Dad of Missing Fort Myers Marine Asks For Prayers

Missing Marine's dad asks for prayers; search suspended
News Press
Stacey Henson
January 20, 2016

The father of Marine Cpl. Thomas Jardas, of Fort Myers, says the

search for his son off the coast of Hawaii will likely end tonight.

Thomas and 11 other Marines are missing after a Thursday

helicopter crash. (Photo: Courtesy of the Thomas Jardas family.)

A few days ago, Tim Jardas was encouraging his son to see the world.

Today, he's asking for prayers. Cpl. Thomas Jardas, 22, of Fort Myers, is one of 12 Marines missing after a helicopter crash off the coast of Hawaii late Thursday.

Officials suspended the five-day search for the Marines on Tuesday night. The Marine Corps is transitioning to "recovery and salvage efforts."

Tim Jardas could not be reached for comment Tuesday night, but earlier in the day the father sounded resigned.

"Our faith is getting us through this, and I need people to pray for us," he said. "I know my boy is in Heaven, but the rest of the family still needs the prayers."
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