Robert Burns Lodge has lost one of its own: Brother and Major Samuel Mark Griffith, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on December 14, 2011. Brother Griffith was on his third tour of duty and his second in Afghanistan. Brother Griffith graduated from Penn State in 1997. He received his three degrees in Robert Burns by Dispensation from Grand Lodge on March 23, 1998 and earned his wings in the Marine Corps in 2000. He flew F-18s for about 8 years.
He lived in Virginia Beach, VA and leaves behind his wife, Cassandra, and two sons, Chad, 7 years old and Noah, 6 years old. The prayers of all the members of Robert Burns Lodge go out to them as well as the rest of the family and friends he leaves behind.
From all the tributes we have seen, Brother Griffith lived his life in the true traditions and with all the attributes of Freemasonry in general and Robert Burns Lodge in particular.
Brother Sam will be missed by all.