OOO-rah!

Mike was a career Marine, having enlisted right after graduating from high school and heading off to boot camp on his 18th birthday. He was a Marine's Marine. In the civilian work force,Mike noticed the different work ethic right away. Civilians in general tend to only give the minimum required of them and expect plenty in return for that. Marine's always give 100% and rarely ask for much back. They work hard and give their all. Mike missed that a lot, probably more than anything because he always gave his all to everything he went after. If someone asked for his help, he was right there helping in any way he could. If someone needed a loan, he cracked open his wallet. He took every task seriously and was a perfectionist. Even just hanging pictures on the wall involved measuring tapes and levels. I must admit this could sometimes be annoying. But I always knew that Mike would make sure whatever it was, was done right. He could fix just about anything and never used duct tape or super glue (but sometimes a little Gorilla glue and cable ties). Everything he worked on was done right - from cutting the grass to shoveling snow off the driveway. If he repaired something, it was being repaired for good (not a quick fix).
The Marines lost a true hero when Mike decided to retire. He knew his job inside and out and put everything he had into it. And the Michigan Department of Corrections lost a truly fine corrections officer when he left his employment there just a couple short months before his death. I think a lot of people didn't appreciate the man until he was gone. That's sad and should be a lesson to everyone show your appreciation to those around you that you admire and respect. Make sure those you love know how you feel and always kiss your loved ones goodbye when they leave you. You may never get another chance.