Michael Martinez Obituary

Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Michael R. Martinez US Army Captain.

We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.

We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

For my buddy.

And God bless his wife. I apologize for leaving that out.

Wow. I am still in shock. Mike and I were best friends in the mid 70's while our dad's were stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood. I used to hang out with him and his brother Dan. I left around 76 and came back to visit shortly thereafter and stayed with Mike and his family. We were very close. I learned how to drive in his blue Toyota Celica. I enlisted in the Army in 80 and we lost touch shortly thereafter. I have tried to find him through the years, but Mike Martinez is a hard nut to crack. Finally figured it out when I found his obituary a few weeks ago. I went home and told my wife one of my best friends died while deployed. I cried. I too deployed to Iraq and used to fly around the country in helicopters all the time. I have found a couple pics of Mike, but would like to reconnect with his brother. I have some pics of us as kids, and I would like to talk to Dan and tell him how much Mike and his family meant to me as a young man. I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2005, never knowing Mike and I were on active duty at the same time. How easy it would have been to contact him had I know. I love you Mike, and hope that you are resting in peace and looking over your family from a better place. God Bless Mike, Dan, Beatrice, and his deceased father CSM Ray Martinez, and his children.

Hi. I was close friends with Mike back in the mid 70's. I joined the Army and we lost touch. I would love to reconnect with his brother Dan. Please email me at [email protected]

To the family and friends of Capt. Michael R. Martinez:
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

Thank you all for remembering Mike and honoring him in all the ways you do. It means so much to me and all his family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Kelly, I hope you see this. Joel Aziere and I knew Mike when living in Manhattan, KS. Joel served with Mike at Fort Riley in the JAG Corps. Interestingly enough, Mike and another fallen soldier, Eric Paliwoda, have been on my mind. I brought it up w/ Joel and he said that he had been thinking about Mike a lot just a few days ago. We hope you and your family find comfort in knowing that he has not been forgotten. He is forever memorable and a great man. We hope you and your family are thriving and celebrating life as Mike would want you to do. With much love and prayers for great blessings, Joel and Johanna Aziere

To the family and friends of Capt. Michael R. Martinez:
Always remembering Michael. "Some gave all."

To the family and friends of Capt. Michael R. Martinez:
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

To the family of Army Major Michael R. Martinez: Although we have never met I feel as though I have known you all, especially your husband, father, son and brother. I am a local newspaper correspondent for two local papers in western Nebraska. I became involved in writing a story for Project America Runs and Mike Ehredt. Mike's goal is to run from coast to coast honoring our fallen heroes in Iraq from 2003 on. At each mile he places a flag containing a yellow ribbon that carries the name, rank, and town of a serviceman or woman who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life for the good of our country. On July 23rd, 2010 at mile marker 136 on Highway 30 I went out to take pictures and meet Mike Ehredt for the first time. During my visit Mike let me and Paxton Native Bonnie Wendland place the next flag. That flag was placed in honor of your husband, father, son and brother Army Major Michael R. Martinez of Kansas City/Columbia MO. As soon as the flag was placed at mile marker 136 Mike Eherdt gave a firm and solemn salute to the flag to honor both your loved one and our country. It was an honor and privilege that neither myself nor Bonnie will forget. Please know that each time I pass by mile marker 136 I will remember and pray for Michael and all of your family. I will add photos that I took on the day the flag was placed.
Sincerely,
Lori Holmstedt

In honor of Major Michael Martinez. I never got to meet you but from the words of your family and friends you must have been an amazing person. The legacy you lived, the sacrifices you made, and your service to our country will never be forgotten. God bless you and may you rest in peace till we meet. Your nephew

To the family and friends of Capt. Michael R. Martinez:
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

”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 1,450 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

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


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”


I did not know Michael, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

To the family of Capt. Michael R. Martinez:
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

Uncle,
I have been thinking a lot about the last few years and wow...its gone by fast! I still cant believe you arent here. The new court house on Fort Carson is being dedicated to you in a week! You are such a hero! I just wanted to say I love you and miss you terribly!!

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Capt Martinez and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Dear Kelly,
We have never met but my son had the honor and pleasure of calling Mike his Friend. I am Clay Compton's mother. When Clay phoned me with the news of Mike, our hearts were broken together for the loss of one so loved. Just know, Kelly, that there are those around the world who daily lift you and your family up in prayer.
May the Lord bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand.

Uncle,
Ive been thinking a lot about you today. I am so amazed by what a hero you are. Thank you so much. I love you and miss you so much.

Uncle, not a day goes by that we dont think about you and miss you. You are the biggest hero in my life and I am so sad that we weren't closer. I love you so much, but am so happy to know you are with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know that as He holds you close in His arms, he does the same for all of us back home. I never thought we could all make it over a year without you, but I know you are shining down on us from above. Know that we all miss you so much...Aunt Kelly, Alex, Colby, Ben, Katherine, Samantha, Bama Bea, My Dad and Mom, Nicko, and myself...all of us. I am sure you are having fun with Dado! I love you! For now...see ya.

Dear Mike,
Well... we made it through the first year. So much has happened since you left for home. Your Grandson, Ray was born and he is the most precious boy in the world. Your mom (Great Bama Bea) adores him as well as Uncle Dan, Aunt Diane, Danielle and Nicholas. We see him often and we will make sure he knows about his Grandpa, Major Michael Martinez.
We miss you,
Your Sister-in-law,
Diane

I am Deeply Saddened to learn of the loss of Capt. Michael R. Martinez, one year ago today.
The price this Brave Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.

May Michael rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Peace of the Lord be with the Martinez family.
There will never be enough ways to humbly thank these heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA~Vietnam, 1967.

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord,
and He shall sustain thee."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~

May the Peace of God and your memories of Michael,
remain in your heart always.
May this give you comfort and strength through the difficult days.
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Dear Mike,
Well, it has almost been 1 year since you left us. It has been a difficult year for everyone, especially, for Kelly and your mom and your brother Dan. May you be rejoicing in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ and with Dado. We miss you very, very much.

Life will never be ths same without Mike. I hold Mikes family up in prayer everyday, It has been 7 months since we had to say goodbye, but Mike your brothers family talk about you daily. You were such a hero and I regret that I did not get to know you better, after all we shared the same family, Diane, Danny, Danielle, and Nicholas. May your boys grow up to honor your name and make you proud. We love you and miss your presence. Kelly take care of yourself because that is what Mike would expect of you. And Bea you need to do the same. You have been through too much in such little time.

God Bless all of you!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI



A MARINE MOM

I love you dad---------------We got a birthday present for you on Sat.

I went to high school with Mike in Waynesville,MO (we graduated together) It was only yesterday though a mutual friend (Mike Stoffergen) that I learned of his death. I hadn't seen Mike since graduation but still I am deeply sorry for the loss to the Martinez family. My mother work with his dad at Ft. Leonard Wood (Pat Mckinnon) and I knew the family well. I will pray for your family and hope the God will provide strength during this time of grief.

Many blessings to your family. How courageous and brave he was to have served his country and sacrificed his life for our freedom.

God Bless America and the USA and all of Michael's family members.

I love you Uncle

My heartfelt sympathy to the Martinez family in the loss of Michael. I did not know Michael, but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a fine young man and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

Thank you all for your beautiful words and sentiments about my wonderful husband Mike. Your condolences are deeply appreciated in this tragic and terrible time for our family. Sometimes when I think I cannot stand another minute without him I come to this guest book and read all of your prayers and kind words and they give me strength to carry on.



With deepest gratitude,

Kelly Martinez

thank you for serving our country

One of the greatest priveleges in my life was knowing you and your Dad. God Bless your family and thanks for all you have done.

God Bless~ He will never be forgotten.. Land of the free,because of the brave.

( Jamie,Navy wife)

Thank you for all you have done for our country!

Mike I wrote you a poem (your worm eatting buddy),

You have gone for a time,

And all of us mourn that are left behind,

We shed our tears and remember your life,

You are my hero in the darkest of night,

I was so sad and couldn't stop crying,

But up in the sky you showed us your light,

The eagle, the rainbow, and the jets that fly,

You are a Hero,

Just now in our heavenly sky.

We miss you and love you very much. You have made our family proud with all your accomplishments, and Thank you for making a difference in our world. WE LOVE YOU!! The Martinez Family In Albuquerque.

Thank you Mike for all you have done for our family and the Country you loved. You will be missed, but never forgotten. God Bless you.

We care and share you sorrow.

Kelly, I am so very sorry for your loss and am so grateful for Mike's service to our country. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let me know if there is anything at all I can do for you. Thank you for being such a good friend to my little girl, Melissa.

Blessings to you and your family.

my heart goes out to the family of capt. martinez god bless this family in the time of sorrow and need you will be in my prayers

michael may you rest in peace

Mike, Your JAG family at Ft Leavenworth are deeply saddened. It was a joy to work with you and to know you. Your MU Tigers beat KU last night, I know you're smiling down from heaven.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

May God always be with you

I know firsthand there are no words right now that will bring the comfort you need. Just know you are not alone in your grief and sorrow. I mourn the loss of this HERO as I mourn the loss of my own. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and come to a place where a memory brings a smile rather than only the tears that flow so easily now.

I pray for peace to bring the rest of our courageous men and woman home safely.

Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq)

MAY HE REST IN PEACE AND MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY HE LEAVES BEHIND!!!

MIchael, rest in peace and the Lord be with you. We are very proud of you. We will miss you always.

With all our love, your family in NM

Mike, may you rest in God's peace and rejoice in his presence!

Psalm 23



1

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3

He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.



This is a verse that I have found to be comforting to me during my husbands death. Remember that when it seems that no one else is round, God is still there with you! And he will be your rock!



My daughter,McKaLyne, and I send our heartfelt sympathy for your loss! God Bless this warrior, God Bless those whom serve freedom's cause! They are our true HERO's!!!!



If you need anything, please feel free to contact me!!!



Wife & Daughter of the Late

Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford

KIA May 23, 2005

May God Bless your soul, and bring you ever lasting peace.