About the Cover Photographer
Brigette Carruth, the Our Town Cover Photographer, started In Focus Photography in 2003. Her varied work includes corporate head shots, families, and bridal photography. She is an active member of her church, teaching 7th grade Sunday school and playing the flute in the orchestra. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her boys play basketingball.
Brigette's Contact Info
770-617-3805
On the Cover
Marine PFC Jason Hill Estopinal
A wonderful young man from Dallas, PFC Jason Hill Estopinal, was killed in action on February 15, 2010. PFC Estopinal was serving in Afghanistan with Operation Enduring Freedom in the Helmand province. He had been assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
PFC Jason Estopinal is survived by his parents Jason and Claire Estopinal, and younger brother Parker. Jason attended East Paulding High School where he played soccer. After graduating in 2007, he began working for the Cobb County Parks and Recreation Department until enlisting in the Marines in January 2009. He was sent to Afghanistan the following October, only one month after his 21st birthday.
Because Jason wanted to serve his country and further his education, a career in the Marines is something he thought often about. His family and friends are very proud and will always treasure the special memories they have of him. Jason was truly a “fine young man” and a great person to be around.
In an interview with Jon Shierk of 11 Alive, his father says, "He was one of the most honest people I ever knew, almost to a fault. I was very proud of him. Still am.... Everybody was always proud of him. He was a good kid. He was a great man."
The Paulding community has been hit hard by the loss of this courageous young man. Groups have rallied around the family to pay tribute to PFC Estopinal and his ultimate sacrifice. When PFC Jason Estopinal was flown into Dobbins Air Force Base, he was escorted home by our local Ridge Riders of West Ridge Church, the Georgia Patriot Guard Riders and over 300 other bikers and military personnel. He will be laid to rest at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.
To the Estopinals’ we say “Thank you” - for your sacrifice and for allowing us to pay tribute to your son – PFC Jason H. Estopinal. Please pray for the Estopinal’s during this time of sorrow, and we encourage everyone to use this time to remember the rest of our soldiers and their families in your prayers.
It is the Marine, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Marine, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Marine, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the Marine, not the lawyer,
Who has given us a right to a fair trial.
It is the Marine, like PFC Jason H. Estopinal, who salutes the flag,
Who serves under the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag.
Origin Undetermined
***If you know of a special person, family or group in Paulding, we’d like you to nominate them for a future cover. Send an email to info@ourtownfamily.com. Include the names, ages, why you think they should be on the cover, and contact information. (Please don’t submit your own. It’s quite the surprise to be nominated.) Our selection committee will carefully review the nominations.