Razor: Merkur Progress
Blade: Shark Super Stainless (4th Shave)
Soap/Cream: CBL - Sandalwood, Jasmine, Leather, Cedar, and Rose
Brush: TSC First Anniversary Brush
Penultimate Aftershave: Thayers Coconut Water Witch Hazel
The Ultimate Aftershave: Sudsy Soapery with Chatillon Lux - Lemon Rose Chypre
I was going to do anther remembrance of some fallen comrades yesterday and today. But I don't think my heart can take it if I write out a long story. So just a quick glance at some heroes of mine that left this life way too soon.
Larry Slobodzian - I was room mate with Larry in the Marine Corps for the better part of two years. We remained friends for a while after I got out and then drifted away. We reconnected on Facebook about 15 years ago or so. In 2012 I was in his neck of the woods for a work conference and we had a nice visit over dinner. A couple years ago his family came to New Orleans and I was going to visit with him again. And something came up (I look back now and and the reason seems trivial) and I couldn't go. A year later I learned that he had committed suicide. To this day, if someone says they are going to be anywhere near me...I will find a way to visit.
Kevin "Doc" Vail - A Navy Corpsman that was assigned to my unit in the Marine Corps. Doc Vail was an extremely intelligent and likable guy. Another guy you just wanted to be around. As his profession would indicate, he was incredibly selfless. Later he went on to be a counselor for the VA and continued to help many others. But a man that gave so much hid his issues so well. About eight years ago, Doc took his own life.
Major Darren Ledet - Major Ledet was one of my company commanders in the National Guard...and a man that I respected immensely! We shared a libation or two on several occasions and sort of took me under his wing in the National Guard for a time. Last year Darren had a heart attack and didn't survive. He wasn't even 50.
Darren Mullen - Another National Guard friend. Darren always had a smile on his face and reserved personality. Good at everything that was given to him and always willing to lend a hand to anyone. Darren did two tours to Kosovo (a place we don't here about our servicemen going to a lot...but it to took it's toll on may), and tour to Iraq. From what I was told...at the end, Darren was battling his demons on a lot of fronts...and a few years took his own life.
Sorry to make this a solemn post again. But I wanted to make sure I am honoring those I knew right. I had planned on doing tributes with photos and a nice writ up. But in the end my heart became too heavy. I remember these ladies and gents this week to remind me of the sacrifices they gave. While none of these died in combat directly, I can't help but think that it affected the way they lived their lives. And for at least some, influenced their decision on life. It's my duty to remember them...but it is also my duty to live the absolute best life that I can!
It's Friday and I am so glad of it. I will don my Aloha shirt for the day and continue on being the best person that I can be.
I hope the Cadre has a great weekend!
