A graduate of McIntosh High School, Cpl. Landers enlisted in the Corps in

June 2000 and went on to earn the National Defense Service medal, the Global

War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal, the Good Conduct medal and the Sea

Service Deployment Ribbon.

Cpl. Landers was a member of the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26 and

was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. in preparation of joining Operation Iraqi

Freedom.

He previously served on a ship in Operation Enduring Freedom, Sherri Landers

said. He was involved in helicopter maintenance and repair, gaining a supervisory

role once promoted to corporal, his mother added.

"He lived life to the fullest," Mrs. Landers said, noting that

her family has been touched by the number of Cpl. Landers's friends

who have called to express sympathy.