United States Army Staff Sergeant Elledge. Michael was a 1985 Dexter Michigan High School graduate, where he played guitar and was in the band. He served for four years in the United States Marine Corps before being honorably discharged. He went on to earn an airframe and powerplant license and for seven years worked for United Airlines in the Bay area of California and for six years in Indianapolis, Indiana as an aircraft mechanic. In 2005 he decided to re-enlist in the Marine Corps, but was too old to rejoin. At 38, he barely qualified for the U.S. Army, but made it through boot camp and schooling just fine, often regarded as a father-figure to many of his fellow troops. He was a true patriot and loved his country, God, and his family deeply. His dedication earned him the Army Commendation Medal. He was currently assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Carson, Colorado. A caring, kind person, he felt he was making a difference in the world, helping the Iraqi people secure their freedom. Michael served a tour in Iraq from December 2005 to November 2006 and his current deployment began in December, 2007. Michael was killed when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during combat operations. Michael's other awards are the good conduct medal; national defense service medal; global war on terror service medal; noncommissioned officer professional development ribbon; army service ribbon; overseas service ribbon; combat action badge, and posthumous awards of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was the son of Lynn Gordon Elledge (1932-1991) and Marion Elledge. Michael is survived by his wife Carleen, two sons Christopher, and Caleb, one daughter Cassidy; mother, Marion Crimens, and step-father, John Crimens of Gaylord, Michigan; four brothers, Tim (Cindy) Elledge of White Lake, Michigan; Lynn (Tina) Elledge of Ypsilanti, Michigan; Tom Young of White Lake, Michigan and Jessie Ortlieb of Hamburg, Michigan; three sisters Linda (Karl) Swarthout of Pinckney, Michigan, Cheryl Elledge of Ypsilanti, Michigan and Marsha (Lou) Johnson of Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Bio by: Sue