colonel michael waggle
Colonel Michael V. Waggle, 42, of Andrews Air Force Base, MD, died Sunday September 30, 2012. Born on November 15, 1969, in Steubenville, OH, Michael was a son of Emily Johnson Waggle of Weirton and the late Harlen D. Waggle. Michael was a Colonel in the United States Air Force. He graduated from Weir High School, in 1988, and went on to garner three recommendations for appointment to the USAF Academy. He graduated from the Academy in 1992 and began a 20 year military career that took him all over the world. His deployments include tours in Kosovo and Iraq. He was awarded the Bronze Star for work accomplished during oversight of oil reconstruction contracts. In addition to his mother, Michael is survived by his wife, Major Sandra Sandoval Waggle of Andrews Air Force Base and their son, Harlen Waggle; a brother Doug (Cecilia) Waggle of Dripping Springs, TX. Visitation will be 2-4 & 6-8 PM Thursday at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Friday at Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 200 Preston Avenue Weirton. Fr. Richard Davis, T.O.R. will preside Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Emily & family, You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of Michael. The time spent with him and the memories and love you shared with him will be forever in your heart. Our prayers are with you and your family.

  2. I have great middle school memories of Mike. He was my first date to a Halloween dance. He remained a friend in high school. Mike was a great person all the way around. What a sad loss for anyone who was lucky enough to know him. I am so sorry for his family and all of the pain and sorrow you will carry. I know he will make it to a place where he can dance till his heart’s content. Rest now old friend.

  3. So very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Although I hadn’t seen him after high school graduation, I clearly remember what a pleasant, positive, and great person he was. Anyone who had the opportunity to know him was blessed. My prayers go to his family.

  4. Emily, Sandra, Harlen, Doug and family No words can express the sorrow all of you are going thru but you are in my heart and prayers.

  5. Dear Emily and family, I am so sorry to learn of Michael’s passing. He was such a wonderful, kindhearted, strong, and courageous young man. I send you my love and deepest sympathy at this difficult time.

  6. I am so sorry for your loss, I went to school with Mike and he was a wonderful person. Please know he was loved and will be missed by many.

  7. Emily, Sandra, Harlen, Doug, & family, Words cannot express the sadness in our hearts after hearing of the loss of Mike. It was a real pleasure to have Mike join our karate studio as a 15-year-old, and to count him as one of our first black belts; what an impressive martial artist he turned out to be. And we were so proud when he was appointed to the Air Force Academy. Then to work his way up to colonel . . . what an accomplishment. What well remember most about him though was his wonderful sense of humor. It was so good to be able to talk to him a few weeks ago. He was a great son, husband and father, and we know he made you proud. He will always live on in our hearts and we are saddened and truly sorry for your loss. God bless all of you. You are and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Rick & Karen

  8. Emily, my thought and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time. The Lord has a plan, even though we don’t always understand it. May he be a comfort to you and bring you peace.

  9. Emily, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, may God give you the strength to get through this difficult time. Mike was a wonderful, kind, and funny person who will be greatly missed by his classmates. Shannon Backel

  10. Emily, Doug and family, It is with a sad heart that we have learned of Michael’s passing. I remember him as a boy growing up as a neighbor on Willow St.He and Doug were special young men. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God give you peace and comfort. Norma and Clarence Cost

  11. I am saddend by the loss of Colonel Michael Waggle. I had the honor of serving under his command at Randolph AFB, TX. He was a great leader and true patriot and took care of those that served under his command. God bless your family as you go through this difficult time. With deepest sympathy – Jason and Beverly Simas

  12. Mrs. Waggle and Doug you have our deepest sympathy.We enjoyed having Mike in our Cub Scout pack years ago. He and Doug were a joy to be around. Mike made everyone who knew him proud with his service to our country. We would like to think that theCub Scouts helped him on his way.

  13. I really didnt know Mike personally but felt as if I did , because over the years I have heard Karen and Rick Rine speak of him and his accomplishments and the respected man he became, and the admiration they held for him as a martial artist. Martial arts is like the military of sorts, a brotherhood in comradery , in that respect I felt as if I knew Mike. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to all of Mike’s family .

  14. I knew Mike Waggle when he was the Commander of the 902d Contracting Squadron, in San Antonio, TX. My prayers go out to his family during this time…he will be missed!

  15. There are no words to express how my heart aches for the loss of such an amazing man. Col Waggle was the true definition of leadership and I am very honored to have served under him. The 902d Contracting Squadron was beyond blessed to have such a mighty leader who lived for unity amongst us. He stood for everyone military or civilian and was so involved with us all. He was always full of smiles and the loudest one at award ceremonies, I will always remember the time he exploded a fog horn all over him and I during a Commanders Call from using it so much. He was an amazing man with so much character. My prayers go to his family, Maj Waggle and little Harlan. We were all blessed by the Lord to have had this cherished time with one of his great angels! He will be missed tremendously! God bless you all!

  16. We had the pleasure of know “Lt” Mike Waggle when he was first stationed at Randolph AFB. A co-worker of our daughter Brenda (Gainey), Mike enjoyed many a happy gathering at our house. He was part of our family. May he rest in peace. Joe & Cordy Lopez

  17. My deepest sympathy to Col Waggle’s family. He will be missed. My prayers are with the family. May you have peace knowing that he is now resting and not suffering anymore

  18. Mike will be missed. We were classmates at USAFA. It was an honor knowing and serving with him. May God Bless Mike and his family.

  19. I am so sorry for you and your family! I have looked at both of yalls profiles on facebook. Your son has sooo much to be proud of! His parents are heros..Words can not express how sorry I am for your loss!

  20. My family sent Sandra, Harlen, and the rest of Michael Waggle’s family our deepest sympathy and our prayers at this tough time. Love ya’ll!!!

  21. Your Silpada Sisters all love you Sandra. Just know we are here for whatever support you need. Our prayers are with you. ~ Ginny

  22. We are so sorry for your loss and praying for you and your son. May the Lord Bless you and comfort you in this time of hurt. Somcerely Chevo-Mary Lou-Belle Lumbrera

  23. So sorry for your loss, prayers go out to you and your son and may the Lord bless you and comfort you in this time of hurt.

  24. Praying for you and your family my dear friend. May Almighty God comfort you and give you strength.

  25. Dear Emily & Family, Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I lost my sister a few months ago so i know what you are going through. May God bring a fast healing process to you and your family. Love Karen

  26. Deepest sympathy to the entire Waggle family! The fondest memory I have was on Halloween and little Harlen with his pumpkin came by each office/cubicle to Trick or Treat! May he Rest in Peace!

  27. Mike was one of the best friends I’ve ever had. I’m glad our friendship lasted 20 years, even when we were on different sides of the country…or the world. And I’m glad I got to tell him how much he and his friendship meant to me. I will miss him terribly, but he will always hold a special place in my heart.

  28. To the entire Waggle Family, I send you my sincerest regrets at the loss of Michael. I remember Michael as one of the neighborhood kids that played with my youngest brother David. He had a career to be proud of and as well as offering my sympathies, I also want to thank Michael and his wife for their service. I will keep the entire family in my thoughts and prayers and i will ask God to give your family the strength to get through these trying times. God Bless. Scott and Sandy Moore

  29. Mrs.Waggle and Doug our deepest sympathy and prayers to you on the passing of your son and brother. Monte and Ethel Lester

  30. Mike was a good friend with a smile as big as his heart, Sondra may loving memories of Mike fill your thoughts during your time of sorrow…you and Harlen will forever be in my prayers. May God Bless you.

  31. My deepest sympathy to the Waggle family. Although I hadn’t seen Mike since high school, I have many fond memories of him- what a wonderfully kind, funny, and courageous man. May God bless your family and give you comfort in your time of suffering.

  32. Mike was a close friend of mine in high school. Our bond grew from goofing around at my parents house doing typical things teenagers do to finding purpose in our journey through martial arts that we shared together through 4 years of rigorous training to ultimately get our black belts together. Those are memories I will never forget. Mike always strove for excellence and drove me to do my best. Those experiences have helped make me who I am today and I will always be indebted to him for that. Mike your life was well played. I thank God that you were a part of my life. Thank you for your service to our Country. May God bless his family and friends going through this terrible loss.

  33. Mike was a 1992 classmate of mine at the US Air Force Academy. My memories of him were: he was brilliant, fun and friendly, gentle and kind. He got along with everyone and was always upbeat. He was missed by everyone at our 20-year reunion, that just ended on 30 Sept 2012. So, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that God waited until then. Godspeed, Mike, and I know you’re in BLUE SKIES in HIGH FLIGHT now. You will be remembered and treasured by those who knew you. God bless the family and friends as you grieve. All our love, The Greenwood Family – Jeff, Nicole (Foster), Garrett and Griffin

  34. We met “Wags” when he joined the martials arts class at the United States Air Force Academy. He quickly became a member of our family. He was one year younger than David and one year older than Marquita. He went through all of the trials of being away from home and growing into the man we all love and respect. He truly loved his whole family and was so proud of his son. We were “fighting cancer” together and had many laughs about our treatments. I will never forget his “woobie” , care package that his Mom sent him and his need to go to bed before he took Nyquil. He was funny, thoughtful of others, intellligent , a man of integrity and a true fighter! With Love, Momma C & Pops

  35. Dear Mrs Harlan Waggle and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how very difficult it was for you to have to give back Harlan and now your Dear Son. May God truly bless you all. I knew Harlan when he was a Rigger in Weirton Steel. he also knew my Jim who passed 8 years ago. Harlan LOVED his wife and Children. He always spoke so very highly of you all in the mill. What a gentleman he was as I am sure Michael was also. I thank You all for the service your son and his wife gave for our freedom. May we never take that for granted. I know I have many wonderful memories of Harlan speaking of Michael, So too, I am sure you have those wonderful memories that you can reflect upon as you travel the grief path of missing him. Again May God Bless you all. Thinking Love, Darlene

  36. We lost a good man. One of the coolest guys I knew. Not sure if I ever told him but, I am thankful to Mike for helping get through some of my more difficult classes in High School. He was such an even-keeled guy and was nothing but polite to everyone that knew him. He was always willing to help me out. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Waggle family. God Bless.

  37. My deepest and sincerest condolences go out to Mike’s family at this time. I hadn’t seen Mike since high school, but I remember how excited we all were for his appointment to the Air Force Academy. I had often heard updates from my mom on how he was doing and where he was stationed. What a wonderful young man Mike was! Always happy and cracking jokes, always smiling or trying to get you to laugh or smile. And what a great man he became. I am proud to say you are my friend and know we will all miss you. May God bless and keep you.

  38. Please accept our deepest sympathies—I’ll a;ways remember his wonderful smile and the first time we met on the cruise—he went scubba diving with Joe and Em you were scared to death—Love Alice and Richard

  39. Sandra & Family, I have no words for what I want to say, except I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you and your entire family! Col Waggle (Mike) was such a great, honorable and trustworthy, man, friend, mentor, leader, and boss. I know I’ve told you before – he was the best boss I’ve had in my 22+ years in the Air Force. He was the epitome of an Airman and Wingman. I am quite sure he was the same as a husband, father, son, & brother; he always talked about you and Harlan – no doubt you were/are most important people in his life, and in his death, too. His spirit will always be there and I know he will be forever watching and protecting. I am really going to miss him, and I am so sorry I didn’t call him a couple weeks ago, after I spoke to you. I wish I could turn back time! Rest in Peace, Mike. You had a tremendous positive impact in my life; I will never forget you! Your Friend, CHIP COLEMAN, SMSgt, USAF

  40. Emily and Family, Jim and I are so sorry for your loss. No amount of words can express our sympathy at this time, but know that we share your pain and with God’s help, we will find peace in our memories of Mike. I know that Harlen has welcomed him home and he is in good hands. We send our love and prayers.

  41. Mrs. Waggle, Doug and Family I just learned of Mikes passing. My deepest condolences go out to you and the family. I think back to all the good times and life lessons we learned while playing in the neighborhood. Reading his obituary it comes to me as no surprise of the man he became, his character, and his many accomplishments. That is a result of a great family and a quality upbringing. I am proud to say I knew him. Seeing his picture reminds me so much of Mr. Waggle. What a resemblance! During this time of sorrow, reflect back to all the positive influence Mike had on many people throughout his life. Take Care.

  42. To my sister and her Mike side of her familyIt will always hurt and he will always be remembered by our USAF retired family (Emilio Sandoval Jr. ) and the USAF as they lost a great man !

  43. Emily & family….I worked with Harlen at WSX many years ago. I am not positve, but I believe you worked with my mom, Lottie Hebb. Though I didn’t know Michael, I know you were very proud of him and we are thankful to him for serving his country. You have my deepest sympathy.

  44. To the Waggle family, i am so sorry for your loss, Mike was truly a charasmatic leader and he will be sorely missed, may God bless your family and watch over you during this time of sorrow.

  45. Sandra and family, I am so saddened by your loss. I’m thankful I had the privilege of serving with Mike at Randolph–he always brought great natural instincts and an unshakable sense of humor to our work. More than work, though, I always knew how much Mike cherished his family. Whether he was out running with Harlan in the jogging stroller or just talking about weekend activities, it was clear you guys were the center of his world. After our youngest daughter was diagnosed with leukemia last year, Mike was the first person to show up at our house with dinner for us after we came home from the hospital. His graciousness truly touched our hearts, and he made a mean meatloaf as well! Wishing God’s comfort and peace for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  46. Waggle Family, I am sorry to hear of your lose. I have not seen Mike since hs. Reading through the guestbook I can see he did not change much from when I first met him in the 1st grade. My heart goes out to the family.

  47. Mike was a few years behind me at the Academy and we met in the Karate Club. I am sorry to say that we hadn’t stayed in touch since, but I do remember Mike as a hard fighter and a great guy to be around. The karate club was one of the few opportunities that the new cadets got to relax and (sort of) socialize with the upper classmen. Mike was a solid black belt before he arrived at the Academy, so I know he enjoyed being in a familiar activity that he was good at, since everywhere else he was being told that he could do nothing right (like all the 4th class cadets). To Sandra and all of your family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you. I am sure this was a difficult Christmas for everyone, but we know that Mike is in a better place, and that we will see him again soon. Peace and love, Scott Pillsbury USAFA ’89


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