What is it about Northern Michigan that keeps you here?
I’ve spent a majority of my life in Northern Michigan—mostly Grayling. It’s where my aunt and my grandmother lived, there on Lake Margrethe. I have always just loved it. I love the water. I really don’t know what keeps me here right now. It’s just kind of like [where I’m] at peace, I guess.
And your feelings about your fellow soldiers?
It bothers me that I can’t get dirty, I can’t roll around in the dirt with them anymore. [Major] General Cutler [Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard] and his wife, Chris, they’ve been like family. Two weeks ago my unit was here for two weeks training, and I was coming to the camp to speak with him. He had planned this whole day. He’s a two-star general—he called me the three star—and he took me around to all the places where my unit was and they were so excited. We got to spend some time together. It was great to shed some tears and some laughs.
I’m so proud of them. I’m just representing one of thousands of soldiers. This is just not about me. This is about everybody else. Some people might think that I’m selfish because I’m out there talking. I don’t care about that [crying]. I want people to know that we are human. Just know that. It’s unfortunate because they don’t know that we are human beings. There’s a reason why I’m here. There’s a reason why I had a second chance at life. I have to make the most of it. I will tell my story until I’m blue in the face if it will just give one person the perspective of what everyone is going through.
Click here to listen to this interview.
I was in Iraq spearheading the FRAG 5 uparmor production for HMMWVs as a DoD Civ and having just read this article my first time, I am stunned to learn that a COL was ordering these kits to ge removed. Those two men would be alive today had these doors not be removed. The idiot logic that the glass would shattered is beyond stupid because the window’s are multi-layered glass windows, not one thick pane of glass. The multi-layered glass windows is what gives it strength. And I had travelled to Baghdad just days before this incident occured. I wish that I had been present with whoever ordered that these be taken off because I would have intervened and had it stopped. Stupid decision which cost two lives.
I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle over this past weekend 8-7-10 and I was completely impressed of her grit and heart. Even though my visit with Michelle did’nt last long it felt like we had quite the connection. I was also in the Army fortunatly during peace time. I’m not sure if I could surrive the mental load that she endures everyday and the bravery she shows by trying to act like it does’nt bother her. I will say that if I had met Michelle years ago that I would probally fall head over heels for her. I miss you Michelle and you will always own a little piece of my heart. Stay strong and keep your head up and hopefully if your down and out you will think of the little time we shared together and it makes you smile. Love Mark.
My heart goes out to all the troops and their familys. Land of the free BECAUSE of the brave.