Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army Sgt. Christopher A. Golby

26, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Golby was a crew member onboard a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter when it crashed near Fallujah, Iraq while on a MEDEVAC mission. He was assigned to the 571st Medical Company (Air Ambulance), Fort Carson, Colorado. Died on January 8, 2004.

Golby was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant on January 11, 2004.

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"I went through Basic training with Christopher. We became very close friends over such a short period of time. I look through our basic book and every picture they have of us you will see us sitting together. He was a TRUE Battle Buddy! Someone who always made me smile and made me feel like I had a purpose when times were tough. Still to this day all these years later I think of him and his kindness. Golby and I had a green Notepad in basic and would write to each other and pass it back and forth. For a whole eight weeks we did this. He quickly became like a brother that I never had during that time. His memory and heroism will always remain in my thoughts and heart."
Jaime Dugan of Jacksonville, FL

"Dear Loved ones and Friends of SGT Chris Golby,

I served with Chris as his Platoon Leader in F/159 AVN “Big Windy,” Giebelstadt, Germany well before this unfortunate event occurred (beginning around 1999). My memories of him are becoming grayed due to age but I wanted to share one before time takes its course. So shortly after joining him, we conducted two large training exercises in Grafenwoehr Germany and one later in western Poland. This is to say that in just a few shorts months, I knew him and his comrades quite well. He was very well liked and certainly one of the most capable if not the most capable service member in this large platoon. I say this for example because there wasn’t a single vehicle license that he didn’t possess and or knew where and how something could be repaired. So from that point on he had become my go-to man when something needed to be done and as was his manner always in an expedient professional manner.

-One day clearly comes to mind; during this timeframe in Grafenwoehr, in fact it was the very last day of the exercise and all of our personnel looked forward to returning to Giebelstadt after over three weeks in the field (most likely a month for him), the plan was coming apart. What in fact occurred was that many of the other licensed personnel required to load heavy equipment had prematurely departed due to the all too common “get home itis.” So as we prepared to depart ourselves, other platoons and even other Companies came by our location in the forest looking for licensed personnel to operate and load their heavy equipment. And Chris was there, ready willing, and able to make sure all the units equipment was loaded and without delay. So, without my having to ask for a volunteer, Chris was off to fetch his vehicle and even stayed behind to tackle the job having encouraged his comrades to depart while he stayed behind helping others. This was the type of young man he was – selfless.

This is sometimes even a rarity in uniform.

And to his son Dylon Richard, I recall when you where still just a very small child and your recollection is correct – your Father was very playful, always with a smile and genuinely a happy person as I knew him and so I can appreciate your loss. I wish you strength and many future successes and challenge you to live in his example of helping others. And never forget that you and your Family will always have an honored place in this institution and are owed a degree of gratitude without measure from the protected society for your Families personal burden.

In closing, I wanted to attach a picture of this last day in Grafenwoehr but for whatever reason I couldn’t complete the task. If you or anyone would want a copy, feel free to contact me at the following address;

ch47hooker@hotmail.de

yours in deep apreciation of his memory,"
Dan Isabell of Mons, Belgium

"I HOPE THOSE PRECIOUS MEMORIES OF CHRISTOPHER HELP TO HEAL YOUR BROKEN HEARTS GB YOU SWEET ANGEL, R.I.P LOVE & PRAYERS TO ALL THE FAMILY."
JOAN TAYLOR of ENGLAND

"Bdays r a gentle reminder that death may take our angels out of sight, but it doesn't take them out of being"
Kelli George's mom Lorraine of Colorado

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTOPHER GB YOU SWEET ANGEL.
I HOPE THE HAPPY MEMORIES HELP TO HEAL YOUR BROKEN HEARTS, SENDING LOVE & PRAYERS TO FRIENDS & FAMILY."
JOAN TAYLOR of ENGLAND

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Christopher, happy birthday to you!!"
Diane Angel-Katie Cassidy

"To the family of:Christopher A. Golby
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""

"My heart goes out to your family and you have my deepest sympathy. May God by with you at all times."
Phil Stasko (Brother of Bill/Classmate of Matt) of Olney, MD

"July 2010. Well son, I hope you toasted with mom, Matt, Carlos and the other guys as we toasted you all at the Weekend Remembrance. Watch over those who made this weekend possible. Next year maybe Dylon can come with me. I now know how much fun we could have had if I had known sooner. I got to meet many new friends who know how I feel. And next time I ride the coasters with you in my heart, take it easy on the corners please! Those were some rides. Maybe it was mom telling me to back off but I have to move on with what time I have left. We will meet again soon enough. Let me share some love with others till it is my turn. I hope I helped others and can do it again and again. Love you guys!"
Dad of Johnstown, PA

"Christopher Allen Golby was my dad and I was very proud of him for fighting for the USA. He was a very nice and playful dad and I think of him everyday since he died."
Dylon Richard Golby of brookston,IN

"January 2, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Christopher A. Golby:
Christopher 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

"As January quickly approaches, I remember my good friend Chris and the other brothers we lost when his aircraft was shot down. Chris and I were the company computer geeks. Chris being more skilled with the software and I being more skilled with the hardware side. I learned so much from Chris. When I would have a bad headache, Chris wouldn't hesitate to help out even though we were in different sections. Such an intelligent, reserved, yet outgoing-once-he-gets-to-know-you type of guy, he and I often spoke of our kids, our lives back home and our hopes for the future. Chris is a wonderfully funny man and I often think of him. To his family, if ever you want a copy of his pictures, please contact me via AKO. I have many of them archived."
SFC Thomas Black of Fort Rucker, AL.

"Christopher Golby is my uncle and i am so proud of him and i love him and i miss him"
Billie Jo Thomas and Jeffrey Burns of Johnstown

"Christopher Golby is my brothers uncle and i called him my uncle i just wanted to say i miss him so much"
Billie Jo of Johnstown

"I knew SGT Golby as a mechanic but personally. HE was quite good at his job and a great person. Thinking of you and your crew often."
Jeff Peck SSG RET of Florissant, CO

"I too have a son called Christopher Golby so I feel deeply for you. My father Ben was killed in the last war.I guess Golby.s know how to pay for freedom."
Robert Golby of brighton england.UK

"I too have a son called Christopher Golby so I feel deeply for you. My father Ben was killed in the last war.I guess Golby.s know how to pay for freedom."
Robert Golby of brighton england.UK

"ME and my are join the service to protect are country.may God bless usa!!!"
jake,campbell of proctor,AR,USA

"we need to stop the war at all cost!!!"
jake of proctor,ar,usa

"It was a pleasure serving with you! You will always be remembered as a HERO!!"
Jaime Dugan-Decardenas of St. Marys, Georgia

"This war needs to stop, to many fellow soldiers are being killed, and left with bad memories, god bless Christopher and his family"
not available of not available

"I will always remember you! I served with Golby in Basic Training and he was a amazing soldier! He will always be in my heart. May God Bless his family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them. Christopher Golby was a true HERO!"
Jaime Dugan of Saint Marys, Ga USA

"To the Golby family... I recorded a song in Nashville in Aaron's honor, but the song has become so much more than that in honor of those who have fallen. I only wish the words could bring them back, but we all know that can't happen. I would love to send a copy of the song to you if you want. My website www.ryanbweaver.com has the song on it and my contact info. I check the mail account daily and would send the MP3 to you promptly. The song is called Somewhere Above the Rain. We will forever have a common bond when our hearts hurt for every soldier that gives their life for our country. As with you, I'm sure, special days like today, Aaron's birthday, bring the day back like it happened a second ago. My heart is with you and yours."
CW2 Ryan Weaver of Ft Rucker, AL

"To the family of Christopher Colby,
My name is Nancy Weaver. I am the widow of CW2 Aaron Weaver, who was also killed in the medivac with your son. Thank you for writing on my husband's page. My heart aches for you and your family, as my children and I know the pain you each suffer daily, the sadness, the love, the memories and the laughter that is missing from your life. Your son was an American Hero and I honestly hope that gives you some peace. I am so, so terribly sorry for your loss.
With much respect and sorrow,"
Nancy Weaver of Orlando, FL

"Christopher you are a true American Hero. I lost my husband on June 28, 2005, so I know from experience the pain and hurt you are all going through. As I have been told in the the past few months, we all need to stick together through these trying times. I am here if you need me. God bless you and your family, and god bless Chris for his sacrifice."
Tracie L. hall of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

""Thank you brave american Soldier.
Thank you for save the freedom of the whole world.
Thank you from Germany
You are my Hero
Thank you from Ramstein/Germany""

""In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!! We will NEVER FORGET!""
A loving friend who misses you

"3/25/05

To your Mom & Dad:
I looked at Chris' website. How beautiful. I'm thankful for having talked with you tonight, and I pray for all of us. Your son was a brave man, and his son is beautiful. I thank God for both of them."
De'on Miller, Proud Mom of L.Cpl. Aaron C. Austin, USMC, KIA April 26, 2004 Fallujah, Iraq of Lovington, NM, USA

"To the faimly & friends of Sgt.Christopher A Golby.
I fell very sorry for your loss. I have read the other messages left here
he sounds like a very good man. someone i would been proud to know. i recieved my heros bracelet
in the mail today and his name is on it.And i'll wear it proudly in his name
and his service to our country.
God bless you all."
john&judy pennick of Carnegie Pa.15106

"I served with Chris in Gremany from 98 to 2001, he was a joy to be around and i learned alot from him,
May God Bless and keep his family safe"
Tavara L.Morris of Honolulu, Hi

"CHRIS YOU WERE ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS, I WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN WITH YOU. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS. YOU DIED DOING WHAT YOU LOVED, I AM AND WILL DO THE SAME UNTIL THE LORD CALLS FOR ME. THE USS RENTZ MORNS YOUR DEATH. I LOVE YOU CHRIS"
EDWARD FRIEDEL of SAN DIEGO, CA

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these guys as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace Christopher, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest"
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"Untitled
I know that it may have meant to be,
but why did this happen to me?
For thus I know he was never here
But truthfully he was always near.
For he filled a certain place in my heart
all of which will never part.
I loved like my own father,
sometimes why don't even bother.
No one ever wanted him to fly,
but then of course no one ever expected him to ...die.
Or at least not yet, not yet anyway,
why not another way or even another day.
That was far away from this day.
All I know is we salute to you
"you died for our lives, saving us and our freedom."

Cynthia Lee Birt

Copyright ©2004 Cynthia Lee Birt

Christopher i just wanted you to know that i have written this for you and i love you very much!I hope everyone will really take time to know this"
Cynthia of fountain,Co

"Christopher Golby was not only a good soldier he was also a good American. I knew him and his family from my Scouting experiance. He will be deaply missed in the Military and Scouting familys"
Jeff Layton of Johnstown, PA former USAF

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

"To the Golby family, I'm the sister of one of the fallen soldiers who was with SPC.Golby and I would just like to send you my condolences. He is a hero in my eyes as he payed the utimate price for our freedom."
Regina Weaver USAF of Whiteman AFB MO

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

"May Christopher rest in peace and God Bless his soul.
Be proud knowing Chris served his country and gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. He will not be forgotten. I am eternally grateful and thankful for Christopher and all of his fellow servicemen and women who died while serving this great country.
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers."
Michele of Yorktown Heights, NY

"Thank you for all that you did for this country Christopher. You will be remembered."
Lisa of Beaufort, SC

"We thank Christopher and his family for the ultimate sacrifice he made for the sake of our safety and freedom. May God bless him and keep him in his Grace for all eternity. And may God walk with Christopher's family, and give them the strength and faith they need to deal with his loss."
Jacky Kuhlman & Clara Williams of Hollow Creek Farm of Lipan, Texas

"Fly with the Angels Brave One. You will live in our hearts."
The Taylors/USMC of NC

"To The Family Of Christopher A. Golby, for we to will be with you on Friday, We will be laying to rest one of you brothers. May God's arms embrase each and everyone of you. And I hope you can find comfort in knowing we too feel your pain. With all my love to you and your family."
Reed of Inverness, Florida

"Chris, you gave us all the ultimate sacrifice. You gave your life doing what you loved, you never asked for anything in return. Your job was often thankless and yet you rose to the occasion knowing the dangers and consquences. I'm thankfull that I was able to be your brother, I have memories to recall and dont worry I still have all those baseball cards that we would sit on the bedroom floor and spend hours sorting out and organizeing. I'm sorry I didnt get to travel to Colorodo with mom and dad to visit but maybe God wanted you to have that time with them. I'm glad they got that opportunity to see you and pass along huggs and kiss's. On Friday we will lay you to rest one final time but I know you'll be hovering above in your blackhawk watching and protecting us here at home now. I miss you brother, I miss your smile and voice. I promise you that I will carry you next to my heart, and if your son is ever in a time of need I will be there. You are in Gods arms now, so I know that you are finally safe. When God calls for me I hope that you can meet me at the gate and pick me up in that helocopter that you loved so much. I love you brother"
Shane McCarty of Salem, New York

"May you find comfort in knowing how many people share your sadness. Thanks to Christopher for fighting for our country. HE is a TRUE HERO! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless YOU ALL! We Will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family (USMC) of Lakeland, TN

"Thank you Christopher Golby, 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. Christopher Golby:
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 Christopher 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 Spc. Christopher Golby:
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 Christopher, 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