Caleb J Powers |
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Caleb J. Powers was helped by Child Help USA as a young boy and wanted to return the favor; Powers became a virtual poster boy for the nonprofit organization. He dreamed of one day giving back by helping other children, like the ones who swarmed over him when he visited disadvantaged children, said Jay Cooper, a charity worker. "He was our poster Marine, just an amazing young man, a fine, inspirational young man who loved life," Cooper said. Powers, 21, of Manfield, Wash., died Aug. 17 in enemy action in Anbar province. He was based at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Born in Pacific City, Ore., Powers went to live with his aunt and uncle in Manfield at a young age and fell in love with the farming community, enjoying tinkering with vehicles and working on the family's wheat farm. Among the survivors are his parents and his aunt and uncle, Jackie and Mike Tupling.