Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I briefly knew Dan through his sister, Sheryl Arnold Russell. He was only little the last time I saw him. I still think of the family from time to time and my heart aches for them. May God bless and keep the families that were left behind and keep the souls near to him of those that were taken too soon."
Christopher Visavati of Montrose, PA

"I never had the honor of knowing SGT Arnold but recently I have gotten to know his parents and Grandmother. The question is always why, why SGT Arnold, why any of our service members. I don't have a good answer but maybe just maybe SGT Arnold remembered that freedom is not free, not now not during the revolutionary war and every war since. His service and his death was not just for his family or his community but for every American.Our duty is to remember why he and all the others went and to keep remembering that reason. Considering his family I know that I am a poorer person for never having the chance to know SGT Arnold."
Jeff Volimas of Union Dale, PA/USA

"I don't know what made me think of Daniel, but I thought of him the other day. He was someone I met a couple of times through his brother, David, a lifetime ago, it seems. I remember feeling immensely sad when I heard of his ultimate sacrifice. There are so few soldiers whom I have met personally who have given their life for our freedom. I just want to pay my respect to him and his family and to say thank you for your ultimate sacrifice."
April

"It amazes me that even after 5 years, the start of September still hurts..."
Kim of Montrose, PA

"June 24,2010...10 years ago today was so beautiful...a decade later everything is so different than I dreamed it would be...I miss you Dan."
Kim

"June 24,2010...10 years ago today was so beautiful...a decade later everything is so different than I dreamed it would be...I miss you Dan."
Kim

"I was thinking about you this morning... I spent part of the weekend in Maryland with your family watching Zach play Danny in Grease... he is AMAZING! He's so talented. It got me thinking how he was only 2 years old when we started dating. He's already 18!! Time flies... I can't believe we started dating 16 years ago this month... it doesn't seem possible. I miss you and so do the boys. Thinking of you always..."
Kim of Montrose

"Uncle Danny, your for sure my hero for life. Not a Day goes by that i dont think about you. i love && miss you."
Sarah (proud niece) <3 of montrose, pa

"Hi Dan, I miss you and your smile. Devin and Kody will always know what a great daddy they had. One who loved them dearly and gave his all for them and his country. We'll never forget you! Love,"
Karen of Montrose,PA

"To the family and friends of Danny,

Hello. My name is Doug Noldy. I have visited this web site from time to time always wanting to leave a messgae but the thoughts seemed to wander away from my head to my fingertips when it came time to type a message. I feel this is the least i can do for not just Danny, but for his family and friends that come on here on a daily basis.

I had the privelage of serving with Danny in the US Army Reserve in the mid to late 90's when we were in the 828th in Scranton then in Wilkes Barre in the motor pool. Danny was one of the well most rounded knowlegable soldiers that I served with. There was hardly anything that Danny didn't do well. He could literally smoke a PT test, shoot the lights out on the rifle range, knew his CTT ( common task training ) and excelled at being a mechanic in the motorpool. Even though at the time Danny was young and still making his way thru the ranks, many of us including myself came to Danny for help and/or advice. You could see that Danny was a leader, he had all the tools of being a leader and thats what made him so popular and looked up to by other enlistees in the motor pool. The most thing that made Danny special was that he always had a smile on his face and was always fun to be around. Even when things got dull or bleak, Danny was always the one you wanted to be around to help the time go by quicker. He always made for a good conversation whether is was military talk or about our civilian lives. There isn't a day that goes by where I do not think of my Reserve days and the good times I had. With that being said, I think of Danny just about everyday. I honor Danny but having his picture on my myspace page under the hereos section ( www.myspace.com/lakelandguy ). He truely is a hereo. You will not be forgotten Danny.

email: lakelandfan@aol.com"
Doug Noldy of Archbald, Pa

"I was touched by the picture of your son on the side of your car.I saw it this Sept in a Binghamton parking lot.
Good luck in your dealing with the loss of your son.He looks like he was a wonderful person."
Doug Taylor of NYC

"March 28, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Daniel L. Arnold:
Daniel 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

"I am married to a Daniel L. Arnold and came across your website. I am so sorry for your loss and cannot imagine the pain and sorrow that you are experiencing. We appreciate the sacrifice that Dan made for his country. May God bless you all."
Chris Arnold of Fayetteville, GA

"To the Arnold Family,
I went to school with Danny and only know him through there. Although I do know he and I shared our birthday of Dec. 2 1977. Mrs. Arnold, my mom told me that you and she shared a room together in the hospital. Which leads to me why I'm leaving this message.
Last year a few days before my birthday; I had a dream about Danny, I don't remember much about it, I just know he was ok. I think he was telling me to remember him and I did and I haven't forgotten him. I thank him for his courage and bravery to try and make this a better world for his children and Mine. Thank you Danny, I will always remember you."
Melissa DePue of Frankfort Ny

"No lie Dan and I were not friends in High School. One night in college he came up to me and apologized for the things he did in high school. We became friends, not best friends but I was proud of him and his service to this country. My heart goes out to his family and I make sure my own children know the hero I knew. God bless you and all the people you touched."
Jim Ticonchuk of Montrose PA

"Arnold Family,
My name is Dominick DiNardo. Of all the things I was ever tasked to do in my 22 years of Army Service the hardest job I ever had was escorting your family member home. It has taking me some time to get to the point where I could come to this site and leave a message, but time has come. Though this was THE most difficult task I ever had to perform, it was the most proudest feeling I ever had. It is not ever day you get to bring a TRUE HERO HOME to his loved ones. I hope all is well with all of you guys, and may God keep you in his fold.. Thank all of You!!"
SFC(R) Dominick DiNardo of Dover, DE

"I miss you, Dan. Devin and Kody will grow up knowing what an awesome, loving, and brave daddy they had. I know you will always be watching over them. Till we meet again. Love,"
of Montrose, PA

"dan was one of thoes rare people who would go above and beyond to help, he was one of the few genuine people that i have met in my life, my only hope is that his children have the oppertunity to learn how great of a human being that their father was. i now aspire to be half of the man that he was. he will forever be missed."
steve slachta of jessup, pa

"It's April 27,2007... 13 years after that very first date. If someone had told me then what a roller coaster ride the following years would be... wow! The boys are getting so big. Devin is registered for kindergarten and Kody turns 3 next week! I don't know what I'd do without them. I miss you so much... more than you'll ever know..."

"Breakfast together when most were still asleep....coffee while waiting for the next mission to come down on the "veranda"....talks of the value of the teachings of Free Masons (I finally joined Danny) I miss ya brother."
Will of Falls, PA

"To the family of:Daniel L. Arnold 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"

"Dan,
It was an honor to have known you. As a military spouse I know the honor you held and how dear to your heart your service was. It was in every breath you drew. Your boys were lucky to have you to call a father and I know you will be watching over them as they grow. What you have sacrificed for all of the people you knew and didn't know will live on in our hearts forever. THANK YOU"
Susan Wilson of Myrtle Beach, SC

"Dear Dan's wife, children, parents, siblings and extended families,
Thank you for the incredible sacrifice Dan made for his country. My husband's company helped Aims Community College with some very difficult IT challenges. As a thank you, Aims sent his office American flags, one for every person in the office. His staff proudly accepted them, even though the flags came with a price tag. Attached to each flag was a tag with a dedication to one of our fallen servicemen. One one side of my husband's tag read "Staff Seargent Daniel L. Arnold, US Army National Guard, Age 27, Montrose, PA, Died 9/28/05. The other side is decorated by a child, saying "Support Our Troops." I'm from the Lehigh Valley, and was working in Manhattan on that fateful day in September, 2001. We are honored to fly a flag your husband, father, son and friend dedicated his life to protect. May God bless you all."
Lisa & CT Hart of Ft. Collins, CO

"Dan,
I know this has been a long time coming, I guess i wasn't quite ready to say these things.
First i will tell you that not a minute of any day goes by that i don't think about you. I am so proud to be able to call you my brother and for the heroism you showed us all. We shared so many good times and i have so many wonderful memories. Thank you for that. You were the best little brother anyone could have. Nothing will ever fill this void i now have but i do understand why you did what you did for the freedom we enjoy every day. So that my children and your children can live in a free country. I am also very thankful for the bond that i share with your boys. They are the boys i never had and they are a piece of you. I will always tell them what a wonderful father they had and i will share all of our memories. They will never forget you and the sacrifice you made for all of us. Watch over us and know that I love you! When i look at the stars i know you are with me. Until we meet again...
I love you Dan!
Love, Sandy xoxo"
Sandy Howell,sister of Dan Arnold of Montrose, Pa

"my name is Cassidy and i am a volunteer for the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run. We are a group of people that have built a memorial wall in Marsielles Illinois for all the fallen soldiers in Mideast conflicts since Beriut. Your loved one's name will be permenently added to this wall. For any further information visit our website www.ilfreedomrun.org please e-mail me at me1196@aol.com to let me know that you have recived this message. If you decide to come to this memorial on June 19th, 2006, you will recieve VIP seating and treatment for the cermonies that day. ALL OUR WELCOMING TO HONOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS
**Cassidy"
Cassidy of Brookfield/ILL/red,white,blue

"I never knew Daniel or any of his family. As a matter of fact, I came across this website that was errected in tribute to him quite by accident. After reading all of the heartfelt messages left in his memory , I can tell that he was a loving and brave man who was not afraid to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country. My heart felt sympathies go out to his wife and children who have to go on without him by their sides and I hope that God gives you comfort in this great time of need. May God grant safety to those soldiers who are still over there putting themselves in harms way for our freedom. May God bless your family and I am honored to bear the same name as one of America's bravest. With deepest sympathy,"
Daniel W. Arnold of Monrovia, CA

"Danny, I am sorry we lost touch after H.S. You were there for me through the worst time of my life and though we have not spoken in years, I have never forgotten that. Friends of your caliber are rare. I consider myself lucky to have known you. My thoughts are with your family. I wil be going to Montrose soon. When I get there, I hope to have the chance to tell your children what kind of person you were. Ramble on, Brother..."
Jason Small of Seattle, WA

"Dan,
I'm so sorry we had not spoken in a while, but I think you knew I was thinking of you. You have a sense of honor, courage, and bravery that I will never posess. I didn't understand why you didn't get out of the service, but thank you. Thank you for protecting all of us back home. You are my hero.
Eric and I don't have one picture of you where you aren't smiling and that's how I think of you smiling, laughing, and making fun of me (ha)and just loving life.
I don't really think of you as gone because you're all around us in so many memories---snowmobiling, roller coasters, and so many good times.
You are the wind that will ruffle the boys' hair while they play outside.
You are the sun that warms us while you laugh in heaven.
You are the stars that twinkle to let the boys and the rest of us know you are still there.
Love you!"
Holly Hellmuth of Montrose PA

"We're so sorry to the family for the loss of Dan. He was a great guy. He was a wonderful father and a good friend. Chris and Dan were good friends and Dan's wife (Kim) and I are best friends. He was so proud to serve his country. He will be greatly missed!!! We love and miss you so much, Dan."
Chris and Amy Rigo of Binghamton, NY

"I miss you very much, my friend."
Eric Hellmuth

"To the Arnold Family, It was nice to finally meet you at Dan's viewing. My son was SPC William "Bil" Evans and he and Dan served together in Charlie Co and in Iraq in Bravo. I know Billy would have wanted me to tell you that he is proud of your son and that they will all forever be in our memories. I know the pain you are going through and I know that this doesn't bring them back but know that I am praying for all of you as we go through this together yet alone. I am proud to have gotten to meet you all and only wish we could have met before our boys gave completely and unselfishly of themselves for our freedom.. Hopefully someday I will be able to share with you an email my son sent so that others would know and understand that they were there doing what was right for America. Praying for your healing."
Judy Evans of Hallstead PA

"To the Arnold family,
We honor and celebrate DANIEL's life and extend our heartfelt sorrow for your loss. He is an American Hero.
DANIEL - You will Never be Forgotten. Gods Speed and may the Angels surround your family as they try to heal. We are grateful for your service and sacrifice.
From the grateful family of an American Soldier, stationed at Ft. Campbell with the 101st AVN Regt, now serving in Iraq - 10-20-05"
---The Erwin Family of Oregon, United States of America

"Dear Dan, I never had the chance to meet you,but through your family Inow have the honor of getting to know you.Because of your service in the Guard I have made a new friend in your mother.It is a friendship I truly cherish and I hope it lasts a life time.She and the rest of your family have touched my heart and will always have a special place there.Eventhrough their grief they have been myrock.They are amazing people and I am sure you are very proud of them as they are in you. You and your love ones are forever in my thoughts and my prayers.God Bless You"

"The Arnolds have been like a second family to me for almost twenty years. Danny was a man any parent could be proud of. Not only was he a great person, but a proud soldier and above all a wonderful,devoted father. He is loved by many and will never be forgotten. My love and prayers to all of you ."
Nikki of Little Meadows, PA.

"On that fateful day you 5 men, Daniel, Oliver, George, Eric and Lee became our heroes. However fate brought you together, you will always remain as one, in our hearts and in our prayers.
God bless you all."
Dolores Parker (George's mom) of Honesdale, PA

"Danny,
I'll miss you always brother, and will never forget campouts by Jay's house, shooting pool at the Deli, or all the other great times we got to spend together. Kim, I pray for the best for you and your two sons, which I hope to meet some day soon. My heart goes out to you, your children, and, of course, to Danny's parents.

GOD BLESS DANIEL ARNOLD!!!"
Kristopher Novy of Port St. Lucie, Fl

"I am writing to express my sadness over your loss to you and your family Kim. I attended Penn State Hazleton with you and lived downstairs from you in West Halls- Melissa Andrikanich. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you all the very best."
Melissa Martin of Little Meadows, PA

"To the family of Daniel Arnold. Please know that others share your grief and send up prayers for God to give you the strength to endure the days ahead. My nephew, Oliver Brown, was with your soldier on that last mission. Such fine young men - gone too soon. May God Bless you all."
Darci (Brown) Baird of Athens, Pa

"We, as well as this entire community, are so sorry for your loss. We did not know Dan well, but remember him sitting in church with Kim and Devin and Kody. To have a son, husband, father give the ultimate sacrifice for our country is never easy. May God be with you all in the days that lie ahead. Remember you have the love and support of your friends and family."
Louise and Ken Smith of South Montrose, PA

"I had the honor and privilege of being the First Sergeant of the 828th Quartermaster Company when Private Daniel Arnold enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. After he attended basic training and AIT, he became an integral part of our motor pool. When I visited the motor pool, I could always count on finding him either repairing a vehicle or training. I could also count on the grin that he usually wore on his face. There has always been a debate whether leaders are born or made. I don’t know if Danny was a born leader or not, but I do know that he was a leader. I can only imagine how well he took care of his Soldiers. I could see the pride in his face in the picture of him and his Soldiers. I have no doubt that had SSG Arnold lived to complete a career in the Army that he would have risen to the top. His family will miss him beyond what we can ever know. The United States Army has lost a great Soldier."
CSM Don Robinson of Montrose, PA

"I did not know Daniel, but I was friends with his sister in high school. I have a brother in the military, and I know the pride and respect these men and women have for their country......that they would be willing to make this ultimate sacrifice. I am so sorry for your loss."
Barbara (Strawn) Farley of Springboro, Ohio

"Dan, I may not have always understood your dedication to the military, but I now realize that you made the ultimate sacrifice for your country, fellow soldiers, all Americans, and for your family. Devin and Kody will know that their daddy was a true American hero, and I will NEVER let them forget you; I promise you that. You will always live on in our hearts. Until we meet again..."
Kim Arnold, his wife of Montrose, PA

"To the family of Daniel L. Arnold..may God give you strength to get through these difficult days. God bless you Daniel!"
L of Ma.

"Very sorry for your loss. I didn't know Daniel but did know some of his family. My families thoughts and prayers are with your family."
Karen Woolson (Pudish) of Endicott, NY

"I didn't know Dan for long, but I knew he was an amazing man. I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you."
Caitlyn of Mehoopany, PA

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

"Daniel, you are a true American Hero that will never be forgotten. Your brothers miss you but I know you will look over them."
Mr and Mrs Sgt Jon Anderson of Binghamton, NY/ Ramadi, Iraq

"I didn't know your son, but I am so very saddened by his loss and proud of his service"

"TO THE ARNOLD FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY.WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN OF THE NEWS! DANIEL YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN. YOU ARE A HERO! THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. REALIZE YOU TWO NEVER KNEW ONE ANOTHER. STILL A BAND OF BROTHERS WATCHING AND PROTECTING ONE ANOTHER. WE LOST OUR SON LAST YEAR IN BALAD, IRAQ. MY TEARS STILL FLOW FOR DANIEL, AS WITH OUR SON AND ALL THE FALLEN. DANIEL YOU ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH. TO THOSE HEARTS YOU HAVE TOUCHED. ALL HOLD VERY PRECIOUS MEMORIES YOU SHARED TOGETHER. YOU IN SOME WAY BEACAME APART OF IRAQI, AMERICAN AND WORLD! BY FIGHTING OFF TERRORISM MAKING THE WORLD SAFER! AN TO GIVE THOSE IN IRAQ HOPE TO LIVE IN PEACE. DANIEL YOU ARE THE ELITE OF ALL AMERICANS. HUNDREDS OF MILLION AMERICANS THAT VERY ANSWER THE CALLING TO SERVE HIS COUNTRY. YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN. TO YOUR FAMILY. REACH OUT TO THE POLITICAL LEADERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY. REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED IN DANIEL'S HONOR. THIS IS NOT TO MUCH TO ASK. DANIEL NEEDS TO BE REMEMBERED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN. GOD BLESS!"
leonard t. wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Thank you Daniel Arnold, 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 Staff Sgt. Daniel Arnold:
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 Daniel 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 Staff Sgt. Daniel Arnold:
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 Daniel, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia