Memorial Day is always a rough one for many of us, I hope everyone has the chance to enjoy the weekend & reads a few stories about those who gave their lives for our nation.

Before Shan was killed we'd privately raise a glass to the fallen closest to us & share their stories.

On Shan's behalf I'm going to share the stories of two of her friends who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Steven Daugherty KIA 16 JUL 07 in Iraq. Steve was SIGINT specialist, he was killed guiding SEAL teams in their pursuit of terrorist leaders.

https://stationhypo.com/2017/05/16/remember-ctt1sw-steven-daugherty-kia-iraq/

Navy SEAL Blake Marston. Blake was killed during a parachute training accident on 10 Jan 2015. Blake was veteran of many deployments & helped Shan integrate with his SEAL platoon during her 1st Iraq deployment.

Our old son's middle name is Blake.

https://www.concordmonitor.com/Blake-Marston-family-laughs-cries-remembers-as-Sept-11-approaches-4634382

Also on my mind this weekend is Brett Walden KIA 05 AUG 05. Brett was my teammate & a mentor. He was one of the men on horse back who invaded AFG following 9/11. Since Shannon was killed his wife & daughter have been there for us.

Our second son's middle name is Brett.

Master Sgt. Sae Jin Park-Schneider, a great friend & silent professional. He survived multiple tours of combat only to be taken by cancer.

Sage's brother Dae Han Park was KIA on 12 Mar 2011 in AFG.

https://archives.rep-am.com/2018/06/17/master-sgt-sae-jin-park-schneider/

https://greenberetfoundation.org/memorial/dae-han-park/

Another friend & mentor of mine is Brian Hoke a former SEAL who was killed in AFG taking the fight to ISIS. Brian was friend to all & true warrior.

https://www.standforsomething.com/blogs/those-who-stood/brian-ray-hoke

Finally, on my mind every day is my soulmate & hero Shannon Mary Kent KIA 16 JAN 2019 hunting ISIS in Manbij Syria.

This weekend please share the stories of our fallen & raise a glass.

Cheers.