SGT. Michael T. Washington was born on October 6, 1987 at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, California. Michael played soccer and baseball at an early age and enjoyed the Southern California beaches. In 1994, Michael and his family moved to Tacoma where he continued to play soccer and more importantly made life long friends with several of his peers. From an early age, Michael displayed traits and characteristics that would guide and shape his life, such as, dedication, bravery, and integrity. Michael also had a heart for God and accepted Christ at age 7. Michael believed in standing up for people who couldn't defend themselves. Michael's moral compass was fixed and aimed at "doing the right thing". Michael loved his country, especially the idea of America and what it could be. Perhaps his most admirable traits were his work ethic and dedication. He learned from an early age to take on roles meant for someone much older. Michael's father was frequently deployed between 2001 and 2004. During each deployment Michael took on the job as "man of the house". He took his job seriously and his father knew that with Michael at home he had one less issue to worry about.

Michael attended Northeast Tacoma Elementary, Meeker Middle School, and Stadium High class of 2005. While at Stadium, Michael was involved in the Navy ROTC program. Michael took up golf and worked at North Shore Golf Course in Browns Point.

Michael enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in the summer of 2005 at the age of 17. When his father asked why he wanted to join the Marines during such a volatile time, he responded by saying "Dad, I want to help people who can't help themselves and being Marine Infantry is where I'd do the most good". Michael graduated from Boot Camp where he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class in December and the School of Infantry in February. Michael was assigned to Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines also known in Marine parlance as Golf 2/7. 2/7 deployed to Iraq in early 2007 and it was there that Michael received the "baptism of fire". Michael was decorated for bravery while providing cover while providing cover for Marines caught in an ambush. It was during this time that Michael was meritoriously promoted from Lance Corporal to Corporal. Returning from Iraq, Michael was selected to attend the Squad Leaders Course at Camp Pendleton. Michael rose quickly through the ranks and was again meritoriously promoted; this time to Sgt. Soon thereafter he was assigned as a Squad Leader with 1st Platoon. Michael was in charge of a 13 man Marine rifle squad at the age of 20. Michael loved being a Marine and being with his Marines. Michael was also a devoted son to his parents and brother to his sister, Aja. Michael and his mother Grace enjoyed kidding around and talking about every subject under the sun. He and his father enjoyed playing practical jokes on each other and joking around. When his father was away, Michael took his role as man of the house seriously and Grace and Aja were always in good hands. Michael and Aja were very close and enjoyed a great relationship throughout his life. Michael especially loved playing with his niece Jada and looked forward to spending time with her.

Perhaps most importantly Michael was a young man of God. While he will be missed by all, Michael is with God now.

--Text taken from Michael Washington's Memorial Service Program.

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