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This memorial website was created in the memory of our brother, Michael Curry Jr. who was born in Florida on November 14, 1969 and passed away on July 23, 2007 at the age of 37. We will remember him forever.
Michael was the second of four children (Keisha, Niki and Lavette) born to Michael and Gloria Curry in Hollywood, Fla. Michael grew up in a large and loving family and at an early age he knew exactly what path his life would take. Michael attended the schools of Broward County and graduating from Hollywood Hills High in June of 1987.
Upon graduation Michael began his military life by enlisting in the U.S. Army in August of 1987. He went on to have a distinguished career, serving in numerous hot spots around the world from Desert Storm to Iraq to Afghanistan. Through the course of his distinguished service, he rose through the ranks to become First Sergeant. Those who served with him referred to him as a "Solider's Solider."
He began his career with the 3-325th Airborne Battaloin Combat Team in Vincenza, Italy; he later served as a Ranger Instructor in Fort Benning, Georgia, before returning to Vicenza as a weapons squad leader, S-3 Air NCO and a platoon sergeant in 1-508th IN. Next, he was assigned as a platoon sergeant in 2-75th IN at FL. Lewis, Washington, where he became the G-3 transformation NCOIC, I Corps. In 2002, he returned to Vincenza as a paltoon sergeant in the 2-503rd IN, as Battalion Operations Sergeant during OIF 1, and as Brigade Operations sergeant during OEF VI. In May 2006, he was assigned as the First Sergeant of Delta Company, 1-503 IN. He served as ISG for over a year before deploying in support of OEF VIII.
Michael's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal(10LC), Meritorious Service Medal (10LC), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army Achievment Medal (3 OLC, Good Conduct Medal 6th Award, NAtional Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Campaign medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2 OLC), Global War On Terrisom Expeditionary Medal w/Arrowhead, Global War on Terror Service Medal, NATO Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Deveplment Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5), Kuwait Liberation Medal, Combat Action Badge, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantyman's Badge, Expert Infantyman's Badge, and Master Combat Parachutist's Badge. In addition to his military training, he earned an Associates of Arts Degree from the U n i v e r s i t y C o l l e g e o f t h e U n v e r s i t y O f M a r y l a n d.
Michael is survived by his wife Lucia and sons Taylor (age 13) and Kevin (age 9), five sisters, Keisha(Ron), Niki(Glen), Lavette, Georgette and Danielle, two brothers Jeffrey (Ruby) and David, paternal grandfather; Dennis Curry, Sr., maternal grandmother Louise Small, paternal great- grandmother; Zadie Thompson, seven nephews , three neices , nine aunts, four uncles, over forty cousins, and a host of friends and fellow soliders, both stateside and abroad. He will be missed by family and friends alike.
He was a soilder's solider, a gentlemen, a hero, and a friend. He fought for our country and made a way for us to continue our freedom in this great nation. Good Bye First Sgt. Curry, "you did not die in vain and we will never forget you."
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Click here to see Michael Curry Jr.'s Family Tree |
 Tributes and Condolences |
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Missing Michael / Andrea Curry-Smith (Aunt)
Michael,
As I think about you and the great young man you became, it brings me much comfort. Although my heart is still heavy at times because I feel you had to meet our God to soon for all of us but yet at the appointed time that God pla...
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I miss you brother / Richard Weik (His Command Sergeant Major )
Hey Mike,
I write this today as I just found this website. I cannot begin to tell you how much I miss you and respect you or how many times a day I think about you. We stood up Battle Company together. We took them through training together and we t...
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Goodbye / Randy Collins (Co-worker/Friend)
Mike,
I am leaving Afghanistan today after 436 days. I have never written on here before as I just couldn't bring myself to do it yet. But, I just couldn't leave without writing. It would feel cheap doing it from my house in It...
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You will be missed / Vanessa Gilyard (from school HHH )
I cannot believe that it has been one year since your untimely passing, but I know that you are in a wonderful, peaceful place.
Rest in Peace, Sgt Curry.
Vanessa Gilyard
HHH c/o '87 |
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In Tribute to 1st Sgt. Michael S. Curry Jr. / Garnet/Sister To Sgt. David Dickinson
~ You Are Not Forgotten ~ |
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My Hero / Keisha Robinson (Sister) Read >> |
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Never Forget! / Misty(sister Cpl. Rusty Washam) Read >> |
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A True Professional / MARC DANIELS (friend) Read >> |
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A Hero / Tom Rogers (Served in Italy with Michael ) Read >> |
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Missing You / Lavette Curry (Sister) Read >> |
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Still cant believe it.... / Sean DeWinter (Served in Italy together ) Read >> |
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A Soldier / Nicole (Met Lavette on Veterans Day ) Read >> |
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Remember / Jonathan Culpepper (Fellow Paratrooper ) Read >> |
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Freedom Isnt Free! / Donnetta Rogers (friend) Read >> |
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Gone But Not Forgotten! / Misty (Sister of Fallen Marine Cpl. Rusty Washam ) Read >> |
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| His legacy |
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Memorial Fondation
We have launched our web site for the 1SG Michael S. Curry Memorial Foundation d/b/a smilesarecontagious. Please logon to www.smilesarecontagious.org to check out the site. Please help us move forward and let us know what you think. |
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Farewell To A Hero
By Jennifer Mooney Piedra(jpmooney@MiamiHerald.com)
His helmet, dog tags and boots rested on the doorstep.
A framed photograph of the hero in uniform greeted visitors in the hallway. And at the front of the Dania Beach church, dozens of American flags and red, white and blue flowers flanked a painting of a smiling 1st Sgt. Michael S. Curry. Family, friends and fellow soldiers paid tribute to the Veteran U.S. Army paratrooper, who grew up in Dania Beach and died in Afghanistan July 23.
Chilhood friends shared stories about Michael's troubles on the Little League field, while Army buddies spoke of his dedication and leadership on the battlefield. "Mike Curry epitomized the man I want my son to be," said 1st Sgt. La Monta Caldwell. "He taught us how to raise our children, honor our wives and train warriors."
Curry was part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Caserma Ederle in Vincenza Italy, where he lived with his wife and two sons. Michael Curry enlisted in 1987 after graduating from Hollywood High. He served in the Persian Gulf War and in the Iraq War. In March 2003, he was among a select group of paratroopers to land in Iraq when the U.S.- led invasion started. The life of the 20 year veteran was cut short in the Sarobi District of Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Three other soldiers also died.
The congregation, including dozens of war veterans and enlisted soldiers, also paid tribute to Curry by singing patiotic songs, including The Star Spangled Banner, Battle Hymn of the Republic and God Bless America. Just steps outside the church, a bugler played taps and the honor guard team performed a rifle salute, as a flag at half-staff waved underneath the bright sky.
In true Army tradition Curry's name was called out in final roll call. "1st Sgt. Michael Curry," No answer "1st Sgt. Michael Curry," No answer "1st Sgt. Michael Seafred Curry," "Sir, he is no longer with us."
A Soldier Isn't Gone Until He's Forgotten |
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| Michael's Photo Album |
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