THANKSGIVING SITTING IN AN AIRPORT
Last week we lost a brother. Cpl Thurman was assigned to a new post after a long battle with leukemia. Cpl Thurman was assigned to HMX-1 Security and was retired from the Corps after spending months in Walter Reed receiving Kemo therapy. Cpl Thurman went back to Tuscan Arizona to receive more treatment and to be with his family. Last Tuesday I received word that he had passed. I caught a flight and met up with another Marine from HMX-1, a
fellow Sgt and a good friend. Also with us were the Chaplin and Medical Officer from HMX-1. Last Wednesday the day before Thanksgiving we all spent time with his family, squaring away his dress blues and talking about how much he loved the Corps. We said goodbye that night in the funeral home and went back to our hotel to pack. We all spent the next day in the airport, waiting for our flights back to D.C.. I got back to D.C. around 1900, my girlfriend picked me up and we drove home. This year I really
didn't think I would be spending thanksgiving sitting in an airport. I didn't think that I would have to help with the burial of a fellow Marine and brother. But we didn't complain, we were there for Cpl Thurman, his family and each other. That is why we are Marines, and that is how I know Cpl Thurman is now standing post at Heaven's gates. Semper Fi
Sgt MPA