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| Home Front: WoT |
| Physician commits to combat after eldest son is killed in Iraq |
| 2008-01-03 |
| Fathers usually inspire sons into action, to achieve life goals. But in this family that relationship was turned upside down when Dr. Krissoff received news of his older son's death. Nathan Krissoff died on Dec. 9, 2006, in Al Anbar province. He was 25. Now the fallen Marine's father is committed to a mission, one that carries even more than the memory of Nathan. Krissoff's youngest son, Austin, is also an officer in the Corps. "Both my sons were hugely affected by the events of 9/11, and Nate was proud to serve in the Marines, as Austin is," Krissoff says. "I share their views." So he is closing his Truckee practice, leaving his Reno home, relocating to San Diego and taking on a brand new persona, that of Navy Lt. Commander. Though 19 years over the Navy's official age limit, Dr. Krissoff will serve as a Navy surgeon for three years. "My interest in Navy medicine," Krissoff says, "was because they take care of Marines." Because 42 is the Navy's age cutoff for medical officer enlistees, Krissoff was initially told that joining would be a difficult and lengthy process. So he pressed the issue and asked for the needed waiver from the highest authority he could find - President Bush. Krissoff met Bush in August at an American Legion convention in Reno. The doctor described the personal meeting he had with the president immediately following the convention as a solemn experience with a small group of families grappling with the loss of loved ones in war. Krissoff says Bush asked each family what he could do for them. Krissoff told the president he wanted to serve. After a brief moment, Bush deferred to Krissoff's wife, Christine, who has consistently supported her husband's decision. Krissoff says he pressed Bush about the matter with humor. "'Sir, I'd like to serve but they told me I'm too old, but I'm younger than you, sir,'" Krissoff says, telling the story with a rare grin. Recruits like Krissoff who qualify in every other category get the age waiver. Krissoff just got his a little quicker. "I thought it was a prank when we got the call from the White House," Krissoff says. "Two days (after we met the president), the papers were given by Karl Rove to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. We did a year's worth of work in two months." |
| Posted by:Mike |
| #4 This is why we will win. Godspeed Nathan. |
| Posted by: Steven 2008-01-03 23:47 |
| #3 my codolences too hison, and he was a true american hero as is his dad and other son |
| Posted by: sinse 2008-01-03 20:17 |
| #2 What more can we say, but thank you? |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2008-01-03 19:38 |
| #1 Very impressive. |
| Posted by: tu3031 2008-01-03 15:30 |