A True Hero!!! and friend

[GySgt USMC]

The below story is about a Marine from my unit here at Cherry Point, NC. He was also a very good friend!! This happened this past week-end. Please keep his family in your prayers, and thoughts.... Thanks!

GySgt Haines


ALMA, Mich. — A U.S. Marine drowned after saving two children who were swimming off Atlantic Beach in North Carolina, the military said.
Master Sgt. Michael Wert, an intelligence chief for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Cherry Point in Havelock, N.C., was vacationing this past weekend with his family at the beach when he saw two boys struggling in the surf, the Marines said in a statement.
His wife, Debbie, said her husband rushed into the water to help while she went to call 911. Their daughter, Katrina, grabbed a boogie board and followed Wert, a Michigan native, into the water.
"She managed to help the boys onto the board, but didn't see her dad with them," Debbie Wert said in the statement. "The one little boy told her (Michael Wert) had to let them go and had died."
Rescue personnel found Wert but could not revive him.
Wert joined the Marines in 1989 after graduating from Alma High School, where he was a cross-country runner, The Saginaw News reported. He served in Operation Desert Storm and supported Operation Iraqi Freedom.
(Story continues below)
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"He was a good student and a fine young man," said school secretary Anne Jarrett. "He died trying to save someone else. Not many people would do that."
Alma City Manager Phillip J. Moore said some in the small community north of Lansing have called city hall to see how they can help the family.
"It's a tragedy, but we are all proud of him," Moore said.
In addition to his wife and daughter, Wert is survived by two other children, his parents and two siblings.
A memorial service was scheduled for Wednesday at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Visitation was scheduled for Friday at Dewey Funeral Home in Alma, with funeral services Saturday at Alma United Methodist Church.

[gordiesgirl]

Sorry to here about your friend. He was a true hero. I will take comfort that he is now in heaven. I hope his family believes he is. Thanks for sharing.

[PAPPY]

A TRUE HERO ! Our prayers and sympathy goes out to his entire family

[dri-wash]

True Marine...he gave his life for others....our hearts go out to his family...

Tom

[journeyoftheanimals]

Pappy put it best and I feel the same.

[cjoej]

Having spent 18 years in the Corps, I am not surprised by his actions. It is not just a part of our training, but is charachteristic of our way of life as Marines. No pausing to think of ourselves when we see a need, just a reflex to take action to try to save another.

Master Sgt. Michael Wert acted in the finest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and my prayers are with his family, fellow Marines and friends.

Semper Fi Marine, your mission is complete.

C. Joe J. , former SSGT USMC

Uncommon Valor IS a Common Virtue
Once a Marine, always a Marine.

[ERnurse]

Sympathy and prayers to his family.


There is no greater love than a man who lays his life down for another.

Rob

[RingDancer]

You all said it well!!!! My prayers go out to his family, and he was a very brave, caring, loving person to save others!!!!

Again...My prayers are with his family!!!!

Pat

[didijim]

So sorry about your friend, giving of ones life to save another is "the boundless love" that a man can give. He must ahve been an unselfish man all the time.

Blessings and prayers to his family, peace be with them

[creekrat]

go out for this young hero and his family,may he be marching in heaven,creek