Army Pvt. Michael J. Deutsch

Michael was killed on July 31, 2003 when the armored personnel carrier he was driving struck an anti-tank mine in Baghdad, Iraq. Deutsch was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 1st Armored Cavalry Regiment, Armstrong Barracks, Budingen, Germany. He was transferred to Iraq on May l4, 2003. Michael was born on April 30, l982 in Dubuque, Iowa. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School Class of 2000.

Freedom Quilts presented quilts to the Michael Deutsch family in honor of Michael.

Michael “is a hero,” said his father, Wayne Deutsch. “Michael joined the Army and did what he did so others wouldn’t have to.” Private Deutsch joined the Army soon after the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.

“Michael expressed in words how he felt after leaving for the Army and this is what he wrote”, his father continued.

“All these years you’ve shown me how to be.
All the tears you cried over me.
Now it’s time to go.
I have to leave.
Down the road.
I’ll stand on my own.
I won’t tell you not to worry, if you don’t tell me to be careful.
I’ll be ok.
When changes come we’re never ready.
Always thinking what we should have done.
But I am strong.
You have seen to that.
As I move on I carry with me that which you have
given to me, your love.”

– Michael

Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen, we thank you so much for the Freedom Quilt we received. All the students presented a beautiful program. All the wonderful ladies who worked on the quilt so expressed with loving hands a special honor to Michael. As you have said, we will indeed, wrap ourselves in all the love felt in that auditorium.

Thank you to everyone.