Major Steven Hutchison

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30752514/

America lost a patriot last Sunday. I knew this guy, but only for a very short time. He was in my Advisor class at Fort Riley, and he served as a Border Transition Team Leader in Basra along the Iranian border.

He was a remarkable guy with a fascinating story. He had served 20 years (including two tours in Vietnam) in the Army already and had retired. He had a doctorate in psychology, had run a business, and taught school. His wife died of breast cancer in 2006, so he went back on active duty. I can only hope to be in the shape he was at the age of 60. He had previously completed a tour as an advisor in Afghanistan, and requested a rapid turnaround to deploy again. The Army assigned him this time as a team leader for an 11-man advisor unit in southern Iraq.

He was pleasant to be around; the kind of guy who you always learn something from every time you interact with him.

America needs more Steven Hutchisons and fewer Kim Kardashians and Terrell Owens.

Farewell, Steve; thanks for your service.