What some may not know is that Mrs. Gettings had a brave son who fought in Iraq.
Corporal Albert Pasquale Gettings of the United States Marine Corps was born on March 8, 1978. His parents named him after his two grandfathers, as is the tradition of the Gettings' family. Since Albert was seven years old, he was interested in the military. His uncle, being in the Army, was a huge factor; he brought home gifts like MREs (ready to eat meals), Army t-shirts, and hats.
Albert became driven to join the military after 9/11 occurred. He felt like he could have done something to help, could've stopped this tragic day in our history. So, without his parents knowing, Albert enlisted into the Marine Corps. The Gettings family found this out after Albert's recruiter called home about that week's PT (physical training) session. Mrs. Gettings was taking classes at the time of the call. Mr. Gettings told Albert that he would have to tell his mother. "He said, 'Mom sit down'. I knew there was something wrong since he would always tell me to sit down when he would wreck the car or got a ticket. So I asked what's wrong with the car? Did you get a ticket? He didn't answer with words; he instead pulled out his military ID and set it on the table." Mrs. Gettings recalled that she cried but accepted his choice.Albert went to basic training in 2002, being named Marine of the Quarter twice while at Paris Island. In 2004 he was deployed to Afghanistan for the first time. Albert returned home one year later. He was married in May of 2005 and was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in the following September. It was January 5th, 2006, when Albert's squad and another tried to flush out a sniper. Albert was hit and fell. Another Marine tried to come to his aid and was also hit. Albert continued fighting as he issued orders to eliminate the threat to the other US soldiers in the squad. His actions prevented and further casualties and saved the lives of his fellow Marines.
Albert passed away from his wounds, but the saying from that day was "One Marine can make a difference." Mrs. Gettings told her own interpretation of the saying. "It means stepping up to the plate, using your patriotism, courage, intelligence and not thinking twice about it. It also means no turning back and being a role model as well." Since his passing, Albert was given a Purple Heart, received a memorial plaque at the New Castle Courthouse, the Bronze Star, and a Combat V for Heroic Achievement. Also, at Camp Lejuene, NC, there is an award given to a Marine in Fox Company who demonstrates service to his fellow Marines. Here in Lawrence County there is a baseball park, where he played as a boy, and a government building named in his honor.
Albert Pasquale Gettings was truly a hometown hero and will be forever remembered for his deeds and his life.
Albert P. Gettings 1978-2006
Rest in Peace Marine
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Matt Tataseo, Masonry senior, enjoys being a part of the journalism class -- especially the research. When he's not practicing his trade, he can often be seen with a stack of books from the library! Upon graduation, he will serve our country in the Marine Corps
