U.S. Marine Master Sgt. Aaron C. Torian, 36, died Feb. 15 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan from injuries he suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated.
The Department of Defense reports Torian was assigned to 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Torian grew up in Paducah, Kentucky. He joined the Marine Corps in 2003. A decorated Marine, he was named the Division NCO of the Year for 2005. Upon learning of his award, Torian told 2nd Marine Division public affairs:
βIt feels great to be representing my unit. Itβs like representing my hometown, because here in Camp Lejeune, Recon Battalion is my hometown.β
According to the Marine Corps Times, Torian was on his sixth combat deployment when he was killed.
He leaves behind a wife and three children.
Torian's mother, Esta Smith, talked to Kentucky television station WPSD-TV after learning of her son's death. I've posted that interview up top.
