Marine Killed in Afghanistan Memorialized in Sculpture From Florida Artist

Striking sculpture pays tribute to Nebraskan killed in Afghanistan
Omaha.com
By Chris Bowling
World-Herald staff writer
March 21, 2016

Former Marine and Vietnam War veteran Cliff Leonard of Jacksonville sculpted the bust. It is one of almost 30 he’s made for Florida Marines and corpsmen — Navy medical specialists who may serve with Marine units — killed in action.

In August 2010, during his fourth deployment with the U.S. Marine Corps, Staff Sgt. Michael Bock was killed in Afghanistan by a Taliban sniper.

Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Bock with his wife, Tiffany, and their son Zander. Tiffany said the eyes took her breath away when she saw the bust of her husband.

Bock, 26, who grew up in Springfield, Nebraska, left behind a family including his widow and then-3-year-old son.

Six years later, Bock’s family and a sculptor in Florida are reminding the world he’s not forgotten.

On March 14, a clay bust of Bock went on display at the Leesburg Public Library in Leesburg, Florida, to commemorate his service and sacrifice.

For his parents, Sandra and David Bock of Leesburg, the bust is the latest in a line of memorials, honors and commemorations for their son.

Since 2010, people have attached Michael Bock’s name to baseball games, Sept. 11 memorials and even a Florida highway he used to drive every day.

Each honor is unique and special, his mother said. When it comes to this bust, it’s the likeness to Bock that’s most striking.
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