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Michael Ottolini Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ottolini
July 5, 2019
You will never be forgotten.
Bless you and your family, always.
Patrick Burke
March 15, 2019
You are missed.
JP Gautreaux
December 19, 2014
To the Ottolini family I wish you all a blessed Holdiday season. Michael was a great leader and thought of Often by those who knew him.
Take care,
JP Gautreaux
Tim Rypka
December 17, 2014
God Bless your service to our country..your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
JP Gautreaux
August 5, 2014
SFC Ottolini was my NCOIC while I was down range with him in OIF II, he was a great man. Caring ,considerate ,compassionate & selfless. He's thought of often & missed by those of us who served with him.
Peggy Childers
November 12, 2011
November 10, 2011
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Michael Ottolini:
Please accept my remembrance of Michael on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
November 10, 2010
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Michael Ottolini:
Remembering Michael on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
October 31, 2010
To the family of SSG Ottolini,
I am Velton Locklear, III's mom. Still sitting here thinking of the time he called me about SSG Ottolini. What a sad time for my son to have lost such a great friend, guide, mentor. And now my Velton is gone too. Two great soldiers that now live in a beautiful home beyond the sun. Two heroes who fought for what they believed in, freedom and peace. Every day I wish that my son had not left us, but it is because of these brave, courageous men and women that we live in a great country. It has been six years for you and four years for us, but I know that you feel the way we feel, seems like yesterday everyday.
I am thinking of you and pray that we all find peace in our hearts. And I am thankful my son met a great worrior along his path.
Velton's mother, Carmen
Patrick Burke
July 14, 2010
It's been nearly six years. We miss you & think about you.
June 26, 2010
I remember so well the night our son called us from Iraq, Sgt Velton Locklear III. He was crying and his words to me were, "mom, I know I should not be crying like this because I am now a man and here in a far away country at war, but our Platoon Sergeant just got killed". "He was a great man, why do good people have to die?" As I comforted my son, my heart ached for him and for the loss of his Sergeant. How I felt his deep sorrow in his words. How he was going to miss this man that was his strength and his guide in this awful war. How he was going to live with that memory of death so close to him. How I wish I was there to hold him and guard him from all danger and pain he was in. As he went on talking, he had nothing but words of praise for this great warrior, and as he spoke with tears in his eyes, he asked me "why mom, why do good people like him die, why does God not allow someone that is so strong and brave to live especially here in this war where we all followed him". And, again as I comforted him, I could feel the teardrops fall from his eyes, he said, "mom, I shouldn't cry but I hurt for this great man that led us in the the field of this war, who took care of us. I wish I knew why this happened to him." My heart was torn apart because my son had seen a terrible time in his life. We talked and prayed. Time went on, and my Velton came home. He had a bracelet with his Platoon Sergeant's name on and told us of such a great man and friend. Today my son is gone, he got killed in Iraq on his second tour, September 23, 2006. He is now in a beautiful home far beyond the sun, and so is this friend, this mentor, this brave man, SSG Ottolini, who my son admired and respected. Two brave men who gave their lives for this country, for our freedom. How it broke my heart, that night when he called us, and now my heart is torn to pieces because he, too,is gone from us. God gave these heroes a beautiful home where they stand guard to help all those who come up to the heaven. I know SSG Ottolini is missed so much by his family. God bless you all.
Velton's mother, Carmen
Kenna Larra
August 20, 2009
”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 you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,750 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!
Contact us directly at [email protected] 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
Julie Locklear Angulo
August 19, 2009
I did not know SSG Ottolini but I am told that he was my brother, SGT Velton Locklear's Platoon Sergeant. I know that Velton was deeply hurt by SSG Ottolini's death and I remember him wearing a bracelet with his name on it.
We were told that Ottolini was a great man and leader and my brother was proud to serve with him.
To the entire family, I am so sorry for your loss and even though time has gone by, I understand that the pain is still there. I hope that you have found peace knowing that he is a hero to many and will never be forgotten.
A little less than two years after SSG Ottolini was killed, my brother was killed in Iraq too. They were once brothers here are on earth and in war, and now they are brothers in Heaven and in peace.
Proud Sister of SGT Velton Locklear, killed in Iraq, 9/23/06
Patrick Burke
July 29, 2009
It has been nearly another year since I last visited this site. Sadly, Memorial Day always has a profound impact on me, and this year my family and I thought of you. For the first time I told my young boys that I had lost a friend "in the war." You are missed.
In Memory of Michael ~ (Debra Estep)
November 14, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Michael, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Peggy Childers
November 9, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Michael 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
Kathleen Rihely
August 12, 2008
Mikey, you and the Heavy Junk guys are always in my thoughts. The great days with George, Paul and Bill; the forest fires, the floods. God Bless You, Mikey, we all miss you. Raise a glass to Mikey Ottolini.
Patrick Burke
August 11, 2008
It's some time since I last came here, but I often think about you and about all of us who served in the old 579th. Things have changed so very much. I spoke w/ SSG Crego the other day. He's retired now. Bruce Berg is out. Sam Wallis is in charge of some unit in southern California. As I look back over that time with the 579th, starting with the late eighties, I realize that it was a special decade we won't have again for a very long time. So much has changed. But you are here, with my memories, always in BDUs (of course).
April 20, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Ottolini!
August 13, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 13, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Ottolini and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Patrick Burke
June 19, 2007
What a loss. Such a fine man who always put the needs of others before his own. I thank God I was lucky enough to get to know and work with him and now treasure my memories of serving with him during the early 1990s. He was a fine man and an outstanding NCO who I was fortunate enough to share some good moments with. I didn't learn about what happened until I returned from Afghanistan and for that I am truly sorry. Serving with him was and remains an honor. I will miss him.
Ruben Flores
May 28, 2007
Mike was my friend, & will never forget him, I was at the same base were Mike was station. I just saw Mike afew weeks before we lost him. He was very much, loved & respected as a freind & soldier, & as a true brother.
Michael A. Battiste
May 25, 2007
I served with Mike from '88 - '90. While everyone in our section treated me as "a member of the family", Mike was the first to make me feel truly welcome. He was kind and gentle, and always there to lend a hand... Mike was ALWAYS there for you, no matter what.
When my children are old enough to understand, its Mike's story that I will tell; not my own.
Garnet Jenkins
November 9, 2006
Paying tribute to Staff Sgt. Michael Ottolini, on this 2nd anniversary of the day he gave his life for our Country and for Freedom.
Rest Well Michael in the Hands of God.
You Will Never Be Forgotten.
You have Paid the Ultimate Price for So Many.
As with my brother, whom we lost in Vietnam, you will always be loved and missed by everyone whose life you touched.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
May the memories of your loved one live in your heart always.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Marion Mayo
July 5, 2006
Sharon, Stephanie, Darrell, and Family -
Growing up in Guerneville down from the firehouse and being with Mike when we were younger, I realized then that Mike was one of a kind. I remember Stephanie barely being two and Darrell crawling everywhere, and Mike working hard and standing up for what he believed. I knew he loved you all so much, and he was proud of you. He had a big heart and always looked out for others. I am glad he was a part of my life, and I take comfort in knowing I will see him again some day. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I think of you often.
Love,
Marion
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
April 15, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Ottolini family in the loss of Michael. I did not know Michael, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Michael it has been 17 months since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Mark Hicks
January 30, 2006
I am honored to have known this great man. No matter how many times were neglected or ignored by our leadership there was always one man who would step up to the plate for us, and that was otto.
He was a kind and calm man who desrved more.
I will miss giving you a hard time and sipping on your foofy coffee.
Thank you.
Kathie Guthrie
November 11, 2005
God bless you Mike and thank you for supporting our country and for protecting our people. May the Angels above give you large wings so you can continue your journey of protecting us all.
Love to your family and friends.
Chris Chilles
November 8, 2005
I met SFC Ottolini when we all deployed to Iraq and immediatly gained great admriation for the man. I talked with him on many occasions concerning many things by mainly about how to handle some of the streses that come from being in a combat zone. I will never forget they way he lived or how he died.
spc jasonne york
May 2, 2005
Michael Ottolini was my platoon leader and much more a father figer in my life. he was a great man and soldier. i just want to thank him for all i have learned from him about life and being a great soldier. i will never forget you. A&O PLT out
Teresa Messuri
April 17, 2005
I want to thank all the people who were there to support my family and my brother during his life. He was a very brave and courageous man that will never be forgotten. Each day I think of what a wonderful man he was and even though he is not with us now I know that someday I will be with him again. Michael Ottolini will be a person who in our hearts will never be forgotten.
and to my sister-in law and her children you are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all very much
SGT Kent Campbell
March 26, 2005
I have never met SFC Ottolini, but while at Ft. Lewis preparing to deploy to Egypt with B Co. 579 En Bn, I attended his memorial services. His story left a huge impression on me. Even though I have never met him, he is an influence on my life and the way that I treat the troops that are under me. He seemed like an amazing man and I have heard nothing but great things about him from the soldiers who have served with him.
Danielle Bowerman
November 23, 2004
Stephanie, Sharon, and Darrell:
My husband and father-n-law hauled hay together with Mike and we would like to send our condolences to you and your family. Two years ago, my father was killed on Mt.Hood, OR. I feel for you and your family. Stephanie, please email me.
The Bowerman and Luellen Family
Danielle Evenson
November 22, 2004
Sharon, Stephanie, Darrell and Family,
My heart and my prayers go out to you. I went to school with both Darrell and Stephanie and I always remember your dads smiling face. He was such a great man, and such a terrible loss. My prayers are with you and your family. I cried in shock as soon as I heard of your father's passing, and cried again when I saw the article in the paper. I remember how very proud you all were of him, and while he will be greatly missed, he will always be alive in your hearts. God Bless.
Robin Trimmer
November 19, 2004
Dear Ottolini Family;
I was so very sad to see the article in the paper last Friday morning about Mike. He was a great man, husband, father, friend and soldier of the 579th. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Be very proud of him. I will miss him dearly. Love to you all...
Teresa Messuri
November 19, 2004
Michael was my brother and I was very fond of him. He was a very brave and courageous man who lived his life to the upmost. As much as I hate to see my brother gone, I am very proud of the accomplishments he made in his life and I know that one day I will see him again.
Michael was a very dear person who would go out of his way to help his friends family and those in the community including strangers.
Michael laid his life down for what he believed in and for that I am very proud of him and I wish Sharon, Stephanie, Darrell and the rest of my family the best in this difficult time.
I love all of you very much
I also want to thank all of you who have been a tremendous help to the Ottolini family during this difficult time.
Michael will be truly missed by his family and friends.
:)
william murphy
November 19, 2004
To the family of Michael C. Ottolini,
Please accept my condolensces on the loss of Michael. I served with him in the 579th and it was always a blessing to work alongside a man who shared so much with so many. I will miss him, but I will remember him wih honor.
Steve Morgan
November 19, 2004
I was Mike's platoon leader just after I got my commission. There was nothing he would not do for the guys and that he made a lasting impression on me. I will miss him MAJ Steve Morgan.
Courtney Ratto
November 18, 2004
Sharon, Stephanie, Darrell and Family:
My heart goes out to you. I never saw Mike without a smile on his face. Mike was caring, giving, loving and completely unselfish. It is a true honor to know such a rare person like Mike. May happy memories, your love for Mike, his love for you and the love of your families bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Love to you all~
Courtney
Jackie crawford
November 18, 2004
I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was obviously dedicated to his country and his family, as proven by his 27 years of service to the armed forces. I only know his brother Joe, but am positive that Mike was as beautiful a person as his brother and many siblings. His parents must be proud.
Jackie Crawford and family
Jordann Cain
November 18, 2004
Sharon, Stephanie & Darrell,
I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss. It brought a tear to my eye when I heard of Mike's passing. When I first met him I knew that he was a very loving and caring person. The last time I saw him he was telling me that his wife had quit smoking. He was so proud of you, Sharon. I knew that he was not only proud of his wife but his entire family.
gary kirby
November 18, 2004
will i join the gaurd in 1983, i got to know mickie real good he taught me how to drive and haul heavy equipment. it did matter to mickie if you mess up he would help you until you got it right.we both drove trucks for a living and evertime we seen each other on the road we would blow are air horns so we could say hi that way. when i was in the guard, mickie and a other guardman give me a nickname and mackie called me it every time he saw me and that was cabbagepatch.i will miss you mickie
Dean McMillen
November 18, 2004
I am truly sorry to hear about Mike. I was crushed when my wife told me what happened. He was my platoon sergeant when I served w/ A Co. 579th (Petaluma). He was one of the most caring, genuine and nicest guys I've ever met and probably will ever meet. I consider it an honor to have known him. My sincere condolences to the family.
Greg (Sgt) Farrell
November 18, 2004
Mike inspired each and every one of us who knew him and served with him in the Guard. He was one of the Army's finest. God Bless you and your family, Mike.
Kathleen Rihely
November 18, 2004
I served w/Mike in the Guard for over 15 years. No one was better liked than Mike. One of the nicest men I have ever met or worked with. A true family man and a real asset to the Guard.
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