Staff Sgt. Michael A. Dickinson II
United States Army
KIA 17 July 2006, Ramadi, Iraq
Tributes
Memorial Page Established by- Vicki Dickinson
In Honor Of SSG. Michael A. Dickinson II
SSG. Dickinson was KIA July 17,2006 in Ramadi, Iraq by
a sniper. He had been in Fallujah whe he volunteered to go to Ramadi.
He ha only 9 days left before coming home. This was his 2nd time there.
He had been in Afganistan twice also. Michael was in A Co 9th POB (A).
My 26 year old son was a wonderful father of 5,a loving son, a caring
brother and a loyal soldier. We are all so proud of this young man who
gave his life for what he believed in.He is truly My Hero, My Son"
Michael graduated from Harper Creek High school in June, 1998. One week
later he left for the Army. He had enlisted in the delayed entry program
when he was 17.Mchael always knew he wanted to be in the Army.As a
child he would sit on his grandfather's lap and listen intently as Grandpa
told his war stories. Michael always loved his family and had no
problems letting his feelings be known. He was such a very special young
man.He is greatly missed by all who have known him.
April 14, 2008
Vicki Dickinson
My Son, it has been almost 2 yrs. since you gave your
life in service to our country and the wound to my heart is still as
fresh as it was the day I received the news. I just want you to know how
very much you are missed and loved. Your birthday should be April
20....you should be 28 that day. Instead, I will be lighting a candle in your
memory.... sitting and reliving some of my wonderful memories of you
as a sweet, funny and loving little boy who grew up to be an honorable,
respectful young man. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and
shed tears for the loss of my baby boy who was always so very special and
dear to me. I have always been proud of you and shall continue to be,
as you are a true hero. I love you, My Hero, My Son.
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, July 27, 2009) - Soldiers from the 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), gathered at the Smoke Bomb Hill Dining Facility for the unit\'s 2009 Memorial Breakfast July 17. Staff Sgt. Michael A. Dickinson, who died July 17, 2006, while deployed with the 9th PSYOP Battalion to Ar Ramadi, Iraq, was honored during the breakfast. Dickinson's wife, Glorygrace, and four of their five children were in attendance. Capt. Eric Leetch, a chaplain with the 9th PSYOP Bn., said Dickinson sacrificed a lot when he died, but his family that has to deal with the loss of a loved one continues to sacrifice every day. Joel Sonnenberg, author of "Joel," brought his message of overcoming challenges to the Dickinson Family and members of the 4th PSYOP Group. In 1979, at the age of two, Joel Sonnenberg suffered burns to 85 percent of his body when a tractor trailer smashed into his family's car at a toll booth. At the Shriner's Burn Hospital in Boston, Joel underwent many skin grafts and spent months recovering before being released. During his life, Joel has been an inspiration to those around him. He's had many accomplishments including becoming an Eagle Scout, captain of his soccer team, Olympic torch bearer, and Discover Card National tribute award winner. These days, Sonnenberg travels as a minister and motivational speaker. "I always looked for strength in scripture," he said. "There's a verse in 2nd Samuel that says 'The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" When asked why the Group's chaplains chose Joel to speak at an event like a memorial, Leetch said, "Life is about facing and overcoming challenges and no one exemplifies that idea more than Joel Sonnenberg. He has an authentic platform from which to speak to Soldiers about the possibility of facing, and overcoming, life's most difficult circumstances. He proves that the extraordinary is within everyone's grasp." To show the unit's appreciation for Joel's inspiring words, Col. Curtis Boyd, 4th PSYOP Group commander, gave Joel a certificate of appreciation, a unit coin, and welcomed Sonnenberg as an honorary member of the 4th PSYOP Group.
Spec. Dennis K. Samson Jr.
Hometown: Hesperia, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 24 years old
Died: July 24, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
Incident: Killed by enemy small arms fire in Taqaddum.
Dennis K. Samson Jr.
SPC. SAMPSON, JR. DENNIS K. Hesperia, MI Army Specialist Dennis K. Samson, Jr., of Hesperia, died Mon., July 24, 2006 of injuries sustained from enemy fire in Ramadi, Iraq. He was born Sept. 1, 1981 in Bufort, S. C. Dennis was a 2000 graduate of Hesperia High School where he was a four year member of the cross country team. He joined the United States Army in 2004. Dennis had attended the Ferry United Methodist Church. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Dawn and Randy Ackley of Hesperia; his father, Dennis Samson, Sr. of Seattle; his brother, Pfc. Dana Samson with the U.S. Army in Iraq; his sister, Micki Martin of Hesperia; grandparents, Tom and Linda Bennett of Hesperia; stepsisters, Danielle (Kendall) Jeppesen of Muskegon and Leslie Preston of Muskegon; stepbrothers, Randy Ackley II of North Carolina and Jerry Ackley of Hesperia; step grandparents, William and Lee Ackley of Hesperia; stepgreat-grandmother, Yvonne Bennett of Fremont; and several aunts and uncles. Visitation will be Wed., 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held Thurs., Aug., 3, 1 p.m. at Fremont Wesleyan Church, 918 Garden Avenue in Fremont. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Ferry United Methodist Church are appreciated. Interment: Otto Twp. Cemetery. You may leave a message of condolence for the family or get directions at www.harrisfhome.com. Harris, Shelby 861-2360 or 1-888-216-9744
In Flanders Fields
John McCrae, 1915.
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In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
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The thundering line of battle stands,
And in the air death moans and sings;
But Day shall clasp him with strong hands,
And Night shall fold him in soft wings.
Julian Cronwell....KIA, 1915
1st Sgt. Aaron D. Jagger
Hometown: Hillsdale, Michigan, U.S.
Age: 43 years old
Died: August 9, 2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany
Incident: Killed when a makeshift bomb exploded near his Humvee during during combat operations in Ramadi.
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