Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To Mike's family: Dexhiem Germany was not much of a post but it was surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful vineyards as far as you could see. He would work on his 'bug' and we would get into the kind of shenanigans young grunts in a foreign country get into. Back then noone called them dad-jokes but he had an unlimited supply and his timing for breaking awkard moments with terrible comedy was top notch. My last memory of him was Thanksgiving 1992 when he invited a few of us over to his post housing to celebrate. I am proud to have served with him thankful to have called him a friend. God bless you.
johnwyeager4@yahoo.com"
John Yeager of College Station, TX

"This was a gut punch and I've never stopped praying for his family."
N Allison of Santa Rosa County, FL

"Mike was my best friend in Support Platoon HHC 1-120th when we deployed in 2004. Our positions were changed when we first arrived in Iraq. Later we talked about changing back. If we had switched positions, he would probably still be alive today. I still have the trophy we won from the sniper tournament we competed in 2000. To this day, I still mourn his death."
SSG Michael S. Lanier of Maple Hill, NC (mikelanier911@outlook.com)

"Mike was my best friend in Support Platoon HHC 1-120th when we deployed in 2004. Our positions were changed when we first arrived in Iraq. Later we talked about changing back. If we had switched positions, he would probably still be alive today. I still have the trophy we won from the sniper tournament we competed in 2000. To this day, I still morn if death."
SSG Michael S. Lanier of Maple Hill, NC (mikelanier911@outlook.com)

"SSG Voss was one of the ATL’s in my first platoon in Eco 51st. We didn’t see eye too eye at first but he became one of the most loyal NCO’s. I was totally hurt when I found out a few years later of his passing. RIH Brother"
1SG Ligmon Williams of Montgomery Alabama

"We have just celebrated the lives of those loved ones this past Memorial Day - may their memory live on forever."

"He will never be forgotten!"

"We have a framed American flag brought back from Iraq in our home honoring Michael Voss - we are reminded every day of the freedom we are granted by men like him."
R. Greene of NC

"To the family of Sgt. Voss. I also served with him under the 1/120th. He was my squad leader and mentor. I served with him until our final mission. Peace and blessings to you guys. Spc Dunn"
D.Dunn of Charlotte

"Just found this website... it's been 12 years... Still miss you, Daddy. Happy Birthday."
Maddy Voss (Mike's Little Girl) of Vass, NC

"To the family of SSG MIchael Voss, I too served with him in E Co 51st inf. (LRS) in Darmstadt. He was a good man and a great soldier, we was on different teams but still trained together some of my best memories were in E CO. Really tough group of men who trained as hard as we played.I am so sorry for your loss.
Joey Weaver. WV"
Joey Weaver of Summersville WV USA

"I had the distinct honor of being Mike's first Squad Leader when he arrived fresh out of Jump School to B Co. 1/504th PIR, 82nd ABN. Mike was a go to guy, always squared away. My memories of a great sense of humor will go on. Myself along with Mike's Airborne brothers are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Operation Just Cause this week, We lift our glasses and salute you SSG Michael Voss. Airborne!"
Joe Sedach of Valley View, Texas

"I served with Mike (SSGT VOSS) in HHC 1ST/120th INF, WILMINGTON, NC. "OLD HICKORY." His sense of humor never ended, he was brilliant. & he had amazing qualities in his leadership skills. Among the best in our unit, he was a professional thru & thru. His "can do " attitude is what helped him thru anything. R.I.P."
WILLIAM KELLER (SGT RET) of TEMPLE, TEXAS

"I also served with Mike in E Co. I'm truly sorry for your loss. I have pictures of him from back in the day. Dtrim345@hotmail.com Is my email address to get a hold of me."
D. Trimble of Omaha, Nebraska

"I served with Mike in Darmstadt; I also was in Iraq during the time frame he was killed. Sorry to hear the sad news. I wish all the best."
Tom Greco of Biddeford, Maine USA

"I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I also served with him in Echo Company, Darmstadt, Germany. He was a fine soldier and a good man who welcomed me to the company. I was honored to know him and include him and you in my prayers."
Kent Gifford of NYC

"To Ruth and Family,

The time spent with Mike at Echo and at Dexheim was worth meeting someone of his character. I remember the good times and I hope you will as well. God Bless our fellow warrior.

Bohr/Iowa"
J/Bohr of IOWA

"I served with Michael Voss in Eco 51st Inf. from 1986-1989. God Bless and thank you."
Jaymes Holden of Monroe, NC

"Words can't express how we felt & still feel because of that fateful day back in Oct 2004. God bless your family, Mike! You were a fine NCO, warrior, gentleman, & friend! You are sorely missed! Semper Fidelis!"
CWO2 Joel Bowling of Raleigh, NC

"Here's to one of the 120th inf finest ncos EVER."
ssg john morgan jr ncarng ret. of winston salem nc

"Last time I saw Mike he was making a mouse trap out of a light socket. We served in E 51 LRS together. I'm a Moutain Warfare instructor in Vermont now. He was great."
Walt Ward of Jericho Vt

"September 29, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Michael S. Voss:
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

"28 Sept. 2008

Met you one time when you came into our barracks where one of your childhood friends also lived you seemed like a cool guy, but we got the bombshell about 2 or 3 days later that you had been hit. It really hit home with all of us, so surreal. We played cards and went to chow, even hung out till you had to catch a convoy the next day. I often wish we had made you late for that convoy but we did know, sorry man.

My condolences to the family."
Sgt. Lanier of Belmont, NC

"Oh my goodness, I just saw your name while researching Karol man! Damn bro! I was one of your LIP Instructors, SGT Neal at the time...bro every one of you guys I think about from Karol, to Perez, to Faulkenberry (thank God hs is recovering)....we just lost another warrior from Iraq 1. I miss all of you guys and I know one day after my last big jump we'll meet and party again!"
SFC Adrian Neal of SOCEUR, Stuttgart Germany

"I also served with Michael Voss in Darmstadt. A fine soldier, and patriot. His passing saddens me deeply."
William Parker of Buenos Aires Argentina

"Mike was one of my best friends in Echo 51st. We both served on team 1-4, he taught me how to be a Soldier and a Leader. You could always rely on him to go the extra mile for you if you needed help. I will truly miss him. He was a great NCO and one of the best friends I have ever had. My deepest condolences go out to his family and children. Rest in piece and God bless."
Major Steven Johnson (steven.p.johnson1@us.army.mil) of Minot, ND

"I remember walking with you over the many kilometers of the European countrysides... Now you walk with the Lord... We will walk together again Mike.. Your Bro"
SSG Timothy N. Banfield USA (ret) of Greenwich, Ny

"I too knew Mike in Darmstadt. He was a good guy and a good friend. Very saddened to hear of his passing. RIP Mike."
Joe of nowhere much

"Mike and I served on the same LRS team during my stay with Echo 51st and we became brothers as did most of us. I had some great times with you Mike. I sill remember the waffles we would chow on after PT. Love ya Brother!"
Scott Tubbs of Dallas, TX

""I serve"d in Echo Company from it's activation in 1986 to 1989 when I DROS'd
to the 82nd Airborne, and knew sgt. Voss
he was a good man, a fair NCO,and had exeptional leadership skills.
My prayers go out to his family, and friends.
His actions in Iraq reflect great credit upon himself,his unit,and the United States of America.
God bless"
Mark Mergenhagen of Buffalo, NY

"i served in Eco 51st from 90-92 all i can say is "go rest high on that moutain bro" you gave the ultimate sacrifce!"
scott of the woodlands texas

"To the Voss family,
I also served with Sergeant Voss in Echo Company 51st and then PCSd to the 82nd shortly after he did. He was an outstanding NCO who loved what he did and cared about his fellow paratroopers "sua sponte""
SFC (Ret) William Jackson of Dallas, TX

"To the Voss Family

I am very very sorry to hear about your loss. I too was in E Co. I think I was there after Mike, but we are still a tight group. I was in Iraq in the beginning and we also lost a a good friend (SPC Spencer Karol). I am truly truly sorry for your loss. I did not know Mike personally, but if he was in E. Co., I know he was an outstanding soldier.

Keep the fire burning in the patrol base Mike, we will see you one day soon."
Ssgt. Burkhalter, Roy of Titusville, Fl

"I too served with Michael Voss in E co 51st in Germany. He was a true patriot, and our nation lost a great Soldier. May God bless his family."
CPT Billy D. Johnson of US Army Recruiting Company, Hattiesburg, MS

"I am one of the many who served with Mike in Eco 51st. I remember him as a fantastic soldier, someone I considered a friend, and who had a great sense of humor. My deepest condolences to his family."
CW3 Bret Gray of Fort Belvoir, Virginia

"Mike and I were friends and his death hit me espically hard. I spent hours talking to Mike about Sniper weapons and tactics, it was our passion. I was attached to a another unit near Samarra when I found out he was killed. I miss him and I think about him on a daily basis. I will Never Forget him. God Bless his wife and little girls. They are the real heros."
Tim Coderre of Wilmington

"Mike Voss and I also served in Darmstadt FRG. Good buddy and prof.Airborne paratrooper."
Esteves, Bertin III,1@ of 20 SFG(A) Arabi,La.

"I really miss my cousin Michael. I reamber when he help me walk on the celling."
Stephen gore 2 of Aberdeen NC

"To the family of:Michael S. Voss 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 also served with Mike in Germany. He was just an all aroudn great guy and will be missed. My condolences go out to his family. God Bless you all."
Lee Tucker of Brandon, Mississippi

"Just ran accross the fact that you died on the CNN site Mike. Dam man.. You were awesome and you were a great friend and leader to me and many others.

Wish I could have figured out how you could catch catfish with a fly rod. You bastard..

Have a good fishing spot waiting for me when I meet you up there..

Miss you Bro.

Emily: mlarose27@hotmail.com"
Mike LaRose of Seattle, Wa

"I served with Michael in E Company 51st Infantry LRS in Darmstadt, Germany. I'm deeply saddened to learn of the loss of a good soldier and leader. My condolences go out to his family."
William "Doc" Hughes of Washington, DC

"I served with Michael in E Company 51st Infantry LRS in Darmstadt, Germany. I'm deeply saddened to learn of the loss of a good soldier and leader. My condolences go out to his family. Rest in peace, Michael."
William "Doc" Hughes of Washington, DC

"SSG Voss,
You taught me so much. Most of all you taught me to be patient. I will miss you."
Bob of Shallotte, Nc

"Emily, Maddie, and Lauren, I have come to believe that too...instead of being sad, try to be happy that he was your husband, your daddy, because no one else shared your togetherness but you.. and thats so special and nobody can ever take that from you. I think of you guys very often, but don't want to seem intrusive.. but I'm always wondering how you guys are doing. Call me if you get the chance. Lets touch base soon.... Michael you are loved and never forgotten. God Bless"
Kelly Hines of Kelly, North Carolina

""It is foolish and wrong to mourn the ones who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived!". General George S.Patton said that about his "Fallen Heroes"! May God take great care of your family while you prepare a place for them in Heaven. God bless and thank you Mike for your ultimate sacrifice...ALL THE WAY! Goodbye Mike..."
M. Shane Stewart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

"First of all, my condolences to the Voss family. I also served with Mike in Germany in E Co 51st Inf (LRSD). I knew him quite well and he was a great soldier and a dependable and intelligent person. God Bless you, Mike."
Eric Christopherson of Orange, CA

"i also seved with michael in Germany in (lrs) he was a good soldier and a better friend god bless"
desmond mcnamee of brooklyn new york

"I believe I served with Michael while was with B Co, 1/504th PIR, 82nd Abn Div, from 1986-1990. It's hard to miss that smile in recent pictures even after all these years. He was always bright, positive and, after reading comments left by others, it seems he never lost that enthusiasm and only got better with time. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the family. He was a fine American, and we mourn your loss."
Robert H. of Rock Tavern, NY

"To the wife and family of SSG Michael Voss: My husband served with Michael while in Iraq. He is one of the few men that Chris truly bonded with over there. They had quite a bit in common. Their friendship had a profound impact on Chris, and he is a richer person for knowing him. The loss of Michael hurt Chris deeply. Although I can not imagine the loss you feel, I hope it is a comfort in knowing that Michael continued to touch the lives of those he met while oversees--and through my husband has touched mine and our son's as well. Michael's sacrifice--your sacrifice will always be honored by us in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to watch over you during the years to come. I know Michael is with Him now in heaven. God bless. (Please e-mail me if you wish: g_mister@hotmail.com)"
Amy Hess of Auburn, Alabama

"Hey buddy, I think about you and your family everyday. You had such an honest way about you. The last memories I have of you were when we came home on leave together. You were so full of life, such a strong spirit, death can never contain that. You made such a lasting impression on me over the 6 years that we served together. I still remember one piece of advice that you gave me during Annual Training at Ft. Riley back in '02. I've put that advice into practice many times since and it has kept me out of a lot of trouble. You were a great NCO and a great soldier, but most of all you were a great friend and that is what I will remember about you the most until we meet again."
Sgt. Daniel Bennett HHC 1/120 Inf. (M)

"I am an artist doing 10 paintings of fallen heros in Iraq. I have only one picture of Michael to work from and I wondered if some one would help me find a better reference to work with. Please email me at: zelano@cox.net"
Ellen Zelano of Falls Church, VA

"Emily, Maddy and Lu- I'm so sorry for your loss. May you always hold happy memories of Mike close to your heart. He'll be watching out for you guys."
Toni of Bynum, TX

"I served with Michael in Echo Company 51st LRS, He was a good soldier and a fine leader."
Dan Gronke of Georgia

"To the friends and family of SSG Micael Voss this country lost one of the finest men the finest soldiers it ever had. I think about Michael constantly and the men here miss him dearly. I served with him in the 82nd Airborne and during Desert Storm in 91 and was deployed with him again in OIFII.He always watched out for his men and loved his family and talked about you constantly. I will always remember him and his smile and will never forget him, he was a friend and always will be."
SFC Don Baker of Camp Caldwell IRAQ

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

"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"

"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 "

"My deepest sympathy, our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. May God bless you and help you through this time. Forever in our hearts a HERO Michael S. Voss."
Amy & Aaron Monier of Waterford, MI.

"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 Voss, 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 Voss:
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 Voss:
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