Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Very good post, thanks a lot for sharing. Do you happen to have an RSS feed I can subscribe to? brain test games"
Ernest of Singapore

"To the family of:Michael J.Halal
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""

"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"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"August 3, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Michael J. Halal:
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

"To the family of Cpl. Michael Halal, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. And for you Jackueline, I have a poem.

I cannot say that I know, just how you feel
For your hurt is so great, and will take God's touch to heal

Yet is it possible for such a wound, to completely ever mend
When you've lost your mate, parent, child or good friend

Please know that I pray for you, each and every day
And feel God's Holy Spirit, in small and simple ways

And then I am reminded, of such a simple phrase
With all the strength that's in you, please walk by faith

So come to me and talk about, anything you feel
For I'll be here in body, but Christ will soon reveal

That while it is impossible, for a friend to end your pain
HE will bring about a peace, and in your hurt sustain"
Lcpl Caitlin Coleman of Patterson, LA

"My fiance Todd Godwin was very good friends with him. when I first moved to nc todd and mike would stay at my apartment on the weekends and hangout. I am so sorry for your loss, he was a wonderful man and an excellent marine. And to his girlfriend, fiance or wife, I know it's hard but you are not alone they would have wanted us to be happy and live our lives and honor there memories"
Andrea mendenhall of jacksonville, nc

"I'm sorry for your loss as a family. I only wish that I could make the same difference that your son had made. Semper Fi"
Chris of Goodyear, AZ, USA

"To the family of Cpl Halal,
I went to boot camp with Michael and spent some time at SOI with him. He was a good friend and a great Marine. He will be missed."
Sgt Jeff Townsend of Camp Pendleton, CA

"02/06
Michael, reading the messages left here by family and friends, we see how truly loved you were and will be missed. My family is very grateful to you Michael for protecting us and making it safe for our small children in this crazy, violent world. Thanks you Marine for everything, our children will grow knowing your name and what you did for them. God bless you and your family until you are in each others arms once again. Semper Fi"
Jim & Margie Shaw of Pasadena, Maryland

"Michael James Halal, I think of you 24/7 and each day is a struggle without you. I found out today, that you got your promotion that you were waiting for when you left this world. You are Corporal Michael J. Halal. I want you to know that my love and our pride for you lives on and I am sure you are celebrating in Heaven. Guard those gates of Heaven and I will meet you there. Until we meet again, love MOM jacquemikkelson@yahoo.com"
Jacqueline of Glendale, AZ

"I want to take a moment to say that Michael was one of the men I admired the most of all the men I know. I love you Michael and thank you for your courge and ultimate saccrafice. you will be my hero for life!"
uncle J.D. of Phoenix,Az

"To the Halal Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you."
Irene of Co.Antrim, N.Ireland

"To the Family of Michael J. Halal,
I want to offer my condolensences in this great time of grief in your lives. I too have felt this heavy heart and felt this grief. My son Doyle "Wayne" Bollinger, Jr. was killed in Al-Kut, Iraq on June 6, 2003. I truly miss him so much it hurts so much, but I know where he is and that I will get to see him again one of these days. I too regret that I wasnt there with my son, as his mother I was suppose to protect him, but he was protecting me and everyone else. He has two brothers one on his own and one at home who is almost 18 yrs old, will be on Christmas day. They miss him so much sometimes. We all do. I pray that God will ease your grief and pain and send the comforter down to you all."
Wyvonne Bollinger of Poteau, Okla

"This message is in memory of Michael J. Halal 5/19/1982-9/13/2004. I sit here at work today not quite feeling myself. I'm dazed and confused and cannot focus on anything. It is much the same feeling I had back on 9/13, the day you made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Another 7 of your comarades in the Anbar province have done the same this past weekend. I search the internet searching, praying that none of them are from 1/8. I suddenly realize that it's been exactly 3 months since you've left us to take your place guarding the gates. I once thought that at my age I had accomplished so much but in just half that time you have done so much more. My only regret is that I could not have been at your side in your time of need as you've been by mine these past few years. I speak of you with the highest regard even though I have to struggle to maintain some degree of composure when doing so. I suffer in silence and when I look in the mirror I see the same expression my grandfather, your great grandfather had when he lost his son who was my father. It is ironic that now I'm just an island in between generations as I've lost you as well. I miss the friendship we had and quite often reflect on the camping and fishing trips we had so much fun on. It will never be the same without you. Upon occasion I ride my bike past the place where you were put to rest. I can ride like the wind on any stretch of any road except for those two lonely miles. I can hardly breath or turn the pedals and the moisture running down my face turns from sweat to tears of sadness. I somehow forge on after asking that you please give me a gently push from behind. The feeling eventually passes and is replaced by that familiar emptiness. Your little siblings, Robert and Chrissy miss you so much and you will truly be missed this holiday season. I know I will miss the way you would come bounding through the door on Christmas Day and the way you would embrace the two little ones as they've been waiting for Big Brother Mikey's arrival. They pray for you every night and I know you are watching over them from above. Thank you so much for that!

Love, Dad"
Kenneth M. Halal of Phoenix, AZ USA

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

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden

Sister of a Beirut Marine that gave his life in the fight against Terrorism.

*T*

J and T in NC"

"I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Michael who served with our son Todd in the 1/8. Todd was killed by a roadside bomb in July. It was very kind of you to write us especially so soon after your devastating loss. If you are like me, I spent a great deal of time online trying to find any info I could about my son. My family is trying to get me to stop. However, there is a strong need to try to maintain some sort of connection. This and other websites have been helpful.

I know that the road ahead is still very difficult for you as it is still for us. For us, there have been few if any words of comfort. However, we are comforted by our pride in him as I'm sure you are of Michael, and in our believing that some day we will see him again. I am deeply sorry. Remember, one day at a time, and sometimes, just getting thru the moment is all that we can do. Forever, a marine mom."
Kathy Godwin of Zanesville, Oh

"MICHAEL YOUR ARE SADLY MISSED EVERY DAY BY YOUR FAMILIES IN ILLINOIS. I WILL MISS SEEING YOU WHE SHANE AND I COME TO ARIZONA TO VISIT. WE WILL REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES. YOU HAVE MORE COURAGE THAN I COULD EVER IMAGINE AND I AM PROUD OF YOU AND FOR EVERYTHING YOU STOOD FOR ."
AUNT SHAWN of BLUFFS,IL

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of LCpl Michael J. Halal. My husband is a former member of 1/8 and served with Mike aboard the USS Carter Hall when deployed with the 26th MEU. My husband speaks highly of him and considered him a very good friend. Not only is his loss one of a friend, but also that of a true hero. God Bless you Mike and the Halal family. Semper Fidelis"
The Family of Sgt. Christopher Calhoun of Quantico,VA

"mike i wish our lives could have went on as planed.you have touched many lives and did the ultamate thing to show your love you died for us.mike the things you have givin to this world will live on in us forever.if i had a son and god said what would you want in him i would say make me a copy of mike,your mom and i love you and you will always live in our hearts and souls......moose"
ken of arizona

"From the day that I knew you my life has been complete. To my only son, We all love you and will never forget you. You had such a positive impact on so many lives and I am so proud of you. It is so hard to say goodbye and I know I will see you again, until then, You are the best son a Mother could ever ask for. I am grateful for every moment that God has give me with you. I will take care of your little sister for you, I'm so sorry that we won't get to go hunting, fishing, and all those other plans that we made. I miss you so much, words can't describe how I feel. I love you more than this whole life world, Love, Mom"
Jacqueline Mikkelson of Glendale, AZ USA

"To the the Halal Family,

I knew Michael for the last 3 years because I too was a member of 1/8. One of the things I remember about him the most was his leadership ability. He was a young Marine well beyond his years. I remember one training exercise that we were at and he was the instructor for the 240G shooters. He taught that class as if he had been in the Corps all his life and like that weapon was just another piece of his gear. I remember him yelling " change that barrel Medina, Now!!" I looked at him like " who does this Marine think he is", but looking back at that point in time I understand that he was just a motivated Marine matured beyond his years in the Corps. Thank you Mike for your service to the Corps and Country, May you rest in peace."
Dennis Medina of Palm Harbor Florida

"To Michael J. Halal Family,
I too am very proud of what Michael did and stood for. I too lost a son in Iraq last year. He had just turned 21 on April 2nd of 2003. Please know your son is truly a hero just like mine, and I am truly sorry for your great pain and loss and now we must strive that they are never forgotten."
Wyvonne Bollinger of Poteau, Okla

"It’s ironic as the last time I communicated with Mike it went something very much like this.

When you coming home, son?
I don't know when, But we'll get together then, dad. You know we'll have a good time then.
It's been sure nice talking to you son and as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me he'd grown up just like me. My boy was just like me.

Lance Corporal Michael Halal, I bid you a final goodbye my son. I’ve always loved you more than life itself and will continue to do so. I’m proud of you son and will cherish our times together forever. I’m sure you are in a better place and at peace.

Your loving father."
Kenneth M. Halal of Phoenix, AZ USA

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

"To Michael's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Sincere condolences to all the Halal family circle from friends in Northern Ireland."
McKnight Family of Kilkeel, County Down

"Michael will be very missed, but not forgotten. He is a hero and fought for our country. I would like to say thanks for being a hero. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Halal family. bncrmeant2b@msn.com"
Brittany of Chandler, Az USA

"To Michael & The Halal Family,
I knew Michael for many years. He was a good friend of mine in the past; as we went to Highschool together. Im so PROUD of Michael and his efforts to protect our country! All My thoughts and PRAYERS fo out to Michael & his family! May God Bless you all! I will be praying for you all! Michael, you are deeply missed! You truely are a HERO! GOD BLESS!
Love,
Christi of Phoenix, AZ"
Christi Laver of Phoenix, AZ

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"To Michael's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To the family of Michael,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. We know your pain as our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Michael is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.nett of Tucson, AZ

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Michael J. Halal,

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

"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 "

"Thank you Michael Halal, 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 Lance Cpl. Michael Halal:
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 Lance Cpl. Michael Halal:
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