Yucca Valley mourns, honors fallen sailor

Courtesy Photo | Brian Mullins and his wife, Brandi, receive the American Flag in honor of Mullins’ brother Petty Officer 3rd Class James M. Swink, a Yucca Valley native who gave his life while serving as a hospital corpsman with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Swink was laid to rest on his 21st birthday at the Arlington National Cemetery, Sept.8.  

YUCCA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

09.24.2010

Courtesy Story

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

By Lance Cpl. William J. Jackson

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. - It was a solemn evening for the Yucca Valley community as they gathered to mourn one of their own, a fallen sailor who made the ultimate sacrifice serving his country.

Petty Officer 3rd Class James Swink, a Yucca Valley native, died, Aug. 27, while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Swink was a hospital corpsman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, based out of Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Swink was laid to rest, Sept. 8, on his 21st birthday at the Arlington National Cemetery.

"Petty Officer 3rd Class James Swink was a dedicated sailor who gave his all while serving our country," said California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in a press release dated, Aug. 31. "His service and sacrifice in the name of freedom will forever be appreciated and remembered. Maria and I extend our deepest condolences to James' family, friends and community as they mourn this terrible loss."

The Yucca Valley High School Gym filled up slowly as family and friends waited for their hero's memorial service to start.

"I'm sorry I didn't get to know the man, but I know the type," said Navy Cmdr. Steven Unger, the Combat Center's command chaplain of the religious ministries department, during the invocation. "I'm proud of him."

Soon after, the stage was set for Brian Mullins, Swink's brother, who spoke on his family's behalf.

"August 27, 2010, is the day my brother [Petty Officer 3rd Class] James Michael Swink laid down his life for the country he loved," Mullins said.

Mullins went on to paint the picture of his brother as a man who always had an extra pair of hands and a compassionate heart for those who needed help.

He volunteered with Project Ride, a program that provides special needs children and adults therapeutic and recreational horseback riding sessions, Mullins said. This was a perfect example that described his brother's innate desire to help people even before enlisting in the Navy, he said.

Swink's friends portrayed him as a "fun-loving" and vibrant personality.

"He was full of life, he could get you to do anything," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin Critelli, a shipmate and friend of Swink.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of the American Flag to Mullins in honor of the sacrifice Swink made for his country. Mullins thanked his family, friends and the Armed Services for the support Swink's loved ones received during the "rollercoaster of emotions" they experienced since learning of Swink's death.

Almost as somber as the crowd trickled in, the attendees slowly made their way out, offering their condolences and support to the family of a local hero.

• Date Taken: 09.24.2010
• Date Posted: 09.24.2010 13:31
• Story ID: 56921
• Location: YUCCA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, US