Centanni, Rick Joseph
Male
Verified Lance Corporal Rick Joseph Centanni, 19, of Yorba Linda, California, was a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve member killed in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on March 24, 2010.
Their Story
Rick Joseph Centanni was a 19-year-old from Yorba Linda, California. He served as a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, based at Camp Pendleton.
On March 24, 2010, Centanni died in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations. According to the Department of Defense, he was killed by an improvised explosive device while on a dismounted patrol in the volatile southern region.
Centanni's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In early 2010, U.S. and allied forces launched a major offensive, Operation Moshtarak, in Helmand to clear Taliban strongholds, including the town of Marjah. The province saw intense fighting during this period.
Centanni's body was returned to California. A public memorial service was held at Yorba Linda Friends Church on April 3, 2010, according to local news reports. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.
He was remembered by his family and community as a dedicated Marine. His name is inscribed on the Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial.
Explore Further
Rick Joseph Centanni was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.
