Tunnel Hill Soldier killed by suicide bomber.
The Department of Defense announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Corporal James M. Gluff of Tunnel Hill, Georgia died January 19 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
The 20 year old was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Michael joined the Marine Corps in 2005 and trained as an infantry rifleman then joined the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines later that same year.
He was promoted to lance corporal in 2006. He was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Also the Purple Heart.
Michael is survived by his wife Hope Perez Gluff son, Michael Wayne Gluff, Mother and step-father Ellen Sells Betancourt and Lupe of Tunnel Hill,Father and step-Mother James H. Gluff and Brenda of Jamestown Tn.Brothers and sister-in-law Jerry Sells of Tunnel Hill,Dewayne Gluff and Debbie of Jamestown Tn.Sister and brother-in-law Sandra and Anthony Cooper of Jamestown.
Michael graduated from Northwest Whitfield High School in 2005,was in the Dalton Police Explorer Post before entering the Marines.
Funeral is Monday at 12:30 at Love Funeral Home Dalton Ga.
Burial with full Military Honors will be Monday at 2:30at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga Tn.
Even as a young child, Michael Gluff donned camouflage and stood at attention with a BB rifle resting along his right shoulder. He would then diligently twirl the gun, mimicking the ceremonial moves of soldiers he had seen.
On Monday, Lance Cpl. Gluff, a U.S. Marine from Tunnel Hill who was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq on Jan. 19, was laid to rest in the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The 20-year-old, a 2005 graduate of Northwest Whitfield High School, was buried with full military honors and was awarded a Purple Heart for the injuries he received in combat.
Becoming a Marine was "just in his nature," said Seth Rone, a Marine second lieutenant and chaplain candidate based in Chattanooga, during the funeral service for Gluff at Love Funeral Home in Dalton.
"Lance Cpl. Gluff understood at a young age what some people take all of their lives to learn, that in order to be a good soldier, you have to endure hardship," Rone told mourners in the overflowing chapel. "There are trials and tribulations that we will all have to face."
During the service at the cemetery on an overcast afternoon, Gluff's widow, Hope, sobbed as her husband's casket rested a few feet from her draped with an American flag. Family members wept as Marines performed a 21-gun salute. Another Marine played "Taps." Before the casket was taken for burial, a bagpipe player performed "Amazing Grace." Several people with American flags encircled the rotunda where Marines presented Hope with the flag that had draped her husband's casket. The Marines also presented American flags to Michael Gluff's parents, James Hurley Gluff and Ellen Sells Betancourt.
The hour and a half funeral procession to the cemetery snaked steadily from Love Funeral Home on Thornton Avenue, up Highway 41 through Gluff's hometown of Tunnel Hill, onto I-75 and into Tennessee, eventually coming to a stop at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. During most of the 30-mile trip northward, scores of residents — many who were complete strangers — paid respect to the fallen Marine.
Members of the Dalton Fire Department remained at attention as a ladder truck displayed an American flag high above Thornton Avenue. Waitresses at the Rocky Face Waffle House took a break from the afternoon lunch rush. Students from Tunnel Hill Elementary held a large banner that simply read, "Thank You." A Shaw Industries truck driver traveling south on I-75 stopped and stood next to his vehicle, his right hand over his heart. American flags draped the I-24 overpass leading to downtown Chattanooga. The procession was joined by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, an organization of motorcycle riders who honor fallen military members and also seek to shield the family from protesters. There were no visible protesters for Gluff's funeral and burial.
Many lining the sidewalks and roads held handmade signs. "God Bless." "We will never forget him — We are so sorry." "American Hero." "We are grateful for your service."
Huey Talley was part of about 70 motorcycle riders who took part in the procession. Talley joined fellow members of the Dalton chapter of the Red Knights, a motorcycle club for firemen, along with riders from three states. He took the day off from work to offer sympathy to the family and "help any way we could." He noted some riders left for Dalton as early as 5:30 a.m.
"We're brothers," said Talley, an assistant chief with the Whitfield County Fire Department. "Old age, young age, black, white, blue, it doesn't matter, because we're all brothers in this situation when anything such as this takes place. The gentleman is in the military, and we support the military. We just felt like it was our responsibility to be here."
Gluff was born in Jamestown, Tenn., and had lived in Whitfield County since age 5. He was a 2005 dual-seal graduate of Northwest Whitfield High School, having earned both technical- and college-preparatory credits. He met his future wife in the Dalton Police Explorers, a program that provides youth ages 14 to 20 with training and experience in the law enforcement field.
After Hope and Michael graduated high school, they both enlisted in the Marine Corps. They were married soon after boot camp on Sept. 9, 2005. Hope received a medical discharge from the Marines after experiencing problems related to heat stroke. Michael began his service when Hope was three months pregnant. He visited home on Nov. 13, 2006, one month shy of the birth date of his now 14-month-old son, Michael Wayne Gluff, on Dec. 12, 2006. Last September, he began his first tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Gluff, assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C., was killed while conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Al Anbar province, Iraq, according to the Department of Defense.
Friends of Gluff spoke of his willingness to help and his dogged determination. Wesley Fisher met Gluff in 2005 as part of the Dalton Police Explorers. Gluff had just joined the Marines and would often return to help instruct Explorers on drill and ceremony procedures.
"It was cool to have him come back to see us," Fisher said. "He was always very quiet, very calm."
Staff Sgt. Jean Diaz met Gluff when Diaz came to Dalton three years ago to head Marine recruiting operations for North Georgia. Gluff had already enlisted in the Corps, and Diaz became "somewhat close" to Gluff and Hope, who were dating at the time. Diaz recalled Gluff's determination to be a Marine.
"He never had any doubts about going into the Marines," Diaz said. "A lot of kids make the decision, but many times they doubt themselves. But he wasn't one of them. He was always ready to do it."
After Gluff spent about a year in the Marines, he dropped by Diaz' office and "seemed very happy with what he was doing. I was very proud of him."
"He was born to do that," Diaz said. "I have no doubt in my mind that that was what he wanted to do. Very few young men you get to see have that kind of determination. That's what the Marines are all about
Michael was a neighbor and family friend..
he will be missed
The Department of Defense announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Corporal James M. Gluff of Tunnel Hill, Georgia died January 19 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
The 20 year old was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Michael joined the Marine Corps in 2005 and trained as an infantry rifleman then joined the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines later that same year.
He was promoted to lance corporal in 2006. He was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Also the Purple Heart.
Michael is survived by his wife Hope Perez Gluff son, Michael Wayne Gluff, Mother and step-father Ellen Sells Betancourt and Lupe of Tunnel Hill,Father and step-Mother James H. Gluff and Brenda of Jamestown Tn.Brothers and sister-in-law Jerry Sells of Tunnel Hill,Dewayne Gluff and Debbie of Jamestown Tn.Sister and brother-in-law Sandra and Anthony Cooper of Jamestown.
Michael graduated from Northwest Whitfield High School in 2005,was in the Dalton Police Explorer Post before entering the Marines.
Funeral is Monday at 12:30 at Love Funeral Home Dalton Ga.
Burial with full Military Honors will be Monday at 2:30at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga Tn.
Even as a young child, Michael Gluff donned camouflage and stood at attention with a BB rifle resting along his right shoulder. He would then diligently twirl the gun, mimicking the ceremonial moves of soldiers he had seen.
On Monday, Lance Cpl. Gluff, a U.S. Marine from Tunnel Hill who was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq on Jan. 19, was laid to rest in the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The 20-year-old, a 2005 graduate of Northwest Whitfield High School, was buried with full military honors and was awarded a Purple Heart for the injuries he received in combat.
Becoming a Marine was "just in his nature," said Seth Rone, a Marine second lieutenant and chaplain candidate based in Chattanooga, during the funeral service for Gluff at Love Funeral Home in Dalton.
"Lance Cpl. Gluff understood at a young age what some people take all of their lives to learn, that in order to be a good soldier, you have to endure hardship," Rone told mourners in the overflowing chapel. "There are trials and tribulations that we will all have to face."
During the service at the cemetery on an overcast afternoon, Gluff's widow, Hope, sobbed as her husband's casket rested a few feet from her draped with an American flag. Family members wept as Marines performed a 21-gun salute. Another Marine played "Taps." Before the casket was taken for burial, a bagpipe player performed "Amazing Grace." Several people with American flags encircled the rotunda where Marines presented Hope with the flag that had draped her husband's casket. The Marines also presented American flags to Michael Gluff's parents, James Hurley Gluff and Ellen Sells Betancourt.
The hour and a half funeral procession to the cemetery snaked steadily from Love Funeral Home on Thornton Avenue, up Highway 41 through Gluff's hometown of Tunnel Hill, onto I-75 and into Tennessee, eventually coming to a stop at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. During most of the 30-mile trip northward, scores of residents — many who were complete strangers — paid respect to the fallen Marine.
Members of the Dalton Fire Department remained at attention as a ladder truck displayed an American flag high above Thornton Avenue. Waitresses at the Rocky Face Waffle House took a break from the afternoon lunch rush. Students from Tunnel Hill Elementary held a large banner that simply read, "Thank You." A Shaw Industries truck driver traveling south on I-75 stopped and stood next to his vehicle, his right hand over his heart. American flags draped the I-24 overpass leading to downtown Chattanooga. The procession was joined by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, an organization of motorcycle riders who honor fallen military members and also seek to shield the family from protesters. There were no visible protesters for Gluff's funeral and burial.
Many lining the sidewalks and roads held handmade signs. "God Bless." "We will never forget him — We are so sorry." "American Hero." "We are grateful for your service."
Huey Talley was part of about 70 motorcycle riders who took part in the procession. Talley joined fellow members of the Dalton chapter of the Red Knights, a motorcycle club for firemen, along with riders from three states. He took the day off from work to offer sympathy to the family and "help any way we could." He noted some riders left for Dalton as early as 5:30 a.m.
"We're brothers," said Talley, an assistant chief with the Whitfield County Fire Department. "Old age, young age, black, white, blue, it doesn't matter, because we're all brothers in this situation when anything such as this takes place. The gentleman is in the military, and we support the military. We just felt like it was our responsibility to be here."
Gluff was born in Jamestown, Tenn., and had lived in Whitfield County since age 5. He was a 2005 dual-seal graduate of Northwest Whitfield High School, having earned both technical- and college-preparatory credits. He met his future wife in the Dalton Police Explorers, a program that provides youth ages 14 to 20 with training and experience in the law enforcement field.
After Hope and Michael graduated high school, they both enlisted in the Marine Corps. They were married soon after boot camp on Sept. 9, 2005. Hope received a medical discharge from the Marines after experiencing problems related to heat stroke. Michael began his service when Hope was three months pregnant. He visited home on Nov. 13, 2006, one month shy of the birth date of his now 14-month-old son, Michael Wayne Gluff, on Dec. 12, 2006. Last September, he began his first tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Gluff, assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C., was killed while conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Al Anbar province, Iraq, according to the Department of Defense.
Friends of Gluff spoke of his willingness to help and his dogged determination. Wesley Fisher met Gluff in 2005 as part of the Dalton Police Explorers. Gluff had just joined the Marines and would often return to help instruct Explorers on drill and ceremony procedures.
"It was cool to have him come back to see us," Fisher said. "He was always very quiet, very calm."
Staff Sgt. Jean Diaz met Gluff when Diaz came to Dalton three years ago to head Marine recruiting operations for North Georgia. Gluff had already enlisted in the Corps, and Diaz became "somewhat close" to Gluff and Hope, who were dating at the time. Diaz recalled Gluff's determination to be a Marine.
"He never had any doubts about going into the Marines," Diaz said. "A lot of kids make the decision, but many times they doubt themselves. But he wasn't one of them. He was always ready to do it."
After Gluff spent about a year in the Marines, he dropped by Diaz' office and "seemed very happy with what he was doing. I was very proud of him."
"He was born to do that," Diaz said. "I have no doubt in my mind that that was what he wanted to do. Very few young men you get to see have that kind of determination. That's what the Marines are all about
Michael was a neighbor and family friend..
he will be missed
Tunnel Hill Soldier killed by suicide bomber.
The Department of Defense announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Corporal James M. Gluff of Tunnel Hill, Georgia died January 19 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
The 20 year old was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Michael joined the Marine Corps in 2005 and trained as an infantry rifleman then joined the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines later that same year.
He was promoted to lance corporal in 2006. He was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Also the Purple Heart.
Michael is survived by his wife Hope Perez Gluff son, Michael Wayne Gluff, Mother and step-father Ellen Sells Betancourt and Lupe of Tunnel Hill,Father and step-Mother James H. Gluff and Brenda of Jamestown Tn.Brothers and sister-in-law Jerry Sells of Tunnel Hill,Dewayne Gluff and Debbie of Jamestown Tn.Sister and brother-in-law Sandra and Anthony Cooper of Jamestown.
Michael graduated from Northwest Whitfield High School in 2005,was in the Dalton Police Explorer Post before entering the Marines.
Funeral is Monday at 12:30 at Love Funeral Home Dalton Ga.
Burial with full Military Honors will be Monday at 2:30at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga Tn.
Even as a young child, Michael Gluff donned camouflage and stood at attention with a BB rifle resting along his right shoulder. He would then diligently twirl the gun, mimicking the ceremonial moves of soldiers he had seen.
On Monday, Lance Cpl. Gluff, a U.S. Marine from Tunnel Hill who was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq on Jan. 19, was laid to rest in the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The 20-year-old, a 2005 graduate of Northwest Whitfield High School, was buried with full military honors and was awarded a Purple Heart for the injuries he received in combat.
Becoming a Marine was "just in his nature," said Seth Rone, a Marine second lieutenant and chaplain candidate based in Chattanooga, during the funeral service for Gluff at Love Funeral Home in Dalton.
"Lance Cpl. Gluff understood at a young age what some people take all of their lives to learn, that in order to be a good soldier, you have to endure hardship," Rone told mourners in the overflowing chapel. "There are trials and tribulations that we will all have to face."
During the service at the cemetery on an overcast afternoon, Gluff's widow, Hope, sobbed as her husband's casket rested a few feet from her draped with an American flag. Family members wept as Marines performed a 21-gun salute. Another Marine played "Taps." Before the casket was taken for burial, a bagpipe player performed "Amazing Grace." Several people with American flags encircled the rotunda where Marines presented Hope with the flag that had draped her husband's casket. The Marines also presented American flags to Michael Gluff's parents, James Hurley Gluff and Ellen Sells Betancourt.
The hour and a half funeral procession to the cemetery snaked steadily from Love Funeral Home on Thornton Avenue, up Highway 41 through Gluff's hometown of Tunnel Hill, onto I-75 and into Tennessee, eventually coming to a stop at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. During most of the 30-mile trip northward, scores of residents — many who were complete strangers — paid respect to the fallen Marine.
Members of the Dalton Fire Department remained at attention as a ladder truck displayed an American flag high above Thornton Avenue. Waitresses at the Rocky Face Waffle House took a break from the afternoon lunch rush. Students from Tunnel Hill Elementary held a large banner that simply read, "Thank You." A Shaw Industries truck driver traveling south on I-75 stopped and stood next to his vehicle, his right hand over his heart. American flags draped the I-24 overpass leading to downtown Chattanooga. The procession was joined by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, an organization of motorcycle riders who honor fallen military members and also seek to shield the family from protesters. There were no visible protesters for Gluff's funeral and burial.
Many lining the sidewalks and roads held handmade signs. "God Bless." "We will never forget him — We are so sorry." "American Hero." "We are grateful for your service."
Huey Talley was part of about 70 motorcycle riders who took part in the procession. Talley joined fellow members of the Dalton chapter of the Red Knights, a motorcycle club for firemen, along with riders from three states. He took the day off from work to offer sympathy to the family and "help any way we could." He noted some riders left for Dalton as early as 5:30 a.m.
"We're brothers," said Talley, an assistant chief with the Whitfield County Fire Department. "Old age, young age, black, white, blue, it doesn't matter, because we're all brothers in this situation when anything such as this takes place. The gentleman is in the military, and we support the military. We just felt like it was our responsibility to be here."
Gluff was born in Jamestown, Tenn., and had lived in Whitfield County since age 5. He was a 2005 dual-seal graduate of Northwest Whitfield High School, having earned both technical- and college-preparatory credits. He met his future wife in the Dalton Police Explorers, a program that provides youth ages 14 to 20 with training and experience in the law enforcement field.
After Hope and Michael graduated high school, they both enlisted in the Marine Corps. They were married soon after boot camp on Sept. 9, 2005. Hope received a medical discharge from the Marines after experiencing problems related to heat stroke. Michael began his service when Hope was three months pregnant. He visited home on Nov. 13, 2006, one month shy of the birth date of his now 14-month-old son, Michael Wayne Gluff, on Dec. 12, 2006. Last September, he began his first tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Gluff, assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C., was killed while conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Al Anbar province, Iraq, according to the Department of Defense.
Friends of Gluff spoke of his willingness to help and his dogged determination. Wesley Fisher met Gluff in 2005 as part of the Dalton Police Explorers. Gluff had just joined the Marines and would often return to help instruct Explorers on drill and ceremony procedures.
"It was cool to have him come back to see us," Fisher said. "He was always very quiet, very calm."
Staff Sgt. Jean Diaz met Gluff when Diaz came to Dalton three years ago to head Marine recruiting operations for North Georgia. Gluff had already enlisted in the Corps, and Diaz became "somewhat close" to Gluff and Hope, who were dating at the time. Diaz recalled Gluff's determination to be a Marine.
"He never had any doubts about going into the Marines," Diaz said. "A lot of kids make the decision, but many times they doubt themselves. But he wasn't one of them. He was always ready to do it."
After Gluff spent about a year in the Marines, he dropped by Diaz' office and "seemed very happy with what he was doing. I was very proud of him."
"He was born to do that," Diaz said. "I have no doubt in my mind that that was what he wanted to do. Very few young men you get to see have that kind of determination. That's what the Marines are all about
Michael was a neighbor and family friend..
he will be missed
The Department of Defense announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Corporal James M. Gluff of Tunnel Hill, Georgia died January 19 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
The 20 year old was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Michael joined the Marine Corps in 2005 and trained as an infantry rifleman then joined the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines later that same year.
He was promoted to lance corporal in 2006. He was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Also the Purple Heart.
Michael is survived by his wife Hope Perez Gluff son, Michael Wayne Gluff, Mother and step-father Ellen Sells Betancourt and Lupe of Tunnel Hill,Father and step-Mother James H. Gluff and Brenda of Jamestown Tn.Brothers and sister-in-law Jerry Sells of Tunnel Hill,Dewayne Gluff and Debbie of Jamestown Tn.Sister and brother-in-law Sandra and Anthony Cooper of Jamestown.
Michael graduated from Northwest Whitfield High School in 2005,was in the Dalton Police Explorer Post before entering the Marines.
Funeral is Monday at 12:30 at Love Funeral Home Dalton Ga.
Burial with full Military Honors will be Monday at 2:30at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga Tn.
Even as a young child, Michael Gluff donned camouflage and stood at attention with a BB rifle resting along his right shoulder. He would then diligently twirl the gun, mimicking the ceremonial moves of soldiers he had seen.
On Monday, Lance Cpl. Gluff, a U.S. Marine from Tunnel Hill who was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq on Jan. 19, was laid to rest in the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The 20-year-old, a 2005 graduate of Northwest Whitfield High School, was buried with full military honors and was awarded a Purple Heart for the injuries he received in combat.
Becoming a Marine was "just in his nature," said Seth Rone, a Marine second lieutenant and chaplain candidate based in Chattanooga, during the funeral service for Gluff at Love Funeral Home in Dalton.
"Lance Cpl. Gluff understood at a young age what some people take all of their lives to learn, that in order to be a good soldier, you have to endure hardship," Rone told mourners in the overflowing chapel. "There are trials and tribulations that we will all have to face."
During the service at the cemetery on an overcast afternoon, Gluff's widow, Hope, sobbed as her husband's casket rested a few feet from her draped with an American flag. Family members wept as Marines performed a 21-gun salute. Another Marine played "Taps." Before the casket was taken for burial, a bagpipe player performed "Amazing Grace." Several people with American flags encircled the rotunda where Marines presented Hope with the flag that had draped her husband's casket. The Marines also presented American flags to Michael Gluff's parents, James Hurley Gluff and Ellen Sells Betancourt.
The hour and a half funeral procession to the cemetery snaked steadily from Love Funeral Home on Thornton Avenue, up Highway 41 through Gluff's hometown of Tunnel Hill, onto I-75 and into Tennessee, eventually coming to a stop at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. During most of the 30-mile trip northward, scores of residents — many who were complete strangers — paid respect to the fallen Marine.
Members of the Dalton Fire Department remained at attention as a ladder truck displayed an American flag high above Thornton Avenue. Waitresses at the Rocky Face Waffle House took a break from the afternoon lunch rush. Students from Tunnel Hill Elementary held a large banner that simply read, "Thank You." A Shaw Industries truck driver traveling south on I-75 stopped and stood next to his vehicle, his right hand over his heart. American flags draped the I-24 overpass leading to downtown Chattanooga. The procession was joined by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, an organization of motorcycle riders who honor fallen military members and also seek to shield the family from protesters. There were no visible protesters for Gluff's funeral and burial.
Many lining the sidewalks and roads held handmade signs. "God Bless." "We will never forget him — We are so sorry." "American Hero." "We are grateful for your service."
Huey Talley was part of about 70 motorcycle riders who took part in the procession. Talley joined fellow members of the Dalton chapter of the Red Knights, a motorcycle club for firemen, along with riders from three states. He took the day off from work to offer sympathy to the family and "help any way we could." He noted some riders left for Dalton as early as 5:30 a.m.
"We're brothers," said Talley, an assistant chief with the Whitfield County Fire Department. "Old age, young age, black, white, blue, it doesn't matter, because we're all brothers in this situation when anything such as this takes place. The gentleman is in the military, and we support the military. We just felt like it was our responsibility to be here."
Gluff was born in Jamestown, Tenn., and had lived in Whitfield County since age 5. He was a 2005 dual-seal graduate of Northwest Whitfield High School, having earned both technical- and college-preparatory credits. He met his future wife in the Dalton Police Explorers, a program that provides youth ages 14 to 20 with training and experience in the law enforcement field.
After Hope and Michael graduated high school, they both enlisted in the Marine Corps. They were married soon after boot camp on Sept. 9, 2005. Hope received a medical discharge from the Marines after experiencing problems related to heat stroke. Michael began his service when Hope was three months pregnant. He visited home on Nov. 13, 2006, one month shy of the birth date of his now 14-month-old son, Michael Wayne Gluff, on Dec. 12, 2006. Last September, he began his first tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Gluff, assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C., was killed while conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Al Anbar province, Iraq, according to the Department of Defense.
Friends of Gluff spoke of his willingness to help and his dogged determination. Wesley Fisher met Gluff in 2005 as part of the Dalton Police Explorers. Gluff had just joined the Marines and would often return to help instruct Explorers on drill and ceremony procedures.
"It was cool to have him come back to see us," Fisher said. "He was always very quiet, very calm."
Staff Sgt. Jean Diaz met Gluff when Diaz came to Dalton three years ago to head Marine recruiting operations for North Georgia. Gluff had already enlisted in the Corps, and Diaz became "somewhat close" to Gluff and Hope, who were dating at the time. Diaz recalled Gluff's determination to be a Marine.
"He never had any doubts about going into the Marines," Diaz said. "A lot of kids make the decision, but many times they doubt themselves. But he wasn't one of them. He was always ready to do it."
After Gluff spent about a year in the Marines, he dropped by Diaz' office and "seemed very happy with what he was doing. I was very proud of him."
"He was born to do that," Diaz said. "I have no doubt in my mind that that was what he wanted to do. Very few young men you get to see have that kind of determination. That's what the Marines are all about
Michael was a neighbor and family friend..
he will be missed
