Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Sgt Tosto, I've been thinking about you lately; you're a great man my friend. To your loving family- they are always in my prayers- keep watching over us my brother. With Liberty,
1SG (Ret) John Paul Bernard
(J.k.bernard12@gmail.com)"
John P Bernard of Plymouth, WI

"To the family of Sgt. Michael Tosto on Memorial Day 2014:
My son and I travelled to Long Island, NY this weekend to volunteer and run in the 7th annual US Marine Corps Cpl Christopher G. Scherer "I Did the Grid" 4 Mile Run on May 24 in East Northport, NY. This run is in honor of Cpl Christopher Scherer who was KIA in Operation Iraqi Freedom on July 21, 2007. Each runner has four names of fallen service members on their bibs. We were asked to think about and pray for each fallen hero for one of the four miles of the run. Sgt. Michael Tosto's name and service information was on my bib. It was a privilege to run in his honor. Sgt.Tosto is in my heart and prayers this Memorial Day. God bless. Sincerely, Polly Papsadore"
Polly Papsadore of Sandwich, MA USA

"Sgt. Tosto,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OIF but when you served in Bosnia as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike C. of El Paso, Texas

"I am Michael's father in law. I didn't have the chance to meet him, but I did get to pray with him before he went to Iraq. I am glad that he married my daughter, they gave me a wonderful grandson. I am proud of Michael and the countless others that gave their lives so we can live in freedom. I too am a veteran and know the hardships that the families back home go thru and we should thank them for their sacrifices."
Stephen Stockton of OKC, OK USA

"My best friend I know misses n loves you very much. I hear how much you were a loving husband and a wonderful daddy and I know Cameron wishes and wants to talk to you n hug you. You are alive in our hearts always and forever. Wish to have met you but you live in Stephanie and Camerons heart."
Tasha C of sheridan or

"I thought of Michael today, Memorial Day, and was fortunate enough to find this page. I believe we went to school together in Pittsboro, and crossed paths again when we worked together in Cary for a short time in the 90's.

Although you don't know my name, I do remember Michael, and the sadness I felt when I saw that he made the ultimate sacrifice.

So to his family, especially his wife and child, I must let you know how proud I am that I was blessed to know someone like him...someone that was a true hero, and the reason I make sure that everyone knows that I am a proud American. Thank you, Michael, for your service to our country. You will never be forgotten."
Christy Burgess Martin of Apex, NC

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,000 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"I went to middle and high school with Michael and am deeply saddened by your loss. Michael was always a loving and caring person. God bless you and your family."
Brenda Pancake Heck of Pittsboro, NC US

"I want to thank everybody for remembering Michael. I miss him every day. Our son has grown so much and what makes me very happy is that Cameron is just like Michael. Loving, caring and that smile is contagious. Thank you again...if anybody would like to get in contact you may email me at stephanie.tosto@yahoo.com"
Stephanie Tosto of Milwaukie, OR

"My name is Alan "Nick" Odle. I served with Tosto in Buedingen and deployed with him to Bosnia in '98. He was a solid soldier and a great man. I will never forget the time Ssg Andrews kicked him in the back of the head on a Table 8 run. He was telling me about it afterwards in shock and horor but all I could do was laugh and say, "Welcome to the CAV, Hooah!!!". Then there was the night we called SFC Anthony from Michael and Stef's reception to tell him we weren't going to make it to PT...yeah, that went over well LOL!!!!

Tosto - I will never forget. BANDITS BY GOD!

Stef - I am truly sorry for your loss. He was a great man and I know you loved him very much.

RIP Michael.

tanker19ki@yahoo.com"
Alan of North Brunswick, NJ USA

"The last time I saw you was by chance in the late '90s in Graff. You'd joined about a year before me. I was training in Germany (stationed in Italy) and I was walking towards the Burger Bar. I happened to look over, and there you were with your SGT (making fun of us paratroopers). We tried to keep in touch, but such is Army life. I always hoped we'd be able to catch up and maybe revitalize the friendship we had growing up. I really miss you, man. I found out about you a little while before I found out my National Guard Unit was deploying to Iraq. I met up with one of your officers in Florida right after I got back from Iraq. He told me everyone liked you, which is not hard to believe! Small world. It was never big enough for your heart. I haven't gotten any better at keeping in touch, either. Maybe it's because I'd feel guilty that I could keep up with someone else and not you. I finally got my confirmation, and I picked Michael as my confirmation name. Saint Michael. The irony: you made fun of paratroopers, yet your namesake is the Saint of Paratroopers! I'm sorry. I can go on and on about things I should have done. I miss you. I hope your family is doing well. I have one now, too. I just got married in August... now I'm heading back to Iraq. Bahgdad. I thought of you the whole time I was there last time, and I'll think of you the whole time this time. I hope you'll look over me and my unit. My prayers are with you and your family, as always."
SGT Richard R. Lopez of HHC, 449th TAB, Morrsiville, NC

"February 8, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Michael L. Tosto:
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

"Michael,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OIF, but also for your service in Bosnia as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Vincere Vel Mori"(Conquer Or Die)
35th AR Motto"

"To the family of:Michael L. Tosto 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 just looked your name up on the internet and found this, i am so glad i did. I miss you so much and just so you know after germany i went to FT. Lewis where i made SGT and went on a second tour to Iraq. I led troops into combat just like you taught me SGT T. I did good and all my boys came home alive. I thank you for the training you gave me. The leadership skills you taught me brought home my men when i became an NCO. I think of you everyday, you were the best gunner and i hope all is well for your family. I will never forget the times i had with my gunner. I miss and love you! Oh I am going to school now. I am going to do the ROTC thing and go back in the army as an officer. Thanks for everything."
Kyle Drobny of Moscow, ID

"Hello Sir,

I ran a meet today. It was the first of the year. I wore your hero bracelet and came in first. I also set a personal best. I just wanted to keep you updated. Thank you again for your sacrifices."
Joey Hauser Jr of San Luis Obispo

"Me and Tito (as we used to call him in buedingen) used to always kick it. We had some great times and I miss you so much dude. I never got to email you back and regret it to this day. May you rest in peace, brother."
Jamison Self of Phoenix/Arizona/USA

"SGT Tosto,
Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and the others this holiday season. You are not forgotten and I think of you often."
chris dagostino of Ft. Knox, KY

"My name is Julia Black and I am Michael's sister. I would like to thank everyone who has shared their thoughts and memories of Michael. It means so much to know that he will always be in people's hearts and thoughts. He was an amazing person who will forever be missed. To anyone who was looking for a way to contact a member of my family, my email is jcb5600@ec.rr.com. Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers."
Julia Black of Hubert, NC

"My dad recently bought me a hero bracelet and I decided to look up the name on the band, which was you. Now I have your face as the hero on my wrist. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. My words are not enough to repay you or any other soldier, but I run track for Cal Poly and I will carry your name across each finish line in remembrance of all fallen soldiers. I will not forget. "He maketh my feet like hinds' feet and setteth me upon my high places." Psalm 18:33"
Joey Hauser Jr. of San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

"The Home of the Brave quilt project has a memorial quilt for the Tosto family, but have been unable to find an address. If anyone knows his wife or mother's address, please let me know so that we can send them this memorial quilt for Michael. carolsquilts@earthlink.net"
Carol Smith of Holly Ridge, NC

"Your loved one was remembered on 27 May 2005 in Bicentennial Memorial Chapel General Protestant Worship Service in Fort Gordon, GA. His life and your sacrifice are not forgotten. Thank you. We are praying for you.
Chaplain (Major) Alva Ray Bennett"
Ray Bennett of Fort Gordon, Augusta, GA, USA

"Hey man,
It's Memorial Day Weekend and im checking on all of you guys i know and seeing what people are writing. Just wanted to let you know I still think about you and the others and dont worry, you are far from forgotten. Ill never forget having you on checkpoint with me, it was either a saturday or a sunday morning when it was supposed to be an easy slow morning. Of course you never know with the iraqis what could happen. We had the car that wouldnt stop and kept coming through the checkpoint really slow but wouldnt stop. I was showing you guys how the checkpoint was ran and I remember how I was telling you that this guy will stop after a warning shot, then the second being all relaxed and trying to show you it was no big deal. Except this guy didnt stop and you and I put a couple of rounds into his engine. I remember how we all laughed it off later because of how the guy driving never even flinched or gave any expression. The craziness of Iraq. Everytime I tell people of that story, which is one of my favoriates, it pauses and always makes me think of you because the next day, you fell ill and was medevac'd out....hope your family is doing okay and dont worry, you are not forgotten."
SSG Dagostino of Ft. Knox, KY

"I served in the Army with Tosto back in 98-99 in Buedingen, Germany. We were with 1-1 Cav at the time, and were both in Bandit troop. I remember I was a Scout and he was a Tanker. Tosto stayed in the room right across the hall from me in the barracks. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. He always seemed like a great guy to me. God Bless his family."
Patrick McGuire of Normal, IL

"I think I might have left a message on the wrong site, as I didn't see this site until after I sent a message.
I was in temple today, celebrating the Jewish New year. Our Rabbi had gathered the names of 1,000 Americans who have given their life in this recent war and asked us to each take a name. We have been asked to honor the name we chose in some way that would have been meaningful to that person.The name on the paper I chose was Sergeant Michael L Tosto.
I was hoping someone might be able to give me some guidance as to what Sergeant Tosto would have wanted done in his name. To have a piece of paper with an American soldier's name who has given his life,and then see his picture and read a bit about him has
touched me deeply. I hope there is something I can do. Something that Sergeant Tosto would be proud of, or would have wanted done in his name.
You have my condolences."
Dianne Rothenberg of Avon, Ct

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"Thanks for all the memories in the short time i knew you at BNCOC, I'll never forget that night me, you, Flugga, and Thomas ate for free in E-Town. I wrote your email down when you wrote it on the dry erase board, sorry Never wrote man. We will meet again though."
SGT Tolbert of Houston, TX

"Hi my name is Taylor. Iam in 7th grade. I chose your son because he lived in North Carolina. I learned that your loved one loved his family very much. I also learned he left behind a wife, son mother, father a
and sister. When my loved ones died I was told that they were in a better place. Also God chose them for a reson. Last that they were not in any pain. so my sympathy goes out to your family.
TOSTO



Terrific for serving our country,
Outstanding father and husband,
he was So caring with there daughter Cameron
Tosto was a wonderful husband he was an Outstanding warrior"
7th grade student of Barker Middle School

"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 "

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

"I can't believe your gone Bobby, we have known each other since birth, I feel like part of me is missing, I know you went out doing what you love, I just wish you were still with us. LOVE YOU BOBBY, R.I.P.
"For everything I touch you touch,
For every step I take you take,
For every breath I breathe you breathe,
Every dollar I make you make,
I told you we'd make it to the sunshine one day,
You just got there a little quicker.
-2pac"
Jimmy McDonnell of Spokane

"To the family of my fallen husbands (Spc. Robert T. Benson) Sargent, Micheal L. Tosto:

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I feel your pain, I wish it was all just a dream. Just know they're watching over us, and love us with all their heart! They will never be forgotten, they are heros! ~ Aimee Benson"
Mrs Robert T. Benson of Spokane, WA/USA

"To Sgt. Tosto's Family:
Though we are strangers, we want you to know how sorry we are your Michael was taken from you. There is no doubt his thoughts were of you as he served with the Army in Kuwait. We will never forget. You are in our hearts. (1/27/04)"
Carol & Larry Miller of Tampa, Florida

"Thank you Michael Tosto, 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

"I am so sorry to hear about the loss of one of the nicest, most sincere men I've ever met, SGT Michael Tosto. I went to basic training with him, and of the nearly 100 men I graduated with, he was one of the only ones I knew who never had a bad word to say about anybody and who alwas had a smile on his face. I only knew him for a few months, but I'm so sorry that the world has lost such a great guy, especially his wife and son. God bless, Mike. FIGHTING STEEL"
SGT Richard Marion, NJ Army Nat'l Guard of Lodi, NJ

"I served w/ Michael in 1-1 Cav from 1996-2001. No matter what we did there, whether it be Bosnia, Graf, the field, whatever, he always had that contagious smile. I was shocked to learn of his death and it saddens me deeply. This nation has lost a patriot, and I a friend. My condolences to his wife and child. Blackhawks forever, my friend. Charlie Mike......."
SSG David J. Conklin of C Co 1-17 IN Ft Wainwright AK

"Tosto Family, I am so sorry for the loss of Michael.. I have prayed non-stop for you all in your time of need.. Lots of LOVE to you all!!"
Tina Rhyne of Wilmington, NC

"My brother was friends with Sgt. Tosto, and he wrote to tell me about his friend Michael (Tosto) who he lost at Camp "Love Shack" as it was called. He described him as someone who he had to drag kicking and screaming off the phone when he was talking to his wife and family. He said that Michael really loved his family. Michael is sorely missed by his friends still in Iraq, and in Germany. They held a memorial for him by the Tigris River."
Claudine of Atlanta, Georgia

"My heart breaks for the Tosto family. I am a friend of Michael's sister and I know how much he is loved and that he will be missed dearly. I am sooo sorry for your loss."
Stephanie Haynes of Zebulon, NC

"RIP Brave Warrior. He was one of our local hero's and we thank him for his sacrifice.
God Bless his family and friends
T"
The T's of North Carolina

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael Tosto:
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. Michael Tosto:
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