A few days ago, I posted here in remembrance of fallen comrades. Tonight I was given the sad news that another member of our unit passed. Our Lieutenant embodied the image of a marine. His sense of duty, honor, and loyalty to country and fellow marines set a standard few could uphold. He served in combat as a Force Recon platoon leader. He was decorated for bravery on more than one occassion. He was Chesty's kind of marine.  He led from the front.   After 40 years, there was still nothing he would not do for his platoon. A lifelong competitive swimmer, thoroughly robust, he collapsed and died after his afternoon swim. His oldest son is a marine attack helo pilot in Iraq.  He was only a lieutenant, but there will be several generals and at least one Commandant at the funeral, along with all of the surviving members of his platoon

I again raise a glass of fine whiskey in salute to another departed marine. And in all probablility I'll see the bottle well depleted as the evening passes.
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Semper Fi