WKSU News: Northeast Ohio Navy Corpsman Buried

Monday, March 12, 2007 Northeast Ohio Navy Corpsman Buried by WKSU's RENITA JABLONSKI	Morning Edition Host Renita Jablonski

Navy Corpsman Luke Emch was buried today (Monday) at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman. He was killed March second near Ramadi, one day before he was scheduled to wrap up his tour of duty in Iraq. Emch was assigned to the 1st Marines Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company.

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The Emch family: Julie, Samantha, and Wesley (left to right)in their Brimfield home.

Ian Pfouts, of Uniontown, met Luke Emch at the University of Akron. The two became best friends.

Luke Emch and Ian Pfouts in a photo from their freshman year of college.

American flags and a special message were placed at the entrance of Tallmadge High School where Luke graduated in 2003.

Navy Corpsman Luke Emch in the field. He was assigned to the 1st Marines Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company.

Luke Emch poses with his sister Samantha in their Brimfield home.

Best friends, Ian Pfouts and Luke Emch (left to right).

Tallmadge High social studies teacher Jon Shomo was Luke Emch's favorite instructor.

Luke Emch with his family on graduation day from Tallmadge High School.

Listener Comments:

I just found out about the death of my friend in Afghanistan who was also a Navy corpsman. I was flipping through deaths and came across Luke. I was in school (while in the Navy) with him. I am in total shock

Posted by: Darren Gipson (Paducah KY) on September 13, 2008 11:48PM

I was so, so sad to hear about Luke. I have prayed that the family can have some peace during this difficult time, and hope with time, things will get a little better. I know the pain will never go away though. God bless you during this time.I don't know that we're related, but assume so, since we have the same last name. I have very, very dark hair like Luke. We are origianlly from Woodville in NW Ohio. Again, my condolences for your loss.
Scott

Posted by: Scott Emch (Columbus, OH) on July 9, 2007 4:40PM

Hello there,

Thanks so much for pointing out the date inconsistencies. The Emch family had confirmed to me March 2nd is the correct date. Mr. Emch says it was just about 23 hours before he was supposed to wrap up duty in Iraq and begin the debriefing and training process of the new team so he could come home.

Posted by: Renita Jablonski (WKSU News) on March 13, 2007 9:41AM

The Akron Beacon Journal and the Tallmadge Express reported that Luke Emch's parents were informed of his death on March 2, but that he had actually died the day before (March 1). The article, by Tom Prusha, also included a quote from Wesley Emch that stated Luke Emch was due to return hom March 4, 3 days after his actual death, as opposed to the information stated above.

I cannot confirm that this information is totally accurate, but I thought I would mention the inconsistencies.

Posted by: High School Student (Tallmadge) on March 13, 2007 1:12AM

mrs.emch is my teacher and i was there wen she found out it was so sad i feel so bad!!

Posted by: cooper pierce (tallmadge) on March 12, 2007 6:40PM

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