Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"That dreadful April 18th, it has been four years already...It is hard to believe that you still cross my mind even today. Like so many have said before about the impact you had on people. i hope that you are kepping them strait up there and please TOP, be easy on those Marines."
Spc/Deputy Jason Freeman (former 217th M.P. Co.) of Ashland, Alabama

"November 18, 2007
To the family of Master Sgt. Herbert R. Claunch:
Herbert 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

""TOP" You were a great Husband, Father, Soldier, leader, and mentor to be around throughout our tour together. During an era that we were away from our families you made us feel as though we were family. This is a tough role to fill, especially when you bring units together from all parts of the county and make them work as a team
On behalf of the 169th MP, Det 2 from New Hampshire, thanks for your leadership and humor during difficult times. I will hold your 1st Sgt Coin close to my heart and I would like to wish you one more "Good Game!" as we would occasionally hear a guard mount formation.
R.I.P “Top” you will never be forgotten."
Sgt. Stephen Dennis (stephendennis14@hotmail.com) of Henniker, NH USA

"To the members of the 217th MPCO, the soldiers attached to us from other units, and all the personnel who served JTFGTMO 4 peace be with you. April 18th is a hard day for me, as it is for Mrs. Claunch and her family. Just remember we are all better men, women, soldiers, warriors, and Americans for having the HONOR to have served under, with, and along side 1SG Claunch. Just remember what he would say to you if he saw you were down...."It's a great day in the bay." So on April 18th for the rest of your lives; raise a glass, say a prayer, and remember OUR First Sergeant. 1SG Herbert R. Claunch

p.s. I love and miss you deeply 1SG. WAR EAGLE"
SFC Charles M Johnson Jr of 1st BN(MP), 200th Regiment Ft. McClellan, AL

"I was serving in Afghanistan when I got word of my friend, Ron Claunch's death in GTMO. He had a bad heart before being activated in 2003 but still willingly served his country. My last words with him was a prayer with him and his wife before he left. Ron will always be remembered by those of us who knew him as a great man."
Ken Tilley, Maj., USAFR of Wetumpka, Alabama

"M/Sgt. Claunch,
I would like to say thank 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

"Your (& our) lose is Heavens gain. I pray the Lord will heal your pain. You will meet with him in the sky, in the sweet by & by. God Bless you & MSG Claunch & he can now rest in peace that he so richly earned while filling the gap, up front, leading the way. A true MAN & HERO ! Thank you for your service & sacrifice TOP !!!"
PSG E7 Claunch of MS

"Top, Thank you from me and my unit, the 119th FA, Michigan Red Lions. You took us in stride and treated us like your own. Having a leader like you, to look out for us really made thing's easier. You are greatly missed. I still wear the 1stSgt coin you gave me. It is on my chain next to my dog tags. SGT Paul Dombrowski. 119th FA/Guantanamo Bay, Cuba."
Paul Dombrowski of Port Huron, Michigan

"aAs a former member of the 217th MP co, and have serving with 1SG Claunch,I want all to know what a great man and leader he was and is to me. He taught me things my Father never had a chance to. I hope to be half the man and mentor he was and will for ever be."
SSG William Saperstein of Co A, 1/167 INF, Baghdad, Iraq

"You were a great friend and always had a smile and a handshake. You will be missed and never forgotten."
1SG Terry Longsworth of Ft. Benning, GA

"It was an honor serving with you Top. You cared for each one of us every day and never hesitated to bring us a smile when we needed it the most. Thank you for making me a better soldier, man, and father. I will miss you deeply."
SGT Ken Williams, 217th MP Company of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

"For what I knew, he was a lovely man. God bless."
Vanessa

"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"

"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

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

"As a member of the 217th MP Company I can honestly say that 1Sgt. Claunch was a great man. He was professional when the situation needed, but if he saw you walking around post or relaxing at the MWR facilities he wouldn't hesitate to stop by and chat. He became a father figure to a lot of us while we've been here in Guantanamo Bay. He always had this funny way of letting you know when you were wrong at doing something just by the way he'd look at you with his head cocked down looking at you over his glasses. He truly was a great man and he will be missed by all the members of this company for a very long time."
Spc. John D. Parsons, Jr. of 217th MP Company, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

"To Herbert's family, I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Please know that many of us appreciate his service and sacrifice for our country."
F. Smith of Pennsylvania

"To Herbert'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

"To Herbert'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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003."
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

"RIP Brave Soldier"
The Taylors USMC of NC

"My thoughts & prayers are with you all. I cannot even begin to know your pain but, I do want you to know I am here. My son is serving as well as my daughter's boyfriend & I pray every day & every night to keep all of our soldiers safe & may they return home to their loved ones. I will pray until every last soldier has returned from all foreign lands to the good old USA!"
Brenda M. of Madison, Oh

"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, Herbert will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To the family of Herbert Claunch: I am so sorry for your loss. Herbert is and always will be a hero.He will never be forgotten. God Bless."
Jessica of Rio Vista,CA

"Rest in peace dear soldier. God's blessing to the family of Herbert. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten. Peace to you all."
Candy of Poynette, WI

"Thank you Herbert Claunch, 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 Master Sgt. Herbert Claunch:
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 Herbert 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 Master Sgt. Herbert Claunch:
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 Herbert, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia