ST. PAUL, Minn. A Minnesota National Guard Army officer with stage IV cancer spoke Thursday at the Army’s 237th birthday celebration and Flag Day at the Minnesota Historical Society in St. Paul, Minn.
"Lt. Col. Mark Weber's inspiring perspective on his fight with cancer, leadership, soldiering and humility greatly touched the audience," said Army Maj. Gen. Richard C. Nash, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General.
"Lt. Col. Weber ended his speech by singing a duet with his son Matthew, called 'Tell my Father', said Army Lt. Col. Kevin A. Olson, Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs Director. "The Weber duet received a standing ovation. I encourage sharing this Youtube video."
"Lt. Col. Weber is an extraordinary officer and in a short time has made a positive impact on our organization working full time as the Director of Strategic Communication," said Nash. "He joined the Minnesota National Guard after serving 16 years with the U.S. Army. Despite being diagnosed with stage
IV cancer two years ago, he has continued to fight the cancer and until very recently remained a contributing member of my team."
"He personifies our warrior ethos 'I will never accept defeat' and 'I will never quit'," said Nash.
"The General John W. Vessey, Jr. Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) hosted the event," said Olson.
Members of the media are invited to view Lt. Col. Weber's full speech and duet at www.facebook.com/MinnesotaNationalGuard
or http://youtu.be/sCIEXOkr-Iw
Members of the media are invited to view Lt. Col. Weber singing with his son at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3O6LbZlLb0&feature=relmfu
To follow Lt. Col. Mark Weber's CaringBridge site "Operation True Gritö go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/markmweber
For more information on the Minnesota National Guard, visit
www.MinnesotaNationalGuard.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs at ngmn.public.affairs@ng.army.mil or call 651-282-4410.