DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
11/12/2009 The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Lance Cpl. Justin J. Swanson, 21, of Anaheim, Calif., died Nov. 10 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Since 2001, there have been 918 American troops killed in Afghanistan. Since 2003, there have been 4362 American troops killed in Iraq. They all had loved ones, families and friends. Please take a moment to honor their sacrifice, and to think of the ones who have gotten the news their young marine or soldier won't be returning home.
Tonight we offer condolences and prayers for peace and comfort to the family, friends, marine unit, and hometown of Justin Swanson, a 21 year old from Anaheim, California.
Lance Cpl. Justin J. Swanson was killed in action on November 10, 2009. He died from injuries he received from a roadside bomb while on combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Justin enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 2006, after graduating from high school. The Orange County Register (click on photos tab for Dover AFB photos) talked to some of Justin's friends and former teachers at Buena Park High School, one who remembered the big football player as "a diamond in the rough, full of enthusiasm." He didn't take things too seriously but always showed his concern for others. When people were down, he put a smile on their faces. Justin actively sought to be a role model to his four younger siblings and younger students, and many people considered him a Big Brother. He returned to the school a few months ago as a disciplined Marine and spoke with students about finding their way in life.
"I just never thought in a million years it would be him," said Swanson's mother, Mary Hargrove.
"There's been so many people that have come and called and just, he's touched so many lives. He was wonderful. He was my rock, you know, kept me centered," she added.
...."Last time I talked to him he said, 'Mom it's OK, there's nothing really happening,'" said Hargrove. "But I knew he wasn't telling me the truth, and he wasn't. I don't know if people realize there's full on war going on over there."
This was Justin's second deployment with the Marines. He served a tour in Iraq, and then volunteered to go to Afghanistan. Justin was a rifleman assigned to Camp Pendleton's 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. The battalion is serving in Afghanistan as part of Regimental Combat Team 7, II Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
Lance Cpl. Justin Swanson's personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Justin Swanson is survived by his mother, two younger brothers, and two younger sisters. Justin is missed. Rest in Peace.
photos here in by Timroff, CalNM, Dover AFP, MySpace, and here.
Helping our troops: If you wish to assist our military and their families, consider Operation Helmet, or Fisher House. Sponsoring a deployed service member at TroopCarePackage.com can provide letters or care packages that make a real difference in a military person's life. To assist the animal companions of our deployed military, information is available here.
When our veterans come back home, they need jobs. Look at the programs of Veterans Green Jobs and Welcome Back Veterans. Encourage a Vet, and see if you can help out.
About the IGTNT series: I Got the News Today is intended to honor, respect and remind. Its title is a reminder that almost every day a military family gets the terrible news about a loved one. All of the U.S. casualties can be seen here. The DoD news releases are found here. Published photos of the returning fatalities are found on the Dover AFB page. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories. Since 2001, there have been 918 American troops killed in Afghanistan. Since 2003, there have been 4362 American troops killed in Iraq.
Click the IGTNT tags below for previous diaries in the series which was begun by i dunno, and which is maintained by monkeybiz, noweasels, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, joyful, roses, SisTwo, a girl in MI, Spam Nunn, JeNoCo, Janos Nation, True Blue Majority, Proud Mom and Grandma, Sandy on Signal, and me, CalNM. These diaries are heartbreaking to write, but are an important service to those who have died, and show our community’s respect for our fallen brothers and sisters.
Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service members chronicled here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.