Family and friends remember NH Marine killed in Afghanistan

TEMPLE, N.H. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Friends and family are remembering Lance Corporal Brandon Garabrant after his life was cut short in Afghanistan, when he and two other Americans assigned to a NATO security force were killed by a roadside bomb.

"He was just such a good guy. And the world's one person less bright because of him," said Isabella Martin, a former coworker.

At just 19 years old, with his whole life ahead of him, Lance Cpl. Garabrant was killed serving the country he loved so much.

"He loved America and he loved being of service," Martin said.

News of his death has devastated the small town of Temple, N.H., where he was a volunteer firefighter.

"I walked up the hill and saw a flag at half mast, and so I just really kinda lost it," said George Clark, the chief of Temple's volunteer fire department.

The chief says Garabrant started volunteering when he was just 16 years old, and even then, knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life.

"I think that's what made him such a special man," Clark said. "He knew whether it be in the military, being a firefighter, he always wanted to help people."

Garabrant graduated from ConVal Regional High School in Peterborough, N.H. just last year. He wanted to wear his Marine uniform to graduation, but school officials wouldn't allow it.

He also worked part time at Touchstone Farm in Temple, N.H., where Martin, his boss, said he would do anything for anybody.

"He was just one of those good guys that got up every morning wanting to make the world a better place," she said.

But for so many in this small New Hampshire town, the world has lost a hero - taken from them much too soon.

"I know he went in knowing it might be that he had to pay the ultimate sacrifice," she said. "And I'm just so sad it ended the way it did."

Clark, the fire chief, said  Garabrant's mother is in Delaware, where his remains will be flown in later this week.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen released the following statement Friday: "Lance Corporal Brandon Garabrant was a hero in every sense of the word. He valiantly served our country and epitomized the bravery and sacrifice of every member of our armed forces, for which we will be forever grateful. I join the entire state of New Hampshire in extending my thoughts and prayers to his family and his loved ones."

Cox Media Group