Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Not Forgotten.
103rd Armor, Charlie Company. 10 November 2005"
Richard Thomas of Paoli PA

"To the family and friends of SSG Michael Parrott:
I can still remember the morning of 10 November 2005. My crew (Cougar 55) had just returned to base (Camp Habbaniyah) and was in our company TOC (tactical operations command) and reporting in on our activities of the night before, when the radio call came in telling us there were troops in contact and we had a casualty. At the time, I did not know who was down in sector and my crew and I were put on standby to escort the quick reaction force. As fate would have it we were never sent out. A short time later we identified our casualty, which turned out to be my friend Michael. Michael and I worked together on several occasions and had become close. Michael had a very strong southern accent and on several occasions I remember calling him, “ol’gunpowder.” It’s coming up on twelve years now, but I can still hear his voice and see the big buck knife he use to wear on his hip. Michael was my brother and friend and I will never forget his sacrifice. Michael was a great soldier, patriot, and family man who had a very positive influence on all of us around him. To Michaels family and friends, my prayers are with you. To Michael, you will never be forgotten brother.
Sincerely
Cougar 55"
SSG (ret) R. Palmer of Landisville, Pa

"A true soldier's soldier.
A friend, Friends cherish to have.
A Mentor an Confidant with Impeccable
Spirit an Wisdom. Never Forgotten ! ! !"
Kenny of Normalville, PA.

"It's been a long time brother I think about you a lot these days and our conventions and the laughs we shared as we come to your day I think I miss your wisdom the most..."
J.Busenius of Columbus Ga.

"Your anniversary is drawing near, the day you left us behind. I remember all of your motivational words, your dedication to the uniform, I will never forget working with you in Habbaniya, you ran on the runway, always made coffee in your little coffee maker, we placed that on the mantle in the office that day... so we could always remember you and what it was all about, the good the bad... Godspeed SSG...Godspeed."
Shane Fisher of Lehighton, Pa, 18235

"To the family of:Michael C. Parrott
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""

"Thinking about you...fallen friend."
CSM (Ret) Greg Bennick of Gillette, WY USA

"November 15, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Michael C. Parrott:
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

"I'll never forget you, or what a wonderful man you were. I am honored to have served with you, and I wish I could tell you how much I appreciated your support during those first difficult months in Iraq.

God bless you and your family, and may you rest in peace!"
Sierra Crane of Meshoppen

"From another Michael Parrott over the sea and a member of the UK military, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolances to Michael's family, friends and colleagues."
Mike Parrott of Great Britain

"To the family of SSG Parrott, I am truly sorry for the lost of such a great friend and warrior. I served with him him on his last day as a soldier. I was his medic and I wish I could have done more for him. He fought long and hard and his determination that I have grown to love about him was present that day. One comment that always surfaced about SSG Parrott was that he seemed at peace with himself. During life and in death. He will always remain in my heart and mind. May God be with you cause I know he was with him."
Doc Smith of KY

"I had the privilege to serve with Mike in Kuwait in 2004. I learned a lot from Mike especially how to be a good soldier. Even though Mike thought differently about the U.S. being in Iraq, he still volunteered for a second tour. Mike's reasoning for being there the second time was to take care of soldiers. He was like a father to some us that we will never forget. Mike will always be in my prayers."
Danny G. of Boise, ID USA

"I had the privilege to serve with Mike in Kuwait in 2004. I learned a lot from Mike especially how to be a good soldier. Even though Mike thought differently about the U.S. being in Iraq, he still volunteered for a second tour. Mike's reasoning for being there the second time was to take care of soldiers. He was like a father to some us that we could pick on. Mike will always be in my prayers."
Danny G. of Boise, ID USA

"To Sgt. Parrott's Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. To Michael, you sir are a true American Hero. Thank you for all you have done in keeping us safe and in Iraq. May God Bless you Michael and God Bless your family."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"SSG. Parrott, the day you stopped to talk to me when I was sitting on the stone blocks by the px, I was feeling really bad. And you came along, and cared enough to stop, and started talking to me. And just stood there talking and talking, and I literally, eventually forgot about what I was upset about. I seen you run almost every day on the airfield, and everyone should know you were excellent company and always had good conversation and good company to offer."
Gary of Michigan

"I wanted to find some words,
That would help to get thru it when life gets so hard.
It seems you can’t bear it – perhaps can’t go on –
When deep in the heart there’s no trace of a song.

Some words that would comfort –
When late in the night the trials return and –
You’re to tired to fight.
Or the tears flow so often it seems you’ll run dry.
And life gets so tough that you just want to die –
Or at least go and hide –
Where you’re safe from all the pain.
Someplace you can rest ‘til you find joy again.

What are the words you so need to hear –
That will help and will heal and remove all the fear –
That builds up inside ‘til you think you’ll explode –
What are the words that will lighten the load?
If only I knew the right words to say.
To encourage and Bless you or comfort you some way.
I know not the word but this I can do.
I shall offer up Prayers to the Father for you.

Gone – but not forgotten.
Thank you for sharing your marine with us,
and for the sacrifice made by you and your family on our behalf.
Proud mom of Lcpl Alex
Currently serving in Iraq"
Patricia of Bishop, CA

"Michael,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"We heard Michael's name on the news. My brother's name was also Michael Parrott..he went by the nickname of Mick. He fought in Viet Nam and came home only to be struck down w/ cancer from Agent Orange in 1977.
God bless you and your family and many thanks for giving the ultimate."
Lori of Iowa

"SGT. PARROTT DEEPLY SADDEN OF YOUR NEWS. ANYTIME, I HEAR BALAD, JUST GIVE'S ME CHILLS. WE LOST OUR SON IN BALAD. SGT., YOU ARE SOMEONE'S SOMEONE AND YOU ARE SOMEONE TO ALL OUR FALLEN FAMILIES AND ESPECIALLY TO ME. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. ALL THIS IS VERY DIFFUCULT ON YOUR FAMILY. MORE SO WITH THE HOLIDAY'S. MICHAEL IS WITH YOU ALL. SITTING WITH OUR SONAND ALL OUR FALLEN. WANTING AND HOPING WE HEAL. MICHAEL AND GREGORY WOULDN'T WANT ANY OF US UNHAPPY. HE HAS NOT DIED IN VAIN! HE IS AN AMERICAN. MICHAEL SERVED HIS COUNTRY BECAUSE HE WANTED TOO!. HIS CALLING IN LIFE. WE WILL ALL MISS HIM. I WILL PRAY FOR MICHAEL AND YOUR FAMILY. I STILL HAVE TEARS FOR GREGORY. LIKE TODAY THESE TEARS ARE FOR MICHAEL. GOD BLESS!"
leonard wahl of valley stream ny

"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.
Our nations HERO, Michael will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "

"Thank you Michael Parrott, 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 Staff Sgt. Michael Parrott:
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 Staff Sgt. Michael Parrott:
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