As an honorably-discharged Army veteran who was fortunate enough not to have to lay down my life for my country, each Memorial Day brings me a very somber and personal reminder.  In the summer of 1993, shortly after graduating high school, I left my hometown in southern California for what would become my new home for the next four years: the United States Military Academy at West Point.  Like most new cadets, the first friend I made at West Point was my roommate in "Beast" (short for "Beast Barracks," describing our basic training at the academy).

Mike MacKinnon and I roomed together for six weeks, and we both went on to endure challenges and "joys" a West Point education brings and were both commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

Sadly, Mike was later killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq.  He left behind a wife and two children.  His letter to his family, written by him to be given to his family in the event of his death, is one of the first things I think of when remembering our fallen heroes.

I've posted a link to his letter at http://www.FIRECoalition.com/docs/MacKinnon Letter.pdf

Make sure you have some tissue handy.  This letter has been known to make grown men cry.  Yes...me too...

Jason Mrochek