A family, ward and community are mourning the loss of Lance Cpl. Dustin Birch, an LDS Marine who was killed by a mine explosion June 9 while serving in Iraq.

Dustin Birch

"This kid is the kind you would want for your own," said Wade Trost, Brother Birch's bishop in the Twin Groves Ward, St. Anthony Idaho Stake. "He's the kind of kid you didn't see very often. He was something else."

Brother Birch, 22, was reportedly involved in combat operations in Haqlaniyah, Iraq, when the tank he was traveling in was damaged by a mine blast. Uninjured, Brother Birch and others from the tank crew were picked up by a military Humvee, which was hit by a second mine explosion, Bishop Trost said. Brother Birch and four others died in the explosion.

The Marine is survived by his parents, Paul and Deborah Birch, and three siblings: Dallen, 21, Terik, 18, and JJ, 15. He was engaged to be married to Melissa Taylor when he returned from Iraq, Bishop Trost said.

Brother Birch was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division out of Boise, Idaho.

He was remembered as a diligent Scout who served as a troop leader and a youth counselor during summer Scout camps. He was a young man others could depend on.

"Anytime you needed a youth speaker, (Dustin) was ready," Bishop Trost said.

Brother Birch joined the Marine Corps Reserves after graduating from high school and received permission to take a two-year leave to serve a full-time mission. He was called to the California Santa Rosa Mission, where he labored hard and honorably, Bishop Trost said.

Returning from missionary service, Brother Birch continued his military training and began a deployment to Iraq earlier this year. Military service and duty suited the young man.

"He was always looking for a challenge," Bishop Trost said.

News of Brother Birch's death devastated the St. Anthony community, located north of Rexburg, Idaho. Many have spent time with the Birchs, offering their support. "There are people at the family's home all the time," Bishop Trost said.

The Twin Groves Ward held a fathers-and-sons outing the day after Brother Birch's death. The excursion was often somber. Many spoke of Dustin Birch, his sacrifice and his family during the outing's testimony meeting. Such sentiments were again felt at the ward Sunday services, Bishop Trost said. Several Twin Groves Ward members are serving in Iraq or have family members involved in combat far from home.

Funeral services for Brother Birch are expected to be held at the St. Anthony stake center. The date was pending at press time.

E-mail to: jswensen@desnews.com