He was just 19-years-old, and his parents' only child. Lance Cpl. Jordan S. Bastean was killed Sunday in Helmand Province, Afghanistan while conducted combat operations, according to the Department of Defense. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment at Twentynine Palms.
The Pekin Daily Times, Bastean's hometown newspaper, reports he was the only child of Kathy Bastean and Steve Bastean. His family released the following statement:
“We are in shock. Jordan was a joy, and this tragedy has hit hard. Honestly, this news has left us numb and confused."
Friends and family left messages for the fallen Marine on his Facebook page. Bastean's girlfriend, Courtney Anglin, wrote this message for her beloved:
i love you so much i will never forget you you will always be in my heart know matter what babe i love you ♥ you made me feel like a different person when i was around you, you made me the happiest person:) and you will be missed I LOVE YOU
Peoria, Illinois television station WMBD put together the following report on Bastean, and what he meant to his community. Click here to watch.
