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August 28, 2006
LCPL MICHAEL D. GLOVER (1978-2006):
As many CJ readers know, my cousin Kieran Lalor is a veteran of the Iraq war. On Saturday his friend and comrade, Lance Corporal Michael Glover, was buried in New York, having come home from Iraq, as Kieran puts it, "a hero for the ages," after being killed by a sniper in Fallujah. I'd met Mike just a few times and was trying, but struggling post something here, but Kieran's words are a wonderful tribute to his friend. Please read it:
"Michael Glover was a true Renaissance Man and will forever be remembered as an authentic American Hero.
Below is a brief biography of a great man who gave his life for his country.
Mike Glover was Mr. New York. A Rockaway man through and through, he worked the beaches as a lifeguard for several summers as a young man. He also brought music to New York's bar and club scene as a DJ, worked for a technology firm in White Plains and helped run his father's medical device business.
He was a graduate of prestigious Xavier High School in Manhattan, where he was an outstanding student who went on to graduate from University of Albany with honors.
Motivated by the heroism of the 9/11 firefighters from his neighborhood, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve and went to Boot Camp on Parris Island in the summer of 2004. The following Summer Glover completed the Marine Corps' School Of Infantry.
When Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, motivated by the way the country rallied behind his beloved New York on 9/11, Glover rounded up two other Marines and drove 1400 miles to the effected area. Using a potent combination of persuasiveness and moxie, he navigated through police and National Guard checkpoints making his way to the command post of the search and rescue efforts in downtown New Orleans.
A New Orleans police officer, who was also a ranking member of a Marine Reserve unit in Louisiana, took notice of Glover's exploits and put him up for a medal. Prior to deploying to Iraq, Glover was awarded the Navy And Marine Corps Achievement Medal. The citation reads in part:
"Lance Corporal Glover conducted numerous rescue missions by land and water working from dawn until dusk...Lance Corporal Glover's initiative and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."
He earned an academic scholarship to Pace Law in White Plains and began studying law just weeks after his boot camp graduation. He completed two semesters before volunteering to deploy to Iraq with Bravo Company 1st Battalion 25th Marines.
Glover was offered a job with the New York Attorney General’s office in White Plains but put the opportunity on hold to go to Iraq.
As if he didn't have enough on his plate he began playing the guitar in 2003, rooted hard for the New York Yankees and was known to party like a rock star.
Mike Glover deployed to Iraq in March 2006 and served for five months near the volatile city of Fallujah in the An Bar Province. On 16 August he gave his life on the battlefield.
For the hundreds of friends and family members who adored this very unique and determined young man, the loss is so deep it is not yet fully comprehendible.
Mike Glover, a man among men in life, died a hero for the ages."
Posted by bill at August 28, 2006 11:27 AM
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