Michael Jack Rehkopf Jr

Mount Ulla, North Carolina

May 9, 2015

Age	Military	Rank	Unit/Location
32	Marine	SSG

On August 22, 2009, Mikey was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device and lost his right leg in service to this country. He was medically retired from the Marines with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Michael Rehkopf, Jr.
From Salisbury Post 05/12/15:
SALISBURY, NC- Michael Jack Rehkopf Jr. was born on August 30, 1983 in Mount Ulla, NC. to the late Carla Rehkopf. He was raised with his baby sister, Jennifer. Mikey attended Woodleaf Elementary School and West Rowan High School. He graduated in 2001 from high school as an honor graduate.
In 2001, Mikey enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He decided to pursue his military career in Special Operations, and Mikey graduated in 2003 from the Reconnaissance pipeline and Scout Sniper School. He was activated in December 2003 and shipped out to the Middle East where he served honorably multiple times, defending his nation’s freedom. Mikey earned the Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal with oak leaf cluster, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor device, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 3 campaign stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 campaign stars, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Medal (2nd award), NATO Medal, Combatant Diver Badge, Navy & Marine Corps Parachutist Badge, Rifle Expert Badge (6th award), and Pistol Expert Badge (4th award). Mikey felt great pride in serving his country, and always carried that sense of honor with him wherever he went. On August 22, 2009, Mikey was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device and lost his right leg in service to this country. He was medically retired from the Marines with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Mikey loved football, sunshine, and fast cars. Though he had an aversion to sharks, Mikey loved taking trips to the beach. His sister says that Mikey would “walk on water” if he heard anybody mention “shark” while he was swimming. He would even avoid getting a foot wet for the rest of the day following such an incident. Of all the things that Mikey loved in life, he cherished his family and pets the most. He had a strong bond with his sister and mother. Despite his tough outer appearance, his family remembers Mikey to be warm, loving, and gentle. He had a “heart of gold.”
Mikey passed away on May 9, 2015 in Salisbury, NC. following a long battle against Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A celebration of his life will be held at 1pm, Thursday, May 13, 2015 at the Millers’ residence with a private graveside service and full military honors to follow. Mikey is survived by his loving family: his sister, Jennifer (Jason) Miller; his aunt, Sandy (Gary) Owens; his maternal grandmother, Nancy Brennan; and numerous cousins. His memory will be cherished forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:
The National Amputation Foundation
40 Church Street
Malverne, NY 11565
Phone: 516-887-3600
Fax: 516-887-3667