ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- He was a son, father, a friend to many and soldier for all. Saturday hundreds gave Chief Warrant Officer Michael Duskin their final salute.
"Everyone who has met my dad just once has been touched by him in some way and are better for it," said his step-son during the memorial.
Duskin served in the Army for 19-years and was in his seventh deployment when he was killed by small arms fire in Afghanistan. He was only 42-years-old.
"He said Dad, I am doing it because of 9-11. They did that to us, and they are never going to do it again," said his father, George Duskin.
Michael's beret, gun, boots and dog tag were on display in front of the folded flag that draped his casket. But the tears in his families eyes were the real sign of his sacrifice.
"He cared about everyone even when he was younger. So I am not surprised to hear about how it carried over into his military career," said a high school friend, Traci Conroy.
Duskin grew up in Orange Park and went to school and played football at Middleburg High School. "Don't ever take our freedom for granted because it is not free," said Conroy.
"He will always be my hero, and I strive to be the man he is," said his step-son who is also serving in the military during the service. Now the county he called home, came together to say thank-you.
Michael Duskin leaves behind a wife and three children. His parents still live in Orange Park.
