Justin J. Swanson, 21

Justin, how this feels so unreal. 2 years ago he spent Thanksgiving Dinner at our home. I can still remember him praying with us and Dancing with the Chavira Family. We all Love you!!! Forever in our hearts.

Jutin was a very happy and energetic type of guy. He was always happy always had a smile on his face.Justin was my brothers best friend i will never forget the night that Justin,my brother and myself went to go watch a movie it was Tokyo drift. I mean he had already seen it like 3 times before but he loved that movie so much that what ever chance he had to go see it he would.Justin you will be missed alot thank you for being a hero........

He always made people around him laugh. I remember a bunch of us went to the beach and he striped down and ran into the water and scared a bunch of ladies. Always was outgoing and would do anything to bring a smile. He had a loud mouth, the best dance moves I have ever seen, but more importantly he had a great heart. He was unique; the world will be less colorful without him in it. We will miss you. My condolences to his family.

justin swanson..i didnt know him very well. we graduated the same year from the same high school. i wish i had the opportunity to know him. my heart goes out to his family and friends. im a greatful for his service in the marines and to our country. i wish i could thank him in person but now i will thank him and all the other fallen heroes in my prayers. i am planning on joining the army and when i see someone so dedicated to give their life for others influences me and makes me realize more and more that this is what i am supposed to do with my life. so thank you and you will remain in my prayers along with all the others

Justin and I graduated Buena Park High School (2006) together. He was 1 in a million. Always at your side no matter what, always a smile, always being nice to the ladies, full of energy and never let anything get him down. If you were down he would do anything in his power to help you feel better, and sometime go above that. Him and some of my friends enlisted in the Marines, Army, Air Force, and I myself has enlisted in the Navy. All I can say is that the mold was broken after him...
God Speed, see you on the other side brother..

wow bro its tough to know your gone ... you will forever be remembered

ima poor a 40 for you homie

WoW,man Feels like it was just yesterday meeting at I Games u getting me in the marine corp,then meeting in mateo, in the 5th reg,feels so unreal!

Dearest Cousin Justin, Tuesday we heard the bad news the kind of news that would make the stongest person cry. I will always have the memories of our half hour dance at my wedding, the KFC lol & the excitement on rich's face when you came home. We are all very proud of your persistance to fight for are country even to the end. You will be forever missed, ALWAYS loved and NEVER forgotten. March on Marine march on with your head held high. Rest In Piece Justin Face ♥

My dearest Justin Face,
Oh how I miss you so much and think about you everyday! You are missed. I love you so much you are a hero, My cousin, and a perfect friend. You are with the lord now. I remember when you came over and we were all playing 21 and you split two 10's..LOL.. Everyone was like no what are you doing...LOL Forever in my heart you will be.

My mother and I met Justin two days before he deployed with my fiance, and boy did he leave an impression! His jokes and laughter were infectious and he was very much loved by his Marine Corps 'brothers.' He will surely be missed by my family and I.

We always talked about our kids growing up and being best friends just like us hermano... We'll forever be the dynamic duo bro... I miss u and you'll forever be in my heart ur memory still lives on hermano!! May you rest in peace

JUSTIN SWANSON SERVED WITH ME OUT HERE IN HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN. HE GAVE ME WONDERFUL MEMORIES THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET. HE WAS ALWAYS JOKING AROUND AND HE ALWAYS PUT HIM SELF OUT THERE TO BE THE BEST MARINE HE COULD BE. JUSTIN WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS THE MARINE WE ONLY HOPE TO BE MORE LIKE. LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU BROTHER.

Justin Swanson was the first friendly soul I'd encountered on my first day in BPHS. In spanish class, he encouraged me not to drop out because things will get easier. We weren't really close then, but when I got into PEER ASSISTANCE LEADERSHIP [PAL] we became friends. My favorite memory of him was the time that we had a project and it was brought up that I was nobody's dream girl as a joke, he took me aside and told me that I was always his. It wasn't meant to be a flirtatious remark, he was just a guy trying to make a lady feel special. Forever a ladies' man, forever in our hearts. Thank you for the short but wonderful memories and my freedom Justin. See you later.

I struggle to find words that do justice to Justin Swanson's memory or to the feelings of emptiness that are left in his absence. He was by far one of THE most amazing human beings on this earth.

His heart could not have been bigger nor could it be more welcoming or warm. He was one of those individuals who left an impression on your life that was utterly unforgettable.

He was the epitome of a true friend and I can truly say that I would not have made it through parts of my high school career without him there. But I have faith in the Lord's plan and I once heard it said that the He picks the prettiest flowers from the garden to keep on his kitchen table. Well, now he has the most astounding one of them all.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those who are struggling in the wake of this tragedy. Just remember: . Jeremiah 29:11.

Love you Justin, with all our hearts and we'll be anxiously awaiting the day when we can see that handsome smile again!

Justin Swanson "Sancho" to us, will be in my heart forever. He served with me here in Helman Province, Afghanistan. "Sancho" was the highly reguarded by other Marines here and can always be counted on during times of stress. He could be given a task and in no time have it accomplished one way or another. Love you and Miss You Brother>

I met Justin at BPHS and I will never forget him. He was my favorite little white boy as I always called him. It was his little trio Justin, Daniel, and Emmanuel that I always could keep a smile on my face with. No matter what was going on in the day or how you felt you knew you could always count on him for a smile or advice. Even though he was the class clown, crazy guy he always had the right mind set and good head on his shoulders. I remember the day of graduation when he told me he was going in the Marines for good as well as Emmanuel and Daniel planned, I cried just knowing they were all going but he assured me everything would be okay and he was put on this earth to make a lasting impression on peoples lives. He always wanted to help everyone. All I can say is he passed fighting for what he loved most his people. I am so proud of you Justin and will miss you so, so very much! I know your up there in heaven probably telling all of us everything is okay and making jokes. I love and miss you my favorite little white boy forever you will be missed!

Justin,
I can't explain how much you are missed. You were a great cousin, a wonderful friend and a true HERO!!! I will never forget the great memories we have and the laughter we shared like when I tried to cut your hair before going back to base and completley messing it up... We had to go to the barber to get it fixed LOL! Or when we had the kareoke party and you and Richard threw Emma in the pool totally clothed.. That was great, the best part is knowing that I could go months without seeing you and when I would see you again we would pick up right where we left off which was usually laughing about something. Justin, you amaze me with your unselfishness and willingness to risk your life for me and the rest of the USA to be free! I love you forever and you will be missed always!!! I'll see you in heaven Cuz! Love Always,
Claire

R.I.P Justin Face! We love you and you will be missed forever!

i can't even begin to explain how i feel. its so unreal to think that he's gone. justin was one of a kind. i could've been having the crapiest day and he always found a way to make it better. i'll never forget his smile or how he was always flirting with EVERY girl. thank you justin, thank you for everything you have done for this country. we love and miss you so very much...see you in heaven

Hello Hero...Thank you for your life. Eventhough many people don't agree on the reasons for this war...I appreciate the work that you and others like your self do for us. Thank you and may our Lord keep you and guide you in your journey to his heavenly palace.

Best wishes to your family.....

Rest in Peace.

There is a special bolt of cloth from which God cuts those children who become defenders of our freedom, it's called Hero's Cloth. Justin was cut from that bolt of cloth. My tears flow freely and unashamed for we have lost one of those children.

Amy Hoffmeier
PMM Corporal DL Gruber
Bravo 1/5 (11/04 - 11/07)
Edson Range (11/07 - 11/09)
1/5 (11/09 - ?)

We went with him in high school we graduated same year.
he was a great guy. very nice and polite.
he was a fun in class. he always made people laugh, nothing negative can be said about him.
I remeber i had him for science classes he was always talking about going into the military.
im glad i knew him and may he rest in peace.

A friend and a brother in arms. We took the same road, but the road went in different directions. You are a hero, you will always be my inspiration in my everyday endeavors. My service in the Marines is almost over. I will be married soon. I would have wished that you would have that moment of happiness-among others. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

From the heart,
Lee Blackwell
MWSS 473 OIF

OMG!!!! JUSTIN WAS THE MOST AMAZING KID I'VE EVER MET. HE HAD THE MOST INFECTIOUS PERSONALLITY, AND THE MOST CONTAGIOUS SMILE. I HAD THE HONOR OF LIVING NEXT DOOR TO JUSTIN FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS. WHEN HE JOINED THE MARINES WE WERE ALL SO PROUD OF HIM. AT HIS BOOT CAMP GRADUATION HE STOODS SO TALL AND SO PROUD IN HIS UNIFORM. HE WAS THE PROUDEST CADET ON THE TARMAK THAT DAY. TO US OF COURSE. IF I HAD TO CHOOSE ONE OF MY GREATEST MEMORIES OF JUSTIN, I COULDN'T PICK JUST ONE. THEY WERE ALL GREAT. HE WOULD BRING HIS BUDDIES HOME FROM BASE ON HOLIDAYS AND LEAVES IF THEY HAD NOWHERE TO GO. HE SHARED HIS FAMILY, HIS HOME AND HIS FRIENDS WITH HIS NEW BROTHERS. IF HE HAD IT, YOU HAD IT. IF HE DIDN'T HAVE IT. HE WOULD GET IT FOR YOU. THE BIGGEST HEART!!!! LEON AND I WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH. WE WILL MEET AGAIN I KNOW. WATCH OVER OUR BOYS, AND STAY CLOSE TO YOUR MOM, DAD, BROTHERS AND SISTERS. THANK YOU FOR GIVING YOURS TO KEEP OURS SAFE. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS, LIKE A SON. YOU'VE ALWAYS BEEN OUR HERO

i haddent heard your name or seen your face in over 5 years but in an instant it all came flooding back like it was just yesterday. You were wonderful to me in high school and my brother travis too. I am devistated to hear the news this morning. You are still one of the funniest guys ive ever met may you rest in peace and know you left because your job here on earth was done. See you in heaven, fallen hero.

Justin was a jokster all of the years I went to school with him & even after that. Always making me laugh! He is an amazing guy & I know God has his hands full with him. I vision what he had endured & I'm glad that he isn't suffering. Justin you are one in a million. I'll see you on the other side buddy. Keep it real & party on!

Justin Swanson, "swani" as we also called him was the most polite,kind, and happy kind of guy, he would never have a frown he would always have that smile for you anytime of the day, i was his corpsman over here at helmand province afghanistan, we worked side by side and i will never forget this man, this marine whom i will miss and always will be in my prayers, we'll all miss you man!

I will never forget justin and the things he did out here in Helmand. He was an awesome marine and an very good friend of mine. He was one of the funniest guys i've ever met and he always made me see the good side out of any situation, especially out here...he will be missed and my heart goes out to his family as well...miss you man.

I also served here with Justin here in Helman Province Afghanistan. I remember when I first got to 1/5 and I first met him at a volunteer car wash, I didn't know anybody when he came up to me and introduced the new guy to everyone I thank you for making me feel at home. I will always remember H&S fun day playing flag football on his team we had so much fun that day, You always had a smile on your face and kept everyone in the best of mood's. I send a prayer to you and your family, I will always miss you my SCOTTISH BROTHER. Rest In Peace!!!!

(My apologies- the first memory message seems to have disappeared.)
To a friend and comrad in arms,
You are my hero. You served your country with honor. You are gone, but will never be forgotten. We both took the same path in life as Marines. We got to the end in different ways. You did what I didn't have to do. You made the ultimate sacrifice. My service will end soon. I have the privilege of going on in life with my soon-to-be wife. Your memory will be an inspiration to me in my daily endeavors. My heartfelt condolences to Justin's family.

From the heart,
Lee Blackwell
USMC MWSS 473 OEF

Justin was one of my best friends in the Marine Corps. We were together since day one. I will never forget the good times and hard struggles that we have been through together. I havent cried in a long time but while watching the flag-drapped stretcher being carried onto the aircraft I cried harder then I have ever before in my life. I love you like a brother Swanny and you will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace and always keep a watchful eye on the men and women who continue to serve in the defense of our beloved nation's freedom.

I hardly knew Justin, yet every memory I have of him is great. His positivity and smile were contagious. One did not need to know him for very long to know what a great guy he was. I thank you, Justin for your courage in protecting out freedom. Thank you for unselfishly giving yours for your people's. May your soul rest in peace.
To the family, Justin's memory will give you the strength to continue your lives with pride in that Justin helped defend our nation. Feel proud, for your Justin is a true Hero, not only in war, but also in so many people's hearts.

I miss you so much. RIP Justin face you are forever my hero. I love you cuz.

Justin,
You were undoubtedly my brother from another mother. For some time we lived next to each other when you were at your grandparents house. I have known you for over 20 years, I even have a picture of us on a tricycle with your uncle Bill next to us. You were always someone I looked up to and you never put me down. We played cops and robbers, hide and go seek, basketball, and rode our bikes around together for years. I'm never going to forget you. You were always happy and always making people laugh.
I love you man,

Justin,

I was never blessed with the opportunity to meet you, but my husband was one of your closest friends. Even though the two of you lost touch, he always thought of you and spoke of you fondly. I thank God everyday that he had friends like you, Leon, and Nikki. You gave him a place to stay and more importantly, a family away from home. There is no way to properly thank you for serving our country and welcoming Zac into your life.

You will NEVER be forgotten and may you rest in peace.

God bless your family and loved ones. They are in my thoughts and prayers daily.

Oh my goodness Justin,
This past week has been such an emotional rollercoaster for me. The memory I would like to share is Tuesday, May 19, the night before you were deployed. We spent all night texting. You told me you were leaving on Thursday. We planned on spending Wednesday together. Your last words to me were "goodnight". You left Wednesday morning without saying goodbye. I felt so hurt, like I didn't matter to you. After a while I've decided that you were a man going off to fight a war to protect the people you love. Saying goodbye is too painful and would've made it seem permantent. Of course the both of us were expecting you to come home next month. I'm so attached; I don't want to let go. I love you.
Goodnight Sunshine :)
Sweet dreams

I just happened to find out about Justin's death today, and I was shocked to say the least. I served with Justin in 1/5 from 2007 to 2008, and while I never really knew him on a deeply personal level, I can honestly describe him as nothing short of a truly good-natured human being with a vibrant and colorful personality, and a great Marine. My sincerest condolences go out to Justin's friends and family; may he rest in peace. I'll always remember you brother, Semper Fi!

wow, i can't believe it. i remember i used to ditch 6th period with my friends, amy and brenda, to hang out on the football field and he would always be there... running, and dancing around with us. why god took him so young, ill never understand. RIP. <3

Wow, this is so unreal. The vision of Justin in high school is very fuzzy but I know he was a great guy and a good person. We weren't always on good terms but by the end of high school I do know we were good friends. He knew my brother Tony somehow. You will always be remembered and in our hearts and your family in our prayers. Rest in peace Justin Swanson. <3

I remember you told me BEFORE you LEFT that you didnt know if you were coming back this time, and I laughed and told you I thought you were crazy and I'd see you in a few months.

I felt my heart break when I heard the news. You always said that your real friends knew who you really were and I know the nights that we had long talks, the times you let me cry because of dumb guys or the times you were protective of me was who you really were, you died protecting us all as a country. I will always love you for that Swani, Justin Swanson

I miss staning post with you "Sancho" all the fun times and the plans we had. I miss you more than words can say. I will keep to my word to you Swanson. I lost my brother out here. I love you and miss you. my heart goes out to your close friends and family.

" Few can only imagen how deep the sacrifices go for the troops in battle. The day to day troubles they proudly go threw so others dont have to. they put thier mind and bodys threw so much everyday to earn the right in blood and flames to say that they served and fought side by side with the best, the best who gave everything."

from post 2 J. Swanson and T. Neal

LCPL Swanson, I'm honorned that had the privledge of serving with you. You were definitley the best Marine I had that that deployment. I could go to you for anything and I did. You helped make all those long days feel short on the Tarawa .
You always made us laugh or just changed our mood for the better.
I will always remeber you.
Hey bebe!

Semper Fi

SSgt McDaniel

I can still remember the look on ur face when u stepped off the plane into Oklahoma! you looked so worried...it look you 2minutes in the car ride back to stillwater with Lo and Ian when you realized this was about to be amazing!! you and Ian came unglued when you found out we threw a party for you. we had so much dang fun together that secret weekend....you and ur shot glass dancing around my living room!! I can't believe half the stuff you did that weekend and I still have all the pictures to prove it!

I'm gonna miss you so dang much Jus. you were amazing. I know Ian misses you so much and when I got that message at 3am I was crushed! ill still rock the country and drink ur shots in ur honor. I miss you so much. rest in peace Jus and don't party to hard up there without me! keep an eye on Ian for me bubba..love you!

ps..you don't even have to ask...we are still tellin ur stories about that weekend. .

LCpl Swanson I am truly honored to have served with you. I got to know you well on our 07-08 deployment . You were my go to guy the Guard Force. I know you were some Else's go to Marine in Afghanistan. That is the kind of Man you were. That is the Marine you are.
You are the best of your generation and the Pride of our Nation. I will never forget.
Hey Bebe!

Semper Fi

SSgt McDaniel

Justin Swanson, I REMEMBER the time he asked my brother if he could go out with me, but my brother said NO, I was so upset because he seemed like a down to earth guy, two months later he left on deployment never saw him again, i still wish i would of rebeled from my brothers answer....Love You J. Swanson May You Rest In Peace

JUSTIN SWANSON WAS AN AMAZING SMART YOUNG MAN WHO TOUCHED THE LIVES OF MANY. HE WAS LIKE A BROTHER TO ME AND SAW ME THROUGH MY GOOD AND BAD TIMES. JUSTIN WAS SO FUNNY N ALWAYS HAD A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, HE NEVER LIKED TO SEE PEOPLE DOWN. HE LOVED MANY PEOPLE; FAMILY, FRIENDS, HIS COUNTRY, AND FELLOW MARINES. I CRIED AND CRIED WHEN I FOUND OUT. IT WAS LIKE A NIGHTMARE I COULD NOT WAKE UP FROM.

"JUSTIN I WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND APPRECIATE YOU. YOU WERE AN AMAZING FRIEND, PROTECTIVE LIKE A BIG BOTHER, AND GAVE THE BEST HUGS. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED".

MY PRAYERS N RESPECTS GO OUT TO ALL HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND SO ON....

-VANESSA S. JAQUEZ
November 16, 2009
12:04 am

I remember when I first met you back in 2006. I made pancakes for you. And you bugged me about giving you extra. From then on you always gave me big hugs where you would pick me up. Then when you came back to see me after you came back from boot camp. You were all decked out in your blues. I was so proud of you.
I miss you Justin<3 You should never have been taken away. May God be with you.

He was one of the best people you could ever know. He was one of the most energetic people you could ever know. I played football with him and he would be the biggest team player in the world and nobody will ever forget the things he did and what he fought for. He was taken from us too early, never forgotten never to leave our hearts. Semper Fi.

I would like to say in behalf of his family here in San Diego. We appreciate all the comments and support you have all given. Our family has had a great loss. And hold a hope for the future and know that we will see Justin again!

After reading all these post. I believe that Justin is the kind of person he was because of those that surrounded him thru the good and bad times. We are truly greatfull for all your comments and prayers.

Please keep them coming!!

Again, Thank You!!!!!!

justin swanson(LNF)for those who know what i mean, served with me out here in helmand province. i remember first meeting him and making fun of his car cause he would ask me" D, push my car so i can jump start it"lol... swanny was a great friend of mine, a great marine, and a great role model out here....... you are truly going to be missed sancho but i know you are watching over us!! love you brother!! my heart goes out to all his family!!! R.I.P bro

WOW!! JUSTIN I MET HIM THROUGH NATASHA SHE WAS ONE OF HIS FRIENDS FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND AFTER HIGH SCHOOL I STOOD FRIENDS WITH JUSTIN HE ALWAYS MANAGED TO PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE NO MATTER WHAT MOOD YOU WOULD BE IN THAT WAS THE KIND OF PERSON HE WAS...I STILL CAN'T BELEIVE THAT JUSTIN IS GONE THE LAST TIME I SAW HIM WAS AT NIKKIS AND LEONS AND HE GAVE ME HIS MILITARY SWEAT SHIRT I WILL CHARRISH IT WITH ALL MY HEART.. JUSTIN YOU ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND THOUGHTS YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN RIP MY FRIEND....

MY PRAYERS GO TO HIS FAMILY....

LAURA CULPS

I just saw you that morning you shook my hand gave me a hug and congradualted me on being promoted. I said thank you and be safe. Your on your journey now. I want you to be safe and bless those you loved.Thank you again.
I want everybody to know that you and gill where the biggest help to me and my platoon in the company office. I thank you yet again for everything that you have given us all of us. You are a warrior who has made the ultimate sacrifice.

SSgt Wesley Payne

I only had the opportunity to meet him the day he deployed with my husband Johnnie... his ice breaker was " gah, when i see you guys together It makes me want to be married!, do you have any single friends that could be interested?!" He was very funny an energetic. My condolences to his family and his friends. :(

I did now know you Justin but you passed away five months after my friend Joshua R Whittle passed away in the same location also by a road side bomb. Also with not even a month counting since you have been in Afghanistan. My heart broke just as much when I heard about your passing though I did not know you. My eyes filled with tears and my heart broke into pieces because yet another great soldier was taken away too soon. I'm going to say a little prayer for you and your family and friends, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifice and hard work and dedication.

Thank you so much and may you rest in peace. <33 tell josh I say hi. :-)

"Devil Dawg"

I am cancelling all plans to be there Saturday. Give those Swabbies Hell up there in Heaven !

Semper Fi,
"Major Pain"

MY FAMILY AND I HAVE KNOWN JUSTIN SWANSON FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS. HE WAS ONLY 11 YEARS OLD WHEN WE MET. HE WAS A CUTE AND FUNNY BOY. HE ACTED LIKE A BIG BROTHER TO JACKIE AND CATHY (MY GIRLS)! WHEN HE WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL HE ANNOUNCED THAT HE WAS JOINING THE MARINES. WE WERE ALL SO PROUD OF HIM AND KNEW HE WOULD BE A BRAVE AND STRONG MARINE! OUR FAMILY MOVED TO INDIANA 4 YEARS AGO AND WE DIDN'T GET TO SEE HIM WHEN HE ENLISTED OR ANYTHING. THANKS TO NIKKI AND FACEBOOK WE HEARD THE HORRIBLE NEWS OF JUSTIN'S DEATH. JUSTIN YOU WILL BE MISSED DEARLY! TO MARY & LES AND FAMILY WE ARE SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR SON AND BROTHER! TO THE U.S.M.C. WE ARE SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR BRAVE MARINE IN COMBAT! JUSTIN WE LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU FOREVER! GOD BLESS YOU! SEE YOU IN HEAVEN! ♥♥LOVE LORI, DAVID, JACKIE & CATHY ROBERTSON♥♥

I met Justin about a month before he deployed to Afghanistan up at base with some friends... the second we got there he had me laughing he was a great guy and i will always remeber the time we shared together! i wish i would have had more time with him but he is in a better place now! you will always be remembered and always loved! R.I.P Justin Swanson♥

Justin..you always knew how to make me smile..and ill never forget our special day together. you made it the best day ever. when i found out what happened i couldnt believe it,even after watching the news and reading all the articles i still couldnt believe it,but i thank you Justin for fighting for us and for being a great friend i miss you..

With deepest sympathy my family offers our condolences to your family. We share your pain and understand what you are going through, our family lost our loved one Lcpl Javier Olvera on August 8, 2009 in Afganistan. Here on earth they served their duty and now they're angels resting in heaven. God will give us strength and even though with time we will never completely heal we'll always have memories to look back on and smile.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone that honored my son yesterday.Those of you that waited for hours for his plane,those that stopped their own lives for a moment to salute as he passed by,
and all of you that have given your condolences to my family and expressed your thanks for his brave service.God bless you all.
Lcpl. Justin Swanson's Mom, Mary

Three years ago I spent three months with Justin in recruit training at MCRD San Diego. It was something that I was privileged and honored to do, and he made a fine squad leader leading from the front with intensity at all times, and encouraging others to do the right thing by leading by example. I know we haven't stayed in touch but I was always on the lookout for you guys while I was in the fleet. Rest in peace man.

I hadnt seen or heard from you in a while and then i heard about what happened. and all the times we hung out came rushing through my mind all at once. I cant believe you are gone. :[ i miss you and may you rest in peace. I will never forget you.

Love you Justin

The hardest thing I have ever had to do...
Losing you...

I love you!

Justin and I went to buena park high school, every day I saw him he always looked so serious and was a very happy person. He had a lot of respect for everyone no matter who they were. God bless him! We will always have you in our heart bro. See you on the other side.

-Matt Meadows

I didn't know Justin. He graduated from Buena Park High School with my son. Last Sunday morning I was reading the paper and my son walked by and grabbed it out of my hand - he kept saying, no way, no way - over and over again.
In todays times and with our children fighting for our freedom, this is a very sad time for all. Thank you Justin for protecting all of us here in the United States. You were taken too early. My deepest sympathy to your family and friends, especially your Mom - I can't imagine the pain. God Bless!

To Justin's family--thank you for bringing your son into the world to represent freedom at it's utmost cost--a life. May G-d comfort you as you grieve--may G-d provide arms to embrace you with hugs and ears to listen to the wonderful stories you have to share.
Love you through Christ.

Devil Dog, your story motivates me and makes me want to go back to out there. Unfortunately youve joined the ranks in heaven with more of our brothers. I rather you all were here. Thanks for reminding me why I love the Marines so much. Rest in Peace Brother. I know youre guarding heavens gates.

Sgt V, USMC

Myself and Corporal John Lee were platoonmates with Justin Swanson. He was absolutely the most motivated and most passionate about becoming a U.S. Marine in the platoon. He had a certain quality about him that attracted numerous friends and I certainly am honored to have known him for those short 3 months in boot camp.

Lance Corporal Justin Swanson...Semper Fidelis.

Justin J. Swanson you we're the best boyfriend i ever had(: you are a very special person, so full of joy and always willing to do anything no matter what...I want to thank you for what you did for our country without ppl like you this country would'nt be like it is now...ILY and I miss you so much.. i send my condolences out to your mother and family....As you enter Heaven you will say to god' ANOTHER MARINE REPORTING SIR, I DID MY TIME IN HELL...

Justin:
i Apologize for not being able to be there to receive you. Duty did not allow me to do so. I pray for you, for you to be safe and happy in heaven. Last time i saw you man, was at the fair last year, it was a night to remember, knowing that it was the last day i saw my friend, my brother, my hero. You will be missed man. I always wanted to take you and Danny to Azusa, you would have loved it dawg, but dont worry man. I will take you. when my time comes, ima take you man. thats a promise. May you rest in peace Justin. You will always be loved and remmebered by everyone.

To the Swanson Family,

I was Justin's wrestling coach at Buena Park High School. He was a part of a club we called the "Get-tough-club." As I was trying to break us with intense workouts, he would motivate the group and say, "This ain't nothin baby!" His smile was contageous and his joy was infectious. I didn't see him for years until one day I was at Camp Pendleton and saw him in uniform. "SWANSON?! What the..." I could recognize that face and smile from a mile away. I gave him a big hug and he said to me, "Coach! What's up Sir!? So you think you can beat me now?" (as he flexed and showed me how much bigger he had gotten). I laughed and said, "I will always be able to kick your butt." I took a picture with him that day. I saw him one last time in February 09', which will not be the last time I see him.

Your son will be missed and never forgotten. Our country maintains its freedom through men like Justin. Freedom is never free and I am sorry for your loss.

To Justin, I will not say GOODBYE; but rather, see you soon in heaven Brother!

Semper Fidelis!

LT(FMF)Ryan B. Bareng
2nd Battalion, 4th Marines
"The Magnificent Bastards"
Chaplain

TO THE SWANSON FAMILY,

GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN THE TIME OF YOUR LOSS. I COULD NOT EVEN IMAGINE WHAT HIS MOTHER HAS GONE THRU. BUT FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND FAMILY.
VELMA DELAROSA

justin! thank you for everything u have done for me..we have had some great times..i love you!! rest in peace!!! god bless u!

Hey Justin this is gill, I had to find out what happened to us from my wife because I could not remember myself. When I heard about you I cried. I still cry when I think about you. Everyone who knew us knew we were brothers. God rest your soul Justin, I'll always love you with all oft heart. Swanson fily I just wanted you to know that Justin wast 2 year old daughters god uncle. That's how great of aan he was. Finally at home now, although my neck is broken, I cry for you every night.

Justin, you were a great person and will forever be missed. You impacted every person you came into contact with and I hope you realized how much you were truly loved by your Family and Friends. It still seems so surreal that you are no longer walking the Earth with us but you are in a much better place and God had other plans for you. May you rest in peace for all of eternity!
Via Con Dios!

Justin, Although I never had the chance to meet you I know that you touched many people, especially my son Cpl. Marcus W. Gill. Marcus was with you in the Humvee the day you died and I think a part of Marcus died that day as well. Every time I would talk to Marcus during his deployment I would hear your name. Marcus loved you and will miss you a lot. You two will be together again though in Heaven and I look forward to meeting you when God brings me home. Thank you for your service and for protecting our freedom.

Blessings to you and your family.

Hey swanny. I just wanted to say hi. You and I have always been bEen brothers & always will be. I was always in your vehicle since day one and it was still just you and me in your truck when it happened. Thank god that gunny and sinks got out. My mom left a comment on here saying that a small part of me died in that day in the humvee we both were in, but a large part of me died in that vehicle with you man. I sometimes close my eyes and wake up in the truck with you. I love you Swanson. You have been a brother to me.

i knew him since junior high school he was a little scrawny dude but then we got to high school and he had changed so much he always worked really hard getting into shape...he was a pretty cool guy and i am sure he is very missed...

Hey swanny...It's gill again. I just wanted you to know that not a day goes by that I don't think of you and miss you terribly. I still haven't quite com to grasp with what happened yet. Like I said I sometimes close my eyes and go back to us singing and workin on 152's while drivin. I loved being your vehicle commander Swanson. I always have. If it were up to me I wouldn't of had it any other way. For those of you who don't know me my name is cpl gill. I was the only other person physically in the vehicle with Swanson when we hit the I.e.d.. I broke my neck completely in half and recieved other injuries. I would very much appreciate it if anyone that knew Justin would call me on my cell. I have no one to talk to that can relate. The platoon we were both in is still gone. They'll be home soon. Please pray for 1/5 h&s co hqt plt/guardforce 1. Thank you Justin for opening my heart and being such a great.

I didnt know jutin that well but he always seemed happy no matter what. lol! i graduated in 09 so i was like a freshman when he was a senior, but he was definitely a good guy with good positive energy no doubt! ! !!!!!!. He is in a better place forsure. :) <3

I just found out a few hours ago about what happend to Swanson and Gill, I would like to say that Swanson was a very bright person had a very unique and upbeat personality I remember him from the days on the USS Tarawa and the conversations we would get into, I am deeply sadden by what happend to him his family will be in my prayers. Aderemi Dudley

its really hard for someone to die. But REMEMBER when a marine dies: he always dies bravely. We thank him for his service to our country. I hope he's in heaven right now. Im not related to him at all, but i love the marines. I'm a 13 year-old and im going to join the marines as an officer one day. I hope every soldier in afghanistan is ok right now.

SEMPER FI!!!
OOOOOOH- RAH!!!!