'Freedom is not free,' says Gold Star mother

Intermountain Catholic

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Jim and Geri Stephenson (left) receive support from Gold Star Family members Colleen Parkin, Carol Thomas Young, and Jim and Fay Dolan at a Memorial Dedication for Dion Stephenson, a Marine who lost his life in Desert Storm.IC photo by Christine Young

BOUNTIFUL — "Freedom is not free," said Geri Stephenson at a Memorial Dedication Service in honor of her son, Dion Stephenson, a U.S. Marine who was killed in the first ground battle of Khafji in Desert Storm Jan. 29, 1991. The service was held May 24, at the newly constructed Bountiful Recreation Center to unveil a memorial plaque over the swimming pool in honor of Dion.

The plaque was purchased through a fund raiser by Woods Cross, Bountiful, and Viewmont High Schools following his death.

Geri, a member of St. Olaf Parish, Bountiful, introduced herself as a Gold Star mother, and said she was not familiar with the term until she unfortunately became one.

"A Gold Star mother is one who has lost a son or daughter while serving his or her country," said Geri. "The Gold Star families have been a great support to me and we have a bond that will not be broken. We walk in each other’s shoes and have shared a lot of laughter and tears.

"Serving was a huge part of Dion’s life whether it was competing, or as a life guard, water safety instructor, or swim coach," said Geri. "Dion started swimming competitively in southern California at the age of 7. Recently a friend from California recalled Dion’s first swim meet. He swam the 25-yard butterfly in 18:8 seconds without taking breath."

Geri said the butterfly went on to be Dion’s favorite and strongest event, and won him many ribbons and trophies. As a swimmer for Woods Cross High School, he qualified for state all three years and set a school record in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 55:4.

When Dion was deployed to Desert Storm in August 1990, he was a scout for the Right Armored Infantry. After seeing his ability in the pool during some rest and relaxation, he was given the opportunity to serve as a life guard.

"Like a true marine, he turned it down to go back on the front line with his brother marines," said Geri. "In Dion’s last letter home he said, ‘That name, Dion James Stephenson, will be big some day.’ I will continue to do whatever I can to see that Dion and all of our Utah service men and women will not be forgotten."

Dion followed in his father’s footsteps when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps.

"In 1991, we met with many reporters from all over the country, and something that was overlooked was the fact that we live in the greatest country in the world, and we live in one of the greatest states in this country" said Jim Stephenson, Dion’s father. "I want to thank my neighbors, the people from Bountiful, and the people from Utah for being there for us. I also do not want to overlook my brother Marines. I am proud of you and proud to be able to call my son my brother."

The posting of the colors was sponsored by the Dion Stephenson Detachment of the Marine Corps League.