Charity

Chrysten and Pamela show talent and promise , their father knew how much these two girls are going to improve the world. As a loving father Mike McNeil chose to sacrifice the luxuries of life in the United States and support his troops in their effort to provide security to the nation he called home. This sense of duty to our nation and love for his daughters lead him to work as a contractor in Iraq, there by accomplishing the dual purpose of providing a college education for Chrysten and Pamela and helping ensure they live in a free and secure nation.

Mike McNeil lost his life while contracting in Iraq, please allow his dreams to live on.

Contribute to Chrysten and Pamela's college fund, provide the tools these two beautiful and gifted girls need to brighten our world.

Michael McNeil dedicated his life to supporting his family. He accepted this role and to his best ability- performed this noble deed.

Mikey was an American- supporting "Her" defenders on foreign soil and paid the "Ultimate" sacrifice.

He was a Son and Father who believed in taking action in defense of his beloved nation and moreover his "Loved Ones".

The work was challenging, and he accepted it with full conscious- never faltering or showing any sign of fatigue.

Selfless Service… this is the word that sums up his dedication.

Mikey was a quiet and patient man, with a smile that would bring peace to anyone who happened to see it.

His love for America motivated him, but his dedication to his family is what kept him "Anchored when troubled seas were abound".

On October 31st, 2006 Michael McNeil found his harbor in Tikrit, Iraq. The "Sands of the Hour Glass" ran empty that day and he ascended "Jacob's Ladder".

Those who still hold him in memory and remember that sorrowful day- have since learned "Humility".

The "Greatest" teachers are often those who have in their hearts, "The Greatest Love".

John 15:13

No one has greater love than this, "to lay down one's life for one's friends".

Michael was one of those instructors who unknowingly and unwittingly gave us this instruction on the day of his passing and brought to light that which we often do not see in the dark.

"Freedom" for all those who are oppressed was a belief of his and although difficult to reach, it was not unobtainable.

As Michael knew all too well; this is not something that can be obtained from words but by action as it has never been and never will be "Free" to obtain.

An Oxymoron was a description he used once...and however true it came to pass for him and his co-worker on that fateful day.

He will always be remembered in the way of people before our time remembered… "In my heart and in my words.

Before there was "Hate" there was "Good" in man.

The good in man is what brought America to be and could not be forgotten.

The "Good" in Michael McNeil will never be ~Forgotten ~ as long as "Old Glory" waves in my eyes.

I will always remember you Sir.

William~

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Mike the person:

Mike was born in Bartlesville, a quiet little oil town in Northeastern Oklahoma. Population was 34,748 in 2000, and 34,734 in 2005.

At age three, he moved 50 miles south to Tulsa where he attended elementary through High School grades. He was an avid University of Oklahoma football fan.

Mike spent many summertime visits with his grandparents in Lawton (Ft. Sill), OK. He could easily outrun them when needed.

Mike had four brothers and was the oldest of the boys. His sister, Lorrie was five years older. Growing up, his sister won every argument with Mike, but she did teach him that he had to stand up for himself.

From the time Mike could run, he played soccer and which he continued through High School on "Select" teams. He played fearless defense even at the expense of a couple of concussions.

Shortly after high school, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served for ten years, mostly behind a radar screen on guided missile cruisers. He participated in the first Gulf War campaign aboard one of these ships.

He did find time to get married and his daughter, Chrysten Nicole was born at the Naval Base in Pensacola, Florida. He had a long tour at San Diego, and a shorter one at the Naval Base in Fallon, Nevada

After the Navy, Mike took up OTR 18 wheeler driving, his last stateside job before going to Iraq. Six years ago, he had his second daughter, Pamela Rose who squealed with joy every time Mike called.

Mike the dad: Despite the road life, Mike found time to be with his girls. The calls and visits with his kids were frequent. They both knew he loved them. Simply put If he wasn't working, he was doing things with his kids.

Mike the son: His calls, emails and visits to me brightened my days. We were close to each other and I think, held each other in admiration for our strengths and viewpoints. I will keep his emails as long as I am alive.

His mother and Mike shared that special bond that only a mother and son have. She now laughs out loud recalling good times she had with her son.

Chrysten, now in high school in Coleman, Texas, population 2,800, wants to attend college to be a writer or an English teacher. She is a bright girl with promise.

Pamela who just turned six, says "I will be a famous painter when I get old." We'll hope for the best on that.

Many of you may know Crane 3 (Joe Duncan), you may also know that he recently went home to treat cancer found in his neck. On top of that he lost his son in a tragic accident. Joe is currently in the states recovering from his cancer treatments but some of his close co-workers approached Buck and I with the idea of taking up a donation.

Joe has always been helpful in taking care of your crane and forklift needs no matter how hard the job was or what time it was, let˘s put together something to help him out. He needs our help!

I am asking all of you to bring in a voluntary donation to Base Ops. Remember no donation is too large or too small. We will keep records of all donations and deliver the money to him soon once a sizable amount is collected.