On May 24th, 2012 I was on Camp Leatherneck, Afg in a smoke pit behind our work area, which happened 2b near where the medevac helos came in. Every time one passed I'd send up a simple prayer, "Please let whoever's on there be ok." and I remember doing that on this particular day

A bit later back at the cans (conex boxes we lived in), a buddy I'd been in the smoke pit with came running up with urgency, distraught. "It was Coffey - he was on that helo. They said he's still alive"

By now a group of us from our unit had gathered at another smoke pit outside our cans to wait for an update while a couple others headed over to the medical area to see what they could find out.

All I remember is chain smoking and staring at the rocks, and I don't know how much time went by, but then one of the guys was walking back towards us, and he didn't have to say anything. I could tell by the look on his face.

In my mind now it's a blur. Our Commanding Officer gathered us together and said some heartfelt words of encouragement, but I don't recall the words. And I wish I could say I kept my composure but I didn't. I remember punching rocks and screaming in my can.