Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Jesse,
Just wanted to let you know that even in death you are still helping others. I fight everyday to reach all of my goals because if a good guy like you can be taken away from us, I would never feel right not living up to my full potential. I saw the faces of your family at your memorial, I now how much you are missed, why should I be here when you are not. Well I am, and even though I didnt know you very well, I know enough that I should honor you by living my life to its fullest. I am trying my best to live a good life by all definitions of the word. I am starting a family, I work to save lives(police officer), and I volunteer my off duty time (volunteer firefighter/emt) to help save lives. As a police officer I was recently involved in the fatality of a man that was fleeing from me in a high speed chase down a lonely gravel road. In this situation I could not help that man, I tried, he made the wrong decision. He is dead, I am alive. Still, I know even though this man was no hero, like you, his family still mourns for him, like yours. I know that on nights like the night of that chase, you, and my grandfather, and all my lost loved ones are giving me strength. Thank You"
-Hanssen- of Iowa

"Thinking of you on your 25th B-day.
Jesse, you are with your Rescue Brothers every time we go into harms way...continue watching over us and keep us safe as we fight the good fight...Rest in Peace Warrior"
Ernie Garcia of Kadena AB, Japan

"Jesse Happy Birthday. You are forever in in our hearts. We love you and think of you often. Keep watching over and guiding us."
Aunt Beth of St Paul Missouri

"Happy Birthday Jesse! I think of you every day! You are our family's hero!

We love and miss you greatly!"
(Aunt) Molly of Wentzville, MO

"Veterans Day, 2007
To the family of Airman 1st Class Jesse M. Samek:
Jesse 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

"Jesse,
It's been 3 years now. I wanted you to know that I think about you often. I regret that even though we are family, I didn't get to know you better. I've gotten married to a wonderful woman named Ali. Even though she never met you, she knows how wonderful of a person you are. We all miss you buddy!
Your cousin,"
Dan C. of Springfield, MO USA

"Samek-It's been 3 years today that you have been gone, but not 1 day forgotten!! We miss you!"
Brittany of OH

"I am late sending you this message. It is now 2007. However, it is never to late to say thank you to a brave hero. Thank you Jesse. I know that I will meet you someday in the clouds. And we shall live forever in a world without tears, pain or sorrow. Until we meet and behold Him face to face, our Savior and Lord, I promise to make you proud by loving my country and those for whom you died." Tessie"
Tessie R. Simmons of Oklahoma City, OK

"Jesse- I know I did not know you as well as "Bucket" and some others in the squadron, but even so, i just wanted to let you know that I still think of you often. Since leaving the military I have been enrolled at Iowa State University and every single time I pass the large American Flag on central campus I think of you and make a little prayer. I recently started working as a Police Officer, and also as a volunteer EMT for a Volunteer Fire Department. I want you to know that whenever I help someone in a bad spot, I send a little bit of that good feeling in your direction, and all the good things that I have the privelage to do, I dedicate to you and others I know that our now watching down on me, and all of us. I really respect you and the sacrifice that you made. I miss you buddy, and I pray that youre family has been able to deal with the loss of your earthly body, and find solace in the fact that you are in a better place."
Patrolman Ryan Hanssen of Iowa

"Hey buddy. It's Memorial Day and I'm thinking about you. I miss you and the good times we had together. Anyway, you'll be on my mind today."
Will of The University of Mississippi

"Thanks Jess. Still miss you everyday. Love you!"
Janelle & Calvin of Bury St. Edmunds, UK

"In one of the stars I shall be living
In one of them I shall be laughing
And so I will be as if all the stars
were laughing when you look
at the sky at night.

----The Little Prince----
Antoine de Saint-Exupery"
A Friend of Missouri

"Hey Samek- I know I haven't written in awhile, sorry. I miss you and all the other guys on a daily bases. I look at your medals everyday that sit on my desk and I thank God that there are brave people like you. Hope your doing great up there, thanks for watching over us and keeping us safe. I know you’re a guardian angel to lots of people! Miss you and love you!"
Sarah of ABQ, NM

"Jesse...Thinking of you today, what would have been your 24th Birthday...Rest in Peace Young Warrior"
Ernie Garcia of Kadena AB, Japan

"Jesse...your Rescue Brothers are standing watch over those who are fighting the good fight, waiting for the mission we hope never comes. We are on four different continents, from every corner of the globe, the task is daunting but with your help we will come when called upon. As our Protector, you are now on the most important mission there is...keeping us safe, watching and protecting us as we continue to put ourselves in harms way so..."That Others May Live"

"Greater Love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends"
John 15:13"
Your deployed Brother of Camp Samek, Afghanistan

"Merry Christmas Jesse...We will be thinking of you during the New Year...we miss you"
A friend in Vegas

"Times have changed over the last few years but you still remain in our hearts and in our minds. Your sacrifice was not in vain, you have been a true mentor and guardian angel to many of us from the rescue community along with many others. Thanks jessie, we wont ever forget you this christmas season and following holidays to come.My heart goes out to your family and a salute goes to you and others that fell along with you to preserve the lives of others."
Freddy of Lexington Park , MD

"It has been over two years now and you are never far from my thoughts. I didn't know you that well...it was your first deployment with us and you were a brand new FE. My lone memory of you is you unzipping your flightsuit in the TOC so I could use your Trogdor shirt as a model for decorating our phone booth. That was the night before the accident...such a simple memory. I try to honor you and your sacrfice every day. I have never forgotten that night or you and I never will. Your memory drives me in so many ways. I train young officer candidates now and I want them to be good enough to lead young men and women like yourself...you were America's finest and it was a privelege to serve with you. May God continually grant your family and loved ones peace."
Copilot Halo 41, Capt Daniel Lawrence of Monument, CO

"It's been two short years since Jesse was taken from us. May peace and comfort be brought to his family during these still difficult times. I think about Jesse every day and am thankful for his bravery. Wish I could tell him how much it means to me that he sacrificed his life for mine and others. Constant thoughts and prayers to the Samek's as they continue to grieve for our beloved Jesse."
Sheila Mueller of Ellisville, MO

"I did not know Jesse Samek, but two years ago today on 21 October 2004 he died in the sevice of his country. I served in Vietnam with the USAF, and I know that his memory shall always live in the hearts of his loved ones and friends -- and to those former Air Force personnel who only know of him by his kind acts that he showed for others in Afghanistan.... May God bless his soul forever."
Bill Morris of Texas

"It has been two long years since Jesse gave the full devotion to duty. Those of us in the Rescue community miss him dearly. We still call on him daily to perform the most important mission of all, this mission is to keep us safe and to watch over his Rescue Bethren who continue to put themselves in harms way.

Thinking of you often, until we meet again my friend, keep us safe so we can continue doing these things we do so..."That Others May Live""
A thankful and grieving Rescue Brother of Kadena AB, Japan

"Julie, Nearly two years have passed since my son Chris phoned to say that his best friend in the USAF had died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. As a mom, my heart hurts for you still. Even though I haven't been in touch since the time of Jesse's death, I want to know that your family's sacrifice isn't forgotten, that I think of you frequently and offer my prayers that your heart is at peace."
Pat (Bush) Nixon of Berea, OH

"Jesse, its been a while, How does it look from up there? So you finally met danny now, told you hes a funny guy. Your both in our hearts and in our minds. Thank you for alot of laughs and a better outlook on life, your truly one of the most respectable people i have or will ever meet. Thanks for lighting our ways through the rest of the time over there. Your never forgotten and ill see you when our paths meet again."
freddy of las vegas , nv

"Jesse,
I know I haven't said anything in a long time, I just wanted you to know that I still think of you all the time. You were a true friend and a brother in arms. I hope to see you when I get to where you are. "THESE THINGS WE DO....THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE!!""
SrA Michael A. Duran of Nellis AFB, NV

"Hey Samek- you've been on my mind a lot lately so I thoought I'd write to ya and tell ya how much I miss ya, how I still laugh to this day of our camping trip and how you didn't share your secret with me of clearing a place before you set up tent- come on it was my first time, or the time you all thought it would be hilarious to throw a trash can of ice water on me!! And so many more memories! Well I just wanted to tell ya how much I miss ya and can't wait till we all can be together again like the good old days! Much love to you! See ya when I get home!"
Sarah of ABQ, NM

"Memorial Day 2006 - May God bless Jesse's family and all his friends still out there doing the mission. You have your own angel watching over you."
CS of St Pete, FL

"Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about Jessie. He was a BEST friend, comrade, and brother. A person can go their whole life and not have a friend as true as Jessie was to all of us. I remember SERE like it was yesterday. We were both southern boys and loving it.(He was an Arkansas fan and I went to Ole Miss and we loved ribbing each other about which school was better.)Running from the insructors, hefting fifty pounds of gear, warding of the freakishly huge insanly evil mesquitos that are were so thick in the Moutains of washington that they sometimes looked like one gigantic buzzing black fog. Crawling through the stinking muck and mire, walking miles a day. We loved it. We both were in our element. On the forth day we were hiding in a nasty little creek bed watching the "enemy" instructors searching for us. It was truly misserable, and we were having the time of our lives. Cracking jokes, talking about our families, our hopes dreams and fears. I was only 18 at the time and a little imature. I had already eaten all of my food and Jesse only had half a bag of skitles left. Without asking he took half of them and gave them to me. To most people this means very little. To me it is a memory I shall cherish for the rest of my life. I'm not sure everyone can fully understand why something so small can mean so much. But for me it is something I hold onto everyday. To push past the pain, and the feeling that the world has lost a great man who would have done so many great things. Whether you think this war is right or wrong, good or bad know this; Jessie died doing good. Good that many people will never be able to comprehend. But to his comrads his family and friends, he died doing a great thing and doing what he loved. You cant ask for anymore.
Jessie I know your in a better place and one day I'll see you again and bring a fat bag of skittles. See later my friend.

May the wind be always on your back, the sun upon your face,
and may the winds of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars."
William Morrow of Oxford, MS

"Thanks for being a Super Hero Jesse. I speak of you often and am very proud to have known you."
TSgt Robert Smead of Albuquerque, NM

"Samek- still thinking of you, buddy. i'll never forget you and the good times we had together. You always knew how to put a smile on someone's face. Look forward to the day we can share a laugh again."
Bush

"To Jesse's family,
Jesse was an amazing person, my heart aches to know the pain that you are going through. Please know that I continue to pray for you and hope that you can find peace."
lw of sc

"Still thinking of Jesse, and the sacrifice he made for this great nation. "WE SHALL NOT FORGET""
SFC Jayne (Samek) Hasik of Fort Leonard Wood, MO

"Over a year has passed and yet there isn't a day that goes by that you don't run threw my mind. You are so deeply missed by so many, yet we all know your always with us in heart. I will always hold you dear to me, for you taught me so much in such a little time."
of NM

"It has been a year this week that we lost Jesse and not a day passes that I don't think of him. To the Samek family, it was a privilege and an honor to know Jesse and to meet you at his memorial dedication."
Captain Nathan Horner of 33rd RQS Kadena AB Okinawa, Japan

"Jesse,
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

"You will be remembered today..... and everyday!
We love you, Jess!"

""Let us make it our business to build up the lives that touch upon ours as a thankful offering of that great gift God gives to him for whom we grieve. And as the years pass, we may discover that the loss we felt has become by the turning hand of Grace, a gain so great as to outstrip all our dreams of grandeur, fame or fortune, such are the vagaries of life.

And so, to Jesse Monroe Samek, newborn child of God, we bid our farwells, KNOWING THAT BETTER THINGS AWAIT HIM THAN OUR MINDS CAN CONCIEVE OR HEARTS DESIRE"

Thank You for your sacrifice...Your Deeply Missed"
A grieving and thankful friend

"Samek-
We all love you and miss you!!"
of OH

"I give you this one thought to keep --
I am with you still – I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still – in each new dawn.
---Native American Prayer"

"Jesse went through basic at the same time as me in FEB. 03 altouth we were in different squadrons for basic we were roomates at the Enlisted aircrew undergraduate course and combat survival school. We became quick friends and remained very close. I was injured during survival school and Jessie moved on to BHFE school in New Mexico. I never thought this knid of thing would happen to jessie. He always worked so hard at being the best. To Jessies parents I say sorry, But know that jessie has touched many of our lives forever."
William Morrow of Athens, GA

"To all who reads this:
Jesse was an extraordinary young man, one who's dedication to his duty as an HH-60 Flight Engineer was unriveled. He struggled with many obstacles in the begining but he persevered, never faltered and never waivered from his goal of being the best FE he could possibly be. In the end he achieved that goal, setting a standard that will be matched by few. Jesse was on his second life saving mission when he made the utlimate sacrifice. That night, while performing this life saving mission, his helicopter became engulfed in dust and impacted terrain, through it all he never left his position, he continued kneeling in the cabin door manning the hoist, trying to insert the PJ's until succumbing to his injuries. For his extraordinary actions Jesse was awarded the Air Medal with Valor posthumously.
Jesse was a fine young man, borne of good parents, we can all be proud of his accomplishments. When we shed a tear, let it be a tear of joy and happiness for having had the opportunity to have known Jesse...
Young warrior...you may now rest in peace for your duty here is done, you followed the most noble of callings and gave the full devotion to duty so...THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE"
TSgt Ernie Garcia of Nellis AFB, NV

"Thinking of you always, miss you!"

"You're Great! Catch ya on the flip side!We all love ya!!!! love, Blake, Ragan,Janelle,David,Christine,Matt!!"

"We all love ya!!!!"

"To the parents of Jesse Samek,
I went to Basic Training with Jesse in February 03' and saw many great things in him. His character, motivation, mental strength, leadership, and most of all: his integrity. This country has lost a great soldier, I've lost a great wingman, and you have lost a great son. I thank you for letting me spend 6 and a half weeks with him and I send my prayers."
Donnie Short of Beale AFB, CA

"Thank You for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"To the Family of Jesse Samek
My prayers are with you at this time. Jesse happened to be a friend of mine while he was stationed here in Alb. New Mexico. I have never meant a person in my life that is a strong as him and has as big of heart as him. Jesse allowed me to see things in a whole new light and gave me the courage to try new things. He will be truely missed by many but I know he will be waiting when we get home to meet him! May God Bless you!"
Sara E Rieland of Albuquerque, NM

"To Jesse'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 boy 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@banksterling.com"

"To Jesse's family, we know your pain is beyond belief right now. Jesse gave his life that our country will still be free. Freedom is not free the cost is high. The lives of our young men and women. Let's honor them all by keeping troops in our prayers. Our heartfelt prayers go to you all. We gave our grandson LCpl Juston Thacker to our country on 6/24/04 in Afghanistan. If we can help please contact us at website:lcpljustontthacker.com our family will be glad to share memories of two brave 21 year old men."
Tom & Dixie Sisk of Princeton, WV

"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"
Cheryl of Porter Ranch, CA

"To the family and friends of Airman 1st Class Jesse M. Samek. Please accept our heartfelt prayers on the loss of Jesse. Words will never be made that can heal your hurt or stop the pain. We know, we lost our son Sgt Daniel Lee Galvan in a Blackhawk UH-60 crash on Aug 12, 2004 near Salerno Afghanistan. Your son is a real American HERO and I am sure that although Daniel did not know him he saved a place for him with God and they are even now swapping stories about their love of flying. Jesse will always be in our prayers as are all the other members of our Armed Forces. God Bless them all.

Blas E. & Nelda Galvan
Sad, Broken Hearted, but proud parents of Sgt Daniel Lee Galvan, US Army."
Blas E. Galvan, MSG, USA Retired of Moore, OK, USA

"To Jesse's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

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

"Thank you Jesse Samek, 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 Airman 1st Class Jesse Samek:
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 Jesse 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 Airman 1st Class Jesse Samek:
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 Jesse, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia