Anyone who chooses to troll, flame, or make ignorant comments will be ignored or reported. This is a small memorial to an American Marine.


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So I guess we went to grade school together and high school and we're distantish cousins in a small town. You're my brother's age. So you were one of those JROTC kids that yes, I called a Pickle in the hallway every once in a while, but only when I was made fun of for showchoir. So you enlisted in the Marine Corps right after you graduated highschool last summer.

I know that you and my brother were tight, and then you became buds with my kid sister as well. I know that you skyped with them while you were at Twenty-Nine Palms quite a bit, Mom still talks about it. Mom talks about all of her memories of you lately, I think she's trying to force herself to remember before those things short circuit out.

I have stories from everyone about you right now, and I want to write them all down, maybe even have some of my artist friends help me create a memorial comic to give to your mom.

She's a great lady, Jordan. Raised you by yourself after your dad bailed when you were little. Gave my brother shit for showing up to your visitation covered in grease...I think you wanted to prove a point because this morning when he went to start your truck to put it in the procession, the starter was dead...and he had to go buy a new one to put it in to drive to the church JUST barely in time. After the guns went off at graveside, and your friend Lundy had been dismissed from being your private escort, your mom and all your close friends laughed at the fact that my brother had literally sat in church smeared with rust and grease, because he PROMISED that your truck would be where it needed to be. We will continue to take care of the damned death trap truck, and your mother.

I can't believe that you were deployed for less than a month to Afghanistan. Jordan, I am one of thousands from this small town...I am proud of you for everything you stood for. The values and the people you loved will live on and honor your memory until the very end. Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice October 23rd, in Helmand Province. Thank you for telling my parents that you knew the risks but were going to make a stand for what you believe in. Yes, I'm using the correct tense in that. Believe.

This morning, I said goodbye to a young Marine. 19 years old. While I may not support the war, I stand behind our troops proudly and display my American flag. I still say the pledge of allegiance, I sing the national anthem, and I know the anthems of our various service branches. It may not be cool and you may not agree with me, but that's why this country is so wonderful. We don't have to agree.

So you little redneck punk prankster... Thank you, Lance Corporal Jordan Bastean. Your service, sacrifice and love will never be forgotten.

Semper Fi, Jordan.




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To the handful of friends I had told prior to this, thank you for your quiet strength. I did not want a baw-fest this past week when I needed to be there for my family.