Garrison, Joseph Michael

Joseph Michael Garrison was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). The unit was based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Garrison was from New Bethlehem, a borough in western Pennsylvania.

According to official Department of Defense casualty records, Sgt. Garrison died on June 6, 2011, in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The listed cause was hostile action. No further specifics regarding the incident were publicly released by the military.

Garrison's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In mid-2011, Helmand province remained a major center of combat operations, with U.S. and allied forces engaged in intense counterinsurgency efforts against Taliban fighters.

Garrison's death was reported by local Pennsylvania media, including the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He was remembered by his community in New Bethlehem and Clarion County. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial in his home county.

Sgt. Garrison was one of 1,554 American service members killed in Afghanistan in 2010 and 2011, the war's deadliest period. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. His unit, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, sustained significant casualties during its 2010-2011 deployment to Helmand.

Sgt. Garrison was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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