NFL writer and former Marine Chaps McNeal launched into a hilarious story about his friend Chris Diaz who was killed in combat in 2011.
McNeal used upcoming Memorial Day as his reason to explain that there’s much more to our fallen soldiers than just their combat stories, and he couldn’t have picked a better example.
Gonna share a story about my pal Chris Diaz who was killed in Afghanistan 28 September 2011.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
Often times when people are killed in action, their legacy becomes their service and that alone. That’s not fair to their memory IMO.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
Chris was a goofy fucker who would be pissed if he knew people thought of him as some Last Action Hero.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
Chris was a great Marine. One time, we had won NCO of the quarter in consecutive quarters so we had, & I mean HAD, to eat with base SgstMaj.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
We all hated it. It was awkward and they were usually dicks to us.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
Chris and I made a bet. Winner of a best of 5 Madden tournament got to make the dinner as awkward as possible for the other at the dinner.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
I won. Chris had to order nothing but “girly drinks” all night with the senior leaders. Starting with at least 3 virgin drinks.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
The base Sergeant Major looked at Diaz with ultimate disgust when he said “I’ll have a frozen virgin pina colada.” The meal was ribeyes. Lol
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
Everyone else is drinking whiskey or beer and Chris is walking around in dress uniform with combat medals drinking a virgin drink w/umbrella
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
I tell Chris he has to order our battalion Sgtmaj a Shirley temple. He does. The Sgt maj becomes irate.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
“DIAZ!! GET YOUR ASS OUTSIDE!”
“Aye, SgtMaj.”
“What the fuck is your problem?! You’re embarrassing me!”
“By buying delicious drinks?”
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
Diaz got kicked out of the dinner because SgtMaj was so pissed. I had to stay 3 more hours. Who really won? Diaz. Semper Fi.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
All that to say, remember without deep mourning at times. These men and women were often fun, silly, and irreverent. Party this weekend.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
They sure as shit would be, even if it was with frozen virgin pina coladas with ribeyes with their bosses.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
This is Chris Diaz. Battle-hardened warrior who sucked at madden and golf. Expert shot and terrible cook. pic.twitter.com/vJbw8pltv8
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
Stories like this are what make Memorial Day such an important day. Well done, Chaps. Well done.