Michael W. Hanks
Lance Corporal, United States Marine Corps
October 7, 1982 – November 17, 2004
Age – 22
Gregory, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA
Killed while engaged in combat operations in Anbar Province, Iraq
Michael Hanks had served one tour of duty in Iraq and was commended for saving the life of an Iraqi civilian. He signed up for a second tour in June and was set to come home just after the new year, according to his family. He had lived the Warriors dream. He died with his boots on, next to his brothers. He lived his life well, really loved. His memory will outlive us all.
He was an example to all and the definition of a brave, selfless, loving and loyal human being and Marine. He touched the lives of thousands in his young life and was the type of man that wives and mothers wanted for their daughters.
He had a reputation in high school for standing up for himself and his friends. That reputation stuck through two tours in Iraq, where he was known as a joker who was always willing to keep up morale. He was always standing up for the guys there. He had everyone’s back. He was a “high-energy kid” who had always wanted to serve in the military and no surprise that he joined the Marines or volunteered for a second tour.