Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"18 years this year....how does it go by so fast but feel like yesterday still. No longer a little girl but I mom with two beautiful children that would love poppa Cherry! Miss you always the kids and i visit you love you always"
Kaitlyn of Winchester

"Its been so long and yet so short a time. I still miss you so much. Your kids are doing well. Love Mom"
Jill Turner of Williamsburg Va

"You have been in my heart and on my mind all day you are so missed!
love Mom"
Jill Turner of Hastings MI

"I am having Craig and Bobby's names added to the dedication plaque for the VA OCS Class 57 gift, a 17ft tall rope climbing station. Our future leaders will not forget their sacrifice."
CPT J.T.Glasscock of Burkeville, VA

"Served with SSG Cherry in Holland, Mi full time when he was the unit clerk of Co B 3/126 Inf. Had many good times with him. Was just shocked when I saw his picture on the TV. Miss you Craig."
Patrick Brown of Hamilton, MI

"10 years yesterday it was a ruff day! It doen't seem to get any easier.
You are missed more than I can say!
love mom"
jill Turner of Hastings MI

"Almost 10 years. Tonight we commemorate your passing at the Armory nameed after you and Bobby. YOu are forever missed."
Hampton Thomas of WInchester VA

"Craig, you and your family were in my thoughts and prayers on Memorial Day. You are not forgotten."
J. Taylor of Richmond, VA

"Another year gone, but you are not forgotten, my friend."
Bobby Leitzow (08/07/13) of Colorado Springs, CO

"Tomorrow I will be planting flowers and flags in the garden set aside by the city to honor you. You are still so very much missed."
Jill Turner (Mom) of Hastings MI

"As another Memorial Day approaches please know that You are remembered and honored. Im grateful for your service and saddened by the sacrafice you and your family made. Never forgotten, Always honored. A reminder that freedom is not free."
Jackie Cooper-Dunaway of Hague, Va

"Happy Birthday, my friend. We should be celebrating our 48th birthdays this week."
Bobby Leitzow (04/15/13) of Colorado Springs, CO

"Holidays are still to hard with you gone."
Mom of Hastings MI

"I'm thinking about you today, buddy. I'll have some pork chops and listen to some Molly Hatchet in your honor tonight! Save the corner table for me..."
Bobby Leitzow (08/07/12) of Colorado Springs, CO

"Still can't believe its been 8 years. You are missed so much! love mom"
jill Turner of Hastings MI

"I will never forget your last talk with me in germany before we took off to afghanistan and a 2 weeks later you were taken from us!! Guys like you are the reason this country stays safe . Semper fi!"
Stephen Cella of Leesburg va

"I dont know what to say ....Peace be with you , Jill , Katy...all the kids . Dennis .....My thoughts and prayers with all of you on this weekend of reflection and earnest respect for all those men and women willing to preserve and protect at the cost of their life"
Jeff Turner of Waynesville

""Hey Craig, and family,
I served with you in Afghanistan and last saw you when you visited Tiger Base a few days just before we lost you. It's been some time now, and I do think of you and Bobby and your families often. I just finished my doctorate and graduated with a Ph.D. in May. I included your names in my acknowledgements page.
It's called, "From Homeschool to the Community College; A Multiple Case Study." Thanks for inspiring me, and please rest knowing we love you and honor you every day with the way we live our lives.""
Benjamin G. Kramer of Christiansburg, VA

"Happy Birthday buddy. You are not forgotten. I love and miss you very much."
Bobby Leitzow (04/15/12) of Monument, Colorado

"You would have been 47 today I wonder how you would have celebrated it. A family cookout or your favorite spaghetti dinner? Its been nearly 8 years and I still find myself wanting to call or email and check in to see how everyone is. You are still missed more than I can say."
jill Turner (mom) of Hastings, MI

"Kaitlyn , Mom ......Dennis , my brother ...all in my thoughts and prayers in remembrence of Craig .....still stings from time to time to think about it , I know ..to the man who dedicated his life to something more important than the sum of our lives ....Craig ....deepest respect ..."
Jeff Turner of Waynesville NC USA

"So today is veterans day and we had a memorial thing this morning in front of the court house its called "Blue Star Memorial". It's for the solders. Gma Jill spoke this morning at it and talked about you i was proud of her and Dan but it was alot harder than i thought. I didn't think it would get to me so bad but still to this day it doesn't seem any easier than the day we found out that you weren't coming home. But i'm proud of you. You are one of the bravest people that i know im so proud to be able to tell people that you fought for our country and sadly didn't make it back home. Every day I think about you and i just hope you know how proud i am to be able to say that you are my dad.

Love you lots & Always"
Kaitlyn Cherry of Hastings, MI

"God Bless the peacemakers. I love you buddy!"
Bobby Leitzow (11/11/11) of Monument, CO

"Craig was one of the people I was proud to call a friend through High School! We lost touch, as many of us have through the years, but I was very sad to hear he had been killed. I know though he was doing what he had wanted to do even back then. Craig - you are missed and thought of often! Love Ya - Cg"
Carla Gene Krehely of Atlanta, GA

"So a couple of days ago u have been gone for seven years. I miss ur bad jokes, silly smile, and smart remarks. I miss u more than words can describe. Every day I wake up to ur picture and it makes me smile. Wish u were still here so u could see how dan and I have grown. I love and miss you oh so very much"
Kaitlyn Jane Cherry of Hastings, Michigan

"You were my best friend and you will always be my HERO. I miss you Craig... more than words can say."
Bobby Leitzow (08/07/11) of Monument, CO

"It's been 7 years buddy. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. We all miss you guys."
Jonathan Fournier of strasburg, va

"In just a couple of days it will be 7 years, its hard to believe its been that long. You are missed so much!"
Jill Turner (Mom) of Hastings MI

"I remember Craig. I remember his wife. I was never close to either of them. I was ten, probably just a kid to both of them. But I remember when he died. I attended his funeral. With my parents. Seven years later I still remember his face. I still remember him in the casket being as peaceful as ever. My mom kept newspaper clippings. I thought it was odd cause we never were really close to the family... But Craig Cherry is never forgotten. Not even to me, a child who merely knew him. I still remember. Rest in peace Craig Cherry."
Emily Pugh of MD

"Its the 4th of July the last time we were all together as a family before you left to go to Afghanistan. I still miss your silly smile and bad short jokes! You are missed and loved!"
Jill Turner (Mom) of Hastings MI

"Happy Fathers Day. I can't believe it has been almost 7 years. I miss you and Love you"
Kaitlyn Cherry of Hastings, MI

"It was an honor to have served with you. Your family and friends miss you very much. You will always be remembered and honored."
Tim Orso of Strasburg, Virginia

"Happy birthday sorry its a little late! Wishing you were here today! Cant believe it another birthday come and gone. But i have been thinking about you all day."
Kaitlyn Cherry of hastings, mi

"Happy Birthday, buddy! As long as you have family, friends, loved ones, and brothers-in-arms out here that remember you, your memory will live on. I miss your laugh. I miss your mischievous ways. Heck, I even miss your jokes. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family today on what must be a difficult day for them every year. I'd like to believe the peacemaker is in a better place. (Quasar sends his regards to Stryder. Save the corner table for me!) I love you, pal!"
Bobby Leitzow of Monument, CO

"To the family of:Craig W.Cherry
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"3-27-11"

"Fields of gold. Bicycles and a cat named Fluff. A curly haired boy and an orange sherbert sunset that would guide you home after a long day of riding banana seat bicycles up and down the street. And pirates at the Woodman's house. Memories of childhood still dance in my head. Memories not forgotten and still lived. Peace to you and your family on this Veteran's Day."
Brenda Curry of Woodstock New York, USA

"I still can't believe it. There's so much to be said that will never get to be said now. One of these days I'll make it out there to say a "proper" farewell, I promise. Until then... love ya, buddy. And you will never be forgotten."
Bobby Leitzow of Monument, CO

"Six years today you are still missed more than I can say."
Jill Turner ( Mom) of Hastings MI

"I wish i could have wished you a happy birthday this year. I woke up and almost called you but then I remembered i couldn't. It's so hard knowing that you arent here anymore. But I have great memories about you. You are truly the best."
Kaitlyn Cherry of Hastings, Mi

"I wish I could wish you Happy Birthday and give you a hard time about getting older. I still find myself wanting to call you and tell you something that happened. There is a whole in my life where you were and only memories to fill it."
Jill Turner ( MOM) of Hastings MI

"I met Craig back in middle school at Brandon. We were in ROTC together. I moved after 9th grade. My dad was in the Navy. But after high school, we found each other again in Va but as I moved around I lost touch with him and then found him in 1997. I moved again and lost touch and I have been searching for him for years. Today I found out I lost a dear friend and he will dearly be missed. Happy Birthday my dear friend and God speed!!! Love You Always"
Maggie Holley of Newport News, VA

"Happy Birthday, buddy! If you were still here, we'd be celebrating our birthdays tomorrow just like we used to and you'd still be reminding me how you are two days older than me and using that as an excuse for why I should do as you say. I still can't believe you're gone. I love you Craig!"
Bobby Leitzow (broncobobby53@gmail.com) of Monument, CO

"I met Craig when he came to Yarmouth High in Maine. He was a military son of slight build, curly hair and a huge smile . He was an immediate asset to our school. With his positive attitude and exceptional skill in making friends, and friends he made. I enjoyed his friendship, as brief as it was, immensely. It is not just a loss to those who knew him but also a loss to all those who had not known him yet. I was proud then to call him friend and I am proud now to say I knew Craig W. Cherry. You are missed and remembered."
Stephen Jones of Lyman, ME

"Criag; I am so sorry that you were taken from us. To those reading this; Craig was a friend of mine in the 82nd Airborne Division C Company, 2/505. I was in First Platoon and he was in 2nd Platoon. From time to time we would see each other in the mess hall and on manuvers. He was a great guy, a funny guy and he was a soldier's soldier! I was shocked when a mutual friend of ours told me of his loss and Craig remains in my heart and on my mind constantly......To his family; I grieve for your loss, but please know that he is looking down on all of us now happy at your success and to have had the time with you that he had.....""
Jim Loury of Ft. Lauderdale, FL

"God Bless you old friend. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think about you, but on days like today especially. You are missed and your memory will never be forgotten."
Bobby Leitzow of Monument, CO

"Correction to the previous article posted: It was the Michigan National Guard not Missouri"
Jill Turner of MI

"Winchester readiness center to be named in honor of fallen Virginia guard soldiers
Published: August 18, 2009

RICHMOND - Gov. Timothy M. Kaine announced last week that the new Virginia National Guard Readiness Center in Winchester will be named the Cherry-Beasley Readiness Center in honor of Staff Sgt. Craig W. Cherry and Sgt. Bobby E. Beasley, two Virginia Army National Guard soldiers killed in the line of duty while serving in Afghanistan in 2004.

"It is fitting that the new readiness center in Winchester be named in honor of two soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country and defending the ideals of freedom," Kaine said. "This new readiness center is the kind of facility that will help our soldiers better prepare for challenging missions both here in Virginia and overseas, and naming it in the honor of these two soldiers will serve as a reminder of the serious nature of those missions."

A formal dedication ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 4 at the new facility.

The deaths of Beasley and Cherry marked the first combat deaths of a mobilized Virginia Guardsman since the end of World War II in 1945. No Virginia Guard units served in theater during the Korean or Vietnam wars and while eight units served in Desert Storm (1990-1991). (One Virginia Guard soldier died during Desert Storm as a result of non-combat injuries suffered in a vehicle crash).

Beasley and Cherry, both infantrymen assigned to the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, were killed when an Improvised Explosive Device destroyed their vehicle on Aug. 7, 2004, during a patrol near Ghazikel in eastern Afghanistan. The Winchester Readiness Center is the headquarters for the 3rd Battalion.

Cherry, a native of Winchester, was 39 at the time of his death and was married with three children. He served in the U.S. Army from 1983-1987, then served in the Missouri Army Guard from 1987-1998 before transferring to the Virginia Guard in late 1998.

To honor the sacrifice and memory of these two soldiers, their operating base in Afghanistan was renamed from "Camp Bulldog" to "Camp Cherry-Beasley." In addition, an Afghan training village located at Fort Pickett was named "Cherry Village" in 2008 in honor of Cherry."
Bobby Leitzow of Monument, CO

"I knew Craig back in High School and he and I with Bobby Leitzow had a great time in NJROTC. I NEVER knew he was in the 3-116th. I knew they suffered a loss of life but never knew it was Craig. I will miss him for I never had the chance to reconnect with him after High School. I wish his family and loved ones all the best and my heart goes out to you all for your loss. I wish it could have been me and not him for I tried for that the deployment so hard and was denied due to a training injury. May God bless."
SFC John A. Stepaniak, of 1/116th Farmville...Currently in Malden, MA

"Its been 5 years today and I still am having trouble believing it. Your email addresses are still in my computer I can't seem to delete them. Dan and Katie have grown so big, all out of school now, but still stuggling with you not being here. Dennis and Amy have two beautiful daughters that will never have the joy of knowing thier uncle Craig. I miss you Mom"
Jill Turner of Hastings MI

"Craig was my very best (and sometimes only) friend growing up in VA Beach at Green Run High School. I was his best man at his (first) wedding. I just found out about his passing on July 10th of this year. Obviously, we had lost touch over the years. I tried several times to find Craig, but Cherry is a pretty common name. I can't belief he's been gone for 5 years now. It seems like just yesterday we were laughing and joking as carefree teenagers fresh out of high school. We often thought about going into the service together on the buddy program. As life often goes, we ended up going our separate ways. I always thought we'd get back together again someday and get all caught up. I guess that will never happen now. To me, Craig's death is only a few weeks old and still very difficult to come to terms with. I didn't even know he had married a second time. My heart goes out to his entire family... his kids which I KNOW he loved dearly, his father Roy which he spoke of often, his mom Jill that he looked up to and adored with all his heart, his baby brother Dennis that he thought of as a little Craig and always had great hopes for, his wife Donna that I never had the pleasure of knowing, all of his brothers and sisters he served with both in the Army and the National Guard, and everyone else I'm forgetting. If any of you want to get in touch, please feel free to reach out to me at broncobobby@cox.net. I miss you Craig. I wish I had been a better friend and stayed in touch! God Bless you, old friend. I love you!"
Bobby Leitzow of Monument, CO

"man craig has been 5 years now.It seems like only yesterday that our platoon was gearing up for that deployment. I miss you man I know that I'll always be remembered as the "new guy" But I always pray for Donna and all your kids man I miss you again and I hope were ever you are your in peace bro I hope when I come to join you one day we can just hang out and kill a few cold one and talk and laugh."
Spc. Michael Hawkins Tow Plt. 3/116th Inf 29th Inf Div. of Dublin, Va

"Craig we will miss you. The Global War on Terrorism(GWOT) is a war that all American should fight for in order to protect our American Dreams and American Freedom. My cousin is currently servicing in Iraq, and I pray he makes home safe. I wish all American could appreciate the dedication of our military, and the sacarfices they make. The military service man and service woman make the ultimate sacarfice with their lives.
My heart goes out to Craig's family and friends. Craig I will never forget the ultimate price you paid, and I will pause on the anniversary of your death and remember you as a friend, classmate and American Solider."
Carmella class of 83 GRHS NJROTC of Fairfax, VA

"Craig this is Rolling Thunder Weekend May 22-24 2009. I thought of you and Bobby so very much this weekend. I miss you both. Soon the new 3-116th Armory will be dedicated, I will be there. I will stand in honor of you and representing SGM Bob G, he too mourns for you. Soon we will all come home and see you on patrol forever more.

Stand tall, stand proud, you gave all so we could still call America our home."
Paula of Falls Church VA

"It has been 4 years today and I still miss you like it was yesterday. I miss your stupid jokes, that silly smile,and that "oh come on mom" when you were trying to talk me into something. May god bless you and all of those who have fallen with you.
Mom"
Jill Turner of Hastings Mi.

"SSG Cherry, I am honored to have served with you. There were a lot of great times for the TOW platoon. Those of us still serving and still in touch frequently find ourselves reminiscing about the good old days. We always enjoy the stories of our past that are still so close to us. You will never be forgotten. God Bless your family my prayers are with them. RENEGADES!"
SGT Rusk of Camp Patriot, Kuwait

"November 17, 2007
To the family of Staff Sgt. Craig W. Cherry:
Craig gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"On this day Aug 7th my heart goes out to Cherry and Beasley's families. Though they are thought of everyday today is the day my heart aches the most. They will not be forgotten ever. To many people have too many memories of these guys. May you the families be in the arms of angels always."
Jackie of Richmond, VA

"I knew SSG Cherry for a day and yet I will never forget him. God bless his soul and his family on this sad day."
SSG Warth of Hanau Germany

"I served with Craig in Big Rapids (D Company 3-126th INF). I was in college and an ADSW recruiter for SGT Jim Vacca. I went every month with Craig to Grayling to draw chow and or barracks for the company prior to drill. Craig, Jim and I constantly hung out at my place for dinner. I'll always remember his love for his children and his dedication to service to our nation. He is missed."
CPT Bryan Kirby of Fort Custer, MI

"Just wanted to let you know that Cherry and Beasley are still talked about by the men of the old B Co, 1-116th that went over with 3rd BTN. They share their good times about them. Never forgotten."
1LT Thompson of 1-116th, KFOR

"Sir,
I am a Reserve NCO on Active Duty with the Corps of Engineers, Transatlantic Programs Center, here in Winchester, VA. I was one of three military personnel that was able to respond and attend the "Wreaths Across America" ceremony on 14 December 2006 at the National Cemetery here in Winchester. At all National Cemeteries across the United States, at exactly 12:00 noon, the exact same service was conducted, verbatim. It honored those service members, of all conflicts since the Civil War, from all branches of military service for the sacrifices they made to self, family, country and their God. I just want to say that even thouogh I never met William, I believe that he embodied the true essence of what it is to be a soldier, and NCO and an American. Please acceot my condolences on the passing of William in service to his country. I am sure that you, and all of his family members are intensely proud of what he and his life stood for. I will keep him and his family in my prayers, especially during this Holiday Season. Thank you."
SSG Mike Milihram of 300 Hogan Dr. Martinsburg,WV 25405

"To The Cherry Family
Craig was a good friend of mine and he will be missed by all of us. I was very sad to hear of his passing. His family is in my thoughts and prayers."
D. Walker of Stafford, VA USA

"Wow, I am so sorry. Craig was a dear friend of mine, we spent many hours talking and laughing. I was going to see if he ever got married, it had been a couple of years since we talked. I am so sorry to all of you, Kaitlyn and Dan, I have pictures of you when you were small. You had a wonderful father who loved you very much. Thank you Craig for giving your all for us. May you find your way. I love ya Rogue! ((((hugs)))"
Lyn of Ft Myers, FL US

"never forgotten"
h harville us army retired of carlisle, ohio

"this is craigs daughter kaitlyn i loved my dad very much he was a great man and today agaust 7th 2006 is the 2 year anniversary of his death"
kaitlyn of hastings, MI

"this is his son daniel and i loved my dad very much"
dan of hastings

"to Craig's widow: I believe you were part of the Patriot Guard at the funeral of my brother, LTC Daniel Holland, on May 31, 2006. We spoke briefly. Thank you for honoring Dan. I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved hero. We share your pain, pride, and prayers. God Bless You,"
Mary Ralya of Brenham, TX

"Craig,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldier who was in that vehicle with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"I want to thank all for your words and thoughts in memory of my son who is missed every single day but the thoughts of the time I had with him keep me comfort. I am proud."
Roy G Cherry of Falmouth Maine

"i houror his bravery and 1 day when im old enough im going to join the army and hopefuly avenge his death in war"
ben gilbert of america los angeles

"I served with Craig in Big Rapids and I must say he was a great man and great soldier. He will be missed very much."
Chris Hallock of San Diego, CA

"He sounds like a wonderful person. I am grieved for your loss. I am proud of Craig and of you."
AKM of Washington, DC

"My brother in law served with Craig.I have heard such wonderful things about
this man, along with his buddy Bobby
Beasley.
We feel your pain,and the pain is with
all of us still.We will always remember
these fine men along with all the others who have made the sacrifice.
God Bless Craig,his family and the
USA."
Dayna Behan of Peyton,Co

"Craig was a sweat man. He always thought about everyone more than himself. He died doing what he loved. Only to make it a safe place for everyone else."
Kaitlyn Cherry of Hastings, Michagan

"Proud to serve with you"
jk of Ghazni

"Thank you so much for all your kind words, thoughts and prayers during this time of great grief for Craig. Craig's children and I wish to say thank you for your emails and prayers. From Craig's children and his Mom."
Jill Turner of Hastings Mi.

"The Cherry Family,
Your loss is still felt throughout the 116th Infantry Regiment family."
PFC Burns, 2-116 INF of VA

"Craig and family,

I knew you Craig for nearly ten years and considered every day a blessing. You are a true HERO and you and your comrades will never be forgotten!"
Steve of Arlington VA

"To the family and friends,

Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved ones bravery and sacrifice. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. Your loved one is a hero. Greater love have no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

God bless you.

Home Front Ministries
Shepherd of the Hills Church
Porter Ranch, CA"

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Craig, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thanks for stepping forward when America needed you. To the family - Thank you for your contribution to our liberty and freedom. I'm sorry for your tremendous loss."
Ronald Carlson of Montrose, MN

"My name is Jim Vacca and I served with Craig in the 126th INF in Big Rapids, MI back in the mid 90's. I was the Recruiter and he was the Supply Sgt....I am so sorry to hear what happened to him in Afghanistan. We had alot of laughs together during the years I worked with him. I know deep down that Craig was doing what he loved; it is terribly unfortunate that he had to make the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless You Craig, and to the Cherry family.....He won't be forgotten."
Jim Vacca of Fort Wayne, IN

"To the Cherry family,
I want you to know that those of us who served with Criag in Big Rapids, MI will allways remember him as a comrade and hero. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you."
Brad Marine of Big Rapids, MI

"To the family of Craig Cherry: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. He was a hero, whose bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. A salute to a fallen soldier- THANK YOU, CRAIG! May you rest peacefully in Heaven."
T. Rexroad of WV

"To SSGT Cherry's family & friends we feel your sorrow and pain and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thank you SSGT Cherry for the ultimate sacrifice you gave of yourself will never be forgotten. You are a true great american hero.

Widow of SFC Robert J. Mogensen
3rd SFG KIA May 29, 2004
Afghanistan"
Tanya Mogensen & Family of North Carolina

"Dear Craig,
I never knew you but learning of your death was a sad moment for me. When a soldier from your own town is killed it truly hits home and one realizes how truly sad a soldiers death can be. People in winchester have been very sad about your passing and I am too. I plan to visit your burial place this week and pay you the respect you deserve. Thank you for your great courage."
mark reif of winchester, VA

"Sergeant Cherry, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"To Craig's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To the family of Craig W. Cherry. You all have my sincerest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. I appreciate so much the sacrifices he made for all mankind. He will be remembered and missed. I will pray for you."
Carolyn of Port Tobacco MD/USA

"To Craig's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Craig Cherry, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Craig Cherry:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Craig for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Craig Cherry:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Craig, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia