#VeteranOfTheDay Marine Corps Veteran Russell Lee Slay

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Staff Sergeant Russell Lee Slay. Russell served during the Iraq War.

Originally from Humble, Texas, Russell enlisted with the Marine Corps in December of 1994. Russell served three tours with the Marine Corps. During his first tour, Russell was assigned to Delta Company of the 2^nd Amphibious Assault Battalion, 2^nd Marine Division.

During his second tour, Russell was deployed to Iraq, where he participated in the invasion of Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom. For his final tour, Russell was tasked with transporting units from Camp Pendleton around al Anbar Province during the Second Battle of Fallujah. On Nov. 9^th, 2004, Russell was tasked to assist another unit in the clearing of a village after several members from that unit had been killed. Once the village was cleared, Russell and his fellow Marines regrouped at an intersection. Unknown to the Marines, the intersection had been presighted by enemy mortars.

Russell and his fellow Marines were hit by a mortar shell, killing several members of the team, including Russell.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Graphic by Emma Catlett. Emma is a sophomore at Baylor University and is studying Political Science with a French minor and Pre-Law concentration.