Soldier Honored: Jason D. Mann

USMC First Lieutenant Jason D. Mann, 29, of Woodlynne, New Jersey, was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 6^th Marines, 24^th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and served during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On July 17, 2008, 1stLt Mann died from a non-hostile incident in Garmsir, Afghanistan when the roof of a building collapsed on him.

A 1997 graduate of Collingswood High School, 1stLt Mann enlisted in the Marines the same year. In 2005, he graduated from his Marine Corps officer’s class with top honors. He also spent two years in military classrooms learning Arabic and subsequently served as an Arabic linguist in a reconnaissance unit, which is the Marine special forces. 1stLt Mann’s awards and decorations included the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Good Conduct Medals, and the Iraq Campaign Medal for his service and sacrifice.

“He absolutely loved his country, definitely believed in what he was doing and wanted his family to be strong,” said his brother William Mann. “He loved the decisions he was making and continued on his path, but he was torn between family and country. His wife and child were his top priority; at the same time, he was a true Marine. His wife, a fellow Marine, understood and stood behind him.” 1stLt Mann’s hobbies included running, competing in triathlons, crew, bowling, snowboarding, football, softball, hockey and spending time with family and friends.

1stLt Mann’s wife, Shannon, and daughter are Folds of Honor Scholarship recipients.