Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Heathe, I think of u often. I remember when u were a little boy and I watched your brother and You while your mom was at work. you both were great kids, except when you gave me a pet. it was a dead frog..lol i think you were like 4 at the time. good lord I think you did give me a few gray hairs. god i miss you. I hope your son grows up to know how much everyone loves you."
aunt Jennifer of Pittsburgh,pa

"Heathe, Man we miss you!
You were always the go to guy for everything. I like many others on this page have had the pleasure of spending time with this great Medic Soldier Husband Father and Friend.
My first experience meeting Heathe was walking up to him as he had his back to me, like some of you all ready know looks can be deceiving. So Im expecting a well seasoned SFC but instead I get a very young faced SGT with his coffee cup of course, ready to go on our scheduled flight no complaints. That was the thing about him he was always about the mission and of course family, because after the flight Judy and the Kids arrived.
I will always remember him.
Hallo Judy Wir denken an dich immer."
CW2 Michael Espinoza of Brick, NJ

"You are in our hearts and though my family could not meet you and shake hands we feel like we know you. Your dad has made our lives so blessed here in NY. Without my husband meeting him by chance one day I would never know the story of such a brave strong man. Know that your story will never be forgot and it will live on in the hearts and minds of many. Your dad told me that it's not the date in front or behind the dash its what happened during the time the dash represents that counts. Knowing your family in PA/NY tells me that you filled your dash and helped fill theirs. Thank you for all you did in the time you served."
SSG Van Booth and Family (Melissa, Caden, and Liberty) of Olean, NY

"September 11, 2007
To the family of Staff Sgt. Heathe N. Craig:
Heathe 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

"Heathe,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. You are a true hero-despite the danger to your own life, you tried to save a fellow soldier. You are the epitome of what a soldier and NCO should be."
Mike C. of El Paso, Texas

"I didn't personally know him but the amount of respect I have for him is without end. He passed trying to save "Brad"."

"God Bless..."
Jill Desmond, widow Sgt. Dennis J Boles of Homosassa, FL USA

"To my awesome cousin Heathe Craig! I will miss you!! You are a TRUE hero!!! Love, Shelly"
Shelly of Smethport, Pa

"To the family of Heath N. Craig, my son, SFC Jared C. Monti was with your son the day he died. Jared was the one who managed to save one soldier & that soldier's father-in-law credits both Jared & Heath for saving Derek's life. Heath along with the others that died that awful day, are in my thoughts & prayers constantly. Our sons are true heroes. Hearing hero doesn't make me feel any better as I'm sure it doesn't help you either. I take it one day at a time, minute to minute & hour to hour everyday. Hopefully someday we can all make sense of all this & find a some peace of mind.
I don't believe there is any such thing as "closure" & whoever came up with that phrase have not been where we are. I think we just have to find a way to live with it. God bless & may THEY: Heath N. Craig, Jared C. Monti, Patrick Lybert & Brian Bradbury rest in peace. My tears are not just for my son but for all that have died in this most unholy war. God bless you & know that I and many others think of you & pray for you. Keep the faith as difficult as that may seem.

I loving memory of your son,
Janet Monti

e-mail Rossjanete@aol.com"
Janet Monti of Winterville, NC

"Heathe
You are a brother a friend and forever family. Thanks for all the memories and being there when it seemed that things were virtually impossible. Your actions and life will forever be embedded in our hearts. You will never be forgotten. MAY GOD BLESS THE CRAIG FAMILY."
SGT PERDUE, DANA of 159th Med Co. Afghanistan

"Hey Babe,
I miss you soooo much. I can´t bare looking at the kids, knowing you´ll never get to see their smiles again. We miss you sooooo much. If it weren´t for the kids, I couldn´t do this.
I feel like my heart exploded. What am I going to do without you? Why?
We love you, ALWAYS !!!"
Judy, Jonas and Leona of craigjudyj@msn.com

"Wir werden Dich nie vergessen! Du warst der beste Schwiegersohn den man sich wünschen kann!"
Mama und Papa of Hilpoltstein, Germany

"Dear Heathe:

If I could, I would thank you for being there and saving the life of my son-in-law Derek James.

If it weren't for you putting your life on the line, Derek would not have made it home this past July, alive, after being wounded in the fire fight.

Derek is OK now, despite what he saw, and back with the 10th Mountain in Afghanistan.

We miss Derek as well I as I do Heathe, although I have never had the pleasure of meeting Heathe in person. If it weren't for him, we would not have Derek with us today.

There are no words that I can say to ease your pain other than thank god for people like Heathe. Heathe was there when Derek needed him the most.

If there is anything I can ever do for the Craig Family, all you need to do is call.

Sincerely"
Bob Crown of Coshocton, Ohio

"Dear Heathe,

Every night I think about you before I go to sleep...I can't watch movies that have anything that reminds me of you. I miss you greatly...
The night that I heard of your death I screamed, fell..I miss you..I just wish there was some sign you could give me that said you are happy. You leave me in the rain calling out your name...You left me with only Adam to consolt to, I feel the need to just cling to him..I don't know what I would do if I would loose him too."
Little Sister of Eldred, PA/US

"Dear Heathe,
man the news really bothered me. The day I left Germany I saw your sister and sister -in- law walking by the the apartments you first lived in. I knew something was wrong cause the looks on there face was filled with sorrow. as I was leaving the apartment to finally say goodbye to Germany, I heard the news. I was in total shock. I still can't get it through my head that i will not enjoy the times that we shared together again. From drinking dark beer to playing xbox are just the silly conversations we had from time to time. It really hurts my heart you were to much of a nice guy. I miss you and may God bless your family."
SPC(P) Gabriel Jarbath of Brooklyn, NewYork USA

"Craig,
It has taken me some time to find the words. It's been hard without you. You were a brother to all of us and we will never forget you.
You said that you didn't want to be a hero, but you are. Not only to us, but to all those boys you picked up in those mountians, too.
You were always there for me, always helping me back in Germany and here in Afghanistan once I got here. No matter what it was you were there and willing to help. I will never forget my first weekend in Germany when we drank too many beers watching hockey while the wives took the kids to the park. Thanks for teaching me the little things about being a flight medic. Thanks for everything.
When we get back, there will be many a glass raised in your name. You will be with us all in our hearts."
SGT Bart Prouty, Jr. of 159th Med Co (AA), "DUSTOFF" Afghanistan

"Dear Judith,

I wish you wouldn´t have to go through this unbelievable pain you carry around with you right now.It takes time to learn how to live with it Judith. I feel with you and know exactly how you feel right now.You are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need any help just give me a call.Thanks to you and your family for the wonderful message you left on Marvins page.I always hoped I never have to leave a message like this for you or anyone else I know.I´m very sorry for your loss of your loving husband Heathe.God bless you and your family."
Nadja Sprayberry of Milton, Florida

"I am so glad that sooo many people cared about Heathe. He was such a special person and will always leave an empty place in our family. No one will be able to replace him or even come close. I will make sure that Jonas and Leona will always know who their father was. What a great guy and awesome soldier. I hope that his death wasnt for nothing. Please dont ever forget him, he doesnt deserve that. I will always miss and love you "heathcliff". Your sister-in-law
www.myspace.com/hannatiffany"
Hanna of Schweinfurt, Germany

"Heathe, your sacrifice will live in my heart forever and ever...surely you are with a greater being above. Your family is surely honored to have you in their lives...and I hope that your memories bring them comfort in their times of greif and sarrow. To the wife and Children of Heathe...please hang in there..God will take care of you and bring peace into your life in a time of heart break and loss. I wish the Craig family all of the best, may God Bless your hearts!"
JC of NY

"To SSG Craig's family and friends,
Heathe was one of the nicest individuals i have ever had the pleasure to work with in Afghanistan, his jokes, great sense of humor, and over all kindness will be greatly missed. It was a very sad day to hear that Heathe was killed. He will forever be remembered by his fellow "DUSTOFF" family. May god be with you and your family Heathe, we miss you."
CW2 JASON LACROSSE of 45th Med Co (AA) Ansbach, Germany

"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.
Our nations HERO, Heathe will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!
NO greater gift can one give - than to try to save another's life."

"Thank you Heathe Craig, 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. Heathe Craig:
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 Heathe 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. Heathe Craig:
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 Heathe, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia