PHILADELPHIA – A Marine reservist who planned a career in architecture has died in Kuwait, family members said Thursday.
Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Maglione, 22, died Tuesday in a "non-combat weapon discharge" at Camp Coyote, Kuwait, the Defense Department said. His death was under investigation.
Maglione grew up in the Philadelphia suburb of Lansdale and had been stationed at Camp Pendleton.
He joined the reserves in 2000 because "he wanted to serve his country. He was so proud of being a Marine. He thought the Marines were the best, the bravest," said his mother, Rosemarie Maglione.
Maglione was found dead inside his tent, she said.
A third-year architectural engineering major at Drexel University, Maglione was activated March 7 then deployed to Kuwait on Sunday, his mother said.
Maglione called home several times to say goodbye before he left.
"I told him that I supported him 100 percent. I told him that our prayers were with him, and I was proud of him," said his mother, who was notified of Maglione's death Tuesday night.
Maglione was assigned to Bridge Company B, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group.
