Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Today we celebrate the Armed Services on Veteran’s Day honoring ALL American veterans, both living and dead on a day dedicated largely to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans understood that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free. This is not just for their service in time of war but for the dedicated service of the Nation’s veterans during peace time as an effective deterrent to those who may wish to do us harm.
There really is no way to express with any certainty what our Republic’s veterans carry with them but it should be fully understood that a simple thank often carries significantly more weight than any medal and that knowing the hardships were for not. Today at this moment where I reflect on the many years of dedicated service to God, country, our brothers and sisters I find myself humbled by the steadfast devotion to an ideal many see as slipping away. You are forever endeared and embedded in my every thought and emotion and I wish you the happiness you have earned. God Bless and Salute.

Take Care Roomie, you're still in my thoughts Brother."
William of Peterson

"So today is Memorial Day, a day in which many again will fire up the Barbeques and fish or simply relax in their homes and amongst friends. Yes a couple of years ago I started a correspondence just like this and no I won’t go on a rant about how I feel the people of our nation don’t fully understand what our Republic stands for or used to. I will only release a sigh of a good many emotions for your sacrifice.
Would I rather have you all back in our lives and hoping to hear from you once again, certainly but I understand what your sacrifice meant and hope for those for whom you gave it will carry the brilliant torch of an idea forward into that uncertain night. I am truly respectful of that sacrifice and am honored to have you as friends and colleagues and thank you for all you have given.
In the words of Abraham Lincoln or John Hays (White House Secretary)
“I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”
God Bless."
William Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Its Memorial Day, didn't think this is how I would be spending it. I figured I'd be with mine and you'd be with yours. Anyway; thinking about you and all the others. God Bless."
William Peterson of Ft Bliss, TX

"Hey there Brother, had a few moments as I sit and reflect on this career of mine. Allot of people sure have come and gone and we always did the "we'll stay in touch" knowing it would be difficult. I am mumbling here but I hope you understand sort of where I am going. You took good care of a whole lot of people and I don't doubt for a moment that in some way you are continuing on with that. This is my attempt at staying in touch, wish you were still here and sorry you left so soon. You're a friend I will never forget."
William Peterson of FT Bliss, TX

"Toby, Just stopping by to say Hello and that you are always in my thoughts. Miss you more than words can say. YOU WERE THE BEST AMONG US!"
Dr. Dennis Black of Murphy, Texas

"Merry Christmas Roomie."
Pete of Ft Bliss, TX

"To the family of:Tobias C. Meister
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""

"Another Veterans day, and another reminder that you are no longer with us. You were and still are an inspiration, I miss you brutha!"
Jeffrey Rice of Phoenix, Arizona

"I learned about the death of SFC Meister shortly after it happened, but I just came across this site. He wasn't a friend and I only knew him about a year. But, aside from my basic training Drill Sergeant, he was the single greatest NCO I've ever come into contact with. He was my instructor at Drill Sergeant School and no one will ever be better."
Nickens of Kansas City, MO

"Another year gone by but you are not forgotten brother! Always missed, Never forgotten!"
SFC(P) Jeffrey Rice of 492D CA BN

"Thank God for Toby Meister.

Pat & Kathy"

"Toby, you were my friend, and always will be. Not a month goes by that I dont think about you, and miss you. I push myself, and never give up because I feel I owe that to you. Thank you for all the professional encouragement you gave us at the 486th B co. we will never forget you."
Love, your brothers in Arms of 486th, B co, Sand springs OK.

"Tour is wrapping up and coming to an end, you've been in my thoughts and had to swing by and just take a moment. Miss you roomie."
Peterson of FOB Paliwoda, Iraq

"I met 1SG Meister at his PRT in Afghanistan. I only met him once, he was one of those men that every man wants to be like. God bless his family."
Dan Melton of Ft. Lee Virginia

"Toby,

I miss you brother! I was there with you in Abad 3 years ago, and I still can't believe that you are gone. You used to yell at me when I called you 1SG, but I couldn't help it. I have so much respect for you and I miss you more than you will know, even though we didn't know each other that long. I pray that God is with you, your wife, and son. I miss you brother!"
Glen Gilbert of Conroe, TX

"Just thinking about you brutha! I miss hearing your laugh and seeing that trademark smile. There are very few men I respect in this world, and even fewer I try to emulate, and you were one of those men. You will always be missed and never forgotten!"
SFC Jeffrey Rice of Kirkush, Iraq

"Hey Toby. You may not remember me but I sent you the candy a few years ago. I'm glad you got the chance to enjoy it. I hope you are doing well in heaven. God bless you."
Daniel Takash of Brielle, New Jersey

"I was the NCOIC of the Embedded Training Team and served with Toby in Afghanistan. Though we were not assigned in Camp Wright we were there regularly. If I had any issues I knew I could turn to him and count on his assistance. This Man was a great Soldier! I am proud to have known and served with him. My Prayers are with his family. So Long My Friend Until We Meet Again!"
Albert Rodriguez MSG (ret) of Las Cruces, New Mexico

"Wanted you to know you're not forgotten Brother."
Peterson of Heading out to Iraq again

"Just stopping by to say hello friend."
Peterson of El Paso, TX

"September 30, 2007
To the family of 1st Sgt. Tobias C. Meister:
Tobias 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

"I MET JON SPRATT, THE FATHER IN LAW OF THIS WONDERFUL AMERICAN HERO IN HOUSTON ON 9/25/2007. HE SHARED THE STORY OF THIS YOUNG AMERICAN HERO . MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS WIFE AND ENTIRE FAMILY!! I PRAY FOR YOU AND HONOR THE SACRIFICE THAT TOBIAS MADE. GOD BLESS HIS SOUL. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY!"
PAUL S. VAUGHN of PLANO, TEXAS

"Toby was my friend. I remember a night in Arkansas at an Outback restaraunt when he refused to tell a group of other soldiers his first name. He said that it was a dog's name and whispered that it was Toby. My ex husband laughed and said that it was not a name for a dog and I had to remind him that we had just had a dog named Toby. Everyone laughed and the ice was broken. This man who was all army was finally just another guy. We had fun, we became a real close group that night and in the following week as he was in the same BNCOC class as my ex husband in June of 2001. I have thought of him often and have talked to him over email and telephone. He made a lasting impression on my life and I will never forget him. He has sacrificed more than anyone could ask and he did it without hesitation. He was a good man, a good person, and an amazing friend. I will miss him always."
Summer Peterson of Copperas Cove, TX

"I was looking at old friends lost and was shocked and stunned to see my roommate from BNCOC 201 class 007-00 here. I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of this man who I considered a wonderful friend and whom I had a great time with and learned from. No words can express my deep sorrow for what I have stumbled upon here tonight. Thank you for being who you were and for allowing me to be a part of your life for a short time. God bless."
William L Peterson of Ft Bliss, Texas

"To the family of Toby Meister, I am so sorry for your loss. I am grateful for the opportunity to have known your son, brother, husband, and father. He was an inspiration to me. I have never met any one person so disciplined in his goals or so motivated and driven. I loved him very much for a time in my life and the world will truley miss him."
Corrie Riland of Dallas, TX

"I met Tobey working at Chili's I also had the pleasure of meeting his Mom and Dad, I just found out about his death and would like his family to know that I will as well as my family will pray daily for your strength and comfort. I am so very sorry."
Amanda Leigh of San Antonio Tx.

"To Alicia and young Will,

I met Toby at the 2002 Drill Sergeant of the Year competition at Fort Monroe, VA. I only met you briefly in the downstairs foyer of the Chamberlin Hotel but I remember you very clearly along with your incredibly driven and professional husband. I just want you to know that I think of Toby frequently as I keep running across his e-mail address in my Yahoo account - I just can't bring myself to delete it. I am so sorry for your loss and want you to know that you and your family are always in my prayers. I'm still serving in the Army and I'm grateful for the time I spent serving (and competing) with Toby. God bless y'all!"
MSG Huston of Fort Monroe, VA

"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, Tobias will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! "

"Tobias,
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

"Thank you Tobias Meister, 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 1st Sgt. Tobias Meister:
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 Tobias 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 1st Sgt. Tobias Meister:
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 Tobias, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia