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Sen. John McCain visited Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida on Thursday morning. I attended the event as it was only a half mile from my office. After the speech he was making his way out to his 'Straight Talk Express' bus and shaking hands along the rope line. I held my camera up and took some photos as he approached.

Then I had an idea: I would give the Senator my "Marine Dad" coin as a way of connecting with him in the brotherhood of Marine Dads!

He was taking a photo with a mom and her baby and I reached in my pocket and pulled out my Marine Dad coin that I have carried since my sons left for boot camp more than 2 years ago!

I held it out in front of him and said "Senator, you're a Marine Dad, aren't you? Do you have a Marine Dad coin?", as he stared at the coin. "Well you do, now!", I said as I handed him the coin. He smiled real big, said thank you very much and shook my hand and put the coin in his pocket.

I grabbed a business card from my wallet and handed it to his wife, Cindy. I asked her "Please give my card to John, I am the Marine Dad who gave him the coin." She smiled and took the card and said, "I'm a VERY PROUD Marine Mom!", as she pointed to her single blue star Mother's flag pin.

I hope the coin will help John and his Marine son to connect even stronger.

After I returned to my office, I went on-line to Sgt Grit's and ordered a new Marine Dad coin and some "Like Father Like Son US Marines" bumper stickers!