A Marine's toughest battle

A Marine's toughest battle
By KIRAN SOOD
The (Sterling, Ill.) Daily Gazette
Published: June 16, 2012

STERLING – Master Sgt. Michael Magon joined the Marines in August 1986, a few months after graduating from Rock Falls High School.

During his 20 years in the military, he received numerous medals for his service and twice deployed to Iraq.

“He was the ultimate Marine,” his wife, Crystal, said.

But as a civilian, Magon struggled.

About a year after Magon retired in 2006, his family noticed signs of trauma. He didn’t like to talk about his service, or his problems. For a long time, he resisted help.
v For the past few months, Magon traveled cross-country visiting family. He went to Texas to see his twin sister, Melanie LeBlanc. He traveled to Tennessee to visit family. In February, he moved from his home in California to live with his mother in Rock Falls.

Magon, 44, was with his mother on Sunday, the day he died.

“His heart stopped, and they couldn’t get it back,” his mother, Bonnie Magon Lopez, said.

“I think his body just got tired,” Crystal said.

The family wants Magon’s life, and service, to be celebrated. They also want families of other military members to hear Magon’s story so, perhaps, they can help their heroes adjust to a life after service.
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