Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Theres not a day that goes by that i do not think about you. One day we will reunite tell then RIP... You will never be forgotten!!"
B CO of Still Hunting on 2911

"To the family of:Travis W.Nixon I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief. He died a hero defending freedom and we are so grateful for anyone defending our freedom.
Know that I am praying for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding for you and that one day we will all meet in Heaven where we will rest in the arms of Jesus.
If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with please call my Pastor at Gateway Community Church, Reverand John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd Covington Ga. 30016 Phone 770- 787- 1015 (fax)770-787-8215.Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew"

"29 Oct 2007
I want to send a heartfelt thank you to all who have left notes and condolences, especially those most recent ones. With this being the second anniversary of "T's" death I sometimes feel that we, his immediate family, are the only ones to miss his wonderful smile and boistrous behavior. Thanks, all of you. You can not know how much it means that others remember and miss our son.
God Bless the 82nd Airborne, Travis Nixon's second family. May He watch over and protect them, and all who serve our country."
Nick Nixon of Maryville, TN

"Travis,two years are coming up and i still think about you every day man,i know you're watching everyone that loved you,never forgotten....take care"
Perales of the outside world

"Travis was the only person that I "let" call me by my childhood name. That was reserved for the closest of friends and family. He was my little brother and I watched a goofy boy become a very strong man. When my wife lost our twins, he was the last and only one I saw for some comfort before I went on emergency leave. When I returned, he was gone. I know he is in Heaven watching over my boys and all of us "White Devils". I love you "NOXIN". I think about you every single day. Your sacrifice makes us all stronger men and soldiers."
SSG Damian Cromartie of Ft. Bragg, NC

"October 1, 2007
To the family of Staff Sgt. Travis W. Nixon:
Travis 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

"Travis, you have been and will always be missed brotha. I served in B Co on the first tour to Afghanistan and Iraq. I will always remember Travis as a professional and a man who really cared about the job and his men. Strike Hold!! ATW!!!
B Co 2/504 PIR 01-04"
SSG Kevin Gardner of Ft Campbell Ky

"Travis, you have been and will always be missed brotha. I served in B Co on the first tour to Afghanistan and Iraq. I will always remember Travis as a professional and a man who really cared about the job and his men. Strike Hold!! ATW!!!
B Co 2/504 PIR 01-04"
SSG Kevin Gardner of Ft Campbell Ky

"Nixon, Man I miss you. When I heard what had happened, I denied it. No one could ever believe that Travis, who always had that goofy smile on his face, could have been the one. I will always remember the times we spent together in Afghanistan, and in Iraq. You were a brother, a friend. Never have I met a truer friend. You will always live on in the memories of your friends, and family, as well as all the paratroopers you influenced.
Airborne, All the Way. Sua Sponte my friend.."
W01 Buck, William J of Fort Rucker, Alabama

"I miss Travis and the way he always made me laugh. The world is not the same without him. Just wish we could have had more dances. My condolences to the Nixon family and just know that you raised a good man."
Tiffany Lang (Supranovich) of Fayetteville, NC

"I SERVED WITH SSG NIXON IN AFGHANISTAN WHEN HE PASSED AWAY... I CAN REMEMBER THE DAY BEFORE HE PASSED AWAY LIKE IT WAS TODAY....WE WERE PLAYER CARDS AND I SHOWED HIM A CARD TRICK THAT FREAKED HIM OUT...HE COULDN'T STOP ASKING ME HOW I DID THAT TRICK....I DIDNT SHOW HIM HOW I DID THAT TRICK AND I REALLY REGRET IT....TRAVIS IM SORRY FOR NOT SHOWING THAT TRICK BUT ONE DAY WE WILL MEET AGAIN AND I WILL SHOW YOU EVERY CARD TRICK I KNOW....YOU WERE A GREAT LEADER AND WE ALL MISS YOU AND NEVER FORGET YOU.....RIP..."
SPC WILL of SCHOFIELD, HAWAII

"To Travis’ entire friend’s, I have just nominated him to be placed on the Fallen Ranger Memorial at the 5th Ranger Training Battalion. I served with him for numerous years as did most of us, and watched him grow to be a great leader of troops. I have missed him ever since that day, and will continue to. God’s speed brother, Ranger’s Lead the Way!

SFC Reed, Thomas 2/504 1999-2006"
Thomas Reed of Dahlonega, GA

"To all friends of Travis. I have just nominated him to be placed on the fallen Ranger Memorial and 5th Ranger Training Battalion. Travis was a good friend and a great soldier, and I will miss him dearly.

SFC Reed, Thomas 2/504 99-06"
Thomas Reed of Dahlonega, GA

"I served in a company opposite of Travis in the 2/504. Him and my roommate years ago were close friends and Travis was always around. Over the years we stayed friends and it was good getting to see him develop into a great soldier and leader. I left the Army before the unit went back to Afghanistan and I still remember the last time I talked to Travis. He ran over to say hi to me as I was walking by the company area. I heard of his death through a friend and was devastated. I've lost several friends over the last couple years and Travis was one of those. It always seems like the best and greatest guys are the ones who make the ultimate sacrifice. Travis was a good friend, a good soldier, and one of the greatest guys I will ever know. My deepest sympathies to his family and wife.
Sincerely,
Bart Barcelou D 2/504"

"I never had the honor to meet SSG Nixon, but I wish I had. He is and forever will be my Airbone Ranger in the sky. RLTW!"
SPC Chappell of 4th Ranger Training Battalion

"SSG Nixon.. What can I say. You were my brother... You were my friend.... I served with you through all three deployments. Never thought the third would be our last. I still remember your face in the chow hall at Salerno a week before you passed. The times you spent on the deck at the house will never be forgotten. I miss you bro, and I know I'll see you again. AIRBORNE, ALL THE WAY, STRIKE HOLD."
SSG Connolly of Fayetteville NC

""The voices of the past ring in our hearts long after they have faded from our ears..."
I read that recently and my heart sang a song of Travis's laugh. He was a brave soldier with a heart of gold. May he rest in peace."
Julie Matson of Anchorage, Alaska

"i didn't know travis during his life, but have come to think about him a lot in his passing, and those close to him. just know that we are all still here to making sure that travis, and all of our fallen, have not gone in vain. the fight continues as does the memory of SSG Nixon. all the way- AIRBORNE!"
SPC Grindstaff of Iraq

"Travis and I pretty much grew up together in B Co, having arrived at the unit relatively close to the same time. We went to PRC, Ranger School, and eventually two deployments with one another. In his early days as a private, he was one of the most GUNG HO guys you'd ever seen, even if he had no idea what was really going on. Through the years, he developed into one of the finest NCOs the 82nd had ever seen. And while I was by no means there, in his final moments, I've heard countless witnesses proclaim he lead his men until the very end displaying utmost bravery and courage against an overwhelming enemy force. He is missed by all but will NEVER be forgotten. NEVER. Travis---our brother, our friend, our hero---Strike Hold, Airborne, All The Way."
Oliver Sliva of Boulder, CO

"Nixon,or noxin as his ruck sack read was a great man,i'll always remember how he used to come bouncing through my door looking for a cigarette and a lighter then run off and pass by the door later throwing the lighter at me,and laughing about it,that was just nixon,no one could ever stay mad at him...he did his job and he loved it,he wanted his friends and family to be proud of him,we are and always will be,"
SGT Perales,Charles E US Army of Ft. Bragg,NC

"TRAVIS YOU ARE ALWAYS IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND ILL SEE YOU AGAIN MY FREIND"
SSG ESTES WAYNE L. of C CO 2-1 INFANTRY FORT WAINWRIGHT A.K. 99703

"I send to you my sincerest regrets for your loss. My family is most appreciative of your sacrifice for our safety!! I would like to report to you that while at the Wurstfest in new Braunfels, Texas I found a silver bracelet with SSG Travis W. Nixon engraved on it. I am trying to return it to it's owner. Would you please contact me at 713-459-9143 so I may return it to it's rightful owner. Thank you"
Priscilla Hendon of Houston, TX

"SSG Nixon and i grew up together in t he same platoon since we were privates, gone thru a tour in afganistan and iraq together. Were roomates for most of our military career. Travis was a brother and a friend, one that will be missed dearly. DE OPPRESO LIBER!"
STEVE

"I went through Infantry Basic at 2/54 Infantry & Airborne Training at the 1/507 with Travis. I saw him make the transition from teenager to a man. He was a great soldier."
Sean Flaherty of Oakland, CA USA

"My name is Barb Shillinger and I send you my most sincere condolences on the loss of your son/husband/father. I know what you are going through and I will keep you in my prayers. I am the WA state coordinator for the Home of the Brave Quilt Project. We are volunteers making a Civil War reproduction quilt for the family of each of our Fallen from WA. It will have an embroidered label with Travis' name. We ask nothing of the families except an address to which we can mail the quilt when it is finished. Please contact me at barbnlamont@comcast.net
And, again, I am so sorry for your great loss and I thank Travis for being willing to put himself in harm’s way for our country. Barb Shillinger"
Barb Shillinger of Aberdeen, WA

"You will never be forgotten Travis...I think about you and your sacrifice everyday and will never forget. I always manage to crack a smile as well as a tear everytime I recall your antics...

To Wendy and Mr. and Mrs. Nixon...you continue to be in our prayers and I will always be here for you. If you ever need anything please write to me at tomlinsonster@gmail.com. I know that the memory of Travis will live on in every paratrooper within the BOHICAs/Bravo Group/White Devils.

ATW"
James Tomlinson of Olympia, WA

"Travis,
I miss ya... the 2-504 boys were my whole family in NC for three years, and most of them lived on my couches and floors every weekend... Travis liked to come raise hell and make himself known, and he had the BIGGEST heart. I remember the last time I saw him, I was down in Fayetteville visiting, and I saw him at Cadillac Ranch and he couldn't stop telling me how proud I should be of him because he was so lucky to have Wendy and how he was 'settling down' (which I couldn't believe, but understood his version of settling down) and how happy he was. I was so happy for him... and it's so wrong that it all was taken away so soon after he found it. We all miss him, I know I sure do, Fayetteville Mama"
Kristen of Fayetteville, NC, now Ithaca, NY

"To the Nixon Family, I am truly sorry for your loss and deeply greived. Travis was truly a wonderful person and great friend. You will truly be missed. Airborne All The Way."
SSG Courtney S. Ellis of Anchorage, Alaska USA

"Travis,
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.

"Airborne All The Way!""

"I was Nixon's roomate for two years when we were both privates in Bco. 2nd Platoon "BOHICAS". My heart goes out to his family and loved ones...Travis, we had some good times together "MIJO". i will always remember you as a friend, fellow soldier, and a BROTHER. you will never be forgoten."
Olivo, Anthony of Chino, CA USA

"On behalf of the 2nd Platoon B Co. 2-504th, I would like to thank all of you for your kind words. I was Travis' Platoon Sergeant and his loss has been hard on myself,his men, and family. Travis lived and died a man of action. Because of his actions and bravery that day many of us will be changed forever. His sacrifice made it posable for others to live on. Travis was a great leader, friend and brother and will never be forgoten but always missed. "WE few, we happy few, we band of brothers, for whoever has shed his blood with me shall be my brother. And those men afraid to go, will think themselves lesser men as they hear of how we fought and died together." - William Shakespeare
Travis was a great friend and my brother."
SFC Johnathon Shank of FT. Bragg NC

"To Travis's Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Travis, you sir are a true American Hero. Thank you Travis for all you have done for us. God bless you Travis and God Bless your family."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"To the family and friends of Travis W. Nixon:

I did not know Travis myself, but I wanted to give my condolences and thank you. Because of Travis and men like him I am able to live the life that I have-a free one. Freedom is not free, and this wonderful man paid the ultimate price. From what I can tell he was an extrodinary man, wonderful friend, treasure for a son, and the greatest husband anyone could ask for. I am sorry for what you are having to go through and you are in my prayers and thoughts. God Bless You all!!"

"Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice..."
Nicole of ft. worth

"I served with SSG Nixon, in Bco 2/504 for about a year and half, he was a great leader, warrior, and person. You will never be forgotten Travis. RIP
STRIKE HOLD!"
Wayne Holder of Amarillo, Tx

"To the family of Travis Nixon, our son served with Travis at Ft. Bragg, he was also 2nd of the 504th. Devin transferred to the 172nd Stryker Brigade in Alaska, and is now serving in Iraq. He recently learned of Travis's death, and wished for us to contact you if we could, to tell you that Travis meant a lot to many he has served with, he was special. We all want to share our deepest sympathy with you, words cannot express. Thank you for raising such a fine son, soldier, and friend, his sacrifice and yours will never be forgotten, and you will remain in our thoughts and prayers."
The family of SSG Devin J. Bowman of Sheridan, Wyoming

"To the Nixon family from the Sherwood family. Our son Steven was also killed in Afghanistan on 29th October 2005. Our deepest sympathies go out to you as we know the terrible pain you are feeling. Please do not hesitate to ontact us if you wish. sherwoodj£@aol.com"
Mr & Mrs A Sherwood & family of England

"To all that were blessed with knowing this amazing man~
May the angels walk with you. He is an American hero and will NEVER leave our hearts...."

"Dear Nixon Family,

My deepest sympathy in your loss. Your husband, and son, is a true hero. He knew that he was fighting for the ongoing freedom of our country and the future freedom of another country. His life was not given in vain. He will always be remembered by many of us. You can be very proud of him and what he did. He was an exceptional young man.
My prayers are with you and your family in this time of grief."
Barbara of Kernersville, North Carolina

"Dear the Nixon Family,
I want to sent you my deepest sympathy for your lose. It is a tragic event losing a loved one and it will take time. You will never forget the loving man I'm sure he was. How devoted to protecting our rights and freedom he was. I am currently in the military. My father was a Lt Col in the Marine Corp when he was killed in a helicopter crash May 1996 in Camp Lejeune. I also work with a program called TAPS(tragedy assistance program for survivors) I mentor the kids that have lost a loved who served in the m ilitary. If there is anything you need PLEASE feel free to contact me. We all need to stick together and help eachother out in times of need. Military family to military family you cant ask for more support, understanding and comfort.
megan.kuszewski@westover.af.mil"
megan of so. hadley, ma

""As a mom of five young children, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of this brave solder Travis W. Nixon words can not express the emotion. He payed the ultimate price for our freedom and the freedom of so many other people who suffered under the rule of Sadaam. May God be with you in this time of sorrow and may you find comfort in the fact that we think about Daniel's sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"
Jill Hughes of houston Texas"
jill hughes of Houston TX

"TO THE NIXON FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. YOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN! YOU ARE ANA AMERICAN HERO! ONE THAT HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. TO THOSE YOU HAVE SHARED AND HOLD VERY FOND MEMORIES YOU SHARED TOGETHER. YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN TRAVIS! YOU ARE SOMEONE'S SOMEONE AND YOU ARE TRAVIS SOMEONE TO THE WAHL FAMILY. PLEASE FOR TRAVIS REACH OUT TO YOUR POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED AFTER TRAVIS. SO NO ONE IN HIS COMMUNITY EVER FORGET HIS SERVICE. HE SERVED HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY, STATE AND COUNTRY. TRAVIS-----GOD BLESS! I STILL HAVE TEARS EACH DAY FOR MY SON GREGORY; TODAY THOSE TEARS ARE YOUR'S!"
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.
Our nations HERO, Travis will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless you ALWAYS.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To Travis' 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. Our sons are true heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto "The Big Ern" Blanco-Caldas
82nd Airborne, 504 PIR
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003
San Antonio, Texas
gloria.caldas@sbcglobal.net"

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