Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"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