Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I am trying to contact Michael's widow, Elizabeth. I would like to honor Michael in the 2017 edition of the Minnesota Fallen Heroes Calendar, my 7th. I found out his mother, Norma, is deceased and want Elizabeth to contact me. Please help me find her.She may call me at 651-699-6536 or e-mail me at ed.pat@comcast.net Thank you. Patricia"
Patricia Boyd Peerson of St. Paul, MN

"To the family of:Michael A. Benson
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 know it is over 6 years since Michael Benson has sacrificed his life for his country but I was going through old newspapers I had saved to make a scrapbook for my husband who was deployed with the 32nd Engineers Onalaska at the same time. I saw the article about Michael being injured and in a coma and presumed since the article left little hope of Michael surviving his injuries he had indeed passed away. My prayers continue to go to all the families who have lost loved ones in the war over the past 10 years. Your sacrifice was huge but I wanted to be certain you know I haven't forgotten. Bless all of Michaels friends and family. My prayers go out to you today."
Ann of Sparta, WI

"to the widow of michael benson,
i am sorry for your loss. i may not have served with this american hero but i feel i am personally connected. i, along with Bob Healy MSG, (RET), were tasked to relocate and rededicate the memorial for the four men who gave their lives to this great nation. we relocated you husbands memorial and i have a cd of the ceremony that of the rededication of the memorial. i would like to send you a several disks and will do so. contact me @ gvaltado@twcny.rr.com for more info. thanks. May God Bless your husband and may God bless America!"
george of philadelphia, ny

"Not a day goes by that I don't remember the precious life of Mikey! I still wear my Fallen Hero bracelet daily and am proud to have known Mike. And Liz, you know I love you more every day. I can't wait till our next weekend together! My prayers will continue to be ongoing! God Bless you Dear! XoxoX!"
Melinda Lussier of St. Albans, VT

"SFC Michael Benson- it has been 5 years since you have left us and not a day goes by that i do not think of you and your sacrifices- I celebrated my birthday on tuesday and thought of you and the others- my thoughts are with your family and friends still....."
Son of a son of a sailor of Stockton, CA USA

"SFC Benson has remained in my thoughts and his family in my prayers ever since August 2nd. I was the first medic to SFC Benson. In spite of his injuries there was no quit in him. He never stopped fighting. I only knew him a little bit as I lived on his FOB but I will never forget him as long as I live. He is an inspiration to me to this day."
SSG Borchers of Ft Hood Tx

"To All those who have written your heartfelt words about my husband Michael, I thank you. Your words and stories of Michael are comforting and encouraging to read when it is difficult to get through the day. Thank you again."
Elizabeth Benson of Colchester, Vermont, USA

"Mike did Appropriately name a certain someone "Bodine" he must be retired by now but obviously thinks of Mike as well. MB"
MB of VT

"Sgt. Benson was an All American Airoborne Hero. Who was Hooah all the way!!! To his family there is now a void that never will be filled. But Know that Mike couldn't stand it when people backed down. Mike NEVER would have. I remember when he was my recruiter he always said it was the WORST detail he ever got selected for. He may not believe it but I do think of him often. Because not only was he a Sgt First class but he was First Class All The way.

AIRBORNE All The Way!!!"
Matt Bartlett of Williston VT

"April 23, 2008
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Benson:
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

"Mike was a fellow soldier and a great NCO. Soldiers form a brotherhood and those who are friends can go years sometimes without seeing or talking to each other and when they finally do, can pick right up where they left off. That's how it was the last time I talked to Mike. Mike was there for me. Mike and I always found the humor in any situation and he made me laugh. Mike was bright, a straight shooter, eager to share his knowledge and willing to listen. Mike always did what was asked of him to the very best of his abilities, because that's what soldiers do. They give 110%. Always. Mike gave me my nickname, which followed me for many years throughout my military career. Mike always insisted that the "A" stood for AIRBORNE, not Allen. More than anything, Mike was my friend and I will never forget him."
MSG Brian Stacy of Tennessee

"Not only was Mike my cousin but a fellow soldier as i also was in the Army.i personaly know that Mike died doing what he beleived in!"freedom" not only for us but those in Iraq who depend on our involvement there. i miss Mike and i am proud to have had the chance to know him, Liz.... i am still here for you!"
Kevin Eldred Sr of Vermont

"I realy enjoyed spending time with mike at the Eldred reunion!i will never forget him and i am proud to have known him and i am here for you liz!!"
Kevin Eldred sr of Vermont

"To my very special "sissy",
My heart goes out to you each and every day, especially on this first anniversary of Michaels passing. As hard as this time is for you, and as hard as every day has been since the two of you parted, just remember that the love that you both shared was very special, and pure, and there are few people who ever have a chance to experience that kind of love. Even though that time will never feel like enough, you were very blessed to have known Michael in a way that nobody knew him, and that makes you the most important person that a wonderful man, husband, and soldier could of ever known. Michael died doing something that he loved, and fighting for your freedom, and ours. For all of these things, and more... he will always be remembered. I know you will continue to keep his memory alive, and keep his fire burning.
I love you!
Christina"
Christina Toussaint of Saint Albans, Vermont

"To Elizabeth Bensen, As close as I feel that I am to my niece
Melinda, somehow it leaves a link between you and me. Even though you did
hit me on the head when you were a kid, I wish you a healing of your heart
to its fullest. I did not know Michael well, but the time I did spend talking
to him, I sensed a goodness from him. He will always live in those who
remember him, that I'm sure. Remember him not in sadness but in joy, he
would want you to grow strong in heart like him.

God Bless You My Dear!
Uncle Jerry"
Jerry S. of St. Albans Vt,

"To Elizabeth Bensen, my best friend & Sister in Christ - My prayers continue to be with you during this time. It's been exactly one year today, since Michael was with us in body. But he is still always with us in spirit. Continue holding true to his memory and know he smiles on you each & every day of your life. We may miss your husband & my 'brother's'physical presence but he still holds the hands of those he loves. Stay true to his memory and know that you're supported by all who know you & love you.
And to Michael - We love you, miss you and will never foget what you sacrificed for our freedom."
Melinda Lussier of St. Albans, Vermont, USA

"SFC Benson and family, God bless you all. The Marines at Bethesda will never forget you."
Capt Tony Licari of Fishkill NY

"SFC Benson was one of two people in this world I credit with preparing me to be a Combat leader in Iraq. SFC Benson was my OC at Fort Drum during my Battalions mobilization for Iraq. He trained us hard every day, and made me a better leader by challenging me mentally and physically. I learned of his death today and I am so very sorry for your loss. SFC Benson was a great soldier and person. My deepest sympathies to those that are left without him. I was honored to know this man and I thank God SFC Benson was there to train me for combat, he is a major reason we were so prepared, and his training saved the lives of my soldiers everyday we were over there. Again my sincerest condolences."
Brian S Bonanno of Latham, NY

"TO THE BENSON FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. MICHAEL THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR GREAT COUNTRY. THANK YOU FOR SERVING AS A BROTHER (MILITARY) TO OUR SON SGT. GREGORY L. WAHL. AN HE HAD MENTIONED YOU SEVERAL TIME'S. GREGORY WAS STAIONED AT FORT DRUM, AND RECENTLY IN VESLICK, GERMANY. NOW BOTH ARE TOGETHER. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH THEM BOTH. MICHAEL YOU ARE MORE THEN A SIMPLE HERO! YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. AN THOSE YOU HAVE TOUCHED MICHAEL. TRUST ME MY FRIEND ALL HAVE VERTY VERY FOND MEMORIES YOU SHARED TOGETHER. IN GOOD AND BAD TIMES! YOUR SOLDIER'S WILL SURELY; NEVER EVER FORGET YOU AS A PERSON AND A LEADER! THOSE IN YOUR COMMUNITY, NEIGHBOR'S, FRIENDS, THE CHURCH, THOSE IN IRAQ AND ESPECIALLY THE ENTIRE BENSON FAMILY. WE ALWAYS REMEBER YOU, FOR YOU PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN EACH OF THE BENSON'S LIVE'S. MICHAEL MY TEARS NEVER STOP FOR MY SON. MY TEARS ARE WITH YOU TODAY. AN I PRAY YOU FAMILY WILL HEAL. AN HONOR YOU TODAY. WAR MEMORIAL'S COME YEARS AFTER A CONFLICT. I URGE YOU TO DO SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL IN MICHAEL'S NAME. I CREATED CHILDREN OF THE FALLEN FOR MY SON. BOTH DESREV TO BE HONORED AND NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN! GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"For a Paratrooper that will now stay in the skies forever. Thanks for all the dedication to our troops and nation. You were a great soldier, roommate, and friend. We will miss you."
SFC Harold B. Fijnvandraat of Marshall Univ ROTC, Huntington, WV

"The Salute


To those who have died,
And to those who have cried.
We Salute You.

To those who have lost,
Paid the ultimate cost.
We Salute You.

And to those who still serve,
The Red White and Blue.
Our grateful Nation,
Proudly Salutes You."
Tom Balstad of West Warwick RI

"To the Benson Family, I wish to offer to you my deepest condolences. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Michael is a true American Hero who always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and God Bless Michael."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your
Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the loyal service and sacrifice that was made and
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Our cousin LCPL Michael Smith Jr. gave his life on 4-17-04 fighting for freedom.
Please know that this was not in vain and these American Heros will FOREVER be honored.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"To the Family of Michael Benson
Words cannot express how we feel at this moment. I am so sorry to hear of the death of Sgt. 1st Class Michael Benson. Since July 23, 2005 when we lost our son Sgt. Bryan Opskar, USMC in Iraq things have really been hard. But we know that Bryan was doing the best job he could do to protect this country. Please know that we feel your pain. They are our HEROES!"
Erling & Betty Opskar of Pelican Rapids, MN

"ARMY SGT 1ST CLASS MICHAEL A. BENSON
You are an American hero whose ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten by a grateful nation. Rest well brave soldier. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Michael and may memories comfort you during this most difficult time and always. We are so sorry for your loss.
AMERICA SALUTES ARMY SGT 1ST CLASS MICHAEL A. BENSON"
Brad and Dorothy Burt of Portsmouth, RI

"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.
God Bless you ALWAYS.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Michael Benson, 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 Sgt. 1st Class Michael Benson:
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 Sgt. 1st Class Michael Benson:
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