Susan Sturgis 
Posts: 4888
Bear, DE
In Memory of Ed "Old Iron" Barrett
FORUM MODERATOR
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| 13 Feb 2007 5:30 PM |
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Michael Cranford, USMC vet, passed away yesterday 12 Feb, 2007.
Mike was a part of the Morenci 9. For those unfamiliar with them, this is a group of nine young men who met a recruiter and boarded the bus for Viet Nam. All from the same small community. All nine served in Vietnam, six dying in combat in the period between August 2, 1967 and November 26, 1969. The small community of Morenci Arizona had one of the highest per capita deaths during Viet Nam because of these brave young men.
Family and friends tell me Mike loved this Country he fought so hard for, and he loved his Harley.
Services are scheduled for Feb. 15th, 2007 at 0800
Caldwell Funeral Home
112 E. Main Street
Safford Arizona
The plan is for everyone to meet there at 0800 and escort this American Hero to Duncan Arizona for burial at 1000.
Louann Thomas
Arizona State Captain
Patriot Guard Riders |
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BootLady
#34204
TOU Enforcement Agent
"In God We Still Trust" Diamond Rio - Diamond Rio's Greatest Hits II
"You may die with nothing, but if you have brought a rainbow into somebody else's life, your mission is complete." |
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louann
Posts: 1550
Peoria, Arizona
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| 13 Feb 2007 5:42 PM |
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Clint, Thank You for allowing the PGR be Honor your father. When we spoke earlier, I knew he sounded like one helluva great guy. And you, my heart Clint. I am so sorry for your loss. I could feel the quiver in your voice when you spoke so proudly of him. Thank You for carrying my heart on this misson with you, you do me a great honor Sir.
Mike, Thank YOU for your service, and I bet you are hearing a whole bunch of WELCOME HOMEs right now. Perhaps someday I would be able to shake the hand of this man I have heard so much about? Meantime, I hear the Marines are guarding the streets of heaven. Would ya take a few of the newest Heroes under your wing? And please.. let em know that YOU ARE ALL AMERICA'S HEROES AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET! |
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Louann Thomas
National Captain
We of our own selves do nothing, for even in loving it is love that loves thru us. |
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HDriderDave1
Posts: 4800
N. AL Ride Capt. Madison, AL
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| 13 Feb 2007 6:17 PM |
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God Bless Michael Cranford, family and friends. My sincere condolences to the family and friends of this brave soldier. I pray you rest in peace. Thank you for your great service and sacrafice. I will be standing by in spirit with my fellow brothers.
Dave |
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Lord Jesus help me as I mourn, comfort me with the knowledge of your love which is stronger than death. Enable me to trust you for the future of my love ones and myself. Help me to cast all of my care on you, knowing that the grave holds no power over those who trust in you. Amen. |
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Uffda
Posts: 11023
Wonder Lake, IL
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| 13 Feb 2007 6:18 PM |
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Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Vietnam Veteran Michael Cranford. May God help you though this difficult time and sorrow. He is one of America's Heroes that will never be forgotten.
Rest Safely and Securely in God's Loving Arms, Michael.
Going home, going home,
I'm just going home.
Quiet-like, slip away-
I'll be going home.
It's not far, just close by;
Jesus is the Door;
Work all done, laid aside,
Fear and grief no more.
Friends are there, waiting now.
He is waiting, too.
See His smile! See His hand!
He will lead me through. |
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Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: 1. Jesus Christ. 2. The American G.I. One died for your soul, the other for your Freedom. |
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mscottpac
Posts: 8
Safford, Az
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| 13 Feb 2007 6:40 PM |
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| Rest Easy my friend, I will miss you. Thank you for your service and your kindness and friendship. I was PROUD to know you. |
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vander177
Posts: 3275
Vandergrift, PA
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| 13 Feb 2007 6:44 PM |
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| My condolences and prayers to the family and friends of VietNam Marine Veteran Michael Cranford. I thank you for your service to this great country. You may be gone, but, you will not be forgotten. |
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Ralph A. DeLorme, SFC, US Army, Retired
PGR Western PA Veterans Liaison
Patriot Guard Riders (#75,342), Ride Captain, Region 10, PA
American Legion Riders, Post 820, Monroeville, PA
GWRRA member - PA Chapter U
DAV Life Member
Riding in memory of Herbert Weltz - US Army - KIA 03-25-68
Riding in memory of our grandson Randy C. DeLorme - April 1986 - December 2001
ALL GAVE SOME - SOME GAVE ALL |
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boomer1990
Posts: 14
Glendale Arizona
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| 13 Feb 2007 6:45 PM |
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Our deepest condolences to the Family of Michael Cranford. Rest in Peace. I am sorry but due to duty commintments I will be unable to attend. My heart will be with you and all the riders.
Paul Schwartz
TSgt USAF
Soon to be retired |
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Boomer1990
Retired Air Force
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cuzthornton
Posts: 39
Barnwell, SC
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| 13 Feb 2007 6:59 PM |
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I would like to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Michael Cranford. May God be with you all during this sad time in your lives.
Thank you Mr. Cranford for your sacrifice for this great country. Thank you for my freedom. You will always be remembered a "TRUE AMERICAN HERO".
Greg "cuz" Thornton
Barnwell, SC |
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I ride.. My Lord leads my way (profile picture..My Son..So Proud) |
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mackdaddy40
Posts: 2
Duncan arizona
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| 13 Feb 2007 7:17 PM |
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We personally would like to thank all of you who have left condolences for Michael Cranford. We have been members of the PGR for a short time now. Unfortunatly something in our schedule has prevented us from previous missions. This time it hit home with one of our own close friends. It's going to be a hard one but yet a proud moment to ride with him to his resting place.
We could only wish that you could have known the man! He was one of a kind. Michael has always been a proud husband, father and friend. He backed his country 100%.
We will miss you , until we ride again.
God Bless,
Mack and Steph |
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May the wind always be at your back,and your friend never go down in front of you! |
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ETribe
Posts: 365
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| 13 Feb 2007 7:55 PM |
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My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael Cranford, USMC vet, May God bless and guide you through this most difficult time.
I didn't know you Michael but Mack and Steph obviously knew you well. Thank you for your service to our country, Rest in Peace.
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J. Michael Puckett
SSgt US Army 63-68
Patriot Guard Rider / Camarillo CA.
Riding in Memory of Bobby Thompson Jr.
KIA 4-08-1967 Tay Ninh, Viet Nam. 173rd Airborne Brigade
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"Mixster"
Posts: 622
Williamsport, PA 17701
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| 13 Feb 2007 7:57 PM |
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Rest in peace, Michael Cranford. Thank you for your service. May the Holy Spirit comfort your family & friends in their time of grief.
"To a friend’s house, the road is never long!"
Mixster: Standing by in Williamsport
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Mickey Finn >Mixster<
PA Reg. 3, Sr. RC |
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Wildchild45
Posts: 195
Marion, Ohio
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| 13 Feb 2007 8:45 PM |
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| Thank you Michael for your bravery, your courage and sacrifice. We appreciate your service. God be with your loved ones in the coming weeks. Ride the wind, Michael... |
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Riding in honor of our nephew,
Hospitalman Apprentice Gary T. Frost,
U.S. Navy, 05/16/74 - 12/04/94
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What Heroes Gave
Each donned their uniform to be
Defenders of our liberty
Their mission sure, their spirits bright
Guard freedom’s home, be brave to fight
One final day each faced their call
Each gave their best enduring all
We’ll never know what they went through
But know they loved this country true
Deep down inside we should all feel
What heroes gave, their cost so real
We must stay thankful, grateful of
The gift of freedom through their love
Their loved ones bore the gravest pain
What we can’t know, some now sustain
To God I pray their pain will cease
And each will find long-lasting peace
Remember this from year to year
What heroes gave – shan’t disappear
We’ll never let their special day
Their time for honor slip away
These brave fought for a nation free
If not for them, where would we be?
by
©2001Roger J. Robicheau (Sp 5, US Army)
The Poetic Plumber
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hankem62
Posts: 2
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| 13 Feb 2007 9:31 PM |
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Our Condolences to the family and friends of Michael Cranford. We have been to Safford often to honor the memory of a Special Forces soldier, Walter B. Foote, Medal of Honor winner, who died in Vietnam. At those ceremonies we hear stories of the many from Morenci and Safford who sacrificed all. Our prayers and our hearts go out to you all.
Margo (and Jim) |
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Pepper_guy
Posts: 6261
Lacey, WA
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| 13 Feb 2007 10:08 PM |
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| My sincere condolences and prayers to family and friends of Viet Nam veteran Michael Cranford. Michael, I am forever grateful for your service to our country. Your service and sacrifices will not be forgotten. May you Forever Rest in Peace. |
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Junius Henry
PGR Member #10094 |
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adccop
Posts: 2782
Tonopah, Arizona
Ride Captain
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| 13 Feb 2007 10:09 PM |
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To the family and friends of Michael Cranford I offer my condolences and deepest sympathy for your loss.
To Mike, Welcome Home Brother and May You eternally Rest in Peace. Those that have preceded you are now preparing your place of honor among them. Ride with the wind and the Angels. Pegs Down for a Brother Veteran.
Due to work commitments I will not be able to make this mission. PGR Brothers and Sisters in Arizona Ride safe and Proud while honoring this Veteran and his service. |
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GOBB
adccop
Viet Nam 67-69
Riding in Memory of My Hero Natalie
"It's Never Too Late To Say Welcome Home"
One more in the mission to ensure that our Warriors know they are supported and Never Again treated with disdain.
Have Flag Will Travel! |
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Slowhand
Posts: 3748
Northeastern, Maryland Senior Chaplain & Ride Captain
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| 13 Feb 2007 10:24 PM |
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| I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends in this very sad time in your lives . My prayers are that our GOD may bring peace and comfort to all of you during this tragic time. Please know that not just me but a country full of people like me owe you a dept that can never be repaid , but please take solace in the fact that your loved one is now with our lord in heaven. We are all brothers and sisters in arms and we don't forget one of our own, rest in peace soldior your mission is complete and now it's time for you to rest . May GOD bless you All |
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Russ "Slowhand"
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BelgianArmy
Posts: 858
Brussels, Belgium
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| 14 Feb 2007 12:49 AM |
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My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Vietnam Veteran Michael Cranford, USMC.
Thank you sir!!!
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Chris from Belgium
Proud PGR Member #3787
International RWB book list coordinator
For the RWB forum, click here: Red, White, and Blue Book
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jbm1955
Posts: 1261
Jacksonville, Florida
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| 14 Feb 2007 3:30 AM |
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| My condolences to the family and friends of Veteran, Michael Cranford. May God comfort you during this difficult time. |
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"The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."
-Douglas MacArthur |
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wvhusker
Posts: 5133
Ashland, KY
Sr. KY R/C
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| 14 Feb 2007 5:34 AM |
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Mr. Cranford,
Thank you for your willingness to defend the United States of America and her freedoms and interests. Your untimely death brings much sorrow and sadness to the hearts and lives of your family, friends, military brothers and sisters, each and every member of the Patriot Guard Riders, and all who truly appreciate their freedom. We are proud of your service and dedication in that which you believed in and fought for. Your mission is complete. You are truly an American hero and the world in which we live is a safer place because of your commitment to freedom. We will now proudly stand for you with honor, dignity, and respect. We pray that you will now rest peacefully in the arms of God. May He provide peace, comfort, and understanding to each life you touched.
WV Husker
Tom & Kelly
Ashland, KY
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"Heaven Was Needing A Hero" (Jo Dee Messina)
My personal thanks to HUDPatriotGuard for posting this on YouTube. May this touch your heart as it did mine. ~WVHusker
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nighthawk5154
Posts: 394
Ride Captain Tucson, AZ
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| 14 Feb 2007 7:35 AM |
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| My deepest sympathy to family of a real hero from another era, my era. You will be missed by your friends and family but you can now meet up with your brothers and celebrate a different love. |
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Nighthawk
AKA Freedom Rider
PGR Ride Captain
American Legion Rider
USAF Ret. 1970-1990
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fred1ross
Posts: 79
Sun City, AZ
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| 14 Feb 2007 8:55 AM |
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The United States Marine Corps adopted the motto, Semper Fidelis in 1883, on the initiative of the 8th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Colonel Charles McCawely. There were three mottos prior to Semper Fidelis including "Fortitudine" (meaning "with courage") antedating the War of 1812, which was a nod to the British Royal Marines, "Per Mare, Per Terram" (Latin for By sea, By Land) and, up until 1843, there was also the motto "To the Shores of Tripoli". "Semper fidelis" signifies the dedication and loyalty that individual Marines are expected to have for "Corps and Country", even after leaving service. The Marines frequently shorten the motto to "Semper Fi."
Semper Fi Marine Semper Fi - Rest in Peace Michael - deepest condolences to family and friends
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Standing by
Freddie C. Ross USN (58-87)
by my Mapquest it is 189miles and 3hrs 22 mins -
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SamB
Posts: 226
Green Valley AZ, 85614
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| 14 Feb 2007 9:48 AM |
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| Any riders from Tucson planning on riding to Safford? |
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Assistant State Captain / Southern Arizona |
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kelleyfishing
Posts: 172
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| 14 Feb 2007 10:47 AM |
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To family and friends of Michael Cranford may God grant you peace and comfort at this trying time.
TO Michael as a fellow Viet Nam Vetern I salute you sir for your unselfish service to our country. May God take you into his arms and grant you rest.
Guy Kelley
US Army 64-72
Viet Nam 67-68-71
Delta to the Highlands
ALR Post 27 Apache Junction,Az
PGR Member |
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9th Inf Div Dong Tam Mekong Delta 1967-68
"B"Btry 4/60th Arty (Dusters) Central Highlands
Arty Hill Pleiku, Weight Davis, Shuller FSB's
ALR Post 27 Apache Junction Az
PGR Rider Az
VFW Rider Thunder Mountain Apache Junction,AZ
Old Guard Rider Mesa,Az
Hate like acid, damages the vessel in which it is stored,
and the object on which it is poured
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Attack
Posts: 46
Queen Creek, AZ
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| 14 Feb 2007 11:37 AM |
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It is with great honor that I salute Michael Cranford, Marine Veteran, and ride in respect of him. Me deepest condolences to his family.
I will not forget you.
Semper Fi
Attack
USMC Retired |
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trukrwitch
Posts: 0
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| 14 Feb 2007 1:28 PM |
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My condolences to the family of Michael Cranford, an American Hero who fought bravely for his country. We will be with you in thought, though we cannot be there in person. God Bless you all. |
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