Ardmore soldier killed in Iraq

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Posted: 7:06 PM Feb 25, 2008
Last Updated: 7:12 PM Feb 25, 2008
Reporter: KXII-TV Staff
Email Address: firstnews@kxii.com

46 comments

Micheal "Pokey" Phillips

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ARDMORE, Okla. -- A recent Ardmore High School graduate was killed overseas while serving his country over the weekend. On Monday, friends, family, and the Ardmore High School campus are grieving over the loss of Micheal Phillips.

Nineteen-year-old Micheal Phillips lost his life Sunday morning in Iraq while on his way to Baghdad. Ardmore school officials tell us Phillips was a victim of an apparent roadside device.

Phillips graduated from Ardmore High School in 2006. School officials say Phillips enlisted in the Army upon graduation.

Phillips was part of the 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Back home, Phillips was standout on the football field as well as in the classroom at his alma mater.

We were told by his former teachers that while he was on leave, Phillips would visit students at the school who wrote letters to him while he was deployed.

"A few months ago before he got shipped out to Iraq, he came by to show me and Coach Smith his uniform. He was proud to be in the service," Ardmore Schools athletic director Mike Loyd said.

Assistant principal & Phillips’ former teacher, Jake Falvey, said Phillips kept in close contact with former classmates.

"He was on leave; he would visit the class that was writing him monthly. They were constantly communicating," Falvey said.

Phillips was known by those who knew him best as “Pokey."

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Kat (Mama Echo) Location: Georgia on May 14, 2008 at 06:31 AM
Steve and Ang.... my sincerest condolences to you both on the loss of your son.

Posted by: mrs. greybeard Location: arkansas on May 13, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Fozzy and Ang, my heart goes out to you. You are in my thoughts.

Posted by: Steve and Judy Avery Location: New Bern, NC on Mar 2, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Our hearts are saddened by the news of your son. Please know that you are in our thoughts.

Posted by: Brandon Location: Ardmore on Mar 2, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Deepest sympathies to the family of a true HERO. He had the courage to do what most of us could never do. We are all truly proud of what he was there to do, and deeply sorry for the life cut short. God bless "Pokey" and his family.

Posted by: Carla Location: FL on Feb 28, 2008 at 03:20 PM
To the family and friends of "Pokey" we extend our deepest sympathy. Pokey is a "hero" to us all. Angie you probably don't remember me, I am your Mom's first cousin and only met you a few times, but know that God's love with help you and your family and Mom through this. We are praying for you and all the rest of the soldiers in harms way.

Posted by: Marvin/Martha Location: Weatherford, Tx on Feb 28, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Angie, You probably don't remember us but we are Cousins. We are so sorry to here about your loss. If we can do anything let us know.

Posted by: Aunt Linda & Uncle Bill Location: Sibley, IL on Feb 27, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Angie & Steve, we are so sorry for your loss, even though we had never met Micheal, we know he was a special loving son and brother. We pray the Lord will help you through this very difficult time. Reading these comments from his friends helps us know him. He will be a loss to all who knew him and those who just heard about him and his bravery. He certainly loved his country enough to die for it. God Bless America and especially those who are willing to give their lives for the protection of our country.

Posted by: Randy (Blu) Location: Geneva, IN. on Feb 27, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Foz and Ang....my heart breaks at this news. Nothing I say can truly ease that pain but,I know Micheal was a great young man because of his 2 loving and caring parents. The world is a little worse off now because of the loss of a fine young man in duty for his country. He will ALWAYS live in your hearts and minds. Please know...You guys are in our hearts and prayers here. Im always here if you ever need ANYTHING. May God grant peace and healing to broken hearts. Your old Freind, Randy(Blu)

Posted by: Michelle Location: Ardmore on Feb 27, 2008 at 02:36 PM
I am the mother of Bob's friend,Kristen, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. If there is anything you need please don't hesitate to ask. I am truly sorry for your loss. Michelle Swartzbaugh

Posted by: Uncle Allen Location: Porter, TX on Feb 27, 2008 at 11:55 AM
We have been devasted to learn of Michael's death. I was looking foreward to shaking his hand and saying thank you. May God bless the Phillips family and those who continue the fight against an ungodly enemy.

Posted by: mick Location: ardmore on Feb 27, 2008 at 11:26 AM
MIcheal is a true hero and will always be rembered.

Posted by: ML Newell Location: Portsmouth VA on Feb 26, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Our prayers are with the Phillips family. Our condolences for your loss, and the loss for this country.

Posted by: Brenda Location: Springer, OK on Feb 26, 2008 at 10:30 PM
This young man paid the ultimate price for his country. Michael is the bravest of the brave. My prayers go out to this young soldier and his family and friends. We are all grateful to his hero. God Speed.

Posted by: The Meyer Family Location: Norwalk, CT on Feb 26, 2008 at 10:27 PM
To the Family and Friends of Michael Phillips, We would like to express our sympathy in the loss of your loved one and to let you know that many caring thoughts are with you. Michael is an American Hero. May God Bless your family in this time of sorrow.

Posted by: Mary Lane Location: Porter on Feb 26, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Pokey was a great guy, and a great friend. I met him in art class my freshman year in high school, and he made sure everyday was a new adventure for us. We love and miss him.

Posted by: Wanda Location: Mill Creek on Feb 26, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Steve, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

Posted by: Lisa Location: Ardmore on Feb 26, 2008 at 05:19 AM
Michael was a fine young man that we all loved very much. I am so proud to have known him and so sad that we have lost him.

Posted by: Dave A Lucas Location: Wilson, Oklahoma on Feb 26, 2008 at 04:17 AM
I would like to send out our deppest sympathy to your family, Your son a my son Logan were friends in school. Logan looked up to your son a great deal. I met him a few times and I must say that he was a well raised young man who set a goal for himself and was going to reach it. He needs to be rememberd as the HERO that he was. He served our country and got the chance to do what he believed in. I only wish that there were more young men in Southern Oklahoma like him. To your family I pray God will grant you peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers

Posted by: Charles Dunn Location: Virginia Beach on Feb 26, 2008 at 04:00 AM
His great grandfather, the Reverend Loren Goodrich (Lawrenceville, Illinois), who himself was a great man, would have been very proud of his "great" great grandson. His greatness was in the bloodlines.

Posted by: Ralph Location: Illinois on Feb 25, 2008 at 11:55 PM
For good friends and family "Time and Distance are no Barriers" Angie, even thought we all cannot be there with you our hearts and prayers are. In my time in the service I was often asked why, be a soldier? WE are soldiers because it is what we beleive in and our Family, friends, teachers and community instilled these beliefs in us. They should be proud. In those that have watched him grow, the family and community of Ardmore will truely miss this "American Son"

Posted by: Jeremy Location: Besmaya(Baghdad),Iraq on Feb 25, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Pokey was a great friend to many, ive known him for years. He really was a great kid, and i am glad to have served beside him. But i can say that he loved what he did with a passion, he died doin what he loved. He wouldnt have wanted to go any other way. Ang, mom... ill be home soon, u know we all loved him, and we all r goin to miss him. He was like a brother to me. Pokey, bud, we miss and love you bro... hope to see you soon up there. Rest in peace.

Posted by: Angela Location: Denison on Feb 25, 2008 at 09:27 PM
I truly am sorry for the loss of your hero. I pray every day for the troops b/c my husband is currently in Camp Anaconda, Balad, Iraq. Thank you for allowing him to protect us~ God bless

Posted by: JUNE Location: dollar general ardmore on Feb 25, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Steve, I'm so sorry to here about Michael,I remember how proud you were and still must be

Posted by: Mike And Cathy Location: Kentucky on Feb 25, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Foz & Ang We are so sorry for the loss of your son Michael. We know how proud you where when he enlisted. The day we moved his unit out of Ft Campbell to deploy our hearts sank. We have always kept him in our thoughts. You are loved and we will be here if you need anything.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 25, 2008 at 08:15 PM
To the family and friends: My thoughs and prayers are with you. Michael is a true hero. God be with you all in your time of sorrow.

Posted by: GC Location: Sherman on Feb 25, 2008 at 08:12 PM
My heart breaks for this family but God bless him!! He's what this country is about!! Thank you!! My prayers are with the family!!

Posted by: Kim Crowson Location: Ardmore on Feb 25, 2008 at 07:32 PM
I love you Pokey. Michael loved you so much, just like a brother. I felt as if you were mine too. I am so proud of you. May God bless you and keep you. To your family I pray God will grant you peace.

Posted by: Cheryl Location: Lone Grove on Feb 25, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Steve & Angela-I am so sorry to hear about this. Please don't hesitate to let me know of anything I can help you with. you are in my thoughts and prayers

Posted by: LT Location: Ardmore on Feb 25, 2008 at 07:00 PM
To the Phillips family, I just wanted to tell you thank you for having such a wonderful son who served our country. I met your son a few times and he was always very polite,my thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours.Im so proud to say I knew such a brave young man you are so correct he is and always will be a hero!! Pokey you will be missed by many!!!

Posted by: Bob W. Hargis Location: Ardmore on Feb 25, 2008 at 06:58 PM
May God bless your family. Your son IS a hero.

Posted by: Kenny Browne Location: Norwalk ,Connecticut on Feb 25, 2008 at 06:12 PM
I never met Michael, but am an aquaintance of his parents, by way of trucking.. I know his parents were real proud him. God bless Michael,and his family.

Posted by: USA PROUD Location: TX on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:58 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. What a man to scarifice the rest of his life so that we may live are lives safely. A true AMERICAN HERO!!!

Posted by: Pamela Location: ardmore on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Pokey was like a son to me because he was with my daughter,but he always called me mom.my husband and myself sat down many times and talked to pokey about the war and the army,he had always said that it was something that he really wanted to do.I love you pokey joe.thank you so very mutch for supporting everyone in the united states.god bless your family.

Posted by: Dawn Rodriguez (GG) Location: Macon, Georgia on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:58 PM
To the Phillips'. Thank you for your gift of a beautiful person and an honorable man. He was more of a man than could ever be expressed. I salute all of you and wished there was something I could do to express my support. I have been incredibly touched - and even changed by all of this. Thank you and hugs to all of you. Know that you are loved from hundreds of miles away.

Posted by: Lauren Location: Ardmore on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:57 PM
Pokey was a great guy. Anytime anyone needed a laugh he was there. I am truly going to miss him. Thanks for fighting for us and I am glad you got the chance to do what you believed in. Your family are in my prayers.

Posted by: Neill Location: Arizona on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:50 PM
I'm proud to have known you Michael. For our tomorrow, you gave your today. Rest in Peace my friend. ~ Neill

Posted by: Hacksaw Legacy vet mc Location: Ardmore on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:42 PM
To the Phillips family, your son is a HERO and nothing less. He is a Brave man,its because men like your son that allows us to do what we like to do. As the saying goes, "He will never be forgotten" God has a special place in Heaven for our fallen Brothers. On behalf of the Vietnam Vets/Legacy Vets M/C I would like to send out our deppest sympathy to his family and friends. May God Bless each and everyone.

Posted by: Stephenie Location: Ardmore on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:41 PM
To Pokey's mom--I am Nikki's sister. I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am about Pokey. My thoughts & prayers will be with you and your family. I thank him for fighting for our freedom! God Bless

Posted by: hali Location: ardmore on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Michael"Pokey" was like a brother to me.He knew me not as a friend or annoying little kid but as a sister.I loved him like he was my own brother.going into the army was somethin he had always wanted to do.I am so proud that he did an he was over there protecting each and every one of us.he will be truly truly missed by many people in our community.we love you pokey!!

Posted by: pamela Location: ardmore on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:19 PM
I myself personally knew this amazing young man,I knew him as Pokey.He was dating my daughter Kimberly a few years ago.I loved him like he was my own son.I enjoyed every moment with him,he even called me mom a few times.he will be truly missed..

Posted by: Pokey's Mom Location: Ardmore on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:15 PM
My son, Micheal "Pokey" Phillips loved what he did and believed in the duty he volunteered for. He was and is a hero. He was just 19 but was more of a man than most. I love you son..

Posted by: ANNANICOLE Location: lone grove on Feb 25, 2008 at 04:44 PM
the good die young

Posted by: Sylvia Location: Cartar County on Feb 25, 2008 at 04:40 PM
My deepest sympathy to his family. I thank him for fighting for our freedom. God Bless You.

Posted by: Patriot Location: Ardmore on Feb 25, 2008 at 04:28 PM
I hope Ardmore law enforcement is there to keep the crazies from the Kansas church from protesting this guy's funeral.

Posted by: Lesli on Feb 25, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Ditto for me just what Lorie from Sherman said! Prayers and hugs go out to his family! Be PROUD!! Be STRONG!!!

Posted by: 1245th Family Location: Tishomingo on Feb 25, 2008 at 03:37 PM
With deep sympathy to the family and highest regards to a brave Oklahoma soldier. May the Lord honor this soldier with comfort and healing for his family.

Posted by: JT Location: Ardmore on Feb 25, 2008 at 02:45 PM
This is a terrible tragedy. His Mother is a kind lady and I feel terrible for her and the family. He is a true American hero and should be remembered as one.

Posted by: Lorie Location: Sherman on Feb 25, 2008 at 02:06 PM
My deepest sympthany goes out to his family. I would like to THANK him and his family for allowing him to go fight for our freedom . He will never know how much he was appericated.My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

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