North Jersey Marine Hurt in Afghanistan Continues 'Climb' to Recovery

As a U.S. Marine from Jefferson Township continues to recover six months after losing both his legs in Afghanistan, community groups and organizations maintain their fight for him.

The Morris County Young Republicans recently raised $5,000 at a Baseball Night Barbeque for Sgt. Aaron Alonso, who had both of his legs amputated after an improvised explosive device blew up in February while he was on patrol in Nad Ali, Afghanistan.

“Supporting our military, who make sacrifices each day to protect this great nation, is of the utmost importance and we are grateful for the very generous donations from the political community,” Morris County Young Republican Chairwoman Erica Klemens said.

Alonso, a 2006 Jefferson High grad who has been awarded the Purple Heart, has continued to make significant strides in his recovery and even recently climbed all 88 steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. without the aid of prostheses.

Zachary Shook, who was with Alonso the day of the explosion, said his friend is in good spirits and is “the same jokester self,” according to NJ.com.

More than $100,000 has been raised to help pay for Alonso’s medical care through a GiveForward page where family members also post updates on his condition.