Marine Sgt. Jesse Strong, son of Rev. Nathan and Vicki Strong of Albany, Vermont, was killed in action in Iraq on January 26, 2005, along with three other young Marines, as a result of an ambush attack on his convoy when a rocket-propelled grenade struck the open-top Humvee they were riding in.

Jesse grew up in a small town in northern Vermont, was home-schooled all the way through high school, had many interests and talents, played several sports, and was well liked throughout his community. He held several leadership positions before graduating from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, in 2003 and went on to attend Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, NC, until his Marine unit was activated to go to Iraq in the summer of 2004. Jesse had joined the Marines in a desire to become a better man, to serve his country and to help pay for college. He graduated from Marine boot camp two weeks before September 11, 2001.

At the age of three, Jesse knelt by his bed one night and asked Jesus into his heart to be his Savior. As he grew into manhood he never turned away from his relationship with Christ, and his desire to know Him more continued to strengthen. As a result of his visible faith and walk with the Lord, Jesse’s fellow Marines made him honorary chaplain of their platoon, and he often led them in prayer (including before the mission that night) and talked with them about finding eternal life through complete faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesse’s short life made a lasting impact for Christ and His kingdom, and although his family, relatives and friends miss him terribly, they find comfort and strength knowing that Jesse is safely home in the arms of the Savior he knew and loved.

— written by Jesse’s mom