Army Sgt. Michael C. Barkey

Died July 7, 2004 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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22, of Canal Fulton, Ohio; assigned to the 1484th Transportation Company, Ohio National Guard, Akron, Ohio; killed July 7 when a tire blew out on the military vehicle in which he was riding, the driver lost control and the vehicle turned over in Ramadi, Iraq.

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Ohio Guard member killed in Iraq

Associated Press

An Ohio National Guard member was killed in Iraq this week when his vehicle flipped over.

Sgt. Michael Barkey, 22, of Canal Fulton, south of Akron, died Wednesday, said his mother, Julie Barkey.

Barkey was a member of the 1484th Transportation Company based in Akron and had been in the service for nearly four years.

“We know Michael was there securing freedom for others, and he believed in that very strongly,” his mother said.

John Barkey said his younger brother would send home videos showing him having fun with other soldiers in his unit.

“He was always good for helping to get the edge off,” John Barkey said. “No matter how bad things were, he’d make you laugh.”

Michael Barkey played football and basketball at Canal Fulton Northwest High School and earned an associate’s degree in fire technology from the University of Akron.

His sister, Therese Barkey, said he wanted to become a firefighter because he enjoyed helping others.

“He liked to hang out with his friends, he liked to party, like all boys his age,” she said. “Michael was just waiting to come home, like everyone else over there.”

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Ohio soldier eulogized as hero

CANAL FULTON, Ohio — An Ohio soldier who died in Iraq was remembered by family and friends at his funeral on Saturday.

Sgt. Michael Christopher Barkey, 22, died when his vehicle flipped over. He was a member of the Ohio National Guard’s 1484th Transportation Company, based in Akron.

Many wore bright colors at the request of Barkey’s mother, Julie, but others were dressed in uniforms from all branches of the military, as well as some Boy Scouts in uniform.

A hearse carried the flag-draped coffin of Barkey to the Sts. Philip and James Catholic Church cemetery for burial with full military honors. Hundreds of people stood along the streets to show their respect Saturday morning following a funeral Mass held in the Northwest High School gymnasium, Barkey’s alma mater.

After the Mass, Barkey’s parents, Hal and Julie Barkey, were presented with a Bronze Star and an Ohio Distinguished Service Medal.

Col. Deborah Ashenhurst, commander of the Ohio National Guard 73rd Troop Command, said Barkey “had a patriotic calling” and a set of core values for his parents, friends, church, community and fellow soldiers.

Barkey’s mother urged the gathering not to lose hope. She said if people want to remember her son, they should “do the right thing and stand up for the little guy.”

— Associated Press