Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To Michael's Family,

My name is Douglas McLaurine. For six long years I have struggle with Michael's death, see I severed with him while in Iraq. I don't know what has been told to you about your brave and remarkable young son's death, but I would love to talk to you. Deuel, as we called him, had to take my place in the rotation for guard duty that day at the propane station. I was rushed to several aide stations for having a fragment of metal in my eye while driving chow to our other locations. I would like to say that over the years his name has been a constant topic and even has become the chosen name to my wife and I future son. For six years I have tried tracking down his family and making contact, if anyone can get this info to them or knows a way for me to contact them please let me know. I would really like to meet with them. Long live his memory in our hearts.

Spc. McLaurine, George D.
Doug.McLaurine@gmail.com"
Douglas McLaurine of Tuscaloosa AL

"To the family of Pfc. Michael Deuel, I offer you my condolences. I was a team leader in Michael's platoon until just before he died. He was a good soldier and a good person.
I remember the first time I met Deuel, he had two black eyes. I don't think I ever got the real story about what happened, but the story he gave me was extremely funny. He had a great sense of humor. Pfc. Deuel and the rest of the soldiers in our platoon were an interesting mix of characters. They were usually in good spirits even when times sucked.
I have always felt that if I had still been in the platoon maybe things would have been different. Maybe my team would have been on guard there. Maybe something could have been done differently. Pfc. Deuel is always in my prayers and I do my best to honor his memory and the memories of all my fallen friends from Iraq. I believe that there were many people in our company that were deeply and permanently affected by Deuel. When he died our lives were changed forever. I know that my life has not been the same since that terrible day."
Sgt. Adam Waggoner of Washington D.C.

"To the family of:Michael R. Deuel I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"February 8, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Michael R. Deuel:
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

"so very sorry for this loss. Michael, you are not forgotten."

"Michael,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Airborne All The Way!"

"Although I was not in Mike's platoon, I was a team leader in the same company as him. He was a great soldier who was soft spoken and well mannered. I reflect often on my time in Iraq and often think of the fellow solder that lost their life. I honor Michael and all our fellow fallen soldiers."
Formerly SGT Davis, Michael, 1plt, Company B 2/325 AIR of San Antonio, TX

"Remebering PFC Deuel and lifiting his family up in prayer this Memorial Day. Those of us following the 2/325 through 2003 will never forget."
Candice of Hampton, VA

"To the family of Michael R. Deuel im sorry for your loss i was his first team leader in the army the day before he was killed i seen him and i asked him how he was doin and he said im fine sergeant west im just pulling guard duty and i said you take care of yourself and dont do anything stupid like get yourself killed and the next day when i heard he had been killed it broke my heart and i still live with that memory and when i think of him i still cry he was a good soldier and i will always miss him i have a picture of him i will carry till i die to his family im truly sorry formerly Sgt. West 2/325th AIR 82nd Airborne."
Sgt. Casey S West of Oak Ridge,tennessee,US

"God Bless you Michael and may your family be proud of what you did for all of us. My son was also in Iraq with the Army, but thanks to God he was returned safely to us. My maiden name is Deuel and my family and I are proud of you!
Kim Deuel Knerr mother of Specialist Kurt Knerr"
Kim Deuel Knerr of Williamsport, PA USA

"To the family of Michael R. Deuel:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"I made a purchase at herobracelet.org. I recieved one with Pfc Michael R. Deuels name on it. I am proud to be wearing it. God bless you and the other men and women who serve to protect us."
June Elsbury of Aransas Pass, Texas USA

"1/18/05
Thank you Micheal for defending the freedoms we all cherish. You are our hero and we will remember you each day we raise our flag in the front yard. God Bless you and may He grant peace to your loved ones. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"i would like to extend my condolences to you. i saw michael's name in the star and stripes a military newspaper when it happened and was curious if i am related to him. im currently in iraq, and will go home soon. and again im sorry."
joshua deuel of savannah, ny

"To the parents, family and friends of Michael... I am so sorry for your great loss. If any one of you would like to have Mike's picture posted on his internet memorial, you can contact me at: Barbaraj@chartermi.net"
Barbara of Kalamazoo MI

"This old paratrooper will never forget the brotherhood of the greatest division in the world. Although I never ran across Deuel my heart still hurts for my brother. May you rest in peace."
Anthony of Denver, CO

"My husband served with Michael and has had a hard time dealing with his death. Now that he has your email address there are many things he wants to say to you , but he cant find the words to say to type. My heart goes out to all of you!"
The Page Family of North Carolina

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"To My Brothers

To my brothers who have fallen
And will not return home
I salute you

To my brothers to my left and right
Who I fight and die beside
I thank you

To my brothers who have returned home
To live again their civilian life
All the luck I wish for you

To my brothers I work with
Going through the tedious tasks of the day
I am with you

To my brothers past, present and future
And those who have come and gone and will be
I support you

To my brothers Solomon Bangayan, Mark Seiden, and Michael Deuel
Who paid the ultimate price
I will never forget you

To my brothers of all wars
Who have stood for their beliefs
I honor you

PFC Michael R. Deuel - 18 June 03 - Baghdad, Iraq
SPC Mark Seiden - 02 Jan 04 - Baghdad, Iraq
SPC Solomon Bangayan - 02 Jan 04 - Baghdad, Iraq"
SPC Connell, William C of B Co 2/325 AIR, Ft Bragg

"My eight year old daughter has a school project about South Dakota. Part of the project is to identify a state hero. We are proud to list Michael as our hero."
Tina Broome of San Francisco, CA

"Families and friends of PFC Michael Deuel. Please remember the Micheal is in a better place than us. He's looking down with a smile.
Paratroopers never die, they just slip away.
Served In Iraq with A 2/319 82nd Airborne."
Jason McCormick of Birmingham Al,

"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. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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

"Thank you Michael Deuel, 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

"Hello, my name is PFC Erik Baumgartner. Mike and i went to JOb Corps together. I was going to originally enlist with Mike, but things didnt go that way. I later on enlisted but failed to reach him to tell him i made it. I just got online and received word from a mutual friend of ours; all i can say is i am shocked and saddened. I will miss him terribly. Mike, wherever you are, rest well Brother....see you on the Flip Side, and my God be with you always."
PFC Erik Baumgartner of Schofield Barracks Hawaii

"I will miss Michael...He was one of my friends in High School and he was always making people laugh he was just that kind of person. I will also remember and miss playing hackysack with him at lunch time with him and our other friends....REST IN PEACE....we'll all miss you..."
Sarah Lawrence of Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Michael Deuel:
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 Pfc. Michael Deuel:
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