Remembering SPC Justin Pellerin – KIA August 20, 2009 in Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the 2^nd Battalion, 87^th Infantry Regiment, 3^rd Brigade Combat Team, 10^th Mountain Division at Ft Drum, NY.  He joined the Army in 2007 and was serving as an Infantryman.

Justin graduated from Concord High School and had an interest in the military.  He joined the Army in 2007.  He left for a tour of duty to Afghanistan in January 2009 and he was to return the following December.  Justin married Chelsey, his high school sweetheart and “the love of his life” in July 2008.  The couple planned to move to New York upon his return in December 2009.  Josh Bisson, friend and best man at his wedding, described Justin as a funny man who loved American muscle cars and had decided to join the military in hopes of “doing something good” for other people.  “He’d give the shirt off his back for anyone,” Bisson said.  “Everyone he met he was friends with.  He had no rough edges, everybody loved him.”

Justin was very outgoing and fun loving and enjoyed spending time with his family playing games, bowling, and singing karaoke.  He also loved to explore the outdoors, fishing, and playing golf.  He had a passion for music, electronics and cars.

Louis Chouinard, Justin’s grandfather, said the young soldier “had it in his mind that he wanted to make a difference, so that’s why he did what he did.”  “He was just a great kid.”

Justin always took pride in what he did.  Chelsey remembers his excitement in receiving the Combat Infantryman Badge, getting promoted to the rank of Specialist, and becoming a team leader within his unit.

Though he took his service seriously, he was still his usual lighthearted self and he managed to keep a sense of humor in Afghanistan.  For Chelsey, his influence will always live on through changes he inspired in her.  With him, she learned “to be myself, to be strong, to respect myself,” she said.  “We always said, “I love you” and “be safe” and we never said “goodbye”.  “To love and be loved is the greatest gift a heart can know.  I feel so lucky to have Justin to love.”