32, of Elgin, Oregon.
Zyla died in Taji, Iraq, where he was conducting combat operations when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Riley, Kansas. Died on December 13, 2005.
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"I love you dad.shipping out to basic training,this month on the 25th. words can't explain how much I miss you and wish for your teaching and guidance through life. I'll learn,I'll be the man I need to be..I wish you could meet your grandson Dad. I miss you and love you."
Michael J Zyla of Elgin Oregon
"To the family of:Michael S. Zyla
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""
"Semper Fi!
You will be remembered always.
Red 2"
SSG Hower of Mannheim, Germany
"December 10, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Michael S. Zyla:
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
"Dear Zyla Family,
I worked with SSG Zyla briefly during an operation near Yusefiyah. We were doing a cordon and search mission of an extremely hostile village in the heart of Babil province's "Triangle of Death". We were part of the cordon element, while 1-41 infantry were doing the searching. After stringing our concertina wire and placing our warning cones, we had a little time to talk about home and our families.
He made an impression on me that he was a dedicated father and husband, who was doing all he could to make it home to them.
I was so exasperated and saddened by the news of he and his crew's demise. I wrote "F*** Iraq" on the back of my folding camp chair when I heard about what happened to him. I wanted to pull my hair out and just tell the Iraqis to go to hell for being such cowards in taking a mans life like this. It was such a blow to myself and the other members of the 2-70 Armor battalion, especially so close to the end of our tour.
God bless him and his family."
SSG Sean Cornelison of Fort Riley, Kansas
"DEAR JAMES ZYLA'
MY NAME IS PAUL ZYLA. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF YOUR BROTHER. I AM A VIETNAM VET. I WAS A SSGT IN THE AIRFORCE DOING AIRVACUATION OF THE WOUNDED FROM VIETNAM. I AM 59 YEARS OLD. MY FATHER WAS IN THE 3RD ARMY 13TH BLACK CAT TANK DIVISION UNDER GENERAL PATTON AND FOUGHT AT THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE IN WW2. I DONT KNOW IF WE ARE BLOOD RELATED BUT I KNOW WE ARE RELATED AS FAR AS THE LOSES OF WAR. I JUST WANT TO SAY GOD BLESS ALL THE MEN THAT GAVE THE ULTAMATE SACRIFISE FOR FREEDROM. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL YOUR FAMILY. WHEN I CAME BACK FROM VEITNAM I WAS STATIONED AT FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE IN SPOKANE. WORKING ON B52 BOMBERS.
GOD BLESS SSGT PAUL ZYLA"
PAUL ZYLA of JOLIET ILLINOIS
"Thank you all. My little brother will never be forgotten. I miss him so, and he in my heart, will always be a hero.I can't ever thank you all enough, for remembering him."
James Zyla of spokane, WA. / spokane county
"Michael
I so very glad that I got to meet you Mom this past weekend. We both went back to Ft. Riley for the ACES of Death homecoming party. She is a very wonderful women & I know that she will make sure that your beautiful son knows all about the bravery and sacifice his Daddy made for him and his country.
My son, Sgt. Kenneth J. Schall, your friend and fellow soldier died in May and you were so generous in your words of comfort and sharing the stories of the time that you spent with Kenny.
When I heard that you had fallen, it broke my heart all over again. I never got to meet you but through your emails it is like I did.
You, Kenny, Peter & Brian are in God's Army now, he has the BEST of the BEST.
You will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!!!
You are so missed and very much loved.
Please give Kenny a salute for me."
Terri Schall of Prescott Valley AZ
"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.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "
"Thank you Michael Zyla, 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 Zyla:
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 Zyla:
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