In Memory of LCPL Paul T. Drogos, USMC
April 9, 1969 – April 15, 2019
OPERATION DESERT SHIELD
USMC/ 2nd BATTALION, 8th MARINES (2/8)
LCPL Paul Tomeyoshi Drogos, USMC
Paul was born in San Francisco, CA on April 9, 1969 to Peter and Yoshiko Drogos and was raised in Fairfield, CA. Growing up, Paul had a passion for martial arts and firearms. He graduated from Fairfield High School in Fairfield, CA in 1987.
Following his father’s footsteps, Paul enlisted in the military shortly after high school. Paul and left for US Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego in July 1987. Paul was stationed in Naval Weapons Station Earle from 1988-1989 and was deployed with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment to Iraq during the 1st Gulf war (Desert Storm) as a Scout Sniper in 1991. Paul loved his country and the Marine Corps. Paul joined the police department after serving four years in the Marine Corps and worked as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer at FCC Butner in North Carolina for 23 years.
In March 2017, Paul met and fell in love with his soul mate, Ming (Stumph) Drogos. The next November, the two were wed in a magical ceremony straight out of a fairy tale. The following year, Paul hoped to adopt her two boys, Blake and Tyler. The four members of the close-knit family made the decision to travel the world and build a house in the mountains after he retired. Paul battled PTSD for more than 30 years, but after trying to receive help from the VA without success, he thought there was no other way out of his suffering. On April 15, 2019, on the Carolina Beachfront, Paul tragically lost the fight against his demons. He was only three months away from retirement.
Paul loved jazz and hockey. While the Sound of Music was his favorite movie, he loved watching WWII documentaries. Paul loved to cook and was renowned for his incredible coffee brewing abilities, his London broil, and baklava. Paul had a heart of gold and has the ability to make anyone smile and laugh. Paul was an avid marksman, a survivalist, a devoted husband, a dedicated bonus dad, a loving son, a caring brother, a steadfast friend to many, a selfless man, and a man of honor.
Paul’s Memorial Page:
https://www.facebook.com/PaulDrogos
Hometown: Fairfield, CA
Final Rest: Fayetteville, NC
#22TooMany #OurHeroes are #NeverForgotten
