The Woodward News

Local News

January 6, 2010

Area soldier killed in Afghanistan

A 2009 graduate of Shattuck High School has died of injuries suffered while fighting in the war in Afghanistan.

Pvt. John Dion lost his life on Sunday in Ashoque, Afghanistan, along with two other soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, according to a U. S. Department of Defense press release. The nineteen-year-old private and his fellow soldiers were wounded "when insurgents attacked their unit with multiple improvised explosives devices and small arms fire," the DOD reported.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colo. During his service, Dion earned decorations including the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

Shattuck Superintendent Randy Holley said Dion adapted to a small community and school quite well when his family moved to Shattuck from California during his sophomore year.

“He always had a smile, he was very athletic and worked hard,” said Holley, who also added that Dion was “an involved and dedicated kid, the kind you would want in your school system.”

Dion enlisted in the Army during his senior year.

“He knew what he was going to do, and to help provide for his family he wanted to go to the military,” Holley said. “He left (Shattuck) in June, and after completing basics he was sent directly to Afghanistan.”

He was deployed to Afghanistan in November.

Holley said after enlisting, Dion never had the chance to return to Shattuck for a visit. Dion’s family has since moved, except for his brother and sister-in-law, who remain in Shattuck.

Wanting to be on the front line “was the kind of kid he was,” said Holley, who noted how Dion demonstrated that in football and baseball.

Dion was a three-year starter at center field for the baseball team and a big part of the football team as well.

“He was a joy to be around and a fun kid to coach,” said Shattuck football coach Troy Bullard. “He was always in a good mood and seemed to never have a bad day.”

Holley said several Shattuck graduates have gone on to serve the country. He said, “I guess the way they are raised here results in their willingness to serve and step up to be leaders just like John.... He was a leader and a great example. If his coaches asked him to do something, he wouldn’t bat an eye. That was just John.”

Bullard also remembered Dion as a kid who embraced the small town of Shattuck. Bullard said, “he touched a lot of people and we are fortunate for the time that he went to school here.”

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