Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"MIKE, THANK YOU! SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO TODAY, YOU AND YOUR FELLOW AIRBORNE BROTHERS CAME TO OUR AID AS A HIGHLY MOTIVATED AND LETHAL QUICK REACTION FORCE (QRF). I REMEMBER SEEING THE QRF FLYING IN ON CH-47S; IT WAS AN EXTREEMLY WELCOME SIGHT TO BEHOLD, SEEING YOUR TWO HEAVEY ROTARY AIRCRAFT TOUCHING DOWN RIGHT NEXT TO MY VEHICLE UNDER HEAVY ENEMY MACHINEGUN AND ROCKET FIRE. MY SPECIAL FORCES TEAM AND OUR AFGHAN SECURITY FORCE HAD ALREADY TAKEN SEVERAL CASUALTIES INCLUDING ONE KIA (MAULA BAKHASH, ONE OF MY ASF SOLDIERS WHO HAD BEEN HEAD SHOT JUST A FEW YARDS AWAY FROM MY POSITION). YOU AND YOUR FELLOW SOLDIERS HELPED TURN WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN AN OPERATIONAL DEFEAT INTO A SOUND VICTORY OVER A MUCH MORE NUMERICALLY SUPERIOR ENAMY FORCE OF TALIBAN FIGHTERS. YOUR BRAVERY AND SACRIFICE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST APPRECIATION AND WE THANK YOU FOR GIVING YOUR LIFE THAT DAY SO THAT OTHERS MIGHT LIVE, FOR WHICH WE KNOW THERE IS NO GREATER SACRIFICE. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY THAT REMAINS AND ONE DAY IM SURE WE WILL MEET FACE TO FACE. BLUE SKYS MY FRIEND.AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY AND DE OPPRESSO LIBER! THE BATTLE OF SYACHOW LASTED TWO DAYS. OUR TASK FORCE FOUGHT AGAINST A NUMERICALLY SUPERIOR AND WELL ENTREANCHED ENEMY FORCE IN 115 DEGREE HEAT. IN THE END OVER 75 TALIBAN FIGHTERS WERE KILLED AND A LARGE MIX OF LITE AND HEAVEY WEAPONS WERE RECOVERED. SUBSEQUENT MISSIONS LED TO THE DEATH OF THE BRUTAL TALIBAN DISTRICT COMMANDER WHO HAD NO HESITATION BEHEADING CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS 10 AND 13 YEARS OF AGE. WE CONTINUE TO STANDING SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH MIKE IN SPIRIT TO FIGHT TYRANNY AND OPPRESSION IN ALL THEIR FORMS."
Christopher B. Wells of SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

"Schafer will never be forgotten. I recall him fondly as he was the real deal. I am not surprised God has taken him from us. Most likely he has a demon in a headlock right now. I do regret his absence in our military, he was that good. To his family I say I am sorry and please let me know if I can help in any way. Please don't hesitate to call me 785-317-1659. Chris Miller"
Bravo 1-325 of Fort Riley

"Greetings, Schafer, this is your old PL from Fort Bragg. We deployed together to Kosovo. I just wanted to stop by and let you know we finally got him. Take care, God bless, and rest in peace for you are never forgotten!"
Arthur L. McGrue III of Fort Leavenworth, KS

"Mike, just thinking of you while I am sitting here in Afghanistan. I know we lost touch after our time in the 82nd but I will always remember what a great Soldier and friend you were. Thank you for your service and sacrifice and that of your family."
Joshua Collins of Garfield, Arkansas

"Bless you, Michael, and all those who have given their lives to save ours."
Cousin Suzanne of Hartford, CT

"I knew Schafer for a a short time before he went to Italy. He was a great leader and fantastic soldier. Thank you for your lessons and your guidance. You will not be forgotten."
Adam Patrick Green of Dubuque, Iowa

"Mike,
We had some good time at FT. Bragg, Kosovo and in Italy. You are truely missed everyday."
SSG (P) Tyndall, Adam of 1-503, 173D ABN BDE, Afghanistan

"Merry Christmas Mike. We love you."
Brittney Schafer of Conway, AR United States

"After reading all these testimonials you will all understand why I felt compelled to write this tribute.

For Michael's Friends and Family:

I never had the opportunity to meet Michael Schaffer. Because of the way he lived his life, the absolute joy he seemed to bring to friends and family, his selfless act even at the moment of his death, and because he did more in his twenty six years than most men do in a lifetime, I can only say that I wish I had met him, and I can't say that about many men. I salute you Michael, not for the way you died, but because of the way you lived.
>
> Dr. Randall Norris, Ph.D.
> Professor
> English & American Culture Studies
> Sauk Valley Community College
> Dixon, IL 61021"
Dr. Randall Norris, Ph.D. of Dixon, IL

"Just thinking of ya Mike."
Jason Davis of Kansas

"October 13, 2007
To the family of Staff Sgt. Michael W. Schafer:
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 of Nevada

"To the family and friends of Michael Schafer I am truely sorry for your loss. All though I never knew Michael I consider him a hero. I repair automated carwash equipment and found a personalized our hero KIA vehicle magnet in Spring Hill and would like to get it back to the family asap. I can be reached at buckmild12@yahoo.com"
Chris Smithwick of Trinity,FL

"Hey Mike,
I was in the hospital when I heard about you. I knew on every deployment we were on, you were there by my side or not far away. Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. thoughts be with you."
Will

"Today is the two year aneversery of Michael w Schefers death in oef. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Michael Oldenburg of rockford Il.

"Mike,
We love you and miss you so much. We still think about you everyday and are so proud of you for all you have done. You will never be forgotten."
Brittney Schafer of Conway, Ar/United States

"I went to basic training in Jan 99, and can remember it like it was yesterday. Those of us who knew we were going to the 82nd would always get added love from the drill SGT's. There was a group of us who excelled and all became squad leaders in basic, we partied together after graduation, we went to Airborne school together, we traded stories, hopes and dreams. Schaefer, Goss, Delagarza, myself and a few others. We "grew up" together. Became men together. I stand to Mike's left in our basic training picture. As we got to the 82nd and all got spread out between the different brigades we still ran into each other from time to time and I can remember thinking what ever happened to Schaefer. I found out he had gone to the 173rd at the same time I found out he had been killed. Memories of basic flooded back and my heart sank. Mike was a great guy. He will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to his family."
Bart Barcelou of C 1/50 basic training

"I am proud to have served with you Mike. You are a great leader of men."
Nicolas Ingraham of Mandeville, LA USA

"Grazie Sgt. Michael per quello che hai fatto e per quello che farà la tua grande Patria."
Antonio of Italy

"We had some great times when we knew each other in Bco. You were always having fun, whether trying to choke out Sawyer (Which didn't happen often)or playing jokes on someone. I'll miss you."
Jason Wayne Davis of Coffeyville, KS

"To the family of:Michael W. Schafer 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"

"Michael,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just in OEF, but also for your service in Iraq as well. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Airborne All The Way!""

"Schafer, I am glad to have known you in the little amount of time that I did. You are and always will be, missed. Paul Olson, B Co. 1-325."
Paul Olson of cary, Il

"Mike, I am so glad to have been able to serve with you and know you. You are my hero."
SSG Burt Heddles of Fort Bragg, NC

"Wow! This is so surreal. I can't believe you are gone man. You were a great person and a great friend. Best wishes to your family."
Sgt. Rolly Hammond of Burke, VA

"Schafer,

You were a great soldier, and a great person to hang out with. Rest in peace brother, you will be missed"
Spec. Justin Ash of Burke VA

"My deepest sympathies to the Schafer family on the loss of Michael, I served breifly with him in the 82nd Airborne, 1/325 B. Co., he was my first team leader in division. And he was a model soldier and a great person. Again I send out my condolences to his family and loved ones."
Bobby Gunnoe of Shady Spring, WV

"Job well done friend."
Bennett Scrivens of Afghanistan

"As a mom of five young children, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of this brave solder Michael W. Schafer. You are loved by many. Words can not express the emotion. He payed the ultimate price for our freedom and the freedom of so many other people who suffered under the rule of Sadaam. May God be with his family in this time of sorrow and may you find comfort in the fact that we think about Michael's sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"
Jill Hughes of Houston Tx

"Mike,
You were one of the best."
SFC Kwak, Stephen of Ft. Benning, Ga

"Michael,
I had the pleasure of seving with you at B Co 1/325 A.I.R. (82nd Airborne). You were and will always be a hard charger. I couldn't believe it when I found out. Your a great man and the world is a lesser place without you. I know truly the sacrafices it takes to serve and I can never feel more proud. I will always keep you in my prayers. My deepest condolences to you Mrs. Schafer. I had the great honor of meeting you while I proudly served with your husband in the infantry.

All gave some;
Some gave all;
The rest still giving"
SSgt. Flores of Panama City, Fl/U.S.A.

"To the family and friends of SGT Michael Schafer, I served with Schafer in Italy and Iraq. He is an American hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice to his country. He is a great leader and will never be forgotten."
SGT Brad Mahrer of Fort Bragg, NC

"To the Family of Staff Sgt Michael Schafer
Words can never express the gratitude we as Americans owe Michael. In this time it is easy to think that many are immune to the tremendous sacrifices that are made by our military to allow us to continue with the lives we have grown so accustomed to. You as Michael's family have made the ultimate sacrifice. Please know that it was not in vain. That he did make a difference. That he and all the others before him have given us everything that we have and for that we are eternally grateful. His spirit will live on in every life that he touched. He will live on. Please accept my deepest sympathy and may God bring you Peace and Comfort in the days ahead.
God Bless,
Angela, Proud Marine Mom of LCpl Adam T."
Angela Burnley of Williamsburg VA

"8 Aug 05
ARMY STAFF SGT MICHAEL W. SCHAFER -
You are an American Hero whose ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten by a grateful nation. Rest well brave Soldier. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Michael and may memories comfort you during this difficult time and always.
AMERICA SALUTES ARMY STAFF SGT SCHAFER"
D. BURT of PORTSMOUTH, RI

"Rest in Peace Soldier..

J and T
USMC NC"

"My deepest apologies go out to his family and his wife. I knew him briefly before he went to Vicenza, and it saddens me that such a great man has left this world. In God may him and his family find peace."
Michael Zinsmeister of Colorado Springs, Co

"My sincere condolences to the Shafer family. Even though I did not know Michael personally I do know his wife Danielle through a close friend. May Michael Rest in Peace. You are true hero and you will never be forgotten. God bless him and his family."
Michael Filippone of Brick, NJ USA

"Mike was a great freind and a even better soldier I will miss his smile and freindly personality we lost touch for a while after spending 2years at the 82nd airborn division we became close we became brothers i will miss you mike
freinds always
scott potter"
scott potter of ravena,new york

"Mike, it has been an honor to know you and grow up around you. You are a hero and I sincerely thank you and your family for the sacrifices you have made. You will never be forgotten and I am proud to have called you friend. To the family, thank you for raising such a fine upstanding man who felt it was his duty to help keep us free. God Bless all of you"
Melissa Hooven of Spring Hill, FL USA

"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 son returned safely from Afghanistan, only to lose his life in Iraq. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice. Our sons are true heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto "The Big Ern" Blanco-Caldas
82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"Sgt Mike Schafer will never be forgotten and I will always be grateful that I had a chance to meet such a brave man. What a TRUE hero. To D and the Schafer family - I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers."
Sally of Fayetteville, NC USA

"TO THE SCHAFER FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. MICHAEL THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY AND ALONG SIDE OUR SON. YOU BOTH HAD NOT KNOWN ONE ANOTHER. STILL AS BROTHER'S YOU BOTH WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER AND EACH OTHER'S UNIT. AN SADLY, YOU WILL MEET OUR GREGORY. FOR YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN MICHAEL. WE UNDERSTAND THE HEART ACHE TO LOSE A SON. THE HEART ACHE IS DIFFUCULT. MICHAEL YOU ARE ONE SPECIAL MAN, FAMILY MAN. SOLDIER AND A HERO! YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. AN YOU ARE APART OF AMERICAN AND WORLD HISTORY. THAT ALL THOSE YOU TOUCHED CHERISH VERY FOND MEMORIES YOU SHARED TOGETHER. YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN MICHAEL. GOD BLESS! SUPPORT OUR SOLDIER'S; DO SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL TO HONOR MICHAEL. BY HELPING ANOTHER SOLDIER SOMEHOW! MICHAEL NEEDS TO BE HONORED TODAY, TOMORROW AND ALWAYS. NOT WAITING YEARS FOR A MEMORIAL WITH HIS NAME PLATE! MICHAEL DESERVE BETTER FROM HIS COMMUNITY."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To Michael, may God bless you and keep you. We all owe you a debt we can never begin to repay. To Michael's family and friends, my family's deepest sympathies, may God be with you and help you through this terrible loss. Michael gave his all for us and he will never be forgotten. Prayers are Airborne"
Jane Starliper, Proud 82nd Airborne Mom of Clarksville, MD

"To Mark, Michaels' Father, Michael is a great Soldier for this wonderful country. He served her well and gave her the ultimate sacrifice. Always be proud. To Michaels' wife, May God comfort you in this time of sadness.Michael will never be forgotten."
James (SFC Retired) & Allison Reynolds of Richmond, Virginia

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Michael Schafer: Words can not express the pain we feel for your loss of Michael. We did not have the pleasure of knowing him, but all soldiers hold a place in our hearts for the sacrifices they make for our freedoms. Please accept our deepest condolences. Our prayer to you is that God may comfort you during this difficult time."
Leo, Pat, and PFC Albert (82nd Airborne) of Willow Springs, Il

"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 ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To the Schafer Family, I wish to offer to you my deepest condolences. Your Michael was fighting the good fight to prevent another 9/11. Michael is truly an American Hero. Michael will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you and God Bless Michael."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"My sincere thanks to this brave hero. My prayers go out to your family, friends, and your brothers in arms. May God bless and watch over those you left behind. You are a hero to me and your family and loved ones deserve not only my gratitude, but the world's too!
A mother of two sons/soldiers."
Noralee of Rio Linda/California

"To my very first roomate at the 82nd, God Grant you peace, and may he watch over your loved ones. I wish the very best to your wife and family, the world will surely be a dimmer place now."
SSG. Ball, David B.

"Riposa in pace soldato"
A spouse from Vicenza of Italy

"Thank you Michael Schafer, 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 Schafer:
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 Schafer:
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