A tribute to fellow Marine Officer,Sgt.Merlin German

Today,I would like to express my tribute and gratitude over a fellow Marine Officer,Sgt.Merlin German who had left us forever just recently.Sergeant Merlin German (USMC) was born in Manhattan,New York on Nov. 15, 1985.He enlisted in the Marine Corps 08 September 2003 and received a meritorious promotion to Private First Class out of boot camp.In April 2004,Sergeant German transferred to his first permanent duty station, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division where he served as a Field Artillery Cannoneer.

While on a mission in Iraq on February 21,2005,he was severely wounded,during an en route to Camp Ramadi when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb.He actually had spotted an IED while standing in the turret at his Mk-19 machine gun.With no time to alert the driver,their HUMVEE was hit on a left side by a gas-fed shape charge explosive.Sergeant German was blown clear of the vehicle,and his fellow Marines helped extinguish the flames that had quickly burned 97% of his total body surface area.He was not expected to survive,but he was transported to Germany and then to Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas,which has the U.S. military's top burns unit.He spent nine months in intensive care and underwent more than 100 operations.German moved out of the hospital into his own home after 17 months of treatment.He also founded Merlin's Miracles,a charity that aims to assist burned children and their families which you can know more about by clicking on this link http://www.merlinsmiracles.com/

After a long battle,German died April 11 at Brooke Army Medical Center of complications after surgery.Sgt.German was 22.He is truly an inspiration to all other armed forces that are serving in Iraq or other parts of the world and it was sad to see him gone.To be able to at least survive such a extensive burnt on his body is already a miracle itself but that didnt let him down.He continued to set up a foundation that aims to help burned children and that I think is a great thing to do.Even though he is the one who needs help,he still want to help others.His loss is a big blow to his family,friends and the country as well but we will always remember his contributions to the country and will continue doing it for him.

As we mourn the loss of another fine and young marine,we should not let his efforts and contributions go in vain.I would like to express my respect and appreciation for Sgt.Merlin German for the extraordinary job that he has done.He truly represent what a marine is all about which is honor,courage and commitment.RIP Sgt. and may God bless your soul. *Salutations*