Remembering Our Veterans / Papa &. Debbie As Veterans' Day approaches, we are thinking of you Michael and all the brave soldiers serving now and before you -- those who lost their lives, those who came home and and still remember and those to come who will willingly step into battle to preserve our freedoms. Those heroes who risk their lives to save a friend, to save a nation. Veterans' Day is a day to honor all veterans, our nation's true HEROES.
Heroes
In war, there are lives risked and lives taken
Men and women giving their best to defend what they love
They defend their country
Their honor
Their people
Some call them soldiers
Others call them heroes
Our veterans have risked their lives for us
They have lived through hell and fought with honor
Many have killed
And regret doing so
For every life, there is a soul
For every soul, there is a life
For those who have died, we show great appreciation and remembrance
For those who live, along with them live the horrific memories of battle
Some, memories of defeat
Some, memories of victory
Our veterans were more than soldiers
They were, and still are heroes
It just hit me / JaniceLiana Waddell (Friend)
Hi Sunshine,
All week long, I knew today was coming...I knew the 25th was just around the corner. I woke up this morning angry at the world, had no idea why.....Just a few mins ago, I was reading an old email Shon sent me when he was in Afganistan....He was replying to the email about your death...Then it hit me like a ton of bricks....Today was July 25th!!! Out of nowhere my eyes welled up with tears and I had to just walk away from my desk and cry for a min.....It's easier when you can prepare yourself.....You are still very missed and loved.....Your smile can still light up a room by just looking at your pictures. I thank God, He brought you and Danielle into my life. Italy would have never been the same without you both....Our lives just aren't the same without you in it. But I am so grateful so have had the time we did....Missing you always.....XOXOXOXO
Love & Miss you / Mom &. Dad (parents) hey mike, remembering 3 years ago was the worst day of our lives. it's so hard to go on without you here, there is no such thing as time healing the pain it will never go away. we miss your smile, your love & your laughter along with your huge bear hugs the ones where you would squeeze so tight to try to show how strong you were!! we are so glad to have all of the great memories we have as a family, we are so proud of the man you became and the way you lived your life to the fullest. we miss and love you so very much and you will be in our hearts to the day we meet again. You and your fallen brothers will never be forgotten. all our love xoxoxoxox
Hi, Mike. It's 3 years on Friday, but I don't think I'll have it together enough to leave this for you then. The memories I have of that horrible day are as fresh as if it happened yesterday. I was looking through my photo albums recently and came upon the pictures I took the last time you were up for Christmas (1998). I smiled remembering how hard you made me work to get a picture of you. You kept turning your back to me. Finally you smiled for one, then I snuck another one with Caleb's help. I also remember one summer we were in Grandma and Grandpa's pool. You kept dunking me under the water, and as soon as I'd come up to breathe, you'd dunk me under again. I was so mad at you at that moment! You were always so ornery, weren't you? But boy did you know how to liven a day! Regardless of how you tormented us (we paid it back to you, too), we always loved having you around! Not only is family just not the same since you've been gone, but the world isn't the same. It's one less great guy balancing out the bad. I'm proud to call you my cousin! Please keep watch over all our other soldiers serving our country and keep them safe! Another family should be spared the pain of being notified a loved one has been lost.
Keyra says: I'm sorry that you're gone and I didn't get a lot of time to spend with you. Love, Keyra.
We all love and miss you SO much!
Love always,
Chelle and Keyra
Sorry for being away, / James "Chip" Browning (Good Friend ) I've been away since I found out what happened to Mike. I moved here in the middle of the fifth grade when I first met him. Walked to the bus stop and we both recognized each other from Little League. I believe Mike played for the Mets and I was on the Pirates. That was a long time ago. I was just ten that day when I first met Mike Schafer. Now I'm getting ready to turn 28.
First time I ever went over and played basketball at his house was the day after the Bulls won their first championship. Mike and I were both Jordan fans and I knew we would grow to be good friends. Time passed by and after many games of Basketball at each others house, or playing Baseball out in the Street. Next thing I know Mike has a car and is driving me to High School.
We never really shared a class together, I did record his games for Coach O'Connell in tenth grade, but never played a game for the school myself. I'm glad to know I got to see and record memories of Mike. Doing some thing he loved to do.... Play Ball. After we both Graduated in 1998 we went our separate ways. I didn't see Mike again for a few years.
The last time I saw Mike was with his family, with the people he loves. I don't know if it was fate or just coincidence, but I happened to be waiting on them in Outback. Don't know how good a job I did, I just remember seeing a lot of people I hadn't seen in a while. The funny thing is that we live so close still. It was good to see everyone again and meet Mikes wife for the first time. I would have never thought that would be the last Time I saw my friend.
I've always felt bad that I wasn't here when it happened. I just want to say sorry for not being there Mike. I was helping my sister while she was in Kuwait. I was watching over her kids at Ft. Jackson. Her husband is a Drill Sgt. for the Army. With her over there and my Brother in Iraq, the bad news of Mike hit me hard. I felt like I had lost a brother.
A brother who was there for me growing up. A brother I caught the bus with. A brother to challenge in sports. We picked on each other, we had our fights, but most of all we had each others back. I'll always miss you brother, please watch over the rest of our brothers like you would if you were still here. I love ya bro and will always miss you!
My best to Tim, Dan, Karen, Devin and Danielle. Sorry It Took Me So Long.......
James "Chip" Browning
FEELINGS OF GRATITUDE / Papa &. Debbie
While visiting with friends in Orlando this week, we came out to find a piece of paper stuck in our truck mirror. The paper read, "Saw your sign on your truck and said a prayer for you. Our family is grateful for Michael's service! All the best to you. We can never understand what you've been through, but we can at least offer our prayers and gratitude! Signed -- Paul, Julie & Joshua from Chicago, IL."
Sometimes the smallest gesture can make a world of difference....know that your sacrifice was not in vain Michael....we love and miss you.
A Real American Hero / Al Riera (Another American Brother in Arms )
I ran across Micheal`s memorial website and was obligated as a patriotic american citizen to pay tribute to one of many true american heroes. I currently serve in the active U.S. Army and have been for 21 years now. As a combat veteran I understand the pain of such selfless sacrifice that our heroes give to keep our beloved country and american way of life alive. I pray that our country will never forget, that freedom isn`t free. It is being paid for with blood, sweat and tears! I pray that the memory of Michael and the rest of our fallen heroes will live on forever! Thank you for the life you gave us so that our future generations can enjoy the blessing that we have! We are forever grateful!!!!!
LTC Riera, U.S. ARMY
MERRY CHRISTMAS MICHAEL / PAPA &. DEBBIE
Thinking of you this Christmas Day and remembering your sacrifice. Love you Mike!
Merry Christmas! / Me Another year, another Christmas without you. I have sat and thought about the 5 wonderful Christmas's we got to spend with each other. Even when we didn't have the money to spend lots we still had a great time just me and you. You were all I needed to be happy. I am so thankful to have had all the time I had with you even though it still doesn't seem to be enough, but what is enough? Devin is at such a great age for Christmas, I wish you were here so I could see you two together. I know that you are watching over us and especially him. I feel so blessed to have had you in my life everyday. Thank you for letting us know you're always here with us. You are always on our minds and in our conversations. We are always thinking of you and wishing you were here with us! Enjoy your Christmas with Jesus! I love you...Always&Forever!!!!
Another Christmas Without You / Papa &. Debbie
Thinking of you on this Christmas Eve and wishing you were here. Your memory is always with us, your presence always felt. Merry Christmas Michael and God bless you.
Hi, Michael. I want you to know I didn't forget you on Thanksgiving. Just didn't have the chance to leave you a Thanksgiving message. But I was thinking about you. It's still hard not to think about you, even after this time has passed by. Of course we're also thinking about Grandpa. And we know that he's definitely in Heaven (as in happy, not just as in the place our spirits fly to) to be up there with you. Of course, times would be so much more enjoyable to have you both here. I want you to know you're sorely missed. Time passes, wounds heal. But that doesn't mean wounds don't still have the capacity to hurt. And that doesn't mean that as time passes, we forget your sacrifice. Well, Mike, keep watch over us all. Be our guiding light for God.
We love and miss you so much! Chelle and Keyra
Veteran's Day / Me Today, honey, you and the men you served with are embraced by the nation not just your families. Devin's class and the rest of the kindergarten classes created a "Wall of Fame" for Veteran's Day. There is a star with your name and a picture and one for Fletcher. I spoke to his teacher and she said that he told the story of his Dad the soldier so beautifully and heartfelt and that of his friend. Even though he is only 5 I can see how proud he is of you. There are days that he says he misses you and I know he's wishing you were here so he had his Dad like everyone else. I looked at some pictures that Jen and John have that I haven't seen in awhile and it's still so surreal. I still feel sometimes like you really aren't gone. I miss you so much and am always thinking of you. Your legacy will live on forever and ever! I love you...Always&Forever!!!!!
Never Forgotten! / Misty (Sister of Cpl. Rusty Washam KIA 2/14/06 )
Thinking of you and your family on Veteran's Day!
Michael I Wish I'd Met Ye' / Randall Norris (None) I found Michael's tribute on-line and I was moved to write this tribute. My computer crashed and it disappeared forever, only to be ressurected in an email from a woman I had never met. I knew then it needed to find a proper home. I think this should be its final home.
For His Family and Friends:
I never had the opportunity to meet Michael Schafer. But because of the way he lived his life, the absolute joy he seemed to bring to friends and family, his selfless act even at the moment of his death, and because he did more in his twenty six years than most men do in a lifetime, I can only say that I wish I had met him, and I can't say that about many men. I salute you Michael, not for the way you died, but because of the way you lived. > > Dr. Randall Norris, Ph.D. > Professor > English & American Culture Studies > Sauk Valley Community College > Dixon, IL 61021
you/ Scott Potter (brothers in arms ) Well bro. Here i sit in my office thinking about the old days and when we used to cause some trouble. Mike i know we did not grow up as home town buddies or even friends from school but we grew as men in our short time of two very long and very demanding years. We jumped from perfectly good airplanes together,we became an awesome gun team, bat champs baby, we climbed mountains,and endured the same fears. but bro I never for one moment wanted to endure a life without my good friend. even though we left to persue other lives and opportunities we always kept in touch as much as we could.
Bro I miss you very much and you will always hold a place in my heart and soul.......BROTHERS.........POR VIDA
LOVE YOU SCOTT
R.I.P
Kosovo mourns / Fatos Rexhaj (none) ...we are very sorry to hear what happened to your son. if this means anything we just want you to know that Kosovo mourns with you over your loss. we are very sad to hear that such brave men that brought peace to our country are no longer with us. michael may god be with you wherever you are.
Kindred Spirit / Lavette Curry (stranger)
This is strange reading this page my brother was 1st Sgt Michael S. Curry and he too was one of the first paratroopers to invade Iraq back in 03, he too was with 173rd Airborne Brigade 503 Infantry out of Vincenza, Italy. Michael was on his final tour before he was to retire, sadly he was killed in Afghanistan on 7/23/07. A soldier isn't gone until he is Forgotten. We will never forget them. God Bless You Close
thank you / Rena Gonzales (none)
HI I AM IN MONROE AND WANT TO SAY THANK YOU VERY MUCH. MY LIL COUSIN IS UP IN HEAVEN WITH YOU SO CAN YOU WATCH OVER HIM. b HE WAS KILLED IN A CAR WRECK 4-13-2005. WE MISS HIM. BUT AGAIN THANK U AND MAY U NEVER BE FORGOTTEN Close
I am a current serving soldier in the British Army and stumbled on this web site by accident.
I read the tribute to this soldier and thought I would leave this message to state that I have worked with the US Forces on several occasions, and they are a professional unit and have brave men and woman such as Michael assisting us in our battle against enemy forces.
sorry for your loss / Linda Hall (no relation )Read >>
sorry for your loss / Linda Hall (no relation )
Whlle reading your memorial to Michael i felt i had to write and pass on my condolences. His memories will live on in you all forever and they help you get through each day. He sounded like a wonderful young man. All of you take care. Close
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