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Lance Cpl. Curtis M. Swenson
May 19, 1989 - April 2, 2010 Curtis Michael Swenson was one to do things with great "zest" according to his parents, Dave and Kay Swenson. Coming into the world very quickly there was no time for a trip to the hospital so he was born at home. When he swung a bat it was quite often a home run, and at times a grand slam! When he married it was in Hawaii. And when he chose a path in life it wasn't an easy path... he chose the Marines. He was a turret gunner on tour in Afghanistan, when on April 2, 2010 (while trying to come to the aid of a vehicle damaged by a roadside bomb) Curtis' Humvee hit another explosive device, flipping his vehicle and killing Curtis. He was 20 years old. Katie, his wife of 7 months, says that after he died brochures came to the house from colleges to which he had recently written. Having an affinity for children he was considering becoming a teacher. I made a call to the family in April of 2011 asking if they would like me to do an oil portrait of Curtis. They came to my studio shortly thereafter and we decided to do the painting. That's when Fallen Hero Portraits was born. Since then a valued friendship has ensued with the Swensons. We admire the many ways in which this family connects with and actively supports others who have lost loved ones. Their annual Golf Memorial Benefit in Curtis' name is proving to be a wonderful success. It was my honor to have Curtis be my "first" in this important project for our heroes. Portrait sponsored by: |