 San Francisco Chronicle -- A Sunnyvale man serving his third tour of duty with the Marines in Iraq was killed in fighting there last week, the Pentagon said today.
Sgt. Michael E. Tayaotao, 27, joined the Marines soon after he graduated from Fremont High School in Sunnyvale. He volunteered to return to Iraq for his third tour seven months ago and had hoped to return to resume his education and go fishing with friends.
Tayaotao died Thursday from wounds he suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, the military said. The sergeant was assigned to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force in Camp Pendleton (San Diego County).
"He's a great man, that's all I can say," said Tayaotao's uncle, Felix Tayaotao, 45, of Sunnyvale. "He's a straightforward and brave man. He did what he can for his country, for his people."
Michael Tayaotao enjoyed shooting guns, camping and fishing, his uncle said. He joined the Marines within months of graduating from Fremont High, believing that it would be a profession, said his uncle, with whom he often stayed in Sunnyvale. 
"This is my last tour," Tayaotao told his uncle shortly before leaving for Iraq earlier this year. "When I come back, we'll fix the house."
He leaves behind his parents, Mario and Heidi Tayaotao, and his sister, Leah. His younger brother, Vince, died in November. |
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Semper Fi Devil Dog!