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  • Sgt. Justin Hansen

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  • A sign honoring Kingsley native and Marine Corps Sgt. Justin Hansen stands along U.S. 31 south of Traverse City Thursday. Sgt. Hansen was killed during combat actions Tuesday in northern Afghanistan. Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump

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July 27, 2012

Location of Marine's death identified

By Bill O'Brien bobrien@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Federal officials identified the location where a local Marine died while fighting in Afghanistan.

Marine Corps Sgt. Justin M. Hansen died Tuesday at about 6 p.m. while conducting combat operations in the northern province of Badghis, the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command stated. Hansen grew up in Kingsley and graduated from Kingsley High School in 2003.

Authorities wouldn't disclose details, but family members said Hansen was shot twice while sweeping a home on security patrol. Marine Corps Maj. Jeff Landis said no other injuries were reported.

Hansen joined the Marines in June 2005. He attended the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and was selected for the Basic Reconnaissance Course in Coronado, Calif., where he graduated in 2006.

His first duty station was the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, where he deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Hansen joined Special Operations Command in June 2009.

Hansen was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, and also served a tour in Iraq. He received a Purple Heart, two Combat Action Ribbons and two Good Conduct Medals. Hansen also was a Corps parachutist and earned a brown belt in the Corps' Martial Arts Program.

Hansen's family was scheduled to travel to Dover, Md. today to make arrangements to return Hansen's body to northern Michigan. Local funeral services are pending.

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