Our walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Marine Cpl. Johnathan Lee Benson, Age 21 of North Branch, MN.
KIA Sep. 9, 2006
Company K,
3rd Battalion,
1st Marine Division
Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Johnathan died in a Texas hospital from injuries he received from a road side bomb while serving his country in Iraq.
John had been wounded by a roadside bomb June 17 during his second tour of duty in Iraq. He was in rough shape and feeling down one day, uncharacteristic for the usually upbeat young man. One of his superiors visiting him that day asked him, “John, are you still a Marine?” “Sir! Yes, sir! I will always be a Marine!” he responded. “I will live as a Marine, and I will die as a Marine!” Johnathan was the youngest of six children, an enthusiastic young man with an infectious smile, with a prankster’s heart and a love for adventure. When he was injured, he was two months away from completing his second tour of duty in Iraq. He joined the Marines in 2003 after graduating from North Branch Area High School. He played sports and acted in high school plays, strummed a guitar well and knew how to make people laugh. He joined the Marines, because he saw them as the best.
When I decided to walk with Johnathan I did not know he was a foster child. I did not find that out till later after talking with his mother. We participated in an event today that was to help foster kids and their families. This was meant to be.
We had a great 7.11 mile walk today. Our first stop was the War Memorial Park down town and then before heading to the Fairgrounds for the event we made a stop at the 9/11 Memorial. The event was amazing. We got to visit with lots of heroes and we got our photo taken with the Young Marines. They are amazing. It was nice talking to so many people and telling them about CPL Benson’s story. The support we received today was breath taking. We had 331 honks today. We thank you so much for all the honks Helping me honor this hero.
Marine Cpl. Johnathan Lee Benson will not be forgotten !
Side note: They had a drawing for a Bicycle Trike and we had bought some tickets several weeks ago and we won. It was amazing. Thank you !
