I just received the news that our “Annoying Mike” lost his son in the line of duty today in Afghanistan. I don’t know what details Mike’s comfortable with me sharing at the moment. As soon as he’s able to let me know I’ll pass them on.

and bumped

I don’t have the details yet on Chris’ death.  I was told it was an IED.  Chris is my oldest son, 28 years old and a father for his little boy Ryan and husband to Caroline, his wife.  I have attached a picture of Chris and Ryan, who turned one year old last month while his daddy was in Afghanistan.  The picture was taken on the day of his departure.  This was Chris’ 4th tour in harm’s way-once to Kosovo, twice to Iraq and now Afghanistan.  He is a SGT in the Military Police Corps.  I’m also including a hyperlink to an article which made me very proud of my son.  It won’t be hard to figure out our family name, but that’s ok-it’s time I came out of the shadows and started advocating for my son and his comrades. ...

...Please keep Chris, Caroline, Ryan and my family in your prayers.  We have another son, Jordan, who was inspired by his older brother’s love of country and the service to join the Army as well.  He is scheduled to deploy next year....

Shortly before I left for the California trip, Mike and I chatted briefly about all of us doing our little something for his son and his unit and I’d asked Mike to give me a beminder after I got back.

We never got a chance. So now, I’d like to offer Mike and his family any support we can give…

While I know that you don’t know Chris or for that matter, even me, I have felt a kinship with you and the folks at KisP. I appreciate all that you have done and all that you will do for our troops. Please pass on my thanks to all who been tolerant of my rants and quips, but more importantly, for all that they have done for our men and women in uniform.

God bless you.
“Annoying Mike”

God bless you, Mike. While I am at a loss for words I hope you know that my broken heart is with you…