Justin Hansen

Sgt. Justin M. Hansen, age 26, of Traverse City, Michigan, died on July 24, 2012, while conducting combat operations in Badghis province, Afghanistan. He was shot by insurgents during a security patrol. 

He was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. 

Justin was a 2003 graduate of Kingsley High School, where he played football. 

He joined the Marines in June of 2005. While attending the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, California, he was selected for the Basic Reconnaissance Course in Coronado, California, where he graduated in 2006. His first duty station was 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, where he deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. He joined MARSOC in June of 2009. 

Saint Anthony of Padua
pray for Justin

Justin was also a parachutist and earned a brown belt in the Corps' Martial Arts Program. 

This was his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He had previously served a tour in Iraq. 

Friends describe Justin as a full of energy and always up for something new. It was also stated that he was committed to whatever he was engaged in - always giving 110 percent. 

His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, two Combat Action Ribbons and two Good Conduct Medals. 

Justin is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his father, Rick Hansen. 

Let us pray that Justin Hansen is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen