Mountain Man Memorial March

Honor*Through*Action

The 19th Annual Mountain Man Memorial March planning is underway and we look forward to seeing everyone!  Book your travel for this year's event taking place April 10-11, 2026.  Join us as we host our Gold Star Families and celebrate the lives of our fallen Veterans!

We thank the Mountain Man Memorial March faithful who have been the bedrock in the continued growth of our event and Veteran & Gold Star community which continues to Honor our Fallen and support our Gold Star Families!  To the new participants in 2025, we thank you for joining the MMMM family and we look forward to seeing you in future events.  We are so thankful for our participants, volunteers, partners and sponsors!  

For 2026, the Mountain Man Memorial March will again partner with Legacies Alive (https://legaciesalive.com/), a 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization directly supporting Gold Star Families.  The FREE hot meal you get post-race, thank Legacies Alive for providing!!  We look forward to our partnership with Legacies Alive.

The 2026 Mountain Man Memorial March will continue to offer both the March events and the Run events. We look forward to having everyone return to Gatlinburg in 2026 to join with our Military and Veteran community!

We are currently working with the City of Gatlinburg and the Sevier County Schools to keep the 2026 Mountain Man Memorial March start and finish at the Pi Beta Phi Elementary School (125 Cherokee Orchard Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738) and pre/post race activities adjacent to the school.

We expect no major changes to the courses and you can find them a last year's link - 2025 Mountain Man Memorial March Course Maps can be found here: 18th Annual Mountain Man Memorial March Routes.  The bridge construction in Emert's Cove area (vic mile 20) is complete - so no detour over the rocks!!!!!!!!

2025 Full Marathon Course Map (updated 2.25.25) 

2025 Half Marathon Course Map

2025 10K Course Map

2025 5K Course Map

In addition to in-person racing and the usual categories in the team march, individual march and run events, we will also continue to offer a virtual racing option in 2026.  We believe many MMMM veterans want to return, but the virtual option will be there if you cannot make it to Gatlinburg and still wish to be a part of this tremendous event and mission.  Virtual racers will still receive the same race shirt and participant medal, but will not compete for placing since conditions will vary at each of their location.  We hope this slight change to the format offering will accommodate all of our previous MMMM family and allow us to continue to grow the race in Honor of our Fallen and in support of the Gold Star Families left behind.     

The run events include a full 26.2mi marathon, a 13.1mi half marathon, a 10K run and a 5K run. The run events are further divided into categories based on gender and age.

The march events have two distances - the full 26.2mi marathon and the 13.1mi half marathon. The march event subcategories will be defined further as follows -  an individual, as a team (5 members), in a civilian category or in a military qualification category.  Competitors in the Military category, whether competing as a team or as an individual, must be affiliated with a military organization or military type organization. Military teams or individuals may register in the civilian categories but civilians without military affiliation may not register in military categories. The March categories are further divided into Heavy and Light categories.  Heavy categories and Light categories have uniform and ruck sack weight requirements - see here. Individual march events will be further divided into categories based on gender and age.  See the official rules for a complete breakdown of categories and uniform requirements.

Pre-race packet pick-up will be published as we get closer to the date of the race. All registrations will be online only!  We are working with other organizations & vendors to also be available during both Friday and Saturday.  

GOLD STAR FAMILY CEREMONY:  The Gold Star Family Ceremony will take place on Friday, April 10, 2026 in the Mills Auditorium located within the Gatlinburg Convention Center.  We will be reaching out to the Gold Star Families registered with more information.  

OPENING CEREMONY: The race events on Saturday, April 11, 2026 will begin at 7:30 AM with the opening ceremony and followed by the race beginning at 8:00 AM. Winners of the run and march events will be recognized and prizes awarded throughout the day as the events culminate. 

The route begins in Gatlinburg and makes it way through Gatlinburg and into the Smoky Mountains. The route consists of paved road, gravel road, and other uneven terrain. The route is made of up of flat stretches, rolling hills, and steep climbs. Water points, snacks, medical aid and support staff will be positioned and available along the route, but it is highly recommended that all participants carry appropriate water and fuel to properly finish their race.

HONOR*THROUGH*ACTION

PFC Samuel S Lance

US Army 

Airborne Division

Date of sacrifice May 1, 1970

PO2 Robert N Gilbertson, 26, of Emsworth, PA.  Born May 2nd, 1981 – DOD September 7th, 2007.

Gilbertson was assigned to the USS McInereny FFG8 in Mayport, FL as a Gas Turbine Technician.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2003.

Bobby graduated from Avonworth High School (1999).  He loved baseball where he excelled as a catcher and a hitter.  All of the opposing teams knew not to try and steal a base while Gilbertson was catching, or they would be thrown out.  Bobby also loved going to camp in Tionesta, PA to fish, sit by the fire and drink beer.  

Gilbertson is survived by his parent’s mother Nancy Hoffman, father Dave Gilbertson (Wendy), sister Dana Tabay (Joe) and brother Bo Gilbertson.

Company C, or as it's officially named, Bandido Charlie, first got its namesake in 1967 during the Vietnam War when 1st Lt. Larry A. Garner assumed command of the unit. While in command and leading his troops in battle, Garner would routinely wear a red bandana around his neck, and it didn't take long for his men to follow suit.

After seeing the Soldiers in their red bandanas and in clear violation of uniform regulations, the battalion commander told Garner that he and his men "looked like a bunch of bandidos." Liking the name, Garner immediately began referring to the company as Bandido Charlie.

"His mentality was a somewhat renegade mentality, but they were the best at what they did so they got away with it," said Capt. Robert C. Churchill, the current commander of Bandido Charlie and a native of Flushing, Michigan. "He found a way to rally his men and it was to do something that was against all regulations, but they rallied behind a logo, they rallied behind a red bandana and ultimately behind Larry Garner, who found a way to build a cohesive team."

After renaming the company, Garner acquired more bandanas for his men and worked with the company to design a unit patch and company specific flag, or guidon, the same pattern used on the company's guidon today.

"These men and women were put in horrible positions, and for a man like Larry Garner to come along, he was just a dude that wanted to do the best he could for his men," Churchill said. "He truly had a mission first, but Soldiers always mentality."

Garner would pay the ultimate sacrifice during his service in Vietnam. After relinquishing command of the company, Garner volunteered to lead a small group of Bandidos to rescue a downed helicopter crew on July 30, 1967. Once at the crash site, Garner established a defensive perimeter in preparation of an enemy counter attack, during which he and two other Soldiers were killed defending the downed aircrew.

"To me, that's pretty powerful," Churchill said. "In a draft Army, and in a war that was gaining less support from the people back home, he still raised his hand and said, 'yes, I'll lead some of the Bandidos to help these guys out,' and he paid the ultimate sacrifice for it."

Garner's fighting spirit and dedication to duty still lives on in the unit today.

"What that does to today's Soldiers is it puts them in a mindset that they are part of something special that goes back 50 years," Churchill said. "It breaks us apart from every other unit in the sense that we are different, and with that there's responsibility."

"We have to act better and we have to get better at what we do every day for those that came before us," he added. "And it truly does show in our company."

While the spirit of the Bandidos has lived on in the company, it wasn't until 2005 former Bandido commander Sherwood Goldberg, along with some senior Army leadership, petitioned the Department of the Army to reinstate the company's name and signature guidon. After a unanimous vote from the Soldiers of the company, the Department of the Army approved the unit's official name, making it the only company level unit in the Army to carry a distinctive unit designation.

For Churchill, it's a point of pride to be the commander of Bandido Charlie, and he uses the lessons learned from the past to ensure he provides the best leadership possible to his Soldiers.

"I have to be where the friction is for the company," he said. "I have to put myself in the worst position first to show that the men and women of the company are going to be okay, because that's the responsibility of Bandido Six."

Even for the Soldiers of Bandido Charlie, Garner's reputation and commitment to the Bandido name lives on in the unit. All Bandido Soldiers carry a red bandana with them, and during training, the Soldiers can be seen riding top of their signature M1 Abrams tanks still wearing the iconic red bandanas and flying their unique company guidon.

Hometown: Lexington, VA

Branch: U.S. Army

Unit: 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team

Military Honors: Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart

Date of Sacrifice: June 27, 2012 - KIA in Maidan Shahr, Wardak province, Afghanistan

Age: 24

Conflict: War in Afghanistan, 2001-2021

Stephen Chase Prasnicki was born in Lexington, Virginia, on February 9, 1988. Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Lexington is home to the Virginia Military Institute (https://www.vmi.edu/)—the oldest state-supported military college in the United States.

Stephen, better known as “Chase” was an excellent student and standout quarterback at Rockbridge County High School in Lexington and was highly recruited by the time he graduated in 2006. His leadership abilities made him a natural for military service, and he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point (https://www.westpoint.edu/) after graduating high school.

While a cadet at West Point, Prasnicki played quarterback and safety for Army’s Black Knights football team. His wife Emily later recalled to CBS Sports, “On the football field, they called him ‘Nitro’ because he was just this full force of power and energy. He gave everything he had into every play he did, whether it was a practice or a game.”

After graduating in 2010, he served as a Graduate Assistant football coach at the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.

Prasnicki graduated with honors from the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leaders Course, at Fort Sill (https://sill-www.army.mil/), Oklahoma in 2011. Prior to attending U.S. Army Ranger and Airborne Schools at Fort Benning (https://www.benning.army.mil/), Georgia, Chase was assigned briefly as an Army Recruiter in Rockbridge County, Virginia. He graduated from Ranger School in September 2011 and Airborne School in October 2011.

On November 26, 2011, Prasnicki married Emily Nichols of Yorktown, Virginia, at Langley Air Force Base (https://www.jble.af.mil/). The following day, he departed for his first duty assignment as an Army Ranger—with the 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, Airborne Brigade Combat Team (“Sky Soldiers”) stationed at U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg, Germany. Emily was able to join him in Bamberg in December 2011.

While stationed in Germany, First Lieutenant Prasnicki completed Army Pathfinder School. He was trained to provide navigational aid and advisory services to military aircraft.

In late June of 2012, Prasnicki and his team were deployed to Maiden Shar, Wardack province in Afghanistan. He was assigned as a platoon leader. His commander, Capt. Tom Feeney, commented that Prasnicki volunteered to go on patrol the moment he arrived in Wardak—making him “a commander’s dream platoon leader.”

Three days later, on June 27, 2012, was killed when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was 24 years old and had been married to Emily for just seven months. Also killed in the attack was Sgt. James L. Skalberg Jr., 25, of Cullman, Alabama.

For his actions in defending his country, 1LT Stephen Chase Prasnicki was awarded a Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and Purple Heart. He was laid to rest near his hometown in Buena Vista, Virginia.

The awards are broken down into the following three major categories - RUN, TEAM MARCH and INDIVIDUAL MARCH.  

RUN - each of the 5K, 10K, HALF and MARATHON run events will be awarded in the following manner

5K RUN - overall fastest MALE and overall fastest FEMALE; further, in eight separate age categories each of the top three finishers for MALE and each of the top three finishers in the age group will be awarded a GOLD, SILVER or BRONZE medal 

10K RUN - overall fastest MALE and overall fastest FEMALE; further, in eight separate age categories each of the top three finishers for MALE and each of the top three finishers in the age group will be awarded a GOLD, SILVER or BRONZE medal

HALF MARATHON RUN - overall fastest MALE and overall fastest FEMALE; further, in eight separate age categories each of the top three finishers for MALE and each of the top three finishers in the age group will be awarded a GOLD, SILVER or BRONZE medal

MARATHON RUN - overall fastest MALE and overall fastest FEMALE; further, in eight separate age categories each of the top three finishers for MALE and each of the top three finishers in the age group will be awarded a GOLD, SILVER or BRONZE medal

TEAM MARCH - each of the HALF and MARATHON TEAM march events will be awarded in the following manner

TEAM MARCH - There are six team march events and age and gender are not a consideration for any team event.  The following apply to all seven team events:

• 1st Place Team - the team will receive a trophy cup and each team member will receive a GOLD MEDAL and a commemorative "GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN" statue
• 2nd Place Team - each team member will receive a SILVER medal
• 3rd Place Team - each team member will receive a BRONZE medal

INDIVIDUAL MARCH - each of the HALF and MARATHON INDIVIDUAL march events will be awarded in the following manner

INDIVIDUAL MARCH - There are eight individual march events - age is not a consideration, but gender is a consideration for all individual march event.  The following apply to all eight individual events:

• 1st Place - the first place MALE and first place FEMALE in each of the eight individual march events will receive a GOLD medal and a commemorative "GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN" statue
• 2nd Place - the second place MALE and second place FEMALE in each of the eight individual march events will receive a SILVER medal 
• 3rd Place - the third place MALE and third place FEMALE in each of the eight individual march events will receive a BRONZE medal 
•  

Jason M. West grew up in Crafton, PA and attended Carlynton High School.  As a child he enjoyed playing army, being outdoors, and participating in sports such as football, baseball, and golf.  Jason was a leader from the start who enjoyed socializing with friends and family.  He enjoyed cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates.  Jason also had a love for cooking and loved to show off his talent whenever he could especially during BBQ's.  

Jason graduated from Slippery Rock University with a BSBA in Human Resources and a minor in Leadership in 2002.  He was an active member of the U.S. Army out of high school as well as SRU’s Army ROTC program.  Jason's first tour of duty serving Operation Iraqi Freedom while he was stationed in Germany was in Baghdad, Iraq as a tank platoon leader serving with the 1-37 Bandit unit.  His second tour sent him to Ramadi, Iraq where he helped train Iraqi Soldiers with the 1st Armored Division.  

On July 24, 2006, Jason, 28, was killed in action when he encountered enemy fire.

19 June 1983 – 16 June 2007

Frank Walkup IV of Woodbury, Tennessee was an extraordinary young man who had always planned to follow in his father’s (Army-Operation Desert Storm) and grandfather’s (Navy-Viet Nam) footsteps through military service. He participated in 4 years of JROTC in high school, and then 4 years of Army ROTC in the Rocky Top Battalion while attending The University of Tennessee, Knoxville from 2001 – 2005 when he commissioned as a 2LT upon graduation. Frank was married to his college sweetheart, also a UTK alumnus, Sabita Maharaj Walkup. Together they moved to Oahu Hawaii for his first duty station at Schofield Barracks after he completed Infantry Officer training and became a graduate of the prestigious Army Ranger school at Ft. Benning Georgia (now known as Ft. Moore). During his first deployment, platoon leader 1LT Walkup (aka Spartan 6) was killed in action on 16 June 2007 from an IED detonation while on dismounted patrol near Rashaad, Iraq.  He was the first alumnus of the Rocky Top Battalion to be killed in the global war on terrorism.

The Mountain Man Memorial March event is the result of Rocky Top Battalion cadets who, in memory of their fallen alumnus 1LT Walkup, donned their uniforms and ruck sacks in 2008 and completed a marathon ruck march of 26.2 miles through the mountains surrounding Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  The event has continued every year in April since that first march and has grown to become a tribute to all American heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country in all branches of the military.

Joshua died at the age of 24 years old on the morning of July 22, 2009 in Afghanistan, proudly serving his country.

He was born on April 18, 1985, in Beaver, PA, to James H. and Donna J. Rimer. Joshua graduated from Freedom Area High School in 2003. During high school, he was part of the Marching and Concert Bands, playing the trumpet. He was also actively involved in the Drama Club, where he had many lead roles in plays. Joshua loved sports and played them well, soccer and baseball being his favorites. He attended New Sewickley Presbyterian Church and was very active in the Youth Ministry there.

Josh enlisted in teh Army after graduating from high school in August 2003. Joshua enlisted in the Army. He went to Ft Leonardwood, MO for his Basic Training exercise, graduating in November 2003. His first assignment was in Bamberg, Germany, starting in January 2004. He was then deployed to Iraq in February 2004, where he was awarded the Purple Heart. Joshua returned to Germany and completed his tour as a Colonel’s driver until August 2006. Upon reenlistment, he was stationed at Ft Carson, CO, and was promoted to Sergeant October 2008. He was then redeployed to Iraq in February 2009.  On his birthday he was moved to Afghanistan.  There he worked in construction of the Military Installation of their base.  Josh volunteered to run clearance with the personal security detachment. There, he gave the ultimate sacrifice and was awarded another Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

He was a TRUE HERO!

Joshua married his beautiful wife, Annalisa, in September 2007.  They loved life together and were best friends and partners.  They loved to take long rides through the mountains, especially if it were snowing.  He enjoyed hiking, biking, walking, rock climbing and loved to swim and jet ski. His plans were to buy a Harley Davidson upon returning home so he and Annalisa could ride together. Josh always appreciated and respected life.  He felt content and appreciated at work and this meant a lot to him.  He was a Very Proud Soldier, Husband, Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew and Cousin.  

He was very much Loved and will be very much missed! 

He will never be Forgotten, but Always Missed and will remain in our hearts Forever.  We Love you, Josh! 

SGT Allan Ray Bevington 

US Army 1st armor division 40th engineer battalion company B

12/25/1983 - 09/21/2006

Lived In Beaver Falls PA

2002 grad of Beaver Falls High school

Allan joined the army and followed in his oldest brothers foot steps to become a combat Engineer. Allan had just re-enlisted but had plans to get a degree in child phycology and to someday start a family. Allan was killed while securing a site where they found a roadside IED. While securing area the device went off. Allan was killed and 1 other soldier was seriously wounded. Allan was praised as an outstanding soldier who was always in the lead and was an inspiration to all he met.

SSG James G. Johnston, 28, of Oak Ridge, TN. Johnston assigned to HHB 101st Division Artillery, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY was killed stateside in an automobile crash on 15 March 2015.

Johnston was a graduate of Oak Ridge High School (2004), an Eagle Scout in Troop 328 and an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. He is remembered and loved for his ability to make others laugh with his quick-witted sense of humor, and he is respected and admired by family, friends, and fellow Soldiers for his loyalty and leadership.

Johnston joined the Army Reserves in 2006, and joined Active Duty in 2009. During his military career, he served with 4-320th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Campbell, KY during his first tour of duty in Afghanistan; 1-84 Field Artillery Regiment, 170th IBCT, Baumholder, Germany on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan; HHB and Bravo BTRY, 2-15 Field Artillery, Fort Drum, NY; and HHB 101st Division Artillery, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY. While at Fort Campbell, he was selected as the Voice of the Eagle by Division Protocol.

SSG Johnston earned several awards and decorations, including 4 ARCOMs, 3 AAMs, 2 AGCMs, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 3, 2 NATO Medals, Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge, Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge Expert with Rifle Bar, and 3 Overseas Service Bars.

He is survived by his loving wife Lacey and his devoted family.

SSG LAWRENCE WOODS Army 5th special forces group killed in Vietnam October 24 1964 born on March 18 1925 Clarksville Tennessee joined the army when he was 15 lied about his age but the army found out they kick him out told him to come back when he was 18 when he turned 18 he signed back up my grandfather was in three wars Korean war WW2 and the Vietnam war he was a medic and a cook my grandfather heard about the Vietnam war he wanted to get into the action so he volunteered to go to Vietnam he was in the 5th special forces group out of FT Campbell KY on October 24 1964 my grandfather was on a C123B Fairchild provider the aircraft was hit by enemy fire and crashed the aircraft itself was completely destroyed by fire except for the tail section subsequent searches of the crash site resulted in the recovery or accounting of seven individuals onboard the aircraft but woods was not found on September 27 2013 my grandfather remains was found the whole time his remains was still in the plane in the tail section on March 21 2014 my grandfather was laid to rest at Arlington national cemetery my grandfather had over 18 military medals 

Nate was raised in Reston, Virginia. He was both physically and musically talented. While attending South Lakes High School, Nate wrestled and was a member of the marching band. He also enjoyed playing golf with his wife Becky and video games in his spare time. After graduating high school, Nate went on to study at Virginia Tech and Northern Virginia Community College before enlisting in the Army in 1995.

Following basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nate was stationed in Germany for three years and served nearly six months as a peacekeeper in Macedonia.  He was a Recruiter in Pittsburgh for two years prior to being deployed to Iraq as a squad leader with the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas. Tragically, while leading a convoy of military vehicles in Baghdad, his vehicle was struck by a civilian vehicle, traveling at an excessive rate of speed, which resulted in his death.

Nate was known as a kind and quiet man who deeply loved his family, especially his wife Becky and daughter Brooke. His legacy lives on through his family, friends, and comrades.

SSgt. Tyler Sansonetti was born on December 27, 1992. He grew up in Harrison City and graduated from Penn Trafford High School in 2011. When he was 17 yrs. old, he made a decision to become a Marine and enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). He left for bootcamp right after high school graduation. Tyler was very athletic and spent most of his childhood playing baseball, basketball and other sports and loved his dogs, Thumper & Jake. Known for his terrific sense of humor and highly competitive nature, he was a win-at-all-costs and a have fun-at-all-costs person. He was highly social, made friends everywhere he went and was fiercely loyal to his family and friends.

Tyler married when he was 19 and he and his wife moved to North Carolina where he was stationed at Camp Lejeune. He was deployed many times in the 11 years he served and obtained various leadership positions within the Corp namely Section Chief of his artillery unit and Platoon Sergeant. He lived by the Marine Corp. values of Honor, Courage and Commitment and was dedicated to the Corp. and to his brotherhood within the Corp.

Tyler died on March 21, 2022 at the age of 29 while proudly serving his country.

Staff Sergeant Benjamin S. Hines, 31, originally from York, Pennsylvania, was killed in action on April 8th, 2019 while conducting combat operations in Parwan Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Ben had always wanted to become a Marine and lived his life and laid down his life for God, Family and Country. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 2006 and had served honorably for 13 years. Ben was assigned to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and served as a Rifleman, Fire Team Leader, and Infantry Squad Leader. His deployments included Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Freedom Sentinel, Afghanistan.

His distinguished career ended in the line of duty after his vehicle was struck by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device on April 8th 2019. In addition to being a Marine reservist, Ben was also a student and worked full-time as a Cyber Security Analyst for Jacobs.
He was also a fan of many things to include Star Wars, Black Rifle Coffee, Juventus & all Pittsburgh sports teams. Ben cherished his time with his fiancee, family & friends, and those who met him were always greeted with his welcoming smile, uncompromising respect, and infectious sense of humor. He was always a selfless individual who put the needs of others before his own. With this foundation, we strive to do just that and to support those who share Ben’s passions of: Family, Patriotism, Faith, and Education. Help us keep Ben’s legacy alive…

“Greater love has no one than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Michelle Rachael Langhorst was born on May 13, 1983 in Pittsburgh, Pa. She is the beloved daughter of Michael and Concetta Langhorst sister of Nicole Langhorst as well as countless other family members and friends. Michelle was raised in Pittsburgh, Pa and was a bright, vivacious and athletic woman who was passionate about sports, especially soccer.

In February 2002, Michelle enlisted in the Army as a military police solider. Immediately finishing basic training, she was deployed to Germany then Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 212th company.

After her time in Afghanistan and Germany, Michelle was 1 of 2 women chosen for a special assignment in Brussels, Belgium doing protective services for NATO. Michelle received many accolades and awards during her 9 years of service and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Michelle was honorably discharged after she sustained an injury to her arm. 

Michelle was such a giving and kind person, always doing for others instead of tending to her own needs. She had such a beautiful heart and is loved and missed beyond words.