Scott Thomas Modeen
Era: Global War on Terror
Military Branch: Marines
MODEEN, Scott Thomas
BIRTH: 23 Apr 1981, Robbinsdale, Hennepin County, Minnesota, USA to John Thomas & Kimberly Joan [Haburt] Modeen.
Scott Thomas Modeen bravely died serving his country December 1, 2005 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Fallujah, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, California. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. He rose to the rank of Lance Corporal (LCPL).
Survived by his "pops" John (Georgie) Modeen of Inver Grove Heights, mother Kimberly (Tom Knopik) Modeen of Blaine, and loving sister Nicole (Sam) Fedo of Forest Lake.
Scott Modeen of New Hope was more reserved about his experiences but was proud to be a Marine and to serve his country. Modeen, a 24-year-old lance corporal, joined the Marines after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and was in his second tour of duty in Iraq. "Scott was the kind of person who could make you laugh whenever you were around him," said a statement from his family.
Sam Fedo of Forest Lake, Modeen's brother-in-law, said Scott was determined to join the Marines after Sept. 11. He chose the Marines over the other branches of the military because he said he wanted to be with the foremost group. "In his own words, he said if he was gonna go in, he was gonna go in with the top set of forces," Fedo said. "He wanted to be the best." Fedo said Modeen, a graduate of Robbinsdale Cooper High School, was a proud son and sibling of nine brothers and sisters and nephew of 26 aunts and uncles. He said Modeen's parents "were extremely proud of him" and "would speak with him any chance they could get."
Fedo said Modeen didn't express any fear about returning to Iraq for his second tour of duty in July 2005. He had ended a seven-month tour in September 2004. "He was ready to go back and be with his fellow Marines," Fedo said. "He didn't really talk [about any concerns]."
In a statement released through Fedo, Modeen's kin acknowledged his impact on their lives. "We are truly blessed," it said. "We are proud to call him our son, our brother, and our friend. Our thoughts are with the friends and families of his fellow Marines who so bravely lost their lives this week."
Your memory and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
McConnell-Modeen VMH Post #137 in Duluth is named in his honor.
DEATH: 1 Dec 2005 (aged 24), Iraq
BURIAL: Interment with full military honors.at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, USA
Source(s):
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
Scott T Modeen in Social Security Death Index - Fold3
LCPL Scott T. Modeen (1981-2005) - Find a Grave Memorial
U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010 - Ancestry.com
