Still A Michael J Fox Movie Deutsch

[Varinia Swicegood]

There is not a day that goes by when I don't think about PVT Deutsch. My MP security team and I were on the overpass directly above the site where PVT Deutsch's APC hit the landmine. We weer on the seen immediately and helped get the crew out of the vehicle and began treating them right away. Unfortunately, PVT Deutsch was injured too severely and he died in my arms as I tried to comfort him in his final moments. This young man gave all for his country and should be remembered as the hero he was. RIP Warrior, your fight has ended and you are at rest."

Todd Harrison, LTC (R) of Indianapolis, IN, USA

"Deutsch, man......long....long time Mike. It's taken me years to come to grips with our relationship. Can't say that I really truly have. In Feb 2003 I was medical boarded out of the Army. Michael was the new name on the in-coming roster. He replaced me as 113 driver for C Troop. I was non-deployable...he came into Comanche and took my spot to Iraq. I didn't get to know him too well - he was super quiet and hadn't yet gotten used to all our Mortar craziness. 1-1 Cav deployed shortly after he came. Mike - rest in peace. God bless you and your family. I can't and won't forget our connection, Mike."

Chris Mayes of Kaiserslautern, Germany

"Deutsch:

Not a day goes by where I don't think of you, brother. Its been over 10 years, and I still remember fondly training with you at Infantry School. They even put a mural in memory of you at C 2/19 at Ft. Benning. Everyone will always remember you as a hard-working, dedicated soldier who fought hard for his country.

You have not died in vain. I will be returning to military service, and fight in your stead... fighting so that, God willing, I am able to help bring one more brother home.

Not a day goes by that I do not think of you and your sacrifice. I wish we got to spend more time together. Really wanted a ride in that Nissan. Next time, Brother... next time."

Ryan Wolf-Beymer of Buffalo, NY

"Michael,

I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."

Mike C. of El Paso, Texas

"Today marks 10 years since an IED took the life of a good kid, Michael Deutsch. Although I had not had the honor of actually meeting Mike Deutsch, from what I have heard about him, he was a kind kid who did not complain and did not ask for help. In retrospect, he was probably too good for this world.

A little over 10 years ago, I remember almost meeting him. I remember driving around Pioneer Kasserne in Germany with Dan Lacaria trying to find Mike to give him a ride. It was a very rainy afternoon and someone had called Dan to say they had seen Mike waiting at the bus stop in the rain. We drove around for about an hour to find him in order to give him a ride back to Budingen, but little did we know, fortunately, the bus made it there before we did :)During that drive, I was told how kind and quiet Mike was and how he would have never asked for a ride, making it all the more important for us to find him so he did not have to wait for a bus in the rain.

In April, 1-1 Cav deployed, taking my friends, some of my running partners with them, and leaving their innocence behind. Communication was poor. Every day I scanned all of the on-line news outlets in order to make sure none of my running partners had any reason to be featured.

3 months. A Vietnam vet once said that the first 3 months is the most detrimental for soldiers to get their bearings and build their reflexes. July 31st 2003. Just past 3 months, 8 am CNN.com showed a picture, headlined a story that was to unfold as the day went on about the event that resulted in the death of a good kid, Michael Deutsch, who just months before had been waiting for the bus, in the rain, just 1/2 a mile away. A few days later Mike's memorial at the Budingen chapel.

A year later, facing some of my acquaintances at the PX when they had returned (grievously, without 1)- I was so relieved to have them back, especially after they had been extended for 3 months Easter weekend. Nunnley (previously happy-go-lucky)and Rivera (my friend's previously light hearted husband) always and forever changed.

Every July 31st since, I always remember Michael Deutsch. The life he gave made a huge impact on those of us who were even barely peripherally acquainted with him. It is so difficult to wrap my heart and mind around the void he must have left for those who knew and cared for him best.

It has been 10 years and your son, your brother, your friend has NOT been forgotten and never will be forgotten."

Elizabeth (Mammina) Dincher of Lancaster, PA, USA

"Dearest Deutsch Family, I received your son's name on a magnet at a memorial for veteran's who had died, the memorial took place in Ann Arbor MI many years ago. I still keep that magnet. Your sacrifice and his service mean a lot to me. Please contact me because I want to make a donation to the organization of your choice. address with"

Paquetta A Palmer of Ann Arbor MI

"9 years ago today a soldier fighting in Iraq gave his life for our country and her people. PFC Michael Deutsch left Dubuque, Iowa to do his part serving our country as a U.S. Infantry soldier. Months after arriving to Budingen, Germany he deployed as a 1-1 Cav Commanch Troop Mortarman to Iraq (OIF1). Michael fought a battle against an unconventional and unseen enemy. The first month there he spent defending an oil refinery, sleeping on an army cot under the stars as there no shelters or tents to throw up. Even with the heat, mosquitoes and ration of 2 large bottles of water and 3 MRE's a day he was the last to ever complain. Michael would soldier on, not letting the job or the feeling of missing out on life bring him down. He was 20 years old at this point and all of his friends he had left behind had no idea where he was or what he was doing. I remember that being the hardest part for me, I thought of my friends and family at home, what everyone else was doing while we sat around manning a tower, waiting for a fight. It felt like the whole world was flying by around us and we were just sitting on the sidelines idle, waiting and falling behind. Michael never complained though, he would pull his guard duty, do pushups, sit-ups and dips by his cot, dig a hole to crap, shower with a water bottle, joke with the rest of us, read his books, and repeat. I remember sitting in a guard tower with him one night talking about where we would travel to and what we would eat when we got back..a schnitzel in Germany, take a train to Italy for some spaghetti and pizza, stopping in Switzerland for some cheese, etc. He had a niece and a nephew that he was always talking about too, the most important part of his life I am certain.

After finally leaving the oil refinery Michael drove his M113 personnel carrier along in a convoy into Baghdad, right onto one of Saddams biggest compounds, right past the palaces of the former dictator which were partially destroyed from U.S. JDAM bombs and surrounded by large lakes which were said to have been filled when Saddam diverted the water from Baghdad, leaving his people in the city without water for 3 days. After shutting off his vehicle and stepping out into the new make-shift motor pool, Mike was given an initial brief.. dont go anywhere without a battle-buddy, only * in the trenches to the west, we will be pulling people for a detail to burn it later, dont get too close to the walls as they have been throwing grenades over trying to reach us, be careful of where you step..there are uxos (unexploded ordinance) everywhere, including one 5 feet off the walkway to the TOC.

After a few days of living in the motor pool they were given a more permanent place to live. Settling into a small concrete house which was formerly occupied by officials of Saddam Husseins regime, PFC Deutsch and the rest of C troop began their operations in the city. For the next 3 months Michael worked hard, doing what he knew to be right. He pulled guard, worked on his vehicle, drove countless hours of patrols through some of the worse parts of Baghdad, set up vehicle checkpoints, participated in cordon searches of entire neighborhoods, and raids on target houses, apprehended suspects and guys who were without a doubt enemy. In his limited personal time Michael would read and work out, those were his biggest past times. He would also laugh with the other guys, and joke around happily. Somehow he even got his hands on a bike, I believe he bought it off a local who sold us items through a hole that was broken in the perimeter wall beneath a guard tower..only they didnt give him a seat with it. We would all laugh but he would stick his Kevlar helmet over the seat post and ride around the compound, to the gym and back, without being bothered in the least.

Michael Deutsch was killed by a faceless foe on the 31st of July, 2003 when his 113 struck an anit-tank land mine in an area that we commonly patrolled. The cowardice enemy who placed it feared the might of our military and the fearless dedication and abilities of soldiers like PFC Deutsch, so he crept through the shadows at night, relying on guerrilla warfare tactics to strike a blow.

We all mourned for the loss of our comrade, fellow soldier and friend. We still do to this day. Michael has moved on but he remains in our thoughts and prayers and always will. The house was cold and lonely without him around but as everyone dealt with the loss of a brother we eagerly got back out and into the mission, and brought the fight back to the enemy. Our leaders and decision makers learned from Michaels sacrifice and began varying our tactics which doubtlessly saved the lives of other soldiers. I remember looking out during the memorial service, right after 21 rounds were sent out over Baghdad and seeing grown men, hardened soldiers hiding their tears with sun-glasses or a raised hand. Its a hard thing when a loved one dies, especially when they are so young and strong and full of life. Michal was a warrior with nothing but good intentions and he touched many people. The chaplain who delivered the memorial service said that God had made his bed in heaven and had called him home where he belonged. I hope you are resting peacefully, brother. We miss you and are thankful for what you have meant in our lives."

Derrick Nunley of Shindand Air Base Afghanistan

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