United States Marine Corps
Captain Patrick M. Klokow

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(Sept. 2, 2005) -- A rifle stands erect, muzzle down, center stage. A worn helmet rests on the rifle's butt stock. Tan, suede boots sit limp at the base of the rifle. A warrior has died.

It was a somber display at McDougal Hall - a traditional monument dedicated to a fallen comrade and respected leader.

At his memorial service Monday at McDougal Hall, Capt. Patrick M. Klokow's peers eulogized him as nothing less than a hero. Known for his exceptional fitness as a triathlete, the Iraq War veteran was killed in a hit-and-run accident Aug. 23 while cycling to the depot where he served as Instructional Training Company's commanding officer. He was 29.

Friends remembered him for his sincerity, his positive outlook on life, and his leadership by example.

Paying respect to his fallen leader, Staff Sgt. Philip J. Kulczewski, an IT Co. instructor, addressed the mourners and said, "If there was one person I wanted to be like, it was him. It was hard to walk away from him unmotivated or without a sense of pride. He was always there to set the example and help you help yourself."

Klokow is survived by his wife, Capt. Anne Klokow, who was serving with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit when her husband died.

Capt. Brian W. McBrayer described a time when he walked into a recruit barracks where Klokow was the series commander. Recruits mistakenly called attention-on-deck for Klokow although he was not present. "It was an honor to be mistaken for such a Marine," said McBrayer.

At the memorial service entrance, a photo display and print clippings of Klokow's sporting life showcased him running marathons or at home plate during a baseball game. Another poster shared moments from his wedding day, his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, and candid times with friends and family.

Capt. Vincent Guida, Klokow's friend and IT Co. executive officer, commented on the eulogies: "From the descriptions, you'd think Pat could walk on water. I'd never seen Pat walk on the waters of the swim tank pool, but if anyone could have, it would have been him.

"We've all been touched and influenced by this man. I knew him well, but I wish I knew him better. I spent countless hours with him, but I wish I could have spent more."

A memorial service will also be held at the Naval Academy Sept. 8 at 11 a.m.