Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Michael Weston Obituary
WESTON MICHAEL EDWARD WESTON Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Michael Edward Weston, Major, USMC, of Washington, D.C., died October, 26 2009, when the U.S. military helicopter he was in crashed while returning from a joint counternarcotics and counterinsurgency mission in western Afghanistan. Mike Weston was 37 years of age. Born 29 December 1971, Mike grew up in California and Pennsylvania. He graduated with distinction from Stanford University in 1994, receiving degrees in Computer Science and Economics. He also graduated from Harvard Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor, cum laude, in 1997. Mike was a highly decorated officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and served on active duty and in the reserves for over 14 years. He served in a variety of capacities, including as a Judge Advocate, Platoon and Company Commander, and most recently, as the Operations Officer for the 4th Combat Engineer Battalion. He deployed to Iraq three times between 2003 and 2007. After leaving active duty in 2003, Mike joined the DEA and was assigned to the Washington Division Office, where he investigated drug-related offenses in the Richmond, Virginia, area. In July 2009, Mike began a two-year deployment to Afghanistan as a member of the DEA''s Kabul Country Office. He was stationed in Herat. Mike was active in the Band of Heroes veterans'' organization. Mike is survived by his wife, Cynthia Tidler, of Washington, DC. He is also survived by his mother, Judy, and her husband, Steven Zarit, of State College, PA, and his father, Steven, and his wife, Jude Weston, of Lake Arrowhead, CA. In addition to his wife and his parents, Mike is survived by his brother, Thomas Weston, his sister-in-law, Jessica Sidman, and their son, Brian, of Amherst, MA; his brother, Benjamin Zarit of Chicago IL; his sister, Megan Manly of Nashville, TN; and his brother and sister-in-law, Matthew and Jenna Zarit of Pittsburgh, PA. Mike is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Avis and Laurence Maes, of State College, PA. Mike was known for his quick wit and wonderful stories. He was an honorable man, a devoted public servant, and a natural leader, whether among friends or colleagues. A memorial service will be held on November 6, 2009, at Marine Corps Base Quantico. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project ( www.woundedwarriorproject.org ) or the Drug Enforcement Administration Survivors Benefit Fund ( www.deamemorial.org ).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Weston
Sponsored by anonymous.
WZ
December 4, 2024
You are not forgotten Michael. People are still learning your name, your story, and about your sacrifice. May your memory be a blessing and continue to inspire those who knew you well and those who have only heard stories about what an incredible person you are.
Benjamin Zarit
November 18, 2009
A Tribute to Mike, by his father, Steven Weston
I am Mike Weston's Dad.
I thought a lot about what I should say today to capture of essence of Mike in a few words. I cannot.
But to those who knew him, who worked with him, who served with him, who spoke with him, it is unnecessary.
To those who didn't know him, I am sorry. Sorry that you did not get the chance to know a remarkable man.
Still, I must say something about Mike and I will. Mike was full of life and adventure. Nothing, it seemed, was too daunting or impossible to overcome. So I will illustrate this part of his character - his spirit - by telling two stories about Mike - true stories.
The first story takes place in Lake Arrowhead, California. Lake Arrowhead is a mountain lake east of Los Angeles where my lovely wife, Jude, and I live. It is not a large lake but is not a small lake either. Mike, when visiting, regularly boated or kayaked on the lake. One time, some years back, Mike and Tom, our other glorious son, were visiting. Mike commented that he might swim around Lake Arrowhead.
Startled, I said: "Mike, it is at least 8 miles around the lake. It is a mountain lake, the water is cold, and boaters will make the water choppy and dangerous for swimmers." Unfazed, Mike set out to conquer the lake. He estimated that it would take him four hours to make the swim. Tom, Jude and I were nervous. We went looking for him several times. Each time, he refused to quit. He just kept on swimming.
Of course, he made it. It took him almost 8 hours, not four. His core body temperature had dropped and he had swallowed lots of lake water. But, as we climbed the stairs from our dock to our house, I could see the satisfaction on his face.
The second story involves the Mississippi River.
Mike had just completed his third tour in Iraq. He was a Marine Captain at the time and he and his company had been charged with patrolling the Euphrates River, protecting the large dam that supplies power to Baghdad and protecting the nearby towns and villages. For seven months he had been in combat on this tour.
When he had safely returned, he told Cindy and the family that he was fascinated with rivers, and in particular, the Mississippi River. He thought he might kayak it. I asked Mike which part of the river, he intended to kayak. He replied: "All of it". From Minneapolis to New Orleans - more than 2,000 miles.
With Cindy's help, he stashed supplies along the river. Estimating it would take 50 days to complete the trip, he launched his one-man kayak in Minneapolis. Living on MRE's and sleeping on islands, he paddled 14 hours or more a day, nonstop, seven days a week. He made it to New Orleans in 29 days, which must be a record of some kind but Mike didn't care about that. He had done what he set out to do.
And, that was Mike.
Thank you.
Benjamin Zarit
November 13, 2009
A Tribute to a Giant by Damon Stevens
When Cindy and Mike´s parents asked me to speak here today and to give a eulogy to my great friend, for days I stared at the ceiling of my bedroom trying to think of what I would say that would capture who Mike was, what he represented, what he meant to me, and what he meant to this country... I finally came to the undeniable reality that I simply can´t... and I´m sorry to say that... as one being bestowed this honor I owe it to you to try and put a nice capstone on his life, and I´m just not able to do that....
For those of us in this room that knew Mike, you know how I feel, you know what he meant to this country, you know what type of man he was. He was truly unique, he was simultaneously very complex, but also very simple. And that is an incredible and exceptional combination. I know we all feel the same way about him, I know we all have the same impression and high regards for this man as I´ve honestly never met anyone who knew, or worked with him that thinks any differently. We are extraordinarily lucky to have known Mike. There is nothing I need to say.
However, for those of you here and outside these walls who did not know Mike, I´m sorry. I can not in good faith pretend that I´m able to put together the proper sentences that can describe what he represents and who he was without it sounding simplistic, disingenuous, or unreal. Maybe that´s my failing as a writer or speaker, but really its more of a testament to who this man is. The family and colleagues of Mike before me did a wonderful job but I´m sure all would agree that we just scratched the surface. So I´m starting off, probably breaking every tenant of any rules associated with giving tributes and starting off with an apology to all of you who did not have the honor of knowing Mike because I am not going be able to give you a true sense of who he was.
I should in all right go and sit down right now. Full Stop. However, there are a few things that I can say with certainty:
First and foremost, Mike would be downright irritated, I never really saw him mad, but certainly irritated or perturbed, at all of us and particularly at me and his family for all of this. Mike would have looked at all of this and thought we had lost our minds. And he wouldn´t tell us directly, but he´d let his displeasure be known in only the way Mike could. By now he would have counted how many people were here, generally estimated what everyone´s per hour value to the GDP was, adjusted for the senior leadership present up front here, and added up the total opportunity lost cost for this event and causally told us that this event cost the USG x millions of dollars that probably could have better honored him and been more appropriately and efficiently utilized in any dozen or so examples as demonstrated in the following spreadsheets and attached appendices. And of course we would have known that he was probably right, had done his homework, so that argument was pretty much futile, and I would try to move on to the next subject, which for me was always how much better my Gators were than his beloved Nitany Lions. This is the result of the incredible combination of sincere humility coupled with the exercise of higher level logic.
Second, because of our collective inadequacy at being able to describe this truly unique individual, we naturally and understandably focus on those accolades and titles he´s collected. And they are impressive. Stanford Grad, Harvard law graduate, Marine Corps officer, DEA Special Agent. But Mike did not gain his identity from any of the numerous titles or accolades he was bestowed, including the ones that we´ve noted today, He was proud of those accomplishments, but they did not make him. He was the same person, same personality, same values, same outlook, before he attended or joined any of those organizations as he was when he left or graduated. Other than gaining tangible skills, he didn´t change a bit from those experiences. And this was a man with four tours in a combat zone. He was the same from the first day that I met him at Camp Pendleton till the dinner we had together just a few short weeks ago. In a time when people often wear their resumes on their sleeves or can´t help from dropping hints as to their titles or academic pedigree in introductory casual conversations, I can tell you with certainly that if any of you agents in training up in the balcony met him today, you would be hard pressed to find out his impressive credentials. I was reminded recently of the story when someone in our chain of command thought that it would be important for some reason that of the Officers in the command needed to make sure their diplomas were hanging on their office walls. Never one to disobey an order, but also Mike was not shy in offering his assistance to his commanding officers by interpreting those orders in the most logical manner on behalf of that commander, Mike understood the order to hang his diploma, had him mom send him his preschool diploma and he stuck it on the wall with his bowie knife. That was Mike. There was no way he was going to hang his Harvard diploma on that wall. When I think of all the traits and attributes that I admire about Mike, this is one, more than any other, that made me think so highly of him and is the one I will use him as my example to my two young children as I try to teach them about true humility, what confidence really entails, and what it means to demonstrate unwavering moral strength.
Now I don´t want to just talk about want he didn´t like or how he´d be looking at me crossed eyed for standing here talking about him, there were several things about Mike that you just can´t have a conversation about Mike without mentioning, and you´ve heard about many of them this afternoon. All of the speakers today did an incredible and moving job on talking about many of his greatest qualities... Here´s my humble addition to that list...
First among all of his qualities was his sense of public service and absolute devotion and focus on those Marines and Agents that served under him. To be sure, he was concerned for all but this level of concern differed greatly, for those in his chain of command or close to the flag pole,-didn´t care a whole lot about impressing you or making sure you knew he was doing a good job, or about your career success ... to us his peers... he cared to an extent, but what he really, genuinely, and aggressively cared about were those Marines and others that served under him. He cared about them personally, each one. Would have thrown his own career away at a moments notice for any of them and all of his war stories usually were headlined by one of his Marines. He was truly a natural leader and I encourage everyone in this room in addition to talking to Cindy and the family, to talk to some of the Marines here today that served under Mike to truly get an appreciation of what Mike wanted to see in himself and would want us to remember him by. This was the character trait he was most conscious of and I believe if he were here and we could get through the layers of wit, sarcasm, deflection, and humility and really get an honest answer from him as to what he would he want to be remembered by today and forever, I believe that one word is ... Leader... and he was.
Second, and I´ll just say a quick word about this since its so personal but it often gets lost in all of his other accolades, but its critically important for me to say here. Mike was a really good friend. He is not the type of friend that you need to call every week or a friendship that required constant maintenance or it may just drift apart and that friendship turns to acquaintance as is the case with, frankly, 99% of friendships... There was no need to maintain our friendship because it was always there. Whether we went a month or six without talking or getting together, there was no change, no drama, our close friendship was unwavering, and to have that opportunity I am truly grateful.
Third, and this was the constant theme today, was his focus on living every moment of life to its fullest. At least from my vantage point, this is a man that really didn´t have any one interest that dominated any other. He truly was a scholar of life, you´ve heard about him being an EMT, canoeing down the entire length of the Mississippi by himself for fun, had detailed plans to go fight forest fires in Idaho, was an officially credentialed and ordained minister with the "universal life church" and officiated over several weddings.... I can´t honestly remember how many knots he had taught himself to tie. I very distinctly remember we would be on the firing range and I was just trying my best, whether it was on the rifle or pistol, to avoid the dreaded pizza box shaped shooting badge that told the world that you were better off not shooting, Mike for what I could figure out was nothing else than intellectual stimulation would switch the hand he was shooting from every time he qualified so just in case he got into the rare, but statistically possible Hollywood style ambidextrous firefight. And as many of you know he was a voracious reader and quite frankly, I stopped talking about the books I was currently reading since invariably he had already read them... three times..... and probably by the eighth grade.
So if you´re sitting there right now looking at your age and thinking about your resume what you´ve accomplished and feeling like maybe you´ve wasted some time sleeping or eating... you´re not alone. Actually, if the truth be known, this bio says he was 37 years of age, I helped draft this thing and that´s a typo and I apologize.... The family knows this but you may not, and I hope I don´t overstep by bounds and I feel like I can share this secret now, but Mike actually lived three years for every one of ours. He was actually a 111 in Mike years. I wasn´t going to mention this as it is really probably a sore subject for him because there is some 113 year old guy in Minnesota that appears to have beat him, but he wasn´t a Marine. So Mike almost got that record as well.
Finally, Mike was a great storyteller and had a great sense of humor. You´ve heard a couple today, but he would be upset with me if I didn´t relay apparently one of his favorite stories and one that seems to grow in it mythology every time he tells it as I meet Mike´s friends and family and they know me more by this story than anything and I could tell he just got the greatest enjoyment from. I also think it gives another perspective of Mike and his great wit.
I checked in to Legal team delta a couple of months after Mike so I was the junior lieutenant on the team. One morning I get told by my boss that the OIC is really irritated today and does anyone know why? Next thing I know is that I was called into his office and presented with an official laboratory result indicating I had tested positive for methamphetamine from a recent urinalysis, a charge sheet, and an order removing all of my base-privileges. Mind you this was not a simply prank and took some time and this was all Mike. A drug lab result, which I was pretty familiar with since most of my clients had their own personal version, is very detailed, a couple of pages of personal medical data, lab results, message traffic that talked about who the results had been forwarded to (the base and unit commander, HQ Marine Corps etc). it´s a very complex document and I read it pretty carefully. There were orders removing my weapons and driving privileges on base, suspension from doing duties, and a request for me to find a defense counsel. I remember the thoughts going through my head since 1) I knew most of the marine defense counsel on base, I immediately stated thinking about the need to hire a private lawyer and 2) I had just recently got married, trying to think about how well I knew my new in-laws and what type of unique ingredients they might have used in their cooking. Etc. The OIC called in my boss and made me tell him what had happened... and so on. With the whole team propping up the door with their ears. Thankfully I knew immediately that this was a hoax and I dismissed it without a minute concern. To this day I do believe though that one of Mike´s greatest regrets, and it is truly so so sad, is the video camera he had hidden in the office ran out of batteries and so there really is no evidence that I acted anything but confident, stalwart, and defiant.
This has been an emotional service, you´ve heard a lot today and I could go on and on talking about his illogical love for cars that break down all over the place, or his preferred sleeping mat for those hundreds of nights he slept on the office floor or in his car or wherever random place he found himself, but I won´t because it´ll be me just kidding myself and you in thinking that I can represent all that is Mike, and as I mentioned in my opening, I can´t.
Cindy, Mike and I have been close friends for ten years, and in that period one of the things that made both Karen and I the happiest is you entering his life, because he was a great friend to both of us and we would always talk amongst ourselves, what type of special, special, special women would it take to be with someone like Mike. This is not a traditional settle down picket fence type of guy... it takes a very special person. And seeing the ebbs and flows of his life and witnessing him finally finding his true partner, his intellectual equal, and someone who honestly loved and accepted all the unique qualities of Mike without question and.... without trying to change him. That meant a lot. He was truly truly the happiest I´ve ever seen him when he started dating you and you were married. I am so happy for my friend that he had the opportunity to be with you these last few years.
Just over five very short months ago, I had the great honor of participating in Mike and Cindy´s wonderful wedding and was asked then to read one of their favorite poems from Walt Whitman. "Song of the Open Road". Cindy has asked me to read that same passage today, which I do with a heavy heart...
Listen, I will be honest with you
I do not offer the old smooth prizes
But offer rough new prizes
These are the days that must happen to you:
You shall not heap up what is called riches,
You shall scatter with lavish hand all that you earn or achieve.
However sweet the laid up stores,
However convenient the dwelling, you shall not remain there.
However sheltered the port, however calm the waters, you shall not anchor there.
However welcome the hospitality that welcomes you,
You are permitted to receive it but a little while Afoot and
lighthearted, take to the open road
Healthy, free, the world before you the long brown path before you,
leading wherever you choose.
Say only to one another:
My love, I give you my hand.
I give you my love more precious than money; I give you myself before
preaching and law:
Will you give me yourself?
Will you come travel with me?
Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?
We in this room are the fortunate, for the tragedy of this loss is shared by the entire country. We are privileged to have known a giant, a man bigger than himself, bigger than all of us, and for that opportunity, I am forever blessed and honored. I believe with every bone in my body, Everyone, everyone should have the opportunity once in their life to call someone like Mike their friend. I have, and I am thankful.
Thank all of you for attending and for your support to Mike´s wife and family. Please Join me now for a moment of silence and take some time to honor Mike in your own personal way.
Benjamin Zarit
November 10, 2009
A Tribute to Mike, by his brother, Matt Zarit:
When I was thinking about what to say about Mike today, I went through a lot of ideas, but I wanted to make sure that I gave the perspective of his siblings. But one of the most special things about Mike that I learned from talking to my friends and his, was that when you met him for the first time, within about 10 minutes, you felt like he was your brother too. So I want to at least give some behind the scenes glimpses at who Mike was and the origins of what a lot of you saw.
Growing up, something I remember most was that as soon as the parents would leave the house, every couch cushion and mattress was brought together to form either a slide down the stairs or a massive fort. And if we didn´t have the time to build a fort, we would play war games throughout the house, chasing each other from room to room. What was perhaps more fun than all the running around, was how much time we spent talking about the backstory of the adventures we were imagining, often talking about who would play us when they made a movie about it. I remember one time in particular when Mike said that he thought that the ideal person to play him, would be Carl Weathers.
As we got older, the elaborate battles in the house transformed into elaborate battles at board games. In particular, Mike was the genius behind creating a double monopoly game, which involved putting two monopoly boards together in a figure 8. Not only were there twice as many properties, but there was customization of the rules that incorporated "the one ring of power" from Lord of the Rings. In fact, Mike was always the one coming up with new rules, especially as the game moved along. What we ultimately realized was that there was really just one unspoken rule: We all play hard, and in the end, Mike wins.
One thing that Mike will be remembered for was his unique ability of storytelling. He never wanted to be the center of attention, but he couldn´t help it because he was always the most interesting person in the room. Something that I think was truly exceptional was that Mike never painted himself as the hero in the story, but instead was focused on finding the humor in any situation. When he was getting ready to go back to Iraq for his second tour, for example, he commented that he had to go back, because he thought that he had left his sunglasses there the last time. While Mike´s stories and perspectives on being in the Marines and the DEA were always fascinating, he could make something as simple as a trip to Starbucks interesting. In particular, he always enjoyed ordering creative non-existent drinks to keep the barristas on their toes, such as: an Extreme Fajita Latte, or a venti coffee in a tall cup, with goats milk.
For Mike though, through all of his travels and adventures, family always came first. Whenever he would return home from a tour or a long trip, he would always make a point of seeing everyone in his family. And this was no small feat, as we are spread out from Massachusetts to California. And no matter where he was in the world, he would always find a way to wish you a happy birthday.
One of the greatest things that Mike did for our family was this past May, when he married Cindy. She is the only person that I´ve ever known who could truly match Mike´s intelligence, wit, and kindness. But what mattered most, was that she made Mike the happiest that we had ever seen him. In all the years that I´ve known Mike, the most I ever saw him smile was on the day he married Cindy. For giving Mike that happiness, we are eternally grateful and Cindy, you will always be a part of our family.
As his brother, what I think I will remember most about Mike is how I always wanted him to be proud of me. Whether he was in the room or half a world away, I wanted him to be proud of his little brother. He was such an extraordinary person that just by knowing him and knowing the amazing things that he was capable of, it made you want to push yourself harder and further in your own life.
We are all better people for having known Mike. He made us better every day, whether he was there or not. But now it is up to all of us to continue to make Mike proud, even when he´s not here to check on us. To carry his memory forward, we must all push to become the people that he knew we could be.
But most of all, he was the best big brother I could have ever asked for.
Mike, you are bound for glory.
You´re on your way.
Your ride is here.
Benjamin Zarit
November 10, 2009
A Tribute to Mike, by his mother, Judy Zarit:
We are here today paying tribute to Mike´s life. Those of you who knew him, know how difficult it is to precisely capture what made him so remarkable. For those of you who did not know him, I would like to share with you a mother´s perspective of her son, and perhaps that will help you understand the man he became.
As a young boy, he was very observant, and he was always trying to figure things out, whether it was how something worked, or why people were behaving the way they did. I think his mind was formed by both his father´s profession as an attorney and my profession as a clinical psychologist. He was extremely logical, but he also understood that human beings are not always rational. He did value rationality, though, particularly in himself. From an early age, he was sensitive to injustices that he saw around him, and he would make it his personal responsibility to intervene, particularly if it involved those he loved.
He always held himself to higher standards than those around him. He never struggled in school, but he worked hard regardless. It wasn´t enough to learn what the teachers expected of him. He wanted to really understand what he was learning so that he would never forget it.
He would set goals for himself, like memorizing the capitals of every country in the world. Then he might quiz his brothers or his step-dad, or he might write a computer program so that they could compete to see who knew the most. Mike always knew all of the capitals, even when they changed names or moved.
Mike always understood that school was a place where he could pick up new skills, and he never stopped learning. He majored in Computer Science, not because he ever wanted a career in the field, but because he needed to understand how computers work. Studying law was just acquiring another tool. When he became a Marine, he added survival skills, physical toughness, and military logistics, among other things. And the DEA added such valuable skills as how to optimally break in the door to a crack house.
Mike came home for a year after law school, because he felt that he did not have enough practical skills. He said he wanted to learn how to build a house, how to repair his car, and he wanted to learn some medical skills. He accomplished all of those things. He had so much energy that you couldn´t imagine him sitting behind a desk and being happy.
Mike read constantly, and there was really no limit to what might capture his interest. He would read everything he could get his hands on about the history and politics of each place that he deployed to. Then, when he was in country, he would visit the historical sites and write home about it. In Afghanistan, he visited the site of Alexander the Great´s fort in Herat; although his comment was that it was such a god-forsaken place that he couldn´t understand why Alexander hadn´t just turned around and gone home. The last two books that he left on the coffee table, with instructions to Cindy to read them, were on Mathematics and Cognitive Science.
Don´t imagine that Mike was invested in being an intellectual. He also had an encyclopedic knowledge of movies, television series (among his favorites were Arrested Development and The Wire), and, of course, music, where Bruce Springsteen and Warren Zevon were always on his playlist.
Those of you who knew him personally, know that he was the guy you always looked forward to talking to and being around. He had such charisma and so much zest for life that he picked you up and made you better.
For those of you who did not have the opportunity to know him, I hope you will carry away with you a desire to live your life with some of his spirit and energy.
For those of you who did know him, I can think of no better tribute to his life than to continue to tell "Mike stories," all of those anecdotes about his outrageous pranks, his adventures, and the kind and selfless things that he did for family and friends.
We will all miss him.
Benjamin Zarit
November 3, 2009
Posted by Lee Thweatt:
A friend of mine was killed yesterday in Afghanistan, in a helicopter crash, initially reported to be caused by a malfunction or mechanical error, although now the Taliban, who he was there fighting, has sought to take credit for his death and the death of the 13 other Americans aboard. Regardless, I´ll not let a bunch of terrorists claim the memory of his remarkable life in any way, so if you´ll please forgive the unsolicited imposition, I thought I would share some stories about my friend and do what little I can from here to honor him:
His name was Mike Weston. We were prosecutors together in the Marine Corps for a time at Camp Pendleton. Mike was extremely smart. He attended Stanford undergrad, and then, Harvard Law School, obviously turning down his choice of high powered, financially rewarding jobs wherever he wanted to instead become a Marine officer. If you walked into Mike´s office, the only diploma he had hanging on his wall was that of his kindergarten graduation certificate. That was Mike. He had a great sense of humor, but he also wanted to be known for his work and for who he was rather than for where he went to school.
He was a fierce trial lawyer in the courtroom, ever prepared and routinely working far longer hours than his government job ever required. Drawing Mike on the other side of a case meant two things were certain: professionalism from Mike, no matter the depth of the underlying dispute, and working longer hours than normal because Mike was never outworked by his opponent. It was not unusual for Mike to work past midnight, preparing his arguments, and refining his court motions. He was also courageous. In the military judicial system, judges and opposing counsel often hold senior rank, such that a junior officer like Mike and I were at that time would render a hand salute to the judge or opposing counsel outside the courtroom and always refer to them as "Sir" or "M'am" in court, even in an hotly disputed adversarial proceeding. It can be intimidating for a Captain to argue with a Colonel under such circumstances. Mike would always pay the appropriate military respect due to the judge or opposing counsel, but in the courtroom, his only master was the truth and the law to further it. If the law compelled it, Mike stood his ground resolutely for his client and without apology to senior officers. He was never afraid or intimidated by senior rank or position when fighting for his clients.
He served with the Marines in Iraq, Qatar, and Kuwait, doing all he could to place himself outside the arena of military law, and closer to combat and strategic operations throughout the Middle East. While deployed, he received numerous military awards and citations. Overseas, he also founded something of a moustache club for himself, his colleagues, and the Marines in his charge. Problem was, facial hair simply did not work on Mike, and even he agreed it looked rather hilarious and ill-fitting on his particular, upper lip. But his troops got a kick out of it and loved him for it, so he didn´t care, even as the brass shook their heads somewhat. Mike took care of his Marines, first and foremost. And he always got the job done right.
As good as he was in court, Mike eventually grew weary of the law. Ultimately, he decided to leave the Marine Corps and become, of all things, a DEA field agent. Not a lawyer for the DEA. A field agent. He kicked in doors, wore a mask during drug raids, and worked undercover in recent years, living in Washington, D.C. But Mike wanted to work on the most important efforts. He wanted to matter. So he requested that the DEA send him to Afghanistan to combat the Taliban´s drug financing efforts. They did so. That´s where he died.
Last spring, Mike got married to Ms. Cindy Tidler, whom he´d met at Harvard Law School years ago. Ironically, she was first married to Mike´s best friend in law school before he too was killed in Afghanistan while working for the CIA in 2003. Mike and Cindy later reconnected, I´m sure in part due to their shared grief, and fell in love.
At the time of his friend´s death in 2003, Mike wrote about his friend´s loss with great poignancy and subtlety. You can read and learn a lot about Mike just from what he briefly wrote six years ago:
http://www.law.harvard.edu/news/bulletin/2003/summer/memoriam_side.html
I keep re-reading Mike´s words because they are so well-written, and because they foreshadow what is now the tragic loss of two husbands for one wife, who must be enduring unimaginable heartbreak after experiencing not one, but two different episodes, of grim-faced government casualty officers standing in her doorway, "Ma´m, on behalf of a grateful nation, I regret to inform you..." Once is awful enough, but twice in six years is Shakespearean in its scope. May God´s grace keep her in such difficult days.
As Mike wrote in tribute about his friend, "He was the best of us." Mike may as well have written it about himself. He will be dearly missed by many. Please take a moment today to give pause for Mike´s sacrifice, and for the sacrifices of so many others like him. He died in a dangerous place, doing a dangerous job, in service to our country. He was a real hero.
Semper Fidelis,
Lee
Stuart Leach
October 26, 2016
Today, I happened to think of Mike and it happened to be the anniversary of his passing. These things don't happen by chance. So I took the opportunity today to tell my HS math students what a great guy he was. I was Petty Officer nobody serving in West Afghanistan and yet he showed the same personal interest and respect toward me as he did toward those of much greater position. I am inspired by re-reading the reflections of those who knew Mike closely. Their words make me want to be a better man, to suck the marrow out of life, to seize every moment that God had blessed me with. I'm so fortunate to have known Mike and realize what a gift that was. I'm motivated by the contrast of his confidence and his humility. May our country ever honor Mike and those who so selflessly serve their fellow man.
October 30, 2015
We miss you, Mike. October 26th will always be a tragic day.
Julie Shemitz
May 26, 2014
Thinking of Mike today, Memorial Day. Your service and your life were a great gift and you will never be forgotten.
December 29, 2012
thinking of you today and of time lost - I'm inspired to make better use of the time remaining. I always thought that I'd see you again...
Barrett Caldwell
December 9, 2012
I had the opportunity to visit the grave of Michael in Arlington yesterday. While I did not know him or his story at the time, I came across his grave and took down his name in order to return home and read about him. Upon reading this memory book and his obituary, it echoes by all accounts that he served this country with pride, honor, and distinction. He gives other military officers like myself inspiration and a desire to carry on. God Bless.
Julie Shemitz
November 11, 2012
Remembering Michael on this Veterans' Day 2012. Thanks to those who are keeping this site running. Michael will not be forgotten. His dedication and his contribution to the spread of democracy on behalf of his country are his great legacy. May his family be comforted by the memory of his great sacrifice.
Alma Gonzalez
October 26, 2011
Thanks to Mike I made it home safe from Operation Iraqi Freedom. I will forever be grateful to him for keeping me safe during a time of war and for taking an interest to befriend me.
Mike, you are deeply missed.
Dan Schneider
October 26, 2011
Hi Mike -
I had another great opportunity to talk about you recently. After going on a beautiful ride in the mountains with a friend, I was able to give her young sons a quick ride on my bike in their neighborhood. Afterward, her oldest son was looking my bike over from end-to-end, not missing a single detail, asking lots of questions about what things were and how they worked. He got around to the back and asked about the license plate, which I told him was to support the troops that defend our country.
I proceeded to point out the plate support I made in honor of you, and told him and his mother about your amazing accomplishments and the strength of your character. Evidently it made quite an impression because this is what he said to his mother the next day.
"That guy on the bike sounds nice." His mother replied "What guy, Dan? You know Dan from karate!" Her son said "No the guy on Dan's license plate!"
It is so cool to know you are still impacting people´s lives, and I´m honored to be able to share your story with others.
make a difference ... everyday
- Dan
The license plate support can be viewed here: http://a2-engineering.com/honor/
May 30, 2011
Memorial Day 2011. Thank you for all you did for this country. You made the ultimate sacrifice... your life. You are missed so.
December 29, 2010
"When I hear the call of the pipes
And the tattoo of the drums as they echo in the hills,
I will come and
stand the line.
And you should know this,
That whether you stand with me or against me,
I will fight till death.
And if the Lord should decide to take me before you,
Then you should know this.
That my brothers and sons and my sisters and
daughters will pick up my sword and continue to
Stand the line.
For oppression, anarchy and evil shall not prevail,
As long as I,
stand the line
Today,
Let us remember those warriors
Who stood beside us,
Today,
Let us remember,
We carry their swords."
November 11, 2010
Sir,
You lived a full life. You are an example not only for all Marines, but for all men. If I ever have a son, I will make sure he knows your story.
Semper Fidelis
Dan Schneider
June 1, 2010
I went on my favorite flat land ride yesterday to pay tribute to all the great people that make our freedom possible. The snow capped Rocky Mountains were outstanding, and the bright green fields were almost blinding. I hope you were along for the ride Mike. Thanks for your sacrifices.
Barbara Higgins
May 31, 2010
Paying tribute to Mike, his Father, and Family on this Memorial Day. Thank you, Mike, and family, for the biggest sacrifice you could have ever made.
Drew Smith
May 7, 2010
I worked with Mike in Afghanistan. The last time I saw him, he was on his way home for leave. I was waiting to go home. Despite all the work he had to do, he still took time to talk and advise me about joining the DEA. He actually came to the base I was staying at and drove me around to meet some of the other agents. And he did this the night before he went home. His stories were hilarious. My heart felt condolences to his family. I worked with him in Herat. He was very mission focused. I would tell you "You should be proud", but it looks like you already are. Thats good. Because you should be proud.
Dan Schneider
February 24, 2010
I thought a long time about how I could honor Mike. Fortunately, Colorado has a special license plate to show support for our troops. I got one for my motorcycle and built a special support for it. It has already given me many opportunities to talk about Mike, and every time I ride he's got my back. You can check it out here: http://a2-engineering.com/honor
Thanks Mike.
William Dixon
January 7, 2010
Maj Weston, a true Patriot to this Nation. I pray for the Weston family to hold on to each other and know that the good work Maj Weston accomplished has enabled this Nation to remain safe and allow all our families to enjoy freedom. We the Marines of Marine Barracks Washington 8th&I will bring the utmost professional and dignified burial service when we lay him to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Semper Fi, Gunnery Sgt Wm. J Dixon USMC Funeral Director
January 2, 2010
December 29... thoughts were of you on your birthday. Remembering you and all the wonderful things about you. Your smile, your laughter, your quick wit,your amazing intelligence, your courage and strength as well as your tenderness and kindness. Thinking of all you had accomplished in the short time you were with us and of all the things you still wanted to experience. You are loved, you are missed and I don't want you to be gone.
December 30, 2009
Happy Birthday Mike
Megan Manly
December 29, 2009
Remembering you, your wonderful humor, your kindness, your strength, your courage, on your birthday. Thank you for being a amazing big brother.
Steve Miller
December 15, 2009
I have enjoyed reading what others had to say about Mike. What I´ve learned is that almost everyone shares my thoughts of who Mike was. Mike was smart, Mike was hard working, Mike ruthlessly pursued an efficient brand of logic that most are not capable of, Mike´s personality was infectious, and Mike often inadvertently caused others to feel humble by comparison.
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mike Weston during the spring of 2004, as together we began our careers with DEA in Richmond, Virginia. A short time later, I realized that I was in the presence of someone quite special. I learned that it was often what Mike didn´t say or what Mike didn´t do that outlined the boundaries of his character. Mike was a master of understating himself, which was remarkable considering his impressive background. Mike sometimes found himself in an environment polluted with shameless self-promoters and yet he was comfortable enough with himself to allow others to draw their own conclusions about who he was. In my experience, the only part of himself that Mike would freely offer to anyone was that he was a Marine before joining DEA and remained active in a Marine reserve unit. Mike was a fiercely proud promoter of the Marines under his command and he swelled with pride whenever he spoke of their accomplishments. While working with Mike, I witnessed "Mike the Marine" materialize every now and then, seemingly out of thin air, often when the work day was long or when activities reached a feverish pitch.
Mike was perhaps most notably a generous listener to nearly anyone who asked for his time. Mike exercised the same level of patience for each requestor regardless of their position, title, or perceived station in life. When someone engaged Mike in conversation, without fail he would stop what he was doing and physically turn himself to face them. This unstated display of respect was one of many exceptional traits that Mike possessed, the effects of which I don´t think he fully understood. I believe that Mike was further down the path of understanding the meaning of a life best lived, than most of us will ever travel.
I´ve realized over the last several weeks that I´m going to subconsciously spend the remainder of my life looking for another Mike Weston. What I mean to say is that I catch myself using Mike as the standard by which I judge other people. I am aware that this is neither necessary nor fair, but I can´t help but hope that there are others out there who possess such extraordinary talents and have chosen to balance their gifts with an unwarranted level of modesty. I miss Mike for the selfish reason of a lost friendship, but I also think that the world is a less interesting place without him.
Steve Howell
November 15, 2009
To Mike's Wife and family,
I met Mike in August of 2007 prior to retiring from DEA at the end of 2007. Mike was temporarily assigned to assist with the prosecution of a Colombian drug trafficker in D.C. I only knew Mike for a short period of time but Mike was an exceptional young man. As soon as I heard the news of the helicopter crash in Afghanistan and that there were three civilians killed I knew that DEA agents had to be onboard that helicopter. Mike's memorial service at Quantico was an exceptional service and a truly fitting tribute to the man that I knew. Mike was a truly exceptional person and I feel honored to have known and worked with him. Knowing Mike and the type of person he was will hopefully make me a better person. Thank you for sharing a brilliant, talented and honorable young man. The Marine Corps, DEA, and the United States will truly miss this type of hero. May God bless you and your family and bring you peace for this tragic sacrifice.
Kristin Oliver
November 10, 2009
My heart broke when I learned last week that my friend was killed in Afghanistan. We first met at Harvard, where we lived on the same dorm floor our first year. In the time we spent together, both during school and after, I learned a lot about Mike - what he thought, how he felt, how his incredible mind worked. I learned that he adored his mother, and that he was incredibly proud of his younger brothers. I didn't always understand him or the choices he made, but one theme stands out to me as I think back about his life during the time that I knew him -he was drawn to those who were suffering, and did his best to protect them, to ease their pain. Perhaps that is one of the reasons he chose to give his life as he did.
During law school, Mike would often come to my apartment, we would cook, sometimes we would rent movies. He liked to shock me with his choices, like "Blue Velvet" with Dennis Hopper. He came to Oklahoma after we finished school but before graduation to attend my wedding, and he was there for me two years later when I divorced. He came from California to Oklahoma to go to my 10 year high school reunion with me so I wouldn't have to go alone. We once drove from Oklahoma to California in August, with no air conditioning, because Mike didn't want to impact the fuel efficiency of his Bronco. Nothing seems hot to me after that :) For some reason, after that trip I started associating him with the song "Take it Easy" by the Eagles - maybe because of his connection to California, because we drove through Winslow Arizona, or because having "seven women on his mind" often seemed to be the state of his love life. Every time I listen to it, I think of him.
When I last saw him, at his wedding in May, he seemed more content than he ever had to me. I don't know how to bear losing him so soon after he found that kind of peace, but knowing Mike, he has gone on to the next challenge, as he was never content to be standing still.
I am inexpressably sad that such brilliant, brave, extraordinary person is gone from this earth, but I am also immeasurably grateful for the time that I had with him while he was here. I hope he is at peace.
To his mother, father, brothers, other family members and to Cindy, you are in my thoughts.
Dan Genese
November 7, 2009
To the family of Special Agent Mike Weston; I am a DEA Agent of 13 years from Manchester New Hampshire, temporarily assigned to a 19 week duty at the training academy in Quantico, VA which ends in two weeks. I did not know Mike, never even met him. I attended his memorial service on November 6, 2009. I wish to tell you all that I was beyond moved by the tribute paid to Mike. The service was wonderful and learning about Mike's life has re-instilled a sense of pride about this profession for me. I have an 8 year old son and find myself constantly searching for people of character, determination and compassion to tell him about. After learning about the man Mike was, I will certainly tell my son about him. Mike seems like a man that I would like my son to be like some day. Thanks for sharing Mike's life with us. I will pray for the peace and comfort of you all and that God bless each of you.
Orin Kerr
November 4, 2009
Mike was a law school classmate, and I will always remember him for how articulate, funny, bright, and generous he was. He was always marching to the beat of his own drummer, and I think he really got a kick out of how people reacted to that. I haven't seen him since law school, although once in a while his name would come up among old friends and we would wonder what he was up to. He was one of a kind, and I'll miss him.
Amanda Bass
November 4, 2009
Michael E Weston - Freedom is not Free
On November 13, 2007 the DEA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Washington Division´s Band of Heroes Program co-sponsored a momentous event at DEA HQS to honor all DEA employees that have served and continue to serve in the Armed Forces. In the spirit of Veteran´s Day celebrations around the world, this first-ever tribute, entitled "Honoring Our Veterans," was presented to a standing-room only crowd in attendance at the DEA HQS auditorium. An emotional military poem "Freedom Is Not Free" was recited by DEA SA/Major Michael E. Weston, United States Marine Corps, who also shared several personal experiences after serving three tours of duty in Iraq with the Marines. Let´s read the poem and pause to think what price Special Agent/Marine Major Michael E Weston paid for our freedom.
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze;
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform,
So young, so tall, so proud;
With hair cut square and eyes alert,
He´d stand out in any crowd.
I thought... how many men like him
Had fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers´ tears?
How many pilots´ planes shot down
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers´ graves
No, Freedom is not Free.
I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still;
I listened to the bugler play,
And felt a sudden chill;
I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend;
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands.
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea,
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No. Freedom is not Free!
Michelle Condrey
November 2, 2009
He was an inspiration as a human being...he never would accept that when I would tell him. He didn´t see himself as the person everyone else around him did. I made him promise me he would at least attempt to see himself thru my eyes. We were so close, and I cannot seem to grasp the fact that he is no longer with us...it´s one thing when he was deployed and we had to communicate via email and phone calls. It´s another to know those things won´t happen anymore. Just being around him makes you want to be a better person. Our time together was something I will always hold close to my heart. He loved his job so much. Everytime I saw him I´d hear a new story about the Marines or the DEA. He was extremely excited about every mission he went on. He knew what he was putting on the line, and he was proud to do it. It´s so tough to accept it now though...we´d talk about things like this, and the chances of it happening...but I don´t think I ever really thought it would. He seemed almost invincible in a sense. He helped my mother, and my little brother (also a Marine) out with advice when they had things going on...he always put others first, and didn't think twice about it. I miss him. It´s a different type of missing someone than when you know they are just in another country. I am so proud of who he was, even if he didn´t see it. I will never ever forget him. I am glad to know I have a few things I can keep with me to always remind me of him. I am making an album for the other agents at the DEA office for them to keep as a reminder of Mike. I know in my heart God puts people in your life for a reason...Mike Weston was and will forever remain my guardian angel. Love you always Mike, see you again one day. <3
Dr. Angela von Trytek
October 24, 2022
the unexamined life is not worth living...I think of you often and I miss you.
Phil Reynolds
November 1, 2020
Never alone, Rest easy
Angela von Trytek
October 24, 2019
Mike,
This haiku always makes me think of you. You are deeply missed...
"The rainbow stands
In a moment
As if you are here."
Takahama Kyoshi
CAROL ANN
January 24, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of this. I never knew.
Aaron
October 3, 2013
We had a great turn out for the Michael E. Weston Memorial Golf Tournament held on September 30, 2013, in Glen Allen, VA. It was a beautiful day to remember Mike.
1vagirl
November 1, 2010
A year has passed and a day does not go by that you are not thought of. There are still times I reach for the phone to ask you a question. You are so very missed. Thoughts go out to your family.
Angela Warner
October 28, 2010
"Nothing endures but personal qualities."
Walt Whitman
Gay Weston
October 26, 2010
It's hard to believe that it's been one year since we got the awful news. My heart goes out to all of Mike's family, friends and loved ones. Mike's loss had left a hole in everyone's heart.
Mary Montgomery
September 11, 2010
Soon we will gather at Arlington for the internment of our loved ones. All were very brave, all loved there country.
I am so sorry for your loss,
Mary K Montgomery
Mother of CW 4 Michael P Montgomery
June 1, 2010
Memorial Day 2010. Thinking of the sacrifice you made and how you fought to keep this country safe. Missing you today and every day.
January 1, 2010
Michael you are thought of and missed daily. I would like to say it is getting easier but it isn't. The holidays were not the same without you here. Just wanted to be able to tell you happy birthday.
December 30, 2009
Happy Birthday Mike. We Miss you.
Friends of Zarit Family
November 22, 2009
Without knowing Michael personally, I can only hope you take comfort from the other posts here about the impact he has had and the value others placed on his friendship and leadership. May he always be remembered in their hearts, and yours, and thus remain with us in some small fashion. Sincerest condolescences.
Dave, Mike & Aaron in Afghanistan
November 15, 2009
November 11, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
November 11, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Janet
November 11, 2009
Although I never had the priviledge of meeting you, I know of the great service you gave Richmond in our battle against drugs. Now you have given the ultimate sacrifice not only for America, but for the entire world. I am praying it will not be in vain.
Thank you for your service to Richmond, America and the world.
RIP Michael
Taylor
November 11, 2009
Your sacrifice will never be forgoten and is something that requires great thanks. So Thank You you will never be forgotten
November 10, 2009
A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. ~ Joseph Campbell
Semper Fi. Your sacrifice won't be forgotten.
Jeff Baker
November 9, 2009
Major Weston,
You were a great Marine and we were glad to have you as the CO of Bravo Co, 4th CEB. The Marine Corps League Roanoke Detachment had a great repoir with you and the Company, you were a true Marine trooper and a go getter and that is what makes the Corps so special. You will be missed by all that came in contact with you. Thank you for your courage and duty to GOD, COUNTRY, CORPS.
Rest in peace MARINE!
Semper Fidelis,
Jeff Baker
Past Commandant
MCL Det 426 Raonoke, VA
Victoria Bedford
November 8, 2009
Dear Steve and Judy,
So saddened by your tragic news. You are very much in my heart. Please accept my condolences.
Mark Scammell
November 8, 2009
I met Mike along with the rest of his DEA Brothers from the Herat Enforcement Group. He was an awesome individual, and his loss will be felt for a long time.
Rest In Peace Bro
Jay Fitzpatrick
November 7, 2009
After reading each and every entry in this Guest Book, I'm not surprised by the admiration and respect that everyone had for this exceptionally gifted young man. I was Mike's second line supervisor in country and there are not enough adjectives to describe this kind, intelligent, wonderful human being. I miss you Michael E. Weston every day and I will never forget the beautiful individual you were. Rest in peace my friend as I will see you again some day.
Angela Warner
November 6, 2009
In the last couple of years I had the privilege to work with Mike in DEA during his Bahamas rotations and here in Afghanistan. On the numerous occasions we talked of our military careers, life direction, friends and family one thing always remained the same and that was Mike's enduring kindness and humility. In this most difficult time I am reminded of Julius Caesar, "I love the name of Honor, more than I fear death." May God keep you close, My Gold Badge Brother, My Peer, My Friend.......
Bill & Winnie Pigott
November 6, 2009
Mike may be gone but will never be forgotten. We are forever grateful for his patriotism, valor and sacrifices for our great country.
November 5, 2009
Broadway High School Football Family,
November 5, 2009
To the family of Major Michael Weston,
I am the head football coach at Broadway High School, located in Virginia. Each week this season, our football team has played in honor of a fallen soldier. This week, we will be playing for Michael. Our team considers this a great honor and we are very happy about it. Michael's acts of bravery deserve a fitting tribute. Our players will play very hard tonight and we hope to make Michael and his family proud. I hope you find comfort knowing that Michael's life continues to inspire others... even a small town football team in Virginia. Thanks!
Arijit Mahalanabis
November 5, 2009
Mike was something of a force of nature in my life during a very turbulent few years in High School. Our friendship, I'm not ashamed to say, was unequal in nature. His was the sharp intellect, the creative spark, the multifaceted viewpoint that I admired, as I plodded along. Mike showed his leadership back then, not just by his academic prowess, his humorous manner, or his keen wit, but also by the simple act of walking up to the kid who ate lunch alone every day and asking him to come sit with him, and his friends. I will never forget that simple act of kindness.
I didn't have the privilege of witnessing the next act. The various strands of the world tug in many directions, and sometimes I wonder where we all ended up. It was a shock to learn of his passing. As I read his obituary, I felt a deep sense of pride that my path crossed even briefly with the path of such a courageous and remarkable human being.
My deepest sympathies to Mike's family...
Michelle Condrey
November 4, 2009
He was an inspiration as a human being…Try to convince him of that? Nearly impossible. He didn’t see himself as the person everyone else around him did. I made him promise me he would at least attempt to see himself the way everyone else did. I cannot seem to grasp the fact that he is no longer with us- I am not sure I ever will. To hear his stories, joke and laugh with, will be truely missed. It’s one thing when he was deployed and we had to communicate via email and phone calls. It’s another to know those things won’t happen anymore. Just being around him makes you want to be a better person. Our times together I will always hold close, to remind me. He loved his job so much. Everytime I saw him I’d hear a new story about the Marines or the DEA. He was extremely excited about every mission he went on. He knew what he was putting on the line, and he was proud to do it. He was well aware of what could happen, and if he had to do it all over again, he wouldn't change a thing. He seemed almost invincible in a sense-which makes it harder to accept. He didn't second guess a single move he made. He was so sure of himself, and had so much drive to really make a difference-which he did. He helped my mother, and my little brother (also a Marine) out with advice when they had things going on...he always put others first, and didn't think twice about it. It’s a different type of missing someone than when you know they are just in another country. He was brilliant, brave, and a true hero. The most accomplished person I have ever met, and yet the most humble. I am glad to know I have a few things I can keep with me to always remind me of him. I know in my heart God puts people in your life for a reason...if there were more people like him in the world, who knows what could happen. Mike Weston was and will forever remain a guardian angel to us all. Watch over us Mike, like you always have. You had a wonderful life, and will never be forgotten, and forever missed. RIP now, you more than deserve it. Love you always, see you again one day. <3
Ilana Rubel
November 3, 2009
I was in Michael's class at Harvard, and wish I had known him better. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice, and deepest condolences to his family.
Steve Knight
November 3, 2009
Mike and I were classmates together at the DEA academy. From the moment I met him I realized he was special. I was amazed at his brilliance, his kindness, his humor, and how humble he was. Mike was instantly respected and liked by everyone who came in contact with him. On graduation day, our class chose Mike to represent us and give the commencement speech.
I didn't know Mike was in Afghanistan, but it didn't surprise me. Mike actually volunteered for Detroit while in the academy but DEA had other plans. Mike always wanted to be where the action was.
I've had a lot of emotions since learning of Mike's death. First, was sadness for losing a friend. But it has turned into anger. I'm angry I didn't stay in touch with Mike better. I'm angry that such a great person has been taken from us. I'm angry that all the great things Mike would have done for this country will never happen. But if I know Mike, even if someone had told him that he had a 95% chance of not coming home from that mission, he still would have gone anyway. Mike lived his life without fear or regret. I am blessed that I was able to get to know him and call him my friend. Mike, I promise you, you will never be forgotten.
Patrick Shaub
November 3, 2009
Dear family. In a very short time I became friends with Mike here in the Bahamas when he and I flew missions here earlier this year. As fellow Marines we had an automatic bond, but we really became close. Knowing him, you must know how his personality was powerful and magnetic. I have rarely met a man with such a sharp mind and clear focus, who also possessed incredible strength, courage and willingness to take on our country's enemies. He marched to the sound of the guns. He was a patriot, a warrior and the kind of man our country justly honors in life, and particularly in his passing. I hoped to work with Mike again, and it is my great personal loss that I shall not. I share your grief and pray that God will assuage some of your sadness knowing that his was a life extremely well lived. You are in my prayers in your great loss.
J Huffman
November 3, 2009
I did not personally know Mike, but my son served under him in Iraq. Even though it has been many years since then, I see the respect and admiration for Mike when my son speaks of his tremendous leadership and abilities. He truly was one of our greatest heroes. We know that he is at peace and in a better place. May God be with you and your families in this difficult time.
Joshua White
November 3, 2009
To All:
You know, I never actually knew Maj. Weston, but when I was overseas with Bravo company back in 2005 every marine who knew him spoke so well of him that I feel like I remember him fondly.
Rest in peace Sir.
Joan Harvath
November 3, 2009
Cynthia and family - my prayers are with you. I am thinking of you at this time and know that Mike was so lucky to have you in his life, and you his. Blessings on all of you.
Erlinda Brent
November 3, 2009
Blessings on your Spirit. Thank you for your sacrifice.
Aaron Padgett
November 3, 2009
I can't even tell you how much I'll miss you Mike. Working with you side-by-side in western Afghanistan was an incredible experience that I will never forget. You taught me a lot about life and work in a short period of time. I'd feel lucky to be half the genius and warrior that you were. As I know you would want, the Herat Enforcement Group will continue to drive on but it will never be the same without you.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
William and Kara Poovey
November 2, 2009
What a stunning and terrible tragedy, and a devastating loss for Mike's family and friends, not to mention our country. Our deepest condolences.
Carrie Conaway
November 2, 2009
I graduated with Mike from SCAHS in 1990. We had many classes together, but the most memorable were social studies classes, as we often got into debates about political issues. He had a very different perspective than I did at the time, and he challenged my thinking frequently. I learned a ton from him -- more than I realized at the time.
I lost direct touch with Mike after high school but heard about his law degree, military service, etc. through mutual friends. I always wanted to know what Mike was doing because I (like, I suspect, all of us who had met him) knew that he was going to do something amazing with his life -- to make some big contributions to the world. He clearly achieved that and much more. What we couldn't have known is how short a time he would have here with us to do his work.
I was privileged to have known him, and I hope he got as much out of his debates with me as I did with him. He will not be forgotten. My condolences to his family and friends; I am so sorry for your loss.
November 2, 2009
Cynthia and family, his brave and loving memories will be with you forever. You have been blessed to have him, even for such a short time. Please feel him with you now and forever. Carry on for him so that his memory will live.
Mike Hendrickson
November 2, 2009
Mike Weston and I graduate from State College High School in 1990. I did not know that we had become brothers, served at Camp Pendleton and had even chewed the same Afghanistan dirt. I extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Mike's family and I am so very sorry for your loss.
Semper Fidelis.
Major Mike Hendrickson, USMCR
Ron Wilkerson
November 2, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
I knew Mike as a young man in my history class in State College, a young man that brought thoughtfulness, and scholarship to his studies, but much more than that, he brought the wit and the joy of life.My wife and I had the great treat of traveling with Mike as he began to unlock the joys of the world, and his great ability to share those joys with others. Mike held our love and affection. He will always be alive and young in our memories.
Doyle and Ron Wilkerson
November 2, 2009
Rest in peace Mike. I'm proud to have known you. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Kathy Lange,Richmond, VA
Ted Bonanno
November 1, 2009
There are few people like Mike Weston in the world; a selfless devoted patriot. We are fortunate that men like him defend our freedom. Though I haven't seen Mike for at least five years, my memories of him are still vivid. He could always find humor in any situation. Semper fidelis, Mike.
Maj Ted Bonanno, USMCR
John McNulty
November 1, 2009
Mike was my friend. Even back in high school, I knew he would accomplish great things. After reading the article in the paper, I was not surprised to hear of all the good he did and all of the lives he touched. In a world of carbon copies, Mike was truly a one-of-a-kind. He always led by example and quietly inspired those around him to try harder, to be better. I lost contact with him after graduating high school in 1990 and was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He was a great storyteller and it would have been great to hear him tell these stories. If I find comfort in one thing, it's knowing that in thirty-seven years Mike lived more than most people do in a hundred.
Rest in peace, Mike. You will be missed.
November 1, 2009
Maj. Weston was the best officer I've ever served under. He will be missed dearly.
Sgt Daniel Burroughs
B. Co. 4th CEB
November 1, 2009
Mike Weston was a true patriot who devoted his life in service to his country. I am honored to have known Mike and to have him as a friend. He was the most intelligent person I have ever known. Mike was a good and honorable man whose sacrifice for the freedoms that we all hold dear will never be forgotten by me. I was truly blessed to have known Mike. I am deeply saddened by his loss, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Hector J. Carbajal II
Las Vegas, Nevada
Harvard Law School Class of 1997
Karen D
November 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. In knowing Mike's mom, Judy, so well, I know why Mike was such an intelligent, caring and responsible person that was obviously loved by everyone who knew him. My heart goes out to you all...
Mark Bertsch
November 1, 2009
Mike Weston: DEA Special Agent, Marine Corp Officer, Jurist Doctor, and cool uncle to my three kids. Like so many of us, my kids thought Mike was the coolest guy they had ever met. Mike helped my kids with computer games, math homework, SAT preparation, and gave advice concerning ROTC, EMT training, college selections, and told them great stories. He always told great stories.
One day I telephoned Mike and got his voice mail. Hearing that I had gotten Mike’s voice mail, my oldest child immediately suggested that Mike was probably talking to the commissioner and that I should check outside for the Bat Signal. My younger two children immediately started making observations such as that no one ever sees Mike and Batman at the same place and time….. To this day the kids keep coming up with more and more evidence that Mike is, in fact, Batman.
I know for a fact that Mike enjoyed being the cool uncle to my kids, and my family loved having him.
SA Mark Bertsch
DEA Richmond
J N
November 1, 2009
Rest in Peace brother. You've earned it. Semper Fi.
October 31, 2009
Fair winds and following seas in heaven Marine. Thanks for the ultimate sacrifice for us and our country. men like you have made this country and you will be missed. Colonel R
James Moore
October 30, 2009
I typed a longer statement but I do not think it took, so if there is two I am sorry. Michael Weston was an amazing man and best Marine officer I ever knew or served under. Thank you for our police stories in Iraq in 2005 and holding our company together as our XO. That phone call in July meant a lot to me and may you enjoy your final post, Heaven.
Cpl James Moore, USMC
James Moore
October 30, 2009
Michael Weston was the best Marine officer that I ever meet and served under. During our tour in Iraq in 2005 you held our company together. As our XO you had more influence on everyone that you could even imagine. I will never forget us caring on stories about police work. That phone call I placed in late July about going the DEA soon and hoping to work with you again was very needed. But it is hard to know that now that the call to you has to be eyes closed and hand joined. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and all of the other friends. I will be there to honor you in Quantico and hopefully Arlington. Thank you again for everything you taught me.
Semper Fi
Cpl James Moore, USMC
Howard J. Cook, Jr.
October 30, 2009
Thank you Michael Weston for being my son XO while in Iraq, he spoke highly of you. Thank you for your service to our country. Sleep well now my brother, your tour of duty is over, we will carry on now.
(Retired SSA Virginia State Police)
October 30, 2009
Whitney Miller
October 30, 2009
Mike is one of a kind. He was a true friend to my husband and I thank him for that. He will be missed more than he could ever imagine. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. The world would be a better place if more of us were like him. I am honored to have had him in our life as a friend.
October 30, 2009
Mike you will be missed by many. May you rest in peace and my heart go out to your parents and family for their loss.
DG
October 30, 2009
I DO NOT KNOW YOU OR YOUR FAMILY BUT WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE AND RESPECT TO YOUR FAMILY AGAIN THANK YOU CITIZEN OF USA
October 30, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go to Mike's family and friends at this terrible time. There are times in a person's life where you meet special people..people who want to make a difference and are dedicated to their values and beliefs. I believe Mike was one of those special people. In talking to him I saw a genuine and sincere person..who believed in what he was doing. He was a friend to my Marine son, and a dear friend to my daughter. I felt he was also my friend. As I am proud of my children, I know his mom is proud of her son and his accomplishments. I feel our family will never be the same with this loss, but better for having known him.
B.Condrey
Richmond, Va.
Mike getting his gear together before a mission in the Bahamas
October 30, 2009
Mike after he returned from one of his tours...Lake Arrowhead
October 30, 2009
Mike and the other agents before a mission in the Bahamas
October 30, 2009
Mike and I hanging out at the reception
October 30, 2009
Mike, Whitney and I at Steve and Whitneys wedding
October 30, 2009
STEVE AND DEBBIE VEHEC
October 30, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tina Dixon
October 30, 2009
Dear Judy, Steve and Family:
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
1vagirl
October 30, 2009
Michael Weston was a brave, intelligent man who believed in the mission, to keep us all safe. This was done with the knowledge that he would often be in harms way but that was never a concern. He was a proud Marine and a awesome narcotics investigator. He was charming, had a hunger for knowledge and a great dry sense of humor. While assigned to the Richmond Office he worked tirelessly to remove drugs and dealers off our streets. Richmond is a safer place thanks to his work. He was focused and wanted to make a difference in Afghanistan. He was unassuming, never wanting to be in the spotlight. His move to Afghanistan was one made with much excitement and in the few months he was there he knew he made the right decision. My life is much richer because you were in it, and it saddens me that you were taken so young. I can not yet grasp that you will not be here to debte, to laugh with your friends. I don't think I ever will . My heart goes out to your parents and family. You will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in Peace Michael.
Showing 1 - 100 of 100 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Weston's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Weston
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Weston's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
