03XX Series Eamon LeBlanc-Shoemaker

In this episode, Tyler and I sit down with our Brother Eamon LeBlanc-Shoemaker, a fellow 2/8 Marine. We traverse time before our paths crossed and culminated in 2009 during OP Khanjar (Strike of the Sword). Shoe shares his experiences about the early days in the fleet, his choice to extend for a third combat tour, and finally, the burden of command, as he assumed the billet of Squad Leader after an IED took two Marines out, both of them lived.

Personal note, in 2009, during the summer of decisions, as they dubbed it, there was plenty of fear and rage to go around. I oftentimes wondered how things fell into play when the world around you was falling apart. War is a metaphysical paradox, and more than often, it takes away the young and bright, but seldomly does it give you something back. On behalf of 1 Charlie, we are indescribably grateful that Shoe was given to us, to lead and finish a most deadly combat tour. Shoe is the epitome of what a Brother should be.