Conner, Ceo, Boswell SGT Michael McMullen
This page commemorates the life and service of SGT Michael McMullen of 2nd Platoon. He was seriously injured near Ramadi, Iraq on December 24th, 2005. He was assisting soldiers who were injured in an IED strike when a secondary device detonated. He was evacuated to the United States, but his wounds were mortal. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in January 2006.
May he rest in peace.
This photo was taken at SGT McMullen’s funeral on 20JAN2006.
January 22nd, 2006 at 10:36 am
On one of the mildest days in january, it was my greatest honor to attend the burial of my friend, Mike McMullen. There were so many people of various backgrounds who were all joined together by a young man’s selfless dedication to his fellow soldiers and his fellow firefighters.
He was a better human being than many of us, and I hope to be a better human being because of him.
Thanks Mac.
January 22nd, 2006 at 12:06 pm
I was in awe because of the amount of people’s lives that this young man had affected. It was truely an honor to be a part of Mac’s burial. I know that he had touched my life, he was a great friend and a superb person. I only hope that in my lifetime I can be the kind of honest and great person that Mac was. I will miss you greatly. Rest in peace Mac.
January 23rd, 2006 at 12:20 pm
After attending that funeral I wrote a poem which you can read on my blog. I’d been to Arlington before as tourist, but this time was different.
http://kafois.blogspot.com/
January 23rd, 2006 at 9:14 pm
I wanted to fill you in on the details when my wife and I attended the service on Friday and Arlington on Friday. The funeral started at 7 and lasted till almost 10. There were hundreds of people there, civilian, firefighters and military. We were taken in at the last minute and sat on the third row. They played several “patriotic themed” songs and had a slide show of Mac’s life. The coffin was closed with the flag draped over it. After we were seated the firefighters filed in two by two to salute and pay their respects to Mac. The service was officiated by both a retired fireman chaplin and a military chaplin. They read scripture and gave words of comfort and then opened the floor for anyone to speak. A few did, one being the Mac’s younger brother. He gave a good talk about Mac teaching him how to take a good beating at an early age. Then they allowed Bart and Divel and both of their wives to speak on his heroism and how they were there due to Mac’s personal sacrifice. It got really touching and very hard to sit through without breaking down by the end. There were times too, when the silence in there was deafening. Have you ever experienced such quiet that it actually hurt your ears? It was quite an evening. The parents were also given his awards and the fiancee received the flag from the firemen. He was given the Silver Star and promoted to Staff Sgt as you well know..
Mac’s final request was to be taken to Arlington by fire truck and that’s just what they did. There must have been at least 100 cars not to mention two Charter buses that carried people to Arlington. There had to be at least 300 hundred people at the graveside. The service there was short and to the point. My wife expected it to be more touchy feely where as I knew it would be more cold and mechanical. Taps was my hardest thing to get through. We made it though and I hope to God I never have to go back for another soldier. One of these services is enough for us. Well I just wanted to let all know that Mac’s final alarm was just what he wanted.
All stay safe, and come home,
1SG Wilson
Acting CSM 121st ENG
January 23rd, 2006 at 9:22 pm
If allowed this is a very good slide show of Mac’s funeral. About 40 pictures!
http://www.fithp.com/
January 25th, 2006 at 5:08 am
The Firefighters, soldiers, and the people of the Eastern Shore have done well in honoring a fallen hero.
January 25th, 2006 at 10:52 pm
I would like to say and sorry I am to hear what has happened. The slideshow above was very moving. I pray all of you men/women come home safe.
Laura Cibrian
September 3rd, 2007 at 7:50 am
I will never foget you, from the pics at cali. to the great tour of iraq may you rest in peace brother. (G.F.C.)
January 22nd, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I have just today learned of the passing of one of our Army’s finest young leaders. I was fortunate enough to be in the 243rd ENG for just a short period back in 2004-2005. While my contributions were extremely limited i was vastly effected by my time in the unit. Learning to be a Soldier before an Officer is something that not many young officers can say. Men like SGT McMullen have shaped who i am as an Officer and his presence has always been felt by myself, and all of those whom i come into contact with. May his memoy serve those who knew him to make us better, and may we never forget the sacrifice that he made for the least among us!
Essayons!