It’s sad to see the names of hundreds of men and women killed in war this year. Then, to see our brother’s name listed is hard to believe. I feel like the entire magazine should be dedicated to his life. His death was definitely the worst of 2010. Also included on this list is one of his teammates, Danny Sanchez, who was killed in combat less than two weeks before Mark. We met Danny’s mom, 11-year old brother, and his fiance at the CCT Reunion in Ft. Walton Beach, FL in October. He was only 23 years old. These men all left behind someone who cared for them. All were taken early in life. Most of us have no idea what it’s like to live as they live while deployed, especially in war zones.
And the ones not mentioned near as often are the men and women who are injured in combat. Thank you George and Ray. George was on the same mission as Mark when he was killed. He heard it all over the radio. Ray took Mark’s spot at the operating base and ended up getting injured and returned to the states for recovery at Walter Reed; same place George has been recovering.