Aug. 1, 2012 | 1:57 p.m. | By Beth Ford Roth

Marine Free Fall Instructors Honor Deceased Marine In Unique Way

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USMC

Marines release the ashes of Marine Corps Sgt. Brett Jaffe above Phillips Drop Zone on Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona

Marine Corps free fall instructors honored late Marine Corps Sgt. Brett Jaffe last week by releasing his ashes in mid-air, above the Phillips Drop Zone on Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona.

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Marty Rhett said of the gesture:

"It was an honor and privilege to take this Marine on his last jump and give him a proper hail and farewell."

Rhett and the other free fall instructors are assigned to Marine Detachment, Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

According to TheUnion.com, the 41-year-old Sgt. Jaffe died July 15 in a Jet Ski accident at Boca Reservoir in Northern California. The Daily Pilot reports Jaffe served in the Marines for 11 years.