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Sgt. Michael E. Tayaotao
Sgt. Michael E. Tayaotao
Obituary
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Michael E. Tayaotao Obituary
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John Tanacio
May 25, 2025
This Memorial weekend, your niece said "we´re playing for Uncle Mike this weekend" here at the San Clemente Girls Softball Memorial Day Tournament. I´m reminded of you everyday, especially this weekend with Area 62 and 1st Sergeants Hill in the background.
Ryan Murphree
February 5, 2025
Years go by and you loose touch with guys you spend 13 crazy weeks with. I just found out about your passing. You were one of the funnest guys I was around back then. Your pic has been hanging in my office for the 20 plus years. With tears in my eyes Semper Fi Warrior!
Mario Bansen
May 27, 2024
Michael you let us too soon but not forgotten. Thank you for sacrificing your life for our freedom. Rest in Peace Anak.
Mike
May 27, 2024
Posted a flag on your grave today. Said your name and gave you a proper salute. Rest easy Marine.
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Lenny
November 9, 2023
Happy 44th Birthday Old Buddy. Still remembering all the good times we had. Rest easy and thanks.
Lenny
John Tanacio
November 11, 2020
Bro, happy birthday and Veterans days. Thinking of you and Vince always.
Love,
John
Bird
May 21, 2020
Thinking of you brother, rest easy. You are NOT forgotten.
Chris Spence
November 10, 2019
Happy Birthday my beloved friend and brother. i miss you... every day.
Kim Moya
November 11, 2018
Happy Veteran's Day to Michael and his family. Thank you for giving your life to protect us.
Rhett Smith
November 10, 2018
Happy Birthday Brother. We Miss You.
Spence
November 10, 2017
Happy birthday double-time, old friend.
To renewing my promise and keeping it strong, I'll not let you down.
Chris
Rhett
November 9, 2017
Happy Birthday homie! Cheers to you!
John Tanacio
November 11, 2016
Happy birthday Marine! Happy birthday Marines! And Happy Veterans Day!
Rhett
November 9, 2016
Happy birthday brother! You are well missed!
Always faithful... You were, every day.
Christopher Spence
May 30, 2016
Thank you, brother. I love you.
Kim Moya
November 10, 2015
Thinking of you and your family on this Veteran's Day.
Kim and Family
Sunnyvale
John Tanacio
November 9, 2015
Happy birthday bro. Love and miss you
Rhett Smith
November 9, 2015
Happy Birthday buddy. We miss you. Rest easy.
John Tanacio
November 11, 2014
Happy belated bday and happy Vererans day!
Love
Rhett Smith
November 9, 2014
Happy Birthday brother.
Rhett Smith
November 11, 2013
Im a couple days late brother, been traveling but remembering. Happy Birthday!
November 11, 2012
Happy Birthday, Mike
Stuart Clark
November 9, 2012
Happy Birthday Marine. 237 years tomorrow.
Rhett Smith
November 9, 2012
Happy Birthday my brother. Rest easy. I will never forget.
Peggy Childers
August 8, 2012
To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael E. Tayaotao:
Always remembering Michael. "Some gave all."
Chris Spence
May 29, 2012
You're always in my thoughts, brother.
Jon Satriano
May 28, 2012
Gone but never forgotten. RIP Sgt.
John Tanacio
November 9, 2011
Happy birthday bro! May you be at peace with Vince and Lola at your side.
Debbi Dresser
November 9, 2011
Happy Heavenly Birthday Sergeant Michael E. Tayaotao on this 32nd Anniverary of your birth. God Bless You & your Family. You will NEVER be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
August 9, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael E. Tayaotao:
Please accept my remembrance of Michael on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Kim Moya
August 6, 2011
To the family of Sgt. Michael D. Tayaotao:
After the news of the recent fatalities in Iraq, I decided to do some research on local heroes and came across Michael's memorial. Our hearts to out to you and I know that you will always keep memories of Michael close to your heart. Please know that we will pray for your family and for Michael as he watches down from us in heaven. He was very brave and you must have been so proud of him for his service to our country.
August 29, 2010
To the Tayaotao family:
May the comfort from family and friends continue to strengthen you, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
Rick Lopez
August 20, 2010
To Michael 'Toyota' Tayaotao and His Family;
I didn't realize he had passed as we used to serve together at MHM-361 'The Flying Tigers' in MCAS Miramar. He was a good man. I remember him from one of our many deployments to Okinawa. I didn't realize he had moved over to EOD, this is a special calling to certain Marines. May he rest in peace...
Rick Lopez
SSgt USMC(ret)
Peggy Childers
August 9, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael E. Tayaotao:
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
Chris Spence
April 14, 2010
I miss you brother.
John Tanacio
November 9, 2009
Happy birthday brother! We love and miss you.
Peggy Childers
August 9, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Michael E. Tayaotao:
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
Dave
August 3, 2009
Mike,
Thank you for all the laughs, good times, and for being such an awesome friend. We'll catch up soon bro. Take care of Alex for me.
Gina Zanussi
May 25, 2009
God bless you and your family this Memorial Day and thank you sincerly for your service and sacrifice. You aren't forgotten.
Javier Ramos
February 9, 2009
we miss you bro....
Kenna Larra
December 17, 2008
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! 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,
Kenna
In Memory of Michael Estigo Tayaotao ~ (Debra Estep)
August 9, 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. 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
July 18, 2008
Remembering you and miss your presence.
rest in peace......
July 2, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Tayaotao!
James Williams (HM2), HMH-462 99-03
January 27, 2008
I remember staying up late at nite in Kuwait talking about politics and the world with "Toyota". He was truly a one of a kind Marine, I was shocked to hear of his passing. May our lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Ruth Pugh
November 6, 2007
To the family of Marine Sgt. Michael E. Tayaotao: Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I didn't know your son but I appreciate his sacrifice. May God grant you grace. My name is Ruth and I am doing a "memory book for your family. I would like to have someone in your family contact me to tell me where to send this book when I am finished. Anyone that knew Mike could send me something to put in his book if they would like to. My email is [email protected] I am a member of MFO_IN_ACTION, The Hugs Project and MMOL.
CPT Monique Chetcuti (Robertson), US Army
October 7, 2007
Mike was my high school classmate and later served with my brother at Miramar. We will never forget his smile or his fun-loving attitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tayaotao Family!
Peggie Writtenhouse
October 4, 2007
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to the family of Michael Tayaotao. Thanks for your Soldier's Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and Freedom.
The price he and his family have paid, will never be forgotten.
In the days to come if you find yourself feeling like you can‘t go on , recall the years and days you were blessed by his presence, this is the one thing that cannot be taken away from you are your memories, may you find comfort there and may God’s Peace strengthen you through the difficult days ahead and the emptiness in your hearts!
I am the Sister of a hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in 2005 in Taji, Iraq and time does make it hurt less.
In His Memory,
Master Sgt James F. Hayes
1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division Fort Campbell KY
Nick Cooper
September 29, 2007
Toyota, He was a good man, and an even better Marine. I knew served with him when he was with HMH-361. We have lost you from this earth but you will never be forgotten. may you guard the streets of heaven as you have protected your country and your brother Marines.
Semper Fi!
Scott Fees
September 21, 2007
I want to express my sincere appreciation to SGT Tayaotao and all our men and women in uniform serving to protect our great nation, especially those members of SGT Tayaotao's unit who were with him during his passing. I also wish to convey my condolences to SGT Tayaotao's family and express heartfelt sadness for you during your time of grief. Although I did not know him, I know many like him - men and women who have dedicated their lives in an honorable calling and a commitment to our nation. Your loss is not forgotten and you will remain in our prayers. God bless you all.
SSgt Logan Ballew
August 30, 2007
I had the pleasure of serving with Mike in Iraq in 2006. No matter how crappy the mission was or how little sleep he got, he was allways ready to go out and do his job. I will never forget Mike in that he knew everything there was to know about a piece of ordanace and was allways having a good time in a crappy situtiation. Mike this "Hi-Yut" is for you.
Barbara B
August 28, 2007
You are a hero and I hope the lord welcome you with open arms
ernest garcia
August 28, 2007
Mike was an awesome individual who took pride in his craft. I only knew him 2 years and I greatly miss him. To the Tayaotao family, be proud of your son for he fought and died for what he beleived in and not many can do such a thing. We love you Mike. The Garcia Family.
debbi rivers
August 27, 2007
To the parents of Michael, I would like to extend my heart felt sorrow as I know what you are going through and what you will yet go through in the coming weeks. I too am the mother of another fallen soldier and with God's continued support in my life I try to reach out to other who might need the support of someone who has been where you are. I want to offer you the support you may need to contact me anytime so that you may vent, talk or just seek comfort I am here for you. As a Gold Star Mother I've reached out through God's blessings to many across the country and we have a good support group. May God continue to give you and your family the love, comfort and healing that you need. In memory of my son SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III KIA Samarra, Iraq November 12, 2006
August 24, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Tayaotao and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Lenny Winterly
August 23, 2007
First of all Mike was and still is one of the best people I ever had the privilage to get to know. From the day I met him in football we became friends I still remember having our first cigar and you never stopped. Whether it was boxing at our buddy Chris' garage to hanging out in you garage watching "Full Metal Jacket " and listening to you recite the lines and then going out and shouting "GET SOME" while we shot our guns. He was a fearless and loyal friend that impacted my life and many others that were in our group back then. Even his brother Vince" God Bless Him. RIP" looked up to Mike and I considered them both to be apart of my family and want to wish Leah the best and to let his Mom Heidi and Mario know to stand tall and be proud that you raised such an amazing person. Thank you Mike for impacting so many lives in such a short time and all you did for this country I will never let you be forgotten and will always be remebering all we did. I'm sorry I lost touch for so long and am glad we had the chance to at least e-mail each other these past few months. Take care Mike Tayaotao!!!!
Ronn Massie
August 22, 2007
God bless the family and friends of Michael.
You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Michael for being such a brave hero.
(In remembrance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)
Tom Gugliuzza
August 22, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Tayaotao 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. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Michael you are my 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~
Gabriel Chavez
August 21, 2007
It is an honor to have known "Toyota" as a great person, Marine, and a friend. I served with him in HMH-361. He always made me laugh and I found him a little crazy at times. Hearing the news was shocking and bought back memories of us hanging out in San Diego and on deployments. He will not be forgotten and I respect his courage and loyalty. I am proud to say that he left this world honorably and lived making a difference for the better. Rest in peace brother.
Robert Springer
August 21, 2007
Semper FI brother and Godspeed.
Jeanne Pospisil
August 20, 2007
To Michael's Mom and Dad
Thank you for raising a son who would put his life on the line to save his brothers and civilians. Not many parents can say they raised a real hero.EOD Techs have one of the most dangerous jobs and it takes a special person to even attempt this type of work. Michael's life was on the line every minute he was there, and he knew exactly what he was doing and why he was doing it. What an honor for anyone who knew him. He will never be forgotten-his name will be forever on the EOD Memorial in Florida along with all his bomb blasting brothers. Michael's brothers including my son were waiting for him and he is in the arms of God and nothing will hurt him again. Rest in Peace Marine-your work on earth is done.
Jeanne Pospisil-Proud Mom of SSGT Kenneth "Blake" Pospisil USMC- EOD-KIA 121405
MSgt Ken Jourdan
August 20, 2007
I served with Micheal when he was with HMH-361. I am sorry to hear of your loss. He will be missed.
Drew Wahlroos
August 20, 2007
God bless Mike and his family. He truly was a courageous man. My prayers will be with you all.
Mimi Martin
August 20, 2007
I want to express my deepest condolences. I just found out about your loss and I am so sad for you - exactly two months ago today my husband Sgt. Shawn P. Martin, who was an EOD tech that served with Tayaotao at Camp Pendleton, was killed in Iraq. I truly do know what you're going through at this terrible time. If you would like to talk, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Kirin Amiling-Macapugay
August 19, 2007
I knew the Tayaotaos growing up. We'd sit in my uncle's backyard and talk about what we wanted to do when we'd grow up. They were great kids, and I was happy to hear how they were turning out as men. I only wish I had had the chance to touch base with the brothers recently. All my love and thoughts go out to Uncle, Auntie, and Leah.
Rick Kozlik
August 19, 2007
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. He will be missed by a lot of friends from around the world.
Andrew Lane
August 19, 2007
God please give strength to all who were lucky enough to have met Michael and especially his family.
Chris Maddox
August 19, 2007
It is truly a tragedy when anyone is taken from us especially when they are American soldiers doing their part in a foreign land and even hits closer when they are someone you worked with. I've talked with a few friends and we all agreed that Mike was truly special. I still have pictures of us on our first trip to Iraq. I flew quite a few times and Crew Chiefs always have a select few others they enjoy flying with and Mike was one of those special few to me. I always knew it would be an enjoyable flight with him. I am truly sorry for the loss of "Toyota" as we liked to call him. I will always remember my Marine Corps brothers..Semper Fidelis and God Bless to us all.
Kuwait 2003
Kenny Christofferson
August 19, 2007
I'm gonna miss you man. It was an honor to work alongside you at Miramar in 462 and while being deployed to Kuwait. Never a dull moment flying with you. I remember when you decided to lat move to EOD, I thought you were crazy but glad you were doing something you liked. I can't believe how many lives this thing is claiming and never would have thought you would be one of them. Hope you're in a great place. RIP brother.
Michael Murray
August 19, 2007
Mike was very close to me. As we spent time together as roommates in Okinawa I learned what a great friend he was. Mike has changed my life forever and I will miss him very much. My prayers are with you all.
Morton & Carol Zabala
August 19, 2007
To the Family of Sgt. Michael Tayaotao: We are sorry to read of the death of Michael. Please accept our deepest sympathies. We pray that God will bless you in this time of grieving. We are sure that you must be very proud of Michael and his service to his country. He made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life for his country. We feel a certain connection to you because we are also Filipinos and our oldest son, Anthony, is a corporal in the USMC. He is currently in Iraq on his second tour of duty there and is also a demolition expert and is attached to the 1st Combat Engr Battallion at Camp Pendleton.
Once again, please accept our deepest sympathies and prayers from our family to yours.
sheila
August 19, 2007
I read about Michael on anysoldier. One of his battle buddies mentioned the tragedy and how deeply it hit them all. He certainly sounds like he was such an endearing guy.I am sorry to have missed the chance to know him. I am one more American who will remember him without having known him. I pray he rests in peace and I pray his loved ones can gathter the strength to get through this. My deepest sympathy.
michael spencer
August 19, 2007
I had the honor of serving with Michael "Toyota" at MCAS Miramar in HMH 361 and HMH 462. He was one of the greatest this country had to offer. Michael was very passionate about his job and always found the positive side in everything. Being around him and being exposed to his crazy sense of humor, He helped me through some rough times when we were deployed to Ali-Al-Salem Kuwait and Iraq in 2003. God Bless you and receive you into Heaven my friend..I will see you one day again.
Mike(SSGT)Spencer
Aviation Safety Inspector
Federal Aviation Administration
South Florida FSDO 19
Fort Lauderdale FL
[email protected]
Alfred Ciotola
August 18, 2007
Though the time that I spent with Mike now seems very brief, I feel very fortunate to have known someone like him whose character was of the highest quality. He was always very positive and optimistic in a way that I wish I could be.
RIP bro.
KAZ SEK
August 18, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
USMC SSGT. VEGA
August 18, 2007
I pray that God will be your refuge and strength during this time. There is no greater honor than that of USMC family member.
My prayers are with you. I will miss you bro.
John Dennis
August 18, 2007
Toyota
Mike is a hell of a Marine. Thanks to Mike and his family for affording me the oppurtunity to serve at HMH-361 with such a great man. Mike new how dangerous his job was but he wanted to sacrifice so others could have a good life. Thanks brother! You have always been a hero. I will never forget you.
Tait Villarreal
August 18, 2007
It was a pleasure serving with you "Toyota".
Roberto Delahoya (Sgt "Yuma")
August 17, 2007
I had the honor of serving with Mike in the Marines at HMH-361 and worked along side with him as a contractor when he was at HMH-462. Mike was definitely a good marine who was already to accomplish a mission, no matter if it was taking him myself on a Preflight or watching him turn up a 53 on his own. I remember him working his tail to show us what he was made of. He made me proud. I will miss his laugh and his way of saying "No Way!!!!". I will miss his way of helping others when they needed help and I will miss my friend.
Semper Fi and God Bless
Rhett Smith
August 17, 2007
Toyota, my brother I love you. I will always love you. You made me a better person just being in your presence. There was never a dull moment with you around. Always quick to crack a joke to make me laugh; Whether we were at the gun range or getting a late night burrito. You will always be a true friend. Ever since I found out about this horrible news of your passing I cant help but smile when I think of the great times we sharred together, followed by a quick realization of the truth. Again I Love You and Miss You. God Bless you Leah and your parents.
Kingslee Gourrick
August 17, 2007
If there ever was a Marines’ Marine, that would be Mike. May he rest in peace. He was one of my first students and very good friend. I can’t believe that horrible place had the nerve to claim his life. The one thing about Mike was his willingness to learn as much as he could in a short amount of time. Also his unrelenting vision of creating a M16A2 Magazine that would hold more than 30 rounds. He always thought of others before himself. When you use the word dedicated, the one person that comes to mind is Mike. He loved working with ammunition so much so that he (Lat) moved to EOD, Explosive Ordinance Disposal. The eventuality of his calling and the summation of his life went hand in hand.
My deepest condolences to his family, during this time of mourning. Though he leaves no family of his own behind. He leaves the fond memories of us hanging out on the ramp of a CH53E. The many flights we shared and the loyalty we had to each other. The late nights and the long drives home.
His 3rd deployment to Iraq was his end and like many others who didn’t make it home, he will not be forgotten. His life was short lived but his accomplishments will live on.
I will miss you Mike. And on this week for the many years to come I will celebrate your life as BOOGS always does.
I love you man.
Kingslee Gourrick SSgt/USMC
Kevin Keown
August 17, 2007
My name is Kevin Keown and I had the honor of serving with "Toyota". That is what most of us called him because we had a hard time pronouncing his last name. We were both in HMH 361 and were roommates. My thoughts and prays go out to his family. He will be forever missed. Kevin Keown [email protected]
Cpl Anna Brouk USMC
August 17, 2007
"Toyota." I don't even know what to say. I can't believe you're gone. There is so much I wish I could tell you. So much I want to say. I talked to a bunch of the guys from 361 today (from back in the day when we were there). This is hitting pretty hard. We will miss you so very much, and we are all so proud of you.
To the family: knowing and serving with Mike was an honor. He was a great guy. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Take your place in Heaven, Mike. You've earned it. Semper Fi.
Eric Gruss
August 17, 2007
I had the honor of serving with Michael. He was a great man and a Marine in every sense of the world. He'll be missed. Thank you for raising such a wonderful son. Semper Fi.
michael spencer
August 17, 2007
Mike was the best our country and Corps had to offer. I had the honor of serving with this Great Man in HMH-361 and HMH-462 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar CA. He was a dedicated Marine and always very passiontate about what he was doing and he will be sorely missed. I didn't want him to go into EOD but I knew he would only be happy doing what he loved. He could always lift people up with his humor. I will never forget how he made me laugh and enabled me to keep my sanity through the tough times in Ali AL Salem Kuwait and Iraq. I love you..my friend and brother. I will never forget you. I know you are in a better place now.
Mike(SSGT)Spencer
Federal Aviation Administration
South Florida FSDO 19
Fort Lauderdale, FL
33315
[email protected]
cell (760) 525-3310
Brock Schielein
August 17, 2007
Mike, my buddy...I will miss you DEARLY! You were my buddy at HMH-361 for 5 years..you always made me laugh..no matter what...you are one special person and your family should be proud of you....you were a great Marine and a GREAT man. You will be missed. I still tell stories of us.
Love ya always my friend
SGT Schielein aka (MOTO)
ROMEO/KAREN GUIDANGEN
August 17, 2007
Michael
You will be missed dearly.
Your MOM, DAD, SISTER & other Family and freinds are very proud of what you have done to BETTER our WORLD.
I salute you SGT. MICHAEL E. TAYAOTAO, USMC
Pam
August 17, 2007
Thank you Mike for being a friend and dedicated soldier. I will miss you and your goofy grin. May God comfort your family during this time.
Chris Shafer
August 16, 2007
I have many great memories working with "Toyota". When he first came to the EOD shop he had a huge goofy grin on his face. Any time we needed a good laugh he was there to give it to us. We always played EOD rules volleyball on this junky sand court, and watching Toyota play was one of the best parts, he was the worst volleyball player out there, but that didn't matter, he loved to play, he had a good time doing it, and he kept us all laughing with his crazy antics. He was a great man with a heart of gold, and he cared for his brother Marines. The EOD family will miss you brother.
R.I.P.
Chris Shafer, Sgt. USMC
Eric Gruss
August 16, 2007
I'll miss ya Toyota. You were a heck of a guy and you'll be missed. God Bless You. Semper Fi.
Linda Clifton
August 16, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Darlene Yazzie
August 16, 2007
To Tayaotao Family: There can be no words that can be expressed to help ease your pain and understand your loss, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and comfort you each day. Cherish the memories.
Sgt. Michael: thank you for your service and rest in peace.
With sincerest condolences.
P. Wakeman
August 16, 2007
Our family is sending you our love and prayers, with deepest respect and gratitude for Sgt. Michael Tayaotao's immense sacrifice and service. May God bless your family and bring you peace.
In loving memory of Sgt. Dustin Wakeman, kia 8/4/07, Iraq.
Sandra Martinez
August 16, 2007
My prayers are with you. I feel very sad for the family of Sgt. Michael Tayaotao
Your son never will be forgotten and will live in many people lives
My deepest sympathy to the family
August 16, 2007
To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
Sandy Bonesteel
August 16, 2007
As the mother of a son who is deployed, I want to send my condolences. Please know that there are many, many people who grieve with you.
SHIRLEY DONEY
August 15, 2007
REST IN PEACE MICHAEL, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU
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