Not so fun Monday!

From the pages of a fellow brother Marine:

Semper Fidelis

Two days ago, a friend and colleague was killed in action in Iraq. Captain John Maloney was a leader of Marines. Moreover, he was just plain good people. I present that as the highest compliment I can possibly to give to anyone of my acquaintance.

John, along with several of the Marines in his company, was murdered by a cowardly, scum-sucking terrorist who set up an IED (improvised explosive device) to ambush John and his men.

John deserved better.

Captain John Maloney was a Marine's Marine. I served with him when we were both but lowly, non-commissioned officers, and I enjoyed the privilege of serving both under and beside him. He was a leader in every sense of the word. When you did well, he complimented you on your abilities and made you feel good about who and what you were. When you screwed up, he was equally fervent--yet fair--in his correction. The Marine Corps and the United States of America lost a very good man this year.

The only reference I could find on the net in relation to John was this article, (ironically, on my birthday) about his company lending medical assistance to a local Iraqi hospital. Knowing John, he would have been proud to know this was his most prominent and public memorial.

When next you hoist a drink to your lips, do me a personal favor and give thanks to John Maloney and the men like him, who have given their lives to preserve the freedoms of both you and your fellow human beings.

Vaya con Dios, John. It's your turn to guard the pearly gates.

Semper Fidelis.