Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Dear Robert,
It's been a long while before I could say anything about you. I regret not being by your side when I felt you needed me the most. Even tho I know there was nothing I could have done and I trained you the best I could. You were the only Soldier that was ever at some point in my career under me, that I lost. You will be forever the Hero of Hoenfels!

SSG T

PS Sorry for taking to long to write."
SSG Tollinchi, Jason of Jacksonville, Florida

"Thank you for contacting us....we appreciate your help in getting our things back to us."
Allen and Karen Blair of Montana

"Hi to the family of Robert Edwards Blair I found some of your sons things from the army please call me 352-304-2949. I found them in a friend salvage store. Would like to get them to you. Christie"
Christie of Ocala, florida

"Today, on this 10th anniversary of 9/11, we honor you and Capt. Doug, too! This made life changes and decisions and made you more determined to make a difference in this world. Thank you our son and HERO!"
Momma-K and Daddy of Montana

"To Allen and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you on this Memorial Day."
Ruth Hagler of Tallahassee, FL

"Today, on this Memorial Day...we honor you our son and Hero!
Love,

Dad and Momma-K"
Karen and Allen Blair of Belfry, Montana

"Robert

Seems like only yesterday we were at Fob Falcon. Ill never forget you or Capt D and the impact you both had on my life. That day and your memories live on through my family and have made us better people. Words cant express the sacrifice you made to your country and your fellow soldiers. Miss you brother.....CHARLIE ROCK!!!!!"
Joshua B Vincent of Modesto, CA

"May 25, 2011

Today, marks five years since you were taken from us!

You and your Capt. are guarding Heaven's Gates!

We love and miss you!

Dad and Momma-K"
Karen Blair of Belfry, Montana

"It has been 5 years now son. We will start writing in my journal from now on, instead of this site. We love and miss you!"
Momma-K and Daddy of Belfry, MT

"But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seem to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. Wisdom 3:1-3

Please know that your son is not forgotten and his memory lives. I pray that you have been consoled over the years for his loss. God bless you, your family, friends and God bless the American Soldier."
Vickie Blacklock (mother of a soldier) of Huntsville, AL

"Dear Blair,
I miss you so much and I think about you every day. I'm sorry that I never went bull riding with you. It kills me that you and Cpt D. never got to get out of there and back with your family. But your & the others of Cco deaths has given me a purpose and a love for life. I use you and the others that have died to compare to others that I know and will ever meet.I can never forget you.
Much love, Raymond Alexander Girona"
Raymond Girona of Hoboken NJ

"Jan. 1, 2011

Happy New Year Son! This year marks 5 years since you were taken from us.....I know Heaven's Gates are guarded by you and your Capt.

We love and miss you so much!

God bless you........

This year, your ornament on the tree had a flag with an eagle....it's a nice one!

Love ya......"
Momma-K and Daddy of Belfry, MT

"Hello Son!

Merry Christmas....we love you and miss you! Your wreath and stocking decorate your resting place!

You are guarding Heaven's gates!
Love,"
Daddy and Momma-K of Belfry,MT

"Amvets Post 19 in Ft McCoy, Fl is earning the money to have a dedicated monument for the "Fallen Heroes of Marion County" be built in the Ocala/MC Veterans Mem Park. Your sons valor will be remembered and honored for all times, This is my promise, Libby Rawson, Ladies Auxiliary President"
Libby Rawson of Ocala, Fla.

"Dear Son, OUR HERO!

It has been 4 years now since you were taken from us....each day, we think of all the great times the three of us had hunting, riding 4 Wheelers and all the times you made us smile with your humor! You could light up the room and bring joy, laughter and fun to all of us!

We miss you so much.....we enjoy our times with you as we sit on the bench right next to you at the Florida National Cemetery....as we both sit and sing your favorite song....we just find God's peace ....we have our quiet moments with you and the little crystal angels hidden in the trees.. chime ...

We wrote an article about your last hunt with you and Daddy....the "Turkey Call" magazine printed it!!! It is called...."From Iraq with Love".....

You are guarding Heaven's Gates ....you are and will always be our son and HERO!!! We love you!

You have another niece......she is a beautiful baby! We are proud of all that you did for this country!
Love you honey!!!! Daddy and Momma-K"
Capt. (ret.) Allen and Karen Blair of Silver Springs, Florida USA

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I can still remember the day I found out you were gone. I called my mom and we both cried. Having been to Iraq and back I know the courage you had and remembering all the years we spent together as kids who became adults, I know you were the bravest man I've ever met because I've seen the American Pride in your eyes, as we both grew up together, we both joined the military, we both marched over that dry Iraqi sand, yet I know in my heart that you were the braver of the two of us and as I sit here and cry over loosing a friend, I know our little home town now sees you for the hero, that I always knew you were. I'll never forget you, I will always tell your story. You're an American hero and a very missed one at that."
Rachel of Ocklawaha, Fl

"Blair,
You are truly missed in our household. You are thought about everyday and you even played a part in naming one of our sons. It was truly an honor to have known you and to have become friends with you. RIP.
Crystal St.Lawrence (SPC Michael St.Lawrence's wife)"
Crystal St. Lawrence of Houston, TX

"Hey Buddy,
I miss you still today after all these years. I will never forget you. We will meet again one day, but for me not yet brother. Rest well Brother, and my prayers have been with your family and freinds as well during all this time."
Spc Bustin of Nj

"Dear Allen and Karen Blair - I will always lift up the memory of your wonderful, adventurous, bull-riding son when we have yearly memorials to my son-in-law Captain Douglas DiCenzo, whom I know your remember was another brave soldier lost when the IED hit the Humvee they were riding in. Your son was obviously full of gusto, and I know he is guarding us just on the other side with Doug. May the Lord continue to hold your hearts in his hands until we are all united again with our brave heroes! With Love, Sherry Kitts"
Sherry Kitts of Hixson, TN, USA

"you will never be forgotten. we didnt know each other as well as id like to have, but i remember seeing you in your uniform when you came and visited school once. i looked up to you then, and now here i am in the very same place you gave your life. i can only pray i and as strong as you were. my sympothy goes out to your family. 5 years has come and gone now, but you will never be forgotten."
specialist creig benson of (ocklawaha, fl.) camp warhorse iraq.

"April 23, 2008
To the family of Spc. Robert E. Blair:
Robert 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

"Robert, we miss you! I will forever cherish the memories I have of you. You are in God's Army now and I am so proud of you."
Heather (Reitz) DePalma of Ocala, FL

"Robert you will be missed...
rip
we love you always and forever!!"
Lauren of Ocala/Florida

"To the family of:Robert E. Blair 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"

"Robert,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldier who was also killed in that blast for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Unity Is Strength"(6th Inf. Motto)"

"If you are able,
save them a place
inside of you
and save one backward glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can
no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.
Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.
And in that time
when men decide and feel safe
to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.
Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
America has been built on the blood of Heros and Brave men of Honor. A fellow Veteran thanks this American Hero for his Bravery, His Service to Country, and for the Ultimate Sacrifice he has made.Thank you for our cherished Freedoms your sacrifice has protected. May you rest well in Gods loving embrace Brave Solider, and may God bring peace to your family and loved ones."
William Darby Taylor of Bonita Springs Florida

"It's been a year now little cousin. It seems like yesterday to us though. We miss you and love you. Another soldier to stand guard at the Gates Of Heaven."
Jerry N. of Dunnellon, Fl

"MY DARLING COUSIN,
YOUD THINK AFTER ALL THESE MONTHS IT WOULD START TO GET EASIER , ALTHOUGH I THINK THE PAIN IS JUST HURTING MORE. EVERY DAY I WISH I COULD HAD BEEN THERE TO TAKE YOU SPOT. I JUST WISH I COULD HAVE GAVE YOU A HUG ONCE LAST TIME AND SAID GOOD BYE. YOU NEVER THINK IT COULD BE YOUR LAST CHANCE. LOVE YOU ROB"
ASHLEY AVERY of OCALA, FL

"Dear Blair family and friends,
My heart goes out to you all at this terrible time of great personal loss. Know that many pray for you and send comfort in many ways. Our children bring us so much joy and wisdom as they change our lives forever.
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
or cool one pain,
or help one fainting robin
unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
Emily Dickinson


Coordinator for the Florida Chapter of the Home of the Brave Quilt Project
www.flhomeofthebravequilts.com"
Darleena Jones of Satellite Beach, FL

"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, Robert will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! "

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