https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/ The latest user comments on Justin J. Swanson en-us https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c196235 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c196235 Swanson, may how the times have flown by. Gunny is still alive and kicking; somehow - he and I have never lost touch. I talked to your cousin Sarah the other day; she is doing really well too. I have come to you this 2018 memorial day weekend to say hi, to pay my respects and to say that, still, not a day goes by that i dont speak your name. I wear your name on me everyday of my life, wherever I go whatever I do - no matter what. Almost ten years later, you are still the symbol of pride I have deeply ingrained inside of me and can only hope to one day become more alike. I can still only hope to be half as a great a man as you once were. The privilege I have had of serving with such amazing men such as yourself has given me reason to never give up, to never settle and to always "keep-going"; no matter what. Some of our platoon have committed suicide since November 10th 2009. What happened that day seemingly tore apart the lives of a lot of people we both knew. Pray for your family and friends - that they never forget the love they once shared for eachother. I miss you everyday and can only wish you were here to revel in all my accomplishments you've helped motivate me to do. I finally graduated from college - the University of Southern California; although I came out more conservative than I was when I started. I am handling bomb dogs again; the very thing that could have saved us. Perhaps it is my way of repaying that debt to you. I will never forget Lance Corporal Justin James Swanson - for he was a man that stood tall among boys. You were a light for everyone around you then and now. Keep shining brother. Your laughter and smile have touched us all. I'll see you someday - just like Gunny said, have the beers and darts ready bro! Sun, 27 May 2018 07:44:15 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c193178 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c193178 Still think of you every day brother. God bless Mon, 16 Oct 2017 08:42:23 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c183583 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c183583 I am swannies British cousin, I met Justin once in about 98 when me and my dad travelled to California to visit family, My dad and Les (Justin's dad )were fond of golf so we went to go and play but unfortunately Justin was very sick and we had to return him home . I remember him being friendly but sad and I got the impression his life wasn't very easy from what I saw at the time . After reading every message and shedding many tears I see that Justin excelled himself in life and that he is the epitome of a hero :) Love to you who knew him and remember he would want you to smile and dance around in celebration of his life :) Cuz May you rest in eternal peace! In the beauty of the kingdom ;) Wed, 02 Mar 2016 09:44:15 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c180725 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c180725 To those who know me. Know where my name came from. It was while we were in infantry school. Given to me by my close friend Justin Swanson. We had gone thru boot camp together and our bond was forged in the recruite Depot and in hills of Camp Pendleton. I remember no matter how much pain we seem to be faced with he would have a smile. He loved it! It's just the type of guy I knew him to be. Always upbeat and high spirited. I know it's the love he received from his family and friends that kept him that way. All the way til the end. So when I think about you "Swannie'" I smile at the crazy stunts we pull just to pass time and the friendship we shared. Till Valhalla. My brother. Mon, 15 Jun 2015 05:59:08 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c170870 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c170870 Justin, here we are almost five years later. Man, where has the time gone? Would you have still gone over if you knew what was coming? I don't know if I would. I say again, almost five years later. Here I am now at 26 years old, half way through school, and living on the beach; I say it isn't fair. I am living my life how come you cant live yours? I still cry for you brother. I still read these posts from time to time as it is as close as I can come until God brings me home. In case you were wondering, I am doing better. I have a wonderful girlfriend now. I talk about you all the time; wish you could meet her. Someday! Turns out college isn't so bad after all. They're treating me alright. But lets rewind a couple of years back to a comment my mother left. A big part of me did die that day. A part of me I usually don't think about that often, but a part I remember I'll never get back when the day comes around. I love you bro, I promised you I would never forget you. I mean that. I'll take it to the grave. You will always be my hero. My kids look up to me, but I look up to you. Thank you for your selflessness, your courage, and bravery. I can only hope to be a man of such color. Semper Fi brother, make peace or die! p.s. if anyone Ive served with reads this and whats to get in touch feel free to email me at marcuswgill@yahoo.com Sun, 09 Nov 2014 01:57:49 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c137561 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c137561 hi kelli, its me dante. i never met justin but i send my condolences. p.s. happy veterans day. i heard he died yesterday :( Mon, 11 Nov 2013 05:45:00 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c129580 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c129580 I was Justin's teacher for at least half of his high school career. I cannot put into words how special this young man was to me and everyone who knew him. I saw so much potential in Justin. His loss devastated so many of us. I am now a principal and drive past his burial site every school day. I touch my right fist to my heart for Justin each morning when I drive by. I have served thousands of students in my career... I will never understand a loss like this one. Tue, 27 Aug 2013 10:40:42 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c67554 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c67554 Justin i cant believe u are gone my prayers are with u u were a amazing friend u were funny a caring friend dam i still cant believe u are gone no one told me anything about your lost u will always be remembered much love brenda meza Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:51:59 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c67044 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c67044 Swanny...again not a day goes by that you are not on my mind. I miss you terribly. This thing that i have become; this monster inside of me the devil that comes from within, scares me more and more everyday. What happened Nov 10th 2009? What part of me is missing? Amidst overseas...i hate myself. I need you back, so i can cease the leakage of my soul that comes and brides through my eyes...i need someone. Someone to help me reverse this inadequate demeanor before its too late...can this be turned around? I have become more in touch with a side of life that consists of such darkness, its as though the devil himself reached up and touched all 4 of us that day himself...help me rid this brand, this intrusively simmering stamp thats been seered into my skin and molded in my mind...help me Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:12:17 -0800 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c48668 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/justin-j-swanson/#c48668 man i know its been alittle over a year but i just wanted to say thanks justin since freshman year you have pushed the mess out of me. but im joinin like you did i hope to make you proud brahh. rip BPHS football 09 J.price Sat, 26 Mar 2011 06:46:07 -0700