It's a solemn drive to the cemetery, but at the same time, Nathaniel Mack and his mother look forward to spending quality time at the grave of U.S. Marines Master Sgt. Kenneth Nathaniel Mack, who was killed in Iraq on May 5, 2007.
"What I miss the most is me and my dad used to camp outside, and we would have a big giant inflatable bed, and so we would just sleep outside and talk for hours until we fall asleep," Nathaniel said.
Now, he and his mother visit the cemetery to reflect on those good times. But what keeps them going are thoughts of the Marine's bravery.
Sgt. Mack died in an explosion when the Humvee he was in drove over an improvised explosive device. He was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart.
"We miss him and we wish it didn't happen, yeah, but we deal with it," said Dawn Dorman, who was Mack's fiancee. "We love him, and when I get to heaven, we're going to have a conversation."
And their son is now using prayer to talk to his dad.
"Sometimes when I'm praying and really stressed out, I'll say, 'Dad, what would you do in this situation?'"
His dad's dog tags give Nathaniel a boost of confidence as he tries to follow his father's best advice. "Don't be afraid; I try to keep that in mind," the teen said. "I try my best to do it. If I don't succeed, then do it later."
Perhaps the biggest support system for Nathaniel and other children of fallen military heroes can be found at events organized by Snowball Express.
"It brings all families together," Dorman said. "The kids form incredible bonds because they all have a common denominator, and he has made friends he treasures."
And little Nate treasures the little things that made his dad the ultimate Marine.
"I put these flags on his grave," Nathaniel explained. "I wouldn't put flowers, because he's the type of guy who would be like, 'Why would you put flowers on my grave?' He would say that's feminine ... so I make him manly by putting down the flags "
Flags that Nathaniel and his mom hope he sees from heaven. Master Sgt. Mack died a couple of weeks shy of Memorial Day.
Nathaniel and his mother will attend the American Heroes 5K/10K race on Monday morning along with other military children and their families.
E-mail ddenmon@wfaa.com
