Stanton Honored by Friends

It was only a matter of time before those who knew Cpl. Jordan R. Stanton found their voice, and they have done so on in the internet.

A Facebook account has been set up in which to post recollections of the Rancho Santa Margarita resident, a member of the United States Marine Corps who was killed during combat March 4 in Afghanistan. Here is the link.

One of those who posted was Zack Giertych, who told Patch earlier this week that he and Stanton were Little Leaguers together and classmates at Trabuco Hills High School. They graduated in 2008.

"During senior year of high school our teacher had a life size E.T. head laying around," Giertych recalled. "One day our teacher had to leave the room for a few minutes. We took those few minutes and made the most of them. Jordan tucked his head into his shirt, and we placed the E.T. head where Jordan's head would obviously normally be. We walked by different classrooms and poked the E.T. head in and everyone in the class would freak out. It was the funniest thing I've ever seen."

MaKayla Jacques posted that she had known Stanton since kindergarten and was her older brother's best friend: "You're the hero I'll always remember for being the most loyal and caring person ever." She recalled their last meeting, at a grocery store, and he told her to "be good and do good in school." Wrote Jacques: "I am so proud to know you. So i'll make you proud too."

James McQuitty wrote: "You died the noblest of death putting forth your very life ... in devotion of your country ... You will be missed and honored."

Also commenting was Tony Beall, the Rancho Santa Margarita mayor, whose nephew Patrick attended school with Stanton: "My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Stanton family and all of Jordan's friends during this very difficult time."

Stanton's life was profiled in the Orange Country Register on Tuesday.

Stanton was an assistant team leader assigned to the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force in Camp Lejeune, NC. He joined the Marines in April, 2008, and was deployed to Afghanistan in November of last year.

His body was returned to the United States on Monday.

He is survived by his parents, Robert and Joyce, and brothers Ryan, Ethan and Cole. He also was engaged to be married to Julie Dickson.