Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Mike, you are remembered! Your family should know that although we only knew each other for a short period of time before you were lost, it was clear that you loved them with every inch of your heart and everyday you spoke of your wonderful family and how much you missed and loved them. Mike, you are missed! Thank you for your friendship!"
SK1 C. Franklin of Las Vegas, NV

"Just remembering a great guy on Memorial Day. To Mike's kids; if you find this, please know that your dad had a great sense of humor, is well liked, and a good officer."
Mike McCray of R, VA

"February 22, 2009
To the family of Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael J. Gray:
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

"Fair Winds & Following Seas...Godspeed Shipmate!"
YN2(SW) Joe Corley of Camp Patriot, Kuwait Naval Base

"Army, stationed at KNB 05-06. Every day comming out of the DFAC I saw your painted Texas barrier memorial and thought that this must be a guy that made a difference and touched people. After reading this page, I realize I was right."
SFC Bever of Wisconsin

"Tomorrow will be 3 years. The letters online have not been as frequent but I remember and won't forget. We miss you and pray for your family."
STG2 Renee Kerr of Pennsylvania

"i salute you and your family. one sailor to another. your service and final sacrifice allows the rest of us to continue living in a safer world. thank you."
michael r gray of diana texas usa

"Missed you yesterday. Happy Birthday a day late. I had one too many for you:)"

"Mikey,
Sunday will be 2 years. I can't believe you've been gone that long. I won't be able to sit and talk to you this year. But I'll talk with Tisha and Jenny. Hopefully I'll get to visit with Tish and the girls while I'm home in June. Watch out for Jenny this year. Thank you for her friendship. You're the reason she's my best friend. Thank you for showing me what it means to be a loving, selfless friend. I'll always be a better person for knowing you. I miss you."
Beth Spaulding of Palm Harbor, FL

"I WILL NOT FORGET YOUR LOST"
EM1(AW) RODNEY S JOHNSON USN RETIRED of CHESAPEAKE, VA

"Mike, it's creeping up on Veterans Day, and all the boy's began talk of getting together with you and celebrating. We have not forgotten, and never will forget the sacrifice you made for us. We know that each night when we mark 10-41, that you are riding shotgun with all of us. We always know we have a backup when it counts. Tish, Cam, Amanda, Avery, and Emma... I think about you guys everyday and keep you in my prayers even though I don't see you guys as much as i would like to. God Bless you all."
Brian Rhodenizer of Chesterfield Va.

"As A Texas peace officer of 13 years on the street and have served the state ,county , city and THE U.S. Navy i left l.e. to serve in the Navy My Prayers are with you my Peace officers lic. was taken away when I went in the Navy But Im going back on the street God willing When I get back I will Put MICHAEL J. GRAY as a witness on my 1st arrest report ! he is still looking over my shoulder ...A Brother Of the BLUE ... at least I will all ways have back up !!!!"
Karl of Conroe ,tx USA

"I was with Mike and the others involved in the accident. I think of him often. I hope that Tish, his wife, is doing okay. Mike was a wonderful person. He was a giving, wonderful soul. If you needed a dollar and it was his last he would give it to you. Mike will always be with me in memory, I will never forget him. (rea424@yahoo.com)"
STG2 Renee Kerr of Mifflinburg, PA.

"How do you thank someone for the ultimate sacrifice? God bless you and all who love and miss you."
Linda - A Sailor's Mom of Ohio

"To the Family and Friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael J. Gray,

On this the first anniversary of the ultimate sacrifice Mike made, I’d like for you to know that he is not forgotten. He will always be remembered by my family as an American Hero. It means so much to me as a New Yorker to know that Mike joined the Naval Reserves after 9/11/01 in case his country needed him. It is because of valiant American Patriots such as Mike that Americans continue to board airliners with confidence. Because he chose to serve, the people of NYC and Washington DC are free to move about each day without fear.

To Mike I’d say, thank you so very much for defending my freedoms. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice in the service of the Land that I Love. I will keep your loved ones in my prayers until we all meet at Jesus’ feet.

Most sincerely,
Pat Shoukry – NYC - Six Miles from “Ground Zero”

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Pat Shoukry of New York, N.Y. - USA

"God bless your family Shipmate. I can not emagine what your family is going through. I only pray that this is over soon. I travel the same road "highway 40" towards KNB and nawaiseeb. I know how dangerous this road is and pray that no one else is hurt by anyone."
MA2 Brandon Sr. of cmp arifjan Kuwait

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael J. Gray,

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 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

"Petty Officer Gray, goodbye sailor and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Michael was my nephew. He would be amazed at the kindness shown by so many for his family. His loss has left a terrible gap in our lives, especially for his Wife and four girls (aged 7months to 7 years), his Mother, and Grandmother. Michael was my sister's only child. He was a decorated local police officer who gave his short adult life in service to his community and ultimately his country. He also was a mentor to help young people stay out of trouble. He was deeply Religous and practiced his faith daily as did his wife. He was a devoted husband and father. He was more than a nephew to me and my other brothers and sisters. He was like a brother to us all. After 9/11 he joined the Naval Reserves in case his country needed him. I am sure he is with God now looking down on us all. If he could talk to us now he would say, please show your support to all the other troops and their families, especially those still in harms way, whether or not you support the War. Thank you all again on behalf of Michael's family."
Brenda (Gray) Ramos of Richmond, Virginia,USA

"RIP SHIPMATE"

"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 "

"Michael,
Thank you for serving our country and protecting our freedom.
To the family left behind, God Bless you and keep you."
Candy of Poynette, WI

"God Bless You Michael and your family that is left without our smile. May GOD hold them in his arms and carry them through this terrible loss"
The Taylors of USMC, NC

"To Michael's family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your son is a true hero for dying for the USA and her citizens. He will never be forgotten by Americans who realize his sacrifice."
mark reif of winchester, VA USA

"To Michael's family:
There are no words that can express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you and your family as Michael watches over you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Michael Gray, 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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Gray:
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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Gray:
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