Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

""To the family of Michael J.Duetsch ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"We miss you brother! We will never forget your sacrifice."
Derrick

"June 9, 2008
To the family of Pvt. Michael J. Deutsch:
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

"mike thank you. wayne sr., eileen, thank you also. stinging bits of reality mixed with amazing memories overwhelm me sometimes as im lost facing my rudementery life,these little pieces of lost innocence help to put everything into perspective. mike remember when we were 16 and we sat in your garage and talked about conquering the world ? i cant believe 10 yrs has passed so fast. im still trying though!and now any time i hear metallica's "hero of the day" it just is that much more poigniant! "...BUT WHAT IF THEY SHOULD FALL BY SOMEONES WICKED WAY...""
Aaron Feldman of dubuque ,ia

"Mike it has been 4 years and not a day goes by that I don't think of you. You did so much for me and I will never forget you.Even to this day you get me through the rough times.
Love you Michael"
Your neice of Iowa

"I always loved Mike, right from the first time we met. I only wish that things could be different and that God had not chosen to take him. I think about him more and more. He was my first love, my one true friend I had in my life, and someone who always was a step outside of the box. Kudos to his mom and dad, whom I knew, for raising a brillant man who still touches everyone's lives. I talk about him a lot. I have many pictures of him, and I share them with everyone I know. Everytime I see a shirt with a silly saying on it, I think of him. He could always make a statement without saying a word. I only hope that his life, and what he stood for, along with his death, motivates everyone who knew him to live to their fullest in his honor. I know I do........"
Sarah of Dubuque, IA

"I can't believe it has been almost 4 years. I think of Mike everyday. I think of his family everyday too. Although many tears have been shed, and feelings of grief still lye in many of Mike's loved-ones hearts, he was the ultimate hero. Mike was passionate about everything he did, not to mention a genius. I will never forget how he made everyone laugh or smile whenever he would crack a joke. I will never forget when he broke off the antenna of my parents car when he was "car surfing" in a parking lot. I will always have these and many more memories.

He was truly a great friend.
We love you Mike."
Sara (Feldman) Albertsen of Cedar Falls, IA

"michael was a very good guy. i used to work in the bar where he always had his beer, and the last thing he said to me and my friend was...when i come back from iraq i want u guys to have a cold beer ready for me...a few weeks later we heard that he died. we will never forget u michael"
miriam of buedingen germany

"My condolences go out to Pvt Deutsch's family. I checked ID cards on post in Buedingen, Germany. I joked with him about his name once or twice, being that we were in Deutsch Land. His sacrifice was for the freedom of every American. Pvt. Deutsch, thank you."
Jennifer Zabel "Duckworth" of Placerville, Ca.

"Michael I miss you so!!!! I love you, you were my best friend, its been really hard without you, the only thing that keeps me going is the memories, but even they make me cry. I can't wait to get a hug from you again someday."

"To Michael's Family,

I am deeply saddened for your loss. While I never knew your son, I share the same name with him, which is how I came across the websight when surfing the internet. I read some many great things about Michael and his dedication to our great country. I know you have to be deeply saddened, yet very proud. Again, I send my deepest sympathies."
Michael J. Deutsch of Fargo, ND 58102

"Hey Deutsch,

Brother i have had you in my heart for a long time. I always will. You mortar men were a bunch of crazies, Martinez, Nunely, Big Mike, a great bunch of guys that i feel as brothers. Your passing has been in my heart, since the last time we spoke before you went on that patrol. I always think of you bro, and wear my KIA braclet proudly. I was in Santa Monica a while back and they were having a Arlington cementary thing at the beach, with crosses. Bro I put a name on a cross in your name. I cried like no other. Bro. I feel deeply for your friends and family. I will see you again some day bro.
To your family
my contact number is
1-510-566-4630.
God Bless."
David Zavala of San Leandro, Ca.

"To the Parents of my best friend, I miss him so much ,I wish everyday I could have said something else, the last hour I saw him. He grew into the Mortar platoon brotherhood, everyday I hold his ID tags and wish it was him and not some stupid piece of meatel. I ...I....
think about him everyday, and pray one day we will reunite all of the boys for one last good time .........
Allen Martinez....
739 N I ST.
Tulare CA 93274
760 267 4036
he was a good friend"
Allen"BOMB" Martinez of FT.IRWIN,CA/USA

"Derrick, Thank you so much for your posting. I received a letter from Lt. Lacaria today (1/16). It means so much to me (Michael's sister)and my daughters (his neices) that you all take the time to offer your thoughts and share your grief with us. I hope that you and your family are doing well. Although we miss Michael so much, we are also so grateful for each and everyone of you that comes back safe. I hope you are adjusting well and please know that you are our hero as well. Shalom. S. Greenwood, Ankeny Iowa."
Stephanie of Ankeny Iowa

"To Michael's family,
I would like you to know that there are many of us who continue to grieve with you over the loss of a great person and soldier. We were a close group of brothers and we will always miss him. We were with him on the day that God called him home and our hearts will continue to stay with him forever. He was a good person with a good heart and we will never forget what he has done for us and our country."
Derrick Nunley of DeSoto, Kansas

"SPC Lyons and family,
I hope that you will get this message! THank you for the message you left regarding my brother Michael. We do miss him daily! I know, SPC LYons that you were good friends with my brother and I want to thank you for that. Not that he was hard to like! :) A more altrustic and caring person I have never known. At any rate I wanted to thank you for your posting and let you know that I am glad to hear that you are well and back home from the sounds of it. If you are ever comfortable talking about your friendship with Michael I would like to hear about it! I had some brief communication with LT. Dan after Michael died and I cannot tell you how much it means to me to have the bits and pieces of stories about my brother! Riding his bike through camp using his cevlar as a seat! What a hoot! Definately sounds like my brother! Thank you for your service to our country and for being a friend to my brother."
Stephanie Greenwood of Ankeny Iowa 6/10/05

"To the family of Michael J. Deutsch:

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"

"Thank you so much for your service and the ultimate sacrafice that you gave to our country. You will not be forgotten! I wear your name on my wrist (on a hero bracelet) every day and people ask me who you are I tell them a falllen hero!"
Rebecca Roth of Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX.

"My intent in writing this message is not to bring on any more tears. I just wanted to let you all know that everything was done that could be done for Michael but there were greater powers working that day. My husband, Spc. Lyons, is a medic and was in that vehicle and in that explosion. He and many others did all they could to save Michael's life but like I said, it wasn't for them to save. My husband doesn't talk much about his experience, but, he has told me that Deutsch was a good guy and a good soldier. I believe that only the good die young, and although I didn't know Michael personally, I'm sure many would agree that he fits into this catagory. Our thoughts go out to all of Michael's family and friends. I'm sorry for your loss but grateful for your and his ultimate sacrifice. Respectfully, Melissa, Brendan and Alex"
Wife of Medic in 1-1 Cav of Hanua, Germany

"I never got to meet Michael or his family. I kinda wish I did. My demo team started a project back in January of 2004 and it will end in September of 2004. We never got permission from Michael's family to put his name on the car but nobody in IOWA can forget them 15 brave souls. May they Rest in Peace and God bless their families. If anyone knows information on Michael's family please e-mail me b/c we would be honored to put his name on next year ( derby_girl_2004@yahoo.com)"
Ana Farrier, T.C.B. Demo of Washington, Iowa

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..7/31/04

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

"Michael its been to long since we have talked and im sorry to have heard the news.. brother i have cryed, after hearing the news i love you, like the best friend i can be. but if anyone has any news about his death please feel free to e-mail me. -Your Friend Your Brother Josh Puccio (Joshua.Puccio@ Us.Army.Mil)"
Josh Puccio of Dubuque Iowa

"We miss you and will always remember you. See you on the other side brother.

Your Friends
TJ and Family"
TJ Stapleton of Dubuque, Iowa

"mike...we all miss you, i miss you...i can only hope and pray that you knew this in your last moments of life...
forever love..."
a friend who has not forgotten of Iowa

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

"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 "

"To Pvt Deutsch's Family:
Though we are strangers, we want you to know how sorry we are your Michael was taken from you. There is no doubt his thoughts were of you as he served with the Army in Iraq. We will never forget. You are in our hearts."
With Love....Carol & Larry Miller of Tampa, Florida (2/9/04)

"Thank you Michael Deutsch, 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

"This message is being posted by the sister of Pvt Deutsh. If it is in any way possible to be put in contact with the soldier you say was with my brother when he died, it would be very much appreciated. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Our family hopes that all who have family overseas will return home safely. Stephanie Greenwood."
Stephanie Greenwood of Ankeny Iowa

"I found the identity of this soldier on the internet because I communicate regularly with the medic who was by his side when he died. From his descriptions of Deutsch and the circumstances surrounding the event, I found this soldier, whom my friend did not even know - not even his name. I am glad I will be able to share Deutsch's identity with the soldier who tried to save his life, but instead watched him die."
Carolyn of San Jose, California

"My name is Elisha Pahnke, wife of fallen soldier PFC Shawn Pahnke. My husband was stationed In FRiedburg Germany 1-37 1st armored division. May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I know that there are no words that can truely comfort you now but know that you are not alone. And that our soldiers will always be with us."
Elisha Pahnke of Shelbyville, IN

"To the Family you are in my prayers...May God bless you. I do want to say it was a honor to have him in our military Thanks for serving our country"
Stacey (Proud Army Wife) of Zephyrhills,Florida

"To the family and friends of Pvt. Michael Deutsch:
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 Pvt. Michael Deutsch:
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