FORT MYERS, FL – Residents and employees of Shell Point Retirement Community were shocked and saddened to hear of the death of David Fribley, Lance Corporal, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, who died during an ambush by Iraqi troops faking surrender, on Sunday, March 23 near Nasiriyah in Iraq.
News of the young man’s death sent shock waves throughout the community earlier this week. David Fribley was a bright and energetic employee of Shell Point Retirement Community from April, 2001, through May, 2002. A graduate of Indiana State University with a degree in recreation and sports management, Fribley moved to Southwest Florida, where he accepted a position as a program coordinator for the resort services department of the retirement community which serves more than 1,700 residents.
Fribley was working at Shell Point during the attacks in New York and Washington on 9/11/01. Following the 9/11 attacks, David decided to become a United States Marine. When he left for Camp Lejeune, NC, in 2002, he wrote a farewell letter to his manager at Shell Point. In the letter he stated, “The greatest gift one can give to another is the gift of service. I do not know who said this, but I have heard the saying before. The following is my gift to you and others: May I honor you and our fellow countrymen and women. I will earn the privilege to wear the eagle, globe and anchor for all those that cannot. With all the strength of my fellow Marines, we shall always provide you with the comforting feeling of safety that you have each day.”
According to Lynn Schneider, director of community relations, David will be missed by all who knew him at Shell Point and will be remembered as a kind and enthusiastic person dedicated to his country and to serving others.
