Captain Michael J. Pelkey

"God seemed to have made him just what he was that he might be a blessing to others, and when the influence of his character and abilities began to be felt, removed him. These are Mysteries, my Dear, that we cannot contemplate without astonishment, but which will nevertheless be explained hereafter, and must in the mean time be revered in silence." -- William Cowper






This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Michael Pelkey who was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on August 15, 1975 and passed away on November 05, 2004 at the age of 29 after a long struggle with severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We will remember him forever. 






It has been nearly a year and a half since you left US Michael but, we have not forgotten you.

Mike was born to Jean Knight and Chuck Pelkey in Waterbury, Connecticut. He was raised for a short time in Jordan, Minnesota with his sisters Sarah, Kimberly, and Kristen. When Michael was seven-years-old he moved to Wolcott, Connecticut to live with his father Chuck and mother Lori. Later, the whole family moved there to include two other siblings, Tim and Xhnet.

Michael was a goalie on his High School soccer team and played the drum line in the band. He was known for being very smart and later attended UCONN where he majored in Political Science. He always wanted to be a soldier but, hoped that one day he would go into Law Enforcement. Michael joined ROTC while attending UCONN in Storrs, Connecticut. He was also in the band where he played the drums and was on a competitive Fencing team. He was good at Fencing and always said he would get back into it. Michael was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the US Army Field Artillery in 1999 from the University of Connecticut. He thought his endless party days were over but, he was wrong!

His first duty station was at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he attended the Basic Army Officers course in between partying. Then he was stationed at Budingen, Germany with 1/1 CAV as a Mortar Platoon leader. He always spoke very fondly of those days and of his friend Andy Morrison. He later moved to 1/94 FA in Idar-Oberstien, Germany where the "Jackolope" was born.

The "Jackolope" had many adventures and visited many of the local drinking establishments until the fateful day when he met his wife Stefanie. The parties stopped and the "Jackolope" went away, never to show his antlers again.

Mike and I met on 5 March 2001 in Idar-Oberstien, Germany. I was the first female soldier in his unit and he was assigned as my sponsor. I remember the first day I met him at the airport, he was holding up a sign that said 2LT Gomez. He was tall and his uniform was wrinkled. He didn't say much to me but, later informed me that he was shocked that I did not look like an "Army type girl". We married eight months later. I can honestly say from that moment on I was in awe of him. He was the most caring, wonderful person I had ever met. 

Since Michael's untimely passing I have found comfort in advocating Mental Health reform for our Veterans. For you. All of you who Michael and I cared for so much. I don't want this to happen to anyone else. Please find the time to share your stories of Michael as his son will treasure them forever.
With Love,
Stefanie

Michael's Story: 

To read Michael's story google his name as Homefronthealing has been removed from the internet.  It has come to my attention that I have hurt some family members in sharing my opinion of Michael's death.  Please know that my intentions in sharing Michael's story were to honor him, cope with my grief, and prevent PTSD from taking another life.  I am making every effort to rectify this situation but, I do not renig my opinion.  However, I do realize the lack of communication on my part.  I love Michael very much and no hurt was ever intended.  Please continue to share your stories of Michael's life when you are ready, as they are enjoyed by his son Benjamin. 
Respectfully,
Stefanie

    
Joshua Omvig, Michael Pelkey, James Coons