Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army Pfc. Melissa J. Hobart

22, of Ladson, South Carolina.
Hobart died in Baghdad, Iraq, after collapsing while on guard duty. She was assigned to Company E, 215th Forward Support Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on June 6, 2004.

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"My sincerest respects, and condolences to the family of PFC Melissa J. Hobart. She was such an amazing young woman. I cry when i think of each conversation i had with her both at Fort Hood, TX, and while in Baghdad, Iraq. She IS so amazing even still to me. Not 1 single Memorial Day goes by, that i don't think of her. There is so much i can say.. Nights where i would be right next to her, fixing a tactical piece of communications equipment, as she would call her young daughter from a tactical phone in the CP (Command post) of Charlie Company 215th FSB. Unable to keep from overhearing some of her conversations with her real young child (at that time), i would tear up. She was just such a loving Mother. I was there AT her actual memorial service in Baghdad. I was a wreck, because just days earlier i had a conversation with her in the stairwell on her FOB and she was healthy. Just me and her reassuring each other, and she was SO positive. Just the kindest heart. Unaware of the truth, i asked how she perished, just hours after. I was told, the desert heat, dehydration, and certain medications while on guard duty, but still don't know what exactly occured while she was on guard duty that day, or if that was exactly true. She was a friend of mine. I miss her also. May God bless her family and daughter forever. RIP PFC Melissa Hobart, i know you will always be watching over your daughter, and family. I salute you, and miss you. SGT Nolan Rowley HHC 215th FSB Iraq Veteran."
SGT Nolan Rowley (Veteran) of Birmingham, AL

"My heart bleeds everyday. I remember when Melissa got to Ft Hood. I took her to CIF (central issuing facility, from day one I will call her ( hard charger). I won't forget you. Alexis, when your of age you will have questions, those of us that were with your mom in Iraq will have your answers. I also have something that belonged to your mom that I would like to give you one day. I will find you in due time. Hard charger, there is not day that goes by that I think of you."
Cintron, Enrique 232 of Key west

"I'm Ssg Juliet Taylor I'm with Female Soldiers Fotten Heroes Program as trying to get in touch with any family member as we honor our past veterans this coming May."
Juliet Taylor of Bridgeprt, CT

"To the family of:Melissa J.Hobart
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. She 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"2-12-11"

"Melissa and I were close during our training in San Antonio. We were together every weekend. She was like a big sister to me. I still have the pencil drawing that we got done in one of those photo booths. Such a beautiful person inside and out. Nothing but love and great memories."
Tracy of NH

"To Alexis,

Hello,my name is Alicia Chilton...Franzen when I knew Melissa. I actually met her at MEPS and were in the same platoon in basic training. I remember how feisty and full of life she was. She had told me about you Alexis and used to show your pictures off to EVERYONE! :0) She loved you SO much Alexis. She said she had joined the ARMY to give you a better life, even though she had to be away from you for a little while to do it. I just want you to know that I am so sorry for your loss and to remember your mommy loved you very much and was so proud of you. Prove her right hunny...she is always watching."
Alicia Chilton of Fort Lewis, WA

"I was Melissa's roommate in Iraq. It's been almost 5 years since her death and there's not a day that passes that I don't still think of her. Every June 6th and October 25th i stop to honor the sacrifice she made. To Alexis, your mommy loved you so much. Her wall in our room was covered with your photos. I remember seeing her face light up as she talked to you on the phone. I remember one time in particular, right before she died that made her laugh so hard. She was talking to you on the phone and you asked her to come to dinner. She thought that was so cute and sweet. To Melissa's other family just know that there are many people out here that loved her when she was alive and still mourn her death today! God bless y'all!"
Britney Weatherford of Red Bay, AL

"June 13, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Melissa J. Hobart:
Melissa 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 Melissa's family:

I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Melissa and I were friends when we were younger. She was a sweetheart. I will remember all the good times we had."
Amanda of Pensacola, FL

"To the Family & Friends of Melissa Hobart - Thank you for being strong for Melissa as she went on to be a soldier and fight for her country. To better her life for her and her daughter. That could have been me who died out there. My love and respect goes out to her."
SPC Lynn Sheppard of West Point, NY

"It has taken me a very long time to deal with the death of Hobart. Melissa and i were in the same company, i will never forget you."
Enrique of Texas

"Thanks Melissa. I am a student at Southern Connecticut and have stopped a few times to remember when I have cut through where you rest. I honor you this Veteran's Day."
John Kennedy of Hamden

"Hi meliss I'm hanging in there trying to make you proud , your mom and I keep in touch more than ever and I know we make eachother feel better
I write alexis and call her often and I'm always thinking of her she was fighting over me last time I saw her ( I'm her favorie aunt amanda) that feels good . I want her to get the best out of life and become the young woman we can all be so proud of. I want to make sure she knows who you were and not just have unanswered questions. I'll teach her how to fish and I'll take her camping and I will be a role model. I love her , not only because she's yours but because she is your legacy> I miss you so much. I await the day we meet again until then I will be all that I can be for you"
Amanda of florida

"Hi meliss I'm hanging in there trying to make you proud , your mom and I keep in touch more than ever and I know we make eachother feel better
I write alexis and call her often and I'm always thinking of her she was fighting over me last time I saw her ( I'm her favorie aunt amanda) that feels good . I want her to get the best out of life and become the young woman we can all be so proud of. I want to make sure she knows who you were and not just have unanswered questions. I'll teach her how to fish and I'll take her camping and I will be a role model. I love her , not only because she's yours but because she is your legacy> I miss you so much. I await the day we meet again until then I will be all that I can be for you"
Amanda of florida

"Thank you Melissa, for your bravery and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten. May God bless you and your daughter. You are truly an American hero who served with honor and dignity. Though I never knew you, just reading these messages makes me feel like I have known you a long time. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!"
Jeff Jones of Las Cruces, NM

"I'm sitting here tonight remembering the night a couple of years ago I looked in the newspaper in Wichita, Kansas. I was glancing through when I saw a picture of "Hobart". I couldn't figure out what she was doing in there when I read beside her name. I was extremely sadened. I slept in the top bunk across from her bottom bunk the last few weeks of AIT when we were all moved into the same room. I feel great grief for her family as I recently came home to my little boy from Iraq who is one. I only hope that her little girl knows how truly much her mom loves her. No matter if Hobart is here in person or spirit that little girl is the one thing that meant the most to her. I was also in basic in training with her and I remember her crying when when she saw her little girl in the vehicle that wasn't suppose to be there until the next day. Alexis your mom loved you and still loves you, ALWAYS and FOREVER. May God bless you in life. She was a HERO. She talked alot (but it was mostly about you!!!). Always remember that!!!"
Spc. Overman of Wichita, KS

"Now that I wear a bracelet with Pvt. Hobarts name on it I am able to share her story of bravery and courage to everyone. Go with God Melissa, I look foward to meeting you in heaven."
Joel Hooper of Elkin, NC

"Melissa, my life has changed so drastically without you here.I am so lost without you.There is not a second of the day that goes by where I do not think of you. I miss you sooo much! How I long just to hear your voice on the telephone,as I did just before you left to go to Iraq.I don't know if you ever realized how much I love you.My precious niece, I love you very much.Life will never be the same for me,since you were taken away from me.
Alexis reminds me of you so much.I talk to her on the telephone periodically, and boy can she talk just like her mom.What a sweet little girl you have.I love you Melissa with all my heart,and how I miss you so.
With all my love,
Aunt Dawn
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox"
Dawn Iannotti of North Haven, Ct

"HEY, SO GRANDMA MARY AND I ARE GOING TO S.C. TO VISIT ALEXIS, MOM, AND ED, I'M SO EXCITED! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY,TOO!!
I CAN'T WAIT TO GO TO S.C. AND LOOK AT ALL YOUR OLD PICTURES OF US, I LOST ALL MY OLD PICTURES IN ONE OF MY MANY MOVES.
I MISS YOU SO MUCH!! LOTS OF LOVE, ANNA"
ANNA CASANOVA of NEW HAVEN CT

"One of the classes on my college campus recently made a war memorial for all those who have passed away fighting in Iraq. They gave each student on campus a different soldier that had died since Operation Iraqi Freedom began. Of the 2000 brave souls lost, I received Melissa. I decided to look her up on the Internet, crazy as it seems, because I wanted to know more. I learned that she died before I graduated high school, leaving behind family, more specifically a little daughter. My heart goes out to PFC Hobart’s family. It has been over a year since she left you, but she will always be with you. She died protecting America. You should be proud of her."
Jaclyn V. of Susquehanna University, PA

"melissa,im proud to have been in your life for the years i was there,i no your mom is proud of you to.I wisn you could be here,to see your daughter grow up,in the same image as you. happy bithday love,your stepfather."
ED of C.T WHERE THE HEART IS

"happy birtday my sweet melissa,I miss ya i rember the day i first held ya in my arms,i thought of all the wounderful things you were going to do,well you went beyond my expectations,honey i truley miss you an love you."
mom of ladson

"HEY GIRL ITS ANNA AGAIN, I'VE BEEN TRYING SO HARD TO GET MONEY TOGETHER SO I CAN FLY DOWN TO YOUR MOM'S HOUSE AND MEET THAT PRETTY LITTLE GIRL OF YOURS, BUT IT JUST IS NOT THAT CHEAP. IT REALLY SUCKS BECAUSE I WANT TO GO SO BAD. I TALKED TO ADAM ABOUT A MONTH AGO, I'M STILL WAITING FOR THE PICTURES HE PROMISED TO SEND ME..... BUT THATS OK I'LL JUST GET THEM WHEN I COME DOWN THERE! I TALK TO MOM ALL THE TIME, AND I SAW AUNT KIM SHE GAVE ME YOUR SWEAT SUITS.I MISS YOU SO MUCH MELISSA, AND LOVE YOU MORE THAN I EVER SHOWED. I NEVER REALLY GOT A CHANCE TO THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING A TRUE FRIEND. I WOULD HAVE TRUSTED YOU WITH ANYTHING. YOU WERE EVERYTHING A PERSON COULD ASK FOR IN A FRIEND, YOU WOULD NEVER TELL MY SECERTS, OR LET ANYONE TALK BAD ABOUT ME, AND WOULD NEVER GO AFTER MY MAN.YOU WERE ALWAYS TRUE TO OUR FRIENDSHIP THATS WHY I JUST CAN'T FORGIVE MYSELF FOR NOT THANKING YOU FACE TO FACE.
LOTS OF LOVE,
ANNA"
ANNA CASANOVA of NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT

"MY sweet,Melissa,I hear your voice every daY,see you every where,have cried a sea of tears,for I miss you so.I still look at the door waiting for you to come bursting threw,to tell me somthing exciting that happened to you that day,or while im watching tv for you to come lay down watch a movie with me that i never get to see, because you talk my ear off right threw it,or how do i look MOM, argument with you would be great. waiting for you to say I LOVE YA MOM an I SAY i love you MELISSA"
MOM of LADSON S.C USA

"To 1 of the best friends I ever had, I can't live life normal since your death, I feel as if a part of me went with you. I hope you know how much you are loved.I talked to your daughter on mother's day, she loves you so much. I also talk to your mom every chance I get, I get so deep into conversations with her that sometimes I forget that its not you that I am talking to, you both sound so much alike on the phone. mom and I were talkin about what little trouble makers we were, at least she can laugh about it now.Remember the time we snuck out of my house and you were riding me on my handlebars and drove us both into the pond near my house, everytime I think of that night I laugh.I hope you are here watching over me because you should know I need it, life seems to get pretty rough at times. I hope you hear me when I talk to you, because the people at the cemetary have got to think I'm nuts by now. I play a song by mariah carey that always makes me cry thinkin of you, it goes, anytime you need a friend I will be there, never be alone again so don't you fear. So i wonder if you were in the room watchin me get tattooed in your rememberance, I know you had to be laughin, it hurt me so bad.I love you girl and always will."
Anna Casanova of New Haven,CT

"Our hearts go out to the Hobart family.Melissa was a wonderful woman,friend,mother.We'll always remember her as a good friend to all with a huge heart full of love.This was all for that beautiful little girl of hers.She will always be remembered and forever in our thougts and prayers.Melissa we miss you so much!! You were the best friend anyone could ever have!We love you always Love,Dana & Dianna"
Dana & Dianna Celano of West Haven Ct

"hobart was a funny crazy very positive soldier. i went to basic training at ft. jackson (d/239) and ait at ft. sam (a co. 232d)with her and she was always so positive. i remember she would always talk about her daughter...it was who she was working so hard for."
dania chavez perez of wurzburg germany

"My Beautiful Niece,
It's been a year since you have been taken from us. There is not a day that goes by that your not in my thoughts. I miss you so very much.So young,beautiful and so full of life you were.Why? I ask god everyday,Why?
I miss and love you very,very much
Love,
Aunt Dawn"
Dawn Iannotti of East Haven, Ct U.S.A.

"Melissa,

It seems like yesterday we stood together at Fort Jackson wondering what the military had to offer us. We waited the toughest week of out lives together in reception and grew so close throughout basic and AIT. I was also serving in Iraq when you were there and I was eating breakfast when I saw your face scroll across a TV screen saying that you were one of the casualties of the war. I cried harder than I could have ever imagained. I lost a sister that day and you will never be replaced. My heart goes out to you and your family. I remember being at the PX on family day and you proudly introducing the most beautiful little girl to me. Your daughter will always be true to your legacy and I know that she will always know that her mother was a true hero. I know you died for her freedom and that is by far the best gift you could ever give her. Alpha Company 232 will forever remember one of thier own fallen and you will always be remembered as someone that never stopped smiling, never quit when it got tough, someone who always had heart and loved living for her family. I love you Melissa and will always miss a fellow SOLDIER MEDIC!"
SPC Rachel Moore of Wurzburg, Germany

"You were a part of my life for what seemed like forever but in reality a moment of time but you taught me so many things and we went through so much together at fort jackson sc we had many good times and even more hard times and i hope that when you daughter grows up she knows what kind of mother she had, a brave strong woman who knew what friendship and loyaly meant. Ill never forget when you were on your way from ait and you your mother and beautiful daughter just happened to stop and stay at a hotel only 5 min from my house. God works in mysterious ways and he has a plan for all of us. Only great people die young and you were one of the brightest flames to pass through my life. Love and prayers to your family especially to your daughter. If you want to hear some great stories about your crazy loving mother one day look me up."
Jessica Elaine Slocumb of Carrollton, Georgia

"I Can't believe what this war has done to my life, my best friend and her family. I loved Melissa with all my heart and will never forget her. As her best friend I'm still freshly wounded by this tragedy and ask god why? but know the reason,... because.For those of you who only knew her as private hobart, I wish you could have known her as melissa the teenager. She had a spark of life in her that few are blessed with. I pray she'll be watching down on me from heaven till we meet again. `"
Ms. Amanda of Anchorage, AK

""Melissa, I got the opportunity to meet you when we both first arrived in Ft. Hood, Texas. You were one of my two friends I had before we all deployed and I thank you for that, we would hang out and talk about anything and everything. I remember when I was in line to load the bus for deployment when you came running up yelling my name just before I was about to board the bus, you wanted to say good-bye. We exchanged our last words and you couldn't stop crying, it was hard to hold in my tears as well from leaving someone as nice and caring as you. I want to thank you for your outstanding friendship that I will cherish forever and let you know I'm proud of you for being willing to make the sacrifice."
To Melissa's Family:
I can't express in words the loss of your family member/soldier. Melissa was a beautiful person all around and its a horrible thing she was taken from us so soon. I'm sorry for the pain and struggle you all must endure as a result of this incident. If any family member could contact me, I have a favor I would like to request.
william.shortjr@us.army.mil"
SPC Short, William of HHC 5th BCT, 1CD Baghdad, Iraq

"I am a S.C. soldier serving in Iraq I have never met Melissa nor any of the other fallen soldiers from South Carolina that have served to keep their country free and free the people of Iraq. Some lived near me and all where apart of a South Carolina family and a even bigger Army family even though we have never met each other. The United States is lucky we great soldiers like Melissa to fight for freedom around the world. To these soldiers that have fallen in foreign lands we thank you and I know God has 2 angels for every soldier because that would be along trip to heaven without someone helping us carry are gear."
Spc Springs of Baghdad Iraq

"Melissa you are a hero in all of our eyes I may not have gotten a better chance of meeting you but I learned you were a great person R.I.P my cousin"
brittany Kammerer/ speaking on behalf of george kammerer/ family of East Haven, ct,

"Melissa you are a hero in all of our eyes I may not have gotten a better chance of meeting you but I learned you were a great person R.I.P my cousin"
brittany of East Haven

"I was fortunate enough to meet Melissa for just one day while I was deployed to Iraq. I was working for the American Forces Radio and Television Network, and I interviewed Melissa for my story on a makeshift medical clinic. She was extremely passionate about her job, she loved what she did, and she truly felt like she was making a difference. Iraq, the US Army, and I will surely miss Melissa and her great contributions to the World."
Abby of San Antonio, Texas

"Melissa,
I miss you terribly. And I love you so much that words can't even say. Here's a poem for you.
As I sit in my room with tears coming down my face my heart starts to race. I have to face the fact that I will never see you again until the very end. I remember the good times we had together. When I dream about you I feel like I'm in Heaven floating on a feather. You will be in my heart forever.
Love you Melissa. You are a hero."
Courtney Iannotti of East Haven CT

"There are so many young heros sacrificing their lives. My work supports what you did and I honor your memory every day. I'm sorry that you we taken so young, but look at the love you leave behind. What an enduring legacy to an honorable young American."
Beholden of Stafford, VA

"My sister,
To come so far on a most difficult journey through life was made more easy by traveling with you. And though i've cried a river of tears because you are no longer at my side i'm so grateful and honored to have been your big brother. June 6th 2004, was the most difficult day of my life but if i had the choice to not have you as a sister and not have to deal with the pain or to do it all over again the same way, without thinking twice i would do it again because what you left behind outweights what you took with you, a piece of me, when you died. But i know you really didnt die and i know i will see you again one day. I love you melissa. You were my hero before you went away. I promise you i will not forget you. I wish you could have been here to meet your first neice. We have picked out a name. Regan Elizabeth. i hope you like it. She will grow up to know what a wonderful aunt she had. what a hero you were. and how you sacrificed so much so that others may persue their own dreams. She may not meet you in this life, but she will know you. To everyone who posted messages, thank you so much. There is great comfort in knowing that people do care and that so many people are grateful. Glod bles you all and your familes."
Gary E. Hobart of South Carolina

"melissa,
we love you,we miss you every day
may god keep you safe for me.my heart
aches for you."
mom,alexis of ladson

"Those at Alpha Co 232 will remember your name, even if they did not have the opportunity to meet you."
Alpha Gator of Ft Sam Houston, TX

"My dearest granddaughter Melissa,
Melissa you are my hero,there is not a day that goes by without me shedding a tear for you.As I sit in my chair,I stare at the phone waiting for that call from you.When the call does not come I cry me a river.My heart is no longer complete since you've gone away.
My darling I stand over your grave every week and it won't be complete until the day we meet.
Melissa, I love you and miss you very much
Love,
Gram"
Mary Hobart of East Haven,CT U.S.A

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. For the family/friends: May time provide happy loving memories in place of present sorrows. Look to the sky::: In the infinite meadows of Heaven the bright shining stars bloom.....the forget-me-nots of angels. God bless you and thank you."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"Rose ST. Ext was the birth place of what grew to be an amazing friendship between you Melissa, your brother Gary, my brother Ryan, and myself. Not a day goes by where I dont see your smile and think about you. I miss you so much, I cant wait till the day I can see you again to tell you how much I love you and to give you a huge hug for showing me what a hero truly is. Your always in my heart"
Bonny MacInnis of Branford, CT

"To my dear niece Melissa,
Melissa there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I miss you so much.I go to your grave every week,and how I weep to give you a great big hug.I love you Melissa and miss you dearly."
Dawn Iannotti of North Haven ,Ct U.S

"As parents who lost our 16 year old daughter 21 months ago in an accident, our hearts go out to you. No words can ease the pain, only time can lessen the depth of the despair and anguish. Our son is a Marine and we stand behind his service to our country and are so proud of him; just as you were, and are, proud of your daughter.

If you need to talk and share you girl please feel free to contact us at izzyloomis@yahoo.com. We have learned to cope with this devastating and life-changing tragedy, and want to help others find their way out of this quagmire of grief."
Jeff and Kim Isbell of Loomis, CA. USA

"The Family Melissa J. Hobart
I didn't know Melissa J. Hobart on a personal level. I never met her in my life.God bless You Melissa J. Hobart. My heart goes out to you at your loss. The world will be less because of your and our loss. I send you all my love and embrace you warmly. Family Melissa J. Hobart, I can't imagine the loss you are feeling right now. May God's love bring peace to you and your family through these hard times. Killed mummy 3 years old daughter, who has gone help Iraq people, but huns have gotten back life. Melissa J. Hobart remain in my memory. Alexis Your mummy She is a true hero at world."
DARIUSZ CHORAK of ELBLAG POLAND

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

"To Melissa'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

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

"To Melissa'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 her bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

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

"Thank you Melissa Hobart, 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 Pfc. Melissa Hobart:
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 Melissa 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 Pfc. Melissa Hobart:
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 Melissa, 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