Game 18 – Warrior Wishes Come True In Arizona!
On Saturday night my Dad flew from Chicago to spend less than an hour in LA before driving south to San Diego, then spent less than 24 hours in San Diego making Warrior Wishes come true at the Chargers game before taking an overnight bus to Phoenix to do it all over again Monday night. So if you’re keeping track, in the matter of 3 days he has been in Chicago, LA, San Diego & Phoenix!
ARMY SGT MICHAEL SCHWARTZ
Michael Schwartz was born in Phoenix and raised in Mesa for the first 21yrs of his life. He made the decision to join the Army back in 2001 and swore in on delayed entry on September 7, 2001. I was excited about my new career choice. Just a few days later on September 11, 2001, Michael knew there was a reason for his choice and that it was bigger than just him. He arrived to basic training on October 25, 2001 at FT. Knox and didn’t know the amount of craziness he was in for but says he would do it again in a heartbeat.
After he graduated from basic training Michael was shipped over to FT. Bliss for his AIT and that is where he learned the basics of becoming a 14E, Patriot Missile Operator Maintainer. He completed a 6 month AIT training and received orders to Korea. Sgt Schwartz was stationed in Kunsan, Korea at Kunsan Air Base and that is where he spent the next 2 yrs of his career. He was part of Echo Battery 3/43 and says it was one hell of a learning experience.
In 2004 and Schwartz was given orders to report to FT. Bliss again and was assigned to 5/52 HHB. That is where I spent the rest of his active duty career.
Michael joined the Arizona National Guard and learned how to become a 44C/36B, Financial Technician. He was part of the Guard from 2006 – 2012. During that time He was a part of many different missions and was also stationed on the border to assist the Border Patrol.
Sgt Schwartz is married to his wife, Amy, who he calls his rock & enjoys cheering on the Cardinals.
ARMY LTC MICHAEL WARREN
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Shaun Warren, age 51, died Wednesday April 29, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. LTC Warren is survived by his wife, Sheila, and five children Michael Warren, Jr., Jody Warren, Kevin Warren, Taylor Dennis, and Jackson Warren. Michael was a loving husband and adored father who enjoyed spending time with his family very much. LTC Warren was born July 24, 1963 in Phoenix, Arizona, the oldest of five sons born to Lillian Barbara (Rollins) Warren and Michael C. Warren. LTC Warren earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Arizona State University in 2001, and a Master of Military Art and Science from the School of Advanced Military Studies in 2012. His military education includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, where he graduated as the Distinguished Honor Graduate, the Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course, the Infantry Captain’s Career Course, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, the Command and General Staff College, and the Advanced Military Studies Program at the School of Advanced Military Studies. LTC Warren has been on active duty since 2003. He retired from the Tempe Police Department as a Sergeant with over 20 years of service in 2005. LTC Warren deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal, the Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Arizona Distinguished Service Medal. LTC Warren’s hobbies included reading historical novels (his favorite topic was World War II), attending sporting events (he cheered for ASU, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Arizona Diamondbacks), riding his motorcycle, and vacationing with his family. National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Shaun Warren died at the end of April at the age of 51. He left behind his wife of 20 years and 5 beautiful children ages ranging from 9-29. From the age of 7 Michael dreamed of being in the United States Military. Michael spent his entire adult life serving his community and our country. He spent 20 years as a Police Officer for the City of Tempe, and had the privilege of living his life’s dream of being an Officer in the Military, where he was the Commander of a battalion in the Army National Guard. Over the 20 years he spent in the Army, he served in 2 deployments abroad in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served his country with bravery and dedication, where he received numerous awards, and most recently had a scholarship named after him. Michael battled cancer for 2 years, and during that time he never waivered in his responsibility to his soldiers or country. Even after numerous surgeries and hospitalizations, Michael continued to work from home, and from the hospital. He was courageous to the end, and was respected by everyone he came in contact with. Michael was an avid sports fan and loved football. He obtained season tickets as soon as the Cardinals came to AZ, and enjoyed watching and attending all of the games he was able to. LTC Warren & his family were huge sports fans, and supported all of their local teams.
After Michael passed, his family was forced to give up thier season tickets. Just before he passed he taught his 9 year old son, Jackson, to play NFL Madden, which is one of Jackson’s favorite memories of his father. We are honored to get the Warren Family back to a Cardinals game in Michael’s honor to share his love for the game of football, cheering on his favorite team, the Arizona Cardinals.
