dreams, but the only one he wanted was to make sure that child grew up to be the best," she said.
In a Father's Day message aired on WBIR-TV in Knoxville in June, Ferschke greeted his father and brother from Camp Fallujah, Iraq, and said: "Hopefully next year, I'll be down there with you guys. Have a couple of beers, celebrate. Love you guys."
Ferschke also leaves a brother and a sister. Funeral services are planned for Sunday in Maryville. 