Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I served with Ssg Hawkins in Korea and Iraq. I was there and will never get it out of my memory of that afternoon."
Ssg Dunbar of Granite Falls, NC

"Such a tragic waste of life for a BS war."
Man from England of England

"To quite possibly the greatest NCO I have ever known. I am truly sorry it took me this long to visit this site. Today is the anniverssary of you passing. I remember that day vividly. There are many things I wish I could change. I am truly sorry a man of your caliber was taken. I will remember you always. I still remember our comversation that morning, I wish it had been longer. See you when it is over."
SGT Caleb Morse of FOB Loyalty Iraq

"Dear Bro, Omar, SPC, SGT, "Mother Hen" or simply Hawkins

I had the distinct honor of serving with you not once but twice; as SPC at Fort Leonard Wood and as NCOs at Idar-Oberstein, Germany. You could almost say a third time, since I now reside in your former compound, prior to deployment, where you are immortalized overhead at the bar, The Hard ROK. Carlson still speaks highly of you, often. I never did care to stay up all night playing boardgames with "the crew" out in the common area. "Dude, can I borrow your phone?"-Omar~1995 "Good God man, you bank damn near everything, don't own a car and are too cheap to have a phone installed, but what the hell, man." aka Martin. Your technical and tactical prowess was unmatched. I caught up with you in the 40th EN BN and did the Bosnia thing together; high adventure. Iraq turned out terribly and left a lot to be desired even if our tours there were offset by a few months. Unfortunately, you are one of many I know, whose photos now grace my office and whose voice haunt me. Combat changes folks, forever. I can assuredly say, you are a better man than I. It really sucks to think about."
CPT Martin, Nathe of Camp Castle, Korea

"Omar died doing what he loved. I was proud to have him as my squad leader in Camp Howze, Korea. My prayers go out to him and his family. God bless all the soldiers who have fallen!!"
Spc. Kreider of Clyde, Ohio

""To the Family of SSG Hawkins,
I am MSG Howard Jemerson, and I served with SSG Omer T. Hawkins in Korea and at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. when he was a new private. I had the opportunity to train and watch him mature from a new private to an outstanding Staff Sergeant. He was a super Combat Engineer who cared about his soldiers and mission. I will always remember him and keep his pictures with me. God Bless his sacrifice and selfless service for our country, family and friends."
MSG Howard Jemerson of Aurora, IL

"To the Family of SSG Hawkins,

I am sorry for your loss and I hope things will get better for you.

I am SFC Tommy Exley and I was the Platoon Sergeant for Omar in Korea. He was a good soldier and someone that I could count on to get missions accomplished. He had open arms for soldiers with problems or concerns. He was someone that all the troops wanted to be like. It is a great loss for you, me, and the Army. Seeing his face on this web site brings the reality of the WAR and its affects. I wish you luck and God's Speed."
SFC Exley of Camp Blanding, Florida

"Soldier Hawkins,

I salute you!

forever indebted to you,"
Angela of Fort Worth, Texas

"I randomly put my finger on Omer's name on a list of fallen soldiers during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I wanted to see how real these people were and I searched for Omer. I have found what I was looking for: a real soldier who breathed, loved, and will be remembered. I send my condolences to Omer's family and I give my utmost respects on this Memorial Day, 2005."
E. D. Nussbaumer of Maryland

"I was his PL in Korea while he was assigned to 2D En. He was a great friend and a great soldier. I will always remember him."
LT Partridge of Pheonix AZ

"I had the honor to serve in the same company and platoon as SSG Hawkins. HIs aura always gave great hope to his soldiers. He was a stunning leader and a great man, I am just thankful to have known him. He has left a permanent impact on me. Rest in peace "Mother Hen"....."
Spc Justin Malzac of Ft. Leonard Wood, MO

"I don’t believe that we understand all that you gave, or how your sacrifice will affect the future for our sons or daughters. I believe you confronted the evil that has enslaved mankind throughout history, the same evil that many American soldiers have confronted in many battles.

I will teach my son and daughter of your sacrifice and your heroism.

Proud Family of Pfc. Kohler serving in Ar Ramadi, Iraq"
Anderson Family of Montana

"To everyone:

I am the brother of SSG Omer Hawkins (OT, Tom as he is also known. On behalf of our family, I want to express our gratitude to all of those who have written such wonderful things. Especially to the Barbret and Beard families, two other soldiers killed in the attack, our thoughts remain with you. Please keep your thoughts on our troops. Also, there are two others badly injured in the same attack. These soldiers are at Brooke Army Medical Center still fighting to recover. Keep them in mind as well. My brother was a tremendous soldier who died doing the job he loved...he'd be proud of the support. Again, thank you. buckhawkins@hotmail.com"
SSG Buck Hawkins of Rolla, MO

"it hurts me to hear about your lost. i know you get tons of e mails and tons of mail so i wanted this to be short. i am Pfc Mark A. Barbret's little brother. when you read this i hope that you could e mail me b423@howecadets.com
because we have both have cannon size holes in our hearts. i would like to put some information about both mark and omer for a article. I am praying for your family and after all this has happened i can only do one thing and that is hold my head high. they both went for the greatest honor in the world the USA.

stay stong and may god bless your family

Paul Barbret
Pfc Mark A. Barbret's little brother"
paul of MI shelby twp

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

"To the family of Omer T. Hawkins II
Omer will never be forgotten. He is a HERO. He lived his values and ultimately sacrificed his life for what he believed in and for us. My gratitude and prayers go out to the family."
Charlotte Barbret-Cupol of Roseville, MI

"To Omer'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 your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"Words can not begin to express how very sorry we are for your loss. Just know that we appreciate the sacrifice Omer made to keep us safe."
Mrs. Arthur's 4th grade class Nelsonville, Ohio

"To the friends & family of Omer Hawkins:

There are no words to express my sorrow for your loss. My cousin, PFC Mark Barbret, also died in the same explosion as Omer. I share in your grief & wish that one day you will find comfort & happy times again. Know that our HEROES did not die alone, nor are they alone now. They served together & died together. Now they are together in a much more peaceful place watching over their fellow soldiers & us. These HEROES will forever be in our thoughts. God Bless You All!!"
Melissa (Barbret) Macchi of Roseville, MI

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

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

"My deepest sympathy, our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. May God bless you and help you through this time. Forever in our hearts a HERO Omer T. Hawkins II."
Amy & Aaron Monier of Waterford, MI.

"Thank you Omer Hawkins II, 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 Staff Sgt. Omer Hawkins II:
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 Omer 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 Staff Sgt. Omer Hawkins II:
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 Omer, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia