Mike enlisted in the Army Signal Corp. following his degree in Mechanical Drawing. Soon after 9-11-01, he switched to the 82nd Airborne Division. He vowed to defend America as his forefathers did before him. He viewed the attacks of 9-11-01 as no different than the attack on Pearl Harbor. In Iraq, his unit was attached to the 3rd I.D. through the initial invasion. Mike spent 11 months in Iraq. He saw so many wonderful things happening and spent time with the Iraqi people. He knew it was the right thing. After returning home, Mike re-enlisted and was sent to Afghanistan. Michael never faulted in his duty as an American Soldier. He personified the meaning of (self-less service). Always putting the welfare of his fellow soldiers above his own. He demonstrated personal courage in the presence of countless dangers.
He Is A True American HERO
As we enjoy the liberties of this great country, we must also shoulder the burden of her defense. Our veterans indeed shouldered their share of that burden, some to the point of ultimate sacrifice. Their selfless service to our country can never be forgotten. For a country who forgets its defenders, will itself soon be forgotten. To the men and women of our armed forces this is not just a job. It is their belief and their commitment to us here at home. They ask nothing in return, not power, not wealth, not fame, to them protecting America is a privilege, an honor, a solemn duty that is passed like a torch from their parents and grandparents before them. Their love for our flag is something all Americans should hold dear. As I think of our heroes and their values, I am reminded of the 3rd verse of “America the Beautiful”. It reads, “Oh beautiful for heroes prov’d, in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life.”
As our heroes lose their life in defending America, they bestow upon us a duty. It is a duty we did not ask for, it is a duty filled with sorrow and pride. This duty is to be the guardians of their honor and the builders of their monuments. We will be looked upon and judged by future generations as to how we honor and memorialize our heroes and defenders. As we remember them, we should think of the passion they had for the job they chose, then we need to have the same passion for causes that would make them proud. This is why this foundation was formed. Please support our troops, we owe them this. Thank you.