Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart

35, of Fernley, Nevada.
Stewart died southwest of Deh Chopan, Afghanistan, when his CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed. He was assigned to the Army National Guard's 113th Aviation Regiment, Stead, Nevada. Died on September 25, 2005.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart.

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Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

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"I am so sorry about your loss. He is never forgot

John owner of Septic Pumping Augusta and
Fraud investigator Dayton"
John Jacobs of Dayton, Ohio

"Thank you for telling me your story today. I don't know if you'll ever see this, but I hope you're family finally gets what was earned. You deserve it."
Alyssa of Green Tree

"Thank you for telling me your story today. I don't know if you'll ever see this, but I hope you're family finally gets what was earned. You deserve it."
Alyssa of Green Tree, CSR

"Years have passed my brother and I miss you, I will never forget that day. I can never forget that day. Your Unforgettable sence of humor, so much I wish I could still ask you. Many others knew you far better than myself, yet you will always be my brother. I know that you are in a better place, "Forever in Flight". I will always love, miss and honor your memory brother..."
of Sparks, Nevada/ USA

"May the Goddess watch over yer widow, and grant her peace in the victory you won for all Pagans to be recognized with the Pentagram for giving the ultimate for this country"
Raibeart of California

"Dear Pat,
Every year I write you even though I know you are already watching over Our Son Ray. Ray is so trying, I feel to become a better man. Of course he's had his issues. I wish you were here at those times to help keep him straight. Him and his Girl friend Brittney have moved into their own apt. now and he is doing Good at work. He is thinking about the Military but so far it's still on hold. I still pray he doesn't but he is now almost 22, I feel you help in keeping him safe. You are Truly missed by So many. Happy Veterans Day 11-11-11."
Krystal of Spring,Texas

"Patrick, today i sit thinking how proud you would be of Raymond. He is going to UNR and working too.Thank God he didn't leave in the airforce. He has the most wonderful woman that he is going to marry.Taylor is great. My kids in my center are Honoring you and the others of Mustang 22 by making poster boards of all of you. They will be put outside the school on veterans day.Well,We miss you."
Krystal of Spring,Tx

"May Goddess guide & comfort you & your family.Sending love & light your way today & always...Blessed Be..."
Denise of Burlington NC USA

"I just read an article on Patrick and the fight for his grave marker. I just said a prayer to my Goddess to protect his spirit and to protect those he loved. Thank you, dear sir, for your service."
Edee of Lander, WY/USA

"To the family of Pat Stewart. I am SSG Davis, and I served with him in Afghanistan. I remember that day, and grieve often. I hope that you have peace in your hearts as you remember him. I know that He will always be missed. He made the ultimate sacrifice, and for that I honor him. God Bless you all. SSG Davis"
Jerry Davis of Fort Hood, TX

"I am sending my thanks for what your husband has done for our country and you for what you have achieved for Pagans in this country. In a way, you and your family have also given us a freedom of sorts. The freedom and right to believe as we do. May the Goddess and Gods watch over and bless you and your family through your loss. Blessed be."
M of Oklahoma

"FEB.06,2009
HEY PAT I PRAY YOU ARE LISTENING. I NEED YOUR HANDS ON OUR SON. TODAY HE JOINED THE MILITARY. THE AIR FORCE. RAY IS MORE LIKE YOU EVERYDAY. HE IS A FINE YOUNG MAN. I PRAY THAT HE DOES NOT GET SENT OVER TO FIGHT. I PRAY THAT IF HE DOES YOU WILL MAKE SURE HE IS SAFE AND COMES HOME. HE IS ALL I HAVE IN THIS WORLD, SO PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR HIM. THANK YOU WITH ALL MY HEART."
KRYSTAL of SPRING, TEXAS

"April 02,2008
DEAR PAT,
TODAY OUR SON TURNS 18 YEARS OLD.I SURE WISH YOU COULD SEE THE MAN HE IS TURNING INTO.HE MISSES YOU. WE HONORED YOU FOR HIS BIRTHDAY.HE RECEIVED A FILLET KNIFE THAT SAYS " GIVE A MAN A FISH HE EATS FOR A DAY, TEACH A MAN TO FISH HE EATS FOR LIFE" YOU TAUGHT HIM TO FISH.GIFT TWO IS A HAND PAINTED PICTURE OF OUR FLAG AND A SOLDIER KNEELING TO THE FALLEN SOLDIER HELMET,BOOTS AND WEAPON. ALSO HE RECEIVED A PLAQUE WITH A PIC OF YOU AND HIM AND THE WORDS "GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN". THESE ARE FEW TO HONOR YOU. WE DO MISS YOU EVEN THOUGH WE HAD GOOD AND BAD TIMES.. LOVE IN OUR HEARTS ALWAYS"
KRYSTAL of SPRING, TEXAS USA

"To the family of:Patrick D. Stewart 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"

"October 7, 2007
To the family of Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart:
Patrick 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
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy of Nevada

"Deeply sorry for loss. Grateful to Patrick for his service and sacrifice."
DON D. of Bethlehem, PA

"I know that Patrick is in a better land now, I am happy that he may now rest under the symbol of his faith, Thank You for fighting for our right to relegion."
Alan Stewart of Battle Ground, Washington

"Hello, kinda late getting to this but . . . I just read ALL the messages on this site, I am very moved. I too am a fellow Pagan (Celtic). When I heard of this story I was shocked that their was not representation for our "family". Just read an article of a journalist who says that Pagans have been fighting in military for a long time, even "have been taking up arms for one side or the other since the beginning of time" I said a big DUH!!! my husbands said "imagine that". I think it's time for Pagans to start showing themselves. Thanks for the work you have done in the fight for the Pagan Family to be noticed. I have done my part as best I could in the emails that have circulated & sending my signature to many emails to be sent to the legislature. I am a non particapant when it comes to government. Thanks Roberta for being active, I know it came out of inspiration for you husband but it opened alot of thought for our faith.

I also agree with many of the Pagans that have given messages, can't remember most of them but read each & every one of them.

I know that Patrick is going to have a wonderful next life. Until then have faith as we all do in knowing that we will see him once again. Hope you had a beautiful YULE!!!!

Again, sorry so late in comeing,
Bless Be. Merry Meet Merry Part Merry Meet Again.
God & Goddess Bless"
Teresa Lakin of The Sacred Order of the Black Cat of Aurora, IL USA

"Even though I am a pacifist I am honored by your dedication to your beliefs. As I fellow wiccan I am glad that the state of Nevada has chosen to honor your religious beliefs. Blessed Be Brother!"
Kerry Thorne of Los Angeles, Calif, USA

"Patrick,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OEF, but also for your service in Iraq as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"Patrick "Pat" what can i say but i am sorry you were my first squad leader when we were at FT lewis and you taught me alot i know that youre smiling down at us and with famous words "kool beans" telling us itll be all good; till this day it puts a smile on my face. rest easy brother"
frank leal of AL

"I am awed by this coming together from across this land; coming together from all walks of life -- and faith; of people come to pay their respect, and honor their fellow -- who honored us with his service, and paid the ultimate price, that we should be free to be, and love, and live, and worship ...according to our hearts and good conscience.

I am humbled by Patrick's sacrifice, and take heart from the fight taken up by Roberta, and all who loved their dad, their son, their friend, their hero -- a fight to see the rights he fought for, do not go shuffling away in this dance of disrespect and indifference. There wouldn't be a Veteran's Administration if heroes like Patrick, hadn't built it on the backs of their sacrifice. I'd like to think, that should I see the Summerlands before my lady, that she will be able to see the symbol of our faith grace a stone at rest, on this, Her green earth.

I take heart and thank Lord and Lady, that in Nevada -- this fight has been won, and honor honored.

I didn't even feel silly saluting this page, because I know it's deeply deserved, by whom it's for, and all it represents. My wife saluted me this Veteran's Day. She honored me as you -- Roberta, honor Patrick. Would that he could be with you today, as more than the hug in your heart.

Somewhere Patrick is smiling... smiling to see all the love and honor paid here to him, and to those who loved, and held him dear. Smiling, proud, and probably shaking his head at all the fuss we're making. But fuss we shall when it's the ones we love and respect. With Lord and Lady shall we dance, and live, and love, and be. Blessed be.

Merry meet, merry part, merry meet again."
Adam Winslow of Tacoma, Wa, USA

"Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart... Thank you for your life's work, and your sacrifice for this country's freedoms. I am sorry that the Army has not yet allowed a symbol of your religious beliefs to be placed beside your name, but fear not, America knows who you were, what your faith was, and what your sacrifice was... and we shall not forget that. We will work diligently to get our Government to change its policies, and to one day recognize YOUR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS. You lived by them, you died by them, and you should be remembered appropriately. Although I am Christian, my sister is Wiccan, and through her, I have learned much about the Wiccan religion, and respect it and admire it, as well as those who practice this religion. We are all with you, in heart and spirit, for we are all brothers and sisters, whatever our faiths may be... Blessed Be to you and yours."
Barbar M. of Aurora, CO. USA

"How dare this country disregard your religious freedom?! I am appalled...you lived by the Pentacle and died by the Pentacle. Blessed Be Ye That Die For Freedom!"
Kristi Capron of Sioux City, IA, USA

"Love, Light, and Laughter...may they return to your lives, however slowly, just as the passing phases of the Moon in all her brilliant glory...from darkness to full glowing light, healing your saddened hearts from within. My thoughts and intentions are with you and your whole family. Stay strong, and may the Lord and Lady guide you and be always at your side in your cause with the VA, and for all American Pagans. You will be thought of with each passing turn of the wheel. Your work is for all pagans, everywhere, may that thought sustain you through the grief. What your husband sacrificed in combat, and what you sacrifice now, means a great deal to so may of us, practicing fearfully behind closed doors in a society of closed minds. May this coming Samhain find you and your family at peace, knowing that your husband's Spirit is always as close as that veil is thin... May your Hero dance with eagles and doves until the hour he returns, to meet us all again, merrily... I hope I would be so worthy as to have my path cross his the next time around....
Blessed Be,"
Christine B of Alburtis, PA

"I don't know what pantheon you worshipped, but I do hope you've found peace. Thank you, every moment, for your sacrifice for my freedom, and I thank your family for their sacrifice as well. May the gods guide you eternally, and if we're like minded, I hope to have a chance to thank you face to face in Valhalla one day."
Faith of Missouri

"Though I never knew you Sgt Stewart, we were brothers-in-arms. I was Infantry; you, a helo crewman. But we both fought in Afghanistan. We both fought in Iraq. We both shed our blood, sweat, and tears defending the freedoms not only for ourselves, but for our families, our friends, countless other Americans whom we never knew, and for those who had been threatened by tyranny. We were both Pagans... or should I say ARE Pagans. Because as a Pagan, reincarnation can only mean one thing: somewhere in this world, your soul was reborn. Death was not the end; it was merely a transitional period in a long life. I will not forget you nor your wife's continuously brave effort to fight for your rights as a soldier, a human being, and as a Pagan. I will continue this fight for our freedoms so that one day people like you and I may celebrate the rights we've earned sacrificing ourselves to defend those freedoms. Blessed be, Sgt Stewart. May the Lord and Lady forever guide you. In your valor, I bid farewell. Merry part and merry meet again."
"The Nexus" Sgt., US Army, Infantry of Pensacola, FL

"Patrick I am so sorry that you died for the very freedoms you are now being denied by your own government. Roberta .. you are not alone. There are many of us out here who are doing what we can to help your cause. Do not give up, do not give in. This started as a battle to have the emblem of your husband's faith inscribed on his memorial marker, but it has become a fight for the rights and recognition of all Wiccans/Pagans. Namaste."
Linda Hoover of Chillicothe, OH 45601

"Patrick was a brother to me in the profession of arms. We we're both "rotorheads" (helicopter flight engineer and crew chief) and we shared the same religious beliefs. Pat - your service will not continue to be ignored by the VA. Rest assured Roberta and the rest of your new "adopted" family will fight to the end for the freedoms and rights you made the ultimate sacrifice for. You will never be forgotten bro.
BB"
SSgt Kenneth Elliott USAF of 920th Combat Rescue Wing - Patrick AFB, Fl

"roberta & family... keep up the good fight. as hard as it is, you are doing an amazing job fighting for the rights of all pagan soldiers, in your quest for PROPER rememberance for Patrick. there are countless members of the pagan (and non-pagan) community behind you. we'll continue to write letters until Patrick, and those like him, receive proper treatment... he truly deserves it. blessings to your whole family.

proud, pagan, USMC sister"
Danielle Bonner of nj

"May the strength of the Lord and Lady be yours."
Kathleen Leach of Austin, Texas

"Sgt. Patrick Stewart -- thank you for your work for FREEDOM in life, in death, and now after death, as your widow, I, and others quest through our communications with officials with the US Department of Veterans Affairs and others to honor you and your Wiccan religion with your emblem of belief, the Pentacle, on your memorial plaque. Without further delay, may your plaque with Pentacle be produced by the VA and installed on the Wall of Heroes at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Blessings of comfort and support to your widow Roberta, to your two children, to your parents, to your other family members, to those who served with you, to your other friends, and to the many who grieve your passing and who are upset by the VA's delay in affording you the same rights as others who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and world. In Liberty,"
Rev. Selena Fox, Senior Minister of Circle Sanctuary, Barneveld, Wisconsin

"Roberta and family you should hold your head up high, and know you are not alone in this fight! There are many of "us" out here and we may not have known Patrick personally but he was one of "us"! What the VA is doing is wrong! They have been dragging their heels for 9 years! 'bout time they fess up and give up what Patrick deserves and must have. DO NOT GIVE UP THE FIGHT! We have the last name of "Stewart" in my side of the family, and we don't give up if we believe we are right! So, we are with you. Goddess be with you and Blessed Be Patrick and all of you!"
Eire Faerie of Schaumburg, Il.

"Hearing this story flooded me with sadness and anger. I am floored by the idea of this brave man not being honored in the same fashion of those he fought beside. Keep fighting for what is right, the entire pagan community is behind you in your efforts. Please remember that this story can be so much more than a passing conversation piece, Sgt.Stewart's legacy can change sterotypes and break down govermental barriers. All my love is with you and your family in this trying time.
Blessed Be"
Nicole of Artesia,NM

"For the loved ones of Patrick Stewart, may you be warmed by grace and love always, and know that the service and sacrifice of your loved one will not be forgotten, but that his name and his story will echo onward with all of those who cherish freedom and valor. know that his flame burns bright within us all, and when the time comes, we shall be summoned forth like a wave, for though we have no popes or temples, we have the silver cord of the goddess, binding us all together, and our feet planted on the same good earth. we hear and love you sister, Beau Seant"
shadow wraith of chicago, il

"may you rest easy. your sacrifice is honorable and grately appreciated. you will always be remembered. may your family recieve the courage needed in the moments of mourning. my condolences to your family from mine. you are a true american hero. blessed be"
robert A. bennett of st petersburg, florida, united states

"My thoughts are with you in this trying time. Good luck on the memorial. It's a shame that a man dies protecting our freedoms and the government fails to protect his."
Missi Stringfield of Wilmington, OH USA

"My thoughts and heart are with you in your fight. A man who gave his life to fight for his country should be honored for who he was, no matter what. Blessed Be."
Melanie Lindsey of Franklin Park, IL

"My condolences. Good luck with your memorial fight."
Chris of Ann Arbor, MI

"I am a WWII widow and also lost a beloved brother in that war. Both of my sons served in Vietnam. My heart goes out to all those fallen soldiers and to the grieving loved ones left behind."
Joanna Garrett of Piqua, Ohio

"Please accept my condolances for the loss of this Patriot Son. Religious belief is no measure nor judge of valor and heroism. This young man, who served in Afganistan and died in Iraq, deserves to be remembered with the rest of his 2500+ brothers."
N. Macha of Houston, Tx

"My sorrow for your loss, and my blessings to this brave soldier who paid the ultimate price for his country. May there be a returning for him.

Blessed be."
Stella Sloop of Jackson, TN

"To the friends and family of Patrick D. Stewart:
Every American shares in your loss; we grieve with you. Patrick has earned the respect of everyone living in freedom. He returns now to the One-ness from which we all came. All blessings to him and to his family."
D. Donaldson of Houston, TX

"Please accept my condolences on your loss and my respect for his sacrifice."
Mark J. of Tucson, AZ

"Roberta, I did not know Patrick by name a little while ago. I did recognize him by valor.

I have added my letters to my congressmen on his behalf.

Sergeant Stewart is a son of America. He deserves to enjoy the rights for which he has paid the ultimate price!

Blessed Be"
Andreas Kryseski, TSgt, USAF (Ret) of Colorado Springs, CO

"keep fighting, we stand behind you. I paste the updates in my blog on my 360 yahoo page, I also have this page in my blog roll. I will do what I can on my end. "Blessed Be""
Francoise Robert of Pahrump NV.

"Brightest Blessings to the friends and family. You are in my thoughs and in my heart."
Jahnya of Birmingham, Alabama

"Thank you so much for your service and sacrifice for our country. Now it's out turn to take up the fight to protect the rights of all US citizens that you died to defend. My thoughts are prayers are with you and your wife.

Blessed be!"
Wendy Goodman of New York, NY

"Sgt. Stewart, thank you for your sacrifice. May it somehow contribute to a peaceful conclusion to this senseless war.

Roberta, keep fighting the good fight, and know you're not alone. I've written the DVA in your support and have encouraged others to do so, too. We're all behind you for getting Patrick the recognition he deserves!

BB"
Tim Money of Oneida, TN

"Thank you, Sgt. Stewart, for what you did for me and our nation. I hope that your sacrifice and resting place receive the memorial they deserve."
Tom Hennigan of Lewiston, Idaho USA

"Having just heard the news about the pulling of Patrick's name from the memorial in Fernley, Nevada, I have written all of my congressmen and encourage all to do the same. Patrick deserves the recognition and respect. He and his family hold a spot in my heart."
Rich Staley of Reno, NV. USA

"On Saturday, Oct 7, 2005, the remains of my nephew, Sergeant Patrick D. Stewart of the 113 Aviation Regiment of the Nevada National Guard were brought home to Reno from Afghanistan via Dover AFB.
Pat was a loving husband and the father of a son and step daughter.
He chose to be a Guardsman and was happy in his life as the flight engineer of a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter.
He died a Soldier doing what he loved to do for a cause that he believed worthy of his efforts. I don't think any man can ask for a more meaningful life.
I think of him at the start and close of each day. He was a splendid young man and I miss him."
LCDR Thomas Pehl USN Retired of Vallejo, CA/USA

"Patrick was my the son of my cousin Steve and his beautiful wife Sandy. He was smart, brave, funny, irreverent, vibrant, kind and full of love for his family, friends, and this world. He was a hero in every sense of the word. I am humbled by his sacrifice and grief stricken at his loss. My love and support goes to his family as they try to carry on without him. They are heroes too. I think of them and send love and prayers every day."
yvonne springer of los osos, CA

"As a mom of five young children, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of this brave solder Patrich D. Stewart. 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 Patrick's sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"
jill hughes of Houston, TX

"To the Stewart Family (and friends), you are in my thoughts and prayers."
Mimi Gilberti of Reno, NV

"Pat was loved by all that knew him. May God hold you close to his heart."
Carolyn Feenstra of Reno, Nevada

"To the Stewart family from the Coopers
WE are so proud of Patrick and his "gang"
We are also proud of you and your family for being so strong because without you he could not have done as good as job as he did .. without you being the person and family you are.. Thank you"
Roger and Vicki of Franklinville NJ

"TO THE STEWART FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. PATRICK YOU ARE IN OUR HEART AND PRAYS AS YOUR FAMILY. WE LOST OUR SON LAST YEAR IN BALAD, IRAQ. MY TEARS STILL FLOW EVERYDAY FOR GREGORY, AS WITH YOU PATRICK AND ALL OUR FALLEN. YOU ARE A HERO THAT HAS NOT GIVEN HIS LIFE IN VAIN! GOD BLESS!"
leonard wahl of valley stream ny usa

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

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

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on