Lake Hopatcong Marine Hurt in Afghanistan Receives Purple Heart

A U.S. Marine from Lake Hopatcong who lost his legs in Afghanistan last month has been awarded the Purple Heart.

Sgt. Aaron Alonso, 25, continues to recover at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Alonso had both of his legs amputated after an improvised explosive device blew up in February while he was on patrol in Nad Ali, Afghanistan.

More than $90,000 has been raised to help pay for Alonso's medical care through a GiveForward page where family members also post updates on his condition.

The Aaron Alonso Committee will meet at the Jefferson Township Municipal Building in Council Chambers on March 25 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss fundraising efforts.

To join the committee, contact Joanne Meyer at 973-208-6102 or Jack Kelly at 973-697-5957.