BRUNSWICK, Maine — First Lt. James Zimmerman, a Marine from Aroostook County who was killed in action in 2010, was honored Sunday during a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for a new Marine Corps Reserve Training Center in Brunswick.
Zimmerman, at the age of 25, was killed on November 2, 2010, by small-arms fire while serving in Afghanistan. According to a press release from Gov. Paul LePage, who attended Sunday’s event, the new training center at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station will be named after Zimmerman.
Zimmerman was born in Presque Isle and graduated from Houlton Christian Academy in 2003. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps that same year, according to the press release. After his recruit training, Zimmerman joined Company A, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine in Topsham and was eventually assigned as platoon commander for the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine regiment of Camp Lejeune, N.C. He reached the rank of first lieutenant in May 2010 and was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in June of that year.
“First Lt. Zimmerman was an exemplary soldier and Mainer,” said LePage in a press release. “It is fitting that Alpha Company, the unit with whom he began his military career, honor his sacrifice for our country.”
Wish I could of personally thank him for his service and sacrifice for our country. RIP First Lieutenant Zimmerman and God bless your family.
I remember the day his body was brought home. I sat on the Interstate in Sherman waiting for the procession so I could join in. There were people everywhere in the dark and raining it was very moving even for this old vet. RIP LT.
It sure was moving. Standing in the rain in Island Falls as he passed was the least I could do for a fallen marine.
Wonderful tribute to remember an extraordinary person! His parents are amazing people too! They put on a wilderness bible day camp every year at their place, my sons love it!
THANK YOU, Lt. Zimmerman, for your service and your sacrifice. Thanks to the wonderful family that raised you. RIP.