Message By 1Stlt Mike Breslin - May 3, 2013
February 17, 2011Dear Ms. Miller, My name is Mike Breslin. I am 30 years old, married with two children. My dad was a Marine and we moved all over the U.S. when I was growing up. But we settled in Annapolis MD, and that is where I claim my hometown. I'm the Platoon commander for 3ed Platoon, kico company, 3d bn 9th Marines. Your son was attached to and supporting my Platoon the day he died. I was with him on that day, and I wanted you to know what happened so that you wouldn't spend years wanting to know. I'm unsure of how much you know or if this is the right thing to do, but I will tell the story as completely as I understand it. Starting on 15 January 2011 your son's squad attached to my Platoon to assist in a massive clearing operation in Southeastern Marjeh. As a combat engineer, your son and his squad-mates had specialized trainging for finding improvised explosive devices (IEDs) before the could hurt Marines. Over the first few days of the operation, your son and his squad found about 15 IEDs and IED-making materials before the Marines or local Nationals were injured. The Combat Engineers fearlessly took point on patrol. After patrol, risking themselves with every step to protect their brother marines and the local Afghans.On 17 January we were on our third day of the operation. Half of my Platoon was searching houses and haystacks while the other half was prouding security for the scarchers. Your son Joseph was about zoom East of the search team, clearing out a safe position for the security team to work from. While he was searching with another combat engineer, CPL Edwards, they found an IED and it went off, instantly killing Joseph and injuring CPL Edwards.Over the next 30 minutes CPL Edwards was treated and a Marine from my Platoon took up a position next to Joseph to make sure that his body was treated with dignity. We called in a helicopter and CPL Edwards was taken away to receive further medical care and Joseph was loaded to make his Journey Home.As a parent I cannot fathom the pain that you are carrying right now. This letter won't take any of that away, but I want you to know somethings that might help you find some peace one day. The first is that Joseph never felt any pain. The explosion that took his life prevented him from experiencing and suffering.The second thing that I want you to know is that you son saved countless lives before he gave up his own. He protected both marines and the local Afghans, who are targeted by the enemy and stuck in a warzone through no fault of their own. Almost everyday I hear reports of innocent children and farmers in this area losing life and limb to IEDs. Joseph and his squads actions prevented that.On the day he died, Joseph's actions directly contributed to saving 8 of my marines. He is a hero to every marine in my Platoon and we will always carry his sacrifice for us in our hearts. I thank you for raising such a brave and selfless young man and I pray that in the future you will find some peace.I will be here for 5 more months. If you want to speak to me in the future, feel free to write me. I will also include my email address at the bottom if you wish future contact. I will keep your family in my prayers. Respectfully Submitted, 1stLT Mike Breslin 3rd PLT CO, Kilo Co, 3/9

