Abraham Simpson

Loving Son, Eagle Scout, US Marine

American Hero

"...Before Honor is Humility." Proverbs 15:33

Lance Corporal Abraham “Abe” Simpson was an Eagle Scout #52 from Chino Troop 202, a devoted Marine, and a young man remembered for his courage, faith, and selfless heart. Born in Fullerton, California, he moved to Chino in 1988 at the age of three, the oldest of three brothers. Abe was one of the founding members of Cub Scout Pack 227 at Briggs Fundamental School. Even as a young Scout, his dedication stood out. By the time he bridged into Boy Scout Troop 202, his uniform displayed every possible award he could earn — his den leader, Dave Carlock, once said he looked like a Mexican general. Abe fully embraced Scouting, loving backpacking adventures and leadership training. He served as Troop 202’s Senior Patrol Leader from 1999 to 2000, not missing a single troop event that year. At just 14, he attended Buckskin Leadership Camp and went on to serve on staff every year until he left for Marine Corps Boot Camp on August 11, 2003.

Abe graduated from Southlands Christian School in Walnut, California, and was an active member of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. He was deeply spiritual and lived out his faith daily. He enjoyed backpacking, church mission trips, Scouting, and basketball, building friendships wherever he went. Those who knew him remember him as a loyal friend, morally grounded, and committed to doing the right thing — even when it required sacrifice.

With a perfect score on the ASVAB, Abe had the opportunity to pursue any path in the military. Instead, he chose to become an infantryman in the United States Marine Corps because, as he said, he would not send someone else to do a job he could and should do himself. He became a mortar-man and served honorably for 15 months. He was assigned to the Third Battalion, First Marine Regiment, First Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton, California.

Abe deployed to Iraq on June 19, 2004. For five months, he was stationed in Karmah, a suburb of Fallujah, training Iraqi police officers to become effective, non-corrupt protectors of their communities. During that time, U.S. forces were preparing for the inevitable assault on the city of Fallujah, which had become a stronghold for insurgent forces. On November 9, 2004, during the second day of the Battle of Fallujah, Abe was killed at the age of 19 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. On November 12, 2004, the Department of Defense announced the loss of Lance Corporal Abraham Simpson while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In his final phone call home, Abe told his mother he was going into Fallujah. He said that if anyone had to die, he hoped it would be him because he was ready and others were not. His words reflected the depth of his faith and his selfless love for others. One of his favorite songs was “I Can Only Imagine,” a song that speaks to the hope of heaven and standing in the presence of God — a reflection of the faith that guided his life.

More than 3,000 mourners gathered to honor Abe’s life on Saturday, November 27, 2004, at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. The streets of Chino were lined with those who came to say goodbye, and he was laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery.

Today, his legacy continues through the Abraham Simpson Eagle Scout Scholarship Foundation, which honors his life and sacrifice by offering college scholarships to Eagle Scouts from Troop 202 in their senior year of high school. Abe’s life remains a powerful example of leadership, faith, courage, and selfless service — a young man who was always ready to stand for what was right and to put others before himself.

(see application below, updated February 2026)

Abraham Simpson Scholarship Info & Application

Requirements

All applicants must :

1. As a member of Troop 202, have been granted the rank of Eagle Scout, or have verified that their application for Eagle Scout rank has been received at the National Office.

2. Be an active participant within Troop 202 by attending outings, service projects and Troop fundraisers on a regular basis. Seek and    fulfill leadership roles in the Troop.

3. Submit application no later than the application deadline noted above.

4. Be a graduating or graduated high school senior pursuing training and/or higher education in the year a scholarship is applied for.

5. Provide a short Letter of Recommendation from an adult outside of Troop 202, attesting to your character.

6. Complete the written narrative and essay questions.

7. Submit proof of acceptance, or intention to commit, to a school or training program.

Procedures

The Eagle Scout applying for a scholarship must complete the application personally.

● Submit only those items requested in the requirements, including attachments.

● Answer all questions on the application.

● Application is signed by applicant and counter signed by the parent if applicant is a minor

● Be advised that only those applications received by March 31st of your senior year will be considered. If you are awarded your Eagle Scout after March 31st of your senior year, you may apply for this scholarship the following year.

● Submitting an application is, in no way, a guarantee that a scholarship will be granted. There is no appeal and the decision of the committee is final.

● The amount of the scholarship will be determined by the number of requests and the availability of monies in the scholarship fund.

● The amount awarded is determined during committee deliberations. Whether a scholarship is granted and the amount awarded is in direct relationship to the level at which the applicant has met the criteria.

● By May 1st, the committee will, in writing, notify those selected of its decision.

⬇️ Link to Application ⬇️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLTNz9dQYs2Zbbk1u7zF6YaMmZD8rpBGQulEg2KUdeXsizkQ/viewform?usp=dialog

Remembering Abe

My baby, my child, my son

You first made me a mother, forever so.

To God I gave you back - you were never mine to keep,

though so close to my heart.

You grew up and away with time, and it was right;

further from me, closer to Jesus;

independent before him.

You let us in on our choices, but you made them

alone before God - confident before him.

It was you and God that chose your path,

you and God that accepted the bore

the consequences of those choices - without regret.

A man you were before Him and before us.

He made you so beautiful.

And then your time became complete.

Your days were finished here - continued there.

By the choice of one to do evil - you were sent

abruptly away from this earth,

to return only in glory one day

beside your King.

And even now you see His face before you,

and you join with angels in worship

because of our Savior's promise to

all those who put their faith and trust

in Jesus Christ alone for their eternity.

Our hope is true - your hope is now realized.

And here we camp - at the edge of eternity,

as we long to see what you see,

And we will...