'He enjoyed life to the fullest'

Image courtesy: Kane family/The Star-Ledger

When writing columns about men and women who sacrificed everything for our country, I always do so with a heavy heart. Telling the story of Lance Cpl. Jeremy Kane is particularly difficult and emotional, because he attended my alma mater, Rutgers University, before his deployment and death.

Kane recently lost his father to cancer, and according to an article in The-Star Ledger, initially had serious concerns when his Marine reserve unit was called up to active duty last year. He knew his mom and siblings needed him during a difficult time, and also was trying to complete his studies on the Camden campus of Rutgers. Yet as NBC Philadelphia was told by his grieving, but strong mother, Melinda, the young man went to Afghanistan with bravery, pride, and purpose.



Kane, who is from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, was majoring in criminology and political science. Rutgers, which has over 54,000 students, wasted no time in issuing a statement honoring the fallen Marine and Scarlet Knight, and prominently displayed the tribute, written by Rutgers-Camden Dean Margaret Marsh, on the university website.

Although I did not have the opportunity to know him well, I am told that Jeremy was a bright, dedicated student who was passionate about his studies. Media reports indicate that Jeremy was equally focused on his family, his friends, and his commitment to serving our nation. The entire Rutgers-Camden community mourns the loss of a friend, a classmate, a student, and an individual with such great potential. Our nation is the poorer for the loss of such a courageous and dedicated citizen and member of our armed forces.

The 22-year-old Marine died Saturday when a terrorist blew himself up near Kane's patrol in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, which continues to be one of the most dangerous areas in the war zone. Rutgers student Bryan Adams, a former Army sniper who I became acquainted with about six months ago, is one of many friends of Kane grieving this enormous loss. Adams and Kane worked together to raise money for Veterans For Education, which promotes a positive image and educational opportunities for returning war heroes. Adams, who is the organization's president, wrote the following on Facebook:

"Jeremy Kane was a Marine Reservist, member of Veterans for Education and one of the funniest guys I ever met. Rest in Peace brother."

The Star-Ledger article says Kane, who had a penchant for exercise just like his late father, liked to play airsoft (similar to paintball), study, and spend time with his beautiful and vibrant girlfriend, Julia. By all accounts, he wasn't just a Marine, he was a young man who loved life and the people he lived among.

There is a traditional song at my alma mater called "Nobody Ever Died for Dear Old Rutgers." While Kane died for more than his university, he sacrificed everything so that one day, children in Afghanistan might be able to attend college like he did, without the fear of being kidnapped or attacked by terrorists. I am proud of many former Rutgers students, especially my grandfather, father, mother, brother, uncle, and two cousins. But when I talk to fellow Rutgers graduates in the coming weeks, months, and years, I will always make sure to tell them the story of Jeremy Kane. He embodied everything the state university of New Jersey, and America, is all about.