First Sgt. Michael S. Barnhill, of Folsom, Calif., died after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device near Haqlaniyah. Barnhill began his second tour of duty in Iraq in January and was due to come home in September. He never complained about being sent back to Iraq after serving his earlier tour. Mike was first and foremost always a Marine. Duty and honor first. He worked as a prison guard for more than 15 years at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, outside of Sacramento. Mike was a graduate of Folsom High School, where he played baseball, soccer and wrestled. He joined the Marine Corps in 1983 and worked as a helicopter mechanic before leaving active duty in 1989. He joined the reserves seven months later and was assigned to various bases throughout the West. Barnhill received several awards during his 22 years in the service, including the Good Conduct Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation. He is the second California state prison guard to die while serving in Iraq. Sgt. He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Joanna, and three children. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Donna Barnhill. He was 39.
Marine Forces Reserve's
6th Engineer Support Battalion,
4th Force Service Support Group,
Eugene, Ore.
Marine Forces Reserve's
6th Engineer Support Battalion,
4th Force Service Support Group,
Eugene, Ore.
First Sgt. Michael S. Barnhill, of Folsom, Calif., died after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device near Haqlaniyah. Barnhill began his second tour of duty in Iraq in January and was due to come home in September. He never complained about being sent back to Iraq after serving his earlier tour. Mike was first and foremost always a Marine. Duty and honor first. He worked as a prison guard for more than 15 years at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, outside of Sacramento. Mike was a graduate of Folsom High School, where he played baseball, soccer and wrestled. He joined the Marine Corps in 1983 and worked as a helicopter mechanic before leaving active duty in 1989. He joined the reserves seven months later and was assigned to various bases throughout the West. Barnhill received several awards during his 22 years in the service, including the Good Conduct Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation. He is the second California state prison guard to die while serving in Iraq. Sgt. He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Joanna, and three children. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Donna Barnhill. He was 39.
Marine Forces Reserve's
6th Engineer Support Battalion,
4th Force Service Support Group,
Eugene, Ore.
Marine Forces Reserve's
6th Engineer Support Battalion,
4th Force Service Support Group,
Eugene, Ore.
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