Chesapeake Marine dies in Afghanistan

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - A Marine from Chesapeake died Thursday during combat operations, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand province, Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced Friday.

Lance Cpl. Kielin T. Dunn, 19, was assigned to 1st Battallion, 6th marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejune, N.C.

"He truly was a remarkable person," said David Mount.

Friends say that's the only way you can describe Dunn. He lived for protecting his country and Thursday he died doing the same thing.

"Every person that serves in our armed forces is my hero," Mount added. "They're serving to preserve our personal freedoms that we have become accustomed to."

Dunn graduated from Western Branch High School in 2008. The very next day he was off to boot camp. A short time later, the Marine deployed to Afghanistan.

"His demeanor and his tone was confident and resolved," Mount said.

Dunn was one of five Marines killed in the last three days. He was part of the US offensive working to take out the Taliban. One thing that can't be described is the sense of loss.

"It has devastated us over the last 24 hours," Mount added.

Mount was not only Dunn's friend, but a mentor. He says Dunn came to the Seton Youth Shelter in Virginia Beach wanting help.

"He came to us with specific goals and specific needs," Mount said. "It was a privilege for me to know him and it was our honor to serve him."

Dunn reached his goal.

"He represented everyone well," Mount said.

But then it was Dunn who gave back. He mentored other teens at the shelter and gave them lessons on life.

"He would come back and his visits here served as an inspiration for young people," Mount added. "I'd prefer to celebrate his life and what he was able to accomplish in his short years he was with us."