Unexpected reunion for ‘Spiteful’ Corpsman

Story by Cpl. Nicholas J. Lienemann

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CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (March 29, 2008) – With a beaming smile plastered across his face, it would seem HN Mark J. Scopa is anything but “spiteful.”

The reason for Scopa’s unshakable smile was a joyous reunion with his father, Frank V. Scopa, during a fortunate crossing-of-paths.

Mark, a hospital corpsman attached to Sierra Battery, 5th Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment; nicknamed ‘Spiteful Artillery,’ met with his father, a retired Marine Corps staff sergeant, aboard Camp Fallujah, Iraq shortly after Frank arrived in-theatre for his third deployment with the Army Corps of Engineers.

 Frank said seeing his son out here caused a flood of mixed emotions.

“It was a totally unique experience, I’m so proud to see my son out here; standing up for what he believes,” said the 59 year-old. “But now, I no longer worry about myself, I just worry about him.”

Though Frank worries about his son, he said he takes comfort in knowing his son is serving with “the best this generation has to offer.”

Mark, who knows his father is no stranger to war, admitted he always knew he would follow in his dad’s footsteps.

“My dad’s been doing the nation’s business for forty years; he served in Vietnam, got recalled for Desert Storm, I’ve been surrounded by Marines my entire life,” said the 21 year-old, who is on his first deployment. “And my mom was a nurse, so I tell everybody; between the two of them was born a corpsman.”

The father and son duo, from Richland, Wash., spent their three day visit mostly reminiscing about home and fostering an incomparable bonding experience.

“It’s like an escape from here, we can put the uniforms aside and just talk about life back home,” Mark said. “And now that I’m deployed, I understand what my dad has gone through, so now we can gripe to each other about the same things,” he lightheartedly added.

One of the most important aspects of home for the two is their family and the support they provide.

“The family back home is so great to us,” Frank said. “When our son left it was truly hard, but it was even worse when I had to leave too. I think that is why our family back home was so excited to hear that we would have the chance to meet up out here.”

Mark’s unit is set to return to Camp Lejeuene, N.C. next month. He said although it will be hard to leave while his dad is still over here, he’s fortunate for the few days he got to spend with him.

“If I could accomplish half the things my dad has in his life; I’d consider myself a good man,” he said. “A lot of kids back home have sport and movie stars as heroes, but hands down my dad is definitely mine.”