Loved Ones, Comrades Bid Farewell To New Jersey Soldier Killed in Iraq

On Sunday, near the end of a 90-minute funeral service for Army Spec. Michael L. Gonzalez, his final message to his family was transmitted to more than 300 mourners gathered at Spotswood Reformed Church in New Jersey.

His mother, Ida, held her cellphone to the microphone, according to the Newark Star Ledger. And despite a faulty connection, his words from Baghdad were heard: "I love you guys."

Gonzalez, 20, of Spotswood, died Aug. 28 in Baghdad of injuries caused by a makeshift bomb, according to the Department of Defense.

More than 140 mourners gathered at Arlington National Cemetery yesterday on a cool, breezy morning to say goodbye to Gonzalez. The chaplain, Army Maj. David Baum, quoted the recollections of loved ones, recalling Gonzalez as an honorable man.

An American flag was held over the small container with Gonzalez's cremated remains before being folded and given to his parents, Pedro and Ida Gonzalez.

"Our family is deeply saddened and sorrowful," the Gonzalez family said in a statement. "Michael was a wonderful son and a great soldier who died fighting for what he believed in. Michael served his country as a soldier to make a difference in the world. He will be forever missed by his family and his many friends."

Gonzalez was born in Spotswood and graduated from Spotswood High School in 2006. He joined the Army shortly after graduation, completing basic and advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He graduated from the Military Police School in December 2006.

In addition to his parents, survivors include his brother, Troy. He also leaves his girlfriend, Tiffany Loving, whom his family called "the love of his life."

Gonzalez was assigned to the 340th Military Police Company, based at Fort Totten, N.Y. His family announced that he would be posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and more than a half-dozen other decorations.

He was the 495th member of the military killed in Iraq or Afghanistan to be buried at Arlington.

New York Gov. David A. Paterson (D) ordered that flags on government buildings in the state be flown at half staff Friday in honor of Gonzalez and Spec. Jorge Luis Nieve of Queens, who was killed in Mosul, Iraq, the same day that Gonzalez died in Baghdad.

"On behalf of the people of New York, I wish to extend our condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Specialist Gonzalez and Specialist Nieve," Paterson said in a statement. "Their brave service and heroic sacrifice to our nation will never be forgotten."

At the service in New Jersey on Sunday, two of Gonzalez's best friends, Rick Mattei and Jeff Freeman, helped carry his coffin, the Star Ledger reported. They read a message from Gonzalez's comrades in Iraq.

"Through the black smoke a brother is lost," the message said. "And left behind are the ones who will suffer the loss."

Mattei, 21, also gave a separate tribute to Gonzalez, with whom he had trained.

"You will never be forgotten," Mattei said. "Your sacrifice cannot be measured. May you rest in peace, our brother in arms. It's not goodbye, but 'See you later.' "