Near Craig in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Michael John MacKinnon

An American Hero

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 13, 2019

1. Michael John MacKinnon Marker

Inscription.

Michael John MacKinnon. An American Hero. The Missouri River Bridge, just southwest of here, is dedicated to the memory of Captain Michael John MacKinnon, who gave his life in defense of his county. A native of Helena, MacKinnon graduated from West Point in 1997 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the US Army. He also completed Ranger, Airborne, and Air Assault schools. The Army recognized MacKinnon's natural leadership abilities and he rapidly rose through the ranks to Captain and was slated for promotion to Major upon return from his deployment. At the time of 911, he was part of the Third Infantry Division stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He served with distinction in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the invasion of Iraq, in March 2003. During his second tour of duty in Iraq, on October 27, 2005, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded next to Captain MacKinnon's Humvee while he led a convoy mission near Baghdad. At the time of his death, the captain commanded Company A of the 184th Infantry, a California National Guard unit. , Captain MacKinnon was buried with full military honors at the post cemetery at West Point. He left behind a wife, Beth, and two children, Madison and Noah. Mackinnon strove to be the best soldier he could be, but most importantly he lived his life with integrity and courage. He was a loving husband and devoted father - a true American hero! , May 26, 1975 - October 27, 2005 , Honoring Our Nation's Fallen Heroes , Founded in 2012, Bridges for the Fallen is a national non-profit organization that celebrates the lives of America's fallen soldiers by dedicating bridges to fallen soldiers in his or her home state. , "The bridge is a symbol of strength, honor and respect and it becomes part of the families/fallen warriors' legacy and history. The bridge will pass the torch on countless generations and show them who the fallen warrior was and their sacrifice to our nation. The bridge is a mechanism to healing and we are proud, honored and humbled to serve our nation's fallen heroes and their families." , Rob Mador, Founder of Bridges for the Fallen

The Missouri River Bridge, just southwest of here, is dedicated to the memory of Captain Michael John MacKinnon, who gave his life in defense of his county. A native of Helena, MacKinnon graduated from West Point in 1997 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the US Army. He also completed Ranger, Airborne, and Air Assault schools. The Army recognized MacKinnon's natural leadership abilities and he rapidly rose through the ranks to Captain and was slated for promotion to Major upon return from his deployment. At the time of 911, he was part of the Third Infantry Division stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He served with distinction in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the invasion of Iraq, in March 2003. During his second tour of duty in Iraq, on October 27, 2005, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded next to Captain MacKinnon's Humvee while he led a convoy mission near Baghdad. At the time of his death, the captain commanded Company A of the 184th Infantry, a California National Guard unit.
Captain MacKinnon was buried with full military honors at the post cemetery at West Point. He left behind a wife, Beth,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

and two children, Madison and Noah. Mackinnon strove to be the best soldier he could be, but most importantly he lived his life with integrity and courage. He was a loving husband and devoted father - a true American hero!
May 26, 1975 - October 27, 2005

Honoring Our Nation's Fallen Heroes
Founded in 2012, Bridges for the Fallen is a national non-profit organization that celebrates the lives of America's fallen soldiers by dedicating bridges to fallen soldiers in his or her home state.
"The bridge is a symbol of strength, honor and respect and it becomes part of the families/fallen warriors' legacy and history. The bridge will pass the torch on countless generations and show them who the fallen warrior was and their sacrifice to our nation. The bridge is a mechanism to healing and we are proud, honored and humbled to serve our nation's fallen heroes and their families."
Rob Mador, Founder of Bridges for the Fallen

Erected by Montana Department of Transportation; Bridges for the Fallen.

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, 2nd Iraq. A significant historical date for this entry is October 27, 2005.

Location. 47° 7.848′ N, 111° 54.087′ W.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 13, 2019

2. Michael John MacKinnon Marker

Memorial is near Craig, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is on Interstate 15 at milepost 240 near Bald Eagle Drive, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Wolf Creek MT 59648, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in Central Montana, in Gold West Country and in Greater Helena.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Continuing the Journey (here, next to this marker); Dearborn's River (here, next to this marker); "Cliffs High and Steep" (within shouting distance of this marker); "nearer than the route we Came" (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bighorned Animals (about 600 feet away); Join the Voyage of Discovery (about 600 feet away); The Dearborn – Ancient Interstate Highway

Paid Advertisement

(approx. 0.4 miles away); The Search (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Craig.

More about this memorial. This marker is located at the Northbound Dearborn Rest Area on Interstate 15.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 731 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.