After fighting leukemia for 10 years, 12-year-old Cody Green passed away at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.
He had been diagnosed at just 22 months old and battled the disease into remission three separate times.
According to his parents, Cody found inspiration and strength in the U.S. Marine Corps throughout his life.
In his final days, the Marines honored him as an honorary member of the Corps, recognizing his “strength, honor, and courage.”
Retired Sergeant Mark Dolfini wanted to do even more.
When he learned Cody was nearing the end of his life, Dolfini arrived at the hospital in full dress blues and stood guard outside the boy’s room for eight straight hours overnight.
He saluted Cody’s mother every time she walked in or out of the room.
Dolfini also brought a Marine flag and his own navigator wings, saying, “Maybe these will help Cody find his way.”
At Cody’s funeral, Dolfini gave one final salute to his mother and later said it was the hardest thing he had ever done.
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