Mark Hall
Mike was the kind of guy that left a lasting impression on you, the moment you met him. I could write a book (And maybe will one day) about all the memories I have with Mike, but for now I’ll summarize my almost 40 years with Mike.
I met Mike in 1988, my Platoon (STA Plt 2/7), just returned to Camp Pendleton after training at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport Ca. We had barely gotten off the bus when this big, squared away, hard charging, LCpl approached me. He stood in front of me, extended his hand and said Sgt, I’m LCpl Arnold, and I’ve been assigned to your Platoon. As we say in the Marine Corps, first impressions are lasting. This young man certainly left an impression on me. The rest as they say is history.
Shortly after his arrival in the platoon, Mike picked up Cpl. Our Sniper platoon did countless training exercises, and deployed to Okinawa, and Mount Fuji Japan. During our overseas deployment if we weren’t in the field training, we were usually at some watering hole (Bar/Club), or as we referred to it as, the Patrol Base. After all, the Marine Corps was born in a Tavern (Tun Tavern Philadelphia PA). One weekend we caught a train from Fuji, and went to Yakuska Japan, we tried to drink the town dry, imagine how that turned out.
Upon return from deployment, we lost one of our Snipers, LCpl George Goulden. He was killed by a vehicle while crossing the street. Mike would later pay tribute to LCpl Goulden by naming his beloved Bulldog after him.
Mike and I were celebrating the life of Goulden, the night I met my wonderful wife. We married two years later, and Mike was my best man.
Mike and I later served together at the Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry. Years later we were on the Drill Field together where we served as Drill Instructors, in 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. We finally worked together at the Base Safety Center, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, as Tactical Safety Specialists, supporting I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), and Base personnel.
Mike was more than a friend, more than a fellow Marine, he was a Brother I never had. Mike would put himself in harm’s way, and gladly lay down his life for you, or his Marines. He was part of my family, we spent weekends, holidays, and birthdays together. We would Scuba dive together, ride motorcycles, and BBQ. He was such a brother to me that my son’s and daughter would refer to him as Uncle Mike. He was also my daughter’s Godfather.
As I sit in disbelief of Mike’s untimely passing, I cherish all the time we spent together.
Mike will forever be in the hearts and minds of my family and I. Until we met again, R.I.P my Brother!
To the Arnold Family, from the Hall Family. May God Bless you all. Our sincere condolences, and heartfelt prayers go out to you. Mike touched the lives of all that knew him. Our hearts ache as we mourn his passing. We wish we could make it to his Service, and meet with you, but will unfortunately not be able to.
God Bless you all.
R/S
Mark Hall
