Cpl Michael Avery Pursel Obituary (2007)

Hooper Utah - US Army Corporal Michael Avery Pursel Michael Avery Pursel, 19, passed away in Baqubah, Iraq on May 6, 2007 from wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Born 14 April 1988 in Wiesbaden, Germany, he grew up an Army Brat. Michael joined the United States Army at age 17 Michael and served as an Airborne Infantry Ranger. Quotes from Michael - Myspace; "I'm Mike, I'm in the Army and I'm currently in Iraq living the dream. Even though I'm at war I'm still having the time of my life over here. I chose to come over here I wasn't made to come, this is something I've always wanted to do. I'm a Christian and I just recently chose to give my life to the Lord, so there's still a lot of stuff that I got to work on but I am trying." In a recent conversation on Friday before his death Michael is quoted when asked by his dad, "What are the Iraqi people like?" Michael answered, "If the Iraqis had a glass of water or loaf of bread in their house, they would offer it to us. I've spoken to a lot of Soldiers since I've been here and I believe if we weren't here, we'd be fighting terrorism in the United States." He would want this message repeated. Michael will be remembered as a Christian, fun loving affectionate boy who loved his family. He was respectful, well mannered, fun and funny on his feet, witty and enjoyed Christian youth groups, cars, basketball, joking around and spending time with friends. Michael is preceded in death by his sister Susan Lynn Pursel, grandparents James Temple Butler, III, Duane and Marylou Pursel. He is survived by his mother Teresa Dutcher, step-father Jeffrey Dutcher Sr., father Dean Pursel, step-mother Mellony Pursel, sisters Ruth Pursel, Tara Pursel, Ashleigh Pursel, Katelyn Pursel, step-brothers Jeffrey Dutcher Jr., Jason Dutcher, William Gilchrist, Alex Gilchrist, step-sister Destony Gilchrist, maternal grandmother Audrey Butler, and niece Jaylee Dutcher. Funeral services will be held on May 17, 2007 at 1100 a.m. at Myers Mortuary 250 N. Farifield Rd, Layton, with Military Honors at Layton Cemetery. A reception to celebrate his life will follow at Faith Baptist Church, 2430 N Fairfield Rd., Layton. Internment will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia on May 21, 2007 at 3 p.m. The family requests any donations be made to the Army Emergency Relief in lieu of flowers. Information can be found at http://www.aerhq.org/donation-MemorialInformation.asp or make memorial donations on behalf of CPL Pursel to: Army Emergency Relief 200 Stovall Street, Room 5-N-13 Alexandria, VA 22332-0600 Send condolences to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com ServiceMyers Mortuary of Layton 250 N. Fairfield Rd. Layton, UT 84041 May 17, 2007 11:00 AM CemeteryArlington National Cemetery 100 Monroe Blvd. Ogden, UT 84404 May 21, 2007