My Story..
I do not know where to start.. I have so much to say.. I am the Proud Mother of Spc. Michael L Gonzalez. We received our hero bracelets from a family memeber. Then I needed to get more for all of my family and friends. When I seen where the donations go to I even wanted to donate more. How do I tell the world how proud I am of my son. That I do not blame United States of America, Michael or God.. it was Michael’s destiny to be in Iraq fighting for his country.. for peace on earth. When Michael decided to join the Army I as a mother was against it I told him military is good if there is no war. He told me mom this is what I want to do. He wanted to be a policeman and he figured joining the military was the best way to get there fast.
Michael called his NCO all the time to see when he could go. He got orders twice before and both times they sent him back what a releif. Then he got his 3rd set of orders in March, he was to be in Fort Totten, NY to leave for training in Fort Dix the end of March. When we brought him on Saturday which was the day that they explained to the families all the things they needed to know about deployment. He was not even on their roll call list, I said ok lets go Michael. I was so worried he didn’t really know anyone except two others from his the 430th.his home unit.
They left for Fort Dix for training on Sunday and since that was in NJ he was still close to home, only 45 minutes south of us. We did visit him a few times when he was there he would call at 8PM and say I have free time can you come get me.. So off we went so we can be with our son.. On June 20th he had his 4 day leave before he went to Iraq. We had a going away party for him, I am so thankful that the people who cared so much for Michael were able to make it. We said a few things and wished him well that when he came home he would even have a bigger party. We took him back to Fort Dix on Monday June 23rd, the day before my birthday. For my birthday he made sure I had a computer camera.
When he got to Kuwait he called to let us know he got there ok. I believe he was in Kuwait for 2 weeks, then off to Rustamiyah. I was able to chat with Michael online almost everyday. Thank heavens for internet access which he paid $55 a month for to me it was worth every penney. I spoke with him on the phone once, and the Friday before he died he left a message for us. I hold on to that with all my heart.
On Wednesday Michael was talking to Tiffany on the phone, she heard loud noises. When he went to his bunk buddy he was having a seizure, Michael saved his life.. I didn’t know that and I was looking for him online to see how the other solider was. He wasn’t online. We went about our lifes because my husband was home on Thursday 8/28/2008. I needed a few things from the grocery store and when I went out of the corner of my eye I seen someone walking up the sidewalk. When I turned to look it was two military personal dressed in there dress greens. I knew then and there what they were going to tell me..
Spc. Michael L Gonzalez was killed in action 8/28/2008 … We miss him dearly… HE IS OUR HERO..
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18 Comments, Comment or Ping
Robert Curran
My son is serving our country in Iraq, and was with Michael on that fateful day. My son said that Michael was well liked and missed by all serving with him over there. They plan a memorial visit to Arlington when they get back from Iraq.
I too am proud of my son and all that serve/served.
My prayers are with you and your family and all of our soldiers everywhere, that are willing to make such a commitment to all of us back here so that we can be free and safe.
Bob
PFC Liza Fontaine
Gonzo – thats what we call Michael, was in our platoon. He always kept a smile on people’s face and left many memories with us when he passed. He was also a brother, something that can’t ever be replaced. We’re a family here in 1st Platoon. & We know that Gonzo is watching over us. We are very proud of him. =D
*~* ROCK THE HEAVENS GONZO *~*
– PFC Fontaine.
Laurie Grossman
Ida,
I married Jeff Grossman in June, 2008. You and I have spoken on the phone many time while you were at Hoboken
Floor and I was employed by Brothers.
I cannot tell you how sorry I was to hear about Michael. Even though I did’nt know him I was shocked and saddened to hear what happened. How does one express sympathy? Please know that you and your family are in our minds and our hearts. I pray that you and your family will get through this. My cousin was lost during Vietnam and I know the heartache you must feel. Words at this time seem senseless, I know. But Jeff’s and my thoughts are with you and if there is anything we can do. please do not hesitate to call us. 910-858-0963. All our love, Laurie
SSG Nieves
You never thought it would end this way, yet now we know that such an end is not so strange. Our brother is gone, taken from us in disbelief and now anger magnifies my grief. I feel as though I could kill in order to find peace, yet I pray that when I mourn within these clouds of sorrow, that God may grant me peace. Now days an soon months will pass and your soul will fade away, but it is through our tears and laughter that you memory will always stay. Gonzo Rest in Peace Brother. You will be missed!!!!!
SFC Guiliani
The death of Gonzo hit all of us in the 1st PLT real hard, some are still pretty shook up from it. They say time heals all wounds but it can never take away the memories and when we remember is when we still feel the pain. Your son was an outstanding Soldier and person. I consider it an honor to have known him and been his Platoon Sergeant and will never forget him. Theres an old saying that goes, If your gonna remember me with tears, then dont remember me at all. I think he would want us to remember him with happiness instead of sadness. Rest in peace with God brother.
Ida Gonzalez
Thank you all for leaving comments and serving our country you are all Heros in my family’s eyes. SFC Guiliani, only positive things not negative will come out of the loss of one of God’s children….. Blessed Are The Peacemakers, For They Will Be Called Sons Of God …Matthew 5:9
We love you guys…..
Pedro, Ida, Troy & Michael
Michael Collishaw
My wife, Lorie is the Family Readiness Group Leader for the 344th Soldiers Worcester Platoon, we to were cross leveled into the 340th, just as was Michael. Lorie is planning a Christmas tree at the unit, the orniments are going to be pictures of the deployed soldiers. Michael is going to be the Angel for our tree, a fitting rememberance. I wanted you to know that Michael has touched us all. Our daughter SPC Ashley Costa is in the 1st Platoon, 340th MP Company and speaks highly of Michael. He is missed and will be remembered. I quite agree with SFC Guiliani, remember Michael not with tears, but with happiness.
God Bless you
SSG Collishaw
HQ Plt 340th MP Co
Ida Gonzalez
My dear friend Laurie wrote this for my son and Hero Spc Michael L Gonzalez, but I think its a great fallen soldier prayer also.. Very Proud to stand up next to all of you..
Well Done
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten
nor your service be in vain
a true American hero
now heaven can proclaim.
You Gave All, unselfishly
in everything you did
your life a shining example
that cannot be hid
The flame will shine eternal
by God’s amazing grace
you will always be remembered
though now you’ve finished your race.
For you a new day’s dawning
in the home God’s given you
A place where we will join you
when we are all made new.
We look forward to that day
when our race has been run
and enter into heaven
to hear the words , "Well Done."
CPL Bessette
SPC Gonzalez was a wonderful man. As we grew and came to know him, he adopted the nickname "Gonzo." Gonzo was a selfless man who was always dedicated to helping others. Whenever someone needed a helping hand, you could always look to the left or right and see Gonzo standing right there. I was honored enough to have served beside Gonzo in Iraq. He has left lasting memories that I know I will never forget.
Gonzo had a sense of humor that could make anybody laugh. He always seemed to be able to put a smile on your face, no matter how bad of a day you were having. There is not a day that has passed since the day that Gonzo passed away that I don’t think of him. Usually whenever I think of Gonzo, it puts a smile on my face because I think of all the good times we had.
To the family and friends of SPC Michael Gonzalez– My heart goes out to you. I pray that the pain of your loss goes away. However, while we are here in Iraq, we honor Gonzo by continuing to do our job. After all, it is what Gonzo would have wanted us to do
Rob Foti
I grew up in Spotswood, and although we have never met, I wear Michael’s bracelet each day to remember his sacrifice and to honor every soldier that protects this great country. After reading these stories and knowing of your tremendous loss, my heart goes out to your family. His life will never be forgotten.
Ptl. Scott J. Hoover
Mrs. Gonzalez,
I came across this site through the Spotswood Boro website. I just wanted to let you know that since the day you gave me Michael’s Hero bracelet, I have made it part of my everyday uniform. I wear it in his honor and to remember his sacrifice to our counrty. I also know that his wish was to be a police officer. Know that I carry his photo in my uniform hat with me every day while on patrol. After attending memorial services in his honor, it is clear that Michael made a profound impact on those who knew him. He will always be in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Ptl. Scott J. Hoover
Spotswood Police Dept.
Anthony Rataj
Mrs. Gonzalez,
Im a junior in High School and during one of my class finals, we had to make a war memorial for a fallen soldier. I chose michael because he lived fairly close to where i do now (keansburg). I have been looking for a way to get the memorial picture to his family for a few days now and i hope it can get to you through here. this is the link to the picture http://www.flickr.com/photos/30414269@N07/3231893602/in/photostream/ i hope in some small way this picture will make some kind of difference, big or small.
Anthony Rataj
you will see the picture to the right! i posted the wrong link im sorry
Anthony Rataj
here is the correct link http://www.flickr.com/photos/30414269@N07/3231871932/in/photostream/
Ida Gonzalez
Thank you Anthony, you did a beautiful job on the picture. Maybe you will let me have it for our web site. Take a look at the site http://www.butterflycircleoffriends.org.
Thanks again for honoring Michael..
Mrs Gonzalez
Anthony Rataj
Your welcome Mrs. Gonzalez. Of course you can use it for your website.
Marc Ciccone
I have wanted to post something here on behalf of myself and my family for Michael and his family.
I too, worked at Hoboken Floors and remember Michael and Pedro stopping in to see Ida to have lunch outside at the picnic table, something that happened periodically. I also remember the day Michael came in after he had signed up for the Army. He knew what he was signing up for and the fact that he had the courage to do this for his country, what was right and what he was called to do. This is nothing short of impressive and inspirational to me. How does someone at Michael’s age know what they want to do with their life? Many of us never realize or live up to our potential or what we are called to do but Michael did..I believe a direct reflection of his great upbringing by his loving parents and his inner drive and determination. We need to really get behind all our armed forces men and women and realize they ARE heroes and support what is good and right not only for our country but humanitarian missions around the world. The world will be a better place with a stable Iraq and evil will not win with these brave men and women carrying out their missions. God bless Michael, the Gonzalez family and the United States of America.
CW2 Bryan Johnston
I just heard about your son today and for this I would like to offer my deepest condolances to Michaels family. On the day of your loss I was given a gift, the birth of my 3rd son. From reading the posts about your son I can tell he was a great man, I wish I was able to have met him. As all Military Policemen/women are truely a family I am saddened to hear of one of our little brothers going on eternal patrol, but know that as a family we all feel your pain and are always here for your family. I have lost many brothers/friends to this war but since our two families have this connection I would be HONORED to wear Michaels Hero Bracelet and as my son grows I will never let him forget your son and the honor in which he served his fellow man.
To Michaels brothers/sisters in the 340th, always know that Michael will be there as your eternal back-up.
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