Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"November 10, 2007
To the family of Spc. Daniel J. Freeman:
Daniel 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

"God Bless Daniel J. and America."
Dan of Oceanside, CA

"i didn't meet freeman until my senior year in high school when i enlisted in the army. but he quickly became part of my family. i miss him still even though it's been over two years... i think about him and his family everyday... i give my best wishes to his family."
Francheska Ovington of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

"I don't remember exactly when it was that Daniel joined my class at Yavneh Day School in Cincinnati, Ohio, but I do remember that on that day all of our lives changed. Daniel was a tall, skinny boy who had this dream of moving to Mongolia and becoming the king there, I remember it vividly. Daniel, always did have an imagination and he was never afraid to share it will all of us in class, no matter which class we were in, we always heard one of Daniel's out of this world ideas, they always got laughs and I think that's what he always wanted, laughs. Besides being imaginative and wanting to move to Mongolia, he was probably one of the nicest people I have ever encountered in my life. He loved his friends, he loved his family and he really died doing what he loved. Though, it has been over two years since Daniel is gone, I think of him often. I think of our days in school, on school trips and on our graduation day from 8th grade, though that was the last time I had heard from or about him I always wondered what happened to him for high school and college and though I was quite surprised that Daniel had been killed, it was no surprise to me that of all people from my younger days that Daniel was in Afghanistan, fighting for his country, because that was just the type of person he was. It has been 2 years since Daniel has gone and 8 years since I last spoke to him, but that day he entered my class years ago really did change my life and I feel so honored that I was able to be a part of someone so great's life. Thank you Hashem for giving me the opportunity to know Daniel. And to Daniel's Rebecca, his father Shmuel and little brother Adam (who I am sure is not so little anymore) know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you have been able to come together with family and friends to attempt to get through times that people should never have to go through. And please just know how many people's lives Daniel touched both as a young one and as a little bit older man. Baruch Dayan Haemet. May he rest in peace."
Rachelfaye Lewis of Chicago, IL

"Our family is thinking of Daniel this Memorial Day. We are also thinking of his family and those who love him and miss him."
Chris and Misty of Redding, CA

"i didn't know this young man but i was googling my name on the internet and this came up my name is Daniel R. Freeman and i just want to give my sympathy to the family for i have friends over there and i know how it feels to loose someone but just remeber never say goodbye cause goodbye means forever but so long means you will meet agian someday so never forget the men and women over there and always keep there memory alive that is all"
Daniel R. Freeman of indianapolis,IN

"It is two years today and I grieve just as deep as an ocean but I soar with the memory of his smile. Some days I am wrenched apart as my mind takes me sliding into memories of all that happened. I miss him more every day as I feel him slipping from my mind but never from the deepest parts of my heart. Thank you for remembering him. I can feel so alone as the world continues on."
Daniel's Mom of Blue Ash, Ohio

"I never knew Daniel J. Freeman. But I just wanted to leave the family a quick note of encouragement.

Through the hard times remember his smile. In the good times remember his laugh. And when things get hard think of the blessing that was once there, and how the memories live on in your thoughts. Through Jesus Christ you will over come the pain but never the tears. Tears aren't just the resalt of pain but the beauty of memories."
Anna of Spokane, WA

"Daniel,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other men and women who were on that Chinook with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Fury From The Sky"(508th Inf. Motto)"

"I was about 10 years old and on the bus going home from school. An older kid picked me up and was beating me up, holding me by my feet upside down. Then I hear from the back of the bus "come on!!! just let him go". Sure enough I was let go, fell on my head though. To thank the guy who made "them" stop bullying me I shared my portable radio in the back of the bus. That guy, or boy at that point, was Daniel. He made me realise that the grass is always greener on the other side, and its up to me to get there. He and I lost touch during highschool. We hung out every once in a while, but werent best of friends.
When I was in the IDF I recieved a phone call about his death. Not a day goes by where I dont think about him. God Bless him. If there was ever anyone who deserved a ticket to the other side, its definately Daniel. I only wish that I could have taken his place. In about a year I return to finish my 1 1/2 year service in the IDF. I joined for the same reason he did, and I quote "There arent alot of people who understand how important this fight is, but I do. And thats why I am fighting it".
Aba She Ba'shamiim, ten l'Daniel kol hakavod she'yesh baolam. V'ten lanu et kol hakoach l'hamishich kadima."
Aaron Binik-Thomas of Cincinnati

"Daniel Freeman. What a strong, powerful young man. I pray that I can one day be as strong as his parents, as half as strong as this hero. Respect in every meaning of the word will forever be synonymous with the one and only Daniel J. Freemen."
James Loner of Cincinnati, OH

"My name is SPC Robert Grobe i went to basic with Freeman he was good soldier.I can not stress how much I wish I could have hade the chanse to say good bye Him, and i promis to his family i will kill every dame Hodgie i can next time i am deploy i promis you"
Robert Grobe of FTBenn GA

"i am sorry for his loss and hope for the best for the rest of they family. God Bless"
kristina johnson of vermilion, ohio

"To all those who have written letters, posted emails, and send memorabilia, I thank you from the depth of my soul. I still can't believe he is not coming home. I miss him dearly and at the same time I am so proud of him, of what he accomplished and how far he really went in his short life. God Bless each and everyone of you kind people.
Love Rebecca Birkan (Daniel's Mom)."
Rebecca Birkan of Cincinnati, Ohio

"I'm sorry for what happened"
IDK of NE

"Shmuel, Becky and Adam,
I just located this message board and wanted to leave some words for you and Daniel. I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful, brave, inspirational, loving, and enjoyable young man. For the short time I spent with Daniel, I am amazed at the impact he has forever made in my heart and in my mind. It was obvious when around him that he came from a loving family and caring home, as he spoke highly of you all. On April 6, 2005 the military lost a wonderful soldier and the world lost a loving soul. He will always be in my heart, and John and I will never forget the true friendship we found in Daniel. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers forever."
Crystal Caughlan of Vancouver, WA

"Daniel was my brother.We were as different as could be but the army made us family. I graduated from sycamore HS with him in 2003. I left with him to the army. He was my Delayed entry program buddy. I graduated from OSUT(boot camp) with him in sept. of 2003 and then from Airborne school in late Oct. He was going to Italy and i was going to 3rd Batt of the rangers.That was the last time i saw my brother hopping on that bus happy as can be with a maroon beret clutched in his grasp. My fondest moments were in the crappy Airborne school barracks still around from WWII where me and daniel would watch movies on portable DVD players and talk about how the war was going on without us and how much we wanted to go. Ill miss him forever and i pray everyday for his family who is stronger than life. Save a spot for me with the paratroopers in the sky bro.
"Ours is not to question why,ours is but to do and die""
Ben Boyll 3/75 Ranger Regt. of Cincinnati,OH

"I remember you, Daniel. We met only briefly when my wife and I traveled to a wedding in Cincinatti/ Kentucky. You were a young kid, becoming a man. We liked you immediately and thought that we might see you again someday. -- We did not get that chance. Thank you for your service. Thank you for choosing to be a protector, instead of one of the protected. Thank you. I remember you. My children will know your name and how someone they never met wanted them to be safer and was willing to put themself at risk to accomplish this. Our hearts go out to your family and friends -- We remember and always will."
Chris and Misty of Redding, CA, USA

"Freeman was a buddy of mine from the DEP program. We were at the same recruiting station and used to play football with the rest of the DEPs in the park once a week. He was a really funny guy and a really good friend. I will miss him dearly. My sympathies to the Freeman family."
PFC James Allen (A 3/69 Medic) of PB Uvanni, Iraq

"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""

"Hello, my name is Shane Shapiro and I was a freshman when dan was a senior at Sycamore High School, I am sorry and I send out my sorrys to his families."
www.shaneshapiro.com of Cincinnati, Ohio

"In honor of Spc Daniel J. Freeman, 20 yrs, of Blue Ash, Ohio. 173 Airborne, 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment, Camp Ederle, Italy. APRIL 6, 2005 AFGHANISTAN
You gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country - I only hope we can all live up to the responsibility that places on our shoulders. Your Aunt, cousins, and I will miss you greatly."
Gary Buchheim of Springfield, VA

"To Daniel'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 son returned safely from Afghanistan, only to lose his life in Iraq. 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@sbcglobal.net"

"TO THE FREEMAN FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE LOST OF DANIEL. SO THANKUL TO HIM FOR HIS SERVICE. HE IS A TRUE HERO! AN HE HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. DANIEL BECAME A VERY SPECIAL PERSON. FOR HE HAD WAS RAISED BY VERY SPECIAL PARENTS. DANIEL WAS A SOLDIER, AN HE FULLY UNDERSTOOD IT WOULD RISK HIS LIFE. AN ALL AMERICAN'S DHOULD BE THANKFUL TO DANIEL. FOR HE PROTECTED US AGAINST TERRORISM AND HELPED TO KEEP AFGHANISTAN FREE. FOR ALL HE ACCOMPLISHED; HE WIIL NOT HAVE GIVEN HIS LIFE IN VIAN. I REALIZE DANIEL AND OUR SON HADN'T KNOWN ONE ANOTHER. BUT, BOTH BONDED AS MILITARY BROTHERS. BOTH ARE NOW TOGETHER SERVING US ONCE AGAIN. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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

"To the family and friends of
Spc. Daniel Freeman:
My heart goes out to you. There are not enough words to express my sadness of your loss. My son is at Bagram and I can only imagine your grief. Our family understands your son's sacrifice and the tremdous loss to your family. Your son will always be remembered as a hero."
Linda Haag of Middletown, Ohio

"Dear Rebecca and Samuel, We are heartbroken to hear of your loss in the death of Daniel. We owe so much to him and all others who fight for our country. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers."
The Tepperberg family of Cincinnati, OH

"Rebecca and Samuel, I am so sorry for the loss of your son. My prayers and thoughts are with you. May God grant you peace.Like you I lost my son while with the 173rd in Iraq."
Debora Yashinski (mommaski) of Irondale, AL

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