Michael Griffith

Master Sergeant Michael Griffith, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished friend, and proud active-duty service member, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, at the age of 36.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Maya Reign Ahava Griffith; great-grandfathers, Andrew Deering and Robert Brown; grandmother, Sheila Brown; grandfather, Charles Price; and aunt, Anita Brown.

Michael was born on August 24, 1988, in Des Moines, IA. He grew up with a passion for helping others and ensuring everyone around him was happy. After graduating from Benson Senior High School, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Bryant, his grandfather, and his great-grandfather by answering the call to serve his country. Michael enlisted in the military, where he displayed exceptional bravery, leadership, and dedication over 15 years of service, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him.

His duty assignments include:

• Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion (HHBn), 1st Cavalry Division (1CD), Fort Hood, TX; deployed to Camp Redhill, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic.
• Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, Bravo Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
• Student, Special Warfare Center and School, Fort Bragg, NC.
• Maintenance Platoon Sergeant, Juliet Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.
• Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager NCO, Help Desk NCO, and Group's Master Fitness Trainer, HHC, 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Campbell, KY; deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Marine Special Operations Command as the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) Spectrum Manager until its sunset in March 2021; then transitioned to Special Operations Joint Task Force (SOJTF) Spectrum Manager; also served as the S6 NCOIC for 5th Special Group supporting all Operational Detachment Alphas throughout the Central Command Area of Operations.
• After leaving the 5th Special Group, Michael transitioned from the Army to the Space Force in Colorado, serving at the 25th Space Range Squadron (Starcom) at Schriever AFB, CO as a Range Control Officer.
• From there, he moved to the United States Space Force, where he served at the Space Rapid Capabilities Office in New Mexico as Superintendent of Information Technology & Information System Security Manager.

Family was the center of Michael's world. He was a devoted husband to Serah and a loving father to Miguel, Antoni, Maya, and Esjay. Michael instilled the values of integrity, perseverance, and kindness in everyone around him.

Michael was known for his impeccable style, always well-dressed from head to toe. He believed in encouraging others to be their best and follow their dreams. His love for travel and fitness was known by all, and if you ever had a conversation with Michael, fitness tips were sure to follow.

Michael had a love for dogs. He was a breeder for some time. Michael had an entrepreneurial drive as his last endeavor was coffee. He started a coffee business called Frenchie Beans. Additionally, Michael recently obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Leadership Science and was to start working on his MBA.

He is survived by his wife, Serah; daughter, Esjay Marie (Serah); sons, Miguel and Antoni (Rosa Griffith); parents, Nikki (Bryant) McCain and William Glover; great-grandmother, Ernestine Deering; grandfather Jerry Griffith; grandmothers, Gloria Price and Kathleen (Jerry) Glover; siblings, Jesse McCain, Oliver McCain, Breia McCain, Airryn McCain, Aubrianna McCain, Maydee Griffy, Sonja Galloway, Imani Mathis, Robert Dalton, Alexandria Tobia, Cecilia Jones, William Glover Jr., and Avianna Smith; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Though our hearts are heavy with the loss of Michael, we find comfort in knowing he is now at peace. His legacy of honor, love, and sacrifice will live on through all those whose lives he touched.