Marine of the Week // Raider Leader

MARINE OF THE WEEK // RAIDER LEADER:

Master Sgt. Aaron Torian
2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion
Afghanistan, Jan. 29, 2014
Award: Bronze Star Medal w/ Combat “V”

During a combat operation in Afghanistan, Master Sgt. Torian’s unit came under heavy machine gun and underslung grenade-launcher fire. Maneuvering across open terrain, Torian exposed himself to enemy fire in order to establish better satellite communications and observe the enemy’s maneuvers. He then effectively coordinated multiple rotary-wing close air support missions with rockets, guns, and a hellfire missile. Two weeks later, he was killed in action. “What I admire most about Aaron was his relentless, competitive spirit; unrivaled work capacity and zest for life, family and friends,” said Charlie Goodyear, a long-time friend. “All these things made him an incredible Marine, friend, husband, and father to his family.”