I have several memories. From when I first met him to the last training he had in El Paso. One of the last times he was in El Paso, we went to a pizza place, to grab a slice and a 🍺. After we are our pizza, we went to the bar and I spanked his ass, and followed with a “my blue eyed angel”, what we didn’t know is that it was a gay hangout place lol, if you knew him, you can imagine how the rest of the night went. We had some good times together, made each other laugh, and fought like brothers. I know you will rest now. I know your soul became restless, but, I love you man. We didn’t get a chance to say our goodbyes, but, hope you get the answers you always looked for. Rest in grace, and peace Michael. 

-Isaac 

May you Rest In Peace brother. Great person, great friend , and great soldier.  Many memories and you won’t be forgotten.

Michael and the ER crew

Michael and I stopped being entertained by fishing the banks in western Louisiana. We put together the grand scheme of going to Walmart and buying an inflatable 2-man raft. We get it blown up, and he writes “SS Andrea Gail II” on the side of it (a nod to the name of the fishing vessel from “The Perfect Storm”). We get it down to the lake, fill it with fishing gear and an 18-pack of Budweiser (his favorite beer at the time), and we shove off. Roughly 20’ into our journey we spring an air leak and had to abandon ship. Michael being a much better swimmer than myself got to the bank faster and hollered “save the beer!!” I’m lobbing beers at him while treading water and we managed to save all the beers, but the Andrea Gail was lost that day along with our fishing gear. Since that day I saved his number as “CPT Smarr, SS Andrea Gail II.”

So we had a 4-day weekend from Ft. Polk. At the same time my mom was able to get tickets to an Astros game. Michael, myself, our friend Buckner loaded up in my truck, and headed to Houston. That weekend we saw the Astros game, got tattoos, visited a gentlemen’s club, and pretty much partied like rock stars. From henceforth, when Michael and I talked about that 4 days, it was always referred to as “The Rockstar Weekend.”

Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart, thoughts and prayers goes out to you at this difficult time. 

SO SORRY TO EVERYONE THAT NEW AND LOVED YOU I HAVE NOT SEEN YOU SINCE WE WAS KIDS I HAVE ALL GOOD AND SPEACIAL MEMORIES YOU MADE MY CHILDHOOD AWESOME MY LOVE FOR YOU AS ONE OF MY FAV CUZNS NEVER CHANGED THREW THE YEARS HEAVEN GAINED A GREAT ANGEL LOVE ALWAYS YPUR CUZNS KELLY KOONS AND AUNT DEBBIE SKINNER XOS

I met Michael while he was stationed at Ft Polk. Several times he came to our house in Houston on weekend pass. It was always a joy to have him in our home. One of my fondest memories was when my son and his unit were deployed to Iraq but Michael was here on assignment. Many times he called to check on me because he knew my son’s deployment was difficult for my husband and me. Michael very much felt like he needed to be “with his guys”. I was grateful he was able to call us often and offer us some comfort. We loved Michael and he will be missed but the wonderful memories will always bring smiles to my face.

Had many memories from our deployment together but it was great meeting up in Hawaii for a quick meal. Until we meet again, have a big drink waiting for me!

My family and I are sad to hear of Michaels passing.  I remember his passion for what he did in the military and teaching others.  He went out of his way to provided a class for my Soldiers, and was always willing to help.  RIP brother.