**Michael was chosen by the Congressional Medal of Honor Association as one of three Citizen Honor Award recipients for 2014.**
On 21 October 2013, we lost a good man. No matter the label, husband and father, son and brother, teacher and friend, coach and mentor, Sci-fi nut or golf geek. Mike was there to lend a hand, or an ear. He was the epitome of "Life is Good", both displaying this on the inside and out. He lived as many hope to achieve, totally in love with his wife, and so very proud of his daughters.
He was a former Marine and was actively serving in the Nevada Air National Guard. When Mike Landsberry enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1986, he was following in the footsteps of his father, Ward James Landsberry, a 22-year Marine veteran. When he left the Marines, it was to pursue his own dreams and become a teacher. But the call to military service stayed with him. In 2001 Landsberry reenlisted into the Nevada Air National Guard and went on to deploy three times, most recently to Afghanistan. For all three tours, Landsberry was a volunteer.
Mike had a passion for teaching and was dedicated to his students both past and present. Once he became your friend, it was a forever thing. Once you served with him you became a brother. Most people have hailed him as a hero for his actions that day, but to those who had the absolute pleasure of knowing him that was already fact. Mike was first in and last out, always with a smile and word of encouragement. As we mourn him, our hearts have had to grow just to hold the memories.
Mike leaves behind the love of his life, wife Sharon, and the lights of his life, step-daughters Alisa and Andrea along with his mother Christy (Howard) Arrabito and brother Reggie Landsberry.
Visitation hours are scheduled from 9-6pm on Saturday, 2 November at Walton Sparks Funeral Home, 1745 Sullivan Lane, Sparks. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, 3 November at Sparks Christian Fellowship, 510 Greenbrae Drive, Sparks.
~~~~~~~~
A Nevada math teacher killed by a 12-year-old student in a school-yard shooting that also wounded two students was remembered for his character, selfless acts and military service at a memorial service Sunday.
Speakers hailed Michael Landsberry for trying to talk the shooter into turning over the semi-automatic handgun before the youth shot him in the chest as students arrived for class Oct. 21 at Sparks Middle School.
Gov. Brian Sandoval told the crowd of more than 1,000 that the 45-year-old former Marine was a devoted husband, father, military member and teacher who made "the ultimate sacrifice so his students might live."
"This tragedy is one we'll all struggle to understand," the governor said. "What is conclusive is his selfless acts to give his life so others might live ... By his actions, he has inspired us all to do all we can for our fellow man."
Brig. Gen. William Burks of the Nevada National Guard said the core values of honor, courage, commitment and integrity that Landsberry learned as a Marine and Nevada Air National Guardsman were "on display in the school yard" when he walked calmly to the shooter and gave other students a chance to flee.
"He still lived his life by his core values, and he certainly did (the day of the shooting)," Burks said. "Once a Marine, always a Marine. By any and all standards, Master Sgt. Michael Landsberry ... was an enormous success."
Police are investigating the shooting that began about 15 minutes before the morning bell on the asphalt basketball court outside the school. The attack lasted only about three minutes and ended with student Jose Reyes turning the gun on himself. The boy got the gun at home.
Landsberry's wife of five years, Sharon, and his two stepdaughters, Andrea and Alisa, spoke about his love of family, life and teaching. He was an "impassioned" teacher and mentor whose main goal was to enable the success of his students, his widow said.
"Mike found a way to adapt and overcome, and he found a way to reach each student," Sharon Landsberry said. "What gave him the most satisfaction was seeing a light go on when a student suddenly got it."
Pedro Martinez, superintendent of the Washoe County School District, said Landsberry could have worked at any school but he chose to teach at one of the Reno area's "highest-poverty" middle schools because he knew he was needed there.
"He touched their lives every day," he said. "I want to thank Michael not only for what he did that day (of the shooting), but for what he did every day in the classroom. He helped students realize their dreams and know that he was there for them."
Martinez and Landsberry friends also talked about the teacher's passion for Batman, Star Wars, sports, history books and video games. "He humbled himself to his children and the children saw how real he was," Martinez said.
Chaplain Tim Gregory of the Nevada National Guard said he thinks the "greatest story" to be taken from Landsberry's life is to "find something to die for and then live for it."
Landsberry received full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, during the emotional two-hour celebration of life at Sparks Christian Fellowship. An American flag that draped his casket was presented to his widow.
[Corvallis Gazette-Times (OR) - Sunday, Nov 3, 2013]
Mr. Landsberry was the son of Ward James and Christy (Howard) Landsberry.
On 21 October 2013, we lost a good man. No matter the label, husband and father, son and brother, teacher and friend, coach and mentor, Sci-fi nut or golf geek. Mike was there to lend a hand, or an ear. He was the epitome of "Life is Good", both displaying this on the inside and out. He lived as many hope to achieve, totally in love with his wife, and so very proud of his daughters.
He was a former Marine and was actively serving in the Nevada Air National Guard. When Mike Landsberry enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1986, he was following in the footsteps of his father, Ward James Landsberry, a 22-year Marine veteran. When he left the Marines, it was to pursue his own dreams and become a teacher. But the call to military service stayed with him. In 2001 Landsberry reenlisted into the Nevada Air National Guard and went on to deploy three times, most recently to Afghanistan. For all three tours, Landsberry was a volunteer.
Mike had a passion for teaching and was dedicated to his students both past and present. Once he became your friend, it was a forever thing. Once you served with him you became a brother. Most people have hailed him as a hero for his actions that day, but to those who had the absolute pleasure of knowing him that was already fact. Mike was first in and last out, always with a smile and word of encouragement. As we mourn him, our hearts have had to grow just to hold the memories.
Mike leaves behind the love of his life, wife Sharon, and the lights of his life, step-daughters Alisa and Andrea along with his mother Christy (Howard) Arrabito and brother Reggie Landsberry.
Visitation hours are scheduled from 9-6pm on Saturday, 2 November at Walton Sparks Funeral Home, 1745 Sullivan Lane, Sparks. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, 3 November at Sparks Christian Fellowship, 510 Greenbrae Drive, Sparks.
~~~~~~~~
A Nevada math teacher killed by a 12-year-old student in a school-yard shooting that also wounded two students was remembered for his character, selfless acts and military service at a memorial service Sunday.
Speakers hailed Michael Landsberry for trying to talk the shooter into turning over the semi-automatic handgun before the youth shot him in the chest as students arrived for class Oct. 21 at Sparks Middle School.
Gov. Brian Sandoval told the crowd of more than 1,000 that the 45-year-old former Marine was a devoted husband, father, military member and teacher who made "the ultimate sacrifice so his students might live."
"This tragedy is one we'll all struggle to understand," the governor said. "What is conclusive is his selfless acts to give his life so others might live ... By his actions, he has inspired us all to do all we can for our fellow man."
Brig. Gen. William Burks of the Nevada National Guard said the core values of honor, courage, commitment and integrity that Landsberry learned as a Marine and Nevada Air National Guardsman were "on display in the school yard" when he walked calmly to the shooter and gave other students a chance to flee.
"He still lived his life by his core values, and he certainly did (the day of the shooting)," Burks said. "Once a Marine, always a Marine. By any and all standards, Master Sgt. Michael Landsberry ... was an enormous success."
Police are investigating the shooting that began about 15 minutes before the morning bell on the asphalt basketball court outside the school. The attack lasted only about three minutes and ended with student Jose Reyes turning the gun on himself. The boy got the gun at home.
Landsberry's wife of five years, Sharon, and his two stepdaughters, Andrea and Alisa, spoke about his love of family, life and teaching. He was an "impassioned" teacher and mentor whose main goal was to enable the success of his students, his widow said.
"Mike found a way to adapt and overcome, and he found a way to reach each student," Sharon Landsberry said. "What gave him the most satisfaction was seeing a light go on when a student suddenly got it."
Pedro Martinez, superintendent of the Washoe County School District, said Landsberry could have worked at any school but he chose to teach at one of the Reno area's "highest-poverty" middle schools because he knew he was needed there.
"He touched their lives every day," he said. "I want to thank Michael not only for what he did that day (of the shooting), but for what he did every day in the classroom. He helped students realize their dreams and know that he was there for them."
Martinez and Landsberry friends also talked about the teacher's passion for Batman, Star Wars, sports, history books and video games. "He humbled himself to his children and the children saw how real he was," Martinez said.
Chaplain Tim Gregory of the Nevada National Guard said he thinks the "greatest story" to be taken from Landsberry's life is to "find something to die for and then live for it."
Landsberry received full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, during the emotional two-hour celebration of life at Sparks Christian Fellowship. An American flag that draped his casket was presented to his widow.
[Corvallis Gazette-Times (OR) - Sunday, Nov 3, 2013]
Mr. Landsberry was the son of Ward James and Christy (Howard) Landsberry.
**Michael was chosen by the Congressional Medal of Honor Association as one of three Citizen Honor Award recipients for 2014.**
On 21 October 2013, we lost a good man. No matter the label, husband and father, son and brother, teacher and friend, coach and mentor, Sci-fi nut or golf geek. Mike was there to lend a hand, or an ear. He was the epitome of "Life is Good", both displaying this on the inside and out. He lived as many hope to achieve, totally in love with his wife, and so very proud of his daughters.
He was a former Marine and was actively serving in the Nevada Air National Guard. When Mike Landsberry enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1986, he was following in the footsteps of his father, Ward James Landsberry, a 22-year Marine veteran. When he left the Marines, it was to pursue his own dreams and become a teacher. But the call to military service stayed with him. In 2001 Landsberry reenlisted into the Nevada Air National Guard and went on to deploy three times, most recently to Afghanistan. For all three tours, Landsberry was a volunteer.
Mike had a passion for teaching and was dedicated to his students both past and present. Once he became your friend, it was a forever thing. Once you served with him you became a brother. Most people have hailed him as a hero for his actions that day, but to those who had the absolute pleasure of knowing him that was already fact. Mike was first in and last out, always with a smile and word of encouragement. As we mourn him, our hearts have had to grow just to hold the memories.
Mike leaves behind the love of his life, wife Sharon, and the lights of his life, step-daughters Alisa and Andrea along with his mother Christy (Howard) Arrabito and brother Reggie Landsberry.
Visitation hours are scheduled from 9-6pm on Saturday, 2 November at Walton Sparks Funeral Home, 1745 Sullivan Lane, Sparks. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, 3 November at Sparks Christian Fellowship, 510 Greenbrae Drive, Sparks.
~~~~~~~~
A Nevada math teacher killed by a 12-year-old student in a school-yard shooting that also wounded two students was remembered for his character, selfless acts and military service at a memorial service Sunday.
Speakers hailed Michael Landsberry for trying to talk the shooter into turning over the semi-automatic handgun before the youth shot him in the chest as students arrived for class Oct. 21 at Sparks Middle School.
Gov. Brian Sandoval told the crowd of more than 1,000 that the 45-year-old former Marine was a devoted husband, father, military member and teacher who made "the ultimate sacrifice so his students might live."
"This tragedy is one we'll all struggle to understand," the governor said. "What is conclusive is his selfless acts to give his life so others might live ... By his actions, he has inspired us all to do all we can for our fellow man."
Brig. Gen. William Burks of the Nevada National Guard said the core values of honor, courage, commitment and integrity that Landsberry learned as a Marine and Nevada Air National Guardsman were "on display in the school yard" when he walked calmly to the shooter and gave other students a chance to flee.
"He still lived his life by his core values, and he certainly did (the day of the shooting)," Burks said. "Once a Marine, always a Marine. By any and all standards, Master Sgt. Michael Landsberry ... was an enormous success."
Police are investigating the shooting that began about 15 minutes before the morning bell on the asphalt basketball court outside the school. The attack lasted only about three minutes and ended with student Jose Reyes turning the gun on himself. The boy got the gun at home.
Landsberry's wife of five years, Sharon, and his two stepdaughters, Andrea and Alisa, spoke about his love of family, life and teaching. He was an "impassioned" teacher and mentor whose main goal was to enable the success of his students, his widow said.
"Mike found a way to adapt and overcome, and he found a way to reach each student," Sharon Landsberry said. "What gave him the most satisfaction was seeing a light go on when a student suddenly got it."
Pedro Martinez, superintendent of the Washoe County School District, said Landsberry could have worked at any school but he chose to teach at one of the Reno area's "highest-poverty" middle schools because he knew he was needed there.
"He touched their lives every day," he said. "I want to thank Michael not only for what he did that day (of the shooting), but for what he did every day in the classroom. He helped students realize their dreams and know that he was there for them."
Martinez and Landsberry friends also talked about the teacher's passion for Batman, Star Wars, sports, history books and video games. "He humbled himself to his children and the children saw how real he was," Martinez said.
Chaplain Tim Gregory of the Nevada National Guard said he thinks the "greatest story" to be taken from Landsberry's life is to "find something to die for and then live for it."
Landsberry received full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, during the emotional two-hour celebration of life at Sparks Christian Fellowship. An American flag that draped his casket was presented to his widow.
[Corvallis Gazette-Times (OR) - Sunday, Nov 3, 2013]
Mr. Landsberry was the son of Ward James and Christy (Howard) Landsberry.
On 21 October 2013, we lost a good man. No matter the label, husband and father, son and brother, teacher and friend, coach and mentor, Sci-fi nut or golf geek. Mike was there to lend a hand, or an ear. He was the epitome of "Life is Good", both displaying this on the inside and out. He lived as many hope to achieve, totally in love with his wife, and so very proud of his daughters.
He was a former Marine and was actively serving in the Nevada Air National Guard. When Mike Landsberry enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1986, he was following in the footsteps of his father, Ward James Landsberry, a 22-year Marine veteran. When he left the Marines, it was to pursue his own dreams and become a teacher. But the call to military service stayed with him. In 2001 Landsberry reenlisted into the Nevada Air National Guard and went on to deploy three times, most recently to Afghanistan. For all three tours, Landsberry was a volunteer.
Mike had a passion for teaching and was dedicated to his students both past and present. Once he became your friend, it was a forever thing. Once you served with him you became a brother. Most people have hailed him as a hero for his actions that day, but to those who had the absolute pleasure of knowing him that was already fact. Mike was first in and last out, always with a smile and word of encouragement. As we mourn him, our hearts have had to grow just to hold the memories.
Mike leaves behind the love of his life, wife Sharon, and the lights of his life, step-daughters Alisa and Andrea along with his mother Christy (Howard) Arrabito and brother Reggie Landsberry.
Visitation hours are scheduled from 9-6pm on Saturday, 2 November at Walton Sparks Funeral Home, 1745 Sullivan Lane, Sparks. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, 3 November at Sparks Christian Fellowship, 510 Greenbrae Drive, Sparks.
~~~~~~~~
A Nevada math teacher killed by a 12-year-old student in a school-yard shooting that also wounded two students was remembered for his character, selfless acts and military service at a memorial service Sunday.
Speakers hailed Michael Landsberry for trying to talk the shooter into turning over the semi-automatic handgun before the youth shot him in the chest as students arrived for class Oct. 21 at Sparks Middle School.
Gov. Brian Sandoval told the crowd of more than 1,000 that the 45-year-old former Marine was a devoted husband, father, military member and teacher who made "the ultimate sacrifice so his students might live."
"This tragedy is one we'll all struggle to understand," the governor said. "What is conclusive is his selfless acts to give his life so others might live ... By his actions, he has inspired us all to do all we can for our fellow man."
Brig. Gen. William Burks of the Nevada National Guard said the core values of honor, courage, commitment and integrity that Landsberry learned as a Marine and Nevada Air National Guardsman were "on display in the school yard" when he walked calmly to the shooter and gave other students a chance to flee.
"He still lived his life by his core values, and he certainly did (the day of the shooting)," Burks said. "Once a Marine, always a Marine. By any and all standards, Master Sgt. Michael Landsberry ... was an enormous success."
Police are investigating the shooting that began about 15 minutes before the morning bell on the asphalt basketball court outside the school. The attack lasted only about three minutes and ended with student Jose Reyes turning the gun on himself. The boy got the gun at home.
Landsberry's wife of five years, Sharon, and his two stepdaughters, Andrea and Alisa, spoke about his love of family, life and teaching. He was an "impassioned" teacher and mentor whose main goal was to enable the success of his students, his widow said.
"Mike found a way to adapt and overcome, and he found a way to reach each student," Sharon Landsberry said. "What gave him the most satisfaction was seeing a light go on when a student suddenly got it."
Pedro Martinez, superintendent of the Washoe County School District, said Landsberry could have worked at any school but he chose to teach at one of the Reno area's "highest-poverty" middle schools because he knew he was needed there.
"He touched their lives every day," he said. "I want to thank Michael not only for what he did that day (of the shooting), but for what he did every day in the classroom. He helped students realize their dreams and know that he was there for them."
Martinez and Landsberry friends also talked about the teacher's passion for Batman, Star Wars, sports, history books and video games. "He humbled himself to his children and the children saw how real he was," Martinez said.
Chaplain Tim Gregory of the Nevada National Guard said he thinks the "greatest story" to be taken from Landsberry's life is to "find something to die for and then live for it."
Landsberry received full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, during the emotional two-hour celebration of life at Sparks Christian Fellowship. An American flag that draped his casket was presented to his widow.
[Corvallis Gazette-Times (OR) - Sunday, Nov 3, 2013]
Mr. Landsberry was the son of Ward James and Christy (Howard) Landsberry.
