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Cpl. Michael R. Speer
Cpl. Michael R. Speer
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Michael R. Speer Obituary
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Andrew Houser
September 24, 2019
I served and trained under SGT Poppa Speer and was present when we lost him in April. He always led from the front and protected his Marines until the very end! He taught me when it meant to be a leader and serve others. I took what he instilled in me as a young Marine under his command on with me during my career and tried to pass it onto the Marines that served under me. You will never be forgotten brother! Semper Fi SSgt Andrew Houser USMC
Leila Campbell
May 4, 2013
To the family of Cpl. Michael R. Speer:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Christian Memorial Day Remembrance worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, 26 May 2013. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the bordering states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 300 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.
The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars of our nation's history and give honor to all who have served in the United States Armed Forces and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each 8-foot cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of America's conflicts.
I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “Freedom:Free, but Costly.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and there place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the Memorial Garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel. The Memorial Garden will remain until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, 27 May (Memorial Day).
As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/286-7296) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans' name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/286-7296) or email the office ([email protected]) and leave your name and contact information.
Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Saturday 25 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sunday, 26 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one's cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.
If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.
Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org
Peggy Childers
April 21, 2013
April 9, 2013
To the family and friends of Cpl. Michael R. Speer:
It has truly been my honor to sign Michael's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Michael will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy
April 20, 2012
To the family of Cpl. Michael R. Speer:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Christian Memorial Day Remembrance worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday 27 May 2012. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the bordering states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 300 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.
The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars of our nation's history and give honor to all who have served the United States and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of America's conflicts.
I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “Lest We Forget Freedom's Cost.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the Memorial Garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel.
As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/456-4410) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans' name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/456-4410) or email ([email protected]) the office, and leave your name and contact information.
Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Saturday 26 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sunday 27 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one's cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.
If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.
Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org
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Peggy Childers
April 9, 2012
To the family and friends of Cpl. Michael R. Speer:
Always remembering Michael. "Some gave all."
May 7, 2011
To the family of Cpl Michael R Speer:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May 2011. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 200 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one. The Memorial Garden’s perimeter will be manned by members of the Patriot Guard and a honor guard from AMVETS Post #1 of Mendota will be posted at the entrance.
The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars in United States history and give honor to all who have served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of our nation’s wars.
I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “A Believer’s Look at War.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the memorial garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel.
As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/456-4410) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/456-4410) or email ([email protected]) the office and leave your name and contact information.
Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Sat 28 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sun 29 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one’s cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.
If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.
Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org
Peggy Childers
April 24, 2011
April 9, 2011
To the family and friends of Cpl. Michael R. Speer:
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
L Neal
March 21, 2011
To the family of Cpl. Michael R. Speer:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains 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 bless and keep you always.
April 26, 2010
To the family of Cpl. Michael R. Speer:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 30 May 2010. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.
The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses to represent all of the wars in United States history and give honor to all who have served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.
I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled “A Day of Remembrance.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the memorial garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception; weather permitting will be outside of the Chapel.
As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (612/970-7866) or email ([email protected]) the office and leave your name and contact information.
Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Sat 29 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sun 30 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one’s cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.
If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.
Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org
Peggy Childers
April 10, 2010
To the family and friends of Cpl. Michael R. Speer:
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
roberto canizalez
January 21, 2010
think alot about you rip
Kenna Larra
October 29, 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 1,800 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
Madgelene Harper
June 17, 2009
GREATER LOVE HAS NO ONE THAN THIS, THAT HE LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. JOHN 15:13
Peggy Childers
April 11, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Michael R. Speer:
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
Debbie Ebersold
February 6, 2009
I am deeply humbled & honored to be able to say I am this young man's aunt. I knew Mike was a special guy, but just thought that because he was my nephew. My son & he were only 2 months apart in age, & had great fun growing up together. I also think of him daily, I know that his death has left a large hole in my sister's family. I love you all dearly & wish there was something I could do to take all your hurt away. Some bright morning we will all be together & the family circle will not be broken. Until then Mike is looking out for us. His supreme sacrifice to this country is something that we will never forget. I hope I can do my part in this world to touch others lives, just as he did. I miss you!!
1st. Sgt. Andrew Lewis
August 15, 2008
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you and think what if. The wonderful part is I do have special memories of our conversation and I let you know how honored I was to know you. The sad part is that I don't feel fulfilled as your leader, I feel I have let you down by not protecting you. My wife reminds me that you are in a better place. I'll see you there someday my brother, my friend. Eliza, if you ever read this, please let us know where you are. My wife and I think of you often.
R Collis
July 28, 2008
It is difficult to know what to say since I want to express my sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Cpl Speer. Please know that your loved one is not forgotten. I wish everyone impacted by this tragic loss strength and peace. I hope that Cpl Speer knew that there are people in America who respect his great courage in serving as a member of the US military. Although I did not know him, I know that he must have been a very special person to be willing to do something that most Americans will never have to experience, and for that we can never say thank you enough.
Thank you Cpl Speer!
Adam Magnuson
April 20, 2008
Hey Mike;
WOW i cant believe you have been gone for 4 years. Oh how i miss you my friend. I can honestly say not a day goes by that i don't think of you. I know you are in a better place watching over everyone. You were always a leader, always a protector. Mike you were the greatest man i have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and to be considered a friend of yours, was and still is one of the greatest things ever to happen to me. My best friend my brother, You are always and forever MISSED ,but You will never be FORGOTTEN. You will always be in my heart brother. I LOVE YOU MIKE.
-Magnuson family
(Adam, Jackie, Koda, Cheyenne)
April 9, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.
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”
Please contact me and I will email you
back a copy of the Angel drawing I have
posted here.
I did not know Michael, but he is my hero.
xo xo
Debra Estep - Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Rest In Peace
Michael Iezzi
April 9, 2008
Michael,
Thinking and praying for you on the 4th anniversary of your passing into eternal glory. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends", John 15:13.
Brad Stueber
March 25, 2008
Time has passed since Cpl. Michael R. Speer left this earth for a better place. Yet I wish to express my heartfelt sympathies and extend my prayers for his family and friends who I am sure remember him every day. Michael is a son of every American, one in whom we honor and are so very proud of for his ultimate sacrifice for his family, his country and the freedom of others both present and yet to be born. We choose to remember and never forget what he has accomplished. Michael, thank you. You have served proudly. We look forward to the day we can join you in heaven, the place where there is perfect and eternal peace. Until then, rest in peace our son.
Safely Home
Michael Iezzi
March 25, 2008
Father we entrust our brother Michael to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Michael in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
Gale Poindexter
March 24, 2008
I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Cpl Michael R Speer. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.
I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!
(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXAX__FZYg4
SHIRLEY DONEY
March 24, 2008
REST IN PEACE CPL. SPEER, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU
March 24, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Cpl Speer!
July 29, 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 guestbook 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 9, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Cpl Speer and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Marine
Garnet Jenkins
April 9, 2007
It is an honor to pay tribute to Cpl. Michael R. Speer, with a Multitude of Thanks, for this Brave Young Marine's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
May Michael Rest Safely, in God's Loving Care and may the Peace of God continue to be with the Speer family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 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.
Leila Campbell
April 26, 2006
To the family of Cpl. Michael R. Speer:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 28 May, 2006. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.
I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “What Are We to Remember?” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.
As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.
Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org
Mandi Wendt
July 19, 2005
I remember the first time I met Papa he was doing a Chris Farley impersination and Picked on me for being in uniform when I didnt have to be. Mike is like a brother to me. He served with my Brother Matt. If you have met Mike you know he touched everyone he met and left little parts of himself with everyone he met. It was either teaching them how to dance telling a joke or just giving yah a hug when you thought you had had enough. He was always smiling and telling stories he could take you from the worst day of your life to the best in a matter of minutes.
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