RICHFIELD SPRINGS, N.Y. - The Department of Defense announced the death of an Otsego County Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Cpl. Alex F. Domion, 21, of Richfield Springs, N.Y., died October 31, as a result of a non-combat related incident in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He'd only been in the country for two weeks, his second tour of duty there.
The Department of Defense says the incident is under investigation.
He was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Family members say it was his childhood dream to serve his country, and he wasted no time getting his GED and then just enough credits at a community college to enlist in the Marine Corps. back in 2009.
At the local American Legion post, where he wasn't even a member, Veterans paid tribute to Domion, posting his name on a sick call board.
A fellow veteran shared his thoughts on the tragic death.
"It's too bad. He was so young, just 21. He didn't deserve this," James Andrechect, a WWII veteran from Richfield Springs said.
Domion was married, most of his family now in North Carolina where he lived. His body will be brought there and he'll be buried at the Arlington National Cemetery.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 in honor of a Domion.
"I join with all fellow New Yorkers in mourning the loss of Cpl. Domion. New York sends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow Marines," Governor Cuomo said. "As we honor his service and sacrifice, we are grateful for his dedication to our nation."
Governor Cuomo has directed that the flags on all state buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of and in tribute to our state's service members and those stationed in New York who are killed in action or die in a combat zone.
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