MICHAEL LASKIMichael Laski, a 21-year-old Royal Marine with 45 Commando RM, died on 25 February, 2009, two days after sustaining wounds while in action in Afghanistan.He was injured while on patrol in Sangin, Helmand, after his company came under enemy fire. He was flown back to England for treatment but died in hospital in Birmingham with his family by his side.Michael Laski, known as Mick, was born in Liverpool on 11 May, 1987. He joined the Royal Marines in September 2006 and was deployed to Afghanistan immediately after training.He had recently returned to the troubled country after completing a specialist course in signals.Lieutenant Colonel Jim Morris Royal Marines, commanding officer of 45 Commando Group, paid tribute to him saying: "Marine Mick Laski was a Royal Marine Commando through and through. Bright, quick witted, incredibly determined and extremely brave he always sought out every opportunity to operate as close to the front line as possible."His loss is a heavy blow. The whole of 45 Commando Group joins me in sending my deepest condolences to his father and brothers as they begin to come to terms with these devastating events."Major Rich Parvin Royal Marines said: "Mick Laski was a signaller with Yankee Company Headquarters and as such I spent a great deal of time with him, both on patrol and in the Operations Room at FOB (Forward Operating Base) Inkerman."He was a sharp witted and thoughtful individual with an active mind. His Scouse wit was always well timed and he would often break the tension at moments of pressure with his dry sense of humour. Brave in combat and always ready to assist others in any task, he was all that a Royal Marine should be."Warrant Officer 2nd Class Dave Irons Royal Marines, Signals Troop Sergeant Major said: "When Marine Mick Laski joined 45 Commando from his signals course, he took every opportunity he could to remind me how much he wanted to be in a company detachment, to the point were he knew where the gaps were before I did."Just before Pre-Deployment Training he got his wish and joined Yankee Company; the smile on his face said it all. Since then I didn’t get to see him much as he was fully embedded within Yankee Company, however last time I spoke to him he was ‘loving it’ at Inkerman."Marine Mick Laski was an exceptional person overflowing with the qualities you would expect of a Royal Marine, dedicated to his friends, 45 Commando and the Corps. His loss will be deeply felt by us all."Colleague Marine Mark Goldsbury said: "I worked with Mick day in day out for the last one and a half years; it was a pleasure to have known him, and he was a true inspiration to work with."He was the most professional man I’ve worked with and there was never a dull moment, whether it be him spinning his run-ashore dits (stories), or giving advice on what car or motorbike to buy. Mick was an asset to the Corps and the Signals Detachment, but also a great friend who I will sorely miss and never forget. My thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time."Rest in Peace mate; see you in the Big Man’s Bar."
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