Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Dear Heavenly Father, I ask for your Divine protection for me, my brothers and sisters, and for all You and entrusted in my care. Send your amry of angels and chariotes of fire with us into battle. Protect us in battle, in Jesus name. You hold the heavens and the earth in Your hands, and even if the earth were removed and the mountain's be cast into the sea, I will not fear for You are with me and my fellow soldiers. There is nothing too hard for You. If I dwell in the secret place of the Most High, I abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Under Your shadow I take refuge. Hide us in Your secret place. Hide under the shadow of Your Wings. I commit myself and ali of my fellow soliders into Your care, in Jesus' our Lord. Amen.
Dear Leonard, I sit and your bench and your grandmothers bench lookind at the sea, remembering the day's of your youth and grand times in Old Saybrook. The laughter and smiles' ever present in my heart. Leonard your are a champion."
Lawrence Kubera of Longmeadow, Ma

"Dear Heavenly Father, I ask for your Divine protection for me, my brothers and sisters, and for all You and entrusted in my care. Send your amry of angels and chariotes of fire with us into battle. Protect us in battle, in Jesus name. You hold the heavens and the earth in Your hands, and even if the earth were removed and the mountain's be cast into the sea, I will not fear for You are with me and my fellow soldiers. There is nothing too hard for You. If I dwell in the secret place of the Most High, I abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Under Your shadow I take refuge. Hide us in Your secret place. Hide under the shadow of Your Wings. I commit myself and ali of my fellow soliders into Your care, in Jesus' our Lord. Amen.
Dear Leonard, I sit and your bench and your grandmothers bench lookind at the sea, remembering the day's of your youth and grand times in Old Saybrook. The laughter and smiles' ever present in my heart. Leonard your are a champion."
Lawrence Kubera of Longmeadow, Ma

"Remembering this Memorial Day 2012."
Collin Agee of Falls Church, VA

"I feel privileged to have known Leonard and his family for many years in his hometown and church. The word that comes to my mind is Devotion. Spiritually devoted, and devoted to the cause of freedom. The other word that comes to mind is Love. Love of Life, Love of Family and Love of Service. And final word that I can apply to Leonard and his family is Courage. They have never shirked when called upon and Leonard never shied from a challenge that I know of. He was a young competent leader and the pride of West Point and all who knew him. He is a beacon of light shining down on the rest of us showing us the way we should live our lives. But we still mourn his loss and honor his memory."
Linda Kassel of Aiken SC

"My deepest heart felt regret goes to the parents and the family of 2Lt Cowherd, You will be missed greatly, you were and always will be remembered in everyones heart.

If I wouldve known about this site before I would have done this then I am sorry"
Brian Leathers of Ft. Riley Kansas

"Seem that i'm first Iraqi to send you condolence but sure that not all his friends found this site.
US in war against terrorism and that is why we joint this war to settle Iraq, within days of life living with Army we got introduced with all kind of US people and we found that US people are same like us there is good and there is bad in all the world but it is the bad that will stay in memory but it is always good that prevail over all in good memory.
unfortunately i had short time knowing him but it was enough to recognize the good,kind, friendly and courage person.
here they say that earth and heaven like to have good person but keep bad longer away.
loosing son cannot be get over anyhow, if you lost your son just remember how is feeling of family loosing bunch of family member in just one blast or massacre happening in Iraq every day, how would be feeling when we live in hell with noway out just living day by day, may God show mercy on all.
i know what i say may be not much but it was word we gave to ourselves that we will not fail the sacrifices giving away and we will continue in mission to end terrorism in Iraq and make life better and if we succeed here we will succeed in all the world.
May God bless all and grant us strength and patience to stand
Sardar, Iraq"
Sardar of Iraq

"This is my second message here. The first was shortly after Leonard's death. This note marks my return from Iraq after a ten month deployment. Leonard played a large part in my decision to go to Iraq. I am also a member of the Long Gray Line, and it seemed to me that Duty called, that there was unfinished business there.

At this juncture early in 2009, there has been real progress made in Iraq. While still violent, it is nothing like the level of violence that Leonard confronted during his tour there. Perhaps there is some measure of solace, for all the loved ones, fellow soldiers and friends of Leonard Cowherd, to know that his sacrifice was not in vain.

Just as Leonard lives on in all of those who knew him, his actions on this earth live on in the place where he took his last breath. One of the generals I advised in Iraq put it this way as we exchanged our farewells: "The Iraqi people can never repay America for what they have done for us, but we will never forget. We could not rid ourselves of Saddam. You gave us our freedom."

I consider that a tribute to Leonard and all the others who selflessly served in Iraq. LT Cowherd is a credit to the Corps, to his country, and indeed to humanity."
Collin Agee of Falls Church, VA

"Sir, Met you today at the event for OPMD.
I was glad to have met you. I leave you with this quote from Abraham Lincoln.
"I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. Yours very sincerely and respectfully, Abraham Lincoln."
Iron Soldiers"
LTC John O'Grady of Alexandria, VA

"JUST LIKE VECCHIONE OR LISK, I WISH I COULD'VE BEEN THERE, NOT WOULD'VE BUT COULD'VE BEEN THERE WITH YOU. YOU SHALL BE REMEMBERED MY BROTHER. -FORMER SSG GOODE"
SSG GOODE of NOWHERE

"Dear Mr. Cowherd,

My husband and I met you the other night while at the train station in Culpeper. We are very sorry for the loss of you son. After reading the numerous letters and articles it seems your son had touched many lives before his death. Even though I did not have the pleasure of meeting him, he found a way to touch mine as well. We plan on taking our boys to Arlington to visit your son to help keep his memory alive. God Bless you and your family. (Please call us if you ever want to do some railfanning. 540-785-2957)"
Carla Crabtree of Fredericksburg, VA

"29 Jul 2008
To the Cowherd family
Our hearts join with yours,as Gold Star Families. We know how hard it is to not have our soldiers with us. My son, Ssg. Paul Johnson, was KIA 20 Oct 2003 at Fallujah. Our soldiers are together.
We were so glad to have met at the Train station in D.C. (21 Jul 2008) and wish we had more time together.
God Bless our troops, God Bless the families, God Bless America!"
Patricia Black of Tellico Plains TN

"May 29, 2008
To the family of 2nd Lt. Leonard M. Cowherd:
Leonard 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 Cowherd Family!
I was in the same unit with 2LT Cowherd. We met in Germany and deployed about the same time period. I'll be speaking at the Wall in D.C. on Memorial Day. I'll also mention 2LT Leonard M. Cowherd in my speech. I was wondering if you guys could attend. That would be great. I'm currently in VA and my cell# is: (785) 717-8087 and my e-mail is david.moses3@us.army.mil I look forward to hear from you. Thanks and God bless."
David Moses of Petersburg, VA

"Leonard,

It's been almost 4 years since I brought you home. I think about you and your family everyday. As long as I am alive, your sacrafice and spirit will never be forgotten.

Brett Brenkus"
Brett of Charlotte, NC

"Mr. Cowherd
Thank you for being at Arlington for our son's, Christopher Loudon, service last Friday, November 16th. It was very nice meeting you and hopefully we will cross paths again. We will always pay our respects at Lenny's grave site when we visit Chris. Please feel free to contact us at anytime. loudon1@brockwaytv.com"
Sue and Randy Loudon of Brockport , Pennsylvania

"To the Cowherd Family,

Sir and Ma'am, I did not know your son. I'm currently a Cadet PSG in A4, the same Reg your son was in. Today I was returning from Veteran's Day Weekend, and the trip section I was with stopped at Arlington. I went with the Officer in Charge to Section 60, where two of his friends were buried, and happened to come upon your son's name. On his tombstone was a note written by an '05 grad, someone who apparently knew your son. Part of it quoted The Corps: "The long grey line of us stretches through the years of a century told, and the last man feels to his marrow the grip of your far off hold." I was struck with a feeling I can't even describe. I did not know your son, but I will wear a KIA bracelet commemorating him when I go abroad to Jordan next semester. He may be gone, but his name will continue to live on here at the Academy.

Sincerely and with deep respect,

Kate Bertanzetti
USMA '09"

"I remember meeting Leonard the one year I attended Wakefield (95-96). I learned of his loss after reading about the DAC's Leonard Cowherd award. I am a fellow serviceman (USAF). I appreciate those before me, those that are serving currently with me, and the ones that will serve after my time is over. God Bless You Leonard."
Justin Fallings of Ft. Meade, MD

"God Bless you, Leonard. I will never forget you and your sacrifice. You were a wonderful person and I am so glad that I had the chance to know you. To the Cowherd family: I am still serving proudly and will continue to fight in honor of your son and my other fellow fallen comrades. My prayers will forever be with you."
CPT Rachael L. O'Connell of US Army

"I went to Wakefield Country Day School with Leonard; I was in kindergarten when he was a senior. Though I didn't really know him, his death has affected my family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, and the family is always in my prayers."
Jillian Wood of Hubbardston, MA

"On February 3, 2007, I had the honor of visiting Leonard's resting place at Arlington. I was privileged to spend the day with his parents and meet his sister. Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting Leonard here on this earth, I feel as though he has touched my life and I look forward to the day when I can meet him in Heaven. From what I learned of Leonard through his family on Saturday, he was a remarkable young man and a very brave one. I offer my sincerest thoughts of sympathy for Mr. and Mrs. Cowherd and their family and I thank them for sharing Leonard with me. Each night as I say my prayers, I will now be able to speak to him and know of him. I feel deeply blessed for this."
Sharon of Hanover, PA USA

"To the family of:Leonard M.Cowherd 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"

"LT Cowherd was a great person! Him and I met on BANDIT island during church and when we got to Karbala I remeber the few who did attend the church services. I looked up to him because he was a great guy and a brother to me threw christ. I was in the school across from the Mosque across the street. When i hear the noise i knew somone had gotten hurt, i didnt find out it was LT Cowherd until alittle while after he had passed. I was deeply saddend that a brother in Christ had just passed when the church service before was talkin about ppl dying and goin to heaven. Im here in Iraq agin on my second tour and his face is always poping up in my head.. God bless LT Cowherd , Family and friends!!!

"BANDITS!!!!!"

SGT Tom Harmon
Infantry U.S. ARMY
2nd BN 8th CAV REG"
SGT Tom Harmon of Taji, Iraq

"I fly my flag daily in honor of our troops present and past. While I was never in the service I thank God for those that honor our country and let us enjoy the freedom we have. I will not let the memories of Leonard or any of our vetrans be forgotten."
Greg of Bothell Washington

"To The Cowherd Family - I think of you often and your kindness when Patrick was killed and continued rememberences. I know he and Len are together and I always include Len in my prayers. They are true heros and will never be forgotten."
Alison of Pottstown, Pa/USA

"Red One,
You were a fine officer and you will not be forgotton."
Blue Four aka SFC McCree of San Antonio, Texas

"I was in Lenny Cowherd's company at West Point (G4). I sat at his table as a Plebe when he was a Cow. He was a great man and an even better officer. He always treated everyone with love and respect. I recently graduated and now I'm headed to Iraq this February. I just pray I possess the ability to serve with the same dedication and service to our great country as Lenny did. His family continues to be in my prayers. In the USMA tradition - Well done Lenny."
2LT Aaron King of Ft Sill, OK

"Lenny-
I tried to take you under my wing so that you could benefit from my "vast" experience (a whole 4 1/2 months!). You exceeded me even before I started. That day in Karbala, you were on the way to come have me show you where the bad guys were so you could return to your tank and take care of them. Five minutes later when you hadn't made it yet and you weren't answering your radio, I knew. I made it to the street to give cover fire when they were getting you out of there, but we were all too late. I'm sorry I wasn't there to take you under my wing that afternoon. Rest easy in heven, my brother- you served your time in hell."
Sam Haines of Friedberg, Germany

"Dear Sarah and Cowherd Family,
I wish I would have found this web site earlier than I did. I served with your husband and son in Iraq as his XO. I became pretty close with him in the short time that we had with each other. Not a day nor night goes by where I don't think about Lenny. Your husband and son gave the ultimate sacrafice for his country. I can promise you that your lose will not be forgotten and that your family will always be in our prayers. May god bless you all.

CPT Brian and Jennifer Ryan"
Brian J. Ryan of Ewa Beach, HI/USA

"My family is from Orange County, VA - Mitchellsville. I am sorry to hear of Leonard's loss. Our prayers and thoughts will be with his family and friends. My husband is an active duty Marine. I do truly understand the sacrifice."
Peggy of Ohio

"LT, I did my best to get all of my guys back. But all of my efforts was not good enough, because we lost you. I'm sorry."
SGT Clyde L. Warman of Greenville, Maine

"Mr. Cowherd,

I worked shortly at Technicolor. I am the guy that had a stomach flue and didn't have enough urine to fill the bottle...if you remember that..anyways, i am sincerely sorry that your son had to leave this earth so early. I was not aware that he went to vmi. I am a vmi grad as well. anyways, my condolences go out to you and your family."
Scott Martin of Richmond, VA...from Charlottesville

"Dear Cowherd Family,

Leonard and I use to play ball together as kids and I regret not keeping in touch with him after I moved. When we moved to Culpeper on Lakemont Dr. Leonard & Charles were among the first kids we met and their close proximity to our home was very convenient. We would car pool to practice and play ball your yard. But as life would move on so did we. We went to Germany for five years and upon return we tried to contact our old friends. I, Jerry, went into the military and after returning from the desert I remember trying to call the Cowherd's and talked with the father to try to meet the twins. But it never happened and the next time I saw Leonard would be a sad one. I will not forget your son's sacrafice to serve our country and will do whatever I can to help preserve and honor his memory.

With deepest sympathy,
The Whole Frech Family"
Jerry Frech of Culpeper, Va. USA

"Leonard: I'm sorry I didn't get to know you better while we were growing up and in Scouts together. When I got the e-mail about your death, I just stared at the screen. It was so hard to function in class that day 9 months ago, and I constantly think about you. Your picture is displayed in my room from the book "Last Letters Home..." Such brutally honest and warming letters you wrote. The only happy part about your death is that you are finally with our Lord and Savior in heaven. See you soon."
Larry Tomlinson Jr of Tallahassee, Florida

"I was glad i had the oppurtunity to get to know Lt. Cowherd. We will all miss you."
cerneka. jon of c/co 1-37 ar 1st ad

"I heard about Lenny some time ago, but just found this website. I only knew Lenny casually during our firstie year at West Point, but I remember him as a "quiet professional"-- someone who did his job well, the way he was supposed to, without expecting or seeking praise or recognition. To his family-- my deepest condolences and sympathy.
1LT Rob Murdough
USMA '03"
Rob Murdough of Eagle River, AK

"To the Cowherd family,
My family and I send you our deepest condolences for your loss. I served with LT Cowherd in Baghdad and Karbala. He was a great officer who I would have followed anywhere. Not a day goes by that his name is not mentioned with great fondness by one of the few remaining veterans in the company. I promise you that his sacrifice will never be forgotten, and the Cowhwerd family will always be in our prayers. May our Great God bless you and grant you strength."
SSG Dale Hall of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 37th Armor

"To the Cowherd family,
My family and I send you our deepest condolences for your loss. I served with LT Cowherd in Baghdad and Karbala. He was a great officer who I would have followed anywhere. Not a day goes by that his name is not mentioned with great fondness by one of the few remaining veterans in the company. I promise you that his sacrifice will never be forgotten, and the Cowhwerd family will always be in our prayers. May our Great God bless you and grant you strength."
SSG Dale tHall of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 37th Armor

"Dear family and friends of Leonard Cowherd,
i was not privledged enuogh to have met Leonard in his lifetime but seeing your documentary on HBO and identifying with the loss, as i have experienced one of my own, has given me a name which i now have an oppurtunity to thank. My neighbor and childhood friend Sgt. Joseph M. Garmback Jr. was also killed in Iraq. I sat and cried watching the story of a beautiful person no longer with us, the chilling part was the end of the clip in which i saw Leonard's birthday, August 6 which is my own. I felt a connection i feel unworthy of having with a person who gave such a contribution to the whole human race. Leonard i thank you from the bottom of my heart for the sacrifice you made for me, a 16 year old girl whom you never met. You are a perosnal hero for me, i know you rest with God. I will think of you every birthday."
Kate Lombardo of Cleveland, OH

"Dear neighbors,

I cannot begin to express my thanks for Leonard’s sacrifice and dedication to our country. I see him at my family’s door, protecting what is mine and treasured. I see him holding strong to the values of what makes America strong and righteous in what we do to preserve freedom both here and around the world. Take comfort in our God and his only son Jesus Christ. I pray that in times of sadness, the Holy Spirit will comfort you and make his presence known. Know this, in every American heart burns the light of freedom and the undying gratitude for our warrior heroes who keep us safe from all that is evil. I pray that you live your lives as Leonard would have wanted you to. Raising his children to believe in an American with dreams of greatness and the possibilities to do great things. May God bless you and your family.

Steve R. Martin
Orange County, Virginia"
Steve Martin of Orange County, Virginia

"I did not have the privilege of meeting Leonard, but I was moved when I learned about him and his family at the screening of the HBO Documentary "Last Letters Home." May the Lord bless you each with the peace that surpasses all understanding."
Abe Usher (USMA 1996) of Centreville, VA

"Leonard and I were "Ranger Buddies" for a while at Camp Buckner '00 at West Point. I cannot think of a better person I met while I was at the Academy. Always slight, yet never unnoticed, Leonard was a great person and always thought of his fellow cadet. I am sorry to hear of his fate, but I know that he is with God and the angels. I pray for you and think of you all the time. Be thou at peace, Leonard."
Erich H Petersen of Sycamore, IL

"I went to Shrinemont camp in VA years ago with Leonard. Now I live in Brooklyn and saw his poster with the caption "not just another statistic" while walking back from the subway station last night on my way home. I have no idea who put up that poster. I was so surprised and taken aback and saddened. So I looked up his name and found this site. I wanted to say that I'm so sorry and I hope the family is doing well. Thinking of you all..."
Emma of Brooklyn, NY

"Lenny, we still think about you all the time. You were an inspiration back here and still are now. Go Guppies. Be thou at peace."
USMA G4 06 of West Point, NY

"Lennie, we left Germany together, but only I came back... Forgive me."
2LT Dat T. Nguyen of Friedberg, Germany

"Thank you Leonard! And thank you to your family! You are a hero, each and every one of you!"
Lauren of Houston, Texas, The United States of America

"My family and I are sorry to hear about your loss. You've been in our thoughts and prayers. At Wakelfield, Leonard was always a strong leader and someone that I looked up to. I thank him for his service to this country."
Timothy A. Deeter of State College, PA

"To charles, Mr.and Mrs.Cowherd and to Sarah,
I cannot express in words the sadness I feel for the loss of Leonard. I also cannot express the laughter and joy he brought to so many who loved him from his home to his school to Shrine Mont. Everyday I think about all of you and offer a prayer up for All of you and for Leonard in thanks for all that he has done for this country and for those who loved and knew him. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Remember to live every day from the crack of dawn until you cannot keep your eyes open any longer. If you can manage that then Leonard will be with you always living each moment with each of you."
Anne Wilkins of Richmond, Va

"Many thoughts and prayers to you all! God Bless!"
The Lamberts of Roanoke, Virginia

"My heart is saddened by the loss of your relative. My families genealogy goes back to the Cowherd Family, so your loss is also my loss. "Until They Are Forgotten, No One Ever Really Dies.""
Joe Riplinger of Norfolk, VA

"Lieutenant Cowherd, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"The Phantasms will never forget...

Brotherhood's our rule that cannot bend.
If you die, I die.
That's the way it is."
Steen of Iowa

"To Sarah and the Cowherd family,
Words can never express the heartbreak I feel for each of you dear beloved people. Although I knew Leonard best when he was just a baby, I was, and will always remain to be, very proud of the man he had become. May the Lord grant you comfort and peace and make you strong in His love. God bless you my sweet, wonderful Cowherd Family!"
Linda Nygaard - Zobel of Culpeper, VA

"To Leonard's family, I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Please know that many of us appreciate his service to and sacrifice for our country."
F.Smith of Pennsylvania

"To the Family of 2nd Lt. Leonard M. Cowherd, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. Our son PFC Bryan Burubeltz is assigned to 1-37 AR 1AD C Company in Karbala and spoke very highly of 2nd Lt. Cowherd and was shaken at the loss of such a fine Officer and person. Our hearts go out to you and your family and our thanks, as well, for the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless you."
Mr. & Mrs. J. Burubeltz of Modesto, CA USA

"We met Leonard just once, at his wedding to our dear friend Sarah just last summer.
In just one day, it was clear that he was a special man, and equally clear that the two of them were very much in love. It was one of the happiest days on this earth.
Too soon, Leonard was taken from Sarah and all those he touched in life. He risked all for others and died doing what he believed in. He is a true American hero.
Be thou at peace, LT Cowherd."
Collin Agee of Falls Church, Virginia

"dear sarah and cowherd family, i just wanted you to know i grateful i am as a free american to your husband/son and the many other soldiers out there protecting myself and my family. he is truly a hero and as my children get older they too will know what a hero leonard was. i pray the Lord will give you all the strength and comfort you need and help to ease your pain. you are forever in my prayers."
mrs. jacob harding of culpeper, va

"Dearest Sarah and Cowherd Family,
I wanted to express my deepest sympathies to each and every one of you. Lenny and I were in G4 together for three years at West Point. He was one of my friends throughout our years together. I just recently spoke to him two weeks ago about our experiences at the West Point Founder's Day Dinner in Baghdad. He even had time to send me his most recent picture of that night. When I heard the news I could not quite believe what I was hearing. I thought it must be a mistake, I was just speaking to him a few short days ago. Of course I was incorrect and Lenny had been taken from all of us much too early in his life and career. Please know that he was one of the most positive influences at West Point and within the Army. I know he would want to be remembered exactly as everyone has described him. A leader of character filled with courage and valor. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Lenny. You will never be forgotten.

2LT Kimberly French
57th Signal BN S2
Baghdad, Iraq"
Kimberly French of San Antonio, TX

"To The Family of Leonard Cowherd: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. I feel your pain, as I, too, lost a family member in Iraq on 4/09/04. Leonard is a hero, whose bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. A salute to a fallen soldier- THANK YOU, LEONARD. May you rest peacefully in Heaven."
T. Rexroad of Moorefield, WV

"Sarah and Lenny's family,
My name is MAJ Jeff French, I was Lenny's MILART (History of the Military Art) instructor at West Point and wanted to offer my sincerest condolences to you on your loss. Lenny was one of those rare young men that almost immediately stood out in the classroom. Not because he was always answering questions or showboating an intellect that I quickly realized was incredibly piercing. Rather, he had a quiet intensity and positive attitude that just made you want to be around him. Ironically, my sister happened to be in his company for their last 3 years at the academy, so I ended up getting to know him on a more personal level through her. I quickly came to learn that in addition to being an incredibly dedicated man, he exhuded a compassion, composure and maturity that, to be quite honest, you just don't find in that many young men at that point in their life. It became very obvious to me that he was not just going to be another West Point graduate; he was going to be a leader of character with the potential to positively affect many lives. Last night, I was asking myself why such a leader, the type of man that we're in desperate need of in the Army right now, why a force of such character only got a couple of months to influence the soldiers around him. Why not as a Captain and Company Commander, a Lieutenant Colonel and Battalion Commander or a military or civilian leader of even greater responsibility? Then I realized as I looked back on my experience with Lenny that he had touched hundreds and even thousands of others in the same way. I wanted you to know that the legacy Lenny leaves behind, in addition to a loving wife and family, is a group of friends, classmates, instructors and soldiers that are the better for having shared your son's/husband's spirit. Lenny left an indelible impression on me and as I head back to a troop assignment, I wanted you to know that I've rededicated myself to making sure as many of those kindred spirits like Lenny's get back safely to their homes and loves ones as possible. I think I can safely say that many others feel the same way and will be the better for having known your son/husband. Thank you for sharing that spirit with each of us and the nation.

Sincerely,
Jeff French
Major, Infantry
Command & General Staff College"
MAJ Jeff French of Ft Leavenworth, KS

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

"To Leonard's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To Leonard's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.

Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"My deepest condolences to the family and friends of 2nd Lt Cowherd. My prayers are with you, and with the soldiers that remain to defend the rights of all."
Michele Clark of Chesapeake, VA

"To Sarah and the Family of Lenny,

I am a firstie at West Point, and Lenny was a very good friend of mine. To be perfectly honest with you, the number of encounters I had with Lenny may not warrant what the average person may consider the title of “very good friend.” But, you see, that is just it. Lenny, to me, was the kind of guy who exuded such a friendly aura that you couldn’t help but feel like you had a friend for life after the first couple of times hanging out with him. Lenny was truly the quintessential loving and caring guy that I desire to be. One of my fondest memories of Lenny was dinner at GEN and Mrs. McCaffrey’s house, which is where I met Sarah. Seeing Lenny and Sarah together was one of the few times in my life that made me realize and appreciate what love is supposed to look like.
Today, Lenny's passing was announced over the poop deck (the balcony in the middle of the mess hall where announcements are made to all 4,000 cadets) during breakfast, and when I heard it, all I could do was hope that I had heard wrong. Lenny is the first friend that I have lost to any war, and the sense of loss that I feel right now cuts deep into my soul. Words cannot do justice to what this world will be missing without Lenny. He was the type of person that would give you the shirt off of his back, which he literally did for one of my best friends here, and his level of leadership and selflessness will be a goal I strive to attain for the rest of my life.
Lenny’s country called upon him to serve in a war that not many people agree with, and Lenny, like the exemplary soldier he was, accepted that mission and executed it with the same vogor and enthusiasm that he put into everything else he did. Last year, Lenny told me to come by his and Sarah's wedding if I was going to be in the area, but I regretfully had to tall him that I would be at Air Assault School. I told him I was sorry, but that I would see him again – the Army is a small place. Well that characteristic has proven to be a double-edged sword. The Army is indeed a small community of professional soldiers, so when an outstanding one like Lenny is lost, it is felt by all. In the event that no other cadets post any condolences on this page, please allow me to speak for all of them when I express my deepest sympathies. Lenny will truly be missed."
CDT LT Kenny Rogers of West Point, NY

"please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I know the pain your are feeling as I my husband,PFC Shawn Pahnke 1-37 1st AD Friedburg Germany, was killed June 17,2003. Your Loved one is a HERO. and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. may your memories of him bring you comfort. God BLess your entire family."
Elisha Pahnke of Shelbyville,IN

"Thank you Leonard Cowherd, 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 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd:
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 Leonard 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 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd:
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 Leonard, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia