James M. Swink, 20

When the news of "Doc"'s death was announced on Facebook, scores of NAVY mothers changed their profile pictures to honor his sacrifice. His star is now gold like his heart.

May God comfort his family with the peace that passes understanding.

I did not know James, but I am a Navy mom of a seabee leaving for Afganistan. every son/daughter is one of our own. my heart aches for his family and friends. thank you brave Sailor for giving your all to our country. To his Mom~ When one Navy Mom hurts we hurt along with you Sister! I'm so very sorry about your loss.

It came to me as a great shock of my friend who had passed serving his country and his marines. Petty Officer Swink was always a good leader and i found it out fast when him and I, along with others were appointed squad leaders while we were in FMTB together. Petty Officer Swink always had a positive outlook on everything, and came up with great ideas. Not only I will miss him dearly but so will everyone whose life he has touched or came in contact with. My prayers are with his family and will never be forgotten.

I did not know PO3 Swink, but he is one of our 'locals'. I live in Joshua Tree. We are small town here and we all feel the loss. I am also a mom of a US Army Soldier. Our prayers to his family, our neighbors.

I did not know this brave young man personally. But knew his family growing up in Groom,Texas especially his Aunt Carla. I am an Army Mom who son is in Afghanistan. My heart goes out to his family. They are in my thoughts and prayers.

swink was passionate about his job and the service he provided, he is a good man. I knew mike from fire explorers and feel lucky to have known him. my prayers go out to his family

The last time I saw Mikie, I asked him what his favorite food was, and he said,"Hot,Cold and Momma's", he was a loving,gentle man, with incredible courage. He looked forward to the challenges in his work, and felt he had the best training offered.My heart breaks that he will not be here to share his adventures.God Speed my sweet nephew. Thanks to all who shared their memories and photos of Mikie.

lest we forget the fallen may god lay hands on all our troops and this fine brave sailors family

I had the pleasure of meeting Mike. He was still in HS, he and his dad built my swimming pool deck. I ran into him at a car wash a couple of weeks before he went into the Navy, he recognized me and we struck up a conversation. He told me about joining the Navy and how excited he was. Very respectful young man with his goals thoroughly thought out and motivated. I am very sad for his family cause I knew/know how proud Jim (his Dad) is of him and it breaks my heart knowing this. I am so sorry!
RIP Mike

God Bless you and your family. James is a good man and hero to this country.

To: James family and friends

There is hope for our dead love ones. The Bible saids at John 5:28,29 that all those in the memorial tombs will come out when they hear Almighty God Jehovah's voice. Jesus himself said this. Almighty God has not only the power but also the desire to resurrect whom he chooses. Please except my codolence and may the God of all comfort be with you. 2Corinthians 1:3.

Dear Swink Family: I am a Navy Mom of two sailors. My family's prayers are with you. Your son has made the ultimate sacrifice.

May God be with you HM3 DOC Swink. Rest in peace son. God bless you & your family.

God Bless his family. Continued prayers. Doc Swink was an American Hero.
Hundreds of Navy Mom's are lighting the gold candle for Michael.
His mother said a memorial will be held in YV on Sep 8th (Mikes 21st birthday) by the Andrew Montoya family ,at 1pm at Joshua Springs Christian Chapel to celebrate Mikes life. This is open to the public..
Please attend if you are able.

My son was serving with "Doc" in afghanistan. He is very heartbroken, along with all the other soldiers of the 2/9

Doc was serving with my son in 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines and I met him briefly the day they deployed from Camp Lejune on 19 July. He was a nice young man and had a warm smile. My son mentioned him in a e-mail a few days beofre he was killed. Mike was right in the middle of the action looking out for his Marines. My condolences to the Swink family and may God bless him. He will be missed.

HM3 swink was a great leader and an even better friend, he was one of the people i looked up to during FMTB, he surely will be missed and my prayers go out to his family, RIP HM3

HM3 Swink was a great guy. It was an honor to serve with him here in Afghanistan. He was a good friend and a very good "Doc".

Mike "Doc" had a saying all the years that we knew him. "Corpsman dies, everybody dies" Well it became true the day that my husband and I recieved the word of this lose because a major part of our life died with our best friend that day. A part that can never be replaced. We love you Mike you will live on in our hearts forever.

I met HM3 Swink once in Oki and he was a very friendly person and always cheerful. My husband and him worked together and he always spoke good things about him. My prayers go out to his family and friends. You will not be forgotten. God Bless.

I knew Swink from High School we had a class together his senior year. He was always a great guy and very bright and light hearted. He will be deeply missed. My prays go out to the Swink family. God Bless.

From one Navy Mom to another - Laura - my thoughts and prayers go out on behalf of you and your family. Doc will be greatly missed. God bless you and may He tuck you under the very shadow of His wing at this time - and comfort you.

I wanted to post a link to these photos of a memorial held for Petty Officer James M. Swink II.

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=55841

Thank you for your sacrifice! To the Swink family, Thank you!!

God speed brother DOC. May your many impacts live on and teach all those who aspire to continue the good work of the hospital corps, and for all the families who have healthy sons and daughters thanks to your unconditional efforts to provide care and treatment in the line of fire far away from home on their behalf.

I went to Doc Swink's memorial today. It was emotional and interesting experience. I will never forget the great times I had with him. He was the most respectful and respectable sailor I've ever met. The epitome of the Navy's Corpsman. Semper Fortis and Fidelis. Happy Birthday and R.I.P.

Laura and Jim,
We hold you in our thoughts, our prayers, and our hearts. Though nothing can ease your pain, may it bring comfort to you in knowing what a brave and special young man your son was. He touched many lives and lived so much in the short time he graced this earth. He is watching you from heaven now and showing you with his love.
God bless you, and thank you for your sacrifice!
Trish, Rhode Island Navy mom

I only knew Mikey as a boy. He was adorable and so funny. He and John called me at 3 in the morn. laughing and cuttin up. Aunt Polly answer the door, were on the front porch. course i didnt hear that message until the next morn. But I laughed becouse they where laughing so hard about what they had said. No, they werent on my porch, but i wish they had been.

Even though James lived such a short and selfless life, there is hope held out in the bible John 5:28,29 and Revelation 21:3,4.

I was serving in "doc's" Platoon in Afghan, I have met few people in this world who were as genuine a person, caring, and a true friend. He was truely a great man. I miss you buddy and we are making sure your memory will never fade. Semper Fortis and Fidelis

Not a day goes by when I don't think about Mike. I dated him my senior year of high school and he was one of my best friends. I still remember the day we meet, he had a warm caring smile one that he never lost and a great sense of humor that always made me laugh. I am a better person because I knew Mike. He taught me how live, and not take the little things for granted everyday like watching the sunset. I think about him everyday. I will see you again some day Mike.

I had the pleasure of having Michael as my neighbor when his family lived in Elk Grove, CA. Even as a young boy, Michael was always kind, courteous and mature for his age. He was the kind of kid that would make any parent proud. Michael was so responsible at a young age that my husband and I would leave our house keys with him when we went on vacation. We trusted him without question. To witness the love he bestowed upon his parents and the love they gave back...made my husband and me love him all the more. What a fine family...the Swinks. Words cannot truly explain the way we feel about this wonderful young man. A piece of my broken heart will always..always belong to Michael. He was definitely one of God's angels. May God bless and keep his family.
Arlinda & Bob Williams

Mike was a dear friend and a part of my family. I loved him like he was my own. Funny and full of bubbles a true heart of gold.
He used to come ride my horses his girl was a rescue horse named cinobar Mike loved her and would take time in his day to come feed her and ride her.
They say God takes the best first he did. My heart is still broken and I miss him so much. You will always have a place at my table in this world and in heaven. we love you always sharon mum #2