TRAVERSE CITY —
Federal officials identified the location where a local Marine was killed while fighting in Afghanistan.
Marine Corps Sgt. Justin M. Hansen died around 6 p.m. Tuesday evening while conducting combat operations in the northern province of Badghis, the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command confirmed late Wednesday. 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. Major Jeff Landis of MARSOC said no other injuries were reported.
Hansen joined the Marines in June 2005. While attending the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, Calif., he was selected for the Basic Reconnaissance Course in Coronado, Calif., 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. Hansen joined MARSOC in June 2009.
Hansen was serving his second tour of duty for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and also served a tour in Iraq. He's been decorated with a Purple Heart, two Combat Action Ribbons and two Good Conduct Medals. Hansen also was a parachutist and earned a brown belt in the Corps' Martial Arts Program.
Local funeral services for Hansen are pending.
Region
Officials provide more details on local Marine's death
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