Tribute to an Extraordinary American Hero…

Mamie Maywhort
May 5, 2008

I consider myself one of those lucky people who had the fortune of crossing paths with Mark Metherell.  I worked for Mark’s Dad, Dr. Alexander Metherell when Mark was a young teenager.  Although I did not have the honor to see or talk with Mark often, I did have the privilege of hearing “Mark Stories” from his Dad. 

When I first heard that Mark had made the SEAL team, I was not surprised at all for he was an offspring of Alex and Pam Metherell.  These two amazing people always knew how to bring out the best in their children.  Thank you, Alex and Pam for sharing Mark with us – even if it were only for a short 39 years.

There is no denying that Mark loved to experience life to its fullest; and to make life a little easier for others.  His zest for adventure, love for his country, and compassion for those less fortunate took him to a far away land.  He wanted to make a difference, and he did.  He knew the imminent dangers of his job, and yet he willingly volunteered to do it – even if it meant giving up his life, and he did.

Mark touched countless lives – not only here at home, but in some far off distant land thousands of miles away to fight for what he believed in.  On the morning of April 11, 2008, Mark gave the ultimate sacrifice doing what he believed in and what he enjoyed doing – “his dream job.” There is no doubt America has lost a Great American Hero.  More important, there is no doubt Mark Metherell has left an indelible mark in all who knew and loved him.