Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,100 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Projectcompassion@manti.com
www.heropaintings.com"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Chris was my friend and roommate at Carlisle Barracks before he went
SF ('94-'95). He was a stand up guy. His death is a huge lose to this country. I mourn for his widow and pray for her. I will always remember his laugh, he always would laugh, even if it was short... Rest in peace my FRIEND."
Lon Hill of Kemah, TX/US

"The thought of death does not scare me when I think that a hero like Sgt Speer will be on the other side greeting me.

Lucky those of you that got to meet him and be with him."
Jose of Miami, Florida

"Brother Speer. As the world cries for your killer to be free, I cry for you and your family, a hero forgotten by bleeding hearts. Though you may have forgiven,I won't forget you. When your killer, Omar Khadr is freed and returned here as a hero, I, and my brother vets here in Canada, will hold a flag for you, for all to see that we haven't forgotten you.
Love,
Your Brother Soldiers and Vets of the USAF, USA, and USMC"
Jon of Toronto, Canada

"While it's not said nearly often enough, many many Canadians also recognize the selfless sacrifice people like Chris Speer make for others.

Reading his story gives hope that through the politics and posturing that goes along with armed conflict, there are caring and compassionate people like Chris out there doing their best to help others in need.

The press and the media don't speak for the Canadian public when they characterize the offender responsible for Chris' death. I feel it's important for Chris' family to know that there are Canadians out here who can set aside the politics and grandstanding that surrounds the trial of his assailant, and recognize that the story of the person who we lost that day, and the selfless work he did, does not fall on deaf eyes and ears.

Deepest symnpathy to Chris' family."

"I went to high school with Chris Speer. The thing I remember most about him was his sense of humor. He could look at you with a straight face and tell the funniest jokes. There was always a certain element to his personality that told you he was a strong individual. I remember the day I learned of his passing. I was on Kirtland AFB when I heard his name on the radio. We must never forget that the reason we are free is the sacrifice that soldiers like Chris make everyday. I will never forget him or his service to our great nation. I give my best to his family. He will be missed!"
Jarrod Gonzales of Albuquerque, NM USA

"Your sacrifice was great, but so was your service to your country. I was a memebr of the unit attached to Chris's group in Afghanistan. I will never foget the day. I remeber him often. From what I have read about him, he was someone to be respected. I am honored to have served with him."
Jeremy of Ohio

"Chris,

I heard with sadness about your sacrifice. I'm not surprised to hear that you gave your life to help others. When I knew you, you were helpful to me. I was stationed at Carlisle Barracks with Chris."
Eric B. Beyer of Halifax, PA

"chris,

long time since I thought of that day outside of khowst! I will never forget that day the fighting was fierce and undescribable! I saw you enter that building with your team and saw what came out of it! you were a brave man and are deeply respected you payed the ultimate price. some people take what we have over here our freedom for granted and will never know your story but you are remembered by those who fought alongside you and by your wife, children and family! take care you truly are a hero to us all!"
SSG Vasquez of ft.polk,la

"May 19, 2007 (Armed Forces Day)
To the family of Christopher J. Speer. Christopher 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

"Chris,

Hey buddy, It's me, Barry. Sorry It's been so long since I got in touch with you and your family. I just recently found out about what has happened to you. I am so sorry I didn't get to see you one last time. I hope to meet up with you in the next life.

I was stationed at Carlise Barracks, Army War College, 1991 - 1995 with then Private Christopher Speer. He was my best friend and roommate. He was the best soldier I had the opportunity to know, always squared away, always helping others and always trying to do better. He was a tall, strong and honest person, full of love and hope. I will always remember our time in Pennsylvania.

About a year before I got out of the military I was married and had a son. Our son's name is Christopher, named after my friend, Chris Speer. I feel compelled to let everyone know that. I hope my son can live up to the name(I am sure he will!). I have told my son many stories and showed him many pictures of Chris and I. My son and I will ensure that the next generation will remember you and honor your name.

I miss you, and god bless.

Your Friend, Barry"
Barry Hugo of Bay City, MI

"Chris was one of my best friends in High School at Sandia, we had so many good times my head still hurts thinking of them. I can't remember the countless times we broke a rule or two to put a smile on the crews face. We lost contact of eachother after we both joined the service but the memories are forever. When we were in school it was obvious Chris's ambition in life was to be a soldier, Chris brother you are dearly missed, save me a stool in the bar upstairs when I get there. PALS"
SSG Greg Tidwell , OPS GRP, JRTC gregory.p.tidwell@us.army.mil of Fort Polk, LA

"Chris was one of my best friends in High School at Sandia, we had so many good times my head still hurts thinking of them. I can't remember the countless times we broke a rule or two to put a smile on the crews face. We lost contact of eachother after we both joined the service but the memories are forever. When we were in school it was obvious Chris's ambition in life was to be a soldier, Chris brother you are dearly missed, save me a stool in the bar upstairs when I get there. PALS"
SSG Greg Tidwell , OPS GRP, JRTC of Fort Polk, LA

"I'm a Canadian who would like
to publicly thank SGT Speer for
his sacrifice for all of us
who live in sometimes unappreciated freedom."
John Earl of Kingston, Prince Edward Island , Canada

"Tabitha and family -
I read your beautiful note - remembering your Christopher - and want you to know - we will remember him - and his giving heart. Because of ONES like him - we here in the USA, can know we will always be protected, by HEROES!
GOD bless you and your family!
Sandi Bee MONTANA"

"Christopher,
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.

"Green Berets All The Way!"

"god bless him"
j of oef5 25th inf

"I was given the honor of not only knowing Chris, I spent the happiest years of my life with him. We married and had two beautiful children. Chris made all my dreams come true, it was as though he completed me. It has been two years and seven months since his death and I still find it hard to believe that he won't be coming home. Our Daughter is now almost six, she talks about her Daddy constantly, our Son who is three has so much trouble understanding why his Daddy won't be coming home! He asks for his Daddy daily, can he see me? Does he hear me? Can he hold my hand if I reach up to Heaven? Will he come home after he's done in Heaven? My Daughter and I do our best to answer his questions.
We miss you so much and love you more than any words could ever possibly express. I can see you in their faces, with each and every smile and silly little smirk. You are so alive in them both, it amazes me! We have a little three year old version of you, he becomes more and more like you every day. They both have your sense of humor and are always smiling.
We love you, you are our true HERO!
I Love You Today, Tomorrow and Forever!"
Tabitha Lee of North Carolina

"THANK YOU!!
I AM SO SAD FOR THE FAMILY THAT HAD LOST YOU FROM THERE LIFE! you did what you could! I mean 1 person can only do so much! I wish this did not happen to the U.S.! it shouldn't have! What did we do to them! Nothing at all,where they jelous,or just wrong? We dont know! But what i do know you will all be in our hearts!!!!!
GOD BLESS YOU!"
christopher keelan of NEW YORK!

"Thanks for stepping forward when America needed you. To the family - Thank you for your contribution to our liberty and freedom. I'm sorry for your tremendous loss."
Ronald Carlson of Montrose, MN

"I had the honor to go through the Q course with Chris. When I heard the news I found a picture of our whole team standing in front of our isolation facility. Chris was such a nice guy. He was so nervous when he had to give a brief he would make this funny smacking sound when he would talk. All of us had to bite our tongues to stop from bursting out laughing. He was such a great guy. It has been a few years since he passed but I think of him everyday. He was a damn good man. I miss you Chris and I'll see you again one day in heaven, we can go for a walk without 80lbs on our backs."
Adam Wirth of Beaver Island, Mich. America

"Sergeant Speer, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"I was with Chris the day of the incident. I think of this hero daily. It was an honor to be out there with you that day.
My deepest sympathies to the entire Speer family."
CJSOTF SA of AZ

"I hardly knew SFC Speer really only in passing while I was in Afghanistan. But I knew enough to have respect for the man. I only know that he was brave enough to step up to the fight after me and my fire team were wounded in a fire fight with the enemy. One of my only regrets in life is that I never was able to pay my respects to a great patriot. Here's to you SFC Speer one of America's true heroes."
SGT Christopher Vedvick of Fort Bragg, NC

"Sgt 1st Class Speer served and payed the ultimate price so that his country men could be safer and live free.

This was a man who made his life count for something. Thank you Top."
The Estes Family of Phoenix, AZ

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