May God bless you and your...
Thinking of u mike like i always do. I miss u
Jonela Wiedman
November 17, 2016
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Sgt. Michael M. Merila
Sierra Vista, Arizona
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Sierra Vista, Arizona
Obituary
Send Flowers Those who worked with Sgt. Michael M. Merila believed he was poised for a bright future in the military.
In the top 2 percent of his basic training class, he distinguished himself in his studies to become a paralegal. Sgt. Maj. Jerry Gatton called Merila one of the best soldiers he'd
ever encountered.
"It's impossible for me to adequately relate what the loss of Sgt. Merila means to the Army," Gatton said.
The Fort Lewis-based soldier from Sierra Vista, Ariz., was killed Feb. 16 in Talifar, Iraq, when his convoy was hit by an explosive. It was the day before his 24th birthday.
Friends and family remembered Merila as a jokester who would drive around in the rain with the top down on his 1987 convertible. "He drew people to him," Gatton said.
Merila was scheduled for a transfer, but chose instead to stay with his unit and ship out to Iraq. "It speaks volumes about this young man, about his character, his upbringing and his values," Lt. Gen. Edward Soriano said.
Survivors include Merila's mother, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, and his father, a retired Army chief warrant officer.
Guest Book
To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael M. Merila:
Always remembering Michael. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
February 16, 2012 | Carson City, NV
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Miss you Matthew and so many things about you. There is hardly a day that passes I don't think of you, 7 years later. See you soon and we will laugh together over some Sprite and raised eye brows :).
Cuz J
February 17, 2011
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To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael M. Merila:
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
Peggy Childers
February 16, 2011 | Carson City, NV
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I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU MY FRIEND......
SVEN BRENDEL
November 18, 2010 | SIERRA VISTA, AZ
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Mike was a joy to know, with a smile that could brighten the whole room. I think of him often and everytime I see a soldier. We miss you, Mike.
Sarah Lamberth
November 18, 2010 | Saint Louis, MO
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Mr. & Mrs. Merila: I can't imagine the unbearable loss that you have experienced. Since his passing, whenever I see an act of patriotism, I think of your son. Mike made one of my classes of senior year more enjoyable than it should have been. I will always be grateful to have known him. All my best to you and your family.
Melisa (Conroy) Gonzalez
September 14, 2010 | Phoenix, AZ
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To the family and friends of Sgt. Michael M. Merila:
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
Peggy Childers
February 16, 2010 | Carson City, NV
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mike you will always be missed and loved i wish we had more time with you.
Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Merila for the wounderful son that you brought in to all of are lives. God bless you and your family
jonela stewart
October 09, 2009 | Albuquerque, NM
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