Hometown: Allendale, New Jersey, U.S. Age: 24 years old. Died: September 26, 2022. Unit: Marine Corps, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Birth: September 9, 1998. Burial: George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ (Greens Section).
Maxwell B. Buchanan went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sept 26th, 2022, in North Carolina. Born on Sept. 9, 1998, in New York City, he was raised in Northern NJ. Maxwell graduated Northern Highlands Regional HS, Allendale, NJ, in 2016. As student at NHRHS he was an athlete on their soccer, cross country, track, and football teams as well as an honor student. Max then graduated from Rutgers University with degrees in Environmental and Business Economics in May 2020. 1stLt Maxwell Buchanan was commissioned as a Marine Corps Officer in May, 2020 upon completing the NROTC program at Rutgers University. He attended The Basic School in Quantico, VA, and in January 2021, he reported to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion and assumed the responsibilities of Ground Supply Officer.
In March 2021, he attended the Supply Chain Management Officer’s course and graduated in May 2021. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in May 2022. His billet was Battalion Supply Officer, where one of his responsibilities included managing a battalion budget of 480 million dollars. He also worked as a Command Financial Specialist. His personal awards include the Nation Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Max was also a part of many clubs and organizations which included being an Eagle Scout, Troop 59, Allendale, NJ, a Volunteer Firefighter in Allendale, NJ (completed his Firefighter 1 Certification during HS), Rutgers Campus Emergency Officer, Darlington County Park where he was their Head Lifeguard, a swim instructor at the Ridgewood YWCA, and Project Lovematch Inc – a community organization that taught tennis to adults and kids with disabilities.
Maxwell was a member of the Grace Church, Ridgewood, HS Youth Group and he regularly attended Emergence Church in Totowa, NJ.
Maxwell had a lifelong interest in animals, with a particular interest in herpetology, especially studying and caring for turtles. He loved vocal music, playing piano, and previously viola and trumpet. Maxwell loved his two younger sisters and would attend every concert, play, and activity of theirs that he could. Throughout his life, Maxwell would always help those in need whenever he could, and was known for his quick wit and sense of humor.
Maxwell’s life was celebrated at two separate events in North Carolina, as well as a funeral service in NJ at Emergence Church, followed by a graveside service at George Washington Memorial Park. Max’s final flight home was escorted by two 1st Lieutenants, who were also close friends, as well as receiving a Water Salute, and the presence of several Marine Corps personnel were on hand to honor him during the transfer.
Max’s life is continually honored and remembered through the “Max Buchanan Foundation” whose goal is to encourage and support future leaders. Max’s headstone uses the “infinity sign” rather than the “dash” between the dates, to symbolize the infinite ways we remember him, and can honor his legacy - making others feel seen and valued.
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New Jersey Run for the Fallen 2024 ~ Click on photos below to enlarge...