Mild Mannered Mikey
I received a message from Mikey a long time ago; many years have passed and I cannot remember the exact date. He was out of SF and felt the urge to communicate with his SF Brothers once again. I had been the Secretary of Chapter 38 for a long time, thus linked him up with The Brotherhood because I felt his need for SF comraderie.
When I received terrorfying news from Lil’ Sis (Linda Cioch) that Mikey was in the hospital and the prognosis was not good. I asked if there was anything I could do. Lil’ Sis indicated that Mikey needed a laptop computer to check his emails at the hospital. I asked if a tablet would do as I believed it would be easier for him to use. She indicated that it would probably work better, so, I ordered one and sent it to Mike and Linda.
As I sat in my “man cave” I began to reminice about the things that Mikey and I had done together. The many times we ran training operations to help soldiers. He was our demo man on ODA-Cassidy (Team Fallujah) He watch my “6” more than once; I never had to worry about doing stupid things when he was around because he would let me know in a heart-beat if he thought it was dumb. Mikey also had a sense of humor and a “hard headness” that I would put up against any person I have ever met. The “war stories” we shared got better with age.
Linda (Lil Sis) and Mike (Mild Mannered Mikey) have always been staunch supporters of Chapter 38, SFA; the SafeHouse, and the GBVA. I will definitely miss Mikey and the memories we share, but I will absolutely never forget him. Take Care Mikey, and save a cold one for me. Also, tell The Brothers I said, “Hi!”
It was truly a very sad day for us and the many friends that Mikey and Lil’ Sis have. I and others will truly miss him. He is another Brother, a Professional who will not be forgotten.
Da Rock Sends…..
Life Member of Chapter 38, SFA Michael (Mild Mannered Mikey) L. Cioch, 60, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 0220 hours in Hospice Franciscan Communities located in Michigan City, Indiana. Mikey was a staunch supporter of Chapter 38, SFA and the SF Brotherhood..
Funeral services were held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana with Jay Whetsel officiating. Visitation was from 1:00 pm -3:00 pm, Saturday at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, Indiana. A private burial took place with the assistance of his SF Brothers.
He was born February 7, 1955 in Herkimer, New York to the late Ernest and Patricia (Furois) Cioch. On February 14, 1987 in Michigan City, Indiana he married Linda Thomson who survives in Michigan City, Indiana.
Also surviving are three daughters, Cari Mitchell of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, Amanda (Josh) Krickhahn of LaPorte, Indiana and Christina (Brian) Wright of Michigan City, Indiana; son, Michael (Heather) Cioch of Terre Haute, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Jordyn, Jacob, Ethan, Tyler, Nathan, Mark and Kennedy; and two brothers, Thomas (Tracy) Cioch of LaPorte, Indiana and Steven (Rhonda) Cioch of Fuquay Varina, NC.
Mike was an electrician with the I.B.E.W. Local 531 and a U.S. Army Special Forces Veteran. He was a member of the I.B.E.W. Local 531, Special Forces Association Chapter 38 and was a Mason and a Shriner. Mike enjoyed fishing and riding motorcycles.
Contributions may be made to Shriner’s Childrens Hospital, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60607 or to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, Tennessee 38105.