Thank You for Your Service

Today, we hear the words "Thank you for your Service" being said to the men and women in our military.

However, the Vietnam-era soldiers were disrespected when returning home from serving.

This is a story of one such Vietnam veteran who chose to enlist rather than be drafted. His decision to join the Marines was influenced by the death of a friend, David Spencer Hackett, who was killed in 1967 in Quang Trj Province by small arms fire. 

The Marine who enlisted was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Four Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, and Two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

He came home, served in the Department of Justice for years, and became the United States Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division. He oversaw prosecutions of Manuel Noriega, the Pan Am Flight 103 Lockerbie bombing, Gambino Mafia Family boss John Gotti, and the list goes on and on.

President G.W. Bush nominated this Marine/Public Servant for FBI Director on July 5, 2001. He was confirmed as the sixth FBI Director on August 2, 2001, with a unanimous Senate vote of 98-0. He took that position on September 4, 2001 – one week before the September 11th Attacks. He remained at the FBI helm for two years beyond the normal 10-year term, which would have expired on September 2, 2011. The Senate approved President Obama's request 100-0.

After leaving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, this Great American was in private practice and tapped for an independent investigation regarding the NFL's conduct surrounding the Ray Rice assault and served as Settlement Master in the U.S. Consumer litigation of the Volkswagen emissions scandal, a similar position regarding automakers and consumers affected by rupture-prone Takata airbags, and the list goes on.

He was awarded the Thayer Award for Public Service by the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) and the Baker Award for contributions to Intelligence and National Security.

In May 2017, this Marine and great American was appointed as Special Counsel over an investigation into " links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump and any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation.”

Newt Gingrich, former Republican Speaker of the House, stated: "a superb choice ...his reputation is impeccable for honesty and integrity..." and others from both sides of the aisle underlined Gingrich's words.

Some did not agree, but the U.S. Department of Justice's ethics experts declared the Marine/Public Servant ethically eligible to serve as special counsel. He stepped down in May 2019, stating, "The report is my testimony," and indicated he had nothing to say that was not already in the report. 

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, their two daughters, and three grandchildren.

He passed on March 21, 2026.

When Vietnam Veterans returned home decades ago, they were disrespected, and this Vietnam Veteran, shortly after his death, was disrespected again by a "Commander-in-Chief's" tweet as he returned to his eternal home.

Thank you, Bob Mueller, for your service.

Thank you and your family for your sacrifices.

Thank you from a grateful nation.

RIP Sir.

Bob Delaney is an author and presents globally on leadership, resilience, trauma awareness, and self-care. He is a highly decorated (retired) New Jersey State Trooper, NBA Referee and NBA V.P. Referee Operations /Director of Officials  He has received numerous awards, including the U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award, Naismith Hall of Fame Human Spirit Award and the NCAA's highest honor - The Theodore Roosevelt Award, and most recently the Irish-American Hall of Fame Class of 2026.