Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"This is the first time I have ever felt this level of emotion for a fallen hero. I heard from the Nancy Grace show that he loved reading so much that I connected with him right away. Please accept my sincere condolences to the family and know that your son will always be remembered by many. I am just one who feels sorrow today. Aloha"
Marilyn Maya Mendoza of Hawaii ;USA

"To the family of Spc. Stephen Castner,

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Not a day goes by that I do not think about Castner and the sacrifice that he made for his country. I was his flight medic on that day, outside of Tallil. My Dustoff crew (C Co. 3/126 Air Ambulance) responded to his unit's Medevac call, with Vorphol and the other soldiers that were with him. I came accross this page while searching for his name online. If you ever wish to contact me directly, my email is (warriorspirit@hotmail.com) My thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Sgt.Ballard U.S. Army - Retired"
Ballard of Vermont

"To start off, Im greatfully sorry for your loss. I am on here because I made a promise to a friend of mine and Stevens. I would just like to know where Steven is buried. His and my friend would never really got to say goodbye and i made it my mission to find out where for him. It would be so appriciated if someone would let me know where. email me at: alyssamarie3@hotmail.com
any information is helpful."
Alyssa Berschneider of Rice Lake

"In honor of Castner and all of our Fallen Soldiers

Spc. Stephen W. Castner, 27, of Cedarburg, Wis., died on July 24, 2006 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMMV during combat operations in Tallil, Iraq. Castner was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery, Milwaukee, Wis.


Castner and I were friends and Airmen together stationed at FE Warren AFB, WY. We shared alot of great memories in the small amount of time that we knew each: memories that have bettered my life and still make me laugh. I know others will carry similiar memories.


Here is my proposal:
This July 24th will mark 2 years of Castner's passing. On this day everyone wear a red shirt, something patriotic, etc... And most of all, I also would like to propose on this day, at 12-noon central time, we all say a prayer. This prayer is not only for those family members and friends Castner left behind, but for all the friends and family that has suffered such a loss of thier own during this war to end all wars. Lets not forget the women and men currently serving, and their families.


Remember:
July 24th wear a patriotic shirt and say a prayer at 12-noon central time!

Please pass this on to everyone possible.
We must unite in the fight!

Thank you to all,

Laura (Weiss) Vandegriffe
Steelville, MO"
Laura (Weiss) Vandegriffe of Steelville, MO, USA

"To the family of:Stephen W. Castner 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"

"May 25, 2008
To the family of Spc. Stephen W. Castner:
Stephen 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 Castner's wonderful family: I had the honor of being stationed with Steve at FE Warren AFB, WY. His memory and friendship will never fade. If there are two things he taught me: it was to be myself, no matter what and to live life to the fullest, and enjoy doing it. For that I am honored and fortunate."
Laura (Weiss-Chester) Vandegriffe of Steelville, MO

"I was Stephen's crew member the day of the attack. It was my last mission and his first. What an unfortunate day. Stephen made the ultimate sacrifice and for that he is a true hero. I will never forget you brother."
SSG Jeffrey Vorpahl of GreenBay, WI

"James,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Catervae Ferreae"(The Brigade of Iron)
121st FA Motto"

"I served in A Co. 2-127th Infantry, the unit that Stephen Castner was training to relieve. I travelled the same roads that Stephen did, and I know the dangers of the job him and I were asked to do. It was a dangerous job and I have the utmost respect for him and his fellow soldiers. After returning home, I later learned that Stephen attended the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, and was active in the same ROTC program in which I received my commission. So even though I never met CPL Stephen W. Castner, I feel like I have a small bond with him. I salute you CPL Castner, you will never be forgotten."
1LT Jason M. Reiman of Plover, WI USA

"I served in A Co. 2-127th Infantry, the unit that Stephen Castner was training to relieve. I travelled the same roads that Stephen did, and I know the dangers of the job him and I were asked to do. It was a dangerous job and I have the utmost respect for him and his fellow soldiers. After returning home, I later learned that Stephen attended the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, and was active in the same ROTC program in which I received my commission. So even though I never met CPL Stephen W. Castner, I feel like I have a small bond with him. I salute you CPL Castner, you will never be forgotten."
1LT Jason M. Reiman of Plover, WI USA

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