California’s War Dead

    Michael A. Dahl Jr.

    Michael A. Dahl Jr., 23

    Army, Specialist
    Argahndab, Afghanistan
    Gender: Male
    Hometown: Beaumont
    He was an inspiration to me. Sometimes it’s hard being a single parent. But he kept me going.
    — Patricia Dahl, mother

    Once Dahl learned he would be deploying to Iraq in 2007 as a cavalry scout, he took an Arabic class. He would sit at his computer at home practicing Arabic late into the night, his mother said. After he arrived in Baghdad, Dahl called home to describe how much he enjoyed working on reconstruction projects and playing with Iraqi boys in the streets. 'What he liked about it was they were helping to rebuild the city.' his mother said 'They would just protect the people. He felt compassion for them.' He was killed on a later tour in Afghanistan when his vehicle was hit by roadside bomb.
    Times obituary
    Riverside Press Enterprise story on Dahl's death
    « Kyle A. Coumas, 10/21/2009
    Jesus O. Flores, Jr., 10/15/2009 »
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    16 memories of Michael A. Dahl Jr.

    Mikey was a very kind and thoughtful person, who always looked out for others. He was smart and knew what he wanted in life. He set many goals in his life, and accomplished everyone of them. He enjoyed his career and took pride in serving our country... Mikey, we love you & you will be missed so very much. You are a true hero, and you'll always be in our hearts . You are our guardian angel MUAH I LOVE YOU COUSIN

    — veronica rico (cousin)
    October 22, 2009 at 11:43 p.m.
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    Two weeks ago Michael asked my son to speak at his memorial if he were killed. They were good friends and of course my son agreed to it. Sadly, yesterday, he had to fulfill his promise and speak in Afghanistan at his memorial. He will never be forgotten, and our prayers go with you at this time. So sorry for your loss, I know that it is a very hard time for your family, my son and his buddies. Prayers for all of you at this time.

    — Betty Jo Cloninger
    October 23, 2009 at 8:56 p.m.
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    Michael you are and always will be my favorite nephew.. All I can think of saying is I MISS YOU!! No matter what was going on in your life you always made time to call your "aunt Norma" or visit me, and you always remembered the FED's. I know you cared so much for my boy's and Brit. and I know Adrian, Anthony, Joseph and Britany will never forget all the good, and not so good (haha)times you all shared. You will never be forgotten, you will live in our memories and in our HEARTS FOREVER!!

    — Norma Ramirez
    October 24, 2009 at 8:40 a.m.
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    On behalf of the entire Dominguez family of Beaumont, California, Michael we love you and " You are our Hometown hero. " And to the rest of Michael's family we share in your tears, pain and sorrow. We are all family and always will be. Reuben E. Dominguez sr.

    — Reuben E. Dominguez
    October 24, 2009 at 5:25 p.m.
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    Mikey..even tho we werent close..I am deeply saddend by all of this. I have SO many great memories of when we were little kids..THANK for those..I'll treasure them always. Im very proud and honored of who you've become as a man and a brave solider..I know your looking down on all of us now..and somewhow it puts my heart at ease. I Love You!! And your memory will never be forgotten!!!!

    — Adrianna Rivera
    October 25, 2009 at 1:56 p.m.
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    Dear Family:

    I never knew him, but he took a stand for what he thought was right. I am sorry for your loss. Reading about how he died saddens me, along with others who have lost their lives in the war.

    What he went to war for, is going to soon be realized for the world of mankind. At Revelation 21: 3,4 a promise of no more war, hate, crime. These things will not happen anymore. Another promise from God is a Resurrection of the Dead loved ones.

    What a joyous time when all of God's promises will come true. John 5:28,29.
    Isaiah 25:8

    People will not always die, or have to fight wars. Death is what has been happening right down to our day. These promises will remedy all our sorrows.

    These things are faithful and True.

    There's a hope ahead for the world of manking.

    — E
    October 26, 2009 at 4:32 p.m.
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    My Family and I had the privelage of knowing Michael,We all attended the same place of worship.I will always remember him by those beautiful eyes of his so serious when he looked at you,he will be forever in our hearts and thoughts and for the family our prayers and love go out to you! Love Irene Martel,Ray Espinoza, Victor Moreno Jr. Lorena Moreno

    — Irene Martel
    October 27, 2009 at 3 p.m.
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    Mikey we are so proud of you. You will forever be in our hearts and will never be forgotten. You are our HERO....You proudly served out country and now you are our "Guardian Angel"....We love you and you will ALWAYS be missed.

    — Erica Castelan (Cousin)
    October 29, 2009 at 8:41 a.m.
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    Michael, I am so proud to have had the privelege to know an intelligent, strong willed, determined, brave, handsome young man. Patricia, you did a wonderfull job with your boys..
    I will miss you dearly, and will always be in our hearts

    — Leticia Payan
    November 1, 2009 at 9:02 p.m.
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    I am so sorry to the family of Michael. I had a chance to work with him a couple of years back and became good friends with him..He will truly be missed by all and will always be my hero!

    — Kristin Maree
    November 28, 2009 at 1:12 a.m.
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    Mikey i think about u every day that goes by its so hard for me an the rest of the family i miss u so much RIP MIKEY
    anthony dahl

    — anthony dahl
    September 3, 2010 at 1:25 a.m.
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    Michael Dahl grew up in Beaumont, California, which is also my home town. It is a community in which people work hard and love their country. Michael is just one of many local residents who joined the military to fight for what we believe in and stand for - Truth, Justice and the American Way!

    Victor Dominguez Beaumont CA

    — Victor Dominguez Beaumont CA
    September 18, 2010 at 3:37 p.m.
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    MIKEY was one of my closest cousins and still is. he will NEVER beforgotten. "we miss you darely MIKEY and we all wish you were still here with us". tomorrow is going to be a year that he is no longer with us. we know that you are in a better place and looking down below.

    — Jestina Dahl
    October 16, 2010 at 4:37 p.m.
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    mikey you will forever be missed i love and miss you soo muchh anddd im sooo proud of whatt you have done for our country i love you cousinn andd i cant wait too see you see youu soon you are my hero<3

    — Genessa lara<3
    January 29, 2011 at 10:26 p.m.
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    Mikey I miss you sooo much and can't wait to see you again cousin!!! save us a spot up there cause we will be there soon.

    — Jestina Dahl
    February 13, 2011 at 9:44 p.m.
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    Mikey..
    iMiss Yew So Much. &&' iAm So Very Greatful For Waht Yew Havee Donee For Our Country. iLovee Yew So Much. Savee Us Ah Placee Up Theree Cousinn<33

    — Abbey<3
    September 12, 2011 at 6:24 p.m.
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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 736 California servicemembers and 490 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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