***UPDATE*** October 30, 2009
CLICK HERE for a message from Joey, Troy’s 27 year old Marine son.
***
October 29, 2009
Troy, 22 year Marine, was shot in the face yesterday when doing his job. His wallet and cell phone were stolen.
More than a Marine, he is the father of seven boys. Today, he is surrounded by 6 of them. One of them is in Iraq on his way home. He called into the show this morning:
6:00 hour:
7:00 hour:
We’re accepting donations and care packages at the studio, 122 Radio Road in Jackson, 38301. We’ll make sure everything gets to the family. (Check can be made payable to Larry Mitchell)
***UPDATE***
A memorial fund has been set up at Patriot Equity Credit Union in Jackson. There are two locations: downtown and Director’s Row. Checks and care packages can still be dropped off at the station.
43 Comments
October 29, 2009 at 8:48 am
We sell Troy keys and remotes and he uses our electronic devices for programming. We talk to him almost daily and found him to be a patient, understanding and kind man. Our prayers go up for him, for his healing and restoration of health and comfort for his family during this time of grief.
October 29, 2009 at 10:58 am
I’m a friend of the family….
this horrible deed must not go unpunished…
please please please anyone who can help capture and prosecute who did this….
please help…
and everyone pray for this family
they love God and they need to be surrounded by prayer right now..
Laura
~~ from Arkansas
October 29, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I live in Oklahoma and am old friends of the Mitchell family. I was stationed at Grand Forks AFB with them. Troy was 16 or so at the time and already began to show patriotism as all he wanted to do was serve his country and become a marine.
I was 19 and already in the Air Force, and gained inspiration from this young man even back then. He truly is undeserving of this terrible crime that has befallen him. His family is the real deal. They are in my thoughts and prayers.
October 29, 2009 at 1:28 pm
My prayers go out to the family and friends of this amazing man. I hope that justice is served and the horrible men who committed this crime pay dearly for taking Troy from the family and community who love him.
October 29, 2009 at 6:25 pm
We now live in Las Vegas, but are old ND friends. The family has our prayers as we ask for God’s blessings to flow to this family; may God’s encouragement, wisdom, grace abound. Hugs!
Neil and Margaret
October 29, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Jesus. What kind of world do we live in?
My Dad used to say there was just an evil in this world. Those words have never rang more true than in these troubling times of uncertainty .
As I listened to the young soldier this morning and the grief and heartache that was in his voice, I said a prayer for his family, friends, and all that are touched by this tragedy of nonsense. This is a young man who has seen the horror of war and the devastation it brings and yet, nothing could ease the pain or prepare him for the impact of what had happened to his father. I do not know the family. However, I do the know the pain he is feeling and I pray for comfort for all concerned. I thank him for his service to our country. And I thank him for being a good son. He said his Dad was his hero. I would have to believe that he is his Dad’s as well
October 29, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Troy is my brother in law and what I call a true American Hero. Troy is a devoted husband to Kelly for over 25 years and has seven doys. Troy has spent his whole life dedicating it to his family and country. Like his father Gary , who is a retired Air Force veteran, who served in Vietnam, have become what I see as true American Heros. Troy is a Marine at heart, serving 22 years and a dedicated Christian family man. Troy is not just your average Marine {which I take nothing away front} but a Purple Heart and Bronze Star winner with so many other metal that even 5 star Generals are amazed at his dress blues. He served is Bosnia and was one of the first Marines to enter Iraq in Desert Storm. He has trained FBI agents. Troy has sacrificed more for his country and family than anyone I have ever met. And this whole cycle was passed down to his oldest son Joey, who became a Marine and his second oldest son Ren who is in the Army and is currentlly in Iraq, hoping to be home soon. I see three generation of true American Hero’s. I listened to Ren this morning on the show. I didn’t know how to feel or re-act. But I do know this they will like Ren said pay for what they did. Anyone who can help please come forward. All prayers are welcomed.
October 29, 2009 at 8:15 pm
This is an unbelievably senseless, sinister, and cowardly act.
I have used Troy’s services several times in the past two years, including installing a safe I bought from him. He is honest, hard working, sincere, and humblingly appreciative of the business we have given him no matter how small.
I had no idea of his military background, but it certainly fills in the blanks as to his character and the respect he has for others. These spineless thugs will never know what being a real man like Troy is all about.
This singular event has angered me and frustrated me all day as I try to imagine what kind of animals would do something like this to this great American. It is this kind of ignorant act that causes one to ponder what a fine thread we are balancing on, that when it snaps, would cause civilized people to seek Old West justice. I do fear we are approaching such an event.
Above all else, my prayers and heart go out to Troy and his family, and wish him a speedy recovery.
October 30, 2009 at 1:02 am
My name is Treaven Mitchell. I’m Troy’s third son. I’m 19 years old. My father is the greatest Man I know. I had the honor of working side by side with my father as his locksmith apprentice. He was loyal, truthful, caring and loving. My mom, his beautiful wife, needS prayer. Thank you to everyone that has helped us and prayed for us. I LOVE YOU DAD.
October 30, 2009 at 8:12 am
Hello, I am Opal Stokes from Monticello MN and a twin sister of Olive, Troy’s great grandson. I remember Toy of his grandma/s sofa with family around and listening to Troy’s words. I remember when he lost his gear at the Pentagon during 911, his courageous help during a severe railroad accident, and the list goes on. My heart goes out to Kelly and all the boys. I am so proud of you and sorry for this senseless act.
I speak for Grandma Olive, who can’t speak for herself because of a stroke.
October 30, 2009 at 6:33 am
The last few days I have been talking and working with the Mitchell family from Washington DC to pass on information to the Unites States Marine Corps & Special Operations community about Troy’s status. I have sad news to report this morning. Joey, his son called me late last night with the final news….MSgt Troy Micthell (MSgt USMC Ret) has passed on. In his giving way to the very end, he wanted his organs to go to help others and he will give life to six or seven others in his passing. His body was in excellent health as you would expect of a 22 year veteran and retired reconnaissance Marine. I can only provide these words to convey the loving devotion Troy had for his family and all of mankind. A true national hero, quiet & humble, smart and sharp, survivor of some of the toughest military training, several wars & conflicts, military deployments, reconnaissance patrols, and sensitive special operations missions. A highly decorated Marine hero, who returned to civilian life after sacraficing 22 years of his time to our nation. He was the real deal, he saw the ugliest of mankind in this world and became a full instrument of justice in which he hunted down those who seeked to destroy the good in life and put away many of those who prey on the weak in this world. Troy simply was the best man I have ever met and had the privilege to know in my life. I served with him, I lived with him, I endured hard times next to him. He always smiled more, the worse things got, and he always believed in goodness of people and God’s plan. He always made sure his face would let that shine through. Please continue your support to the Mitchell family. They do not come any better than this family and they certainly don’t deserve to have the scurge of this earth (those who did this) to walk free. I pray now for Troy’s peace with our Father in heaven and that justice is swift and served to these men who did this.
Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)
Joe Settelen (MGySgt USMC Ret)
October 30, 2009 at 7:40 am
I’m Troy’s wife and the Troy I know is all of what has been said, but no one can ever know how truly close to perfection he was. My boys will keep me going, but a part of me would like to die to be with him. He was funny, changed diapers and loved his boys no matter how rotten they acted. He truly did every thing to the best of his ability and was the most self-disciplined man I know which could at times annoy me and the kids. I will love him forever. Kelly
October 30, 2009 at 7:42 am
Love and prayers to the whole Mitchell family.
October 30, 2009 at 7:58 am
Troy Mitchell is my first cousin. His mother Laurie Mitchell and my mother Sherril Carlson are sisters. Troy is sadly missed by his family and we know that God has him by his side now. We are making the unbelievably sad journey from Minnesota to Kelly and the boys and the Mitchell family to wrap them them in hugs and support them in any way we can.
Troy has been reunited with Grandpa “Boppa” Arther Reed in heaven. Like his Grandfather, Troy will allow others to live better lives by donating his organs.
Troy was an amazing man, husband, father, and family member and has given so much of himself to all. Please consider contributing to support the family by sending donations to the Patriot Equity Credit Union in Jackson.
October 30, 2009 at 8:08 am
I am Troy’s proud sister-in-law, Tracey Lovelace. My heart is broken for my sister who has been a faithful and devoted marine wife to Troy for what would have been 25 years December 23rd. I am also the lucky aunt Tae Tae to his 7 sons and granddaughter Annalyse Renee. We as a family were always prepared for the possibility of Troy not returning from war but for some worthless trash to take his life is unbearable. Our faith in God will see us through the rest of our lives but we as a family will never have the joy that was there before, we will find a new “normal” because that is what Troy would want us to do for his boys. I find peace when I think of Troy reaching the pearly gates and receiving a salute from Jesus as He says “Well done my good and faithful servant…well done”. I love you Troy Boy and I will make you proud. Tracey
October 30, 2009 at 10:42 am
Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Mitchell family. Our words can do little to soothe your hearts and minds at a time such as this. We did not know Mr. Mitchell only heard of the shooting through the Slater show, however hearing and reading all the kind thoughts and comments for the family, we can only imagine the man that Mr. Mitchell was. Be comforted in the fact that through this horrible tragedy your husband, father, brother, friend, and TRUE AMERICAN HERO has touched more lives than he could have possibly imagined. Mr. Mitchell’s legacy will love on through many hearts and minds. Again our sincere condolences to the entire family. God Bless
October 30, 2009 at 12:24 pm
My heart felt sympathy to the family and friends of this awesome man, Troy Mitchell. I hope the family knows that I share a portion of your grief and it is my sincere prayer that God comforts you in this time of great loss. It is also my prayer that those responsible for this cowardly, heinous act of senseless violence will be brought to justice swiftly.
October 30, 2009 at 2:27 pm
And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with Him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet Him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.
(1Th 4:13-18 – NLT)
Troy, you will be missed, but only for a while because we WILL see you again!
November 22, 2009 at 10:31 pm
I can NOT wait for the day I see his beautiful, kind, funny face again. He is the love of my life and I will miss him all the days of my life here on earth. Jesus, come back soon!
October 30, 2009 at 2:57 pm
We only met Troy recently through the West Tennessee Locksmith Association. With our trade, there is always a thought that something similar to this might happen but we hope and pray that it doesn’t and we do our best to be cautious. What a senseless act of violence. It is with a heavy heart that we received the news of his injury and subsequent passing. Glen & I and each of the employees of Peifer Safe & Lock wish to extend our condolences to the family. Our prayers are with the family as they move forward through this tragic event.
October 30, 2009 at 4:20 pm
I grew up next door to the Lovelace’s at Grand Forks Air Force Base and remember being a part of their “family.” I can remeber Troy’s devotion to Kelly while they dated in high school and later. While I may not have stayed close to the family, I always enjoyed Kelly’s family emails that so wonderfully described such a loving family. There is never a doubt about Troy, a man who I can say is a “great man.” We love you all. Bod bless.
October 30, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Today is a sad day. Our thoughts are with the family every passing hour. The words that all of you have shared on Troy’s behalf are truly touching and a great reminder of what Troy has offered to all he has come in contact with. I can say that “if Troy was in your corner you really didn’t need much else”. The community has lost a great man to the evils that lay beyond the walls of humanity. Our hearts go out to Kelly and the young men that Troy and her have been blessed to have. Johnny and Paivi (Sneads Ferry NC).
October 30, 2009 at 8:47 pm
To Kelly and all of your family–I am a cousin of Gary’s; my mother was Frances Altenburg, sister of Grandma Olive.
Words cannot express our sorrow for you. Know that the good memories you have will surround you during this time of grief. Our heart goes out to you all and may God be with you.
October 31, 2009 at 11:35 am
My deepest sympathies go out to Troy’s family.
I grieve also for the parents and grandparents.
I am Gary’s cousin, my mother was a sister of Olive
Mitchell. May God give you peace as
time goes on.
October 31, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Troy Mitchell proved time after time that he would not let his personal fear stand in the way of doing the right thing. He was a hero in the truest sense of the word, he defended our freedom and our safety at the most intricate levels, he hunted down men in far away places that would do us harm if it were not for him and men like him. God bless this man and the beautiful family that he left behind. Citizens, if you have information please take a cue from Troy and don’t let fear stand in the way of doing the right thing. Every person in this city, this state and this country owe Troy Mitchell a debt that they could never pay and he would never ask for, do what you know is right. Semper Fidelis Troy, the streets of heaven will be a fitting duty for a Marine and man of your caliber.
November 1, 2009 at 8:27 am
Kelly is my best friend. We have known each other for over 20 years. She and Troy were 2 years behind me in high school. I love her and I loved Troy. They have been a blessing to me and my family so many times in the past and I am outraged at the senseless act that these individuals did. They took away something dear from my friend and while Troy was all those things that people have stated and more, Kelly was just as courageous and giving as he. For without her (and God), Troy could not of done all that he did. She was his tower, his strength, his refuge and his soul-mate. My family and I will miss Troy and send our love, support and prayers to Kelly and her boys and all of her extended family members. Peace be with you.
November 1, 2009 at 12:30 pm
My heart goes out to Kelly and all the boys in this great loss. Such a waste of a truly wonderful and patriotic and productive man. His Grandma Olive and I, Opal, her twin sister, would be there in person except we are 86 years old and the distance is too much. Olive would love to give her thoughts, but because of a stroke, has losy her voice. She and her husbanc, Hugh, prayed with our pastor this morning at church.
I remember being at their (Troy & Kelly) home in Wash.,DC several years ago. He came to my hotel and had dinner with me. I introduced him to the National American Commander and several came to him with a ‘Semi Fi’. I am sending our pastors sermon of this morning on tape to Kelly. It’s on “TIME” and very appropriate.
Love from Aunt Opal, Monti cello MN.
November 1, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Thanx Marine,
Capt. Mike Pattyson
November 1, 2009 at 7:38 pm
I am absolutely heartbroken. What a senseless act and what an incredible loss to so many.
I knew Troy and Kelly from the days when we all lived on the Air Force Base in Grand Forks, ND. Troy loved Kelly, he always loved Kelly. I remember the first time I saw him after he went into the Marines…that skinny young boy had found another love, his country, and it showed. He served us all well. He loved and served his family well. It shouldn’t have ended like this.
Kelly and boys, know that you are in our prayers.
~Mike and Kari (Lillo) Fletcher
Mankato, MN
November 1, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Troy was able to save four lives Saturday morning by donating his organs….once again proving what a “hero” he truly was. I hope these lucky individuals live life to the fullest and make everyday count. I hope they one day know what an honor it is to be able to carry on a part of Troy…we, as his family, will make sure the story of his life is something that will be shared with each and every one of them. It is a blessing to be able to be so proud of our hero….on the flip side…the individuals who committed this cowardly act must bring there families such shame and grief….the mothers of this trash failed miserably in the one job that they were suppose to excel in…my hope is that they didn’t bring anymore children into this world…they have done enough to make this world a sad, scary place…shame on them because they share some responsiblity for what has happened.
November 2, 2009 at 5:46 am
Family, Friends, Neighbors & Marines,
Arrangements have been finalized to lay to rest MSgt Troy G. Mitchell (USMC Retired).
A service will be held Wednesday, 4 Nov 2009 at 1:00 PM.
The place & location of this service is:
Englewood Baptist Church
2239 N Highland Ave,
Jackson, TN 38305.
(Located off I-40 Exit 82)
There will be no open public viewing for Troy. All wishing to pay their respects are asked to proceed promptly to Englewood Baptist Church no later than 12: 45 PM on 4 Nov 2009. Following the ceremony MSgt Troy Mitchell will be laid to rest at the Mitchell Family Cemetery with full military honors. This portion of the service is for Family, Close Family Friends & Troy’s Marines (Also any and all military, police or emergency care personnel who want to render honors). This private burial location will be announced at the service, and a vehicle procession to MSgt Mitchells resting place, will depart immediately follow the service.
The family cannot thank enough the support, generosity and out pouring of love & respect from the Jackson Tennessee community and many who have sent their prayers, support and condolences from across the nation. The family cannot possibly meet and thank everyone, before, during or after this service. Please know we will try to follow up in the following weeks and accept our “Thank You” now for your loving support.
Donation In lieu of Flowers can be directed to:
The Troy G Mitchell Fund
Patriot Equity Credit Union
59 Directors Row
Jackson TN 38305
Phone (731) 668-1155
Should a funeral update notice be required it will be web posted. Please check http://www.ForceRecon.com for any future information bulletins on the funeral. All details will be updated there. No further emails will be put out from the family. Please scan the delivery lines and forward this email and information as appropriate. Or direct people to these instructions at http://www.ForceRecon.com.
Flight Info & Options:
Flights into the area can be either Memphis Airport (Airport Code MEM) or Nashville Airport (BNA).
Memphis only has an off airport rental car facility which adds about 20 minutes to the total travel time. There are no on site rental car counters, you must book on line and or take the shuttle to the rental car off site area of choice. The drive time to Jackson TN once you have your car, is about 1 hour 10-15 minutes of interstate driving on I-240 and I-40.
Nashville on the other hand is about an 1 hour 25-30 minutes drive time from Jackson TN but has an on airport rental car pick up and drop off site. So the total travel time is about equal in time spent getting to Jackson TN, although the drive time is a bit longer. Leaving you with two options for travel and airline services.
There are various hotels to in Jackson TN to include a Holiday Inn, a La Quinta Inn, a Double Tree and other value hotels. Staying anywhere between Exit 76 & 82 off I-40 will put you less than 10 minutes from the church location.
Respectfully Posted For the Mitchell Family,
Joe Settelen
MGySgt USMC Retired
November 2, 2009 at 9:11 am
I too, have known Troy and Kelly since junior high on Grand Forks, AFB. I am saddened and heartbroken for this family, and I am angry about the senseless, careless way in which Troy was taken from them.
Kelly and boys, you are in my family’s thoughts and prayers.
November 3, 2009 at 8:29 pm
to Kelly and family we would like to express our sincere sympathy to the family we own F&B Auto
Sales in the few years that we had known Troy we
can only remember good things about him he was always kind and smiling tuesday evening october the 27 he was at our place of business about 5:oo
to make a key he told me he had one more stop to make, that was to help a teacher who had lost her keys then he was going home he was always helping others. I just didn’t know that would be my last time seeing him. Our prayers are with your Family we are praying for swift justic.
November 13, 2009 at 6:54 am
I have learned that we never really know when we say good-bye to someone if that will be the last time. I hope we can learn to embrace that thought and show our loved ones every day in words and actions how much we love them. That day started out as so many others, but it ended in an unimaginable way. I am forced to live a new normal. I hate it, but will go on for my boys. I do look forward to the day the sky opens up and the trumpet sounds! I’ll see Jesus and my sweet Troy again. Oh, for that glorious hope!
November 4, 2009 at 10:22 am
My nephew, who is like a son to us, is a Green Beret who has operated a time or two with these Special Ops Marines.Putting the banter aside as to who is the best at what they do, there is nothing but admiration shared between them.I have kept him informed as to the tragedy that these animals have visited upon the Mitchell family.These punks would do well to surrender to the authorities.I will fly a flag on Highland Ave. and I will always remember a man I never knew.If I,never a marine, can be allowed this privilege, I say Semper Fi!
November 4, 2009 at 9:23 pm
My heart sank when I pulled up to the store to make my normal visit and read the sign on the door. I live in Nashville and only visit Jackson about once a month for work so I had no idea until I heard the news on the radio. My company has done business with Troy for several years now and it was my pleasure to get to know Troy and over the past year. I loved listening to his stories about the things he found cleaning out vacuum cleaners! Just with the few visits I made to the store I just knew he was a kind and generous man with true sincerity. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
November 13, 2009 at 6:56 am
I, too, loved listening to the “astonishing” things he would find in vacuums! No wonder some of them didn’t work!
November 5, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Friends, Neighbors, Marines, Sailors & Soldiers,
Thanks you so very much for the support and most honorable send off of my great friend MSgt Troy G. Mitchell (USMC Retired). I want to specially thank Mike Slater of the Slater Radio Show for his kind words this morning about the ceremony and all the support he and his staff have provided. I listened till I found myself out of range heading to the airport today, the words were heartwarming. The tribute on your web page is beautiful, and for you to use of your audience reach to allow the Mitchell family to speak to the community….it just reminds me of our greatness as Americans. Thank You so very much.
I also want to send a huge thank you to the 3 detachments of Tennessee and 1 detachment of Alabama Marine Corps League, the Patriot Guard Riders from every corner of the United States that showed up to protect the integrity of the procession and render their honors, and the 23rd Marines from Kilo Company, Memphis TN for the wonderful job they did at the funeral . All of these folks were instrumental in providing me and the family the assistance we needed in rendering the appropriate military honors to Troy. The township support was an amazing demonstration of the power of community. And a lesson in why a community knows better how to take care of its own, not some huge, slow, overreaching Federal government. That kind, loving, small town spirit is something we could use a little more of up in DC. I see now why Troy was so happy at setting down his roots in Jackson. The people were so kind, so respectful and so giving, it inspired me deeply. It was the greatest display of American spirit I have ever witnessed as a Marine.
I will celebrate the Marine Corps 234th Birthday this weekend, and it is always a day that Troy and I would talk and catch up on family. I will miss that talk, but I will carry the mental pictures and memories of the great people of Jackson Tennessee in my heart forever. You honored my friend beyond any words I can think of right now. MGySgt Joe Settelen sends. Semper Fidelis…..always faithful.
November 13, 2009 at 6:59 am
Joe, we consider you family, Troy’s brother. We love you and can’t even begin to say thank you for all you have done for us.
November 22, 2009 at 10:36 pm
I miss my Marine and the love of my life. He truly had the key to my heart. Keep praying for our family. It’s all that is keeping me going right now.
November 25, 2009 at 12:44 pm
How much evil is in this world?????? 4 weeks ago today someone shot the love of my life, Troy Mitchell and now someone has shot one of our dogs. We rushed her to the vet and she had surgery. She is going to be okay, but I don’t know about me. I’m just ready for Jesus to come back for us all. This world is too cruel.
December 14, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Kelly~
This whole situation has left me completely heartbroken for your family!
I have to say I admire your strength and your faith!
Please know your husband and your family will not be forgotten. You and your boys (and now your dog…)will continue to be in our prayers!
I know there is so much evil in our world Kelly but try to remember there is so much good as well.
December 15, 2009 at 8:17 pm
I’m gonna miss you bro ! ! !