Jeffrey Standfest
Corporal, United States Marine Corps
April 24, 1987 – June 16, 2010
Age – 23
St. Clair, MI
Operation Enduring Freedom
3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, CA
Cpl. Standfest had recently suffered a concussion in an IED explosion that killed his first dog. He had returned to duty with a new dog looking for more IEDs when he and that dog were killed.
Cpl. Jeffrey R. Standfest died June 16 in Helmand province. He was a canine handler and a combat engineer. The Marines said an improvised explosive device struck him June 16 while he was on foot patrol.
He enlisted in 2008, three years after graduating from St. Clair High School, where he ran cross country and track. He also played baseball. He was an outstanding high school athlete and a respectful person who loved his family and loved being in the Marine Corps. He was just an overall great kid. As a young child, Jeffrey showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Jeffrey enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in baseball, snow skiing, hockey, track, and cross country. He was a Cub Scout. Jeffrey’s memorable achievements included Middle School Science Fair-1st Place. Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Jeffrey was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from St. Clair High School in 2005.
Standfest ran cross country while attending Oakland University and helped lead the team to a conference championship. He also was dedicated to hitting the books and had carried a high grade-point average in high school, fellow students said. In his down time, he enjoyed rabbit hunting and fishing, as well as baseball and hockey.
Jeffrey Standfest was an “all American kid” who joined the military because his grandfather served in the Marines during World War II, family friend Doug Mills, a retired Clinton Township detective. “I watched Jeff grow up into a man and into a Marine hero,” Mills said. “This sounds corny, but I thank God there are people like him in the Marines and Army. What would we in this country do without people like him?”
Cpl. Standfest was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Jeffrey always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Jeffrey was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.
Always able to express himself well, Jeffrey possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Jeffrey was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic. Blessed with a balanced attitude, Jeffrey was able to relate well with others Jeffrey had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.
In High School he received many awards, including Academic Honors and Academic All State, All Blue Water Area Runner, All League, All Area, All State, and MAC Champ in Track and Cross Country and many other awards and honors. When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Jeffrey. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. Jeffrey wanted to be a Marine and was planning to go to Officer Candidate School (OCS) after attaining his Bachelors Degree in the United States Marine Corps. His favorite courses were History and Literature. Mid-Con Champs with Oakland University Cross Country.