Ted Deutch: “When the doorbell rang at 5 a.m., Kimberly Metcalf of Boynton Beach, Florida, knew her worst fear had come true. Her…”

“When the doorbell rang at 5 a.m., Kimberly Metcalf of Boynton Beach, Florida, knew her worst fear had come true. Her only child, 22-year-old Michael Metcalf, U.S. Army private first class, died in Afghanistan on Sunday following an IED attack. Michael was killed while at the wheel of his armored vehicle that was going to rescue other soldiers that had been struck by a roadside bomb. Described by his mother as tough and strong, with a sensitive side, that he performed this one last act of bravery came as no surprise to all who knew him. Michael attended Park Vista High School and graduated from St. John's Northwestern Military Academy. He loved surfing, skim-boarding, and spending time by the water. On Monday, Michael's friends and family gathered at the inlet to light candles on his surfboard. Winds blew out all but one. As his friends said, The candle wouldn't go out. He wanted to hang out with us all night. We will never forget Michael Metcalf's sacrifice, and our Nation is forever grateful for his service. ____________________”