Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Mike , just thinking of you and always will on this day . Its been 3 years (5/23/2009) but it will always feel like it just happened . I will never forget you and you are always in my thoughts."
Dane Steig of Minot , ND U.S.A

"May 13, 2009
To the family of Spc. Michael L. Hermanson:
Michael 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

"Mike, it's been a long time since we were together at Horace Mann and in cub scouts, and since we last met at camp. You were always a good friend to everyone. I think of you often and am thankful that I knew you. Your memory will be with us always"
Matthew Peterson of Visby, Sweden

"To the family of Sgt. Hermanson:
I know this message comes more than a year after the death of your brave hero. I am sorry for your loss, so very sorry. Please accept my belated condolences.

In memory of Sgt. Jason A. Schumann, deployed to Heaven May 19, 2007"
Sgt. Schumann's Mother of Fargo, ND

"Mike, I never got the chance to meet you, but for the past 8 months or so, I have wished so much that I had. Your sister and I have become such good friends this past year, and I have learned how important you were, and still are in her life. I wish so much that I could meet my best friends hero, because when I look at her I see what you have done for her, and I am so grateful for that. Please continue to look after her, and your mom and dad. Thank you, and God bless you Mike"
Kaia of Fargo, ND

"Family, Friends, & Comrades: I am so very sorry about the loss of your precious loved one & one of America's sons & heroes. It is a heartbreaking loss & a tragedy. I believe he was one of the Best of the Best. God Bless You All & I'm praying for you."
PAT L of DETROIT LAKES, MN, USA

"Hermi, What can I say, you are in my heart every day, I am home now as well as the rest of 3rd platoon, and during our entire trip home I would look at an empty seat and wish you could have been there. Still to this day it is hard to forget that night, but in a way I think that is good. you will always have a place in my heart as a hero and a friend. I miss you buddy"
Spc. Matt Jameson of Minot, ND

"Hermi I will never forget what we talked about during our patrol that night before you passed . It was hard seeing you before you left us but I will always remember you as a true friend and hero not only to me but everyone who knew you. Rest in Peace and I pray for you everyday and hope that you are watching over us everyday."
Spc. Dane Steig Alpha Co. 164 "Trailblazer" of Balad , Iraq

"THE FINAL INSPECTION"
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

~Author Unknown~

Mike, I think of you everyday, not a day goes by without me wishing I could have been out there, and seen you one last time before you left us, I miss you man. We'll be here "Living the Dream", you just keep watching over us."
SPC Joshua Shane Derby of 4th Platoon, A CO 164 EB, Camp Anaconda, Iraq

"Mike was my first love. We dated on and off through high school and also in college. I remember the first day I met him I was shaking in my rollerblades so bad because I thought he was the best looking guy I had ever seen. I have so many memories with Mike and I have learned so much from him. I've been with him through good times and bad, laughs and tears. I will never forget Mike and I will always remember what he did for our country. God bless you Mike."
Jolene of Fargo, ND

"“We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared,So we may always be free.”
-Ronald Reagan"
KM of Bismarck, ND

"I'm so proud that you had the courage to fight for our country! You were and still are one of my best friends Mike, I will never forget you! I will see you again someday.
Love,
Mike Allen"
Mike Allen of Fargo, ND

"Please know that the sacrifice that Mr. Hermanson made is truly appreciated. May the strength of Christ be upon your family."
Laura of Grain Valley, MO/USA

"Mike was a very good friend of mine and anybody who knew him knows that words can't describe how great a person he was. Some of my greatest memories of Mike are playing basketball with him at Fargo North High. He loved playing ball, and I hope his buddies in LSA Annaconda got a chance to play with him. Like someone else has stated in this web site, Mike was always smiling. It was very hard to have a negative attitude around him. You knew when he was around, you were going to have a good time. I am going to miss having Mike around and want to let his family know that they are in my prayers during this most stressful time."
SGT Jesse Wiemer of A Co 2/136 CAB, Camp Al Taqaddum Iraq

"I am so sorry for the loss of Michael. I lost a dear friend and comrade near Abayachi in Oct 2005, SGT Robert Tucker from TN. Just know that we will never forget our fallen heroes. We are here for you."
SFC Asberry of Jamestown, TN

"God Bless You, the family of Michael Hermanson. And I pray that God welcomes Michael into His kingdom and says: "Well done, faithful servant."
I know your pain. My brother was killed by an IED on May 18th (LTC Daniel Holland). They are our hereos."
Mary Ralya of Brenham, TX mkralya@aol.com

"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, MIchael will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS.
May we never forget: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!"

"Mikey was one of my good friends and I miss him dearly. My heart goes out to his family. Rest in piece Mikey."
Rachel Gunderson of Fargo, ND

"I pray that God may comfort you in your time of loss. It was very evident to me when I watched the slide show Thursday night, how much you loved Michael and how much he loved you and was proud of you. If you ever need anything from the National Guard do not hesitate to call me."
LTC Mike Aberle of Bismarck

"Thanks for all you did for this country. Rest In Peace."
Natalie of Minneapolis, MN

"Hermie: This is hard for me to do. We just want you to know how proud of you we all are! You will always have a special place in my heart and I will cherish all the memories I have of you. We love you!"
Dawn of Fargo,ND

"You're loved and missed Hermi. Your smile, laugh, and personality will never be forgotten. Things will never be the same over here without you around, and not a day goes by that a though and prayer doesn't enter my mind for the Hermanson family, and most importantly for Hermi, my hero. Thanks for everything Mike."
Noah VanVoorhis of Balad Iraq

"My heart pours out to this and every fallen soldiers family. As we have just gotten over the Memorial Holiday it leaves me still thinking about those that are dying defending the freedoms we so greatly take for granted here in this country.
I am so greatful and may God bless you for your sacrafice."
Juanita Lawson-Crowder of Somerset KY USA

"I'm very sorry for your loss, God Bless"
Patricia Connally of W. Palm Beach Fl

"I was Michael's babysitter-my memory of
him was he was a sweet little boy with always a smile on his face. I am heart broken for his family who loved him so. I am praying for them. I have a soon who is a captain in the Marines. I am so proud to have known Michael."
Cheryl Hager of Fargo ND

"I am sorry for your loss, and thank you for this supreme sacrificee. Words cannot express my sorrow that so many military families are facing out of the spotlight. You loved one will never be forgotten. My father served in VietNam,and died years later due to complications of injuries from his service. He is with us. God bless you"
Kay Nelson of Bethesda, MD

"I grew up with Michael. I remember in Kindergarden he had a huge crush on me. *smiles & laughs a little* He used to chase me around the playground singing, "Pretty Nikki, walking down the street...Pretty Nikki, the kind of girl I'd like to meet..." I would always get really embarrassed and shout that I'd get him someday...*laughs* I never did...I can't believe he's gone. He was a great guy. We graduated in '02 from Fargo North High School. We never did hang out in high school but I'd see him around and I always thought of our days at Horace Mann Elementary. I can still see him now...he always had the prettiest sparkling blue eyes and a bright smile. I don't think there was a single day when I saw him that he didn't have a smile on his face. But, he is with God now and I'm sure he's watching over all of us. He will always be with us in spirit...and in our hearts. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. Michael was a great man and all that he did shall not be forgotten, nor shall it be in vain. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family."
Nikki Orvik, orvikn@hotmail.com of Fargo, ND, USA

"to the Hermanson family deeply sadden of the news. michael has not died in vain. He is an AMERICAN HERO! An to all that lnew him and loved him he was so much more. Healing is a very slow process. take it one day at a time. Always be supportive and understanding toward one another. You each loved MICHAEL in your own special way. As you reflect on the many many fond and very precious memorable times each of you shared with MICHAEL. You realize he will always be with you. You only need to touch your HEART! I appreciate MICHAELS service to our cOUNTRY> As I do for his brotherhood to my son and all that served along side Michael. He will be deeply missed by those in his community, friends, his military brother's, sister's and his very loving family. reach out to your community and poltical leaders today. Request a street be named in his honour. That he will never ever be forgotten It is the very least his community can do to honour MICHAEL. Father of a fallen soldier US Army Sgt. Gregory L. Wahl.."
leobnard-wahl@hotmail.com of Texas

"YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN HERME. ON BEHALF OF 3RD PLATOON ALPHA COMPANY 164 ENGINEERS, WE WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH.....

FRIEND, BROTHER, ROOMATE, FELLOW TRAILBLAZER,

SPC LINDBORG, ERIK T"
SPC Lindborg, Erik T of LSA ANACONDA, BALAD IRAQ

"To the Hermanson Family, I wish to offer you my deepest sympathies. Your Michael is a true American Hero. He will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and God Bless Michael."
Mary of Brooklyn, New York

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