Cancer-Stricken Colonel in Command at Inauguration

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Cancer-Stricken Colonel in Command at Inauguration
January 17, 2009
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Lt. Col. Jaime Martinez came close to missing preparations for Inauguration Day and a great honor for those who serve in the Army's oldest infantry regiment.

Stricken with a rare cancer last year, Martinez put his life in the hands of doctors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

"They got me back in the fight in 100 days," he says. "This is a lethal cancer. Tumors grow in your head and neck and there is no easy way to attack it."

On Tuesday, Martinez is set to command hundreds of Soldiers from The Old Guard as they carry the nation's colors to the Capitol in the inaugural parade and stand watch at Andrews Air Force Base to salute George W. Bush when he boards a military plane to leave Washington.

Radio in hand, Martinez will guide his polished and practiced Soldiers through a series of inaugural events amid what are expected to be record-setting crowds.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/cancerstricken-colonel-in-command-at-inauguration.html?col=1186032310810