7/4/2011
Staff Sergeant Michael J. Garcia was born on August 1, 1983 in Big Springs, Texas. He enlisted in the Army on February 25, 2004 and began his career as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician with the 705th EOD Company at Fort Polk, Louisiana on August 5, 2005. While assigned to the 705th EOD Company, Staff Sergeant Garcia completed a 15-month deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2007. Staff Sergeant Garcia deployed to Afghanistan as an EOD Team Leader with the 705th EOD Company of Fort Polk, Louisiana in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in November 2010.
Staff Sergeant Garcia’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, three Purple Heart Medals, Army Commendation Medal, three Army Achievement Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, NATO Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Combat Action Badge, Senior EOD Badge, and Driver’s Badge.
Staff Sergeant Michael Garcia is survived by his son Elijah; father David; brother Richard; and sisters Debra, Amanda, and Cynthia.