Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army Sgt. Kurtis D. K. Arcala

22, of Palmer, Alaska.
Arcala died in Tikrit, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position during convoy escort operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on September 11, 2005.

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"To the family of:Kurtis D. K. Arcala 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"

"March 28, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Kurtis D.K. Arcala:
Kurtis 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

"To the family of Kurtis Arcala my prayers are with you at this time of grief. Kurtis will always be remembered for the great sacrifice that he gave for this country, his life."
Kara of Pocatello, ID

"Kurt was one of my best friends in Ft. Stewart. He was in my first platoon (3rd Plt, C co, 3-69AR). He was one of those guys that everyone loves. I have never met anyone that had anything but a kind word about Kurt. So much love man. You will be missed."
Sgt. Thomas Smith of Fort Huachuca, AZ

"I graduated just across town from Kurtis at Colony High School in 2001. I probably played him in sports and saw him around town. Your loss really hit home. I leave for Iraq tomorrow and want you to know that your memory and sacrifice lives on Brother. You did the Valley, the State, and America pround. I pray I can live up to your dedication to service. RIP.

2LT Brad Krauss
CHS c/o 2001
USMA c/o 2005
3-2 SBCT Ft. Lewis, WA"
Brad Krauss of Ft. Lewis, WA

"If I can do anything for the family of Kurtis, let me know. Though i did not know him, I also spent some time in the Army at Fort Stewart. I do not know if he had any children, but I would love to send them a gift in his name. God Bless Kurtis and his family for their sacrifice. Your spirit lives on, in the lives of every American that has the hard earned right to be free! ronm@gci.net"
Ron McCallion of Wasilla AK

"Kurtis,

I did not know you, but after meeting your father and brother I felt compelled as a son of a retired Lt. Colonel and a fellow American to let you know that you did not die in vain, but for a country that holds you up as a GREAT AMERICAN HERO. More young people could learn from your unselfish example....THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!"
Dan Check of Palmer, Ak

"I am so sorry for your loss. I lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
My surname is Arcala. I want to know about this soldier, maybe he was part of my family.
thank you very much.
damian.arcala@yahoo.com.ar"
Damian Arcala of Buenos Aires/Argentina

"We bid farewell to family and friends,
in hope that someday well live as brothers.
I pray for the day that all wars will end,
and my fate shall be spared to others.

It was the war to end all wars,
this is what they had said.
after all these years,
Alaska still counts him dead.

I was a true Alaskian,
I wish you could see.
all I ask is,
REMEMBER ME!

In war I fought and died,
I thought it did cease.
now under the blue beret,
I died for world peace.

Like Michael Ralph,John Ternapalski, plus the thousands of soldiers before.
on September 11th remember
I died for peace not war.

I was a true Alaskian,
I wish you could see.
all I ask is
REMEMBER ME!"
michelle thompson of port richey florida

"Although I did not know Kurtis, I am very sorry for the loss of another Arcala. May his name be forever in the hearts of all Americans!"
Thomas J. Arcala Jr. of Westminster, Ca. USA

"arcala family,
we will never forget the name "arcala" he was a good freind of our family member "sgt.michael deliberti" he told us how much of a great guy your son was. he would not stop crying he was in the worst position ever . arcala was like a brother to him they were always by each others side no matter what.he will always be in our heart and love. he will not be forgotten in our heart.we are sorry for your lost as well as michaels. we wish the best to you!"
deliberti family of port richey florida

"i dont know you but you were good freinds with my uncle(sgt.michael deliberti)and when he told me i was so upset i cried for a very long time because you were so young and
good looking and you had your whole life ahead of you . i just wish the best for you and your family."
michelle thompson of port richey florida

"Family of Kurtis Arcala,
I am so sorry for your loss. As we go over the hard times of wars in school, we thought it would be nice to pay our respect to those who are heros to our country. So as i say im sorry im also saying THANK YOU for all of u guys out there being our heros."
Alexis Gruntman of Cotlleville MO, U.S.

"Dear Family of Kurtis, Last night at a candlelight vigil in front of our Federal Building we honoured your son and the three other young men from Alaska, all age 22, who have lost their lives. I want you to know that if you ever visit Ketchikan, If you'd like, I would look forward to showing you about. Our hearts go out to you!!!
Wishing you well!

PerryReeve@mac.com"
Perry Aiken Reeve of Ketchikan, Alaska

"I am so sorry to learn of the death of your son. It has been 15 years since I left Palmer Middle School, but I have fond memories of all the students that came through my 7th & 8th grade classes. I remember the Berberich family well. My son now 22 is also currently in Iraq on his second tour. Please know that my heart aches for you and your family. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family. America has lost another true HERO. The land of the free because of the BRAVE."
Doris Ayres of Richland, WA

"If anyone reading about Kurtis has a photo of him in his dress uniform, please post it. Thank you"
Blue Star Mother of Missouri

"I offer my deepest sympathy to the Arcala family. I have a son who is 21 and can't even imagine what you are going through. May God give you strength during these difficult times. God bless all the men and women who have given their lives for us."
L of Ma.

"My son grew up with playing soccer with Kurtis so I had the pleasure and honor of watching this smiling boy grow to be a fine young man. I sadly, but proudly, attended the celebration of his life last week. It was heartwrenching for all.
Thank you for a place to honor and pay tribute to all who have served and died to protect our freedoms.
My prayers go out to the families of the military everywhere.
When Kurtis gave up his seat to another soldier last month, he told his Mom he'd be home in September. I don't believe he meant it would be his final trip home. God rest his soul. God bless your loving family.
Forever in our hearts you will stay, Kurtis."
Terry of Palmer, AK

"To the family of Kurtis Arcala,
It is at times such as these, we can't help remembering our fragile life is. Wishing you strength in the love of family and the warm embrace of friends to help you thru your pain. Know as a nation we mourn with you. Kurtis will be remembered for his ultimate sacrifice for us all. There are no words to describe how thankful we are for Kurtis's dedication, and commitment to our country."
Jana Becker-Marine Mom of Glennallen AK

"I am verry sorry for your loss. My brother Spc. Travis Anderson was KIA 05/13/05. He was in the 7th infantry reg and 3ID as was Kurtis. They were stationed together at Fort Stewart. They are true heros. I will never forget their sacrifice."
Toscha Alcorta of North Pole AK

"To the Arcala Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with all of you. Your Kurtis is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and God Bless Kurtis."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Arcala was the voice of reason when no one else wanted to be. He was a good man who would do just about anything for his friends. We will all miss him and are better for having know him. On behalf of all of charlie company, we wish you eventual peace on the long journey ahead."
Brooke Dinkins of Ft. Stewart, GA

"I am Very sorry for your loss. Our family will never forget. Our son Mike was KIA March 7, 2005 Ramadi. May you find comfort in the coming days to know others are thinking of you."
Tina Franklin, Mike's Mom of Coudersport, PA, USA

"I am truly sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and strength in God to face the days ahead.

Michele Carter
Sister of CPL Gary Walters
KIA in Baghdad, 24 April 2005"

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

"KURTIS THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. GREG LOST HIS LIFE LAST YEAR IN BALAD, IRAQ. MY TEARS NEVER STOPPED AND ARE WITH YOU. I UNDERSTAND THE PAIN! MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of V

"Thank you Kurtis K. Arcala, 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. Kurtis K. Arcala:
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 Kurtis 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. Kurtis K. Arcala:
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 Kurtis, 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