On 17 February 1980, SPC Michael M. Merila was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. SPC Merila was a natural leader, a person of great trust, motivation, and confidence. In 1998, he graduated from Buena High School in Sierra Vista, Arizona, and attended college for a few semesters. Knowing he would join the military, he enlisted in the Army in March 2001 as a legal specialist. He attended basic training and Advance Individual Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. At AIT he graduated as The Distinguished Honor Graduate in the 27D legal course, a high honor considering the rigorous exams that are required. This accomplishment led to him receiving the Army Achievement Medal.

SPC Merila arrived at Fort Lewis in October of 2001, motivated and eager to start his job. SPC Merila was assigned to Headquarters Company 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. He eagerly accomplished the missions he was given and excelled in all his duties. He participated with the Squadron in the National Training Center rotation, as well as in the Joint Readiness Training Center certification exercise.

In December of2001 he won the I Corps JAG Soldier of the Year Board. Although assigned to the Squadron, he continued to work at the brigade headquarters in the legal section. His maturity and technical expertise made the senior leadership respect his opinions and often ask for his guidance.

He came to work in the Squadron S-l section in September 2003. Immediately, he adopted the Warhorse mentality. Even though his job title was legal specialist, he executed his duties with the professionalism and readiness of a Cavalry Scout. While in the Squadron, he distinguished himself as a soldiers', soldier. He would take a mission and accomplish it with accuracy and speed. On 2 February 2004, he attended the SGT Promotion Board and excelled in that as well. SPC Merila was a great soldier that any leader would be proud to have, and a great leader for whom any soldier would be proud to serve.

SPC Merila's awards include the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Service Ribbon, and National Defense Service Medal.