Mike T. Sonoda Jr., 34

Michael Sonoda was the energizer bunny in uniform....he just kept on going and going and going. Despite whatever challenge or set back, he would always come back and give his 100% at everything he ever did. He deployed twice to the middle east to be part of the team of soldiers that he always supported. Michael Sonoda touched everyone he ever knew and I will always remember him with the greatest amount of respect.

Dan Markert didn't know Mike Sonoda from a hole in the ground. Markert wore a desert uniform while manning a desk in Modesto while Mike Sonoda patrolled Arab Jabour and Dora. Mike was an average guy, getting through life. A typical soldier, happy to do a great job, happy to sham with a sci-fi book. He was a good kid.

True, I drove a desk in Modesto and I only knew Mike through others. I don't think that takes away anything from Mike. As the command representative at his funeral, would you have had me say something else?

Michael Sonoda was such a mellow, reliable, smart, friendly guy and a good soldier who knew how to get the job done and also knew how to take things easy. A real field Joe who wore his "sham-shield"(the Army E-4 Specialist rank insignia) in the best possible way. Every time I see a Rigger badge, or hear someone talking about sci-fi stuff, I think of Mike. I knew Mike, I drilled with Mike and I deployed with Mike as a fellow Specialist. I trusted Mike with my life and I think of him often.

I thought the words spoken by Dan Markert were both moving and accurate. Sounds to me like Dan made an effort to find out more about Mike. Cool. We were all where we were supposed to be and did what had to be done as per mission requirements. Also, the fact that we are posting here after so long shows that we all care. I've been on both sides of the podium, as a speaker, a friend and as a family member. Trauma and death is what I work with in my civilian life, as well, way more than many soldiers. including trying to save the lives of people that I knew personally. That also includes having to face the the pain and anger of family and friends of the dead, strangers or not. So, if you really want to compare notes...There is no perfect way to respond. There are no perfect words.

I do not envy Dan Markert's performing his duty of having to stand there and face the family and friends of the dead to try to bring some comfort and dignity to such a sad and raw event. Nor do I envy the pain of those who knew Mike better than I did. Mike's death is a loss to all of us, but how we feel about Mike and who knew Mike more and so on is small in comparison to the feelings of Mike Sonoda's family.

So, let's all be cool, Nightstalkers, like Mike. He'd probably think that we were being silly and offer us a ride.

I want to thank everyone who keeps Mike in their thoughts. I understand that some of you knew and cared for Mike and that others served in a capacity to show respect for the family, but did not know Mike. Whatever gift that he gave to you during his life, hold it and cherish it and know that we appreciate your remembrance of him.

I served with Mike the entire time he was in Italy. We were both Parachute Riggers together. I jumped with him, partied with him, and was his friend. We shared some great times together. He will be remembered always.

..."keep your feet and knees together and your eyes on the horizon Mike, and I'll see ya on the drop zone."

My son served with and thoroughly admired Mike. Last night, following a Memorial Day service in Oceanside, our family placed flags west of his tombstone. We visit the site several times a year to salute the memory of Mike. His loss was a gut-wrenching experience for our family. We can't imagine what his family has gone through since 9/22/05. Our prayers remain with them.

Respectfully, John S. Meyer

Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice so that the people in America can continue living free. There are alot of people in this country that have no clue, respect or honor for those like you that paid the ultimate price to live the way that we do in America. Living free is not free, it comes at a very high price. You payed that price for the Country you loved. Although I never knew you Mike, I thank you and honor you. God Bless you, Ronald Weber
PS. Parent of a US Marine

To the parents of Mike Sonoda:
I did not know Mike but he will always be in my prayers. The pain of losing a loved one is not new to us. SGM Marcos Herrera and Maddi's son, Sgt David Lee Herrera died in Iraq on 1/28/2006. He believed in God, country and family and gave his life for the sake of freedom. Living in Oceanside, we have Camp Pendleton at our doorstep and I pray for their safe return home. May God bless you all.

Marie
August 14, 2009

Hey Mikey I think about you all the time man. I remember this one time we where doing some training on our first deployment to Kuwait, I was working with you on the SAW. We became cool friends that day. In Iraq, you where a hard working guy, and I admired that about you. I am glad that I got to share things with you.