AJC.com > Iraq coverage > Blog > Archives > 2005 > August > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFallen soldier’s passion was to serve
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Robert Stokely told his son, Michael, to ask himself two questions before joining the Georgia Army National Guard.
“Are you prepared to kill?” the father recalled Wednesday. “And are you prepared to be killed?”
Michael Stokely, 23, was killed after stepping on an explosive device a few miles south of Baghdad.That was in 2000, when the Loganville High School student on the verge of 18 was considering the military.
Michael Stokely joined the guard and in May went to Kuwait on his way to Iraq. Tuesday morning, Stokely’s family learned the 23-year-old was killed after stepping on an explosive device a few miles south of Baghdad.
He was one of four Georgia soldiers in the guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team to die this week in Iraq.
Three others were killed Monday when their vehicle overturned into a canal during combat operations. Sgt. Thomas Strickland, 27, of Douglasville; Spc. Joshua Dingler, 19, of Hiram; and Sgt. Paul Saylor, 21, of Bremen were assigned to 1st Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment at the time of their deaths.
Stokely’s death brought to 16 the number of fatalities suffered by the 48th since it arrived in Iraq in early June; 15 of them since July 24.
Spc. Michael Stokely was awarded a posthumous promotion to sergeant, according to Ron Morton, an Army spokesman.
“He was just an awesome guy,” said his mother, Melissa Gardner, who lives in Oxford with Stokely’s stepfather, William Gardner.
Robert Stokely, the Coweta County solicitor, described his son as “soft-spoken and quiet but talkative — if that makes sense.
“I think popular would be an understatement,” he continued. “There are politicians who would pay good money to have his popularity.”
Michael Stokely played soccer in high school but his real interest was the military — “the structure, the camaraderie, the sense of purpose,” his father said.
“He wanted to serve,” Robert Stokely said.
During a 10-day leave in May, just a month after his final birthday, Stokely married his sweetheart since high school, the former Niki Yancey.
Melissa Gardner said her son had talked about joining the armed forces ever since middle school. His stepfather had been a Marine, and a grandfather and an uncle had served in the Air Force.
She last talked to her son Aug. 8 by phone.
“He wanted to know about friends, relatives and the weather.
“He would always say, ‘Mom, I’m fine. Everything’s fine,’ ” Gardner recalled.
Justin Oulton, Stokely’s best friend, laughed about how they met.
“Our first meeting started in a fight,” he said. The two were playing soccer and “he got frustrated and threw me down.”
But the anger didn’t last. “We just got it out of the way,” Oulton said.
Before Stokely’s marriage, he and Oulton shared a farmhouse in the Conyers area for about 18 months to save money. They worked at Hills Ace Hardware in Loganville and waited tables.
Oulton said Stokely was uncomplicated. He liked to play with his dogs, a pit bull and German shorthair pointer.
The two talked several times when Stokely was in Iraq. The young soldier described his duty as “hangin’ out in the desert.”
Oulton learned of his friend’s death Tuesday night. His parents made an excuse to come by and told him. His father had heard the news on the radio.
“I fell apart for a little while,” Oulton said.
Stokely had mentioned the possibility of dying while serving his country.
“He had said before, if he had to go, that was the way he would want to do it,” Oulton said. “He loved what he did. He thought he was doing a good thing over there.”
.JPG)
Services »
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By mark
August 18, 2005 07:22 AM | Link to this
To the parents of this young man and to the parents of all the other men and women who have given thier lives in the united states military service,my condolences and appreciation for what your children had the honor and courage to do. my prayers go out to you and your families.
By Billy McWilliams
August 18, 2005 07:33 AM | Link to this
Another Hero dies serving his country and spreading freedom in the world. God Bless this young man.
By Ralph Jamerson
August 18, 2005 07:43 AM | Link to this
Thank God for young men like Michael Stokely - his passion for country and willingess to serve should be recognized and honored by all Americans - and all like him who have paid the ultimate price for all of us, who often take our freedom and place in this world for granted. Thank you Michael and God bless and keep you.
By LESLIE R
August 18, 2005 08:30 AM | Link to this
THIS IS A DIFFICULT TIME IN OUR HISTORY, ESPECIALLY TO KNOW THAT WHILE MANY OF OUR LIVES GO ON AS NORMAL, THESE GUYS ARE FIGHTING EACH AND EVERY DAY IN A HORRENDOUS ENVIRONMENT. I AM SO SORRY FOR THE MANY DEATHS THE 48TH BRIGADE HAS SUFFERED, BUT VERY GRATEFUL WE HAVE INDIVIDUALS, LIKE MICHAEL, WHO ARE COURAGEOUS ENOUGH TO FIGHT FOR OUR FREEDOMS. GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR SOLDIERS OUT THERE. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE MANY SACRIFICES THESE SOLDIERS ARE MAKING, SO THAT WE CAN BE SAFE. A HUGE THANK YOU IS OWED TO OUR MILITARY. WE SHOULD ALL DO WHAT WE CAN TO HELP THE MILITARY FAMILIES HERE IN THE US WHILE THE PEOPLE THEY LOVE AND CHERISH ARE AT WAR.
By A Mother
August 18, 2005 09:55 AM | Link to this
I thank God everyday for our brave heroes who sacrifice so much to ensure our freedom — especially for those who “give all”, such as Michael.
By Nancy
August 18, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this dedicated soldier.
By ELLIOTT ORTIZ
August 18, 2005 10:18 AM | Link to this
I THANK YOUR FAMILY FOR THE SACRIFICES THAT YOUR FAMILY HAS MADE FOR THIS GREAT NATION AND HAVE MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES.I WILL PRAY FOR YOU ALL AND I WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE THIS GREAT NATION IN THE ARMED FORCES FOR THIS REASON.
By John Ward Stuckey
August 18, 2005 10:37 AM | Link to this
The world is a better place with people like Michael Stokely. Thank you Michael, for the difference that you have made to the people of this country, we all envy your Bravery that you have shown to the world. God Bless you and your family.
By Christina Lowery
August 18, 2005 10:47 AM | Link to this
My heart goes out to each and every family who are grieving over their loved ones. They are heroes! As a military family member—I understand the worry and wonder. My son’s Dad is in with the 48th now. Our Soldiers need our love and support more than ever. To our Soliders, and the one that has my heart! Keep your head up and eyes open, we love you all very much and there are people here who honor and believe in what you are doing! Stay safe and positive! Lots of Moon Kisses!
By Jenny Robison
August 18, 2005 10:59 AM | Link to this
Michael was a wonderful man and a very loved individual. We will always remember him and his dedication to our country. Melissa, Bill and Niki, you are all in my prayers, and my family and I love you all very much. My sincere condolences go out to Mr. Stokely as well.
By Joel Abbott
August 18, 2005 11:09 AM | Link to this
I taught Mike in 9th grade English. He was a good friend and was always happy to see me. I introduced him to a series of books that he really got into and then he bought and read the whole series, telling me about each book as he read finished it. He loaned me a later book in the series that I never got around to reading. He asked me if I’d finally gotten around to reading it every time I saw him—for years. I suppose I’ll get around to it someday, Mike. He was always cheerful, loyal, and friendly. He made friends everywhere he went. A very good guy.
By Angela Stokely
August 18, 2005 11:11 AM | Link to this
Michael is my cousin and I have adored him since the day he entered this earth and I will adore him for the rest of my life. Michael had a beautiful soul that everyone was drawn too. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him and by all who had the privilege to love him. Be at peace Michael for you are home.
By Heather
August 18, 2005 11:22 AM | Link to this
My heart goes out to Michaels family. Each of the men and women who are serving and have served in Iraq are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
By Karen Robison
August 18, 2005 11:49 AM | Link to this
Bill, Melissa, Niki and family: My deepest condolences to you and your family. I can’t begin to feel the loss you must feel. It is so overwhelming to think of the ultimate sacrifice that Michael made for his country. Michael was such a good, down to earth person. He always had a kind word to say and he was such a sweet young man. I know he will be greatly missed. I know there has to be a special place in heaven with his name on it. Thank you Michael for what you have done for our country. You will never be forgotten. Love, Karen Robison and family
By amanda
August 18, 2005 12:19 PM | Link to this
my thoughts and prayers go out to niki and the rest of the stokely family. i went to high school with mike and had the privilege of knowing that he was a great guy. to hear that he passed serving for our country is heartbreaking yet admirable. he is truly a hero!
By Pete Skandalakis
August 18, 2005 12:22 PM | Link to this
God Bless You Michael and may He keep you safe in His hands. On behalf of my children, thank you Michael for making this a safer world for them to live in. God Bless Michael’s family.
By Barbie Summers
August 18, 2005 12:22 PM | Link to this
Words cannot even express how I feel for the family and friends of Michael. My prayers go out to all of you. Michael will be missed but never forgotten, I know I will never forget him. I will always be here for the family if you need me. Michael, I greatly appreciate the things that you did for me and I will never forget you no matter what. We will meet again, One Sweet Day! All I can say is “Thank You!”
By Vicki Crowell
August 18, 2005 01:30 PM | Link to this
I want to send my deepest sympathy to Michael’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of meeting him at Catfish Hollow where I go every Tuesday night. I was really saddened to learn of his death when I got there this past Tuesday. The whole restaurant was quiet and some were in tears. He was always so nice and polite and I am sure that the people that were close to him will certainly miss this fine young man. The U.S.A. has lost a good soldier and I thank him for a job well done and his family for sacrificing this young man to make America a better place to live. If we did not have people like Michael to go and fight for us what a sad world this would be.
May God Bless You All, Vicki
By Dena Sheppard
August 18, 2005 01:30 PM | Link to this
My son went to Middle & High School with Mike. I was blessed to have known this FINE, KIND AND LOVING young man. My heart goes out to Mike’s family, I know everyone is grieving for Mike, but no one will ever grieve like his Mother. I have said my prayers daily for you since hearing of Mike leaving us to go join GOD. The world has lost a fine human, but GOD has gained an ANGEL!!!
By Next Generation Childcare
August 18, 2005 02:56 PM | Link to this
Next Generation Childcare would like to express it’s deepest sympathy to Niki Stokely and Michael’s family. You all are in our prayers
By RANDY & CAROL WHISENHUNT
August 18, 2005 03:26 PM | Link to this
God is bigger than our grief, sorrow, pain and every problem that any of us could face. WE BELIEVE AFTER GETTING TO KNOW MIKE, THIS WOULD BE A STATEMENT HE WOULD WANT US ALL TO HOLD ONTO. To his family and friends, you are in our constant prayers. We are praising God today for Mike’s generous ability to be able to confirm with us in words and actions of his salvation, his love for God and his devotion to our country. He will forever live in our hearts and memories until we meet up with him again. Thanks to Mike and our other soldiers who are fighting for our freedom!!! friends of BILL & MELISSA GARDNER AND WIFE, NIKI—WE LOVE YOU ALL!
By Shari Irwin
August 18, 2005 05:18 PM | Link to this
My deepest sympathy to the family. I pray that God will comfort at this time of great loss in your lives. Mike will not be forgotten, he will live forever in our hearts.
By Jeff N. Smith
August 18, 2005 05:20 PM | Link to this
In Memory of Michael Stokely
I want to extend a few sincere words of sympathy to Michael Stokely’s Family and Friends. I can’t begin to imagine what you are all going through at this moment. The news of Mike’s death brought the war even closer to home for me. Mike’s widow Niki is my daughter-in-law’s cousin, Kristy Smith. Mike gave his life for his country, his family, his friends and their families, and for my family and me. I am very proud of Mike and the other fallen soldiers for their bravery and dedication. Mike, His Family and Friends will forever be in my prayers.
Sincerely, Jeff N. Smith
By Lanita
August 18, 2005 05:24 PM | Link to this
Mike Stokely was a sweet and caring person. I will always remember him by being the tall guy who always sat in the back of the school bus. There was more to him though, you could just tell that he loved the military and what he did. I am a military spouse right now and my husband is currently in Iraq. Niki and the Stokely family, I am so sorry for your loss and I can’t possibly know what you are feeling but I do know that there are alot of americans that are so proud of your SON and the other soldiers that are still fighting in the war in Iraq. You guys are in my prayers and GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!
By Jennifer Wheeler
August 18, 2005 06:55 PM | Link to this
My heart goes out to Robert and his family as well as Michael’s mother, Melissa, and her family. Although I’ve never met Michael, I’ve known Robert for more than 20 years and was so sorry to hear of this horrible loss. Michael is a true American Hero. Your loss will never be forgotten.
By Kelly LeVert Summers
August 18, 2005 07:40 PM | Link to this
First of all…Thank you. When I passed by Michael in the halls of high school, I always saw his sweet smile. Never once did I imagine that he would be fighting for me and my family in 6 years. He had a gentle, soft-spoken and respectful personality. He was always a joy to be around. My prayers are with Niki and Michael’s family. Thank you Michael for everything that you have done. You are an inspiration to all.
By Michael Keasler
August 18, 2005 10:15 PM | Link to this
To Michael’s parents, My most sincere condolences is all I can offer. My name is Michael Keasler. I served with your son as a Cavalry Scout in the Georgia Army National Guard. He was a great soldier, very dedicated and proud to serve. Although nothing can make up for your loss, please take comfort in the knowledge that he lives on in all those whom he touched. Michael’s memory is one inspiring motivation and love of duty, honor, and country. I offer you my love and support, and for Michael….GARY OWEN!!
By Mikaela Stratton
August 18, 2005 11:58 PM | Link to this
Nikki my heart goes out to you. Mike was a great friend of the Townley/Stratton family. He went to school with my brother, and he helped me in my freshman year of highschool. Mike you will always have a place in our families hearts. love Mikaela Stratton, David Stratton, James Fenn, Jeremy Townley and the rest of out family. We will always love you.
By Dianne Ray
August 19, 2005 06:19 PM | Link to this
Nikki and Michael’s family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I didn’t know Michael, but it takes great bravery to undertake such a task, keeping our country safe. God Bless all of our troops and the U.S.A.
By Shane Smith
August 19, 2005 08:44 PM | Link to this
Mike Stokely Was a good friend we meet playing football at loganville in middle and high school until I left my 10th grade year my heart goes out to the family I remember when he joined hes 11th grade summer we talked about it I also did the split opt program the year before he will always be remmembered and someone I will look up to May God Bless ~SHANE
By John J. Fitzgerald III
August 20, 2005 08:09 AM | Link to this
My heart goes out to those families whose loved ones have paid the altimate price for our country and our freedom. Although these brave men and women Know that this sacrafice could be asked of them, It is never easy for those they leave behind. I proudly served this great nation and would gladly serve next to any of them again. They are all Heros and should be given all our respect and admiration. I pray that the Lord Jesus will comfort and keep you all in this time and bring healing and peace to your families.
By Barbara Rodriguez
August 21, 2005 11:39 AM | Link to this
” Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his country ” My heartfelt love and prayers go out to the Stokely family. I know how it feels to loose a child. I am so so sorry. God Bless, Barbara Rodriguez
By Ron & Jane Mitchell
August 22, 2005 09:30 AM | Link to this
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s parents and his wife Nikki. Mike was a wonderful, caring young man. We were heart broken to hear of his untimely death. May God bless you during this time.
By Tiffany Brady
August 23, 2005 07:24 AM | Link to this
I never got the chance to meet Mike, when he and Niki got married the plan was that when he came home on leave in Sept. that all of us. Niki,Mike,Mindy (niki’s sister) myself,and kim were all supposed to go out and get to know him. Mindy is my cousin..so it hit home when on Tuesday morning I got the call saying that Mike had been killed. The World lost a wonderful person when they lost Michael Stokely! Niki remember darling that he will always be with you. Remember the ORB Nik!! PLEASE VISIT THIS SITE TO VIEW THE MEMORIAL PAGE FOR MIKE STOKELY AND SUPPORT OTHERS FIGHTING FOR US. WWW.GEOCITIES.COM/INKADDICTK
By Jennifer
August 23, 2005 07:02 PM | Link to this
I am so sorry about your loss Niki, will god be with you through this hard time for you. Just remember he was serving our country, and that he was doing what he wanted to do. May god bless you and the families. :-)
By Melissa Free
August 23, 2005 10:34 PM | Link to this
I taught Mike Stokely English in tenth grade. He was such a wonderful person -with just a sweet spirit about him. He had such a good sense of humor and a great attitude. I deeply admire his commitment and honor his memory. My prayers are with his family. I can’t believe he is gone; I just want everyone to know what a truly special person he was.
By Miranda
August 24, 2005 10:37 PM | Link to this
I knew Mike for over 10 years and about 7 of those 10 he was one of the best friends I had. Though we seemed to have lost touch through the years I will never forget all the good times we shared. I saw him last year and we talked for about an hour and all he could talk about was how excited he was about serving our country and how much he cared for Niki. I will never forget Mike and most of all I will always remember the sacrifice he made for this country. I’ve never met you, Niki, but you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers daily.
By Jennifer D
August 25, 2005 01:55 PM | Link to this
Mike is a wonderful person and he will be remembered and missed by many. I want everyone to read these comments above and below and see that Mike was a truly special person and that we will always remember him! Niki, I will continously keep you and Mike’s family in my thoughts and prayers.
By Brooke (Posey) Westbrook
August 25, 2005 04:30 PM | Link to this
I worked with Mike for 2 1/2 years at Ace Hardware and I also went to school with him at Loganville. I can’t picture him in my mind without seeing a smile on his face. He was a great friend. I will never forget the time he put hand sanitizer in my Powerade and how he always made fun of my country accent. I haven’t talked to him in a couple of years, because I moved away and we lost touch. But Mike is the kind of person that will leave an impression on your heart, and I will never forget him. The times we were joking around at work or laughing at each other trying to speak Spanish in Mr. Levine’s class, I never imagined Mike would one day die for our country. To his family-my heart goes out to you and I pray for you every day. Words can’t describe the pain I feel for you. Mike was truly a special person and I will remember him and his bravery forever.
By Brooke (Posey) Westbrook
August 25, 2005 04:31 PM | Link to this
I worked with Mike for 2 1/2 years at Ace Hardware and I also went to school with him at Loganville. I can’t picture him in my mind without seeing a smile on his face. He was a great friend. I will never forget the time he put hand sanitizer in my Powerade and how he always made fun of my country accent. I haven’t talked to him in a couple of years, because I moved away and we lost touch. But Mike is the kind of person that will leave an impression on your heart, and I will never forget him. The times we were joking around at work or laughing at each other trying to speak Spanish in Mr. Levine’s class, I never imagined Mike would one day die for our country. To his family-my heart goes out to you and I pray for you every day. Words can’t describe the pain I feel for you. Mike was truly a special person and I will remember him and his bravery forever.
By Heather Grooms Lawson
August 25, 2005 05:33 PM | Link to this
I was blessed to have know Mike while I was interning in the church youth group that he was a part of. I can not describe a better person. When I learned of his passing, it broke my heart and my mind instantly flashed a memory of a youth trip White Water Rafting. Mike had such a sweet spirit, gentle smile, and wonderful personality. He attracted people and everyone loved to be around him. We all morn the loss of his passing. However, we are all the better to have known such a person. To Bill, Melissa, Niki and the rest of Mike’s family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for impact in his life, for you helped to mold Mike into the person he became. I thank God for brave soldiers like Mike. He will surely be missed.
By Kathy Raines Broadhead
August 25, 2005 09:05 PM | Link to this
Niki, My thoughts and prayers have been with you and will continue to be with you for many days to come. Let God be your strength and uphold you in the days ahead. I am the Raines Mom - Josh, Matt, Michele and Melissa. Michele and Melissa, along with Melissa’s husband, Hunter Gibson and their two children, Grant, 3 and Bryce 4 months were along Hwy 78 tonight for the procession. I know that it had to be emotional for you. I worked with Mike and FBCL in the youth deparment. He was a fine youth and has served his country well. You can be proud of him. Let God’s Grace carry you through this time as you sit back and let Him take Control. Lean on those around you and remember “ALL things work together for those who love Him and are called according to his purpose.” May God’s peace and guidance and arms be with you and around you. Kathy Raines Broadhead
By Jennifer Bridwell
August 25, 2005 09:15 PM | Link to this
To the family: My daughter and I were part of the hundreds of people that honored your son/husband tonight when his body was brought home. This night will forever live with me. I am honored to have been able to say goodbye to a hero that gave his life fighting for my country. My 7 year old wanted to leave cheerleading practice so she could “honor the soldier”. To try and explain the impact your son/husband had on her tonight, she came home from practice, got 2 lincoln logs, and made a cross. She said, “this is for the solider”. God Bless You.
By Daniel Peck
August 25, 2005 09:27 PM | Link to this
No wars where you are at now. Rest in peace Mike.
By Michael Rogers
August 26, 2005 08:20 AM | Link to this
To the widow and family of SGT. Stokley. It is with a sad heart, humble spirit, and at the same time, pride and patriotism that I offer my sincerest of condolenses to you who have to carry on in the wake of this great loss. I am a a veteran, and a citizen of Snellville. I know that you have a great mountain of grief to cross. Although I did not personally know this soldier, I do know the type of person that he was. He was selfless, brave, caring, patriotic, deeply resonsible, and cared more for the safety and security of his countrymen and his family more than for his personal happiness. He would have to be a driven and loyal soldier, friend, husband, and son to have what it took to fill the shoes that he so bravely wore. Although there will be a hole left in the fabric of this community and this world, you as his family can know that he loved each and everyone of you more than he ever could have expressed and that you will be together again. This is only a temporary stop to a much greater destination. I know in my heart that when I get there, your husband, son, and friend will be there to welcome us all to a reward greater than we could ever comprehend on this earth. Sincerely, Michael A. Rogers
By Gail Manning
August 26, 2005 10:37 AM | Link to this
My sons, Corey and Alex Dale, worked with Mike at Hills Ace Hardware and became good friends with him. I had the privilege of knowing Mike and knowing how much my family will miss that smile of his! We were on the roadside last night with the hundreds of others in Loganville showing our support for your family and Mike. Having sons this age, I just can’t imagine what you are going through!
He will be missed by all that he touched!
By Peter Beliveau
August 26, 2005 02:04 PM | Link to this
I am very sorry to hear of Michael’s death. Reading the comments from those who knew him, makes it clear, that “he was truly a special person.” I have 2 sons, 19 and 21, they are near and dear to me, their mother and other family members. So I can not imagine how difficult this is for his family. Their son gave his life for all of us. This is what America is all about….NOT if the Falcons or Braves win, what realty show is on TV, or so many of the other events in the news that really are meaningless. May GOD be with Michael and his family for eternity.
By James
August 27, 2005 12:03 PM | Link to this
If a man is not willing to die for something, he is not fit to live. No greater gift has one to give than to give thier life so another might live.
God Bless Michael
By Ann and Ray Prosek
August 28, 2005 01:22 PM | Link to this
It is so difficult to think of the words at this time. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you walk through your journey of grief. As Christians, however, with grief, we know that we must also celebrate — celebrate your son Michael’s life and the fact that he has reached his eternal reward, resting in the arms of Our Savior. I envision Michael being greeted by so many other heros who have gone before him and family members and friends who have also passed. I also envision Michael as a great angel to guide and walk beside those comrades he left behind in Iraq. Michael, like so many others, left here with courage and pride in his heart, and yes, I’m sure some fear….that would only be human…but he did what he wanted to do. And from what I’ve read about Michael, he didn’t go to make a name for himself but to help others in Iraq, to stand beside his fellow soldiers and do the job they were assigned to do. Michael, like many others, carried in his heart the torch of freedom that he has known all his life, to pass it on to the people of Iraq who have never known freedom. What a legacy he has given them and his family. What he carried to the people will never be extinguished, but will be carried on by others and soon by the Iraq citizens themselves……all because of men and women like Michael. Your heart is breaking because nothing can be worse than losing your child, especially so far away from home, but the legacy he has left to those in Iraq, to his fellow soldiers and to each of you is yours forever, just as with the precious memories held in your hearts. My husband and I stood outside Snellville Baptist Church waiting for your arrival. My husband served two tours in Vietnam. We were married for a month before he left for his second tour. Living in a military town during that time, I lost neighbors and classmates, so this certainly brought up all those memories. But with all that pain and tears, we still support you, and will pray for you. We will always stand firm in our support of all our troops, especially those in harm’s way, until they are all home again. From knowing how the protests affected the military in Vietnam, and how they affected my husband while he was serving there, I am in total disagreement with those protesting now. Can’t they say that they are only arming the insurgents? But how ironic it is that so many, including Michael, have made the ultimate sacrifice for people to have this right to speak their opinion, no matter what it is. I believe that those with opinions against the war should not speak of it publicly while other sons and daughters are in peril. Wait until they are all home, please. Our deepest condolences for your loss but we applaud Michael’s bravery and courage, his life and all those he has touched along the way — friends and strangers alike. You will see him again, and we will all meet him again some day. We love you Michael and words can never express our grateful we are for what you have done and what you have given. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
By Melissa Deater
August 29, 2005 04:12 AM | Link to this
To the Stokely and Gardner family, thank you for raising such an incredible person. I knew Mike for a short period of time due to the fact that I moved away to go to college, but I consider myself blessed because of it. Nikki, Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, and Mr. Stokely, even though I have never had the honor to meet those Mike cared so much about, you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Remember, like the song that Rach sang at the service, this is not good bye but see you later… we will see Mike again.