Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hey Jeremy,

Another year has past, and it’s hard to believe how fast time flies. Spring has become my favorite season because of the transformation that seems to come from a long (and cold) winter's months. The days change from long dark to light, snow thaws, the ground softens, flowers bloom, and everything becomes more vibrant.
Interestingly, this seems to be very similar to how emotionally I remember you. Sometimes, life and the events from war seem very dark, distant, and cold. Lives were forever changed... Some lost, some damaged... But sometimes when I think of the sacrifice that we, as infantrymen, made for our brothers... The world doesn't seem like such a foreboding place because I've seen what it means to be truly good. We infantrymen live on because others didn’t... But if we had to go back to this day, 9 years ago I'm sure that all of us on patrol would have laid down our lives in the same way that you did. This gives me hope, you've given me hope... I suspect that it’s similar to the hope that spring brings nature life after a long winter (in an abstract sorta way (just thinking about spring today)).
Ella a few days ago said that she likes the nickname "El." I've told her that her name is special, but not why. I've been working on calling her that more. I'll keep on working on it ;) enough rambling for now, Go easy brother!"
Barry of Lincoln, RI

"Jeremy:
Yesterday, July 5, 1986, you were born. If you were alive, you would have been 26 years old today. I wish you were still with us (alive) so we could sing
HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to you. But, I'll bet you are looking down on all your friends today, and wish you could have been here, to hear which one of us were off key. HA! HA!.
You are a find example of what our Stetson Home Brothers, that join you and hope all of them gathered around and welcome you HOME. LOVE from your older brother, now 85. LOVE AND GOD BLESS YOU. Don Colpitts, Lynn, MA>"
Don Colpitts of Lynn, MA. 01902

"Its Memorial Day, Jeremy, and I just want to tell you I haven't forgotten YOU. You gave your life on April 2, 2006, a great lost to all that knew you. I still have the plaque in my dinning room and I always say "HI."
GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER."
Don Colpitts of Lynn, MA. 01902

"Jeremy:
I can't believe it has been 8 years, since I found out that you had died at Hit, Iraq.
It was 8 years ago, when I was at the home and found out you had been killed in action. Oh, it hurt to hear another home boy had lost his life, so young.
I tried to get those in charge to let me place a plaque there with your name on it. Your name and plaque would have been added to the other 172 other brothers hanging in the old dinning room. God only knows my heart was in the right place. But those in position to give approval, said "NO."
That I couldn't place your plaque with the other two, veterans from W.W. I, W.W. 2, Korea and Vietnam.
In just 3 more days, I'll be 85 years old. How much more time I have I do not know. So before I go, I hope those who turned down your plaque, might change their minds.
If only those who knew you back then and knew the full story about you, I just wish I could tell them, why each anniversary I try to let you know that I'm still thinking about you.
GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER< JEREMY. DON COLPITTS, at doncolpitts@comcast.net"
Don Colpitts of Lynn, MA.

"8 years brother. Thanks for all that you did."
Barry Nickerson of Lincoln, RI

"2251 days since our patrol, but who's counting? It's cool that we've spent every day after together. Life continues to move forward. I graduated college in December, and I'm moving on to graduate school this fall, but one thing remains the same... You're never far from my thoughts, Pro Patria."
Barry of Lincoln, RI

"Jeremy, my brother, six years past, still the same. You're forever with me in my journeys; however, now I've been able to start telling people about your courage, and what you sacraficed. You will never be forgotten, I won't allow it. "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori, sed dulcius pro patria vivere, et dulcissimum pro patria bibere. Ergo, bibamus pro salute patriae.""
Barry Nickerson of Lincoln, RI

"Jeremy,
I remember when you were sworn in the army at the Diamond. Also the last thing I remember you saying was at the cafeteria that day you came and visited us someone was playing the black eyed peas song my humps and you were saying how after boot camp that fergie was the first piece of * you had seen."
bryant bourne of hampton va

"Jeremy I can't believe its been 5 years!!! I miss you! I still can't believe you are gone. I have so many fun memories with you. I hope that I never forget them. You were a great person and a great friend who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country, for your family, for your friends, and for the strangers standing next to me in the stores for that I am forever greatful! Love ya Jeremy!"
Becky Guthrow of Richmond, VA

"Hi Jeremy:
Today, five years ago you gave your life for your country. I said "Good Morning Jeremy," just as I have for all these five years. Yes, your plaque still hangs in my dinning room, so I'm remidered of the life you gave at the age of 19. Still no word from the place you stayed at before returning to VA. I never give up hope that they will bend over one of these days and give me permission to hang it on the wall along side the other veterans. As you might remember I requested that my name, photograph and plaque to be removed from the building thet dedicated after me. If they couldn't HONOR YOU, I didn't want the honor to still be there for me. I hope your happy where you are and one day I'll be glad to hug and shake your hand. GOD BLESS YOU YOUNG MAN. Don Colpitts, Lynn, MA."
Don Colpitts of Lynn, MA.

"Brother,

5 years ago we were walking the mean streets of Hit. I told you that you needed to find better cover when you were hiding behind a slim tree. You said "roger SSG," and that was the last time we spoke directly. 5 years later, I indirectly speak to you everyday. I don't think you'll every realize the effect you had on me. When I have a difficult time, I think about what you sacrificed, and you pull me through. We will never be able to rationalize or justify the loss, but if one good thing came out of it ..You forever made me (and many others I'm sure) a better person. I love and miss you, godspeed my brother."
Barry Nickerson of Lincoln, R.I.

"I taught Jeremy in senior English at Tucker HS. He was a sweet guy, SO intent on becoming a soldier. I miss his wonderful smile and always positive attitude."
Rebecca Wright of Richmond, VA

"Hi Jeremy:
Another Memorial Day, and I'm still thinking of you. Your plaque still hangs on my dining room wall and I say "HI JEREMY" each morning. Some day I hope there will be a change at the home and your plaque will be placed with the other veteran's as it should have happen years ago. No other since you left us have died for our country, like you gave your full life for. It still hurts that they were so stupid not honoring YOU! I just lost my oldest brother who was 92, and while he wasn't a veteran, our other brother Walter was serving the Canadian Army in Italy & Holland during World War II. I was just outside sitting on my porch with my two dogs and thinking of you Jeremy and all of those million of men & woman who gave their lives to keep us free. Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. GOD BLESS YOU and all the Veterans. Don Colpitts, Lynn, MA."
Don Colpitts of Lynn, MA.

"If there is anyone here that has Jeremy's parents phone number and address please send it to Barry Nickerson at:bnickers@bryant.edu ASAP! The Army is planning on naming a building after him and they want to inform the family of the details."
Barry Nickerson of Lincoln, R.I.

"Jeremy, I am going up tomorrow with some other battle buddies to see you. You were a big influence in joining the Army, and I can't wait to see you again some time down the road. Hope you protect us all as we move down range within the next few years. Hooah."
PFC Matthew Dean of Hampton, Va

"4 years now man. Crazy how time goes by. I still think about you everyday, and will continue to for the rest of my life. I love you BROTHER."
Bradley Prater of Joplin, Mo

"Jeremy,

What's going on brother. Just wanted to let you know that I've had a second daughter. I named her Ella. Nothing can be done to fix things that went wrong. I wish there were a rewind button, but life's not built on wishes. Everyday I live as though it was a gift from you. Your never far from our prayers."
Barry Nickerson of Lincoln. R.I

"GEREMY:
I haven't forgotten you. Every morning I look at the plaque handing on my dinning room wall, and say "Hi Jeremy."
Now it is Dec. 21, 09, just a few days before Christmas. How I wish that all you young men & women who gave your lives could be home and enjoying Christmas with your families. But in many households, you will be remembers even as it is sad. I'll be thinking of you, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all you brave heros. Love Don Colpitts."
Donald F. Colpitts of Lynn, MA.

"Hey Jeremy, Man its been a while now yet day in and day out I still think about that day. You are constantly on my mind wether awake or asleep. Things went terribly wrong that day and i'll never understand it. You will forever be rememberd. I remember conversations we had, i remember the very last thing you said to me. I wish I could have kept you safer but God had other plans I guess. We love you brother and will never forget you and your sacrifice."
SGT Bradley Prater of Joplin, Mo

"Not a day goes buy I don't think about the sacrifice you made for me and our fellow Soldiers. Thank you."
CPT Carl Bjork of Baghdad, Iraq

"Jeremy: Well, tomorrow is the 4th of July,2009 and I'm thinking of you. Finally, most of our troops have withdraw from major citys & towns in Iraq. Turning over the power to the Iraq army. This wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for you and all brave men & women who gave their lives to free these people. We, the United States have shed so much blood over all battles to free people, from those who want to keep them as slaves, without any freedon. While those in our country condemed those who were there, keeping our country free, it is your live and those who also were brave enough to stand up for freedom, made this all possible. While I wish that nobody would die, it is the brave who did so. I only wish I could have met you in person, you are on my mind every day as I sit in my dining room have my coffee and look up at my plaque I have hanging in there with your picture, and the American flag and all your awards. Bless you Brother. Don Colpitts"
Don Colpitts of Lynn, MA.

"Jeremy, Its been so long i still remember the last time i saw you. Kings Dominion.. Im sure you remember too it was funny anyways. I want you to know i joined the army ive been almost 2 years it will be two years in novemeber. I meet somebody that knows you he was there when this all happened. there were only two survivors and he was one of them says he tried to help you but there was nothing he could do i dont know but he knew your name when i said it. i dont know jermey but i really miss you i wish you were still here. you were the one person when i was sitting around tucker and i was upset you would come up to me and ask me what was wrong i need that now.. i miss you jerm Love you"
Amber Mitchell of Richmond, VA& Ft Campbell, ky

"Dulce et Decorum Est*

Bent double, like old beggers under sacks, Knock Kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge, Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs and towards our distant rest began to trudge. Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots but limped on, blood shod. all went lame; all blind; drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind. Gas! Gas! Quick boys! An ecstasy of fumbling. Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time; but someone still was yelling out and stumbling and flound'ring like a man on fire or lime...Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light, As under a green sea, I saw him drowning. In all my dreams, before my helpless sight, He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning. If in some smothering dreams you too could pace behind the wagon that we flung him in. And watch the white eyes writhing in his face, like a devils sick of sin; if you could hear, at every jolt, the blood come gargling from the froth-currupted lungs, obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, - My friend, you would not tell with such high zest to children ardent for some desperate glory, the old lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori.

I miss you Brother, I think of you every day."
Barry Nickerson of Lincoln, R.I

"Another Memorial Day, and I'm still thinking of you. So many forget, but as long as I live, I'll always remember that 19 year old young man who gave his life for our country. Rest In Peace, Brother. Don Colpitts"
Don Colpitts of Lynn, MA.

"Hey jeremy, it's alex. We only knew each other for a little while. Its been about three years since, and man I miss you everyday. I still have that message you sent me a few weeks before you died. I still cry here and again whenever I think about you. Your squad team leader sent us a letter, I read it every now and again. I still wish you were here buddy. Thanks for every thing you did. I know I'll see you again some day."
Alex Gallagher of Richmond, Va

"Hey Jeremy its Caitlan... as you know I joined the year you died... I'm a specialist now... Laura will be having a baby around the time you died... maybe it will make it a happy time again... almost 3 years and a lot has happened and changed. I still love and miss you dearly. You will never be forgotten. I have you tattooed on my back... thinking about adding angel wings later... still cry when i think about you... hope you are rockin in heaven... i know someday i will see you... your still on my top friends on myspace lol... *hugs and kisses* friends forever and after..."
SPC Tarr, Caitlan of Richmond, Va USA

"To my cuz, In the years trying to find you. With the help of a college in Alexadria she found you in the washington post. But it was to late you were aleady gone. I have your pictures of you when we where little and you are missed. 9047778317 if any one may have any new pictures mysmithnotes@yahoo.com"
Michelle of Jacksonville FL

"Hey Jeremy, it's Veterans day and I haven't forgotten you. Pictures of you and everybody else from Hit who gave all are in a scrapbook I've held on to through everything. Sgt Cuiska and I still talk about our misadventures in Friedburg. Good times. You were the guy who was going to be the soldier who shined over the rest. You helped me out in the beginning and I will never forget you. Love

For the Family and loved ones. Jeremy was a true patriot and hero. We all miss him dearly. He always told me how important you guys were to him and how he couldn't wait to see you again."
Spc. Michael Thompson of 1-509th (ABN) Fort Polk LA

"Jeremy:
I haven't forgotten you. This being Veteran's Day, I can only think how you gave every bit of yourself in behalf of our country. GOD BLESS YOU JEREMY."
Don Colpitts of Lynn, MA.

"I remember the day I heard about you being in landstuhl. I went home to my wife that night and told her and Nadine what had happened. My wife, Nadine, Josie, and I cried for what seemed like hours. I know we didn't get along well back when we were in basic training together, back in 2/19, but to lose someone that I knew like that still hurt. We weren't the best of friends, but we were friends. We suffered through 14 weeks together, and I never thought it would have been one of our own so soon. You are still remembered. You are not forgotten. You will never be forgotten. One day, we'll all meet back up with the great jump master in the sky, so carry on, and rest easy. The day will come when we are all safe at last."
SPC Allen, Matthew D of 2nd Bn, 28th INF Regiment, Grafenwoehr, Germany

"June 3, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Jeremy W. Ehle:
Jeremy 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

"Jeremy we all miss you so dearly. Words can not describe how much we miss you. Its been two long years since you left us. We all have gone our different ways but we all come back together every April 2 to your grave site and remember all the good and bad times we had together. We all still love you...."
LCPL Clark, Joshua USMC of Richmond, VA

"Jeremy:
Its coming up to the 2nd anniversary of your death, and I just can't let this time go by without paying my respects to you. During your basic training when you were down a bit, your good friend sent you a message. That when you graduated you would be so proud of what you had accomplished and proud to wear the uniform of the United States Army. She told you: "You earned that one eighth of one quarter of one inch of your American flag, my friend Jeremy."
You earned the whole American Flag, giving your life for it and your county.
I have searched to find your army buddies, your family and friends. If any of them see this message, please contact me at doncolpitts@comcast.net
Rest in Peace my brother. You have not been forgotten, by me. GOD BLESS YOU JEREMY."
Don Colpitts of Lynn, MA.

"I am a substitute teacher in Norfolk and I usually post a fallen Virginia soldier's name on the board so the students can see and remember those that have fallen for them.
Jeremy's name always seems to be the one I want to write the most often...

I will not let them forget you, Jeremy Ehle."
R Spruill of Norfolk VA.

"To the family of:Jeremy W. Ehle 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"

"Jeremy I love you.. You were everything to me. my best friend everything. i miss you so much think of you everyday. your smile your voice your everything you made me happy. you were always happy never angry unless one of your friends was hurt. you were the best. i love and miss you WE ALL LOVE AND MISS YOU.. LOVE YOU FOREVER AND ALWAYS.. LOVE AMBER NICOLE MITCHELL"
Amber of RICHMOND VIRGINIA HOME OF JEREMY EHLE MY GOOD FRIEND

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

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