New Berlin, Wisconsin
When Michelle M. Witmer was 10 years old, she told her two sisters she wanted to be a hero. "Seriously, I could push someone off a bridge and save them," the little girl told her identical twin Charity and older sister Rachel as they talked about what they wanted to be when they grew up. All three sisters have served in Iraq with the National Guard. Spc. Michelle Witmer, 20, of New Berlin, Wis., died April 9 when her Humvee was attacked in Baghdad. In e-mails home, she said she was working night shifts and rarely got a day off but said she enjoyed volunteering at an orphanage. "It was when I was holding one of these children that I realized I have so much to be thankful for," she wrote. Witmer was trying to return fire when she was hit, said Brig. Gen. Kerry Denson, commander of the Wisconsin National Guard, quoting an e-mail from Sgt. Nate Olson, who was in the Humvee with Witmer. Charity said her twin got her childhood wish. "She was a hero when she died," she said.
I am so sorry for your loss! I am a twin as well who lost my twin at 29. Thank you to your family for sharing your story. I hope your family finds comfort in memories and each other this Memorial Day Weekend.
Sarah Morton
May 27, 2023 | Temecula, CA
Sincere condolences to Michelle's loved ones.
Mary Ybarra-Sorola
May 27, 2023 | Houston, TX
To the family of Michelle Witmer,
My name is Cecily Benton. I am a high school senior at Winfield City High School in Win Winfield, Alabama. I am so sorry for your loss. It seems like Michelle was a wonderful person. I am sure she is dearly missed.
I am writing to you today because, my history teacher, Coach Wilson, thought it would be a good idea to write to the family of a fallen soldier. I chose Michelle because, my mother's name is Michelle.
I have a lot of respect for the people...
Cecily Benton
November 05, 2014 | Winfield, AL
To the Witmer Family: Although I was in uniform at Michelle's funeral, this message is long overdue. I retired as the WING J1 (HR Dir) at the end of 2004. I often think of the sacrifice Michelle made and your entire family endures. I want you to know that she will not be forgotten, even by those who never had an opportunity to meet her in person. I went to work at the Pentagon as a civilian from 2008-2010. I took every opportunity to say hello to Michelle's picture that was posted along...
Sheri Swokowski
March 01, 2014 | DeForest, WI
To the family of Michelle Witmer,
Your daughter's sacrifice will never be forgotten. I hope that time will help you heal your wounds from this tragic loss and remember she is a hero and will always be remebered as such. She is now in heaven among the Saints. May God bless her and your family.
Michael M.
July 06, 2013 | FL
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and to also let the Witmer Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. ...
Charlie Gili
June 01, 2013 | Brooklyn, NY
To the family of Spc. Michelle M. Witmer:
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...
Leila Campbell
May 07, 2013 | Fort Snelling, MN
To the family of Spc. Michelle M. Witmer:
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...
April 23, 2012
R.I.P. SPC Michelle M. Witmer
There is a heavenly reward for those who sacrifice their lives for the freedom of others : HEAVEN .And heaven is now where you are, somewhere you deserve to be. Live good there with your almighty God, Michelle. You will not be forgotten.May tou have an eternal life there.
H. P.
April 10, 2012 | IRAN
