DELANO, MN, U.S.A.
U.S. MARINE CORPS
SGT
01/14/2016, MARINE CORPS BASE, HAWAII
SGT Dillon J. Semolina age 24 of Delano, MN died on Thursday, January 14, 2016 in a collision during a routine CH-53E helicopter night training mission on Marine Corp Base Hawaii.
Dillon was born November 22, 1991. He graduated from Delano High School in 2010. His strong exercise beliefs and health standards quickly put him on football, basketball, and golf teams; and eventually into the Marine Corps.
Dillon spoke of joining the military since he was 10 years old, and often drew pictures of himself in uniform. He excelled as a Marine, becoming the company guide in boot camp, and earning a meritorious promotion to lance corporal.
Once a crew chief for the CH-53E, he was recognized for his professionalism, sense of direction, and leadership skills, which quickly promoted him to corporal, and eventually sergeant. Dillon was well-respected by his flight line, and their bonds were impenetrable.
Dillon often described his body as a temple, and treated it as such. He exercised religiously and consumed every calorie he needed to continue his strength development. Although very intimidating in person, his 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame didn’t match his tender heart. His complete and exclusive love for his mom and siblings was a depth unexplained. Dillon was often referred to as “the biggest teddy bear,” and he would never hesitate to give the shirt off his back, nor to protect anyone in harm’s way. His heart and compassion was overwhelmingly beautiful.
Dillon’s future plan was to be an anesthesiologist after he finished his tour with the Marine Corps in September. His success in his general studies would have been extraordinary as he never quit anything that challenged him, and made sure what he did accomplish was so complete that it left his signature on it for others in the future to feel and learn from.
Dillon’s motivation, dedication, and smile will live on through all those he touched.
He is survived by his wife, Laurie; his parents, Mike and Lisa; grandparents; biological father, Kevin; sisters Isabella and Celeste; brothers Gregory and Gabriel; aunts, uncles, several cousins, and extended family and friends.
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