The family of a Marine who went missing while swimming in the Tumon, Guam, area earlier this month has sent an open letter to the 20-year-old service member.
Marine Pfc. Joshua Stewart, of Sutter Creek, Calif., went missing on the evening of Aug. 9. He was part of a group of five people who went swimming past the reef in Tumon Bay.
After five days of searching, local and federal agencies ended the search Saturday.
Stewart's family on Tuesday sent an open letter to the media that is addressed to the missing Marine.
"If you're reading this we want you to know we love you," the letter begins. "We wake up every morning anticipating for you to walk through the doors."
Paula "PJ" Johnsen, a spokesperson for the family, said the family is hoping to bring Stewart home.
The search for Stewart covered 3,879 square nautical miles and expended 440 man-hours, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Stewart is a member of the Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Okinawa, Japan. He was on liberty in Guam when he went missing.
Marines were in Guam and elsewhere in the region for training beginning last Monday, according to a written statement from the Marine Corps. Some were sent to Saipan for typhoon recovery efforts.
Below is the full letter from the family:
"Josharoni, If you're reading this we want you to know we love you. We wake up every morning anticipating for you to walk through the doors. We're waiting to hear your truck start while playing the same five Country songs on repeat. We are expecting you to walk in & eat all our pizza rolls while wanting to order 50 chicken nuggets from McDonalds. Every day I see your picture on my dash of the mustang you told me not to buy and I never thought I would admit this, but you were right. Last night all your friends and family took your twin nephews and niece to play football like uncle Joshie. It brought back many memories of watching you on that field #84. Now that I've built your already incredibly high ego you can wipe that stupid smile off your face and get your butt home. There's a can of chew and bottle of Jameson on the table. See you soon we love you."
