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Michael Elm Obituary
Michael graduated as the "Honor Graduate" from the Army Basic Training school at Ft. Benning, and served in A Company, 1st Battalion, of the 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, First Infantry Division at Fort Knox, KY ("the Big Red One"). Michael had a sense of humor that could not be matched. He was a loving son, brother, nephew and god parent. He is survived by his parents, Donna and Dennis Elm; brother Matthew Elm; sisters Margaret Campbell (Todd), Christy Rangel (Sam) and Katie Elm (Ashaley); grandmother Joy Samson; godsons Lex and Liam Hug; several aunts, uncles, and cousins, and a world full of friends. Although
Michael had a short journey on this Earth, he left behind a footprint that will never be equaled. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Michael will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. A Memorial Celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. at Las Sendas Trailhead Members Club, 7900 E. Eagle Crest Dr., Mesa, AZ 85207. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to go to The Fisher House Foundation:
http://fisherhouse.org/donate, a non profit organization that provides assistance to families and children of fallen soldiers. The Celebration is being coordinated by Bob and Karen Samson who can be contacted at
[email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Elm
SGT Brown
October 15, 2016
Been a rough weekend buddy I miss you incredibly.
Ferg
October 5, 2015
Miss Elmo every day , was my best friend and greatest guy I've ever met , not a day goes by I don't try to do and enjoy all the things we talked about doing , we shared our last fast food meal state side and always ended our chats with an embrace and a red , as the 14 comes closer I plan on celebrating the man and friend he was with a box of cheap wine like him and I did so many night long ago , from your name tattooed on my arm to every smoke a have I know Mike is with us .
July 29, 2015
My condolences to the family of Michael Elm, sorry for your loss.
Micah 4:3,4
Judy Broeker
November 10, 2013
My Granddaughter proudly carried Michael's Fallen Solider Flag in the Mesa
AZ Veteran's Day Parade on 11-10-13. You will always be in my heart and prayers.
January 14, 2013
Found you on my mind again Mike. You and your family.
December 31, 2012
I will eternally be grateful for Michael's service to this Nation. I am sorry he had to pay making the ultimate sacrifice. How fortunate you were to have him, however brief it was.
Peggy Childers
October 27, 2012
To the family of Spc. Michael D. Elm:
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."
Lora (Elm) Knoppel
January 15, 2012
Although I do not know him or his family, I came across his guest book and felt the desire to leave my words. The internet is unique in that it allows a complete stranger the ability to reach out and extend heartfelt sympathy to those left behind that grieve him. Please know that this person has said a prayer to our Lord tonight for him and all that knew and loved SPC. MichaeL D. Elm
Lynne Neibert
December 15, 2011
Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who strive to send handmade prayer shawls and/ or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA would like to honor your son's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a shawl which we will mail to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses and what they would like to receive. We will send them as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address, as our organization can no longer get family contacts through the military. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne
Julie Fussell
November 16, 2011
Thinking about your family and sending warm thoughts your way. Thank you Michael for your great sacrifice.
Shelia Jacoby
November 10, 2011
Donna and family, there is no way to thank you enough for the gift of a son who was raised so well that he made the ultimate sacrifice for those he did not even know. My heart is heavy for each of you and I pray that the wonderful memories will in time ease some of the crushing pain.
S. Pembrook
November 5, 2011
To the Elm family, please accept my deepest condolences for the lost of your dear loved one. Please read Psalms 46:9, God will make wars cease to the extremity of the earth. At Matthew 6: 9,10 in the near future, there will be peace on earth as it is in heaven.
November 4, 2011
Michael, I hope I get to meet you someday in heaven. Thank you Michael for your ultimate sacrifice!
Jill Hudson
November 3, 2011
I am remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I am so grateful for your loved one's service.
November 3, 2011
I didn't know Michael or his family but I just wanted to say thank you for your service to our country. Reading your obituary you obviously were a great guy and very handsome. My condolences to your parents and family. How proud your parents must be to have had such a great son. A true role model and American hero.
November 2, 2011
I did not know Michael, but my husband is serving in Khowst alongside 3-1. I am sorry for your family's loss. I grieve for every soldier lost. It is important to remember and to honor each soldier.
Danielle M
November 2, 2011
I remember meeting Michael at Geenway my first day there. Not only was he a sweet person, but had a personality that anyone would want to be around. My prayers go out to his family and the rest of his friends. Thank you Michael for serving us!
November 2, 2011
SPC Michael Elm was one of the best cousins anybody can ask for. I am so proud of my cousin. I will miss him so much. Love you cousin.
October 31, 2011
He shall always be a hero to many.
To Michael's family. My heart goes out to you. There are no words to say other than be proud of him.
Scottsdale Az
Jan Karlson
October 31, 2011
Honoring you, today I shall stand below Old Glory lowered to half-staff and grieve the exit of an angel on earth.
MacDaniel
October 30, 2011
For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I'm home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I'm only a civilian
And I don't even know if it's allowed
But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.
For those missing in action;
for those who didn't make it home.
I know you're in God's presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.
I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.
I Salute You.
Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt
Colonie, NY
SGT. David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq
Patti Collings
October 29, 2011
There are no words to express how I feel everytime I see a wonderful young man has died for our country. God bless you Michael. May your family and friends know your ultimate sacrifice is appreciated by millions of Americans. God bless you and God bless America. With my deepest gratitude.
susan barker
October 29, 2011
My prayers are with Michael's family. A Marine Mom of 2. You should be very proud of your son. He died a hero.
Andrew Scerbo
October 29, 2011
My brother served with Spc. Elm and is still stationed in Afghanistan. He said that Michael was a an exemplary soldier and a good man. This tragedy has hit many who who knew him very hard and Michael was well liked and respected. My most sincere condolences to his family and my utmost admiration for Spc. Michael D. Elm for his service and bravery. He served his country proudly. God Bless. -D.S.
Marjean Sessom
October 28, 2011
I did not know Spc. Elm, but he holds a place in my heart and I appreciate the sacrifice he has made for our country. May his family and friends find comfort in knowing that he is now a hero with angel's wings. Marjean Sessom
Sylvia Kronenwetter
October 27, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathy
for the loss of your loved one and
Hero Michael, and my sincerest
gratitude for his service.
God Bless you Spc. Michael D. Elm...
you will not be forgotten.
Marine Mom
October 27, 2011
My heart is heavy...Our prayers are with you. Marine Mom
John doe
October 26, 2011
I served with Spc. Elm here in Afghanistan. I last enjoyed a conversation with him 2 weeks before he died. I looked forward to conversations with Elm. He was interesting and above all, when you were speaking to him he always showed a genuine interest in whatever it was you were talking about. He treated everybody he spoke with like they were someone important that had something to say. And then he would speak only after he listened to your point of view first. We talked about anything and everything. He was an extraordinary conversationalist. The last conversation we had at the gate by the chowhall we talked about this book he had about the world war 11 cartoonist Bill Mauldin. We thought it was so hilarious that things havent changed a dam bit with soldiering since world war 11!! We enjoyed a hearty laugh at those cartoons in the book he had. He then told me, "You can keep it if you want to check it out, you can just give it back to me later".....I remember I thought that was cool of him to offer. Toward the end of our conversation I asked him why he would leave college and join the U.S. Army Infantry out of all things?? He looked at me with squinted eyes and took a drag of his cigaratte with his right hand and looked over his left shoulder and exhaled the smoke and shrugged his shoulders and said "I gotta do my part, however i may feel in the future, I just feel I gotta do my part so I went Infantry to do my part.".....as he kept looking over his shoulder ever courteous he took one last drag of his cigarrete and exhaled and chucked the his cigarrete butt. He then looked at me and I said "Thats good stuff Elm, thats good stuff." So I then thanked him for his time and said "See you around Elm, and he said" "Alright bro no problem, no worries".................He was sharp and witty and everybody enjoyed his humor and his smarts. ............. Then i heard what happened to him and now I must be the caretaker of his memory.............Why, Why Elm?? Why anybody?? But why Elm?? Now we have to live the rest of our lives silent about Elm, as any mention of him will only resurrect the uglyness of war and what it does to the rest of us who survive.
Tiffany Williams
October 25, 2011
While I did not know Michael personally he was a part of a much larger Scouting family. We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Henryk Zaleski
October 25, 2011
Rest in peace.
L Greene
October 24, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. May SPC. MICHAEL D. ELM rest in peace and you find comfort in knowing that he is. My thoughts and prayers are with MICHAEL and your family. Thank You a True American HERO!!! ~God Bless~
Patty Espinoza
October 24, 2011
Once again, the ultimate price was paid for the honor and sake of this country. May your loved one, Michael Elm, be remembered for his self-less ways and he will never be forgotten. God bless you all.
Sara P
October 24, 2011
I can't say that I knew Mike well or that we were great friends, but from what I knew of him he was a very talented, nice guy. I respect his bravery so much. My condolences for your loss. His memory will live on.
Amy Thomas
October 23, 2011
The celebration of life was a reminder of what a wonderful family you are and beautiful memories you were so kind to share with us.
Nroma Cervantes
October 23, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I thank Jeremiah T. Sancho for having paid the ultimate price. He is a true hero. God bless his familiy and loved ones. He is now resting in peace and in a better place than any of us.
Diana,Cody & Army SPC McDonald
October 23, 2011
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Ashley Spence (Homicz)
October 23, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with all the friends and family of Mike. He was such a funny and charismatic guy that no one could forget. I'm so glad I was got to know you in high school.
Gary O'Farrell
October 23, 2011
To Donna and Family, we have also lost a son and hope this helps you in your time of sorrow as much as it has helped us when we hit the low spots.
"When I come to the end of the road, And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in gloom-filled rooms,
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little--but not to long,
And not with your head bowed low;
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me--but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take,
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know,
And busy your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me - but let me go."
Their are no medals that our fine young men and women in the Service of our Country can be presented with,that can convey the ultimate sacrafice these people have made. From a Marine and his family, our prayers and sympathy go our to your family.
The O'Farrell's
For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud
October 23, 2011
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to SPC. Michael Davis Elm our Brother-in-Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Michael. And to Michael it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Michael, you are a brave American Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,307 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Michael’s family and loved ones.
Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
Jessica Hurley
October 22, 2011
I appreciate your family's sacrifice and I am sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person. I knew Michael as "Melmo," a young man with a great smile, he could always make you laugh, and I am proud to have known him. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you have with him. Words will never be enough to express the loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
CoCo E. Hutchison
October 22, 2011
Dear SPC Michael Elm, Sir, I thank you for being one to serve and protect our freedom. We could not have what we have and do all we do or enjoy all that we enjoy without what you have done for us Americans. You were brave and fought a good fight. You were taken much tooooo soon, we all agree. My family has been full of airmen, soldiers, naval personnel, and Marines, for the last '4' generations. Hence, I know your sacrafice and plight. I simply say, THANK YOU and rest now! You have well done your job!
To your family, we are most proud of your son, your child. You deeply loved him and God needed him most ~ another angel. The day will come when you are reunited. May God comfort and prosper you, always, as you joyously remember your SPC Michael Elm. Thank you for sharing SPC Michael Elm with his country, our land and the world.
SPC Michael Elm, many have done well, Sir, and you excelled them all =
If
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
~ INDEED, YOU WERE, MICHAEL!!!
~ GOD SPEED ON YOUR JOURNEY HOME!
Lovingly & Proudly Submitted,
Professor CoCintheane Hutchison and family, Orlando, FL / Hampton, VA
catherine callaghan
October 22, 2011
this is indeed a very sad story to lose a life way too soon. my heart goes out to your family
Dan & Mimi Terrell
October 21, 2011
Donna my prayers for you and your loss
They shall not grow old
They shall not grow old
Jill
October 21, 2011
May the memories of Michael keep you all strong. What a blessing he was to the country in his service. I am sorry for your loss.
Kerry Huckabee
October 21, 2011
I don't know SPC Michael Elm but do know an acquaintance who went to school with Michael. I had just heard through her post that SPC Michael Elm had given the ultimate price for our country. I'm am so sorry to here of the news of SPC Michael Elms passing and for anyone else who may have passed or been injured in the attack on his unit. More than likely anything I say will not consult the heavy heart that the Elm family and their friends are feeling now. Hopefully time will heal their heavy hearts and allow them to reflect on all the good things that made Michael such a special young man. My sincere gratitude for men like Michael Elm who volunteer for our country and serve her knowing full well that they may some day have to give there life for our country. My sincere gratitude for Michael's sacrifice and service to our country and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Michael Elms family.
Bill Foreman
October 21, 2011
Condolences on the passing of this young man and the tragedy that such an accomplished and dedicated person has been taken from his family and friends so soon. You are in our thoughts.
An Aunt of a 27 yr. old Army SGT neice, who also served in Afganistan, and a Grandmother
October 21, 2011
After reading this incredible story about your wonderful family member, who gave his life for our freedom, I must send a very special "Thank you" to him and to you for doing so. May God's Blessings and Peace be with each of you, and may all of his amazing talents and accomplishments bless you with a happy heart and smile when thinking of him. My heart goes out to all of you and to him.
THANK YOU, SPC MICHAEL DAVIS ELM AND HIS FAMILY
Jerome Larson
October 21, 2011
To the Elm family you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. From the US Marshals Service in Flagstaff, AZ
cindy tyers
October 21, 2011
My fondest memory of Mike is when he and my son Kevin created a video for high school. It was a star wars parody. We all laughed so hard; I remember thinking, I didnt know they were so talented. My heart hurts and aches for Mikes family and for my son.
DiPietro Family
October 21, 2011
Another hero in Heaven, so sorry for your families loss. Thank you sir, for giving the greatest sacrifice.
Michelle Dragoo
October 21, 2011
SPC Michael Elm I will always miss you! You were such an incredible person who could make anyone smile. I am so glad I had the chance to know you through junior high and high school. Thank you so much for your service to our country and my thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
October 21, 2011
Thank you so much for your service to our country - it is so greatly appreciated.
May you rest in peace and every sincere prayer to your family!
A stranger in Palm Coast, FL
Al Reble
October 21, 2011
I can only offer my thanks to the Elm family for bringing a hero to us and my sorrow that you had to let him go too soon. Thank you from the US Marshals in Phoenix, AZ.
mary ashe
October 21, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Karla Childers
October 21, 2011
Sir, I didn't know you either, but I thanks you for serving our country !!!
Jon Anderson
October 21, 2011
SPC Michael Elm I did not know you but I thank you for your service and ultimate sacrafice. Seems that so many of the "good die young" these days! God Bless those who mourn your departure. Rest in Peace!
Stephanie Huckabee (Thompson)
October 21, 2011
I remember when I first met you at desert foothills. Seems so long ago! I always had a crush on you and then finally sophomore year we started to date, even though you did stand me up and then tried to say I never told you what movie when you picked it out! You were an incredible person and you taught me so much! I love you and miss you!
JT
October 21, 2011
Michael Davis Elm, I thank you for your service, I honor you, I mourn your loss, I extend my sincere sympathy to your family. A man who cared, a man who made a difference. Our country needs more young men like Michael Davis Elm. Rest in Peace.
Sharon Leonard/Lenz
October 20, 2011
Out of the 100's of kids who have come through my classroom door, a few have stood out as special. I knew immediately that the Michael on the news was my little Michael from 1st grade. Reading about his accomplishments in his short life made me proud to have been a small part of it. My heart and prayers go out to your family. Love, Michael's 1st grade teacher.
Elizabeth Lisenby
October 20, 2011
Spc. Michael Elm has served our nation well. I am honored that he is one of our soldiers. My thanks to him for all that he has done. My prayers are for all who loved and will miss this valuable young man.
Kathy Carlson
October 20, 2011
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your Michael. I hope that you find some comfort in the warm memories that are held in your hearts forever. His life was truly an inspiration and an amazing one. My son is a 2002 GHS graduate, former 1-26 and is also currently deployed. Our thoughts and those of many others are with you. Our heroes will always be remembered.
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