A Warrior
Remembering LT Paul Michael Felsberg.
A Marine, an officer, a Mustang, and just about as fast as one, but more than these, Paul Michael Felsberg was a Warrior. Lieutenant Felsberg originally enlisted in the Marines in 1995 directly out of high school. He would serve four years before heading to Florida International University to earn a degree in criminal justice. The day after graduating in 2003, he was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps.
“A Marine, an officer, a Mustang, and just about as fast as one, but more than these, Paul Michael Felsberg was a Warrior.”
LT Paul Michael Felsberg United States Marine Corps
LT "Mike" Felsberg was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, just before deploying to Ramadi in late 2004. He would serve as the weapons platoon commander for Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines in one of the most dangerous areas of Iraq. Six weeks into his deployment, on October 13, 2004, he made the ultimate sacrifice during a combat operation when injuries received from an enemy attack ended his life. He was 27 years old.
In the infantry, the weapons platoon of a rifle company is known to be the misfits, if you will -- the smart-mouths, the troublemakers, and the sometimes "lazy." They are often treated differently, well, because they are. The weapons platoon that Mike took command of was no different. A rag-tag group of misfits, many of whom believed they were already "combat-hardened." I know because I was the sergeant of that platoon with the smartest of mouths.
When I think back on the men he stood in front of and the manner in which he did it, I can't help but be in awe of the challenges he faced. No matter how often the men tried to ruffle his feathers, he was poised and stoic in his approach. That leadership would carry on into Ramadi as his platoon was tasked with providing a quick reaction force for the company.
On that fateful day in October, dismounted at the front lines of a combat operation, Lt. Felsberg was fatally struck by shrapnel from an RPG during an intense enemy ambush. He emerged from the blast, still standing, motioning for his men to get back before collapsing from his wounds. In his final moments, with disregard for his own medical needs, he put his focus on the safety of his men.
His loss was tragic and affected the company's dynamic and, indeed, the platoon. Young men rallied, stepped up, and performed when they had to. Even in his absence, he was making men warriors. He believed the most critical mission was developing new leaders - the purest form of leadership - mission accomplished, Sir.
His accomplishments are what I would learn about later in life. In 2017, I was fortunate enough to attend the unveiling of a monument erected on the campus of Florida International University. Felsberg Veterans Plaza honors the heart and soul of Paul Michael Felsberg, a student-athlete with a 3.94 GPA and recipient of the President's Award and the Athletic Spirit Award for 2001, 2002, and 2003. Beyond his many wins and contributions to the Panthers’ Cross Country and Track teams, he supported the entire athletic department.
Not only does Lt. Felsberg, in full combat load and track shoes in tow, stand watch on campus in the heart of FIU athletics, but Felsberg Field hangs above the softball field, and the Panther Pride/Felsberg Spirit award is given in his honor. His heart and leadership were clearly felt within that university, and it's evident beyond the numerous honors; it's in the spirit in which it's done -- a Warrior before the war.
In a full-circle moment, 20 years later, I had the privilege of working with the FIU baseball team on leadership and mental performance. In an early morning event, I was able to jog the team out of the right field entrance and down the trail to the base of the Felsberg Veterans Plaza monument. There, I was able to share his legacy with the current and future warriors of FIU athletics. That day, the memorial came to life, and once again, Mike was inspiring a Panther team to "Make it a great one!"
Lt. Felsberg demonstrated time and time again that leadership is selfless, disciplined, and focused in the pursuit of bettering those around you. He went beyond his comrades and teammates; he shared his spirit with everyone he encountered. He was the example; he was the standard, and then he relentlessly cheered for those around him to pursue the same. Paul Michael Felsberg was a Warrior.
