Stories of Our Heroes: A USAAF K9 Handler With A Love For Fishing And Family

The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) has launched "Stories of Our Heroes," a new series focused on sharing the lives and legacies of our Arizona Veterans who have been interred in one of our three Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemeteries (AVMC). 

The series will help keep the stories of our Veterans alive by showcasing the Arizona Veterans who served and sacrificed for our country. ADVS wants to ensure our Veterans will never be forgotten and that the world can get to know them more--not just for their amazing service and sacrifices for our country during their military career, but who they were as people.

This week's Veteran is Air Force Technical Sergeant Michael G. Odell.

For 20 years, Michael served his country in the U.S. Air Force, spending his career as a decorated K9 handler. Throughout his years in the military, Michael was stationed all around the world during the Persian Gulf War period, including the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, the Persian Gulf and Korea.

After getting out of the military, the New York-born father of three continued to serve his country and joined the Pima County Sheriff’s Office where decades protected and served the great people of Arizona.

Michael was a family man who loved being with his wife and three children. For his kids, Michael was in inspiration, especially to his son who followed in his footsteps and joined the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

When asked about Michael, his kids said, “In school growing up we had papers to do like who our role models were and who were our heroes. My dad is the person I looked up to the most and he is definitely is my hero. All of my reports were about my dad. He has taught me so much and for that I am truly grateful and blessed. Miss you beyond measure and I love you forever dad. Thank you for everything.”

To his family, they will always remember Michael at his happiest: waist deep in the lake with a fishing pole in hand.

Michael passed away on June 23, 2021 at the age of 59. He was interred at the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista.

Thank you Michael for your service and sacrifice. #StoriesOfOurHeroes

If you would like to have your loved one featured on our next Stories of Our Heroes, email [email protected] or fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/5wAXQs9nbypnprpu6