https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/california-based/aric-j-barr/ The latest user comments on Aric J. Barr en-us https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c190417 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c190417 I was an intel analyst for the 3rd ID when I was deployed to Iraq in 2005. For most of my deployment I stayed in the green zone where it was relatively safe. I only went outside the green zone once and that was with Mike and his company for an overnight mission (I was there for intel purposes). I was nervous and scared but once I met Mike, he made the situation a whole lot better. I don't remember too much of our conversation but I know I was thankful he was there for me to talk to. I know it's been over ten years but I haven't forgot about you and I just wanted to say thanks! Sun, 14 May 2017 08:39:18 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c122300 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c122300 Mike was one of the first fellow soldiers that I could call a friend; when I was a brand new PFC on our first deployment to Kuwait back in 2001. I was young and scared and stupid, Mike showed me that the Army was fun and as long as you had a good attitude and heart you could always beat back the negativity no matter how bad the situation. Mike inspired me to become a Rigger and because of that I earned my jump wings and now I can tell my kid I was a paratrooper. When I came back to the 184th for Iraq, Mike and I were back in D company, part of the SoCal chapter. When things got bad again he was the friend I could always go to to get my mind off things and laugh we'd BS about Warhammer 40k and all those cheesy Sci-fi novels we liked to read. I miss you brother. On this day, the 238th birthday of the Army, and everyday, I will honor your memory and tell my son about you. Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:46:57 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c61750 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c61750 Mike, I never knew you but I found your story through the fate of chance. I was moved by your story & compelled to tell you that your life will be remembered eternally. You make me proud to be an American. Rest in peace. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:25:01 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c23905 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c23905 Mike was in my small circle of close friends in high school. All of us shared a love of video games, science fiction, and comic books. Mike introduced us to anime and manga, years before you could get them translated to English. This was before us nerds had our revenge and came to dominate popular culture; back then such things were fringe, suspicious, scorned. We were a geeky bunch of misfits, and we clung to each other like brothers. After high school, our group would hang out on the weekends. Mike would barbecue up some teriyaki chicken and we'd watch Terminator 2 on laser disc. Mike had the gift of memory and he would remind us of things we had done years before, little details or incidents we had forgotten, stuff which didn't seem important at the time but which always made us laugh years later. Then I lost track of Mike, and then I heard about how he lost his life. I never got to know him as a soldier; not even as an adult, really. I think of him often. When I think about how he was taken I am filled with anger, and when I think about how seldom I saw him in the last years of his life I am filled with loss. Mike, I miss you, bud. Wed, 24 Mar 2010 05:47:58 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c17516 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c17516 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. Sun, 30 Aug 2009 07:15:18 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c16775 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c16775 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 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:11:03 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c15250 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c15250 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 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:31:56 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c14647 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c14647 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 Tue, 26 May 2009 04:36:04 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c14570 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c14570 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." Sat, 23 May 2009 07:50:55 -0700 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c1073 https://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/mike-t-sonoda-jr/#c1073 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. Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:55:53 -0700