Lance Cpl. Adam R. Brooks

Adam Brooks got married on Memorial Day during his last leave. He and his wife Ashley decided that after he got back from the war, he would become a state trooper and she would attend cosmetology school. The couple marked their six-month anniversary on Nov. 28, the day Adam, 20, was killed in a hostile attack. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Ashley said Adam had been able to call her for their anniversary and they spoke for about 20 minutes. "I think he thought he could make a difference, no matter what it is," Ashley said. "He was a really strong man to sign up and help his country, even if it means losing his life. I'm very proud of him." Brooks joined the Marines right after graduating from high school. His family said he was determined to right the wrongs of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. When he was in school, Brooks would often talk with recruiters and he shed 67 pounds from his 5-foot-8 frame before and during boot camp.