First Lt. Alexander E. Wetherbee, an assault amphibious vehicle officer, was serving his second deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since joining the Marine Corps on Dec. 22, 2001.
Wetherbee was assigned to the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton in California.
A family member reached at the home of Wetherbee's parents in McLean declined to be interviewed, saying only: "He was a wonderful young man, very loving. This is a terrible time for us."
To the family, I mourn your loss but want to thank you for Lt. Wetherbee's service. He was a good marine and took care of his own. He gave his life to save the lives of other marines like my husband. He will be greatly missed at Tracks. Once again, thank you and my prayers are with you during your time of need.
Semper Fi