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| Honoring Michael E. Curtin, a hero of courage fighting for freedom, died 29 March 2003 in Iraq |
| Michael Edward Curtin, aged 23 years died at 10.40 am on Saturday 29th March, 2003 in Iraq when a suicide bomber driving a taxi waved 4 US soldiers over to the vehicle at a military roadblock. As they approached, 2 to the front, and 2 to the back, the driver ignited his explosives killing himself and the soldiers. This checkpoint was on the south-north highway just north of An Najaf which is approximately 80 miles south-west of Baghdad, Iraq. Michael was deployed to Kuwait on January 25, 2003 and served with the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, based in Fort Stewart, Georgia. He joined the Army in May 2001 and went through required basic training at Fort Benning, GA and graduated from the paratrooper training school. He had recently been promoted to Corporal and called his family from Kuwait, on Valentines Day (February 14th, 2003), to pass on his proud news. |
| Michael was a much-loved son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson and respected neighbour and friend to many. His grieving parents, Michael and Joan, released this statement -- "Our son, Michael, was a kind and courageous young man. Although he was with us but a short time, he displayed tremendous bravery, unwavering faith and a devout love for his family. He was fighting for our freedom, which we should never take for granted. He was a hero in our eyes. Our hearts and prayers go out to the other servicemen who were killed and their families." |
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| Michael graduated from Howell High School in 1998, where he had played 3 years of varsity football. He was a 5 foot 10 inch, 155 lb wide receiver and defensive back who wore number 40. He always led by example through hard work at practices. He gave everything that he had. At school, Michael, with his blue eyes, square-jaw and brown hair was always laughing and talking with friends when he walked through the halls. After he graduated high school , Michael went to a civilian school at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station to learn how to be a tool-and-dye machinist. He was inspired to join the army from the examples set by military personnel. |
| Family and neighbours had placed yellow ribbons around neighbourhood trees, and decorated with flags prior to the troops being deployed. It was their way of showing support for the troops. Michael was sent many "care packages" and also asked his family to send some to others in his Brigade who were not receiving anything. He had a very unselfish character, and was always co-operative and courteous. |
| Rest In Peace Michael E. Curtin - son of Michael and Joan, brother to Kate, Dan, Jennifer and Stephanie, grandson of Catherine, uncle to Kayla, nephew to John Curtin and Karen Thompson. |
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