CSM Micheal L. Buxbaum (U.S. Army, Retired)

Command Sergeant Major Micheal L. Buxbaum, (U.S. Army Retired) Former Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Command Sergeant Major (U.S. Army, retired) Micheal L. Buxbaum, passed away in his sleep on Nov. 9, 2013, while in Afghanistan, where he was working as a contractor supporting deployed soldiers, his lifelong calling. Mike was born Dec. 31, 1959, to Don and Barbara Buxbaum of Manitowoc, WI. He spent his childhood and formative years in Wisconsin., where he spent time with his family, and particularly enjoyed fishing at Tomahawk with his father. He was an avid wrestler in school and loved having fun with his wrestling buddies. After graduating from Lincoln High School’s Class of 1978, he entered the Army under the buddy system with his best friend, Dale Hietpas. In 1982, Mike married the love of his life, Roberta Reiter Buxbaum (Bobby), and they shared a long and happy marriage full of worldwide adventures and a love for Harley Davidson that was never more evident than by their regular participation in the American Legion Legacy Ride. Together, and with great joy, they raised two wonderful daughters, Katie and Christina, of whom Mike was an incredibly proud father. Mike served his country with distinction for 33 years. Achieving the rank of Command Sergeant Major, Mike was stationed throughout the United States and overseas during his career. He served in virtually every leadership position in the Army, from Team Leader to Brigade CSM. He deployed to hostile locations multiple times with combat tours in Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm in the early 1990s, Operation Iraqi Freedom 1 in 2003, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007. He was also deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo in the late 1990s. He retired in June 2012, as the 10th Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Most recently he was employed by Exelis Systems Corporation, a defense services company supporting U. S. Forces. All who had the privilege to know and work with Mike knew him as a passionate advocate for the Army, his soldiers, and Corps of Engineers civilians, a legacy that will live on in the people he touched and mentored throughout his life. Mike is also survived by his parents, Don and Barbara Buxbaum of Wisconsin; sisters and brothers-in-law Susan and Scott Esson, and JoAnn and Joe Hall, and sister Kathy Buxbaum Williams, all of Wisconsin; sister-in-law Cyndi Sanford of California and brother-in-law Ron Reiter of Indiana; many nieces and nephews; his loyal pet Breacher; and all of his Army friends and family. Visitation will be held on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Legion Legacy Fund, 700 N. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, are appreciated. Please indicate, “In memory of CSM Micheal L. Buxbaum” in the check memo line.