Navy Medic Michael Van "Doc" Johnson, Jr. was born and raised in Little Rock and graduated from Parkview High School. He would later attend the University of Central Arkansas, where he would earn his degree. In the words of his sister, Janisa Hooks, "He was just a big kid. He liked to draw and he loved basketball, a real people's person." In March of 2003, he became the first serviceman from Arkansas killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Navy reports that he was killed by Iraqi forces while tending to an injured Marine. In the words of his family, he is their hero and they are proud of the sacrifice he made. "He did it for us, so we can walk around the United States and be free," said Hooks. "He made peace with God and himself before he went over." Shortly before his death, his mother received a letter from him. "Mom," he wrote, "I love you, and don't be afraid if I don't return, realize I'm in heaven with God." My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cherice; his mother, Jana Norfleet; and all those who knew and loved him.