Fallen Soldier: Michael J. Donahue

Major Michael J. Donahue, 41, of Columbus, Ohio, was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C. On September 16, 2014, Maj. Donahue was killed in a suicide car bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Maj. Donahue enlisted in the Army in February 1996 and graduated from Army Officer Candidate School in April 2000. In 2003 he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Campbell University’s Army degree completion program.

He served three combat tours of duty in South Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan and was planning to return to Ohio after finishing his tour to Afghanistan. A highly decorated paratrooper, he was posthumously awarded a second Purple Heart, a fourth Bronze Star and a fifth Meritorious Service Medal.

“My dad was everything that represents goodness in the world,” Maj. Donahue’s daughter said. “He was selfless, loved deeply and widely, and never failed to bring smiles to people's faces. My dad inspired me so much and continues to do so.”

One of Maj. Donahue’s daughters and his son are Folds of Honor Scholarship recipients.