My father was 51 when he lost his life on July 22, 2008, after shortly returning home from an active combat tour in Afghanistan/Iraq. He was around a year and a half from retirement from the Army (from serving all the years he did shortly after I was born). He served in an active tour in Korea and was active duty during Desert Storm.
He is survived by his parents (my only grandparents I have still living who are in a drastic health decline), his four children, along with many uncles, aunts, and cousins. He, unfortunately, never had the chance to meet his first great-grandchild, along with most of his grandchildren.
God bless all who continue to serve and fight for our freedoms that we hold so true, along with the veterans who gave their all to live in this great country we have today.
Michael Martin
- MSG, Army National Guard