Marine 1st Lt. Michael E. Johnson
Death: Sep 08, 2009
of Virginia Beach Va.; assigned to 7th Communications Battalion 3rd Marine Headquarters Group III Marine Expeditionary Force Okinawa Japan; Died Sept. 8 while supporting combat operations in Kunar province Afghanistan. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick and Gunnery Sgt. Edwin W. Johnson Jr. Enjoyed outdoor activities The Associated Press Michael E. Johnson and his wife once made a deal: He would teach her to surf if she taught him how to snowboard. That love for nature is what brought Johnson to Oregon for college and kept him there. “He was all about doing stuff outdoors traveling around hiking” said his uncle Greg Chase. He grew up in Virginia Beach Va. working at surf shops and swimming pools. But Johnson eventually was lured to Oregon State University while visiting friends and family in the state. His wife Durinda also loved to be active and the two married in an outdoor ceremony in 2007. They moved to Okinawa when he was stationed there setting up a home and adopting a couple of pets. Then he was sent to Afghanistan. Johnson25 was killed Sept. 8 in Kunar province Afghanistan during an insurgent attack. He had graduated from OSU in 2006 where he was in the Marine ROTC. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant the same day he graduated. “He was just a hard-working dedicated kid” Chase said. Johnson is survived by his wife; parents; a twin brother Dan and brother Steve.Operation Enduring Freedom