Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"From one Ponder to another are thought's and best wish are to all of you"
Lesley Ponder of Somerset UK

"October 13, 2007
To the family of Master Sgt. James W. Ponder, III:
James 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 of Nevada

"I saw the hunting video with Leslie Ponder. What a feeling seeing her fulfill James' wish. Leslie, my prayers are with you and your girls."
Joe Taylor of shreveport,la.

"James,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other men who were on that Chinook with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. When your fellow servicemen were in trouble, you didn't hesitate to go to their aid. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Night Stalkers Rule The Night"
160th SOAR Motto"

"To the Ponder family" 4th of july in Gatlinburg TN is the midnight parade and fireworks. many fallen families will be attending. To enter a float to honour our fallen and to ask American's to SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! James you have not died in vain! You are a military brother to our son as you had been to him. today you are both united together. An without such men and women like you. America would not be safe today from terrorism. An all of America should be grateful to you both and all that serve along side of you. For all you do, the reason why? Others in the world come to America freedom and liberty!"
leonard_wahl@hotmail.com of Spring Texas

"To the family of:James W Ponder 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"

"I read about Trey in BASSMASTER magazine and can only imagine what it must have been like to have known him and named him as a friend. God bless him and the loved ones he left here on earht."
HM1(SW/FMF) Rich Clements of Virginia

"As a mom of five young children, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of this brave solder James W. Ponder III. You are loved by many. 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 his family in this time of sorrow and may you find comfort in the fact that we think about James's sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"
Jill Hughes of Houston, Tx

"Our deepest sympathies to Rebecca,Jim, Leslie and girls...I was so fortunate to have met you this past weekend. I wanted to talk with you all the day of the Memorial but with everything going on we didn't have too much time. You are all so very loving and kind. Although I didn't know Trey, I'm sure I can say that he was just as loving and as beautiful a person as you all. Please know that you're not alone and if you ever need to talk that I/we are here and understand. May God grant you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. -Family of SFC Marcus Muralles (mckenna_6968@yahoo.com)"
Cindy Swazay of Indianapolis,IN

"May God Bless Your Family"
Dan, Cindy, TIffany, Eric Dietz of Littleton, Colorado

"Leslie,
May Gods grace lead you during these dark days. May you feel his warmth and loving touch when you need it most. Know that your in our prayers during this time. If you ever need anything don't hesitate to email me. work4kohls@comcast.net My sons dad was also killed in a helicotpor crash. So if you ever need a friend I will be there. God Bless,"
Brooke Willis of Franklin,Tn,USA

"To Rebecca, Jim, the Wife and two children, we send our heart felt love....We knew him as Trey!! We have known of him his whole life but only a few times did we have the opportunity to spend time with him... what a lasting impression he left with our family... Such a bright, cheerfull,and caring young man that no one could resist his charm (we wanted to take him home with us).... He had a warmth about him that will be everlasting and all that knew him will confirm.... we are family and a little prestigious.... He did his job well as a son, husband, father and for his country.... Our love and prayers... Jerry, Fran, Paulette,(Hampton) Lisa (Hampton-Pepe), Richard, Alli, Thomas (Pepe).."
Jerry Hampton & Family of Bostwick, Ga

"To the Family and Friends of James, I wish to send my deepest condolence, James will be in my prayers. He was a true American Hero who was fighting for all of us. We will never forget him. God Bless All of You"
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"JAMES, YOU ANSWERED YOUR CALLING IN LIFE. TO BE A PROFESSIONAL SOLDIER SERVING AMERICA. AN THE ELITE OF ELITE'S!! YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER!!! NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN!!!! JAMES THANK YOU FOR SERVING ALONG SIDE OUR SON. I REALIZE YOU TWO HAD NOT KNOWN ONE AOTHER. BUT, MILITARY BROTHER'S DO WATCH OVER ONE ANOTHER1 GREG TELL ME THAT ALL THE TIME. OUR NFAMILY PRAYS ARE WITH YOU JAMES AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To James' 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, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

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

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