ANDREW LIGHTNER

Andrew Joseph

Lightner, USN

Aircrew Survival Equipmentman First Class Andrew Joseph ("A.J.") Lightner, age 25, of New Castle, DE, died on Thursday, June 18, 2009, following a nighttime parachute jump at Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma, AZ.

Born in Newark, DE on July 31, 1983, A.J. was a graduate of Hodgson Vo-Tech High School. He enlisted in the US Navy on June 28, 2001, and, after boot camp in Illinois and training in Florida, was assigned to his first tour of duty at the Fleet Readiness Center in Norfolk, VA. He later served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk in Japan and, after returning from overseas duty, would go on to naval training stations in Virginia Beach, VA, and Ft. Lee, VA. In June 2007, A.J. was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group ONE Logistics Support Unit at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Coronado, CA. A parachute rigger specialist and skilled parachutist with over 70 jumps, he was completing an advanced military free fall course at the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center at the time of the accident. Known by his colleagues and commanding officers for his natural leadership abilities and commitment to excellence, A.J. had received many awards, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Pistol Marksmanship Medal. During his off-duty hours, he donated his time as a mentor to at-risk youth at the Community Youth Athletics Center in National City, CA. As an expert boxer and lifelong advocate for personal fitness, he had been especially proud recently to assist in raising over $60,000 to help fund the center's many programs. In addition to the physical challenges of parachuting and boxing, A.J. also enjoyed wrestling and riding motorcycles.

He is survived by his parents, Brenda and Jeffrey Morgan of New Castle, DE; brothers, Stephen D. Lightner of North East, MD; William Morgan of New Castle, DE; Kenneth Morgan of Wilmington, DE; and Joshua Morgan of Newark, DE; sisters, Rachel Lightner of New Castle, DE; Abigail Morgan of Middletown, DE; and Hannah Morgan of New Castle, DE, with whom he shared a birthday; grandparents, Barbara and Junior L. Greer of Newark, DE; Eleanor Lightner of Willow Valley, PA; and Arbutus McGlothlin of Bear, DE; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; his military family; and too many devoted friends to count. He was preceded in death by a grandfather, Ralph Lightner, and biological father, Stephen R. Lightner.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am, on Friday, June 26, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where visitation will begin at 9 am. Interment will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in A.J.'s memory to The Naval Special Warfare Foundation, PO Box 5965, Virginia Beach, VA 23471 (nswfoundation.org / 757/363-7490).

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