Remembering on Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, we remember Sgt. Mark P. Adams who gave his life for our freedom...MY freedom.

Mark, who was Mike's younger brother, had already served 4 years in the Marines and then began college. While in college, Mark assisted as a wrestling coach at his high school but still felt called to re-enlist into the Marines. You see, because of his division's rotation, Mark had not yet had the opportunity to fight in the war and wanted to go back in the Marines to fight for the cause. So, reluctantly, we said good-bye to him in September 2005.

Mark was attached with to the 2nd Marine Division. Shortly after being in Iraq, he was promoted to platoon leader. Mark's leadership with his men was evident. His men respected him because he respected them.

On October 15, 2005, while on patrol, Mark's humvee was struck by a roadside bomb. Mark had just relieved one of his Marines and was sitting in the gun turret which is the only exposed position on the humvee. He was the only one injured.

It is unusual for a platoon leader, with 30 Marines under him to take the position in the gun turret. But before Mark left for Iraq, he had told us that he would never ask his men to do something that he was not willing to do himself.

We continue to honor Mark. We think of him often. We remember his legacy. We miss him.

Honoring a Hero

Three years ago today, Sgt. Mark P. Adams gave his life for our freedom...MY freedom.

Mark, who was Mike's younger brother, had already served 4 years in the Marines and then began college. While in college, Mark assisted as a wrestling coach at his high school but still felt called to re-enlist into the Marines. You see, because of his division's rotation, Mark had not yet had the opportunity to fight in the war and wanted to go back in the Marines to fight for the cause. So, reluctantly, we said good-bye to him in September 2005.

Mark was attached with to the 2nd Marine Division. Shortly after being in Iraq, he was promoted to platoon leader. Mark's leadership with his men was evident. His men respected him because he respected them.

On October 15, 2005, while on patrol, Mark's humvee was struck by a roadside bomb. Mark had just relieved one of his Marines and was sitting in the gun turret which is the only exposed position on the humvee. He was the only one injured.

It is unusual for a platoon leader, with 30 Marines under him to take the position in the gun turret. But before Mark left for Iraq, he had told us that he would never ask his men to do something that he was not willing to do himself.

We continue to honor Mark. We think of him often. We remember his legacy. We miss him.

3rd Annual Sgt. Mark Adams Wrestling Clinic

Last Saturday (10/11) was the 3rd Annual Sgt. Mark Adams "Making A Difference" Wrestling Clinic at Orange High School. This is a clinic that is supported by FCA and the Sgt. Mark P Adams Foundation. Mike's parents wanted to have something that honored Mark's life and helped others who enjoy wrestling as much as he did.

About 70 wrestlers from area high schools participated in the clinic. Coach Clar Anderson of Duke University was the featured coach who went over new techniques and moves with the wrestlers. Then, Mark's wrestling coach and current coach at Cary High School, Jerry Winterton, spoke about Mark and his journey as a high school wrestler and then assistant coach. Mike's dad and brother were able to also speak to the group about Mark, his faith in God, his time as a Marine, and about their comfort knowing that Mark is with the Lord.

Ashe Co Armed Forces Tribute 2008

The 3rd annual Ashe Co Armed Forces Tribute was held this past weekend in Jefferson, NC. As part of the tribute, Mike's brother, Mark, was honored. Rebecca Pepin, author of Faces of Freedom, helped to MC the event. During the program, we were able to contact by satellite members of the Army and Marines who are presently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. People in the audience were encouraged to ask questions and some family members were even able to talk with their soldier.

Booths were set up on the field, along with a Black Hawk helicopter, jeeps from WWII, the Marine band, and a memorial wall. Members of the 82nd Airborne parachuted in during the morning and also during the afternoon. After lunch, the Black Hawk took off from the field and did a "fly by". The entire event honored Veterans and Active Duty soldiers. What a privilege to be a part of this tribute.

1st jump - morning

Marine band

Black Hawk leaving at lunch

Rebecca Pepin with her husband, Derek, Rene' and Phillip, Miriam and Mike
Derek and Rebecca

2nd jump - afternoon




Derek and Rebecca, Miriam and Mike, Blue and Polly at the New River

Mt. Jefferson
Miriam and Blue

This is how we found Polly when we came out of the restaurant after dinner.
at the cabin


Sleepy...

Polly
Blue