Michael Donald Hogue

Everyone tells me I should write a book about my dad, and maybe I will later. It's hard to put into words what he did, what he went through, and how he helped other people through their struggles. Not so much that they were indescribable, but because there were so many. You would think a strong fighter, a courageous warrior, would come in an intimidating, ruthless, ball of fury. You would have never known he was a paratrooper right out of high school, and a decorated Vietnam vet, if it wasn't...

While we used to live in different continents, I never got to meet Uncle Mike until I first visited Michigan at 20. It was a brief stay but I still remember the warm nature of Uncle Mike and how he greeted us with his big smile every morning. With all what he has been through, he will always be remembered as a fighter, a survivor and a great husband/father.

I remember many great conversations and jokes with Mike during my time working at the VA. I was always careful going around corners because you never knew if he was coming the other way going 90 miles an hour. Mike is a great guy and will be missed. My thoughts are with the family.

Mike was fun to work with and when at the VA I had over 400 HIV patients he helped in getting through benefits. He was cheer filled intelligent and concerned. God he was a good man and although away for 11 years I still remember Mike and salute him for his good works. God bless him and his family
George Ridenour Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living