Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"June 6th, 2008

Just stopping in to let you know that I have not forgotten the sacrifice you made for me and the rest of our country. I have come to this web page every year since it was created to honor you and will continue to do so as long as I am able too. Thank you Carrie."
Kristi of Minneapolis, Minn

"Your daughter is a brave women and a hero, I never meet her. However my sister was there with her. It was the longest year of my life when my baby sister got deployed, as it was the hardest. Carrie is a hero and loved by all that knew her, and we all love her,even us that never met her. I have said many prayers for your family. God bless you and your baby girl."
Brandy Johnson of Spokane

"June 3, 2008
To the family of Spc. Carrie L. French:
Carrie 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 Cihlders
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"carrie was a good friend of mine in ait and she introduced me to the father of my child. everytime i see her smile i think about carrie. she was a great girl and i have many fond memories of her that i will never forget. she was taken way too soon. i miss you carrie."
spc diamond of killeen,tx, us

"Cheese cake will never taste the same knowing you're not here to enjoy it with me, i will keep my promise. i will never forget you!"
SPC Cancel of Germany

"Paula, my heart goes out to you and your family. Having just met you, I know Carrie must have been a wonderful young woman. She lives forever in your heart and in the heart of those who loved her. I honestly wish we had no gold star families. Please know that I am always just an email away. We have a shared kinship. While we are not family, we are part of a greater family unit, the military family. We won't forget Carrie or any of her brothers and sisters in service.

an Army wife"
Mary Louise Lawhorn of Killeen/Justin, TX

"Hi Carrie. Been awhile since I posted but I have been thinking about you lately. Just stopping in to late you know that my prays are still with you and your family."
Kristi of Minneapolis, MN - formerly from Boise, ID

"I NEVER HAD THE HONOR OF MEETING CARRIE AND WANT TO WISH HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. SHE IS GONE BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE."
MIKE TANNER, VETERAN OPERTION IRAQI FREEDOM of POB 389 ROCKY POINT, NY 11778

"Till this day I remember your smile when your convoy went out the wire but I'll never forget the lives you touched within our hearts."
SGT Escamilla, David of San Diego, Ca

"Carri I just wanted to tell your family that you are not forgotten. Your family is always in our hearts and prayers."
Debbi Birch of St. Anthony, Idaho/Fremont

"Happy birthday carrie jeez i mis you. No family get together is the same now. you were my favorite cousin and you live on in all of our hearts."
sam Matuszek of portsmouth, RI

"i know this is late but happy birthday carrie.. i haven't been on in awhile and i thought it being her b-day last month. i love u and i miss you!!!!"
Erika Schroeder of Caldwell,Idaho

"Happy 21st Birthday Carrie! The beautiful memory of you lives on and on in our hearts and lives.

We love you and miss you!"
Becky Harvey & Family of New Plymouth, Idaho

"Today (February 28, 2007) would have been Carrie's 21st b-day. She is still remembered, still missed, and her sacrifice still appreciated.

Happy birthday, Carrie."
Robbie of Austin, TX

"Hey Lady, Its feels so strange to write. Can you beleive that youre 21st birthday is coming up. I remember the promise and James got my tickets to keep that promise. Lifes not the same Frenchi, I miss you and wish for so many things to have been different. You are my hero, you showed me so much, I just dont know why it had to be you. I miss you lady and send my love."
spc Marisa Mcarter (mcsmith) of kailua Hi, HIARNG, prior IDARNG

"Spc. French I never got to know you, It was a shame when we heard about what happened. I had just joined up with 116th engr (rear) while the unit was deployed and am saddened by the tragedy that befell you and our other soldiers and wish your family the best of luck , and God bless all of you

RIP SPC FRENCH AND SPC WOLF(11-6-03)"
Pfc. Zachary A Wolf of 145th support battalion post falls idaho

"carrie i cant even begin to discribe the impact you have made on my life dad and papa and i miss you so much! we send our love as high as you are...please watch over us and know we are always thinking about you and missing you daily! our prayers are with! i love you and missyerface"
kayla guinn of meridian,id

"SOLDIER, FRIEND
CPL FRENCH THANKS FOR THE SMILES, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES THAT YOU SHARED WITH THE SOLDIERS AND AIRMEN OF FOB WARRIOR. THE 145TH BATTALION WASNT THE SAME, DAYS AND WEEKS AFTER WERENT THE SAME. YOU ARE A ROSE, YOU ARE THE LIGHT, WHY DID YOU AHVE TO GO, I DO NOT KNOW. WE MISS YOU! THANK YOU.
"WHY DO THE GOOD DIE YOUNG""
SPC CAJES of FORT WADSWORTH(FOB WARRIOR)

"SOLDIER, FRIEND
CPL FRENCH THANKS FOR THE SMILES, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES THAT YOU SHARED WITH THE SOLDIERS AND AIRMEN OF FOB WARRIOR. THE 145TH BATTALION WASNT THE SAME, DAYS AND WEEKS AFTER WERENT THE SAME. YOU ARE A ROSE, YOU ARE THE LIGHT, WHY DID YOU AHVE TO GO, I DO NOT KNOW. WE MISS YOU! THANK YOU.
"WHY DO THE GOOD DIE YOUNG""
SPC CAJES of FORT WADSWORTH

"To the French family and friends, I never had a chance to meet Carrie, but I worked with C-Med, 145 when we lost her. I had just met her boyfriend, sorry I forget his name, a week or so before we lost her. I attended her memorial in Kirkuk and the song played by Yellowcard became one of my favorites. Carrie was a beautiful girl who I will never forget."
Spc Kate Czerwinski of 313 Med Omaha, NE

"Carrie was our cousin and we are saying to are aunt Paula we wish her best of luck
From Sam and Adam Matuszek"
Adam Matuszek of RI Portsmouth

"You are not forgotten Carrie. I posted a message here last year in your honor and I am back again. Over the last year I have prayed for you and your loved ones and all the other men and women who have or continue to fight on foreign soil.

You will be missed, always, and once again Carrie - I, our nation, can never ever thank you enough. Thank you so much."
Kristi of Boise, Idaho

"Thank you Carrie for all that you have done. I dont know you but what a great experience it would have been to meet you. I guess I will just have to wait until we all see you in heaven.
May you rest in peace.

And to your family-
Just remember that she is busy up in heaven with her spirit. Her body may be barried, but her spirit is up in heaven rooting for u guys to get their.
May God bless you.
I will pray for your family.
Thank you again Carrie, what a great person you are and were and will be forever."
Kody of Boise, Idaho United States

"To the family Carrie French left behind: I am the ID State Coordinator for the Home of the Brave Quilt Project. It is our group's goal to make a memorial quilt for each fallen soldier from Idaho. We are a group of volunteers that are part of a nationwide organization of volunteers who are making Civil War Reproduction Quilts for the families of Fallen Soldiers. Our hope is that the quilt we are making for your family will be a small token of our deep appreciation for your ultimate sacrifice and serve as some comfort in the many years to come. Please contact me at czelus@hotmail.com"
Cheryl Zelus of Home of the Brave-ID State Coordinator

"Dear Carrie,
I had no idea what happened to you until today, I found out from Cancel. I'm just so shocked that this really happened, I mean I went to AIT with you, I just didn't expect one of us to die this soon. I remember school like it was yesterday, we used to party at the hotels almost every weekend. I'll never forget you or who you were. I just hope that someday when I die I'm remembered and loved as much as you are. I'm gonna miss you carrie, I just wish there was more I could say.
Love always
PFC Byron, Jonathan"
Jon Byron of Fort Bragg, NC

"Even though I knew you only from Basic Training, I feel you were like a sister. We laughed and joked all through Boot Camp. I found out from Palmer just tonight. To me this happened recently...I wish you the world. Battle Buddies for ever"
PFC Chelsey Morris of California

"Carrie's family: Words aren't enough and I really don't know where to begin or what to say. I will keep you in my prayers. Carrie thank you for your service. May you rest in peace."
jack benitez

"carrie was a very good friend of mine kinda like a cousin and i will never forget her. she will always be in my heart no matter what. sometimes i think she is still in iraq but to know she isn't kills me inside. i love you carrie and i miss you!!"
Erika Schroeder

"We used to live in Caldwell. We just want to say "thanks". What a wonderful person you must have been!"
Karl & Peggy Uppiano of Ferndale, WA/USA

"Thank you. Godspeed."
John Kanca III,DMD of Middlebury CT

"French Family:
I am a total stranger, but never the less I would like to offer my condolences.
I would like to express my gratitude. The freedom we enjoy in this nation is only possible by the sacrifice of true heroes like Carrie.

God Bless Her"
Ramon Zuniga of San Diego

"I never met you. I just felt compeled to come here today to honor you. Thank you Carrie."
Kristi of Boise, Idaho

"FRENCH!! I MiSS U SO MUCH GiRL,i CANT BELiEVE THAT WE ARE NOT STiLL TOGETHER LiKE WE ALWAYS USED TO BE iN AiT.. i DONT THiNK i WOULD HAVE HAS ANYMORE FUN iF U WASNT THERE iN OUR ROOM TO FORCE ME TO LiSTEN TO COUNTRY MUSiC.. i LOVE U FOR THAT THOUGH CAUSE i ENJOY iT.. i GUESS iM JUS A LiL UPSET WiT MYSELF BECAUSE i JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE TRAGEDY LAST NiGHT FROM DiAMOND!(12/04/2005)i REALLY WiSH i WOULD HAVE KEPT iN TOUCH A LiL BETTER... BUT YOU WiLL ALWAYS BE REMEMBER iN MY HEART.. YOU WERE THE BEST ROOMiE A SOLDiER COULD ASK FOR ESPECiALLY WHEN i NEEDED A BATTLE TO SPEAK WiT D.S "D" THANKS A lOT FRENCH.. i REALLY DO LOVE U AND MiSS YOU!!

"AMMO DOGS!""
PFC WOODARD of SACRAMENTO, CA 483RD TRANSPORTATION BN REAR DETACHMENT

"Carrie was (is) a wonderful woman who impacted each person that was lucky enough to have known her. I was the Air Force's AMMO Team Leader while we were in Iraq and got to work with our Army AMMO counterparts (Carried) quite often. She was always smiling and happy. What a day-brightening smile. My prayers go out to her family and friends..hopefully the dying will end soon."
Craig Ahrens of Hill AFB, Ut

"Dear Family and Friends of Spc. Carrie French,

My heart goes out to you as you mourn the loss of Carrie. I know how proud you are of her. I don't know what it it would be like to lose a child in any situation. My son is in Iraq now and I pray for his safe return. I know that many friends, family, brother's and sister's she served with are praying for you daily.

In Honor of your daughter's sacrifice I created a Memorial for her. You may keep it private or share it with those who visit.

It's an Honor to create this Memorial for Carrie. My prayer's are with you all.

God Bless

www.aherostribute.org"
Cheryl Polk of Sanford, FL

"SPC French was an extremely intelligent and ambitious student that displayed great leadership skills among her peers during AIT (Advanced Individual Training) for the 89B Ammunition Specialist Course at Redstone Arsenal, AL. We could see that she was one of the Army's rising stars. She gave her life in the line of duty and service to her country, doing her job, accomplishing the war-time mission of her unit and setting the example of courage for the rest of us soldiers to follow. SPC French, we will continue the fight, remembering you always. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends."
SSG E.A. Aguilar, Instructor of Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama

"I didn't know this young woman. I wish that I could have. Although I never met her, I'm so very proud of her---and of all our troups.
She was able to do what so many women before her were not allowed to do---fight for her country.
There are so many misguided people in our country, who don't seem to realize that our freedom in the USA was fought for on the battle fields. They can protest this war all they want; but the fact remains. If our ancestors had not shed their blood for this country, these people wouldn't even have the right to protest this war.
God bless Carrie and her family. My prayers go out to all of them. She was a true patriot."
i love my country of PA

"Carrie was not only my room mate, but one of my best friends on this deployment. Words can not express how much I miss her smiling face everyday. She always had a positive attitude, and she made it easier for me to be away from my family. To her family, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies are with you, she talked about you often. The section misses her, and so does the whole 145th Support Battalion."
Mallorie Staley of 145th SPT BN Ammo Section, Kirkuk, Iraq

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

"I talked with Carrie on a few occasions. She always seemed to be smiling and happy when I saw or talked with her. She was such a sweet girl. Everything has now become so much more personal. Thank you Carrie for your sacrifice! I will never forget; and may God bless your family."
SPC Brubaker of 148th FA Kirkuk Iraq

"To Carrie's Family, I remember the first time I saw Carrie's picture and obit on anysoldier.com I could not stop crying. You have such a beautiful, nice and brave daughter. I know she is in heaven now safe and at peace. She is truly an Ameican Hero, and will always be remembered and honored. You have raised a great daughter, you should be proud. God Bless You all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Thank You Carrie for your heroism. May you rest peacefully at last. You are finally safe. My heart aches with your family for their loss."
Melissa Macchi, (cousin of PFC Mark Barbret from Shelby Twp., MI, killed 10/14/04,) of Roseville, MI

"To the French family...although I didn't hang out with her much, I did meet Carrie in Kirkuk on numerous occasions dealing with my job, and then it became a habit just to stop in and say hello. If I remember correctly, she was just a few weeks away from coming home for leave. I'm sorry she never made it home. She left us, the day we left the AOR. I will always remember her and the rest of the ammo troops. She will never be forgotten."
SrA Angela Olguin, USAF of Cannon AFB, NM

"My family and I all thank you for your support. She had a beautiful funeral minus the protestors that held banners...."god bless ied's"

Thank you all
Sara (carries sister)"
Sara Gillman of Kingman, Az

"I honor you, Carrie. You are such an inspiration to me. Your parents truly raised a hero, and I strive to do that with my daughter too. Thank you, French Family."
Heather Lee of Nampa, ID

"To the family of Carrie French. I am truly and deeply saddened for your loss of a special loved one. My heart aches for you and I pray that you will find peace in all of the wonderful memories that you have of her. It is very difficult to get through some of the pain but please know there are many of us who share your grief and we are so very proud of Carrie and the role she played in allowing us to keep our personal freedom. We too have lost a loved one (PFC Jerrick Petty)to the cause of restoring freedom in Iraq and know what you are feeling. Please know that we are proud of her and your family for the strength to endure this tragedy. God Bless you and keep you. I will not forget Carrie and her sacrifice for others. Nor, will I ever take for granted the sacrifice that you have made."
Stacy Humpherys of Pocatello, Idaho

"never knew you brave soldier...heard of your service from a friend in kuna...as a vietnam combat vet who has lost a 19 year old soldier who called me "uncle" and "god father" in afghanistan on aug. 29th 2003...i want to commend you for your service...and extend my condolences to your family..."
thomas connolly of andover, massachusetts

"I attended your funeral today. I did not know you, but I will always honor what you gave us all...your sacrifice, your courage will always be rememebered. Through your selfless deeds, my son who is only 8 months old will know a better tomorrow and he will know the freedom that you gave him and us all. His grandfather is laid to rest not far from you..we will visit you both and all the others who gave to us and our nation the ultimate sacrifice...and we will remember and never forget........we thank you"
The Sauceda Family of Caldwell, Idaho USA

"A true fallen hero in these latter days. We've done our best to prevent this, only the Lord knows his ways."
Doc Jawbone, 91W of The 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY

"such a beautiful girl - such a hero"

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"To Carries family and friends, The words I say right now will not bring you comfort. Your hurt is deep and your hearts are heavy. As parents you ask how can we go on. Yet, you will find a strength inside of you that pushes you. I too have lost a soldier and lost some of my dreams too. It's hard to digest and at times you just wish it will all end. Know that you are not alone. There are many of us who are waiting to hold you up when you feel weak. We will listen to you at all hours of the night and cry with you and embrace you. This community is called taps. www.taps.org I would be lost without taps. It's a place to see hope again in others who have lost children and loved ones. When you're ready we will be there for you. Know that your being hugged right now and our thoughts and our hearts break for you also. May God get you through this tough time and strengthen those around you.
Carrie, know that your family is in our hearts and in our prayers. Thank you for serving unselfishly."
Brooke,Christopher, Tristan, our soldier spc baker kia 11/15/03 of Franklin,Tn,USA

"Our family is so sorry for your loss. Our son served with Carrie. He called to express to us his sadness. He said Carrie was such a nice girl. We want you to know that our family has you in our prayers. We appreciate Carrie's and your great sacrifice. There is a lot of pride in having a child desire to serve, but a lot of fear also. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful daughter."
The Brubaker Family of Camino, Calif by way of Rexburg, Id

"To The French Family,
Our Family, Our City, Our Country grieves with you. We are so saddened by your loss. Your Soldier is OUR HERO! We will never forget her or the others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You and your Brave Soldier.."
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN 6/9/05

"Carrie was a very good friend of mine she has been in my life since i was born.my family and i will always remember her no matter what. my mom has known her all her life.We love her and will miss her."
Erika Schroeder of Caldwell,Idaho,U.S.A.

"6/8/05 Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Spc. French's family and friends. We understand your tremendous sadness, yet a great sense of pride. Carrie is a true heroin and will go down in history as a great woman who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation. May God give you strength to endure this most horrific painful loss.
John 15:13 Greater love than this no one has, that one lay down his life for his friends"
Webster and Ruth Reed (father and stepmom of Jonathan Ray Reed who died in Baghdad on 1/28/05) of Krotz Springs, Louisiana

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

"I am so sorry for the loss of this young lady and so proud of her. Thank you, Carrie for doing your part to take care of us here at home."
Sharon Stanger of Idaho Falls, ID USA

"RIP Carrie. Your an Angel in the big beautiful Sky"
J and T USMC

"I didn't know Spc. French personally but I did meet her the night before she was killed. She was running the internet cafe here in Kirkuk so I only talked to her breifly while she took down my information, and I remember cracking a joke about her last name to my buddy in line. With each soldier killed around me reality hasn't hit until now. Because now I have a face to match up with the name and I can't help but feel a loss in my heart for her. I consider myself lucky to have met and served with her. She will always be remembered as long as I live."
Spc. Chellis Dodge of Kirkuk, Iraq

"To the French family, I am very sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family, may you find comfort in God's grace and in your wonderful memories of Carrie! I know how you are feeling, my brother, SSG Sean Huey was KIA on 11 Nov 04. Please know that Carrie did not die in vain, she died a hero. I salute her serving this country and I salute you for raising such a fine daughter. With respect and honor..."
TSgt Colleen Garra of Ft Bragg NC

"TO THE FRENCH FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN OVER THE LOST OF CARRIE. AN OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH HER AND YOUR FAMILY. CARRIE HAS NOT GIVEN HER LIFE IN VAIN. SHE WAS A VERY SPECIAL INDIVIDUAL. THAT HAS TOUCHED THE HEART OF SO MANY. aMONG HER FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, LOVE ONE'S, HER MILITARY FAMILY OF BROTHER'S, SISTER'S,THOSE IN HER COMMUNITY, UNIT AND THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ. CARRIE YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED TO ALL AMERICAN'S. FOR PROTECTING US AGAINST TERRORISM. FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY HAS MADE AMERICA ALOT SAVER SINCE 911. THIS IS NO ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT LOST SON LAST MAY 2004. AN I ALWAYS REMEMEBER MY MANY CONVERSATIONS WITH HIM. DAD I DON'T HAVE SOLDIER'S NOR BUDDIES: I HAVE BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S: WE WATCH OVER ONE ANOTHER AND EACH OTHER'S UNIT FOR WE ARE FAMILY! SO IT'S A COMFORT TO ME THAT HIS SISTER (CARRIE). SERVED ALONG SIDE EACH OTHER,AND SADLY DIDN'T REALLY KNOW ONE ANOTHER. STILL GREG: DESCRIBED IT FOR THE TRUTH! CARRIE YOUR HIS SISTER AND YOU BOTH ARE NOW TOGETHER. THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY! MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY. CARRIE THE PERSON YOU ARE IS BECAUSE OF THOSE IN YOUR LIFE! YOUR LOST BRINGS TEARS AS ALL THE FALLEN DO! YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND PRAYS, NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Thank you Carrie French, 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 Spc. Carrie French:
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 Carrie for the sacrifice she has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Spc. Carrie French:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. She 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 Carrie, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia