09-07-2006
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County Executive
We are the ones we've been waiting for.
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Member Since: Feb 2005
Location: California
Posts: 382
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Re: The Iraq Page, RIP soldiers
 
Philip Alexander Johnson
Quote:
ENFIELD - Philip Alexander Johnson realized a childhood dream by joining the U.S. Marine Corps after his graduation from Enfield High School last year, and it showed in the pride and maturity he displayed on a visit home.
"He stood tall with his shoulders back and his hair cut military-style," Ron Jackman, a family friend, said today. "You could tell he was doing what he wanted."
Lance Cpl. Johnson was killed near one of Iraq's most dangerous cities Sunday morning, less than two months after arriving in the war-torn nation.
He died with one other Marine as his unit was traveling from Ramadi, Jackman said.
Ramadi, about 70 miles west of Baghdad, is patrolled by hundreds of Marines. The Marines are confined to bases during the day and return to the streets at night. Daytime foot patrols are limited because of the threat of snipers and roadside bombs.
Jackman said Johnson apparently was killed in a roadside attack. His parents, Louis and Kathy Johnson, were notified by the military Sunday night.
Johnson was the younger of their two children. His 25-year-old sister is a member of the Army Reserves, Jackman said.
Johnson was remembered by many as a young man with goals and a drive to help people.
"All he wanted to do was be in the Marine Corps," childhood friend Jordan Meyer said. "I'm really proud of him. He's one person who actually did what they said they were going to do in life."
Kevin Verheggen, another childhood friend, said Johnson was outgoing and popular.
"Everybody liked him," Verheggen said today. Verheggen, 22, said Johnson's death has been difficult to grasp.
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