Johnathan and I were never close. We went to elementary school together and high school.

I actually saw him in boot camp too. Small world. 

We are both Marines once and always. He is my brother in service. 

I hate losing my brothers and sisters in this way. 

To his family and friends. He is probably on duty guarding Heavens gate as it is always our duty to be protectors as Marines. I don't need to know the man personally, to relate to the loss is brings you. While we lose the man in body Heaven gains another one of the finest warriors and protectors. Know he is watching and still protecting you. 

Semper Fi. 

Jon IS such an incredible man.  He served two tours in Afghanistan as a Sniper (the most dangerous of all jobs!) and then three an half years as a police officer.  He has always been a hero in our family.  Since he was a baby, he has been in my prayers.  What a precious man he IS.  I remember when he started learning to play the bagpipes.  It seemed he learned it with ease.  I told him that I wanted him to play them at my funeral.  Now, I guess he will be playing them as I enter heaven.  We can all comment on that contagious smile of his…what a smile!  Now, he is smiling a lot in Heaven.

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 It is not by works that we enter heaven (read Ephesians 2;8-9).  To do so would make Christ’s death meaningless (Galatians 2:21; Romans 11:6;).   Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life, those who believe in me even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this? (John 11:25-26).

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Jon gave his life to Christ when he was in Afghanistan.  Was he perfect?  No (I’m certainly not!).  Thankfully, our past, present, and future sins were what Christ cleansed, while on the Cross.  So, all who come to Him, will not be turned away.  Look at the thief on the cross.  He didn’t have time to become a good person,  Yet Jesus promised he would be with him in paradise (Luke :42-43).  Look at Peter.  Jesus said to him,”Get behind me Satan!” (Matthew 16:23).  Elsewhere, he was teaching what could be called heresy.  The apostle Paul had to confront him (Galatians 2:11-14).  In the Bible, there are so many imperfect people who were heaven bound.  How about you—are you heaven-bound?  Have you surrendered to Christ?  If Jon could come back, he would plead with you to do so.  Just be reassured, Jon IS very much alive.   “He is away from the body and at home with the Lord.”   (Second Corinthians 5:8).