My son, Sgt Scott Pickerel, served honorably 4 years in the Marine Corp. After serving 9 months in Fallujah, Iraq he became a different person. After years of fighting his inner battles, he tried to get help from the VA. His appointments and meds were too far and few apart. He lost his battle this past Thanksgiving – he could not fight any longer and was too proud to keep his family in so much worry. He was a sweet boy, kind and generous, and we miss him so much. I found out from getting his VA medical records what happened in Fallujah. I will forever feel the pain he felt. So many more vets are suffering; we cannot lose more. Scott and all these vets are my heroes. God Bless and thank you, Mary.
Scott Alan Pickerel, 30, of Belleville, Ill., born August 8, 1984, in Belleville, Ill., died Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014. It is with much sorrow that Scott’s family bids farewell to their fallen hero.
A graduate of St. Henry’s Catholic Grade School and Belleville West High School, Scott proudly served four years with the United States Marine Corps defending our freedom during the Iraq War. Sgt. Pickerel served honorably and earned the following awards: Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a Certificate of Commendation, and an Expert 2nd Rifle Qualification Badge.
