Michael Bushong, the father of slain Lance Cpl. Philip Bushong, said in a statement that friends and family will remember his son as someone who lived life to the fullest every day.
Philip Bushong, 23, died while on leave in Washington D.C on April 21. He was stabbed by Pfc. Michael Poth during an altercation across the street from their barracks, according to police. The incident is under investigation.
Philip Bushong enlisted in the Marine Corp in 2008, after graduating from Fermi High School in Enfield. He served in the Marine Color Guard for two years before being deployed to the Mediterranean.
In the statement, Michael Bushong describes his son as “smiling all the time and ready to make you smile with his wit and sense of humor.” He remembers his son’s talents on the guitar and that he was always the center of attention, sometimes due to his towering height. Philip Bushong was 6’7."
Michael Bushong said in the statement that his son was a best friend to many and that he is overwhelmed by the outpouring of statements from friends of his son. He said that he knows that his son was loved by many.
Michael Bushong also stated that the Marine Corps support has been beyond his expectations and that the family could not have dealt with the tragedy without their help.
Lance Cpl. Philip Bushong was set to be honorable discharged on April 26, 2012.
