Lance Cpl. Michael J. Cifuentes
Lance Cpl. Michael J. Cifuentes
Obituary
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Michael J. Cifuentes Obituary
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Brandon
May 26, 2025
Hey there. We never met but I was on Parris Island the summer of 2005 and was handed your obituary by my Drill Instructor shortly after August 3rd. Being from Ohio I have met Marines from 3/25 while I was active duty, and spent 6 months in Iraq myself.
I think about you and your family from time, and just wanted to reach out and express my deepest condolences for, and appreciation of, the sacrifice you made.
I hope the rest of us have done a good enough job in your wake.
SF
Mom
May 24, 2015
I love you and I miss you. I always will.
Charlie Gili
December 20, 2013
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Cifuentes Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Michael J. Cifuentes US Marine Lance Corporal. 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. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
August 5, 2013
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Peggy Childers
August 4, 2013
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Michael J. Cifuentes:
Always remembering Michael. "Some gave all."
August 22, 2012
Thank you Lance Cpl; we will forever be grateful for your sacrifice for us.
June 25, 2012
Happy Birthday, Michael. Gone, but never ever forgotten. Semper Fi. You are a hero to so many.
Michael Jylkka
October 8, 2011
He made the world a better place from everything that I learned about him. Being the officer in charge of his funeral and other associated issues was the hardest thing that I ever did as a Marine. May God Bless his family and fiance.
Semper Fidelis
October 6, 2011
Just thinking about you. Love you.
Peggy Childers
August 3, 2011
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Michael J. Cifuentes:
Please accept my remembrance of Michael on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
kathy
August 5, 2010
So great to see that he is not forgotten
Rachel
August 4, 2010
Mike, I can't believe it's been five years already. It seems like just yesterday that we were at Miami and you were running off to ring President Garland's doorbell as we marched by, goofing off before/after (or during) band practice, or you were being the perfect gentleman and making sure everyone got home OK after a night of having too much fun uptown. You were always a great friend and just being around you could put anyone in a good mood. You are loved and missed every day.
Peggy Childers
August 4, 2010
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Michael J. Cifuentes:
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
Laura Burling-Reising
August 3, 2010
Wow...5 years already. I always think of you on this day and my eyes tear up. Miss you, Mikey C. Your TBS sisters and brothers will miss you forever.
DOLORES ROSS
August 2, 2010
Cifuentes Family there are no words to describe your loss Micheal was a HERO and always will be I cant believe it is 5 years already seems like yesterday he will always be in my HEART AND PRAYERS as will you and your family May he REST IN PEACE he will always be in Your Hearts
Melissa Lea
July 29, 2010
Thanks for your sacrifices Michael. I will never forget your smile.
Sharyn Brown
June 1, 2010
I never had the good fortunate to ever meet Michael J. Cifuentes but this doesn't mean that I don't care and that I'm not sadden by this loss. I do care and my heart goes out to his family and all the families of our fallen Men and Women. May God bless you all~
Peggy Childers
August 4, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Michael J. Cifuentes:
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
Kenna Larra
June 8, 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 1,550 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
Russ Buchanan
November 14, 2008
i send the best wishes
DOLORES ROSS
August 4, 2008
To the Cifuentes Family
I just wanted to express my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family I am Tara's aunt I did not get a chance to meet Michael but I think about him often and yesterday was 3 years everytime I look at his smiling face it brings tears to my eyes that his life was cut so short but in my heart he is a HERO GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY LOVE DOLORES
In Memory of Michael ~ (Debra Estep)
Debra Estep
August 3, 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
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
.
Sharyn Dee Brown
May 24, 2008
Today's date is Saturday, May 23rd, 2008. My name is Sharyn and I live in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I found out about Michael Cifuentes early this morning while watching television. I couldn't sleep last night so I turned the television on and while browsing through the channels I came across a documentary on the A&E channel about the battalion from Lima, Ohio. I am so sadden by the great loss of all these wonderful people. As I watched the surviving soldiers who spoke so passionately about the losses they suffered, tears burned in my eyes as I felt the pain of their horrible loss. Saying my heart was really touched by their story is an understatement. When I awaken this morning I found myself still thinking about these wonderful men and the unfortunate high price they paid. I wanted to know more, so I decided to come online to do more research on them. Even though it's been nearly three years since the tragic loss of Michael Cifuentes and all his fellow soldier brothers... for me to see the faces of such wonderful men who were once so full of life, who valiantly fought together and then tragically died together in Iraq has helped me further understand the horrors of war and just how precious and fleeting life can be. I want the family and friends of Michael Cifuentes to know that I appreciate his sacrifice. It is a testament to his commitment to this country and to his fellow soldiers. May God strengthen all the survivors and may the memory of those who lost their lives in Iraq be the light in our hearts that never grows dim.
May 7, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Lance Cpl Cifuentes!
August 15, 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 22, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Lance Cpl Cifuentes and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Lance Cpl deploying soon
Christy LeRoy
July 6, 2007
I just wanted to say that every day of my life I think about Michael and what he meant to me. When I look through old photos I always seem to come across Michael, smiling, and looking at me like he was so happy and content. He knew who he was and he served his country with honor. I saw him right before he left, he was working as a bouncer in my favorite night spot, I was scared for him, but he wasn't scared at all. He knew what he was doing and left it in God's hands. I admire Michael and love him, like I always have. My son Joseph was named in his honor, I want him to grow up knowing where he got his name and what a wonderful person Michael truley was. I just want to say that your whole family is in my heart everyday, and Michael lives on.
March 10, 2007
My deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of this brave soldier. I don't know you and will never know you. But I thank Michael for the freedom I am enjoying in my life. His sacrifice for us all is the ultimate gift. The Bible says there is no greater honor than when someone gives their life for others. Jesus did it and Michael did it also. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Michael. Having lost someone close I can tell you that time heals broken hearts and our faith tells us that we will see our loved ones again.
Sincerely and Respectfully
February 25, 2007
You are still not forgotten, Mike. To your family, they are in our hearts and prayers.
kathy susini
January 25, 2007
i just want to say i'm very happy to see that this is still active.may god bless you all.
January 24, 2007
“Paid in Full”
To Honor The Service of Fallen and Injured Marines
Marines through and through, they paid the price
Six thousand miles away, we live the life
For which they paid with their blood, spirits and bodies
We will never forget what they paid in full
We hope and we pray that somehow their loved ones find comfort
In God, in the flag, in the memory of their loved ones’ bravery
They’re gone now but we see them still…proud, strong, willing
Covering each other’s backs… courageous, moving forward
What kind of love did they have for us to be willing
To give it all for the Black, White, Jew, Christian, Muslim?
We don’t comprehend but we honor you now and forever
You are Our Marines…some living…some not
Forever in our hearts we will cherish your lives
Lives too short yet immortal they’ll be
Highest brotherhood of the Few, the Proud
They stand at attention, and we gaze with awe
Some know their names not, but our admiration for them
Flows limitless within us, between us
They sacrificed their limbs or their lives
Freedom still rings, a soft sound across the miles
It tolls slowly; all of creation takes note
Of the lives that were lost for people unknown
Out of sight but not lost; forever among us
The starched blues marching straight
Toward the place where we will meet them
Many years from now…how we loved them…
Well done beloved Brothers and Sisters…You’ve paid it in full
Always Faithful Marines, You Have Paid it in Full
Joe Waked
December 13, 2006
I marched tuba with Mike at Miami. It breaks my heart to have lost him. There was never a more stand-up guy.
Debbie Nelson
November 17, 2006
I know it's been over a year, but I just wanted to let Michael's family know that you are still in my daily prayers. I reflect on your loss often and pray that God is making each day a little easier for you. I never had the chance to meet Mike, but I knew his Dad, Greg, thru my work.
May God's peace keep you all until the glorious day when you will see Mike again.
Paula Simmons
October 3, 2006
I am a better person for having known you. Thank you Michael.
Garnet Jenkins
August 3, 2006
Paying tribute to Lance Cpl. Michael J. Cifuentes, with a Multitude of Thanks for his Service and Dedication to our Country.
The price this Young Marine and his family paid for this country will never be forgotten...
May he Rest in the Mighty Arms of God and may God's Loving Comfort and Grace continue to be with the Cifuentes family.
I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.
"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death,
nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have have passed away."
Revelations 21:4
ROBYN GARSIDE
July 8, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOU ALWAYS. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Michael Cassady, Chaplain, USAF
May 25, 2006
Hi, Family:
I'm a 1986 "Mommy Miami"/Miami University graduate, which, I guess, makes me approximate to when your brave hero was born.
We have similar roots, although mine led me away from following my family's service in the Marines, to a vocation to ministry. At any rate, your Marine's bright smile, and obvious intelligence, devotion to the Corps, and love of life, are a monument in themselves to Michael.
I know a great many Marine families who've lost, and I wanted to express my appreciation to you for a son, who was a great Marine, a fellow Miamian, a Buckeye, and one whom I have lifted up in chapel services and prayers.
Please receive my 'belated' appreciation, as I've been 'away' on deployment, and expect to, again.
Pax, and in the hope of the Resurrection.
-- Semper Fi, from a family of Marines.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 27, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Cifuentes 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 is coming up on 7 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~
January 4, 2006
Michael,
It has been 5 terribly lonely months now. You drove out of the driveway 1 year ago today for the last time. I miss you so much and ache for your loving smile and presence. I always told you that you were a gift from God. Now you are with him in Heaven and I look forward to the day we will meet again. I love you Smickey.
Love, Smomma
Teri Price
September 18, 2005
Dear Cifuentes and Tara,
I am so sorry for your loss. I just wanted to let you know I'm praying for you, and that God will continue to heal your hearts in the midst of the ache.
Keith,Kim&Nicholas Eichler
August 22, 2005
Dear Tara,The Cifuentes family, & Friends,
At a time like this it is always hard to know what to say when you lose someone so young. So we would like to give our deepest sympathy to a brave soldiers'family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with Michael and his family.
Keith Kim and Nicholas Eichler
(Tara's cousin)
Lawrence & Helen Cifuentes
August 20, 2005
Don't despair, cause there is no death. Only shining stars that set, only to rise on some far, fair shore, and there to shine forever more. And there's where he'll be, ready to guide us into our own safe harbor, when our own time comes to go. the unk and ant
Steve Yurick
August 18, 2005
My sincere condolences to the family of Lance Cpl. Cifuentes. He died so that others might enjoy freedom. He is now guarding the gates of heaven. A retired Coast Guardsman.
Bill Taylor
August 17, 2005
No words can ever express anything that can lessen your pain and grief, but know that Michael has made such a good difference in so many more lives, than you and I could have ever imagined......GOD bless you........Bill
BRENT BAYES
August 17, 2005
Michael, I met you a few times and thought alot of you. Enjoyed talking motorcycles and Marine Corp with you. You are missed. Semper Fi
B.K.
August 17, 2005
My sincere condolences to the family of Lance Cpl. Cifuentes. He died so that others might enjoy freedom. If anyone has a place in heaven, it is he.
Danielle Kapusinski
August 17, 2005
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over you and your family during this difficult time. Thank you for your courage and fighting for what you believed in, FREEDOM, I admire you for that. You will never be forgotten!
Keith Wightman
August 17, 2005
Dear family of Micael I am the father of lance Cpl. Brett Wightman. We only got to meet Michael one time. He stoped over at our house with arron and brett. When they got back from Israel.My wife and I sat down and they told us their stories.When they got up to leave I asked them where was D'artagnan. They were the three musketteer in my mind and always will. God bless you for having a son like Michael
Keith Koepke
August 16, 2005
“Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni”
Rest in peace, brother. Your sacrifice allows America to live in peace. You will never be forgotten.
Katie,Deano, Jordan, Jaime and Joey Yaukey
August 16, 2005
Tara,
Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and the Cifuentes family. We remember talking about you days after you entertained our children at the Reynolds picnic - we called you the "Cruise Director". Please know that prayers have been said, and you and Michael will be be together again someday in a place better than this.
Alvin Grimm
August 16, 2005
My deepest and profound sympathies to those he knew and loved he left behind. So young and yet so brave. Thanks for your courage in keeping my family safe from harm. God bless
Pam Holloway
August 16, 2005
I just wanted to say how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Please know that LANCE CPL MICHAEL J. CIFUENTES IS TRUELY AN AMERICAN HERO. GOD BLESS ALL OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN IRAQ AND BE WITH THEM ALL AND ALL THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Dawn Taylor
August 16, 2005
May God bless this family during their time of Sorrow! We thank the men and women that are serving our country so that we may continue to live in peace. God Bless!!!!
Homan Family
August 16, 2005
As a military family we feel your pain. We are sorry for your loss.
SK1 Spenn, USNR
August 16, 2005
Semper Fi Marine. I never met you but have all the Marines in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you and your family.
Chris Brent
August 15, 2005
I heard about the loss of Michael on the news in Cincinnati while visiting the area. He seemed like an amazing person and his family as well. He is in my prayers along with his family. He was a true hero.
William Menz
August 15, 2005
My son, LCPL. Christopher Menz went to school at St. X and graduated with Michael. He wishes to express his extreme sorrow to the Cifuentes family. He also wishes to convey how very sorry he is that he was unable to attend today's services.
My daughter and I did attend the service today and wish to convey how solemn and dignified the clergy and the attending Marines (and others) helped to make this unfortunate event.
I can only hope that your family will be able to draw strength from the public display of emotion and patriotism seen along the way to the burial by the police, firemen, and everyday people who honored your son for his sacrifice and you for yours.
From one Marine family to another "Semper Fi."
We wish you the "peace that passeth all understanding" to rule your lives from this day forward.
The Menz Family
Tami Stevens
August 15, 2005
Our families deepest sympathies. I do not know any of you personally but my cousin Michael DeMers served with Michael. We pray for all of the men in Lima Company. God bless you and hold you in the palm of His had.
Kelly Morgan
August 15, 2005
I knew Michael only through Miami University and their NROTC unit, but I would like to give my respects the his family. You are in my prayers.
August 14, 2005
Our Deepest Sympathy to the Family and Friends of LCPL Michael J. Cifuentes.
We did not know Michael personally yet feel a connection as parents of a St. Xavier High School student. We attended Michael’s visitation
today to honor him and his sacrifice for our country.
We are privileged to have the opportunity to meet Michael’s family and would like to thank them for their time and kind words in a very difficult time in their lives.
In this past week we have read about Michael’s life and recognize that he truly was a men for others. We appreciate Michael’s life and gifts that he has given as a role model for our two boys. We hope that they will become the men for others that Michael truly lived in his short life.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
The Bowman Family
Ron, Ronda, Nate, and Luke
B. Vassallo
August 14, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the family of such a brave soldier,Lance Cpl. Michael J. Cifuentes
~Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted.~
stacey altman
August 14, 2005
to tara and the cifuentes family: i worked with mike at kohls. he was the guy that we always knew would have something to say. there are two distinct memories i have of him one is of how much he was looking forward to going to boot camp because of his love of the marines and the other is of his love for tara. i remember how excited he was when he was planning his proposal. there is nothing i can say to make this time easier for you. all i know is that as long as you remember the smiles and laughter it will be easier. all of my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michael's name on War on Terror Veterans Memorial in Hermitage, Pa.
August 13, 2005
Ruth Liming
August 12, 2005
I have just returned home from the visitation for Brett Wightman. He was also killed the same day as Michael. These Marines lived together, they also died together, as they were all close friends. These fine young Marines had so much life yet to live. Michael Cifuentes will be remembered by all who knew and lost loved ones that day. Deepest Sympathy
Trisha Hines-Haskin
August 12, 2005
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family in this time of such tragedy. I know Michael's death was not in vain and he is with God at his highest Honor. What a true hero. Let comfort set in knowing he is watching over you all and will forever be your guardian angel.
Heather Addy
August 11, 2005
As we run from danger,
You run into it.
To save our lives,
You give yours.
Did I ever tell you,
that YOU are my HERO!
Janine Cassese
August 11, 2005
My deepest sympathies are extended to Tara and the Cifuentes family. Words just can't express the sadness this terrible war brings to all of us in the military community. May it comfort you to know that you are not alone, the entire military family shares your tears and your loss
Janine,Chris,Cameron,Tyler Cassese
(Tara's cousins)
Laura Crum
August 11, 2005
The Crum Family wants to send all of their love to the Cifuentes Family to one Great Marine, friend of my Son as they call a Brother. As a mother my heart is broken. This is alot, and need you to know that he will NEVER be forgotten by the Crum Family we will always honor LCpl Michael J. Cifuentes. ~God Bless You All~
Cuileann
August 11, 2005
Our thoughts are with you in this terrible time. Lighting a candle in Michael's memory. Bright blessing to all of his family.
kathy susini
August 11, 2005
sorry for your loss my heart goes out to you and your family,and all our service men and woman.
Jon Kilburn
August 10, 2005
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
I didn't know Michael, but as a former service member myself, he was a brother, that we shall all miss.
My prayers go out to Michael, Tara, and all of their friends and family.
Denise Kennedy
August 10, 2005
I'm a friend of Karen's (Tara's aunt). I'm very sorry to hear of your loss.
Richard Di Meglio
August 10, 2005
All my prayers are with you, and my deepest condolences.
Samantha Holman
August 10, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Without these brave men and women in our Armed Forces we would not have the liberties we all share today. Thank you for protecting our families and our freedom!
The Holman Family
Karen (Fitzgerald) Anderson
August 10, 2005
To the Family & Friends of LCPL Michael J. Cifuentes:
I did not know Michael, but am friends with Dolores Eichler-Ross. There are no words to make this any easier, but Please know that He is a True Hero as are all of Our Service People in my eyes. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you.
Blessed Be,
Tammy &Brian Orcutt
August 10, 2005
Our sympathy goes out to the whole Cifuentes family. As part of the military family we grieve with each soldier lost and their families left behind. Live in peace and comfort knowing you will forever have a special angel looking out for you each and every day. Michael will forever be in your hearts.
God Bless
Caroline Sapunarich
August 10, 2005
To the Cifuentes family:
Our condolences go out to you all. Our prayers will be with you.
Caroline & Butch Sapunarich
Charlotte Leigh
August 10, 2005
Our sympathy, thoughts, and prayers for the family of Michael. The Leigh Family
WENDY MEADOR
August 10, 2005
The family of LCPL Cifuentes:
My sincere sympathy goes to your family in the death of Michael. Without HEROES like him we would not be blessed with the freedom that we have. His bravery and courage will never be forgotten! We are forever grateful for his and your family's sacrifice. God Bless!
Mike and Sharon Mullins
August 9, 2005
Dear Cifuentes family and friends,
We are so sorry for your loss and cannot begin to imagine the hurt you must feel.Kevin Mullins thought so highly of Michael, and shared some special times with him... he was a true friend to Kevin. A piece of our heart was pierced with this news, but we believe Michael was a brave hero and will always be remembered for his courage with Lima Company. Carolyn and Tara--We saw you from across the room at the Family Day Picnic on 7/31, but couldn't get up to you in time to talk. Somehow you had left by the time we made our way closer to you. We regret that. But, you and your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers always.
Margy Bons
August 9, 2005
There are no words, only questions. There is no comfort, only tears. Our loved ones gave the ultimate sacrifice. They are now and forever our heroes in our hearts and in our country’s eyes. We must walk this walk of grief alone, but really not alone, they will be with us, always a part of us and always deep in our hearts.
With our deepest sympathy,
Margy Bons and Al Marzano
Proud parents of our own fallen hero, Sgt. Michael Marzano, from the 3-25 WPNS Co. who gave the ultimate sacrifice 5/7/2005
The Burness'
August 9, 2005
Tara,
We are so sorry for your loss. My sons (Ryan & Dylan)and I had the pleasure of meeting you and mike at the Family reunion (at (Paul & LIsa's)2 years ago. You and Mike were GREAT with my kids and a breath of fresh air to chat and hang out with. Again we are so sorry for your loss,Please know you both are in our hearts always. Love Jacquelyn, Ryan, & Dylan Burness
Beth Bucheit
August 9, 2005
May the Great God of this Universe guide your family at this time. We are sheltered by his love and mercy and he is always there for us. Call upon him and let him share his peace, as only with God can we truly find it.
We are here for you in anyway we can be.
In love,
Beth Bucheit
Tricia Nicol (Reynolds)
August 9, 2005
My heart is heavy over the loss of Mike. He was a great friend of mine in Math Ed. at Miami. Mike ate lunch together all the time in Shriver and always had great talks. Math is not always the most exciting subject, but we made it fun. I know that Mike was proud of what he was fighting for. I always respected him for that.
My heart goes out to Tara, Carolynn, and Gregg. I know that what I am feeling does not compare to what you are. You are all in my daily prayers.
Kay Adams
August 9, 2005
I am so very sorry for the tragic loss of you son. My prayers and thoughts are with you in hopes that you find peace in your heart. My son, Benjamin is a Marine with Lima Co. These young men fought with homonr. Be proud, Michael was a fine young man.
Melissa Hoak
August 8, 2005
Carolyn,Gregg,&Tara
No words can express how sorry I am for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers daily. Mike was a wonderful guy and a joy to be around. I'm so thankful to have such special memories of the time I shared with Mike and Tara.
Love,
~Melissa
Shelley Ryan
August 8, 2005
Dear Tara and Michael's family,
My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. I know and understand your pain. My cousin Lance Cpl. Nickolas Morrison was killed last August in a humvee accident while serving in Iraq. The pain never goes away, but it does get easier. All these marines are heroes. They risk there lives every day to secure our freedom. Take care and know your in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Paulette Hillberg
August 8, 2005
To the family of a American Hero. Our son has served with your son and was a good friend with him. Our hearts are deeply sadden. All of you are in our prayers and thoughts everyday. Remember his smile and know that he is in Gods loving arms and he will never suffer again. You will always be like family to all of us no matter where you are or what you are doing. Always remember that. May God comfort you and protect you forever.
Lance Coprl. Bryan Hillber's Family
DOLORES EICHLER-ROSS
August 8, 2005
Tara and the Cifuentes Family:
I am deeply sorry for your tragic loss. Michael you will truly be missed by your family and by Tara
If there is anything I can do for the family and Tara please let me know!!! Again I am TRULY SORRY FOR YOUR TRAGIC LOSS MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL OF OUR HEROES!!!!!!!
Dolores [email protected]
Shawn Mason
August 8, 2005
To the family and friends of Michael. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my heart and prayers. Your son is a hero who gave his life so that all of us could retain our freedom. May God bless and comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Debbie Sibcy
August 8, 2005
Thinking of you in this time of sorrow. My son Zach Merrill is in the 3/25 L.co.Lima,I deeply feel your pain.
Caron Collins
August 8, 2005
The family of fellow US Marine PFC Richard Collins, extends our sincerest sympathy in your time of sorrow. We pray you find God's peace.
George J. Okie
August 8, 2005
Michael,my neices financee was a friendly person. We will miss you Mike.Mike you will always be in our hearts.
Colin and Andrew Okie
Brad Pompos
August 7, 2005
Mike lived two doors down from me in Swing Hall at Miami.
All of us that were friends with him at Miami and hung out with him there are deeply sadden by his death. Mike always had a smile on his face regardless of what was going on and was very proud of two things during the time we knew him...the fact that he was in the Miami band and that he was going to be in the military. We will miss you.
-The guys in Swing Hall
Peggy Logue
August 7, 2005
Carolyn and Greg,
What is there to say? Our son, Michael is still in Iraq. He knew your Michael. This is so devastating to us all but I can't imagine what you are enduring. I remember talking to you at the Sunday Family Day Picnic. You said Michael had been upset because he had just lost his buddy, LCPL Lyons. We are all sick about all of this. Please know that we are amazed at your courage and strength. Be blessed with memories of Michael.
Edith Rye
August 7, 2005
To the family you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know about the pain of waiting for your marine to come back home. My hubby is in Lima Co. 3rd platoom Cpl. Frank Rye. I do not know the pain you are going through but know that you are truely loved and in my thoughts and heart. I remember Frank talking about Michael, he was in Frank's fire team a while back. He was a great guy from what I have heard from Frank.I met him a couple of times. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
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