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Charlie Gili
November 17, 2021
Hello,
We apologize for being so late in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this holiday season and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of Michael E. Bitz US Marine Sergeant.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families, friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
May 11, 2015
My condolences to the Bitz family, sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in Gods word by reading Micah 4:3,4
James Vesta
October 13, 2013
It was about a week before he was killed, that I sold his wife Janina 2 cars at the dealership where I worked. I think about him often, and even just got out after rejoining the Army after he died... I mean I just went and did logistics, but even though I never knew him, he is part of my life everyday. God bless him and his family.
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agustin quintero
March 26, 2013
He was a good friend and a great marine I was glad to serve with him yat yas semper fi
Sonya Brown Matalon
March 25, 2013
God Bless you Michael! I dread this time of year as i know the pain it causes everyone.Bless your Mother as She has to go every single day with out seeing your smile or hearing your voice.Mothers can not replace a son as one would do a husband,her pain is every day but what a heck of a son she raised who helped others !
Donna
March 25, 2013
March 23, 2013 ten years have passed and we miss and love you no less. You would be so proud of Christian and the young man he is becoming...soon going off to college...he is all that you would hope for him and more. We love you, Love, Mom and Christian
Mark Helton
March 24, 2013
YAT YAS!! A selfless man a fine Marine and a true hero. May our memories of you NEVER die!! Simper Fi
Sean McNemar
March 24, 2013
A great Marine and even better man
Geoff DeCesari
March 24, 2013
Sgt Bitz,
Semper Fidelis!
Chris Hankins
March 23, 2013
I will always be proud to have served with you and know you as a person Sgt Bitz.
From one MCM brother to another, Salute!
March 23, 2013
Never forgotten! YAT YAS IT WAS AN HONOR TO SERVE WITH U, EVERY YEAR AT THIS TIME I TELL MY KIDS YOUR STORY AND YOU ARE A TRUE HERO-
MO"OUTLAW" ESPINOZA
MCM PLT 97-01 , THANKS FOR MY CALL SIGN AND 2PAC STORIES
SEPER FI "CHANCE"
March 22, 2013
Think of you often. You were such a sweet man. Your children have grown up to be such cutie pies. You would be proud of Janina in the great job she has done.
janina Bitz- vasquez
March 21, 2013
Tomorrow is the 10 yr anniversary of your passing. You remain apart of our lives as much today as you did 10 yrs ago.
June 8, 2012
Still remembered and respected after all these years. Michael was a hero! in the true sense of the word.
Ilea Ulery
April 24, 2012
Always remembered.
Sonya Brown Matalon
March 24, 2012
On the night of March 22nd my son Michael came in my thought so i text him to tell him i love him! now i know why it was close to 23rd ! And on that day Michael Bitz u were chosen to lend your services else where but never forgotton here! Love to you and the rest of your unit who served!
Peggy Childers
March 23, 2012
To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael E. Bitz:
Always remembering Michael. "Some gave all."
Mike Brown
March 23, 2012
Today is the day I like to keep busy. RIP brother
S. Allen
March 23, 2012
Never Forgotten SGT Bitz you will always be remembered for your service to this country. God Bless your family.
Shelle Michaels Aberle
January 29, 2012
Honor. Respect. Thanks.
Ilea Ulery
June 14, 2011
I miss you... I still have all your letters and sometimes I can read them with out crying. It's bitter sweet. Your always remembered.
Janina Bitz-Vasquez
June 2, 2011
Thank you everyone. I have been reading through all the messages dating back nearly 8 yrs. Thank you for continuing to honor Michaels life and impact on you all.
Mia Edmondson
March 25, 2011
There are no words to bring to life what is now gone. But your memory will live on.
Charlie Company
Sonya Brown Matalon
March 25, 2011
To the Family of Michael on this Day your Anniversary of the Loss of your Michael, My Heart still hurts for you as it did 8 yrs ago on this day, my Michael came home but yours was sent to heaven to be the Angel for the troops who serve after him to guide them to finish his work and to make this world a safer place to live and so we continue to have freedom ! Thank You SGT Michael Bitz for what you had given for us, God Bless You !
Michael Brown's Mom
Charlie Company
Sonya Brown Matalon
March 25, 2011
Linda Michaud-Wehunt
March 23, 2011
On this date, the Anniversary of your final mission…SEMPER FI MARINE!
Peggy Childers
March 23, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael E. Bitz:
Please accept my remembrance of Michael on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Mike Brown
March 23, 2011
RIP old buddy.
Pamela Wiscombe
August 21, 2010
Thank you so much for your service to this country. We are sad for your loss and hope you know that we will never forget you. You served in honor and in grace to protect our great country. May you find peace and comfort. Thank-you so much for my freedom.
S. Allen
May 31, 2010
Never to be forgotten an American Hero. Thank You.
Kenna
March 29, 2010
”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 2,100 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 everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
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
[email protected]
Brad, Laci & Christian Lanneau Beltz
March 23, 2010
You and your family are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. You and Chuck are dearly missed and will never be forgotten. Semper Fi!
Mike Brown
March 23, 2010
There is not a day I dont think about you and chuck and the 23rd of March. You will never be forgotten
Peggy Childers
March 23, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael E. Bitz:
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
Christy Krawczyk
March 17, 2010
It will be 7 years in a few days. I often look at pictures of our last New Years Eve together. That was the last time we saw you. Joshua is married now to a wonderful woman. I have pictures of you holding Rachel, you never got to meet Jarod, but he knows who you are and knows that you are our hero. Memories of being room mates make me smile, then the sigh and the head shake starts, you were a wonderful man and I pray that all four of your children know this.
S Hunter
May 25, 2009
You will never be forgotten. You are missed
S. Allen
May 24, 2009
Never Forgotten.
May 24, 2009
To let your family know that their son is not forgotten this Memorial day.
Mom & Christian
April 16, 2009
Michael, I just found out about this book from S. Brown. I couldn't help the flow of tears as I read all the entries. I miss you my son as we all do. Christian misses you very much and looks/acts most like you of all your children - It has been such a treasure and blessing raising him for you. Sometimes we feel your presence and we think about you all the time. Christian loves hearing stories of some of the things you and your brothers did as children. We miss you very much...love as always...
Hunter
March 24, 2009
Time goes by so fast. When I think of you these days it is usually you on that beach "fencing" with sticks while we were supposed to be cleaning.
You are missed. 6 years *sigh* some days it feels like yesterday
Mike Brown
March 23, 2009
Does not seem that long ago, still remember our last game of spades we played on that back of C210. We will all meet up again some day. Take care of Chuck!
Linda Michaud-Wehunt
March 23, 2009
It is the 6th anniversary of March, 23, 2003--AN NASIRIYAH.
My son was a Navy Medic and served with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade out of Camp Lejeune, NC in 2003. He was there, on that fateful day...
(TASK FORCE TARAWA)
ALWAYS IN MY HEART, THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS! NEVER FORGOTTEN!
SEMPER FI!
Sonya Brown
March 23, 2009
Dear Sgt.Bitz
its been 6 yrs since you were taken away from your unit, as i also lost a part of my son on that day, that i will never have back, it changed him for ever, he was in your unit, God Bless you!
Laci Beltz
March 23, 2009
Brad and I are thinking of you and Chuck today. We cannot believe that it has been six years already, but the pain still feels as though everything happened yesterday. Always thinking of you.....YAT YAS!
Matt Evans
March 23, 2009
Sgt. Bitz,
It was an honor to train underneath you and serve along side of you. You are truly a hero. We are all thinking of you and Cpl. Chuck today. I know god feels safe with you standing watch. Ill remember you forever.
"he who shed blood with me shall forever be my brother"
Peggy Childers
March 23, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Michael E. Bitz:
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
The Buck family
May 29, 2008
To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael E. Bitz, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. What he has done for our freedom will not be forgotten. May God comfort and bless your family.
Suzanne Allen
May 26, 2008
Remembering you on this Memorial Day and know that you will NEVER be forgotten.
S. Allen
The Neal family
April 25, 2008
To the Bitz family,
Please know that just as your loved one will forever remain in your hearts and minds, his sacrifice and that of your family, will remain with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.
LINDA MICHAUD-WEHUNT
March 25, 2008
It is the 5th anniversary of March, 23, 2003--AN NASIRIYAH.
My son was a Navy Medic and served with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade out of Camp Lejeune, NC in 2003. He was there, on that fateful day...
(TASK FORCE TARAWA)
He re-deployed January 2005-September 2005.
ALWAYS IN MY HEART, THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS! NEVER FORGOTTEN!
SEMPER FI!
Mike Brown Jr
March 23, 2008
You are not forgotten brother.
Sheryl Hunter
March 23, 2008
You are missed :) Every year those of us who knew you try to chat a bit and share stories. You left your mark, I hope you know how many lives you changed.
February 26, 2008
Almost 6 years now, I miss you very much.
Rob and Kimberly Welch (Former SSGT/USMC)
January 14, 2008
Though it has been nearly 5 years, the pain is still there for each of those who have died. We honor you all with our constant thoughts and prayers. I met you a few times, but my husband served with you, and we both will never forget you. Thank-you for your service, and God Bless your children. YAT YAS..Semper Fidelis.
November 11, 2007
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Bitz!
Mike Brown
August 26, 2007
Think about you all the time. Yat Yas. SSgt Brown
Sonya brown
August 22, 2007
DearSgtMichael Bitz, i dont even have enough words to thank you, My Dear Hero!! as my son MichaelBrown served with you in your unit, and was with you that fatal day He knew you well at lejeune,And even had your name tatooed on his arm and chucks name also, not a day goes by , he doesnt think of the ones, that didnt get to come home to their loved ones, But i love you for the strength that you showed your unit, its the boys on that day that made it better for everyones children all over our USA God Bless you Michael
Bless our troops, sincerly Sonya Brown
Shara Frerich
August 13, 2007
Thank You Sgt. Bitz
You are a true American hero.
My husband is serving in Iraq right now and our daughter attends Bitz Intermediate School. Your plaque hangs with great honor for all who enter to see and pay respect.
August 3, 2007
If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. 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 guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised Le Ron A. Wilson (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 5, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Bitz and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Laci Beltz
June 29, 2007
My husband, Sgt. Brad Beltz, served with Bitz overseas during this horrible time. Every year on March 23rd, he and his friends (Lanneau & Mad-Dog (Madsen)) call each other and share memories about Bitz and Chuck (Ahn). The world will never know how much these heros are missed and how big of an impact they had on everyone's lives....my husband and I miss them everyday, but he and his friends have the memories from Camp Lejeune and the barracks to remember and smile about.
KAREN EVERETT
June 5, 2007
MY SON IS ONE OF THE FIRST STUDENTS TO ATTEND BITZ INTERMEDIATE. EVERY TIME I TAKE HIM INTO THE SCHOOL I LOOK AT HIS PLAQUE. WHAT AN AMAZINGLY UNSELFISH MAN HE MUST HAVE BEEN. THANK YOU
Matthew Evans
May 14, 2007
Sgt Bitz,
This is Evans. Man, I never would have thought that i would be doing this. So much has happened since that day it is crazy. You got School named after you!! We are all proud to have trained and fought along side you. We will nver forget the sacrifices you made for us junior Marines as you brought us up in the Corps. Thank you Sgt. Bitz.... Tell Cpl. chuck hey for me
Nancy Sahlberg
May 2, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Garnet Jenkins
March 23, 2007
In Remembrance of Sgt. Michael E. Bitz, on the 4th anniversary of the day, he gave his life for our Country, with a Multitude of Thanks, for this Brave Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
May Michael Rest Safely in the Hands of God and may the Peace of the Lord continue to be with the Bitz family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2
I am sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of Caring and Support that surround you each day, as this Country Remembers Someone Very Precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.
LINDA MICHAUD-WEHUNT
January 4, 2007
My son is a Navy Medic and served with the the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment.
His Battalion was heavily attacked when it went into Nasiriyah,March 23, 2003. Eighteen men in his Battalion were killed on that fateful day, and many more were wounded.
I will never forget March 23, 2003...and your son, who remains in my heart. I have his picture saved...along with the other brave Troops who died that day. My son was there, with your son.
God Bless and Keep You In The Palm Of His Hand...
Mark Geuy
October 2, 2006
May God bless his family.
Thank you for serving our country.
God Bless you!
Kathleen Glielmi
September 29, 2006
You would be very proud of the wonderful school named in your honor. Bitz Intermediate is a great place for the children of our military family to learn. We even have used your unit's alligator as our logo. We have 'gators everywhere greeting and directing people to the school.
gary allain
September 28, 2006
Sgt. Michael E Bitz
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever
Sgt. Arroniz
September 25, 2006
Here it is 2006. There has not been a single day that has gone by since March 23, 2003 that I have not thought about you, Cpl. Chanawongse, and the rest of our fallen brothers. I can still remember those moments seeing you right next to me in the live firing exercises on top of the amtracs in Camp Lejeune and sitting in Kuwait just before the war. I wish your family the best. We all hope to meet you again someday after our time is done in this temporary life. You will never be forgotten brother.
Richard Scroggs, Ed.D., Principal
August 16, 2006
We are very proud to have our new school, Bitz Intermediate School, named in his honor.
Linda Flannery
July 29, 2006
Remembering and Honoring a brave young soldier. May he rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in knowing that so many Americans share their grief.
My flag flies in his honor.
Sgt. Roger May
May 31, 2006
I had the privilege to train with Sgt. Bitz in Kuwait and go into combat with him. We became good friends and talked much about our families back at home. I Honor his memory and pray that God will Bless and keep each family member safe until that great reunion day when we'll join Sgt. Bitz in a much better place. Semper Fi
Justin "Opie" Taylor
March 23, 2006
Sgt. Bitz, you tought my a lot my first year in the corps. And gave me alot of memories. Theres not a day that goes by that I dont think about you and Chuck, or the events of that day. Semper Fi
Jeremy Donaldson
March 17, 2006
You know how i feel brother!!! I miss you everyday.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
March 16, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Bitz 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 on the 23rd of this month it will be 3 years 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~
Thomas Griffin
February 7, 2006
Sgt. Bitz, I want to thank you for your sacrifice. My Marines and I were directly behind your unit in Nasariyah. Your sacrifice contributed to the safe passage of other Marines. You payed the ultimate price for freedom. My sympathy and respect goes out to you and your family. You will never be forgotten, Semper Fi.
Vangi & McKaLyne Lunsford
January 19, 2006
Psalm 23
1
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
This is a verse that I have found to be comforting to me during my husbands death. Remember that when it seems that no one else is round, God is still there with you! And he will be your rock!
My daughter,McKaLyne, and I send our heartfelt sympathy for your loss! God Bless this warrior, God Bless those whom serve freedom's cause! They are our true HERO's!!!!
If you need anything, please feel free to contact me!!!
Wife & Daughter of the Late
Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford
KIA May 23, 2005
Todd Totherow
December 2, 2005
I never got to meet Sgt. Bitz but I knew his Marines who loved him. Rest, my friend. You trained your Marines well.
Otto Ralat Jr.
August 2, 2005
I saw Michael's picture very soon after it was posted. I had seen many pictures of solders, but I picked Michael's. He looks like he would be my best friend.
Otto Ralat Jr.
gary martin
July 19, 2005
Mike, you are one of the best friends i have ever had, your childen are beautiful josh is so big, he looks like you, anyway my friend hold a spot for me.
Sheryl Hunter
June 20, 2005
My friend, I have already said mst of what I had to say on another site. I miss you, and regret never meeting your family. I was so caught up in my life that I forgot to do the most important thing in life , pick up a phone and call just to say'hi' I will regret that forever. My heart and my best wishes go out to your family (I feel I know them after all those long talks about how much you missed your wife and your children) you will always be remembered.
Mac & Susan Orsbon
May 29, 2005
Sgt. Bitz made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom and the freedom of unborn generations of Americans. Our family will honor his sacrifice and his memory on this and every Memorial Day and we will remember him in our prayers. Our prayers are also with his family.
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