Pops is retired and the father of seven children. The oldest joined the Marines right out of high school. On his second deployment to Iraq, as he was driving his HumVee, he drove over an IED and was blown 50 ft. in the air. Due to the miracles of modern medicine and a very quick Marine response, he survived. Three of his passengers did not. One walked away with minor injuries. The Navy medic was in similar condition to my son. After years of surgeries and rehab as a Wounded Warrior, he was given a full military retirement and came home. Bought a house nearby. Due to survivor's remorse, he started drinking heavily. Joined AA. Met a "friend". Friend comes over one night, they start drinking. In the morning, the "friend" stabbed him in the back and another seventy times. Then he stole some stuff. Got caught a few hours later and is in prison for the rest of his life.
RIP CPL Michael A. Cole, USMC, Retired.
Polishing silver is very therapeutic. Thanks for supporting my family.