Dear Mike,
It has been brought to my attention that you were recently injured at Officer Candidates School. While injuries in the program are common, candidates continuing to train on stress fractures until the bone breaks are rare indeed. Your perseverance and dedication demonstrated a lot of fortitude in the face of pain. For health reasons I’d rather that you’d brought this injury earlier to our attention, but your toughness of spirit is most impressive. You also remind us why Marines are feared by our enemies – young men of your ilk are the enemy’s worst nightmare.
Your selfless example and gritty determination mark you as a man who has much to contribute to our enlisted Marines that look to officers for your style of leadership. Come back when you heal – we have a place for you as an officer of Marines, young man.
I applaud your commitment and extend to you my personal Well Done.
Semper Fidelis,
JAMES N. MATTIS
Lieutenant General, U.S. Marines
Comments
5 responses to “Letter from Lieutenant General Mattis”
Well that was nice of him. Nic oic of the break. Ouch.
Mike- Tough break (no pun). That is certainly a nice letter from the General. I saw your post on Airwarriors, and I will follow your progress in your blog. In my 14+ years in the Navy I have seen the military take care of its own, and give many people 2nd chances. Keep your chin up, and if this is really your dream it will happen for you. Good luck to you while you are healing, and keep that positive mental attitude!
Mike:
Excellent changes to your website. Using your hip x-ray for a banner is probably the coolest thing I’ve seen all year. The letter from the general gave me goosebumps. Jesus, man… So nuts.
Was reading the latest Newsweek. The cover story article about Richard Jadick who received the Bronze Star for his medical service in Fallujah got me thinking about you.
Everything happens for a reason, right?
Hey man that is an awesome letter from the General. That shows you have what it takes to be a Marine Officer when they invite you back. Keep working and everything will happen the way it is supposed to.
Nice letter. Didn’t know the General was so caring. This only means one thing. Once you get all healed up, go at it again. I’m still waiting to meet you in person. The Corps is smaller than most realize.