Michael C. Graeff, Class of 2009

Posted on | February 1, 2010 | 1 Comment |News

UPDATE, Feb. 1, 2010:

Dear All,

If you don’t know by now, I deploy in March of this year for one whole year with the 101st Airborne. We are a part of the 2/17 Cavalry Unit that is being sent to Afghanistan. We are the only Infantry Pathfinder in the whole division that is being sent, and there is a good reason for it. I can’t say what I do, when I deploy exactly, or where I will be in Afghanistan, due to a top security clearance that the Pathfinders have given me, but know that everything will be ok. Sadly, this is just what I’m supposed to tell you all. I won’t be able to see you; I have to train before I deploy with my unit. I am thinking of you all, and wish you all the best.

-Much love, PV2 Graeff

By Ramona Bellamy, Office Manager

For those of you who know Michael Christian Graeff, this photo may make you smile, shed a tear, or both, but either way we are all proud of Michael. I truly miss his smile and strength, not just in his handshake—although that was quite firm, but in all that he did.  The Army is lucky to have him!

For those of you who do not know him, he is one of five GBWHS students from last year’s graduating class 2009.  He is the brother of Darius, who is a Senior this year, and Justin, who is an 8th grade student in the Steiner School.  Linnea Williams is his mother, and, yes, Coach Michael Graeff is his dad.

Tilo Jackson, a Senior this year, visited Michael last month for his graduation from basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and took this photo. Michael is now beginning Airborne training.

May God be with Michael to keep him safe and bless him during the holiday season.

Here’s an excerpt from a letter he wrote to the high school in September:

“We also get to sing cadences while we march and run; it’s a lot of fun. But, I’ll tell you now, it’s draining. You don’t get a lot of sleep. You work from 0500 to 2100, 16-18 hour days. We get three meals a day; that’s it. Sometimes one or more is an MRE. MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are delicious, beautiful meals that come in brown packages. There are 24 dishes to choose from. Some include: Chicken breast, Vegetarian Egg Omelette (not good), Meat Loaf, and so many more. So far, I’ve had more than 12 different kinds. All are good save the egg stuff, there’s a disaster in a cardboard box. But to my mind this place is pretty nice. The drill sergeants are starting to trust us more, we get more Hooah stuff, plus we get Sundays off (in a sense. Just no sleeping).”

You can write to Michael at:

Michael Graeff RN#415

E. Company 1/300 infantry

9375 Conway Drive

Fort Benning, GA 31905