Mark Davis Consulting

As many of you know, each year on Memorial Day weekend I choose to remember someone who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. Today I remember (among many) Jason Dunham. I share a name so you too can make this weekend a little more personal, putting a name and a face to this weekend that commemorates our country's fallen.

I did not know Cpl Dunham personally but our connection is this: My team and I would travel around the country (Iraq) to provide support for communication systems (think tactical Geek Squad). This particular trip was to support 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in Al Qa'im Iraq on the border of Syria. When I arrived, I saw the Bn CO sitting on a bench outside the COC, he was holding a busted up helmet. He was clearly pensive so I dispensed with any pleasantries and went into the building to continue my mission.

Some time later, maybe a week, word was spreading about a Marine from 3/7 who jumped on a gr***de to save his fellow Marines. What?! That's what happens in movies! That Marine was Jason Dunham and that busted up helmet the CO was holding belonged to Cpl Dunham. Jason used the helmet to cover the gr***de, then covered the helmet with his body in an attempt to contain the blast, ultimately saving the lives of his fellow Marines. Unfortunately, it was not enough to save his own. He was mortally wounded and died a week later in the hospital with his parents by his side.

Cpl Dunham was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions. You can read more about his accomplishments here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Dunham

As we enter into the weekend, enjoy your time with friends and family and please remember the fallen. This weekend I remember Cpl Jason Dunham.

, , , , , , , , ,

As many of you know, each year on Memorial Day I choose to remember someone who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. Today I remember (among many) Kevin Shea. I share a name so you too can make today a bit more personal, putting a name and a face to this day/weekend that commemorates our country’s fallen.

I took this photo of Kevin and GySgt Barnet and sadly, this is almost exactly where he was and what he was doing when a rocket came through the window behind him and took his life.

Shea was posthumously promoted to lieutenant colonel, making him one of the highest-ranking officers killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. You can read more about his accomplishments here:
https://lnkd.in/gR_CzZpM

He was a great leader, mentor, and family man. He is missed.

Until Valhalla brother!

Thank you to all those who have signed that blank check to protect our freedoms!