Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Over 17 years later Michael is still often in my thoughts and prayers. This Memorial Day, like all others, Michael’s loss is first and foremost in my mind. I will never forget all the pain, grief, unfulfilled hopes, wishes and dreams cut short by the sacrifice he made for his country, and the sacrifice he made for people suffering in a far away land. He was the best of us. I continue to try to live life as courageously he lived. I try to make up for the amazing things he could have offered humanity by being twice the man I otherwise would have been. God bless all the people who held Michael dearly, and God bless Michael. He will never be forgotten."
Dustin Reed of Battle Creek, Michigan

"To whom may read this, My name is Kenny McAughey, I am a 15 year old playing ice hockey for the West Bend Ice Bears. This year we have dedicated our season to fallen soldiers. Each player has a we support us troops patch on our jersey and sticker on our helmet, we all have been given a fallen soldier that we will dedicate our season to. We all proudly wear our soldier's initials on the back our helmet to thank them for putting their life at risk so we can do the things we love, it also pushes us to play our absolute best because we know that these soldiers gave their all protecting our freedom everyday. I am here asking if anyone knows of Michael's family members so i can get ahold of them to personally thank them for their sons service and to invite them to our military appreciation game being held on Feb 8. If so please text me at 262-573-6621 or email kenny@mcaughey.net Thank you."
Kenny McAughey of West Bend Wisconsin

"I went through basic training with Michael at Ft. Sill, he was one of the guys you could always count on. I was incredibly sadden to hear of his passing, one sconnie to another, you will never be forgotten."
Luke Febock of Cambridge, WI

"He was my soldier. I can still remember talking to him right before his last convoy. Always kept those around him laughing. Rest in peace Mike."
Patrick Boutin of Copperas Cove, TX, USA

"Eight years ago today a lot of lives changed forever. I will always remember April 17th and I will never forget SPC Michael McGlothin. Its been difficult at times. I often think of what it would have been like if we'd switched places. I feel like he'd be leading a better life than me. If God would let me go back and switch places I'd have done it a long time ago, but thats just not how it works. All I can do now is try to lead a life Michael would be proud of. I know it will still be difficult at times but I am going to do my best. My thoughts and prayers still go out to Michael's family and friends. God bless you all."
Dustin Reed of Grand Rapids, MI

"My heart felt condolances on he loss of your loved one."
Kelley "Voss" Brand of White Lake WI

"Today marks the 6th year since we lost Mike. Still thinking of you."
Dustin Reed of Grand Rapids, MI

"I didn't know Michael A. McGlothin, but I had to give my heart felt condolences to the family...You see, my name is Michael E. McGlothin. I will always think of him even though I didn't know him. God Bless to his family and thank you for having such a brave son. He gave all, and I will not forget that...ever."
Mike of Ohio

"April 16, 2009
To the family of Spc. Michael A. McGlothin:
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

"4 years seem to have flown by, and yet there is never a moment i live that Mike's memory sneaks into, he's with his family every step of the way, and even though his time on earth was short, he left his imprint in the hearts and souls of everyone that he met."
Crystal Rose of Hartford Wisconsin USA

"Thinking of you all today (4 years)."
Virginia Davis of Milwaukee

"Its been over 3 years since Mike gave his life. My heart goes out to the entire family. I didn't know Mike, but I was with him when he passed. I was sitting next to him when it happened. I was the last one to speak to him, I just kept telling him he was going to be alright...not a day goes by that I don't think of that. Let us remember the sacrifices of all our fallen heros and keep their memories close to our hearts. GOD Bless"
Dustin Reed of Big Rapids, Michigan

"Almost three years have passed since my brother lost his life to defend our freedom... and even though im in college now... i still miss him dearly...I will always remember my brother... Be at as the protective older borther that would ask me about all my guy friends... or the goofball of a brother that would crack jokes just to make sure you were in a good mood... or even as happyclown... although i never saw him as that... he was happyclown to his friends in fort hood... the uppity crackers... Skid, Lisa W., and Conor. they knew him as happyclown and i knew him as MY MICHAEL. Hooah Happyclown. Hooah. Love and miss you bro... i know you're watching me from in heaven... and i kow that you will always know that your family loves you."
Crystal Rose of Hartford, Wisonsin, USA

"america is the greatest country on this earth only becouse of men like michael a mcglothin who died to defened the great name of this nation and every solder who died before him and all those who came after him.. everyday i can make the loss of michael my own and you think somewhere in time he walked to school or road the bus or when he went out with friends on friday nights and walk the high school halls so long ago those are the great memories of michael and no person in america is greater than him who died for the freedom of america and i will remember michael a. mcglothin all the days of my life and is death is the begining of his new life in heaven..his family can know strangers have made him a brother and part of ther family in the remembrace of this freedom fighter."
eric flores of barstow california

"It has been two years since my son Michael died for our freedom. Theres not a day that goes by that he isnt in my thoughts. I miss him very much."
Lucy Henzig of Racine Wis.

"I am so very sorry for your loss. He will be always remembered in our family."
Patti McGlothin of California

"In your honor and with gratitude to you, Michael Anthony McGlothin, I’ve planted a daffodil in your name, as have others across the United States as part of Project LIVE ON, a not-for-profit program founded to memorialize each U. S. military who has died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thousands of beautiful daffodils will come up each Spring, and, like your Spirit, will LIVE ON...and ON. Blessings to you, the family, as you grieve, and heal. For details, contact projectliveon@aol.com. Jan. 23, 2006."
Gretchen Forbes of the northcentral mountains of Pennsylvania

"I have planted a daffodil for you Mike along with 49 more bulbs to represent other solodiers who have been killed in Iraq. Your flower will be seen every year and your sacrifice remembered. Projectliveon@aol.com"
Ruth Anderson of Mountain View , California

"Mike was my soldier during the deployment, he was without a doubt one of the best soldiers I've ever had, always willing to learn, and never failing to accomplish his mission. I was proud to have him as a soldier and will never forget, nor will I allow others to forget that he is an American Hero."
SGT John Deuel of Fort Hood, TX

"To the family of SPC McGlothin,

I want to give my sincere and deepest condolences. Today i received my hero bracelet from herobracelets. On it was the name of your son and my hero Michael McGlothin. I will always cherish my hero bracelet and have Michael in my thoughts."
John Trinidad of San Lorenzo, CA

"To the Family of SPC Michael McGlothin:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 6/20/05, 111 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put SPC McGlothin's name on one of them. We have called our display "Arlington MidWest." It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

If you would like us to do this, please email martypres33@yahoo.com.

We invite you to come to visit Arlington MidWest. I can send you directions and some pictures by email.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them." Anonymous"
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"To the family of Michael A.McGlothin, i am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully 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 tp please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church: Rev. John B. Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington, Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington Ga

"To the family of Michael a. McGlothin:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"To Mike's(aka Happy Clown) family,
I am a friend of Mikes from his unit. I just wanted to let you know Mike will never be forgotten.And that I, along with all his other friends from his unit, will never forget the great times we had with him."
Spc Lisa Wallace of Ft Hood, TX

"Thank you Michael for defending the freedoms we all cherish. For taking the fight to those cowards who ambush and run you have made us all safer. You are my families hero and we will remember you each day we raise our flag in the front yard. God Bless you and may He bring peace to your loved ones. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, maryland

"SPC McGlothin was one of my superb Soldiers when I was his 1SG in July 2002 in HHC 1-12 CAV. He will truly be missed by all who knew him."
MSG Daniel Adle of Seoul, Korea

"Michael's Middel name was Anthony."
Crystal rose of Hartford, Wisconsin, Us

"Crystal,
Mike was my husbands best friend. I feel privilaged that I got to know him while I lived in texas. He came with Robert and I to florida one 4 day weekend, so my family got to know him too. I think my sister sent your mother a card. I just wanted to let you know that you were in my thoughts."
Shannon Nicole Skidmore of Louisville KY

"I wanted to know Michael's middle name. Is it Andrew? My prayers for you family, thank you"
Stephanie of Ukiah CA

"Crystal,
Michael did not die in vain. He died a true hero, as did my son BU3 Doyle "Wayne" Bollinger, Jr.
He died on June 6, 2003 @ the age of 21. I am so proud of our men and women who have fought and died and also the ones who have come home again. To me they are all heros. They went over there for a purpose. Your brother will never be forgotten as my son wont.
To your parents I want to say thank you to them for raising a son who wanted to serve his country and willing to die for them."
Wyvonne Bollinger of Poteau, Okla

"thank you for supporting my brother, i am very glad that Michael did not die in vain and that his memory will live on.
hooah happy clown, and hooah to those who left thier marks on these pages and to our brave soldiers that are leaving thier marks in Iraq"
Crystal Rose McGlothin of Hartford, Wisconsin

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

"To the family of Michael McGlothin, I want to extend my deepest regrets for your loss. May Michael live on in the hearts and minds of everyone whose path he has crossed. God bless you all and my heart goes out to you."
Amy M. Hancock (Fiancee' to CPL Jose Cuestas D. 115th FSB) of Ft Hood Yexas

"Honor Courage and Integrity is what Michael lived by, and so does all of the military. I am sorry for your loss but want to thank you for raising a fine American."
Army PFC Krueger of Milwaukee, WI

"To Michael's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send you our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

From the family of Capt. Ernesto Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

"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 "

"Rest in Peace Brave Hero. May the Lord bless your family/friends.
The Taylors USMC NC"

"To Michael's family,
My prayers are with you. May God bless you and keep you. Thank you for raising such a fine Son who fought our country's freedom. The pain will get better with time...the memories will be forever."
Candy Knutson of Poynette, WI

"To Michael's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Michael McGlothin, 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 Spc. Michael McGlothin:
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 Spc. Michael McGlothin:
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