Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To You Brud, and family
You will always remain in my heart, your kind friendship and the polite kindness you shown to me when others were not, will always be a soft spot in my heart and that will never be forgotten my friend,"
alicia zavala of clovis, nm

"Thinking of you today, Brud."
Calista of El Centro CA

"May 29, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Brud J. Cronkrite:
Brud 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 was looking at the list of our fallen hero's, and noticed Brud's name. i had remembered a Brud from when i was in kindergarten, and we had the same baby sitter in Jamul. I saw the location of his hometown, and the last name was familiar, and knew it was the same person. This was almost 25 years ago, and i still remember Brud (and messina) from the babysitters. I am really sorry for your loss, your son a hero, and deserves to be held in the highest respect. there are no words to say to what high of a degree of respect i have for him and all the others. thank you for your sacrifice, it will never be forgotten"
joe of lakeside ca (originally Jamul ca)

"To Brud's Family and Friends,

It's been almost 4 years, and Brud is not forgotten, and he never will be!"
Brett

"To the Family of Brud Cronkrite, in 2004, I saw Brud's name listed in the LA Times. Forty Years ago, another brave young man lost his life in a alien land, his name is PFC Woodrow Charles (Woody) Cronkrite USMC, My Brother. I share your loss, then and now."
John Cronkrite of Alta Loma, CA, USA

"Your memory remains strong and your life still celebrated, three years later. I love and miss you so much Brud and still pray for your family. You will always be a hero in my eyes!! God Bless"
Cristen Boerman of Pine Valley, CA -USA-

"Bill, Wendy:
Each day we truly miss Brud and are very proud of him for giving his life so we can have our freedom. I am proud that he was a part of our lifes, and the lifes of of children he was truly like one of our own, to watch him grow into such wonderful man. Your family will always be a part of us."
Jerry, Karen Maynard of Jamul, CA

"Brud, Wendy, Messina, Bill and Billy,
Not a day goes by without a shout out to you all from our hearts.
Brud, your bravery along with your mates in battle in helping protect the world from evil is forever appreciated. We are deeply saddened that your unselfish service ultimately lead to your departure from this realm. We honor you and your family not only on this Veteran's Day, but every single day."
Julie and Kirk Reed of Pacific Beach, San Diego County, CA USA

"I'm thinking of you today Brud. I love you and miss you everyday."
Calista of California

"Well its been almost 2 years... i still often think about Brud. I miss you! My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cronkrite family."
Joshua Ragland of San Diego, CA

"To Brud, I miss you. I will never forget you. Your my Hero...

For Brud...
"So as you read this know my friends
I'd love to stay with you all
Please smile when you think of me
My body's gone that's all
A tout le monde [To all the world]
A tout mes amis [To all my friends]
Je vous aime [I love you]
Je dois partir [I have to leave]""
Chayet Pagano of Potrero, CA

"To The Cronkrite Family,
My name is Charlie Jacobs, I go to Norwich University, Military College of Vermont. My platoon recently bought POW/KIA bracelets to honor the fallen, and I recieved SGT Brud Cronkrite. I wanted to know more about the person i was wearing so I researched Brud and found this page. I send my condolences and wish the best for the Cronkrite Family. Sgt Brud Cronkrite made the ultimate sacrifice, gaving his life so the rest of us can continue with ours. God Bless Brud and the rest of the Cronkrite Family."
Charlie Jacobs of Pembroke, Ma

"To the Cronkrite Family-
Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. Brud was the loader for my wingman's tank, and he was the sort of soldier every new Platoon Leader wishes he had an entire platoon of. When I moved SGT Girona up to Commander of his own tank, the pride I felt in him was eclipsed by the pride I felt being able to move Brud up to the Gunner's seat of his tank. Again, when he re-enlisted and was promoted, I felt great pride. When he and the rest of his crew were moved out of my platoon and into 2nd platoon, it was quite a blow to me. Brud still ranks as one of the best soldiers I've ever had the honor of serving with, and he will continue to be sorely missed. May God bless you all."
1LT Sam Haines of Friedberg, Germany

"Dear Cronkrite Family-
I was stationed in Korea with your son. In fact he was my roommate. We shared the same room in the barracks on Camp Casey for 6 months and I learned what a patriot your son was. He and I left Korea the same day, he to Germany and myself home for mid tour leave. My last words to him after I hugged him goodbye was "be safe and take care", he replied "only if you do it first." It was this selflessness that I will never forget about him. I have a picture of him and I together in TDC and I look at it daily in rememberance. I feel disheartend to know that he and I almost shared the same fate. I was almost killed when a rocket-propelled grenade was shot at my tank missing me by a mere foot as I stood in the loader's hatch, this is where I understood that Brud was when he past. Amasing how God chooses who goes and who stays. I will never forget him and I am honored that I was able to have lived with him for that short time. Brud was a true American. He lived and died a hero! Apahce's on the Warpath, Duece Tank!

p.s. I would love to send the picture I have to the Cronkrite Family.
mark.f.grimsley@us.army.mil"
SSG Mark F. Grimsley of Manhattan, Kansas

"Not a day passes that I do not think of Brud, remember our times, and pray for strength for his parents and brother and sister. What an amazing man, always with a smile and a friendly heart, and now, a hero. But Brud was always a hero in my heart, for he was the greatest friend to me since the day I met him in high school. Brud, I will never forget my surprise 16th Birthday, all those days hanging out after school, or the words you said to me during our last phone conversation before you were deployed. I miss you more than words can express but you will live on in the hearts of those you touched while you were here. God bless you and your family. One day we will all be reunited...until then, please know you will be much missed but never forgotten. I love you Brud."
Cristen Boerman of Pine Valley, California USA

"Brud, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. Losing you was one of the hardest things that I have ever felt. I love you, little brother. See you in heaven, Hero. You were a hero when you were alive and you are etched into eternity a hero. It was a pleasure to serve with you and you were a great friend. We shall meet again. Wendy, Bill, Messina, Billy, Robbie, stay strong. I love you all."
SSG(P) Ronnie Scott, Brud's Tank commander, Baghdad Iraq of Fort Knox, Ky

"Its been one year since my friend fell in Iraq. I have given alot of thought on the way i feel about this entire situation. All i care about is that my friends come home to the ones that love them. I dont want to see any more of our troops killed in the name of peace.

Brud you will not be forgotten my friend, i will always remember the last time we saw one another."
Joshua Ragland of Lakeside, CA

"You could always count on SGT Cronkrite to do his best, finish any task or mission on time...if not early, and in the last few years of military service, that was rare. When one of your soldiers becomes an NCO, you remember back when you became part of the corps...
SGT Cronkrite was a great tanker, an awesome soldier, and close friend.
While I can never bring you back, I can only hope I extracted some small justice in Karbala...after you fell.

I will miss you brother..."
SFC J. McCree of Copperas Cove, Texas

"I still remeber the day that i met Brud, when I was assigned as his firstline supervisor, I new he was special. We went to our first gunnery together and we were a perfect team. (I hope you get to see the video he made) It was not long before he became my best friend. He spent a few days at my house and we would go out around germany together. I miss him terribly. he was one of a kind and a large piece of me died during that war. Anyone who met him was a better person for it. He will always be my brother."
Former SGT Glenn Girona of Friedberg ,Germany

"To the Cronkrite Family,
My family and I are deeply sorry for your loss. I served with Brud in Karbala and I am sure you know this but I just want you to know that he was an outstanding young man and an NCO that cared a great deal for his soldiers. He was doing his job and fought bravely that day. You are in our prayers."
SSG Dale Hall of C Co, 1st BN 37th Armor

"I give you my love ---- I wish to touch each and everyone of kin.love deborah ann cronkrite"
Deborah A. Cronkrite of Kaufman,Tx.

"To the Cronkrite Family - Those of us in the Cowherd Family have had you in our prayers ever since our sons died.
mailto:len@cowherd.org"
Leonard M. Cowherd of Culpeper, VA

"Bill, and Wendy, your loss is my loss, I member Brud like just yesterday, I WILL BE PRAYING FOR Y'ALL, and all the other greiving parents who have lost a child, being ex military, we know it was for his country he died and that by itself makes him a HERO! God Bless,"
Gene Reif of Edmonton, Alberta

"Sgt. Brud Cronkrite You will never be forgotten but you will always be missed.I knew you from the time you were a Baby and watched you grow up.I will always remember the Smile on your face and your Friendly Nature.As a Desert storm Vet I want to thank Not just Sgt. Cronkrite But all the Men and Woman we Have lost. As for words for Bill,Wendy,Messina,and Billy I am deeply sorry for your Loss and Wish Happier times to you all soon.GOD BLESS AMERICA and Our Troops"
Brian and Tammy of Jamul Ca. U.S.A

"To the Cronkrite family,
Please know that our prayers are with you all during this time. My son is attached to 1-37."
Mark Brooks of Lawrenceville, Ga

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

"Brud, today would be your birthday. I remember, how sad I was last year, that we werenŽt able to celebrate your birthday. I am even more sad today, because you will never be able to celebrate it, neither with me nor with your family or someone else. I miss you more than anyone can imagine.
I will never forget you and the good times we had together.
You will be always in my heart and I will love you forever,
your Baby."
Nicole of Friedberg, Germany

"Brud, I miss you so much. You were such a good friend. I talk about you a lot and we will all keep you in our minds. You were always there for me when I had problems, you always listened. We had so much fun together and it hurts when I think about this times cause I know IŽll never be able to have that again.

I miss you."
Judith of Friedberg, Germany

"To Brud'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

"My deepest condolences go to the Cronkite's. I met Brud while attending Mtn. Empire my Freshman and Sophmore years and always talked to him. He was a kindred spirit and will always be remembered. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to keep all of us safe. I salute you Brud."
Josh Ragland of San Diego, CA

"Dear Cronkrite Family, We just heard the unfortunate news from our son PFC Bryan Burubeltz 1-37 AR 1st Armored Division. He served with Brud in Karbala and spoke so fondly of him. We are raising Brud in prayer for Eternal Life with our Lord and for your comfort in this time of need."
Mr. & Mrs. J. Burubeltz of Modesto, CA USA

"We received the information from Dawn Tiglio-Thomas tonight.
We send our deepest sympathies and warmest thoughts to your family.
We are so sorry. God Bless."
Dan and Jana of San Juan Capistrano, CA

"I have learned of your loss thru Dawn and am truly saddened by your loss. We all appreciate what your son has done for us and our country, With our love and prayers.
The Friedman's"
CANDACE of SAN DIEGO, CA

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

"Dear Cronkrite Family,

Your beloved son Brud paid the ultimate sacrifice for Americas freedom, and for that we are all so very grateful. He is truly a hero! Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to you. May God bless you all and may He also help to heal your hearts. Peace be with you Brud. With love and sincerest gratitude, Two Very Appreciative Americans and Friends,"
Dawn Tiglio Thomas & Kippy Thomas of Alpine, California-United States of America

"To Brud'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

"Brud was a very close friend throughout high school, and my heart goes out to his family for the loss of a truly amazing person. Brud was well loved, and will continue to be even now."
Calista Reynolds of San Diego CA/USA

"To the Cronkite Family:
I was only a Sophomore in high school when Brud graduated, but I still remember as if it was yesterday. Brud was always so nice to everyone, and never failed to make me feel like I was his buddy. Please accept my deepest condolences. Brud will be missed, but will be remembered because of how great a person he was."
Max Torres of San Diego, CA

"Brud paid the ultimate price to keep America free and safe. You will always be in our hearts and prayers. Rest in Peace"
Your Cousin Frank Patnaude, of Odenton, MD

"To Brud'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"

"Dear Cronkrite Family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you; we lost my nephew, Pfc Bradley Kritzer, May 5th. God's comfort be in your hearts."
Laurie Miles of Coalport, PA

"Please accept my deepest condolences in your loss. My heart breaks for you as I went through this almost a year ago. My husband, PFC Shawn Pahnke, 1-37 1st AD Friedburg Germany was killed June 17,2003. I pray that your memories of your loved one bring you strength and comfort. God Bless your entire family in this time of tragedy."
Elisha Pahnke of Shelbyville,IN

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