Jesse W Stites - OurWarHeroes.org - Tribute sites by Q Madp

Jesse W Stites

North Beach, Maryland

January 19, 2012

Age

Military

Rank

Unit/Location

Marine

Cpl

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force

Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

Killed while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Marine Cpl. Jesse W. Stites honored in dignified transfer Jan. 23
Posted 1/23/2012 Updated 1/23/2012

1/23/2012 - A U.S. Marine Corps carry team transfers the remains of Marine Cpl. Jesse W. Stites, of North Beach Md., at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Jan. 23, 2012. Stites was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. (U.S. Air Force photo/Steve Kotecki)

Cpl. Jesse W. Stites, 23, of Florida died January 19 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. They were assigned toMarine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He was part of the Lucky Red Lions helicopter squadron HMH-363. The unit deployed last August to southern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and is set to return home in March. The unit's mission is to provide assault support, transport Marines and critical supplies, as well as equipment during expeditionary operations. Jesse was born to John and Carol Stites. He grew up and attended school in Interlachen, Florida graduating high school in 2006. After graduation Jesse enlisted in the United States Marines Corps on January 14, 2008. On October 11, 2008 Jesse was united in marriage to Kristin Schwalenberg. The couple has proudly continued to serve their country. Jesse was serving his 2nd deployment to Afghanistan, and was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He was a CH-53D crew chief who had been with the "Red Lions" since March of 2009. Jesse has earned many awards while serving; three Air Medals, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism, Service Medal, NATO ISAF Medal, Expert Pistol, and Expert Rifle. He was part of the Lucky Red Lions helicopter squadron HMH-363. Jesse's unit was set to return home in March of 2012. Their mission is to provide assault support, transport Marines and critical supplies, as well as equipment during expeditionary operations. When Jesse had free time he enjoyed going to the beach, working out, and playing Call of Duty on xbox. His ambitions and dreams were to take a three month vacation with his wife to Europe, move to Fullerton, California, and begin a family while owning a pub and finishing his bachelor's degree. Survivors include his wife, Kristin; mother, Carol "Ski" Stites; siblings, Angel Borgers, Donna Naterelli, and Shaun Tullar; and grandmother, Carol Lamere. He was preceded in death by his father, John Stites; and grandparents. Published in the 'Des Moines Register' on February 5, 2012.