Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"HEY BROTHER...I NEVER MET YOU, BUT I FEEL LIKE I KNOW YOU ON A VERY PERSONAL LEVEL NONETHELESS. I REALLY FEEL LIKE WE COULD HAVE BEEN BEST FRIENDS. HAHA I WAS LOOKING FOR A NEW MEMORIAL BRACELET FOR A MARINE I LOST TO SNIPER FIRE IN AFGHANISTAN, WHEN I BECAME CURIOUS AS TO WHAT MARINES FROM EL PASO HAD BEEN KILLED IN EITHER OEF OR OIF. I SEARCHED AND FOUND THAT THERE'S BEEN AT LEAST TWO, YOURSELF AND CPL. MIGUEL TERRAZAS, ANOTHER GREAT MARINE AND EVEN BETTER MAN IT WOULD SEEM. WHEN I READ ABOUT YOU THOUGH, I IMMEDIATELY FELT A STRONG CONNECTION AFTER NOT ONLY SEEING THAT YOU SERVED WITH 3/7 AS WELL AND READING YOUR STORY, BUT ALSO JUST SEEING YOUR FACE. A FRESH FACED, HANDSOME YOUNG HISPANIC MAN FROM EL PASO LIKE MYSELF. LOL WELL AT THE TIME AT LEAST. YOU WERE THE SAME AGE I WAS WHEN I DEPLOYED TO AFGHANISTAN. I'D BE HONORED TO MEET YOUR FAMILY AND VISIT YOUR GRAVE WHEN EVER I GO BACK TO EL PASO. I'M LIVING IN ARLINGTON NOW AND WORKING IN DALLAS AS A DALLAS POLICE OFFICER. THAT SAID MICHAEL, I HOPE YOU'RE RESTING EASY MAN AND I WILL BE WEARING A BRACELET WITH YOUR NAME ON IT TOO FROM NOW ON, TELLING YOUR STORY TO ANYONE WHO ASKS ABOUT IT. LEGENDS NEVER DIE THEY SAY. IF ANY OF HIS FAMILY IS READING THIS, PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL AT 817-832-4762 OR EMAIL ME AT USMC1728@YAHOO.COM. I WILL BE VISITING EL PASO IN LATE MAY AND WOULD LOVE TO MEET WITH YA'LL, ESPECIALLY HIS MOTHER, AND TAKE A TRIP TO HIS FINAL RESTING PLACE TOGETHER. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU ALL SOON. TAKE CARE."
JOHN PAUL VASQUEZ JR. of ARLINGTON, TX

"Hey cousin. I recently found out that you were my cousin and that you were killed in Iraq fighting for there freedom. I want to thank you for your service in the Marine Corps. I want to also be a Marine one day. I love you cousin. God bless you."
Austin Wagner of Miami, Fl

"“What up” Michael,

As a freshman in 2001 I badly desired to become a Fighting Irish football player like you. I remember walking into Coach Portillo's office, and you were one of the first guys I saw in that varsity locker room. Damn you looked fearless! I remember getting dropped-off in front of Cathedral one Monday morning, and as I went up the front steps carrying my football gear, I heard you and another varsity player yell out “FRESHMAN!” I stopped for a split second not knowing what to think or do. As you guys approached me, I felt greatly intimidated. I expected a bit of the good ol’ fashioned * whipping that was typical of the seniors upon the frosh. Instead, you tapped me on the back, smiled, and walked away. That morning you displayed the qualities of a true leader, and exhibited the enormous amount of class you had. From that moment on you unknowingly became a role model to me. In all honesty, I always admired how you carried yourself.

Fast-forward to my junior year, one afternoon in February as I was in Mrs. Chauvin’s art class you walked into our class wearing your green Service Uniform. You told us you were about to deploy and I didn’t really think much of it. I remember you nodded at me and said “what up”; we also shared a few words. Although you were a few years older than I was, that day I wondered if you had remembered me from your days at Cathedral. I felt proud that one of our brothers was a United States Marine. Later that summer before the start of my senior year, I attended a math and science college prep camp. I was in Maryville, Tennessee on July 6th or 7th when I called my mother. She immediately told me that she had bad news about a Cathedral graduate and fellow football player. I wondered who it was and pleaded to God that it not be someone I had known. She told me that Michael Torres from the class of 2002 had been killed in action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. I paused for a second and “Holy *!” was all I could articulate when I realized it was you. Even though I didn’t know you as much as I would have liked, I cried like a kid. It was devastating news my brother, but I now believe that God had a plan for you, and needed someone as honorable and strong willed as yourself by his side.

It has been almost nine years since your unfortunate passing and to this day you continue to be that older brother I never had, but always wish I had. My final year at Cathedral was a special one for we wore “81” on our helmets and invoked your memory before each game. Coach Portillo always said he admired the heck out of you and that you “had balls the size of our heads.” Just wanted to let you know that I modeled my letterman jacket after yours (with the Irish man on the back), and added your number 81 next to mine. I hope you don’t mind it.

We will never forget you brother, for your memories will remain in our hearts and minds forever! I am sorry it took me this long to write you these words, but it was only until today that I was able to overcome the pain as I wrote the message. Thank you for your extraordinary service and dedication to our country. Thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice so that the rest of us can continue to live a safe and free lifestyle. God bless you, and may your soul rest in peace! Viva la cate! My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to your family and friends."
Marco Ibarra of El Paso, TX.; Washington, D.C.

"Yo Torres! I've known for a long time you've been gone. I just wanted to let you know I have not forgetten about you. I can still remember marching behind you in bootcamp. You had style! Rest Easy Amigo! Semper Fidelis"
Nunez Ortiz of Amherst, MA

"To Michael's dad.. I think about Mike Jr all the time and what a privilege it was to accompany you to Dover when he came home to us all. Time has passed but these memories have not. Mary Martin, Col USAF RET"
Mary of Charleston

"My Dearest Michael,I salute you for being a hero to our country, your beloved family and your many friends. I wish your time on earth had been longer. I love and miss you. Thank you for being my son, Josh's best friend. You are his angel on earth."
Irma Thomas of El Paso, Texas

"Mike/Brother, It's Veterans day and I am missing you so much man, we grew up together. You and I were closer than Jeremy and Rob. I miss you so much... I'm proud to be an American, you gave us this liberty and freedom. Thank you Brother.....:("
Josh of San Antonio, Tx

"www.AmericanMilitaryResearch.org was started by one of Michael Torres' boot camp friend. please check it out"

"YEA MAN I cant believe how companies like KBR, Halliburton are profitting from this war. It's wrong! I don't get why we as Americans put up with this."

"I agree with the statement below. From what I heard, Chance's best friend tried to start a non profit group aimed at helping homeless war veterans and was blocked by the lawyers and some corporations profiting from the movie "Taking Chance".

That is just wrong! They let somebody make movie selling books and movies off of a combat war veteran but when somebody tries to start a group aimed at helping homeless war vets, they block it because it might inpead on their profits..Corporate America makes me sick."

"I've been reading the messages, whoever "sd" is...is pretty lame. Okay maybe the Chance Phelps Research fund might be breaking copyright laws...who the hell cares...the group is a charity group trying to help homeless war veterans...it's not politically correct to criticize a group that trying to do good.

We've all seen homeless war veterans on the streets but nobody does anything about it. This group was the first to step up and do something about it. Whoever "sd" is..shame on you for trying to slander that charity group."

"After some legal misunderstanding, the Chance Phelps Military Research Corp has been renamed. My personal apologies to everybody involved. I'm personally embarassed by the mishap. Since the incident I've replaced my lawyer who mislead me to believe the name could be used.

My intentions were to only do good and dedicate the non profit group to Phelps and Torres who were both in my platoon in boot camp. The official name will be posted asap.

The non profit entity will span farther originally planned from just armor and weapons development to include public policy influence, combat PTSD, mental health, and suicide awareness, and homeless war veteran aid and sheltering.

Our office is currently open in Fountain Valley. For a facility walkthrough please contact me at usmcjvan@yahoo.com""
Jimmy Van of Fountain Valley

"Also during the filing of the articles of incorporation, the name was never copyrighted or trademarked as it was never stop by our automated system."
M. Law Offices of Irvine

"Correction to the statement below, the research corp was used with permission of the father."
M. Law of Irvine

"After some legal misunderstanding, the Chance Phelps Military Research Corp has been renamed to respect the Phelps Family. The official name will be posted asap.

The non profit entity will span farther then just armor and weapons development to include public policy influence, combat PTSD, mental health, and suicide awareness, and homeless war veteran aid and sheltering.

Our office is currently open in Fountain Valley. For a facility walkthrough please contact me at usmcjvan@yahoo.com"
Jimmy Van of Irvine

"To the family of Michael S. Torres, apologies that the following message has to be posted....There is no affiliation with the Chance Phelps Research Fund and the "real" Chance Phelps Foundation. The creator of the research fund has used Chance Phelps name WITHOUT permission and is in violation of the trademark laws"
SD

"The Chance Phelps Research Fund is a non-profit research entity composed of academics and professionals who volunteer their services to develop light weight and bullet proof flak and kelvar or our troops in harm's way."
Jimmy Van of Irvine, CA

"LCpl Torres,
The right words escape me little brother. When I left the fight as your platoon sergeant I was being med-evaced, you and the rest of the platoon took your rifles and retuned back into the city to fight. By the time I made it back weeks later, we held a memorial service for you Kerns and Vangyzen. I wish you could have had a long life, but you left deep footprints on your short walk. My children will know your name warrior."
C. Adam Walker MSgt/USMC of NC

"Lcpl Torres was my squad leader in Bootcamp at MCRD, San Diego with platoon 2008, Fox Company.

He was a great leader. He was a great person and very funny! I remember he kept getting in trouble for falling asleep in class. It was the funniest thing ever! I loved the guy!

Correct me if I'm wrong but Torres passed away when he was shot in the eye during combat. Had he had the right type of helmet at the time, he would be still alive today.

In his honor, I am developing a bullet proof helmet called The "Torres". It will be made out of lightweight titanium alloy and polycarbonite plastic for the lense.

In this day and age, there is no reason why we can't develop the right type of armour and give the troops the tools they need to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan and come home safe.

My helmet is being developed and I will be done with the prototype to be certified over the summer and hopefully it will be out in the field for our troops in Afghanistan by next year.

My name is Jimmy Van and I am the president of the Infinite Defense Company. We are a small research and development company created by me (Anbar Province - Surge Marine veteran '07) funded by private grants and the money I made in Iraq.

Please contact me at usmcjvan@yahoo.com, jimmy.viet.van@gmail.com or (714) 878 5648

I would like to get in touch with Michael's family if possible."
Jimmy Van of Irvine, CA

"Mike,
I visited your grave the other day and I couldn't help but to break down in tears. Somehow I feel that you would still be here if it weren't for me; perhaps I am wrong but I live with guilt everyday of my life. I'm sorry and I wish you were here. Time has not healed my wounds after four years and I believe that they never will be healed. I wish you were here with us still and I can't even bear to imagine how your mother feels. I miss you more and more everyday. Rest in Peace and I will see you again someday. Love you and miss you."
Elena of El Paso, TX

"Torres,

Buddy it's taken me over 4 years to express my feelings and how much i've missed you and racing against you in DISS/* of the 240G back in Al Qa'im. I remember that faitful morning like it was yesterday and the images of that continue through my head constantly. I'm here back in Iraq for my thrid tour and i recently went to Husaybah to visit my sister platoon (CAAT RED). In preparation for the mission i couldn't help but look at the site that we all remember so vividly. I wish to god that it hadn't happen and that you were still here with us. As your new squad leader you came to me with such determination and motivation to succeed and you surpassed all of your peers in every aspect of being an 0331. I was and still am so proud of all that you've accomplished and will forever carry your memory with me. I'll never forget how much of an honor it is to have served with you and for you. The 4th of July means so much more to me now then ever before, that was the longest mission we had ever been on and the memory of telling White of the news with you will forever be engraved in my head. You've been and will continue to be missed but through all of us here at 3/7 and the Marine Corps you will never be forgotten! your sacrifice and your life is forever in our hearts. Semper Fi my brother and we'll meet again soon."
Staff Sergeant Michael J. Padisak Plt.Sgt CAAT White 3/7 of Rawah, Iraq

"Michael,

I'm so sorry brother. I just can't forget about you and your family. I wish I could have done something more for your family. Rest in peace brother."
Rich of New York

"July 12, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Michael S. Torres:
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

"This is the 4 year anniversary of when we lost you. I think of you all the time, from bootcamp up until the last words I spoke to you. You were a great man and a great Marine. Semper Fi, brother. We will meet in Valhall someday."
LCpl Whittenberg of Texas

"I did not know Michael, after reading all of these comments I wish I had the chance to meet him. I am retired military and appreciate all of the sacrifices these brave young men and women make defending our freedom. I just purchased a home in El Paso and am very proud to say the name of my street is 'Michael Torres'. There will not be a single time as I drive down that street that I will not have Michael in my thoughts. God Bless"
SFC (Ret) Kevin Morris of El Paso, Tx

"01/03/2008.

Please forgive me if this seems strange, but if you follow along I think you’ll understand.

This is a message of infinite gratitude and my own personal sorrow. I find myself with a longing to know someone who shared my name. You see, I am Michael S. Torres, I am 38 years old and I am alive and well. I am alive to share my aloof life with my family and friends. I am alive to cherish my experiences in life as an American citizen. I am alive and able to love others who mean the world to me. I am free to hug my daughter, my significant other, my mother and so on and so fourth.

All I am and all I may become I owe at least in part to this brave soul who has laid his life on the line for my family’s, my friend’s and mine own freedom. Like so many others who leave this life too soon defending our great nation, I wonder what Michael's hope's, dreams and aspirations were. I cannot help but wonder if a man who shared the same name as myself, was anything like me. I may never know the answers; however I know the feeling inside me compelled me to write to the family and friends of a man I never met.

Before I began writing this letter I was job hunting online. After so many hours filling out application after application I decided to take a break from the monotony. I typed my name into the Google bar and clicked search. My original thought was, what if anything will I be known for in my life. Much to my dismay, my thought changed when I came across a link to Michael’s memorial, I cannot easily put it into words how it made me feel to see his name (my name) displayed as a fallen serviceman. I am awestruck! By typing our names into an online search engine, I have found a ghost of sorts in the result.

For all those who mourn Michael’s loss, I am sure words in and of themselves, offer little if any comfort. I believe the only way you find solace is in his fond memory. Now think what you may, but when a person is taken from us and still manages to leave an impression on someone they have never met, well hallelujah to them, hallelujah! I must be getting along now as I have my affairs to attend to.

This I leave in closing; I offer my sincerest condolences to the surviving members of Michael’s family, I feel a personal sense of loss in my heart having not known this man. A son, a grandson, a, nephew, an uncle, a love of someone’s affection, or a brother you must have been. God bless your soul Michael S. Torres, I pray you found eternal peace. Thank you for your sacrifice in this life so I and many others may continue to live in infinite freedom. We honor your memory and we honor your presence on this planet. I wish I could have known you, I wish I could have served beside you, a comrade to the end, your brother in arms!

[I bow my head an offer you the Lord’s Prayer]

Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come; thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
[For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.]

…amen…"
Michael S. Torres of Bend, OR/United States

""We eat, sleep and live in freedom thanks to you. Continue to watch over us, as you did so proudly for our country.""
Lamonde of El Paso

"remembering that sad day.july 11 2004..col.torres usaf..michaels dad .and i brought.michael from dover force base to philly airport..to bring him home ..tears filled my eyes .on my trip back home .to dover ..deepest expression of sympathy to the family..yours truely bob slezak (army197@comcast.net) ..."
BOB SLEZAK of dover delaware

"To the family of:Michael S. Torres 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"

"Hey Lance Cpl Michael S Torres,
My name is Michael A Torres and I just want to say thank you. Not only for being America's 911 but thank you for your motivation for me. I say this because I too am going to be a Future Marine. I am currently in the Delayed Entry Program for the Marine Corps and waiting upon my graduation to go to Recruit Training to become part of the best, the US Marine Corps. Your name will always be remembered in my heart, I can not forget it (lol) and will be part of my motivation from you and others like you Lance Cpl Torres.
OOH-RAH"
Micahel A Torres of Bronx, NY

"devil,

as the song goes " Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines."

ooh-rah brother

Lcpl jones
Aircraft Rescue and FireFighting (ARFF)
MWSS-374,MWSG-37(reinforced),3rd MAW,
Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command,
29palms, CA
2000-2003"
Lcpl jones of phoenix,az

"Happy B-day Mike"
Elena of El Paso, TX

"Mike,
I remember talking with you while i was at Utep, and you told me, you were going to join the Marine Corps. I always knew you had it in you to become an American Hero, even from the first day i talked to your parents, and you about joing the Guard. Even though there is an empty feeling when i put my Army uniform on, a part of me rejoices when i strive my best to live up to the high standard you have set for all service men and women. God Speed brother,
Cpl Alfaro"
Gilberto Alfaro of Seattle WA

"Mike,
Well man what can I say. I played football with you, went to school with you, and hung out with you. I knew you for a long time. I am proud of what you did for your country and for what you believed was right. My prayers are with your family yet I know you are in a better place. Thank you for everything Flaco!"
Carlos De La Torre of Washington,DC

"MIIIIIKE!!!

You were an awesome friend, and one that won't be forgotten. I knew if you hung around with Elena and I long enough you would get into Metal. Sure enough, I still remember you blasting some Iron Maiden at your going away party at your house. That was the last time I saw you buddy. The Iron Maiden flag that you gave me still hangs proudly on my wall, and every time that I look at it, it reminds me of you.

I feel that you left us too soon. I was looking forward to the day when you would come back and we could hang out, have a couple of cold ones, listen to some tunes, and joke around about all the b.s. we always did. Maybe go back to K-Mart and lift some more shopping carts over our heads in front of the security cameras, just for fun. Ha ha ha. I always had a blast when you would come over to the house. I have a lot of fond memories of you, and you will never be forgotten. You will always be in my thoughts and in my heart buddy.

One last time for old time's sake.... MIIIIIKE!!!!

I miss you buddy and hope to one day see you again."
José Gómez of El Paso, TX

"Happy Birthday Mike. Wish you were here to celebrate it with us. Miss you; love you."
Elena Gomez of Albuquerque, NM/USA

"FOR MICHAEL. IN MY HEART & IN MY THOUGHTS. GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE. I KNOW YOU ARE LOOKING DOWN ON US. HAVE PRIDE FOR ALL YOU DID AND THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR DOING WHAT FEW ARE WILLING TO DO. YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS ALWAYS."
A SERVICEMAN'S FAMILY of LOCKPORT,NY

""To the Loved Ones of Shawn A. Lane,

My heart goes out to you for your loss.
I don't know if you've heard of the "Faces of the Fallen" painting project at the College of Marin (CA) that was shown on ABC News. The class painted the portraits of our fallen heroes and I had the good fortune to draw Michael's portrait.
Though I never knew Michael, I feel as if I got to know him a bit through this experience : I, too, feel saddenned by his absence on this earth. For now the actual drawing will travel with the exhibit, but if you'd like to have a digital photograph , I'd be more than happy to email you a copy. Sending love and warm thoughts in a most difficult time. (Please feel free to contact me at the following email address: studio@tsark.com)""
Tami of San Francisco, California

"Michael was a fine man when I knew him, I saw him become a fine soldier as a member of the Texas State Guard, and I know in my heart that he was a fine Marine and he was doing what he knew was right. I wanted to just add these few thoughts of mine to the many great messages that have been left by so many people that only knew Michael through the heart felt messages left here. As a US Army Contractor in Iraq I see many men and women that are ready and willing to do thier duty as needed, remember Michael and dont forget these other Heroes when they come home either."
1SG Bill Smith of B-3-1 TXSG ( Brownsville TX)

"Though I never knew you as a person, I prayed for you as a soldier. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. My prayers will now be for your family to know peace and for you to rest easy knowing you left this world fighting for the rights of others. You have my honor and respect."
Karlyn Veltri of Worcester, NY

"Michael, may God grant you eternal peace in His arms & comfort to your family."
Chaplain Calvin of El Paso, Texas

"Rest In Peace Proud Warrior
Your Sacrifice wil not go in vain"
Joel Hawley of Nashville TN

"LCpl Torres, Mike, it seems only a short while ago that you left us, your brothers in the Texas Guard,to join the Corps, that I was giving you advice and telling you how proud I was of you.
I am still proud to have had a soldier like you, and to have served with a young man of your honor and dedication.I am proud you lead a life of courage and honor. I will always enjoy the so many good memories I have of you, for a good soldier like you makes old sergeants like me better leaders, as we feel we owe you the best.

Drive on,Sempre-Fi, you are missed."
SFC John C. Holloway, A Co.3rd. Bn 39th MP Bde.Texas State Guard of El Paso, Texas

"For those that fought for it. Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
HN Ramos-8404 2D MAR DIV"
Eric Ramos of El Paso Tx

"Torres is one name we will remember forever,god bless him and his familia .from lgutie9001@aol.com"
Luke Gutierrez of phx az

"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 "

"i am dallas mom, i am sooo sorry i know it hurts.. i can't get it together i really don't know what to say but they are ok now no pain, worrys.. thank you my e-mail is basemonkey@hotmail.com my prayers are with you and yours..."
connie kerns of springfield mo

"i am dallas mom, i am sooo sorry i know it hurts.. i can't get it together i really don't know what to say but they are ok now no pain, worrys.. thank you my e-mail is basemonkey@hotmail.com my prayers are with you and yours..."
connie kerns of springfield mo

"To Mike'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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

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

"To my hero Michael and his family I send my deepest sympathy. I know just how you feel because my son died right beside yours on that fateful day, his brother as he would call him. My son is John J VanGyzen they fought the good fight for us and their country and I couldn't be more proud of al 3 of them. Our sons are guarding the streets of Heaven now it is their new post as they will always watch over us. I wanted you to know as a mother I prayed for and loved your son as much as I prayed for and loved mine. I pray you find the peace you need to heal and I pray for peace to bring all our children home,
"God Bless"
Dotti Arsenault of West Warwick, RI

"To my beloved Mike (mIIIIIke! - as my family called him),
He was a beautiful person who will certainly not be forgotten and holds a very special place in my heart; he will forever live in my memory. He was the greatest best friend who had the biggest heart and a beautiful soul. I can find no words that will describe the pain I feel right now for his loss because a part of me has died with him. I looked forward to every second we had together and cherished every phone call I got from him while he was in Iraq. He always was so positive and so cheerful which made me feel at ease while he was away fighting for our freedom, but the good lord has decided he needed him more than we did. I truly believe he is still watching over all of us and is a guardian angel to me, his family, and his friends. Mike I love you. Rest in peace."
Elena of El Paso, TX USA

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

"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 and peace in their time of need and sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. You will not be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Michael S. Torres,

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

"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

"Thank you Michael Torres, 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 Torres:
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 Torres:
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