CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti -- A Memorial service for Marine Capt. Seth R. Michaud, a 27-year-old naval aviator with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-461 was held here Tuesday morning at the Enduring Freedom Chapel.
Michaud, from Hudson, Mass, was killed while participating in a Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa training exercise June 22.
The chapel was filled with more than 200 Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen to commemorate Michaud's life and the ultimate sacrifice he gave to his country while serving with CJTF-HOA in the Global War on Terrorism.
The eulogy was given by HMH-461's commanding officer Marine Lt. Col. Lawrence E. Miccolis.
"He always gave it his all, he represented the heart of the squadron and he always will. He was a hero, he was a Marine who gave the ultimate sacrifice to his country while defending it against terrorism," he said.
In the forefront of the chapel, a table displayed a picture of Michaud, his identification tags and the gear a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot wears to complete missions.
"The kind of warrior, the kind of leader and the kind of Marine that spoke by example. He was very humble, but when there was a job to get done, he accomplished it to the highest standard," Miccolis said.
"He was a very dedicated husband and father. He was proud to fly CH-53s, he was proud to be an officer and proud to be a part of the unit. We will never forget," said Miccolis.
Michaud is survived by his wife, Karen Marie Michaud, and 18-month-old son Ian.