Michael Ingram
Sergeant, United States Army
March 6, 1987 – April 17, 2010
Age – 23
Carelton, MI
Operation Enduring Freedom
1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO
Died of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol
Army Corporal Michael K. Ingram Jr., 23, of Newport was killed Saturday while serving in Afghanistan.
“He was known for his smile. He was never negative. He was always happy,” his father Michael Ingram said. “He was looking forward to coming home and seeing his family and friends and a (Detroit) Tigers game.”
Better known to his family and friends as Mikey, Sergeant Ingram had been serving in Afghanistan for the past year. He was the leader over a small group of soldiers. He was commended for his bravery and leadership while he was in Afghanistan. He was loved by everyone.
“He was injured a few weeks ago that would have required surgery when he came home. He didn’t want to come home early because he didn’t want to leave his guys over there,” his father said.
He was able to return home for a couple of weeks at Christmas, and Mr. Ingram last spoke with his son about a month before he died. He said things were really starting to heat up over there, and that they still had a lot to do before they were able to leave. He said it was going to get dangerous.
A 2005 Monroe High School graduate, Army Sergeant Ingram planned on a career in law enforcement after his time in the service. “Ever since he was a little kid, he wanted to join the Army,” Mr. Ingram said. “But he was ready to come home because he wanted to be back with his family and friends. That’s all he talked about. His last Facebook post said something like ‘Let’s go boys…just a few more weeks.’”
He completed basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colo.
In addition to his father, he is survived by his mother, Patricia Kitts of Colorado; two brothers, Kyle of Newport and Jason of Colorado; a sister, Chelsea Ingram of Colorado, and a stepmother, Julie Ingram.