Arlington, Va. -- The Marine Corps lost its first financial management resource analyst to combat in Afghanistan’s Nimroz province, April 28. Master Sgt. Scott E. Pruitt, 40-year-old native of Gautier, Miss., was killed in an improvised explosive device attack.
More than 50 Marines from Marine Barracks Washington laid Pruitt to rest at Arlington National Cemetery May 8.
The escort commander, 1st Sgt. Auburne Edwards, led the marching detail during the ceremony. It included musicians from the U.S. Marine Band, the official Marine Corps Color Guard and ceremonial marchers from Company B.
Six Marine body bearers carried the casket of Pruitt from its horse-drawn caisson to the funeral area near the burial site. They were followed by a congregation of Pruitt’s family and friends, all in support of their fallen hero.
A U.S. Navy chaplain held prayer for the family and friends. Following, Sgt. Maj. Eric J. Stockton, Barracks sergeant major, gave his personal condolences and presented a folded flag to Pruitt’s mother, Lydia Hobson, and two daughters, Jennifer, 8, and Jordyn, 3.
“It was hard not to just lose it and break down as I handed those flags to those two little girls,” Stockton said. “There were some really strong emotions, especially because the older daughter was old enough to fully understand what was going on.”
Pruitt was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan April 28, 2012. He was slated to retire in approximately a year.
“Master Sgt. Pruitt was the type of Marine who was always willing to help you,” said Staff Sgt. Christine Rivera, a financial management resource analyst who served with Pruitt from October 2011 through early 2012. “He was funny and humble. You would always walk away from him feeling happier.”
Throughout his career, which started in June 1993, Pruitt served aboard Marine and Naval bases in Japan, Virginia, Iceland, South Carolina, North Carolina, California and Washington.
Pruitt’s awards include a Purple Heart Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, five Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Medal, a Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, four Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbons, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, and three Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations.