Yesterday we celebrated the life, service & love of my brother in law Mike Smith, Master SGT (Ret) USMC. Mike enlisted in the Marines following the attacks on 9/11 & Shannon enlisted in the Navy. Like so many in our generation, Mike & Shannon wanted to do their part for our nation following 9/11. Mike served at the tip of the spear as an Explosives Ordinance Disposal technician for Marine Recon & MARSOC. Mike earned a Bronze Star for Valor in Afghanistan for saving the lives of his Marine Recon team when they were ambushed, Mike fought the enemy, rendered aid to his wounded Marines & safely disposed of IEDs, clearing an escape route for his entire team. Marines don’t give out awards easily, getting BSM w/V from Marine Recon is a high honor. EOD is as dangerous as it gets, and takes certain type of crazy to seek out IEDs, mines & explosives designed to kill us. I was always grateful when we had EOD with us. Mike survived the war, only to be taken by cancer immediately after retiring. The cancer stalking our generation of warriors is evil, fast & mercilessly, get your screenings. Mike was larger than life, yesterday his brothers did a great job of sharing so many stories of Mike’s antics, his valor & most importantly, his love. Love for his brothers, family & nation. There are no words to describe the pain of his loss & the pain that his parents & sister are enduring. I don’t know why this happened but I do know we’ll see Mike & Shannon again, and they are together now. Now it’s on us to live a life worthy of their sacrifice.
