Final Return Home for Salem Marine Killed in Afghanistan

"Thank you, Corporal Buyes, for your service to this grateful nation. Rest well." - Facebook comment

Marine Cpl. Adam Buyes grew up in Salem, Oregon

(SALEM) - A Salem, Oregon Marine who was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan 26 November 2011, 21-year old Adam J. Buyes, arrived home Sunday at the Salem Airport, under full escort that included police, military and the Patriot Guard riders.

Salem-News.com Video Photographer Jerry Freeman was on scene to record the procession, and Q Madp, our photographer and the founder and energy behind IraqWarHeroes.org, was there to shoot the still photos.

A Marine Corporal, Adam Buyes was a field radio operator who was assigned to an elite unit, the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Battalion is based out of Camp Schwab, a satellite base of Camp Smedley D. Butler in Okinawa.

Reconnaissance or 'Recon' Marines, perform specialize and highly advanced roles for Marine infantry units. Their training is extremely involved and rigorous.

A press release from Marine Corps Base Camp Butler in Okinawa Buyes, explains that Cpl Adam J. Buyes joined the Marine Corps Jan. 12, 2009. He arrived on Okinawa Sept. 10, 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in May.

His service awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Korean Defense Service Medal.

"Cpl Adam Buyes was a truly dedicated professional who cared for his Marines as if they were brothers from the beginning," said 1st Sgt. Daniel J. Wilson, the battalion first sergeant.

"He was often emulated and adored by many of the Marines he came in contact with. Cpl. Buyes was just one of those Marines that made being in Okinawa, Japan or deployed to Afghanistan better and more enjoyable for everyone."

Cpl Buyes’ unit has planned a memorial service at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan Dec. 4.

A local newspaper story explains that according to the family, Cpl Buyers was on foot patrol when he lost his life, there were few other details.

As in similar cases, there is a large amount of associated shock and grief, it is the type of news that no family can ever prepare for.

Comments on the Facebook page for Adam Buyes are touching and pay large tribute to this fallen warrior from Oregon.

One mother wrote, "Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the loss of Warrior Cpl. Adam J. Buyes, may God welcome you into his Heavenly Kingdom with open arms. Thank you for your service to our country, may you rest in Heavenly peace. Prayers of strength and comfort for your family, friends and unit."

A touching comment from Michele Swink Donah reads, "May you rest in peace my hero. You will never be forgotten. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your loved ones."

Bill Orton wrote, "Thank you, Corporal Buyes, for your service to this grateful nation. Rest well."

Donna Mullaney Benfatti put is simply, "RIP Cpl Buyes......a true American Hero. Prayers for your family."
- Story by Tim King, Salem-News.com Facebook page for Adam Buyes

Photos by Q Madp of airport arrival for Adam Buyes

Q is a photographer and he has his work cut out for him as the self-appointed unofficial photographer of NW military funerals. He travels to services and he is constantly on the move. When he isn’t driving or shooting pictures, Q spends his time researching combat statistics and adding names to the vast list that he hopes will eventually include every American lost in the combat theaters and every other allied soldier as well. His Website is easy to remember, IraqWarHeroes.org is a place of memories for thousands of families who have lost a loved one.