Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Staff Sgt. Michael C. Ottolini

45, of Sebastopol, California.
Ottolini died in Balad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his up-armored HMMWV. He was assigned to the Army National Guard's 579th Engineer Battalion, Petaluma, California. Died on November 10, 2004.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Staff Sgt. Michael C. Ottolini.

Links:

Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

Please report inappropriate messages

"Michael,

You were my eyes and ears outside the wire. I remember giving you the patrol brief and and when I got to the weather, I told you it was going to be hot, very hot. You told me, "No, * Ma'am, tell me something I don't know." You said it with a smile and I just knew that you were an NCO to look up to and learn from. Thank you for all those lessons. You are missed daily. Giving your eulogy at Fort Lewis was the hardest thing I have ever done. See you in the green."
CPT Eva Foster, TF Tacoma of Fort Huachuca, AZ

"To the Family of Sgt. Mike Ottolini;

I had the honor to serve with Mike in the 579th. During the late 80's and the 90's. He was a first rate, squared away N.C.O. As well as a man with a big open heart. During this memorial month please accept my condolences and know that I share your loss.
Sgt. Steve Brown u.s.a.r (retired)"
Steve Brown of Sandusky, Ohio U.S of A

"To the family of:Michael C.Ottolini
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""

"Mike, You were a great soldier and a great leader! When I got to Iraq, I made it my objective to try and find every IED planting insurgent I could."
SSG Dan Widger of California

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, Ohio USA

"November 15, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Michael C. Ottolini:
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

"You were and always will be a hero , even before you went to war. A person like you is someone you might be lucky enough to have known in a lifetime. The biggest heart there ever was, I have never gone one day in my life that I didn't think about you from the first time I saw you. Heaven is truly blessed to have you."
ChampaneGlass of Sedona, Az. USA

"Dearest michael. we as your family love and miss you so much there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you your, smile or your white skin when we're smiming at waterworks. are some thing that you say that is funny. I know you did what you did for love of all things great and small, but we still miss your presents with us. I know your with god and watching over us all, and yes at times laughing at what we're doing.we all love you for your service and protection to us all. Its sad that its at the cost of you and so many others like you. Your always in my prays your cosuin."
Diane L Lamb of santa rosa calif.

"Michael,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Semper Laborantes"(Always Working)
579th Engrs Motto"

"Michael, you are one of my heroes. You chose to stand up for our country to protect us and maintain our peace and safety here. That is heroism at its most refined definition. I send prayers for strength and peace to Michaels family. May you find the peace within your hearts that your son so wants for you now. I work on that peace within mine with the loss of my beloved Spc. Jacob S. Fletcher, KIA in Iraq 11/14/03. My heart joins with yours and my prayers are with you . I will never forget your MIchael."

"God Bless our soliders for their duties of our country!!"
Sara Boden of Santa Rosa, CA

"I served with SFC Ottolini before leaving the guard for active duty in 2002. He was a fine NCO and will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers are with his family."
SGT Andrew Dunbar of Ft. Riley, KS

"Michael...you were a very special person.thank you for so many things."
Dawn Ragsdell-Imrie of Calif.usa

"Sergeant Ottolini, 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 ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"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 Ottolini, 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 Ottolini:
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 Ottolini:
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

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on