Master Sergeant Michael ‘Top’ Washington served in the Gulf War, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan between 1988 and 2004, before becoming a firefighter. His son, Mike Jr., followed in his footsteps and joined the Marines. In 2008, Mike Jr. was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan.

The loss of his son sent Top into a deep depression, culminating in a moment on a bridge in Tacoma. Top had decided to end his life there, but says he felt his son’s hand pulling him back, saying, “You’re not done yet.” Since then, Top has found a new calling, as a licensed therapist focusing on fellow military veterans and first responders.

To hear more from Top, check out his interview on Warriors In Their Own Words, out next Thursday.

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Master Sergeant Michael ‘Top’ Washington: Coping with Loss 42:58 Share

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Master Sergeant Michael ‘Top’ Washington: Coping with Loss