Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I had the priveledge of being together with Mike at two duty stations. And I saw him breifly days before we left Camp Pendleton for Kuait. MIke and I were freinds and I will always feel a loss of a great guy. Semper fi my brother."
Bruce Riggs of Oregon City, OR

"Michael Barnhill or better known to our family as "Coach Barnhill". You were a coach & friend to our son Dustin Harris when he played soccer in Orangevale. I will never forget the first soccer practice of the season. Dustin was small & very quiet. The first time I heard you speak or "bellow", I thought, "oh this is not good". I was sure that Dustin would be scared to death of you. To my susrprise, on our way home, Dustin simply said, "I love this guy". You coached him until you decided to switch over & coach your daughter's team. In which at that point, you encouraged him to try out for select soccer. He did & was very successful. Years have since passed & things have changed. However, in Dustin's eyes, he still loves you & admires you. You two share some common things: a love for soccer, a birthday of Novemebr 4th and a great love for this country. You see, Dustin is in the USAF and I know wherever this journey takes him, you are watching over & "coaching " him. Thank you for being such an inspiration to Dustin and for your continued "coaching"."
Tammi McCray of Orangevale, CA

"25May2009 To the family of 1st Sgt Barnhill: As unfitting as it is for someone to pass away, it was fitting that it happen so close to Memorial Day. Each year as we approach May 28th I remember 1st Sgt Barnhill and his full measure of devotion. I served with him as one of the combat engineers from MWSS471. I remember he liked giving haircuts and he hated being cold - dressed like an Eskimo on a winter convoy. Surely he had a meaningful life. And every Memorial Day I consider the sacrifice your family is making. I pray God bless you through his word and the edification and comfort in it. Jhn 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Rom 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
In Christ, Sgt Peter Boucher USMCR 1998-2005 of Clinton Township, MI

"i only met 1st Sgt Barnhill a few times while i was in iraq but he definantly made an impression. He was a great leader and always made sure his junior marines were taken care of. i wanted to say thanks for giving me a hard time 1st sgt. you wont be forgotten."
Sgt. Dave USMC 2002-2006 of kansas

"I went to the Reserve Staff NCO Advanced Course with Mike in the Summer of 2002. Our Platoon had a sense of comaraderie and teamwork that can be attributed to Mike. His positive attitude and motivation affected the entire platoon.
Mike and I made a few trips to WalMart during the two-week course to get supplies. I have a picture of our platoon on my office wall. On the back of the picture, Mike had written a short message to me that ended with "where's WalMart?" He will always be remembered by this Marine. Rest in Peace my Brother. God bless and be with his family members."
Gunnery Sgt. Chuck Betz of Middleburg Heights, Ohio

"i have a brother in law who is stationed at the jungle warfare trng center in okinawa japan..he told me to watch a video on youtube...it is a short documentarty on jungle training . i saw michael barnhill in the video. it said he was a martial arts instructor. my son takes ma..so i decided to look up mr barnhill to see if he had a website.
i found this link..from an old army medic...let me say THANK YOU!!!

your sacrifice keeps my family free!"
jason evans of georgia

"jensenmollie@yahoo.com"
mollie Jensen of Woodville Wisconson

"I don't know if this is the appropriate message to leave...but I was going through some old letters from California and had some from Michael Barnhill from Travis AFB in California and was wondering..."
Mollie Jensen of Woodville Wisconson

"April 13, 2008
To the family of 1st Sgt. Michael S. Barnhill:
Michael gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Thank you friend. May the generations you leave behind cherish the taste of freedom to the degree at which it was paid for. I pray your service never be thought of in vain but by Gods grace you went forth to defend for those who could not. God bless and keep you at rest forever and ever."
L. Barnhill of Englewood, CO USA

"To the family of:Michael S.Barnhill I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief. He died a hero defending freedom and we are so grateful for anyone defending our freedom.
Know that I am praying for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding for you and that one day we will all meet in Heaven where we will rest in the arms of Jesus.
If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with please call my Pastor at Gateway Community Church, Reverand John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd Covington Ga. 30016 Phone 770- 787- 1015 (fax)770-787-8215.Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew"

"1stSgt Barnhill
You haven't been forgetton brother! The world lost a great man, father and husband! Piece to you and yours!"
Doc M of Deep in Texas

"First Sergeant, it was an honor to serve with you, I will never forget you nor your sacrifice, you are an inspiration and I will never forget the last time I spoke with you, God bless you and yours"
Sgt. Wolf of Corvallis, OR

"I miss you 1st Sgt."
Lcpl Jeff Lloyd of Medford, OR

"I don't even know where to start. I met the First SGT out there in Iraq. He always crossed the Waddi in the morning with a smile, no matter how bad it smelt. I saw him that morning and he had that same smile. I was always honored to be in his presence. He worked only a couple of buildings away and he was always making sure his Marines were taken care of. I believe every Armed Service Member is born for greatness and FirstSGT Barnhill used his to care for his junior Marines. I'll miss your smile."
CPL Bettis (Mortuary Affairs) of Marietta, GA

"hello, I do not know if we are related but my name is Michael Wayne Barnhill from Boonville, IN and I have a son Sean Michael Barnhill, Lance Corporal USMC stationed in Okinawa, Japan. I want to express my sorrow for your loss. I am sure your son was a great man and you should be proud. Again, I am so sorry for your loss."
Michael W. Barnhill of Boonville, IN

"Michael, you will be missed, I always had a great day at the MCSP, when I got to be in the same Building or Yard with you. You definitely did your job always with professionalism. Our prayers are with your family. Heaven has a new angel on guard."
Norma Christensen(KING) of Sacramento, CA

"As a Barnhill, and son Of a WW2 vet I want to thank god for Michael's life. Because he died, me, my sons and grandchildren can count on being free just a little longer. God bless and comfort you."
Van Barnhill of York, S.C

"Mike, You were a good friend and confidant. You were a good cop and excellent instructor. Every time I look at this bracelet, I wear it with pride. I only regret that it represents being KIA I remember the good times we shared at work and all that you taught me. You are a better man then I. You will be Greatly missed. See you in Heaven my Friend Semperfi always"
Jeff Simonsen of Elk Grove California

"My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family and I thank God for unselfish Americans like Michael, for without them,we would not live in a free world"
Jan Frissen of The Netherlands

"I loved mike like a dad. I was one of his daughters best friends, i was actually there when they heard the news, i had such a hard time there and i know that the Barnhills are to so i just wish the best for there family and i know that mine will be helping out as much they can.I miss Mike just as much as anyone but i know that alot of people wish he could come home."
Carly of FairOaks,California,USA

"dear joanna, i just now found out about mike. i am truely sorry. my son, michael, is also in iraq. i admired your mike alot. and enjoyed karate at kovar's with him. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
the harpe family"
Therese Harpe of Fair Oaks, CA

"Mike,

Thank you for giving all for God, Country and Orangevale. You were the best goal keeping trainer Megan ever had. Kelsey and Megan miss you terribly, and so do I. The Fireballs are dedicating our season to your memory.

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be at your back
May the rains fall softly on your fields
and the Sun Shine warmly on your face...
and until we meet again
may God hold you in the palm of his hand

Semper Fi!"
Charlie Meraz of Orangevale Ca

"God Bless You Michael, you have served your country well. May the Lord comfort your family. We pray everyday for your fellow soldiers."
Linda Biesel of El Cajon, CA.

"God Bless you Marine."
Mike of Osceola, Indiana

"Sergeant Barnhill, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"FSgt Barnhill,
It was a pleasure to meet you out here. I know I was a pain when I tasked your company with guard duty but, that’s how we met. When we talked we just clicked. We both ware the same type of red wristband you had the Vietnam MIA one and I had one of my Marines that got killed out here. You set up the sand bags in front of your building just like the Engineer castle that was so cool. FSgt rest in peace you will be missed dearly."
SSgt Steven E Scoopmire of Jacksonville, NC but, now in IRAQ!!!!

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"To The Barnhill Family,
Our Family, Our City, Our Country grieves with you. We are so saddened by your loss. Your Soldier is OUR HERO! We will never forget him or the others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You and your Brave Marine..Semper Fi!!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"i dont know exactly who you are but my names alyssa i grew up in sac ca and now live in ne i look on the kcra channel.com and i just so happend to see the story. I am so sorry for the loss. I lost my dad when i was 9 and i am 21. i know its hard, you all will make it and do great best of luck to you all."
alyssa of fairbury ne

"I will never forget Mike's friendly face when he walked into Kovar's. I only talked to him through Karate, but he was someone I always looked forward to seeing. I will always miss you Mike. Thank you for everything!"
Jennifer of Fair Oaks, CA

"God bless you Mike. Your sacrifice will forever be in our hearts. You and Aaron gave my daughter a great soccer year. Our thoughts and prayers to your family. Rest in peace coach."
Cindy, Brooke, Devin Owens of Citrus Heights, CA

"To the family and friends of First Sgt. Michael S. Barnhill,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please use our link and register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts "
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"Dear Joanna, Michael Jr., Michelle and Ashlee,

Mere words could never suffice at a time like this. My heart aches for you, and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that the deep hurt you feel can be in some part eased by the feeling of great pride for Michael’s valor and deep sense of patriotism.

To Michael Sr. I would say, you have made the ultimate sacrifice and did so willingly and without hesitation. Thank you so very much for defending my freedom. It means so much to me, to the people of NYC and to the entire nation. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice in the service of the country that I love so very much.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Most Sincerely,
Pat Shoukry - (6 Miles from "Ground Zero")"
Pat Shoukry of New York, N.Y.

"6/3/05
To Michael's family,
We know your pain, and wish to express our deep sorrow for your loss. Your son is truly a hero and will be known forever for his bravery and willingness to protect our great nation. We pray every day for the families of lost soldiers. God bless and keep you.
'My sacrifice, God, is a broken spirit;
God, do not spurn a broken, humbled heart.' Ps 51:19"
Webster and Ruth Reed (Father and stepmom of Jonathan Ray Reed who died in Iraq on January 28, 2005) of Krotz Springs, Louisiana

"I attended High School in Folsom, California with Mike. He was always around to joke with at lunch. I remember his excitment for the Marine Core. He couldn't wait to join the armed forces and to serve our country. My condolences to Mikes family and friends.
All my best,
Lynne Krause (Laux)"
Lynne Krause of Woodland, California, USA

"To your family mike you are a real hero, I remember the times we shared at the Creek (MSCP). may you never be forgotten for the service you did."
Dave Pendleton of Jackson, Ca

"Mike was like an uncle to me. I will miss him with all my heart. He was one of the best persons Ive ever known. He will live on in my memories of him, and the memories of his children and wife. I miss him like crazy already and it just doesnt seem fair to me how this could happen. If someone could explain to me why, maybe then I would understand."
Nichole of Stockton, Ca

"michal,
What an honor it was to hear about my husband speak of your heroism! I pray that you rest in peace, and i thank you from the bottom of my heart for your heroism and dedication in servig this great country of ours! You will never be forgotten! May God bless and watch over your family!"
Tammy Fisher of Bend OR

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Michael will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Rest in Peace Devil Dog. You will never be forgotten. You are never far from those that love you. You are a bright star shining in the sky at night. May GOD bless and be with your family, friends and fellow Marine brothers who love and miss you.
Semper Fi
J and T in NC
USMC"

"Thank you Michael Barnhill, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of 1st Sgt. Michael Barnhill:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Michael for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of 1st Sgt. Michael Barnhill:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Michael, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia