Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Sgt. Adam W. Estep

23, of Campbell, California.
Estep died in Baghdad, Iraq, when a rocket-propelled grenade hit his patrol. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on April 29, 2004.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Sgt. Adam W. Estep.

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Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

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"Thinking of you on this Memorial Day, May 30, 2016"
Mary Kelly of Chico, CA

"Thinking of you again, Adam. 5/24/2013"
Mary Kelly of Chico, CA

"To the family of:Adam W. Estep
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""

"Happy Veteran's Day Adam. I'm thinking of you especially today. I'm thankful for all that you did as a soldier, and as my friend. I miss you."
Carly Saade of Seattle, WA

"Adam, you are sorely missed. Eerily, i found an article about you and Demara that i had saved last night, and today is Veterans Day. Thank you for your selfless service. Words cannot express the emotions I feel. You were a GREAT man! You will be remembered forever."
Darcy F. of San Jose, Ca.

"miss you adam we had good times in high school and we'll get those bastards if it's the last thing i do semper fi brother"
nathan corson of san jose ca

"SGT, I salute you
It is Memorial Day
I want to pay you tribute
Your memory never fades away"
Rick and Kelly Miller of Henderson, Nevada

"Adam.... Too many words, not enough... vocabulary. I love you, and miss you, and think about you almost daily....

Way to be a big jerk for leaving us without you... Now that's out of the way.... Thank you... Thank you for being an amazing friend, an inspirational person, and a great man.

Even as words fail me, and my nose starts to run, I still have a smile just thinking about you. <3"
Seneca

"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

"My God Bless you and your family. Thank you Adam. D co 2-504 pir 82nd airborne"
Warner of Maine

"Ronni found this poem. Merry Christmas, Adam, you are still missed.

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

'What are you doing?' I asked without fear,
'Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!'

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.'

'It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,'
Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.'

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.'
'So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.'

'But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son.'

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
'Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
Mary Kelly of Chico, CA

"Hey Adam,

Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you today, and what you gave so selflessly.
Thank You."
Darcy Freudenblum of Campbell, California

"I knew Adam in High School and was deeply saddened to learn of his death. My thoughts are still with his family and friends."
Carolyn Foot of Cupertino, CA

"June 3, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Adam W. Estep:
Adam 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 our beautiful Adam,
So many people loved you so much. I wonder if you had any idea, how loved you were.
It's been four years and it's still so painful just to look at your picture. Your Mama misses with all her heart. I'm sure you know.
Us too."
Aunt Jeannie, Uncle Richard, Jason and Dustin of San Jose, Ca

"I saw Adam's name on a pair of boots representing California's losses in the Iraq war on the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral this week. Thank you for letting us know a little bit more about Adam through this page, and know that many grieve that his wonderful life was cut short. My prayers are with you."
C.J. of San Francisco

"You are still in my prayers, Adam"
DOC Crabbe of 1st Cav

"May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.

I know you are greatly missed and your sacrifice will be vindicated."
Dennis Vaughn of San Francisco, CA

"Hey, im writing a report on your son and i think that its sad that he was killed but just want to say how sorry i am."
Brant of Odessa, Texas/U.S.

"To Ken and family and Adam
Tomorrow is the 4th of July 2007. It still hurts when I think of you. Watching you grow up, you were always so full of life. Being a veteran I know the sacrifice that everyone made. Ken giving up his son to the military and Adam giving his life for us. That is something I will never forget. Adam, I know your probably standing duty at the gates of Heaven, at ridged attention with your shoes polished to a high gloss. You did your duty with pride and honor. And I know your still watching over us now. Take Care and God Bless."
Chuck Pearson of San Jose, Ca

"You are missed every day, you made me into the person I am today. Thank you for everything for me personally and for our country. You will always be in my heart."
Sara of Fort Worth, TX

"April 30.07
hey adam,
i miss you like you have no idea! high school is okay. man i wish i could tell you everything thats been going on in person. theres so much different. but i guess is just one day closer to graduation. Next year i get my licence. scarey huh? i cant wait. becuse then my mom and dad are gonna kick me out one weekend and have me go spend it when Uncle kenny and everyone!
well i miss you! and i hope your safe!
I LOVE YOU! =)"
Jess. of Brentwood, ca

"My Dearest Adam,
3 years ago you were taken from us. My heart still aches. I miss you so much. I'm sorry I talked you out of joining the marines. Maybe you would still be with us. I love you so much. I look forward to the time when we will be be together again. You are my knight in shining armor. Every day for the last 3 years I have thought of you. I will continue to do so. You are such a bright light. I love you eternally.
Your Aunt Sharon and your Godmommy"
Sharon E. Petty of San Jose, California

"You are so missed... I am reminded of you everytime I look at my grandson."

"I don't think there has been a day when i haven't thought about you. I miss you."

"Hello, My name is PFC. Larry A. Hays. I was in basic training with Adam in FT. Benning GA. While everyone else was griping and complaining about how bad everything was, Adam was always polishing his boots, or making sure that his bunk was tight, and his locker was clean. I would have bad days, but all that it would take was one talk with him and I would feel better. I'm sure that he had as many Drill Sgt. Fawbush stories to tell as I did to my friends and family. I'm sorry that we didn't get to keep in touch buddy, but we'll swap boot camp stories in heaven man! I'll see you when God is ready for us to get together again!"
PFC. Larry A. Hays of Powhatan AR USA

"hey adam
i miss u alot and wish that you and everyone that misses you are ok hope to see you soon someday."
jessica stacy of Brentwood,C.A. united states of america

"From The Digital Clubhouse Network
To: Adam's Family & Treasured Loved Ones...
We Are So Honored & Humbled To Help You Prepare Adam's Tribute Story. His Name; Legacy & Memory Will Never Be Forgotten. Thankyou For Sharing Your Son's Story With Us."
Melanie Jean Molle of San Jose, CA USA

"From The Digital Clubhouse Network
To: Adam's Family & Treasured Loved Ones...
We Are So Honorored & Humbled To Help You Prepare Adams Tribute Story. His Name & Memory Will Never Be Forgotten. Thankyou For Sharing Your Son's Story With Us."
Melanie Jean Molle of San Jose, CA USA

"You are a Guardian Angel who was sent by God to watch over and protect us all here in the states. THANK YOU SOLDIER."
Chuck P. of San Jose, CA

"To:Estep and his Family
Estep was one of my best friends when I was in Fort Hood. He was my Roomate in Fort hood. I love him like a brother, he helped me meet my wife and for that I will always love him. He was the most beautiful person. He was always happy I never saw him in a bad mood. Only when his computer was down. He was a great man and specialty a friend. I learned many things from him.Thank for him he made me a strong soldier. Mom and Dad your son was one of the best soldiers, and the best friend that I ever had!."
Terriquez, Donald of Fort wainwright AK/USA

"My Dear Adam,
1 year ago, you were taken from us. It was by far, the worst day of my life. My heart and soul still hurt for you. There has not been a day gone by in this last year that I haven't thought of you. I am so very proud of you, and miss you dearly.
I love you forever."
Aunt/Godmommy Sharon of San Jose, California

"Demara - We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers in the comming week so you can get through these times. Adam is missed and so are you in San Jose! I can't find your e mail but here is mine: nahal@berkeley.edu...Love, nahal"
nahal of san jose, CA

"hay uncle adam,
well i made you this poem 27 days after you left. Here it is,
You are the best
Hero you are
You dies doing what you love
to give me Fredom
and to keep us from standing in enemy's way,
to save two others lives so they could come home just lke you had planed on doing after this war
Being promoted to sergant, gave my hero a life awaring
to have a hole bunch of metal put into your side and died on a stracher
someone tried to save your life jsut like you saved others
your my hero and that will never change
your neice,
jessica stacy
12
brentwood ca"

"Hay uncle adam,
I miss you alot and I am thankful for what you did to keep me and your fellow americans free. I hope that you had a wonderful time down here on this earth were you had 23 years to live on. I think that you life was made to short and that you should have lived alonger life. Thank you uncle Adam,
I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!!!!"
jessica stacy 12 of brentwood,ca,USA

"19 Jan 05
Dear Adam,
Today is your birthday. Happy Birthday to you, sweet young man.
This is our first birthday without you. My heart is still broken. But I love you so deeply, and hold you in my heart.
You were the first of all of the kids. You saved me at a time in my life that I needed a special someone. And it was you. You taught me how to love all of the neices and nephews that came after you. And many other children who have come into my life. I miss you so much. I love you bigger the Pa Pa's house.
Happy Birthday Adam."
Sharon Petty, your loving aunt and godmommy of San Jose, California

"To All
Adam is an outstanding individual, dedicated to his wife, family and friends. I am proud to have known him; the thought of him still makes me smile and brings me to tears all at the same time.

May my God bless you and yours and keep you out of harm's way

Love to you all - Jana Wright (Ross Wright's Proud Mom, Adree Wright's Mother-In-Law, La Ronda Bucciarelli's "Seester", Adam Rylan Wright's loving "Grammi" -- and especially Adam Estep's "Other Mom""
Jana Wright of Menlo Park, CA

"To the family of Sgt. Adam W. Estep,

I have learned of your family's lose through my donation to the herobracelets.org website. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and I am truly honored to wear the bracelet with Adam's name on it because he is a true American hero. I have been truly touched by the messages left on this website about your fallen soldier and only wish the best for your family. May God be with you during this time. My email address is shanon.stewart@nghs.com."
Shanon Stewart of Athens, Georgia / USA

"To the family of Sgt. Adam W. Estep,

I have learned of your family's loss through my donation to the herobracelets.org website. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and I am truly honored to wear the bracelet with Adam's name on it because he is a true American hero. I have been truly touched by the messages left on this website about your fallen soldier and only wish the best for your family. May God be with you during this time."
Shanon Stewart of Athens, Georgia / USA

"Hi Adam,

It's November 30, 2004. I spent Thanksgiving with Shar, and boy does she miss you."
Mary Kelly of Chico, CA

"Dear Demara,

I regret not having known you and Adam very well in high school, but I mourn for the loss of the best witness we ever had in mock trial, and the loss of a truly courageous and admirable individual. Peace be with both of you."
Jennifer Mo of Campbell, CA

"Hi Adam,

It's Nov. 11th. You are so missed. I bet it never once dawned on you that someone would be writing you on Veteran's Day did it? Well, Thank You my veteran!"
Mary Kelly of Chico, CA

"I was born and raised in Campbell, so when I noticed that Adam was from my home town, it really hit me. I don't know anyone that has given their life for our country, and I may never know anyone that will. But Campbell is a small town, and I'm sure that, somewhere and somehow, I pasted Adam in a store or was in the same movie theatre. There isn't anyone I respect more than a soldier that has given his/her life, I believe they should be held higher than any movie star or musician. Adam, although I never knew you, I cannot find the words to tell you how much respect I have for you. Rest in peace.

Oh yeah, thanks."
Lawrence of Gilbert, Arizona

"God Bless you Adam! for I did not know you however I worked with your Dad Kenny for years at Electroglas, Kenny I know the pain that is in your heart, for I two have lost a son, not from the War but from a battle of Cancer,Let me share something with you that has help me thru my touble times and lonely heart! that is ask the lord to help you understand the things that you can not change. for he will guide you thru."
Jeanette Settles Carloyn Davis niece of Milpitas,Ca

"Demara,

I was just sitting here reading these messages left from other soldiers and family members, and felt like I needed to write something also. Although I didn't know your husband, I've heard things about him. He sounded like such a wonderful man. My boyfriend, Darling, also died that same day with your husband. I still think about them and pray for them. They will always be missed."
Jen of Ft. Lewis, WA

"Adam was a brother to me and his name will live on...
On June 24 at 16:31 Adam Rylan Wright was Born, he is 5.15Lbs and 19 1/2 inches long......
Adam my brother I will never forget..."
Ross Wright of San Jose, Calif

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

"Dear Adam,

I've been thinking of you on this Memorial Day.

I remember you as a little boy and never knew the man you became.

I feel terribly sad when I think of the years you might have had.

Thank you Adam."
Mary Kelly of Chico, CA

"Dear Demara,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, Adam, of only 2 months. I can say that I know what it is like to go through this. My husband of only 3 years was called up last February, 2003 for war. He was in the Army Reserves. On May 9th, 2004, the Lord called him home to be with Him. He was killed in a vehichle accident that wasn't his fault. He and I both had talked about having children, I even received a Mother's Day card after he had already passed from him that he made and signed by our "future" children. We were the best of friends. Demara, I know that this is such a hard thing to understand and accept. I just want you to know that I am a widow that feels probably everything that you feel. I am here for you if you need someone to talk to. I have been searching for a military widow that I can communicate with. So if you need to, you may email me anytime at amurray@email.pittcc.edu and I will be glad to help you and/or your family with anything you all may need. Please don't hesitate to ask for anything. We are all in this together! I will keep you and the family in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for the loss of your hero. I am sure my husband has already made friends with Adam in heaven! Take Care and God Bless!"
Amanda L. Murray (widow of Sgt. Rodney A. Murray 12/05/1975-04/09/2004) of Ayden, North Carolina

"To all of SGT Estep's loved ones and friends. I just learned of his death today. SGT Estep and I reported to Fort Hood and to the Warrior Company of 2-5 Cavalry on the same day. We deployed to Kuwait together for Operation Desert Spring in Winter of 2000-2001. Towards the end of my tour with A co 2-5 Cav, SGT Estep was one of my soldiers (although he was SPC Estep then). I never knew anybody there in Fort Hood that had such a positive outlook on life and work, and believe me it was extremely hard to remain positive about work there...but he did it. When I found out about what happened today in the Army Times, it came as a serious shock to the system. One of the best people in the world has been taken from us, but he will not be forgotten. To Adam's parents, you should be very proud of your son, of the way you raised him and of the values you instilled in him. I can say I was proud to have him as one of my soldiers. If anyone would like to contact me, my email address is jeffrey.sampson@us.army.mil"
SSG Sampson, Jeffrey A. of Ft. Benning, Georgia

"To the Cousin I never meet and to my family I truly wish to meet.
I can not express the love and honor I feel for Adam. I'm truly sorry I never got to meet such a fine man. I am sorry for your loss Kenneth. I wish that tragity didn't bring families together. I hope that we can bride this gap. Anything my family can do, Please let us know. Your loveing cousin Michelle Ford (Kathy's daughter)
perkyfreckles@hotmail.com"
Michelle of Auburn,WA

"Words can never express the level of many things.

I couldn't word my grief if i tried.

I couldn't word all the memories I have in entirity.

I can't word how greatful I am for all of the comments left here.

I can only say thank you. To Adam. To his Family. To all of you reading this holding respect for this man.

There are so many reasons in my head for which to be greatful that I knew Adam, and so many more that I knew him as well as I did. He set the precedent to me for many things.

He was the best friend I had, and will ever have. I consider him a brother. I don't often show emotion. I don't often come out from my shell. He was one of the few people to get me out and running. I will be eternally greatful for his wealth of gifts.

To Demara...

Unfortunately, I met you at the funeral. I wish i could have seen the two of your together. It was not at all hard for me to see why you were the love of his life. Seemed to me you were made for eachother, and I saw it so completely, it was as if to meet an old friend.

You have my eternal gratitude for being there for him, along with my prayers, sympathies, and anything I can do to help.

In closing...

As always, I feel these words, words in general... too shallow to express what I feel. But anyone who knows me for even 3 seconds, can guess I mean more than I say. As Adam means more to me than I can say.

A loss to shock the world a thousand times over. A great man, a great soldier, a great husband, a great son, and a great brother. Great.

See ya soon buddy. Kick up a bunkbed fort and load up on the soda... we'll be watching tv to an all night soda binge and walking around doing silly stuff in the middle of the night again someday. "
Andrew Rohner of Iowa City, IA

"Dear Demara,
It was with great suprise that I read about your husband's death. I know I can not say much to magically take away sorrow but please know that you are in my prayers and that I was glad that my little sister was able to help out at the service today. I wish you and your family the best of love and my condolences."
Anita Poon of San Jose, CA

""Adam Estep,
A person that will never be forgotten.
He was a son, a brother, a friend and a husband.
His life has touched us all, he pick us up when we were down, carried us home when we were hurt, talked us through our problems, was always there when we needed a shoulder to lean on, and best of all saved two lives so they could come home to their families.
No one can ask for anything more.

He will be missed, and loved.
They last time I talked to Adam was a month and a half ago, he called me from Baghdad to let me know that he was ok, we talked a bit, he told me he was had to get going, but before he hung up I was able to tell him that Adree and I had decided that we were going to name our son after him. He said nothing for a few seconds, then over the phone I could feel the and see his face lit up in his Adam grin. He told me he was honored and hardly wait to see him when he came home.
He is home now, his sprit will live on and be the guiding light for our little one.
Adam Estep,
You will never be forgotten."

My Speech to you."
Ross Wright of San Jose CA

"To Demara and Adam's family,

Grief is the price we pay for Love. — Queen Elizabeth II

I offer my deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your families."
La Ronda Bucciarelli (Ross Wright's aunt & Jana Wright's sister) of California

"Dear Ann and family,
In this time of pain I hope you can recall the joy that was Adam, find comfort in the love he had for you all and gain strength from each other. That love and joy can never be taken from you, Adam gave it to you so you would have it forever.
Deepest condolences,"
Joan Eschenfelder of San Jose, CA, USA

"Ann & Ken, I did not know your son but I do remember you both from High School. I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. I have read many of the messages on this page and can see easily what a good person you raised. Please know you are in my prayers. I will never forget how supportive you were in my time of need when my mother died while we were in school together. If there is anything I can do for you at all please let me know. Again I cannot express my sorrow enough for your loss. You can contact me at pnewton@proxim.com or at 510 912 8514"
Trish Newton of Alameda, CA, USA

"Dear Demara,
I am so sorry about your loss. I never got the opportunity to meet Adam, but I felt like I knew him through all the wonderful things people said about him and your relationship. In the following weeks, days, months, or years if you ever need to talk to someone or tell stories about him I am always here and would love to hear them. You and Adam are in my thoughts."
Sara Denham of Hollister, California

"To Adam'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

"To: Demara,
Thank you for loving Adam. I have never seen him so happy and complete. You are an amazing woman. I hope with each sunrise your pain eases.

To: Adam's friends,
Thank you for all your help and support to our family during these very hard times. Your funny stories of Adam and your hugs and company have given us the extra strength to get through each day.

To Adam's Army Buddies,
Thank you for looking out for Adam. Thank you for trying to save his life. I have never been in a war zone, so I can only imagine what you go through every day. Know that you are prayed for and thought of every day.

To: My Family,
You know how I feel.

To My Dear Sweet Adam,
I don't trust myself to be able to get these words out at your service, so I am going to write them to you here.
Since that day in January, when your Father strutted down the hall in the hospital, smiling from ear to ear and said, "I would like to introduce you to my son, Adam Wayne Estep" I loved you with every fiber in me. I was so proud to be your Aunt, more so your Godmother. I have endless memories of you. All of them good. Through your 23 years, you have made me so proud. It has been an honor and a privilege to watch you grow and become who you are. Always giving. Always taking time to do what's right.
A few years ago, I dedicated the song Forever Young by Rod Steward to you. Every word of that was, and is true. And you have lived up to it. "And in my heart you will remain Forever Young".
My heart and soul have been broken into a billion pieces at the loss of you. It is going to take a long, long time to heal.
This world was much better having you in it.
Every day that goes by, I will think of you.
Until we meet again, my sweet loving Godson..."
Your Loving Aunt/Godmommy Sharon of San Jose, Calif. USA

"To Ken and Ann Estep, the parents of Adam;
I was there when young Adam was born. I have seen him grow up through life to become a young man. You have raised an uncommon son. Honest,Funny, Gentile. A man who cares more for others than himself. I could not have been more proud of him if he were my son,and can only hope that my own son will be like him. I will miss him and the future that could have been."
Uncle Matt and the Petty Clan of Los Gatos , California

"To Adam, You were a great guy to be with and a great friend to everybody. I know many people have you in their hearts and will never forget the good times that we have all shared with you.
Love, your cousin"
Ashley Petty of Los Gatos California

"To Dear Damara, I'd like to express my sorrow over your husband's loss. May God bless you in this difficult time."
Soraya Rafat of (AGS member) West Valley College, Saratoga, CA.

"To Adam's family, Adam died a hero of great honor. I'd like to express my highest respect and gratitude to him for his sacrifice in exchange of the security and wellbeing of Iraq as well as our country.

To Damara, it is with profound sorrow that I learned of the death of your husband. Please accept my deepest sympathy."
Margaret Zhou (AGS Member) of West Valley College, CA

"To Adam's family I don't know any of you but I want you to know my prayers are with you and I honor Adam for being such a brave soldier and sacrificing his life for the good of our country. To Demara you probably don't remember me but I was in AGS last year and I saw what a great spirit you have no wonder why Adam loved you so much. I pray for you to heal and just take it one day at a time.Words cannot express my graditude.

God Bless"
Nicole McKinney of Campbell, CA

"For Friends the we have not contacted as of yet I do not have Phone #s for you. Please call 408-561-5422 to contact me."
Ross Wright of San jose

"Adam,
You were a good friend, I don't think I ever told you that. From the first day, freshman year in H.S. where "cornchucker" sprang about to this very moment, I regard you as a true friend. Your life has strengthed many, May god bless and keep you.
the Estep family,
I now know where Adam got his outstanding character; your strength and demenor throughout this dark hour is truely inspiring, May god bless you
Demara,
News of your wedding came to me amongst the cloak of bad news, but it helped with my pain. We must think of the good times spent, and know through all of Adam's struggles in a distant land, thoughts of you and home let him rest easy. May God bless and hold you in your times of need."
Christopher "cornchucker" Vincenz of San Jose, Ca

"Statement on Death of Campbell Soldier

April 30, 2004

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Campbell Soldier

Governor Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Adam W. Estep, of Campbell, CA:
"As we mourn Sgt. Estep's death, we take comfort from knowing that his legacy of courage and honor lives on in those who carry the torch of freedom. Maria and I want to express our sorrow over Adam's loss to his family and friends."

Sgt. Estep, 23, died April 29, in Baghdad, Iraq, when a rocket-propelled grenade hit his patrol. Sgt. Estep was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX. The incident is under investigation.

In honor of Sgt. Estep, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff."

"I am so very sad that Adam is no longer with us in body, but he watches over us from Heaven. He was one of the most wonderful people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and I am so proud of the man he became. He made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us and we honor him for that. "Adam, thank you for being a model for all of us, we will never forget you." To Demara, remember that he loved you more than he loved anything else on God's earth and take time everyday to think of how much he did love you. Shall it comfort you while you grieve. You were lucky to have him...."
Adree Wright of San Jose, Calif

"www.AdamEstep.net in a new website dedicated to the memorial and honor of Adam's life and service.

The site is a current work in progress that will be availible after 5/10/04.

This site has been linked with that one. On behalf of one of Adam's close friends, I thank you all for you kind words and ask that you stop by adamestep.net. He was a very talented artist and with the permission of his family, much of his artwork has been shared there for public viewing. Also another message board exists there for anyone else who would like to leave thier comments."
Arnie Reinheimer of Westminster, CO

"To family and friends of Adam-- I wish to express my profound feelings of sadness after having heard of your loss. I will always remember Adam for the ultimate sacrifice he made for freedom which we hold so dear. Demara, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you."
Alma Sahmanovic of San Jose, CA

"Adam....
You never would have guessed how much we all love and admire you. You became the perfect man and the perfect husband. You were so honest and loyal and giving.... I'll love you forever and I'm missing you lotses."
your demarally of santa barbara

"To all those that have left these beautiful messages, and to those that choose to do so in the future, we the family and I the father of Adam thank you so much for your words, your thoughts, your prayers and your support. Adam will always be a breath away in our hearts and in our minds. May you also find solice in the great american that he became and that each of us and our children can become."
Kenneth Estep of Campbell, California

"To Adam--I didn't know you well, just as a mock trial teammate for a year, but you were a great person to be around, and I will not forget you. To Adam's family and friends--I am so sorry for your loss. I'll be thinking of you, Demara. Hang in there."
Kate Rainey of San Jose, CA

"To the friends and family of Adam, Thank you for your service, courage, and passion that you put forth through your life. On the few occasions that I met you, you were so friendly, so polite, and so smitten with Demara. She will dearly miss you and I hope you watch over her from above. To Demara, I will always keep you in my thoughts and prayers as these tough times has come. You are a strong person and will be able to make it through this. Keep your hopes high and remember that he loved you very much."
nahal of San Jose

"To Sgt. Adam Estep:
For your heroism,
For your bravery,
For your sacrifice,
We will forever thank you.
May you rest in peace."
Angela Tang of San Jose, CA

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

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

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

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on