Remembering the Fallen: on this day in 2009, Marine Jason Mackie of Armoured Support Group Royal Marines was killed in Afghanistan. He was supporting IX Company of the Welsh Guards when his vehicle struck an IED in the Basharan area of central Helmand. He was killed instantly and his crew mate was injured. He had been serving as a Viking All-Terrain Vehicle Operator in 3rd Armoured Support Troop of the Armoured Support Group. He had joined the Royal Marines two years earlier, and was extremely proud to be a Royal Marine Commando. His colleagues remember his love of life as well as his strong work ethic, and that he displayed courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness in abundance. Captain Gez Kearse said: "Marine Mackie was an outstanding young man and a superb soldier. Never one to shy away from responsibility, Mackie’s ability to continue working in the harshest of environments brought out the best of this extremely dedicated young man. He would continue to graft when others slipped by the wayside, motivating those to continue through the difficult times. Wonderfully generous with his time and energies, Marine Mackie epitomised all that it is to be a Royal Marine. As a soldier he will be missed as a true professional. A hole has been left in 3rd AST which can never be filled.” Jason, born in Zimbabwe but living in Oxford, was 21 years old.