In Memory of SSG Michael Palma, US Army
August 31, 1986 – November 30, 2021
Shared by Amy, who was like a sister to Michael:
“I only ever met Michael Palma online. We communicated via Facebook, texts, and phone calls across the country. Mike and I connected on the 1year anniversary of my brother Daniel’s passing. He told/wrote me of his and Daniel’s crazy adventures while stationed together in Washington. He told me about their friendship. Michael immediately adopted me as family, calling me his sister. Mike was my brother’s best friend and he became my good friend, my brother. I believe God put Michael and I together to grieve for and to remember Daniel. Mike helped me immensely over the last 5 years. He connected me with Keri Jacobs and 22 Too Many, an amazing nonprofit who run with our “22” Veterans’ pictures so they are never forgotten, who post on their Facebook page on our “22” Veterans’ birthdays and death anniversaries to remember them, and who help raise awareness of the epidemic of Veteran suicide.
I sit here tonight (and over the last 10 days) in pain because I’ve now lost Michael too. His funeral was earlier today. My brain is exhausted! All the questions continue to swirl. What point had he gotten to that led to him becoming one of the “22” too? Why didn’t I keep trying to reach him when he ghosted me? Why do our Veterans have to suffer so greatly?
My heart is broken, Michael. I had so looked forward to the day we would meet and visit Daniel together. Now I guess that meeting will be in Heaven. Give each other a big hug from me! As much as I will miss you both, I am so glad you’re back together and no longer in pain. Rest easy. I love you both, my brothers. 💖
Note: Amy’s brother, Daniel, is also in our US Army Gallery of Heroes: Lawrence Daniel Jenkins.
When you read his profile, you will see that Michael wrote a remembrance and tribute to Daniel.
Michael “Mike” Palma entered into rest suddenly on Nov. 30, 2021. He was born on Aug. 31, 1986, in Safford, Arizona, to parents Gilbert and Michelle Palma, with siblings, Valerie, Jennifer, Stephanie, Matthew, and Ernesto; he was the baby of the family.
Michael attended Safford schools before enlisting in the United States Army at the age of 17. He served 12 years of service from 2004-2016 with four deployments during that time. He returned to civilian life in 2016, when he decided it was time to be closer to family. The family was everything to him.
He was blessed with three children, Michael Jr, Jayon, and Ashlynn, and stepdaughter. Michael was a devoted father, son, brother, Tio, and friend. He had a heart of gold and was always willing to help everyone and anyone. He touched the hearts of many and made an impact all around. He will truly be missed by many.
He is survived by his children, parents, siblings, eight nephews, six nieces, and one great-nephew, extended family, and his brothers in arms whom he considered family.
Final rest: Safford Cemetery. Buried with full military honors.
