Lance Corporal Michael H. Laskey of Soldotna died while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar provice. No additional details . . .
Today’s issue of the local newspaper is not online yet, but I will give you the link if you care to check later – Peninsula Clarion.
Mike was a member of the local unit of Young Marines. He and his unit, with his mother being the CO, volunteer each year at my agency’s largest awareness activity. Their help has been invaluable to us.
Two summers ago his then very pregnant wife, also a member of the unit, came along to help. My first sight of her that day was her bending down, then lying down on the ground, to look under her car. I was, gramma that I am, worried that she was either in labor or going to go into labor due to this exertion. She, just like I would have 30+ years ago, laughed off my worries.
Their little girl, Liberty Lynn, was born two months later. Daddy didn’t get to come home for her birth, but did get to come shortly afterwards for a short leave to meet her. His tour was over the following summer.
He signed up for another hitch in March. He called his Mom Wednesday to tell her he loved her. He was killed Thursday.
This is happening all over the United States. And, now it has happened in tiny Soldotna, Alaska. We all grieve with the family.
but let me quote what his mother Carol said to the reporter:
“He knew his chance of being killed over there was very possible, but he felt because he was doing something for his country, he would die for his country.”
“My son wanted to be a Marine. The day 9-11 hit he went and signed on the dotted line.”
Mike will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery at his request. He has asked not to be taken there in a hearse, but in his favorite conveyence – a beach-truck covered in mud. I trust he will get his wish.
And, in 2008 when my granddaughter and I visit Washington D.C. with her eighth grade class, we will look for his gravesite to leave a memorial there.
Rest in peace, Mike. I’m glad to have known you.