Reader comments
Fallen soldier laid to rest

52 comments   |   Read story

slbison | 4:14 p.m. March 4, 2009
God bless him... and his family...
SmithMedic | 5:32 p.m. March 4, 2009
HE served his country, what greater honor is there?
A true hero | 5:56 p.m. March 4, 2009
Kai will grow up in freedom thanks in part to your service and sacrifice.
Comments continue below
Sam | 6:02 p.m. March 4, 2009
May the Lord bless this family and community, and bring comfort and quiet peace to their hearts, and strength to their souls.
Laura | 6:22 p.m. March 4, 2009
As the mother of a active Marine, I am so sorry for your loss!!! Thank God for these amazing hero's that are willing to fight for our freedom!!! Thank you, God bless!!!
In Our Prayers | 8:14 p.m. March 4, 2009
Amy, this Army chaplain from Utah will be praying for you and your family. God bless you and your family and friends in your loss. - Chris
Freedom is not free | 9:52 p.m. March 4, 2009
Thank You! Thank You!
Thank God there are Americans like you.
keeping it positive | 10:29 p.m. March 4, 2009
I am moved to comment because I saw the wife of this great man. It made his life and what he did real to me to know that there are those who love and honor him. Thank you Amy and Kai for the gift you have given to me and this country, freedom, but sadly it was a gift of sacrifice on your part. My hope is that you will find peace in the coming days and that you will know that there are many out there that you do not know, but we now know you and can extend our hearts to you. Most of all thank you Michael for the service you gave to this country.
Anonymous | 11:13 p.m. March 4, 2009
Wow, what an amazing example of faith, this woman shows. Im really touched. I know that this man was really a good man, by listening to his wife.

Makes me want to show more faith..

Gordon
Hurricane, UT
SGT David Wakefield | 12:01 a.m. March 5, 2009
God bless this wonderful family. What a hard loss, but what a sweet and eternal perspective on the nature of their family. I wish I could have personally known this young man. His situation in life is similar to mine. I am always awe inspired of the great men and women of the military that I meet which share a deep and abiding faith in the Lord. Pray for all of the US servicemen and women, and for our leadership so that we will be guided in wisdom's paths.
Touching | 12:32 a.m. March 5, 2009
Somehow, I don't quite know how, the Lord will make this right. He has many "Broken Things to Mend." I don't know how he will do it, but he will mend our lives, hearts and relationships.

The reunion of this couple, and the reunion of a father with his sons, will be especially sweet. In the history of the world it is a great blessing to be able to sit in your house and not worry about it being bombed or people coming in and hurting your family. I sit at my computer now so grateful that I am able to have assurance that when I lock my door and go lay down to sleep, I will likely be safe till the morning. I don't fear walking down the streets. I don't fear foreign armies strolling our neighborhoods and subjecting us to atrocities.

These blessings are enjoyed, in large part, thanks to people like Michael Alleman. I appreciate the sacrifice of this man and especially his family.

Clearly war is mankind's clearest sign of failure. When war occurs, we all have failed!
Anonymous | 1:09 a.m. March 5, 2009
Such a shame that the family has to deal with this tragedy. Time to get out of Iraq and end this unjustifies invasion.
Honor- God- Country | 4:52 a.m. March 5, 2009
JCA | 1:45 a.m. March 5, 2009 ***********************
It was 58,000 Americans killed in Vietnam.
I know, I was there for 2 years.
I guess you prefer dictators like Russia's Stalin killing 35 million of his own people because they didn't have a civilian army with the right to 'bear arms.'
Or have your wife and daughters ravaged just because they are pretty- Saddam's sons and secret police.
Or your home broken into or family murdered because they are Mormon or Jews, or any other religion.
Remember Hitler torturing, killing 6 million Jews.

You are like a sheep for the slaughter and your hippie friends will never protect you.

"How dare you slander a man that kept your sheep's pen safe!"

I give honor to this young man for fighting and standing on that wall for freedom and dying for his county-

JCA wouldn't give us the time of day.

SGT. Patterson
Vietnam 67-68-69

Lamonte | 5:42 a.m. March 5, 2009
Thoughts and prayers for the brave family of this brave young man. Many thanks to the reporter, Jennifer Christensen, for writing such a thoughtful piece that allows all of us to experience the beauty of the funeral service. Many thanks to all.
Ed Clinch | 7:04 a.m. March 5, 2009
The US stands for freedom and propserity, and this good man died to help ensure that.

God bless him and his family, and us as citizens who are grateful and saddened at the loss and the good Iraqis and other Arabs that he has given all to extend a chance at freedom.

Decions to protect our values are never very convenient or easy.

This is part of the history of our proud nation.

This man is a hero.
JCA | 7:07 a.m. March 5, 2009
I knew it would not be too long before someone had to take away from the spirit of this blog. Shame on you JCA.

Thank you Michael for laying down your life for me, my wife and 5 childern and for everyone. Even the ones that know not what this means for life, liberity and freedom, we thank you.
Thankful to be an American | 7:20 a.m. March 5, 2009
Amy, I want you to know how grateful I am for Michael and for you and your family. I revere and honor his life and sacrifice. It is because of brave men like Michael that we can live in this great country and enjoy our freedoms. I too have a son in harms way and give thanks for his willingness to serve. My thoughts and prayers are with you...
John, USMC Retired | 7:52 a.m. March 5, 2009
Cpl Alleman is a hero, as are all the brave men and women who serve our country. This is the longest duration of war that our country has been served by an all volunteer military. I am honored to be an American and grateful to all those who serve and support our nations needs - especially their families.
SSG Mickie Kim Nielson, Nibley | 7:53 a.m. March 5, 2009
"For those who have fought for it, Freedom has a taste the Protected will never know." May God bless and comfort you in your loss. Thank you, and your husband for your ultimate sacrifice.
Truly a hero | 8:19 a.m. March 5, 2009
I wish there were more so noble and brave. Michael is truly and hero to his family, his boys and to all Americans. He is a hero to me. God bless you.
Thank you for Michael | 8:20 a.m. March 5, 2009
My son left today for his third tour in Iraq, mostly Baghdad. He has been separated by duty from his wife and two sons for most of the last three years. He is committed to the military and joined at age 17 by choice. I know that the sacrifices of my son and so many others have provided the Americans more safety and security by their service.

Amy, thank you for supporting Michael in his service to this country. For preserving freedom despite the cost and for assuring your children that was Michael was doing was right.

The detractors of the country and military will be the first to say, why wasn't enough done to protect us. Instead of serving, they critize, instead of helping, they harm. One day they too will pay a price.

Blessings on your family as you recover from the loss of your beloved husband and father and son. I pray that the beliefs we share will comfort you in the days to come.

The mother of an active duty Air Force member.
JJ | 8:29 a.m. March 5, 2009
Thank you Michael. God bless your family.
Fan | 8:56 a.m. March 5, 2009
What a classy family!!!!!! I spent a year in Vietnam away from my wife. Those who never serve will never understand. Thank you Micheal for your service and sacrifice. Wouldn't it be great if we had more families like this. Even in their time of grief Amy and Micheals family know the Lord will see them through this. I will remember you in my prayers. God bless you all!!!!!
Jason | 8:59 a.m. March 5, 2009
Thank you Michael, Amy and Family for your service.
VF | 9:23 a.m. March 5, 2009
Dear Sister Amy, sons and other family members,

I am truely greatful the sacrifice of Michael and all of the other soldiers who go into harms way to protect all of us here in the USA.

Several of my friends lost their lives in the Viet Nam war and I have some small idea of what you are going through. And, I believe that all of the rest of us who care for you should go look into our mirrors and give thanks to our God for Michael and for all of the other soldiers who have given their lives for our freedom to say and do whatever we think is right.
Dan | 9:26 a.m. March 5, 2009
I didn't know Micheal but he sounds like a wonderful person. What a great family.
God be with you and with your family until you are able to meet again.
CMW | 9:55 a.m. March 5, 2009
What a remarkable family and wonderful examples for all of us. Our family is saddened by the lose of Michael. Words cannot convey the appreciation our family has for Cpl. Alleman and his family.
Godfather | 10:02 a.m. March 5, 2009
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are a true Hero. May God bless you and your family.

Rhonda | 10:40 a.m. March 5, 2009
Amy, you are an inspiration to many. Thank you. Even as the wife of an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, and the mother of a new American Soldier, I can still not comprehend the loss you feel. I am sorry for it - but I am grateful too. The sacrifice you and Michael and your children have made is on the behalf of humankind.

May we, the humans who benefit from the sacrifice, live worthy of the honor by choosing every day to make the world happier and safer for other.
Salute | 11:11 a.m. March 5, 2009

This fine man heard the call, and stood on the wall. There is a special place in heaven for men who defend freedom, I hope to meet you there one day. Well done, son. Well done.

CW3 Jack Beckman, AUS, Retired
Richard | 11:26 a.m. March 5, 2009
. . . (Salute) . . .
Terry | 11:26 a.m. March 5, 2009
I will be eternally grateful for you and your husbands sacarfice for our countries freedoms. He has a secured place in the celestial kingdom. Thank you and God Bless you.
Anonymous | 11:45 a.m. March 5, 2009
Thanks to your family and the sacrifice you gave so we can have freedom. My brother is a reservist who has served his country at times, and I appreciate his service and your husband's. I hope his reunion in heaven with loved ones was great and some day you will see him again. The price you pay we never can pay back. What an example he was to his students, as I hear them talk about him. This is where he will also have an impact. Thank you, thank you, thank you for serving and giving it your all. God bless.
JVW | 12:49 p.m. March 5, 2009
As a two year VN vet and a 37 year public school teacher I feel that I feel like I know some of what you are going through. Service to our country and our youth is important.

To volunteer to fight in a war and leave your family shows tremendous courage.

All the best to the family and extended family. You will not be forgotten.
presidential thoughts ... | 12:53 p.m. March 5, 2009
Dear Madam,--

I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle.

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

President Abraham Lincoln


I think the same letter goes Susan Alleman for she too has laid her precious son as a sacrifice upon the alter of freedom!!
Mike R. | 2:08 p.m. March 5, 2009
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13).
Donate at Wells Fargo! | 2:16 p.m. March 5, 2009
For all those offering words of sympathy here, please consider making a donation at any Wells Fargo branch. Even if it's just a small amount. I live in Portland, OR and just made a donation during my lunch break. This family needs more than words, they need our finanacial assistance. God bless the Allemans.
Donate? | 2:35 p.m. March 5, 2009
I heard a plea on Fox 13 for the public to donate so that the family can cover the costs of the funeral. Surely the government would pay 100% of the costs of this soldier's funeral. Can someone please enlighten me as to why this family needs money for the funeral. Surely the government would not send soldiers into war thousands of miles away, only to leave the distraught and grieving family to pay for the costs of a funeral.

I am in no way trying to be sensational, or trying to evoke ill feelings towards this man's brave devotion, just wandering?
Cameron Hess | 3:36 p.m. March 5, 2009
As the son of a former Vietnam USAF pilot and POW, I honor and thank any family who sends a loved one to serve their country and defend its principles, especially to those who give the last full measure of devotion. May God bless you.
Stewart | 4:25 p.m. March 5, 2009
Having served two tours in Vietnam, I never really understood what it felt like for my family, until my own son served a year in Balad with the Utah National Guard.

God be with and protect those that are serving, and especially bless with his Comforting Spirit Michael's wife and family.
Chris | 5:03 p.m. March 5, 2009
Our prayers are with you Amy and your two sons. May God grant you the peace of knowing you have a "Forever Family" and that there is a brighter day ahead for all!

Thank you for your convictions and strength and thank you for your sacrifices to protect this great country! We are forever in your debt. God be with your lovely family.
Duh | 5:14 p.m. March 5, 2009
No greater love does a man have then to lay his life down for another. God bless. As a fellow Soldier I say thank you for your sacrifice. Most importantly, I say thank you to his family for giving us a man with courage and conviction who knew full well the dangers he would be involved in but still wanted to make a difference.
SLC Resident | 7:54 p.m. March 5, 2009
This is heartbreaking. Amy we wish you and your two boys the best. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Such a noble sacrifice from your family and your husband. Thank you.
Amy and family | 8:37 p.m. March 5, 2009
This story is so touching, and it makes me so hopeful that there are still wonderful people like you and Michael in this world. Your husband sounds like he was an incredible man, and you seem to be an incredible woman. I firmly believe that Michael is with the Lord and that they are both smiling down on you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers. God bless you!
Anonymous | 8:41 p.m. March 5, 2009
Amy,

My deepest sorrow for your loss. I thank our Heavenly Father for such sacrifice made for the protection of our country and people. Even though I do not know you or your deseased husband, I pray for your wellbeing, and urge every American and other people that rejoice in having freedom to send their condolences to you and your children.

Kevin
California resident | 9:18 p.m. March 5, 2009
Bless you and your boys, I appreciate the freedom we enjoy and owe it all to brave and wonderful members of the armed services like your husband.
May you be sustained by the wonderful memories of your life together knowing you will be with him again.
Jamie | 9:47 p.m. March 5, 2009
Words cannot express my gratitude to Michael. I will always remember that my liberty and freedom came at such a high cost. Hopefully we can all live worthy lives of such a great sacrifice. Amy my families prayers are with you and yours. Thank heavens families are forever!!!
Kent | 10:06 p.m. March 5, 2009
I was at the funeral along with my son who is likewise studying to become a teacher, even though we did not know Michael or your family. It was the very least we could do to say "thank you" to such a great man that has given so much...a true American hero!

I thank God for your husband and the kind of man he is.
I have no doubt that he will be preparing a beautiful home for you and he some day.

Thank you for inspiring so many of us. Your love is immeasurable and our hearts are with you in your grief.
went through this | 10:52 p.m. March 5, 2009
To the family of American HERO Cpl. Micheal Boyd Alleman and no-one else. I went through this almost 6 years ago. I saw your family on the news and the memories came flooding back. And I had to go to my room...and cry. One more time. Because for me it happened yesterday. The hole in my heart is still there. I don't show up to be there for families of the fallen since then. Cause I don't know what to say. Cause there isn't much to say. In the end it's just a hole in my heart. Where my brother used to be. And I don't want to fill it. That hole is where he used to be. It hurts. But my heart has grown around that hole over the years. To compensate. My heart has gotten bigger and stronger. And my brother's kids...they've got hearts too, and they're strong. They do him proud and I'm proud to see them do that. As my father said the day we learned he died, war is an ugly thing. That was all he could say. He lived it too.
I went through this | 12:24 a.m. March 6, 2009
Last thought among many thoughts. For the good people in Utah. The hero's welcome home that my brother received in this state was so tremendous, so overwhelming. It was an event I'll never forget and it was so huge that I felt the appreciation, the respect, the outpouring of feelings among the good people in this state and it helped. Tremendously.

As time goes on, it becomes more normal, less a shock, and I see fewer and fewer fallen heroes celebrated and given the honor that my brother was given. It becomes more "normal." My sacrifice was no greater than the Allerman family, my brother surely no greater hero than theirs, and I also see that some of the greatest heroes of all aren't the ones like my brother that die for country. It's the ones who serve and live for country. The wounded return, so many, so much taken from them. And they carry on. And their families that surround them and share the burden are no less heroes. They give their lives for country too. My brother served, I miss him. All families miss the loved ones that serve. No more than me.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

Image
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Cpl. Micheal Alleman's casket is carried to graveside services with military honors in Hyrum on Wednesday.

previousnext

Latest comments

I find it interesting that many of the same people who say that we can't...

Cougs begin bowl preparations

None of these teams is going to be easy. They all have fine football...

Max Hall issues apology

Max, no apology was necessary, but the apology was polically correct. If...

Very good piece of writing, Amy. You summarized what many of us have been...

U. eyes bowl for redemption

How is a top 25 finish make Utah a top twenty team? I think what the poster...

Max Hall issues apology

90% of the BYU & Utah fans have class, and Hall knows it. If you don't...

This might be my favorite article I've ever read from the Deseret News. Kudos.

Y. student vanished in China

Thank you for not giving up and don't give up now brother and sister...

Child prostitutes don't get help

Dr. Lois Lee's work with children who are victims of child sexual...

Look at the preview for Pixar's "Up". The whole move is summarized in...

Advertisements