Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"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"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I received a KIA bracelet to wear in memorial of fallen soldiers, the one I received is for SSG. Andres J. Contreras; I will proudly wear it in honor of such an awesome person and soldier."
Shannon Crowe of Elizabethtown, KY

"Re: SGT Andres J Contreras

Hello,
I represent PRAYER SHAWLS 4 FALLEN SOLDIERS (PS4FS), an organization that since October 2007 has sent over 2,800 prayer shawls to military families who have lost a loved one. We are an organization of over 240 groups from all over the country. We make every effort to reach families even when post cards are returned after they have moved. Would you kindly send me a contact email/address so that we may send a loving hand-made prayer shawl to the family? Thank you!

Cozette Haggerty, Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers
Email: ps4fs@charter.net
Website Address: http://webpages.charter.net/ps4fs/shawls"
Cozette Haggerty of Wilbraham, Mass.

"To the family of:Andres J. Contreras 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"

"Para la familia de Andres Contreras,
My sincere sympathy to Andres Contreras' family. I purchased a bracelet bearing his name and wear it with great honor to show my appreciation for the sacrifice he and his family have made. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May peace be with you."
Susana Contreras Czerwinski of Sturtevant WI USA

"June 9, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Andres J. Contreras:
Andres 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 Staff Sgt.Andres Contreras,you are all in my prayers,Im sorry for the loss of such a wonderful brave young man,very pleasant to be around.He was always looking to help others,he will be terribly missed,he will forever remain in my heart!!God Bless you all."
Roxxane Ramirez

"I had the privilege to serve with SGT Contreras twice, first as his drill sergeant in B Co. 795th MP BN and second as the 258th MP Co. Operations Sergeant in Cuba. I remember him as a private going through basic and AIT for you never forget the good Solders. As a leader he was unmatched. He earned the respect of his Soldiers as well as peers and leaders due to his utmost professionalism and selfless service who always put the needs of his Soldiers and the Army before his own. It has been and honor to both train you as your drill sergeant and know you as a leader of Soldiers, you will not be forgotten."
1SG Randall T. Anderson of 209th MP Co. Fort Polk, LA

"Contreras,
You were a good soldier and a great person to be around. I will never forget the good times. Thanks for being who you were."
SSG Pepper of Hohenfels, Germany

"To the family of SGT Contreras,
He was a great Soldier. I worked with him at Ft. Irwin. He was a very family oriented man. I wish your family the best and I will keep him and your family in are prayers."
SSG Bailey of Ft. Leonard Wood,MO

"To the Family of SSG Contreras
I had the Honor of Serving with "Jo Jo"
in Iraq and was deeply saddned by his untimely death.
He was a leader that lead by example and a true professional in evey manner of the word.
Never a day went by that his positive attitude shined.
My God bless you and you family"
SSG Gary C. Reeder of Fort Polk Lousiania

"To the Family of SSG Contreras
I had the Honor of Serving with "Jo JO"
in I reaq and was deeply saddned by his untimely death.
He was a leader that lead by example and a true professional in evey manner of the word.
Neve a day went by that his positive attitude shined.
My God bless you and you family"
SSG Gary C. Reeder of Fort Polk Lousiania

"Andres,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

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