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MICHAEL CHAND Obituary
CHAND, MICHAEL K., USMC (Retired) On April 2, 2010, SgtMaj Michael K. Chand, USMC Retired, will be laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Park with full Military Honors, at 11:30 a.m. Michael was previously listed as deceased in August of 2007, after his family was notified by the U.S. State Department that he had been killed in a roadside ambush while working as a private security contractor supporting U.S. Reconstruction efforts in Iraq. His status was later changed to missing, due to conflicting reports concerning his death and possible capture. Although Michael's whereabouts and welfare stayed unknown for over 2 1/2 years, his remains were finally turned over to U.S. Forces in Iraq on March 13, 2010. Following DNA and other testing, he was positively identified and subsequently returned to his family. He received a hero's transport under USAF escort from Baghdad, Iraq to Dover, DE. On March 29, 2010, his remains were returned to San Diego, CA under the escort of LtCol Rob Smullen USMC, Michael's longtime friend and former Platoon Commander. He received a solemn and most esteemed welcome at the San Diego International Airport surrounded by his family, friends, priest, and other security personnel. A private funeral Mass was held on March 31, 2010, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in the company of his family and close friends. Michael was a loving husband, caring father, great friend, and very dedicated Marine. He loved going to the beach, barbequing with his family, and teaching his children the importance of family and of helping others. Michael was extremely loyal, fair, compassionate, and generous with his time. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sally Provencio-Chand, his children, Christina Mahon, 1stLt Michael K. Chand Jr., Brenda Chand, and Ryan Chand. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Navy Federal Credit Union, C/O Michael K. Chand Children's Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 3001, Merrifield, VA 22119-3001.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL CHAND
Sponsored by The Chand Family.
John Rooks
May 25, 2024
He was my Sgtmaj and friend. Served with him at HMM-163 and deployed as his squadron gunny. He made me laugh, smile and responsible more than any Marine has done for me. I thank him and his family for sharing a great man with me and my fellow Marines and Sailors. In a career some people are lucky enough to find "that" one. I did in him. Semper Fi Sgtmaj and I pray we meet again when my final muster is called.
Anthony Panchella
July 1, 2020
Sally, I am only seeing this obit now in 2020. I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I worked for you when you were in HMLA 169 in 1989. Your mentorship was instrumental in the success of my military career, and I had great respect for you then and still use the lessons you taught me now. I hope the Lord blesses and keeps you. Semper Fi, Tony P.
Haider Alsodaney
July 11, 2014
I worked with Mr. Chand for year and a half in Baghdad, what a great man a true friend that always helped me through tough times. My prayers to the family and May God bless your soul my friend.
Haider Alsodaney
Tazz Al Balwah
November 25, 2010
A true Hero. A mentor who taught me so much in Baghdad and Erbil. Always having the same passion and energy that gave all of us strengh to keep going on on recontructing Iraq.
His dedication, loyalty and lucidity even in the darkest situations won't fade with the time.
Peace be upon his soul.
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Rhenuka Dutt-Roberts
November 2, 2010
My prayers to the family. Michael I Love you dearly so I will not say good bye but till we meet again. Mere dil ke chaain
Alvaro Provencio
May 30, 2010
On this Memorial Day weekend, we can celebrate our way of life because of Marines like Michael. During this weekend we should remeber the sacrafices that my brother-in-law Michael, Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle Pat gave to this Country as Marines and Soldiers.
Alvaro Provencio, GYSGT, USMC (ret)
Thank you for your service...
April 14, 2010
Goodbye Dad...
April 14, 2010
Ray Provencio
April 13, 2010
Sally, Mike Jr., Christina, Brenda, and Ryan. I loved Mike like a brother but, I loved him even more as a brother-in-arms. He always made me feel proud of being a Marine. He was a Marine's Marine. I have many great memories of him and will treasure those until I meet him in Heaven and help him guard the streets. Your Big Brother, Ray Provencio, Jr. CWO-4, USMC (Ret)
GySgt Troy Powers
April 13, 2010
I had the honor of being present when SgtMaj Chand was flown home from Iraq. He will always be our brother and hero.
Mary My-Trinh Tran
April 11, 2010
He is a definition of a true hero, make many sacrifices of himself for his family and country. I see why you married him Sally. He lit up the room when he was home from work. Everyone wanted to be around him because he had stories and jokes for everyone regardless if he just met them. He made me feel welcome the first time I met him. I'm grateful to have had the pleasure of meeting him and trying his famous chutney. Oh how he went on about how to make his awesome chutney. Great moments with him and only good memories of him. "Here's to the drunk Marine with beer in his canteen! You've heard of the unknown soldier but NEVER of an unknown Marine!" Chand Family, I'm glad your Father/Husband is finally home and at peace. He will never be forgotten.
Saying goodbye...
April 11, 2010
Saying goodbye & burying the POW/MIA pin.
April 11, 2010
Military Honors
April 11, 2010
Larry Finkelstein
April 7, 2010
Michael Chand was never forgotten. My sympothy and prays go to the entire Chand family.
Anthony Panchella
April 6, 2010
Semper Fi and God Bless SgtMaj Chand. Sally, I worked for you in 1989 when you were at MAG-39. I'm sorry for your loss, and pray God gives you peace and comfort.
John Creech
April 4, 2010
Never forgotten...May God comfort the family of SgtMaj Michael K. Chand, who served this nation and gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Glenn D'Abreo
April 4, 2010
God Bless all of you for sharing your Son, Brother and Husband with our country. Soldiers never die ... they will always be remembered by a grateful nation and as long as they are remembered they will stay alive.
America is what her heroes permit her to be.... we are free because of your family hero!
Glenn D'Abreo
San Diego Ca
April 4, 2010
Semper Fi and God Bless you for all that you have done.
Therese Bailey
Mark Biedlingmaier
April 3, 2010
Honor, duty, and service to country shall never be forgotten. Condolences and prayers for healing and strength during this special Easter season. Rest well soldier,
Gravesite Service - April 2, 2010
April 3, 2010
Homecoming(c) - March 29, 2010
April 3, 2010
Homecoming(b) - March 29, 2010
April 3, 2010
Homecoming - March 29, 2010
April 3, 2010
Lauren Hardman
April 3, 2010
To The Family of Michael K. Chand,
May God keep you in his loving arms while He watches over our world.
Betty Cona
April 3, 2010
Chand Family,
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss, but all I can tell you is that I appreciate everything Michael Chand did for this country. Every sacrifice that he made and every sacrifice that you make now and have made in the past will not go unnoticed. You are in my thoughts and prayers. We owe all the freedoms we enjoy today to brave heroes like Michael, and I thank him from the bottom of my heart.
Chip McElhattan
April 3, 2010
Sally and Family - Michael was a brave man and his legacy an inspiration to us all. May God hold him in his loving arms.
April 3, 2010
To all of Michael’s family, my deepest condolences.
None of you know me personally, nor me you, as I live on the other side of the world.
An American friend working for your country in Iraq sent me this obituary as he knows how I feel about what the American Military does for not only the countries you are working in, but for the rest of the world. I thank Michael and all living and fallen soldiers from the USA for their dedication to what they fight for and their dedication to your great nation.
My father used to tell us when we were children, if it wasn’t for the USA during WW2, we in the south pacific would be half Japanese because the US stood up to be counted and saved us as they have saved many.
THANK YOU MICHAEL, and all who have fallen for what they stand for, and thank you to Michael’s family. My heart is with you at this very sad time.
Joy......Auckland, New Zealand.
April 3, 2010
Sally, Christina, Michael, Brenda and Ryan,
Our hearts are breaking for your loss of a husband and a father again. But as you know in our Father's house are many mansions and Michael has gone to prepare a place for all of you when God the Father calls you to go home. Peace and Love be with you always.
Love,
Aunt Sandy and Uncle Gabe
Our wedding day 1980
April 2, 2010
A proud father and his son at OCS
April 2, 2010
Last Duty Assignment 2002
April 2, 2010
Favorite hobby - 1996
April 2, 2010
Bootcamp 1976
April 2, 2010
Series Honorman 1976
April 2, 2010
Summer 1955
April 2, 2010
April 2, 2010
Sally, I am very fortunate to know your and Michael's son, 1stLt Michael Chand. I am sure he is a great reflection of your husband and you; and I am sure I would have been honored to know your husband - Michael's father. I am sorry for your loss and now re-living the grief, my prayers are with you and your family.
David Garrard
The Living Word
SrCarolAnn Clark
April 2, 2010
Sally, My prayers are with you, the children, and your family.
Your beloved Michael, husband and dad, is home at last.
May he at last rest in peace.
We all try to live by the Living Word.
Michael lived and died by it.
Defending the very freedoms we all enjoy today.
May you realize the true Passion of Christ and
His promise of Easter, that of eternal life.
You are all surrounded by such a community of love, and a bigger community of comrads, classmates and family with whom you have each shared your lives.
Michael was a hero in every sense of the word.
Sally, you and the children are heros too, having suffered every imaginable emotion and pain one could possibly endure over the last 2 1/2 years.
My love to you Sally, Michael, Christina & Shawn, Brenda and Ryan.
Michael Rutledge
April 2, 2010
Sally, My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. The sacrifice of service by your family for all of us cannot be expressed in words that will do it justice. Please accept my deepest appreciation for all you have given and done.
Scott
April 2, 2010
Michael, My thanks to you and your fine family for dedicating yourselves to the service of our great nation. Rest In Peace.
The Living Word
April 2, 2010
Pedro Provencio,Jr.
April 2, 2010
Sally and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Finally now, may Michael, rest in peace. Many "Thanks" to you and family for service and sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy in this great country.(U.S.Army,Retired SFC)
Beth Kleese
April 2, 2010
Sally, my thoughts are with you and your family. I'm sure it's comforting to know that, at long last, Michael will be surrounded by his loving family and friends as he makes his last journey to his final resting place.
Ray Zavala
April 2, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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