Fort Bragg soldier Sgt. Swinton's body returns to NC home, will get Patriot Guard escort

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Fort Bragg soldier and North Carolina native Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, who was killed in action during a controlled detonation of a downed Iranian one-way attack drone on Sunday, July 19, at Erbil Air Base, Iraq, is coming home to Fayetteville.

Sgt. Swinton was assigned to D Battery, 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade at Fort Bragg.

According to a post by the Patriot Guard Riders, Sgt. Swinton's body is arriving Monday around 1:30 p.m. at the Fayetteville Signature Aviation on Control Tower Road. The Patriot Riders will escort the body to Pinecrest Funeral Home, which is located at 4721 Dubrobin Drive in Hope Mills, N.C.

Celebration of Life for Sgt. Michael E. Swinton

A viewing and celebration of life for Sgt. Swinton is planned for Saturday, August 8.

• The Viewing is from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

• Funeral: 1:00 p.m.

Both services will take place at Southview Baptist Church in Hope Mills, located at 4089 Elk Road.

After his death, his mother, Christel Andujar, sent ABC11 this statement about her son: "Sgt. Michael Swinton was the kind of person who could light up any room. He had a contagious laugh, an incredible sense of humor, and loved making people smile. He was a true jokester who believed life was meant to be lived to the fullest.

Adventurous and fearless, Michael was always ready for the next challenge. He embraced life with courage, confidence, and a willingness to take risks. But beneath that adventurous spirit was a man of unwavering loyalty and strength. If you needed someone to lean on, he was there without hesitation. He fiercely protected the people he loved and never backed down from standing up for what was right.

Above all else, Michael's greatest love was his family. His wife, Mia, and two beautiful children were the center of his world. Every decision he made and every sacrifice he endured was with them in his heart. His love for them was unconditional, selfless, and unwavering.

Michael was the most patient and loving father I have ever known. He cherished every moment with his children, making them feel safe, valued, and deeply loved. He carried that same gentle heart into being an uncle. His nieces and nephews adored him because he always made time for them, encouraged them, and made them laugh. Whether he was playing with them, teaching them, or simply listening, he had a way of making every child feel like they were the most important person in the room.

To his family, Michael was more than a son, husband, father, and soldier-he was the best big brother anyone could ask for. The bond he shared with his siblings was unbreakable. We could talk about absolutely anything, and no matter what life brought our way, we always knew we had each other. He was the one we leaned on, the one who made us laugh when we needed it most, and the one who reminded us that family always comes first.

Michael had a remarkable ability to excel at whatever he set his mind to. He knew when it was time to laugh and when it was time to be serious. Whether serving his country, supporting his family, or helping a friend, he gave his whole heart and expected nothing in return.

To so many, Michael wasn't just a hero because he wore the uniform-he was a hero because of the way he loved, protected, encouraged, and inspired everyone around him. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the laughter he shared, the strength he gave others, and the unconditional love he poured into his family. He will forever be missed, forever honored, and forever our hero."

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