Major Steve Beck prepares for the final inspection of 2nd Lt. James J. Cathey's body. Since the start of the Iraq War, Marines based at Buckley Air Force base in Colorado have honored the memory of 16 fallen comrades, and had the difficult duty of helping the families to bear their loss.

Major Steve Beck and another marine approach the home of 2nd Lieutenant James J. Cathey in order to escort his family to the airport to meet his casket. Since the start of the Iraq War, Marines based at Buckley Air Force base in Colorado have honored the memory of 16 fallen comrades, and had the difficult duty of helping the families bear their loss. Cathey was one of the fallen returned from Iraq for burial.

Fellow marines drape a flag over Second Lieutenant James J. Cathey's casket as passengers on the plane that carried the body to his hometown watch his family and colleagues gather on the tarmac. Since the start of the Iraq War, Marines based at Buckley Air Force base in Colorado have honored the memory of 16 fallen comrades, and had the difficult duty of helping the families to bear their loss. Cathey was one of the fallen returned from Iraq for burial.

Second Lieutenant James J. Cathey's wife, Katherine, on the airport tarmac as her husband's body arrives in his hometown. She is supported by Major Steve Beck. Since the start of the Iraq War, Marines based at Buckley Air Force base in Colorado have honored the memory of 16 fallen comrades, and had the difficult duty of helping the families to bear their loss. Cathey was one of the fallen returned from Iraq for burial.

Second Lieutenant James J. Cathey's wife, Katherine, with her husband's casket upon its arrival in Cathey's hometown. Since the start of the Iraq War, Marines based at Buckley Air Force base in Colorado have honored the memory of 16 fallen comrades, and had the difficult duty of helping the families to bear their loss. Cathey was one of the fallen returned from Iraq for burial.

Members of the Marine Air Control Squadron 23 escort the casket of Marine Lance Corporal Evenor Herrera to a gravesite. Since the start of the Iraq War, Marines based at Buckley Air Force base in Colorado have honored the memory of 16 fallen comrades, and had the difficult duty of helping the families to bear their loss.

Bianca Stibbs rests her head on her husband David's shoulder as a Marine guard of honor folds the flag that draped the casket of her son Lance Corporal Evenor Herrera during his burial service. Since the start of the Iraq War, Marines based at Buckley Air Force base in Colorado have honored the memory of 16 fallen comrades, and had the difficult duty of helping the families to bear their loss.

Gilma Miranda, the aunt of fallen Lance Corporal Evenor Herrera, and close friend Kelly Matias stroke his hand during a last visitation. Since the start of the Iraq War, Marines based at Buckley Air Force base in Colorado have honored the memory of 16 fallen comrades, and had the difficult duty of helping the families to bear their loss.

Second Lieutenant James J. Cathey's wife Katherine presses her pregnant belly to her husband's casket. Since the start of the Iraq War, Marines based at Buckley Air Force base in Colorado have honored the memory of 16 fallen comrades, and had the difficult duty of helping the families to bear their loss. Cathey was one of the fallen returned from Iraq for burial.

On the night before the burial, Second Lieutenant James J. Cathey's wife, Katherine refuses to leave the body, playing songs on her laptop that remind her of her husband. Since the start of the Iraq War, Marines based at Buckley Air Force base in Colorado have honored the memory of 16 fallen comrades, and had the difficult duty of helping the families to bear their loss. Cathey was one of the fallen returned from Iraq for burial.

Second Lieutenant James J. Cathey's father is comforted by a marine from 23rd Squadron. Since the start of the Iraq War, Marines based at Buckley Air Force base in Colorado have honored the memory of 16 fallen comrades, and had the difficult duty of helping the families to bear their loss. Cathey was one of the fallen returned from Iraq for burial.

Portraits - 3rd prize