BOYNTON BEACH, FL, U.S.A. U.S. ARMY PFC,CO A, 2ND BN, 504TH PARACHUTE INF REG, 1SR BCT, FORT BRAGG, NC 04/22/2012, GHAZNI, AFGHANISTAN
PFC Metcalf graduated from St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, WI in 2008. He played baseball, football and hockey in high school. After high school, he discovered bull riding and tattoos. He was a truck mudding enthusiast, liked playing pool, going out with friends and meeting new people. He was a free spirited person who you only needed to know a minute, but he would leave you feeling as if you were a lifelong friend.
Michael was a resident of Boynton Beach, FL, but spent a lot of time in Ashtabula visiting his family. PFC Metcalf joined the Army March 8, 2011. He was just 22 when he was killed. His mother, Kimberly Metcalf, said her son loved serving his country. He had been in Afghanistan for about a month.
CPT Grant Barge, who is from the Boynton Beach area, spoke to the hundreds of people gathered at the funeral for PFC Metcalf at the First Baptist Church “It is an absolute honor to be standing here with you today,” he exclaimed. CPT Barge told the congregation of family, friends, service men and women and people who came to show their support that he watched Michael grow up from from an ambitious 15 year old kid to a 22 year old American hero’”
The service let people learn about the soldier’s short life. Becky Coon, of Boynton Beach, attended to show “military support”. Her 25-year-old son has served in the Army for three years.
“My soul felt compelled to come and just give respect as a grateful citizen,” she said.
Michael’s friend Cory Hueston began the service by singing a song he wrote for the fallen soldier after he was told of his passing. Hueston left listeners at times teary-eyed with sweet, loving lyrics: “You knew just how to bring us together, just how to make it better. Your heart is still around.” And made people laugh with lyrics about Metcalf giving Hueston a tattoo: “It didn’t come out good.” But that’s OK, he said, it’s “my memory.” “He was wonderful … a kind, kind kid. He was a happy, happy guy … He was great.” Kimberly Metcalf added.
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