A memorial account has been set up in Scott Koppenhafer’s name at the Dolores State Bank, with all donations going to the fallen Marine’s wife and children.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Scott Koppenhafer, a 35-year-old from Mancos, died Aug. 10 after suffering fatal injuries in combat. He is survived by his wife and two children.
His cousin Ty Koppenhafer shared the information on the memorial fund via social media.
“Growing up in Mancos, Colorado, I had a lot expected of me because of my family,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “Everywhere I went I fell under the shadow of my two older cousins, Scott and Travis. Anyone who knew Scott understood why.”
Donations can be made in person or by mailing a check directly to the bank, located at 138 N. Main St. in Mancos. The family is asking for privacy now to grieve their loss.
Koppenhafer graduated from Adams State College in Alamosa in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing.
He joined the Marine Corps in 2005, and was a critical skills operator with the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion at the time of his death.
He deployed multiple times, and was well-decorated, holding: two Bronze Star medals with Combat Distinguishing Device, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with Combat Distinguishing Device, one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, one Humanitarian Service Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, four Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and six Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.
An investigation is underway regarding Koppenhafer’s death.
He died after being injured during combat Saturday, Aug. 10, in Iraq, according to Maj. Kristin Tortorici, a communications officer with the Marine Corps’ Special Operations Command.
He had suffered fatal wounds after becoming engaged in gunfire while supporting Iraqi Security Forces, she said.
ealvero@the-journal.com