Former Marine Killed in Iraq

RIVERVIEW, Mich. - A former Marine from metropolitan Detroit is killed in Iraq. 25-year-old Justin Pope was working for a U.S. contractor. Friday night, he was remembered as a kind and brave man who wanted to serve his country.

A crowd of more than 100 people gathered to celebrate his life. The Riverview police and fire departments also joined the vigil. It was an evening of prayers, candles and crying.

Pope served two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan before returning to the region to work as a contractor. The married father of a seven-year-old boy was protecting U.S. diplomats and dignitaries as a sniper with DynCorp.

"Ever since he was twelve years old, his dream was to become a Marine and serve his country and he did complete his dream," said brother Kevin Pope.

The former Marine was working as a sniper when he was killed by enemy sniper fire. He had been assigned to protect U.S. diplomats in Kirkuk. No one else was injured when Pope was killed.

"Everybody loved Justin. A lot of people idolized him and we're going to miss him. He's a fighter for freedom and a fighter for God. Now, he's a fighter with God," Pope said.

At the vigil, family members and friends shared stories about Justin Pope. They called him a spontaneous jokester who could crack up an entire room with laughter. His brother and father shared an emotional moment. Justin told them his group found a special needs child chained to a wall. He said they freed the child and then re-united him with his family.

Justin also told his family many Americans would not believe what terrorists are doing to innocent people in Iraq.

Pope's body has not been returned to the United States. Funeral arrangements are still pending.