Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Doyle...it is almost 6.5 years now. I cannot believe it. Last night I had to console Annie as she was crying uncontrollably when she watched a tribute to the troops. She will be 14 next month. She talked about how you would swing her around in Nana and Papa's backyard. She just kept saying it isn't fair. I finally got her quieted down when I told her how you would be upset to see her crying over you...that you would want her to be a big girl and take some action! To redirect that sadness into something productive. When I went in later to make sure she was covered up I found her sleeping. Beside her bed was a note to herself. It said "Remember to ask at school about having students write troops in Iraq." I know she sent an e-mail to the school today also. Not sure what she is up to. Anyway, she is thinking about you. Also, she is worried because Terry will have to go to Afghanistan. I know you have connections brother...y'all watch over him. I know you will do what you can. I love you Doyle...but know you are safely serving in the Lord's Army. Can't help but smile when I think about that big as Texas smile of yours :-D.

Love always, Sheldon"
Sheldon Chesson Morgenstern of Fort Mill, SC

"Little Doyle was such a wonderful young man. We loved him like he was one of our own kids. If we had more young men like Doyle this would be a much better nation.
To his Mom and Dad and brothers and sister, wife and child we keep you in our prayers."
Don and Cecil Mask (donandcecil@yahoo.com) of Rockwall, Texas/USA

"I was on the swim team with you at Abilene High School...man, that was so long ago. Thank you for all that you did for our country and for the amazing legacy you left in your daughter. God Bless you on this Memorial Day."
Kele Testa of Abilene, TX

"Six years ago, about this time. Your family was safely asleep in their beds. Your mom and dad, your sisters, your wife and your unborn baby Grace. All asleep. Safe. Protected. This is what you dedicated your life to.

You were just getting up. You had to be uncomfortable in that alien, godforsaken country! You probably didn't sleep well but I am sure that you were already thinking about and planning your day of performing route clearance. Duties which would result in a safe path for your fellow warriors. Your men - Mitchell, Karr, Raney and Davis - were undoubtably in a similar frame of mind. You were in the process of faithfully executing your duties and in the time it took me to write this, it was all over. A blast of monumental proportions took you and your team away from all of us who loved you. Too fast for you to know what really happened. So fast that none of us can ever forget. We will never forget. Never! God bless you Doyle Maurice Hufstedler III, Sean R. Mitchell, Michael G. Karr, Jr., Brandon L. Davis. God Bless You all!"
David of Charlotte

"LT i will never forget you for your courage. You seemed to do everything with an intensity that i strive for to this day. "The 9" will never be forgotten. I remember you with a smile and I know you are smiling at me now. Love you brother. my flag will always fly at half staff.

nemexego3@yahoo.com"
Spc. Elmer "Cookie" cooke of Albuquerque, NM USA

"Doyle

You will always be missed, brother. I remember the respect and honor we, as cadets, gave to the men and women who came before us and the sacrifices they made for our freedoms. I am both sad and proud to see you among them. God bless you and your family always. Please know that when Muster rolls around, you will always have friends who will stand and say "here" for you."
CPT Christopher May, Class of 02, Company E-1; currently 23d Ord CO, 16 SUS Bde, 21TSC of Graf, Germany

"I received a box with a set of your winter PT's in it. When I opened it I cried just like a baby. I miss you."
Michele Hufstedler of Fort Sam Houston, Tx

"Doyle, i loved you so much when you were on earth but now that you are in heaven i love you so much that no one could have had a better uncle that they loved. I miss you so much you'r neice"
Annie Morgenstern of Fort Mill

"My heartfelt thanks to Doyle and all of the other fallen heroes for their ultimate sacrifice.

We just spent time with Leslie and her family and being with Grace reminded me of Doyle."
David of Charlotte, NC

"On this Memorial Day we remember Doyle and all that he sacrificed for us. We had just gotten to know him a little, when he had to leave for Iraq, but we will never forget him!"
The Olsen Family of Manhattan, KS

"Every memorial day (and more often than that) I think of Doyle. I know we weren't the closest of friends, but I knew him most of my childhood and always thought an awful lot of him and his family."
Gretchen Christensen Smith of Round Rock, TX

"Doyle,
You probably don't remember me, but I had met both you and Leslie back when you were a cadet. I was at that game when you proposed to your wife. When you were killed, I was both shocked and saddened. I didn't know you well, but I thought that proposal you did on the football field was a sign of youth and exuberance. I felt a part of that was gone when you were killed. I had donated to Gracie's fund and every year on Memorial Day, I come back to this page. I also share this with my friends and coworkers. I remind them that their freedom isn't free. I encourage them to read this page because it reminds people who never served the very human cost of war and the sacrifices people like you have made for our freedoms. As I have aged and passed into middle age, I appreciate the fact that you will never have the opportunity to grow old, to watch your daughter grow up, or to grow old with your wife. So, thank you, from an Air Force veteran and a fellow Aggie. Thank you for your sacrifice. God Bless You."
Hui-Jen Shiau of Foster City, CA

"DUTY
Five Years Ago Today

For some duty may require that last full measure of devotion. This was the case for Doyle M Hufstedler III. On a road in Habbaniyah Iraq Doyle and four comrades moved from this world into the hands of God.
It just turns out that Doyle and his comrades wer tasked with the duty of route clearance detail, one of the toughest and most essential jobs in Iraq. He never complained about it he just did it with intensity and with the sense that his efforts were saving the lives of the many U. S. soldiers, Marines and innocent Iraqi citizens by serving as their guardian day in and day out. in between trips and just grabbing a hurried rest before facing the daunting task of facing terrorist weapons eye to eye.
We can't leave this work undone in Iraq. We may all argue about how we might have gotten there. But we're there and we need to see it through....I suppose we could have taken the beaches at Normandy, and then decided it was too expensive or too difficult to keep going. I wonder what the world would look like today. I continue to believe that the U.S. effort will lead to a better, freer Iraq and a safer America. "He didn't die in vain," "It will come.
It really bothers me when I hear people describe us as pro-war, just because the other side is antiwar. I am not pro-war. I don't think the president is pro-war. I don't think any of the soldiers fighting are pro-war. No sane person is pro war. They have a Duty, and they are going to do it."
In his last phone call home Doyle request prayers for himself and his solders also school supplies for Iraqi children. Before Doyle said goodbye he had one more message.
Earlier that day, an Iraqi child wearing an American college T-shirt had approached Him. The child looked at the American solider and said, "Jesus loves you."
Doyle thought the folks at home might want to know.
Doyle M. Hufstedler Jr. March 31, 2009"
DMH of Texas

"Five years. We will never forget!"
David of Charlotte

"Doyle,
We met just in the short time that came over to the unit, but I haven't ever forgotten your kindness. Hardly a day goes by when I don't wish you and the others we lost couldn't have come home like the rest of us. I was in Washington, DC this week and had to stop by and pay my respects. You're a good man and the world is better for having you here."
CPT Longoria of Kansas City

"Doyle, you probably don't remember me, but I met you once. I am Jules' brother Garrett. Thanks for all that you have sacrificed for me to continuing to live the free life that I live. From the latest pic that Leslie sent Jules, Gracie is growing like crazy. I know that she is grateful for what her daddy gave up for her to have a wonderful life. Thank you for all that you gave for us."
Garrett Conner of Spring, TX

"March 9, 2009
To the family of 1st Lt. Doyle M. Hufstedler:
Doyle 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

"You were a good LT, and youll be never forgotten"
Meekins of Philadelphia

"Huf,

What can I say... I'm shedding tears as I write this... It seemed like only yesterday that we were going through JROTC together, as people can see a lot has happened since then. I'm currently deployed supporting OIF/OEF and have recently heard about this website, no excuse but I've been away from Abilene a number of years and didn't realize it was actually you that people were talking about. I'm married and have two kids, AJ 3.5yrs and Talyn 6months. Currently an Air Weapons Officer flying on AWACS. I've read the other posts from your family and wish them my condolences, we are keeping them in our prayers. Thank you for your sacrifice and I'll keep fighting the good fight for all who have come and gone."
Capt Joel Doss of Al Udeid AB

"Just thinking of you Doyle, and still missing you after 4 years. We will always love and miss you. You are in our hearts."
Sheldon of Fort Mill, SC

"Four years today. Nothing has changed in the way that we miss you son. Nothing has changed in the way that we love you. Grace grows like a weed and just yesterday rode her "wiggly" bike with no training wheels! We love you Doyle and will always miss you."
David of Charlotte

"Doyle, It's been a few years since I got to see you and hug you. This is your sister-in-law, Sheldon. I remember toasting you and my little sister at your wedding. I said I couldn't believe that Leslie had found someone as wonderful as I had. I knew that from the first moment I met you at Leslie's graduation. You came in, dressed in your corps uniform. All I could think about was "wow - good looking!" I will always remember those boots! Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and pray for your parents and sisters, and, of course, Leslie and Gracie. Leslie, as I'm sure you know, has married someone who has great respect for you. I told him the first time I met him that Leslie deserved the best, I told him to remember that she was not divorced - she had lost her husband when she was very much in love. Could he handle that. He said he understood. Terry is now serving in Iraq. Doyle, please watch over him. Help him come home safely to Leslie. I can't see her lose another husband. Gracie knows you and your parents. I wish for her to know the man her father was, and to have a second father in Terry. She will always know you and the man you were. I promise you that. She is fiesty and strong, and she saved her mother's life when you left us and went to heaven. Had it not been for her growing inside Leslie, I don't know if Leslie would have survived. I, as I'm sure all my fellow Christians who knew you and have had the privelege of being a part of your life, look forward to the day when we are reunited. I have always told my husband that, as of this moment, I am so looking forward to seeing in heaven my cousin Eric, my Papa, and you, our sweet Doyle. I loved you from the moment I met you. You were my brother. I will always, always love you so much.

Love, Sheldon"
Sheldon Morgenstern of Fort Mill SC

"doyle, this is your niece, Annie, i miss you so much. you are my roll model. i will always love you no matter where you are. i can not wait until i go to heaven and see you. last time that you saw me i was 8 i am now almost 12 and eric also says hi. I love you. it was hard to say goodbye to you."
Annie Morgenstern of Fort Mill SC

"Everytime I look at the picture of you and me that I have in my kitchen I smile and then sigh a little and sometime cry a little...I miss you so much!"
Michele of Fort Polk

"I wish I could have one more bear hug. I miss you."
of Italy

"I still miss you every day."
lha of charlotte

"Doyle,

When you left, I told you I would take care of things for you here. I'm trying my best son. I am so sorry that you never knew Gracie. I am so thankful that you gave the world such a gift. If you only knew. She will forever represent a piece of you and will forever remind me of the sacrifice that you made for us.

Grace is amazing. At three and a half, almost, she seems grown up. She'll converse with you .. both responding and initiating. She'll argue with you .. sometimes rationally, sometimes not. Sometimes when she spends the night she'll wake up and just tell you she loves you. You can probably tell she has my heart. The same as it would be for you. So, in this way, I am doing my best to fill your shoes and I want you to know that it is a hard job to do.

Thank you Doyle. I miss you. Thank you for Gracie."
David of Charlotte, NC

"I miss you. I always will."
Michele Hufstedler of Fort Polk, LA

"Thanks Doyle. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your faith. Thank you for your courage. Thank you. You make me proud to be an American."

""God let me have a chance to meet such a great leader like you. It's such a great lost that he had to take you away so early and so soon. It's was a great pleasure serving with you and taking care of you and your soldiers""
SSG CHIM NOY of FT SILL, OK

"Not a day goes by that I don't wish I could call you up and ask you for advice or just have a nice chat with you. More lately than ever I find my self asking "What would Doyle do if he were me?" or "If Doyle were still here he would be able to help me with this or tell me what to do." I hate that you aren't here. What is a sister suppose to do without her Bubba?
Love you forever,"
Michele Hufstedler of Fort Polk

"Not a day goes by that I don't wish I could call you up and ask you for advice or just have nice chat with you. More lately than ever I find my self asking "What would Doyle do if he were me?" or "If Doyle were still here he would be able to help me with this or tell me what to do." I hate that you aren't here. What is a sister supose to do with out her Bubba?
Love you forever,"
Michele Hufstedler of Fort Polk

"Doyle,

I miss you and have been to your grave several times this year. You're a great friend. My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting your uncle at the cemetary on Memorial day. We talked about how I knew you through JROTC, and how your family was doing. I hope I get to see him again real soon. I'm joining the military. I've been working hard to do it ever since your sacrifice. I hope I can make you proud."
David Martin of Abilene, Texas

"Doyle’s Africa

Do you know a place down past the equator where the Southern Cross shines through?
Do you know the wide savannah where the light is clear and true?
Do you know the Blacked Horned Buffalo whose countenance shows more than spite?
It is there that I am going, with my trusty my rifle at my side.
It is there that I am going, with a trusted, PH that I know.
It is there that I am going, where my son is so close by.

He must go -- go -- go away from here!
On the other side the world he's overdue.
'Send your road is clear before you when the old Spring-fret comes o'er you,
And the Red Gods call for you!"
Mr H of Abilene Texas

"Love bug,
I talked to your folks today. Tomorrow they leave for Africa. I know you're so proud of them for following through and living out your dream even though you have to watch from above. Hey, at least I can't get upset with you when you shoot something! I wish we were camped out in the basement tonight drinking a beer and getting you ready to leave. Wish you were here to see our girl. She looks just like you. Toes and all. Just as stubborn as you too. I will always love you...with all of my heart...no matter what. Enjoy safari.
Love, Me"
Les of Charlotte, NC

"Dear Doyle,

Wanted to write and give you an update on Leslie and Gracie. Both are doing well. Gracie, as you might suspect, is growing like a weed and learning even faster. She dreams about you ya know. Leslie said she woke from a nightmare the other night wanting to see DaDa. So I want you to rest assured that she knows who you are, thinks about you, loves you and misses you very much. We went to a friend's house the other day and some of the kids were sliding down a hill on plastic sleds. At first she wanted to do it and then she didn't, so I got her in the sled with me, her saying no no no all the way and slid down with her. She loved it! She is talking very well but not really contructing sentences yet .... but she certainly gets her point across and knows everything you say. She and her Mom have a very good relationship and seem to be best friends ... at least for the time being. One thing you should know. Leslie and Grace have so many good friends. They are busy all the time. Her neighbors next door to her, Gordon and Beverly, are South African and are always over visiting. They look out for her. Bob and Susan live down the street and have two small kids so Susan and Leslie have a real close relationship. They have dinner together all the time and the kids get along very well. Kim and John used to live next door with their two girls but have moved. Nonetheless, they stop by all the time and always have Leslie and Grace over to dinner. So be comforted son. Your family is well loved, well provided for and doing well. Leslie as you know loves gardening. You should see her back yard! Just bursting with color and vegetables growing everywhere. I think in fact Leslie is becoming somewhat obsessed with plants and planting. Well, I guess it could be worse huh!

We miss you Doyle. Nothing will ever change that.

Love you"
David of Charlotte, NC

"Each day that goes by brings a little smile to my face and a tear to my eye. Because I know now I am one day closer to being with my brother again. I wish very much that he could be here in the flesh to see me graduate and be commissioned as a Lt. in the Army Nurse Corps this Saturday. I will always remember how proudly he bragged to everyone he know about how I received a 4 year army nursing scholarship and was going to be a nurse in the army. Now I have something better than a guardian angel looking over me. I have a warrior and a loving brother."
Michele Hufstedler

"Tomorrow, March 31st, marks the 2 year anniversary of Doyle giving his life in service to his country. Not a day goes by that I don't think about Doyle. Not a day goes by that I don't thank Doyle for his sacrifice and thank God that he left a little piece of himself in this world - Grace Ashley Huufstedler, now almost two years old. I have the singular honor of being able to watch Gracie grow up. Of seeing reflections of her father in her. Her love of Oreo cookies and pulling them apart to eat Her ability to focus on the task at hand. Her determination. And mostly, her love of her mother Leslie. I have watched Leslie struggle valiantly over the past two years. Clawing her way through day to day life. Still not wanting to believe yet knowing that she must go on. Her fanatic devotion to Gracie and her sadness at having lost Doyle. It sounds like a cliche but she and Doyle were meant for each other and it is so sad that they are now apart. I am satisfied that Leslie and Grace will be alright because they have each other. I am satisfied that they will be alright because of the huge support group that has grown around them. And I am profoundly sorry that it came to this. Things happen for a reason though. We can't always understand why as hard as we try.

I wanted to write this note because I love Doyle and wanted to honor him on the anniversary of his sacrifice. Thank you Doyle for giving your all for the American way of life. Freedom."
David M. Chesson of Charlotte, NC

"Howdy,
I knew Doyle in the Corps at Texas A&M and he was one of the buddies that I admired most in Warrior Company. We often trained together and I was so impressed with his devotion to country and duty. I heard about his passing a few months before I was called to serve in Iraq. He inspired me to think about others sacrifice everyday I was over there. I am very sorry for your loss, it is felt by more people than you know. I will continue to keep him and his family in my prayers. He was a true Aggie!"
1LT Luke Gorney of C Co, 3-112 AR, 56 BCT, 36 ID Texas

"Thank you buddy. . . I miss you and love you. I will never forget you."
SD of Arlington, TX

"I think about you guys often and keep you in my prayers. Seeing the love that so immediately existed between y'all has inspired me to seek nothing less than that for any future relationship I may have. I have no doubt that Doyle is watching over his baby and keeping her safe. Much love and thanks for the continued inspiration..."
Courtenay Siegfried of Turiani, Tanzania, East Africa

"To Doyle's family and friends - my heart grieves for you. I am so sorry for your great loss. Leslie, my heart especially goes out to you. I hurt for you and all that you're going through; it's a pain I know all too well. My fiance, CPT Ernesto Blanco was killed in Iraq about 19 months ago. You remain in my prayers."
Grieving with you, Michelle Blanco - michellesblanco@hotmail.com

"Doyle Duane and Family

I will always remember Lil Doyle in his Scout uniform and how he would help anyone of the younger Scouts. He loved the military and Texas A&M even when I knew him as his DE in Abilene. On behalf of me and my two sons, Thank You. We will see you in the twilight of every campfire we attend.
Doug, Lance and Donnie"
Doug Lunsford of Miami FL

"Doyle worked for me in Abilene during a summer internship program while he attended Texas A&M. He was a good man, so good that here I am more than a year later compelled to make sure he is not forgotten."
Tom C. of Oklahoma City, OK

"I am so sorry for the loss of your love one . He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with you please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church Rev John B. Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington, Ga.30016 phone 770-787-1015. Your friend in Christ Jesus"
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga. U S A

"I am so sorry for the loss of your love one . He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with you please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church Rev John B. Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington, Ga.30016 phone 770-787-1015. Your friend in Christ Jesus"
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga. U S A

"I am so sorry for the loss of your love one . He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with you please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church Rev John B. Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington, Ga.30016 phone 770-787-1015. Your friend in Christ Jesus"
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga. U S A

"I am so sorry for the loss of your love one . He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with you please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church Rev John B. Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington, Ga.30016 phone 770-787-1015. Your friend in Christ Jesus"
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga. U S A

"it's been year now ,but still i won't forget where i was on this day .Just last year .when i last saw you in Khaldiyah"
P.A.

"Thank you for signing with the best outfit in Aggieland.

I was in the second fish class (Fall 1970), and am honored to be one of your brother Ords.

Thank you for giving of yourself that I might live free."
Clifton Palmer McLendon '74 of Spring, Texas

"Thank you, Lt. Hufstedler, for your sacrifice. May God be with you and your family. We won't forget."
Sabra Crowe of Lubbock, Tx

"Although I have never met Doyle, I can see in his face a very kind and thoughtful man. I am working on a project at Marin Community College in California. We are each making a 5"x7' portrait of all of the soldiers who have given their lives in Iraq. I"m working from a very small grainy newspaper photo, that is difficult to see. If anyone has a photo of Doyle that they could post to this sight I would appreciate it. I would love to send the portrait to Doyle's wife and daughter, after the exhibition, to thank them for their great sacrifice. Thank you."
Susan Gerke of susangerke@yahoo.com

"I knew Hufstedler (I still can't call him by his first name) back in 1997, when we were fish together in I-1. I just found out today that he had been killed and the grief and shock drove the wind from my lungs. What I remember most about Hufstedler is reflected in the comments of ALL of the people who have left comments here... He was one of the most dutiful, responsible, and compassionate men I ever met. I'm sorry to say that I didn't graduate from Texas A&M as a member of I-1. I'm sorry that I didn't get the chance to see him grow into the man we all saw inside. My condolences to his wife and family and my love to his daughter. Your father was a great man who died doing his duty. We will all miss him very much. I'm honored to have known him."
Dallas Hall of Austin, TX

"Last night I went to a vigil on the steps of the Capitol Building here in Austin, Texas. There was a roll call for all the soilders who died in Iraq. I was honored to read the name of Doyle M. Hufstedler. As I stood with over 250 other individuals for ten minutes of silence and looked at his name and picture, I felt complelled to contact his family to pay my respect. I never knew your son, husband and father and only just heard his name last night. But from reading all the other messages, it is clear he made an impact on many. My thoughts are with you."
Nicola Britton of Austin, Texas

"I want to offer my condolences to Doyle's Wife Leslie, his daughter, and his family. I was informed late about Doyle's sacrifice for his country after returning from Iraq. I'm still in a state of shock. I want to offer my condolences and prayers to all of you. I knew Doyle in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M. He always kidding me about being a Batallion Commander in the 2nd Brigade even though I was going to be a Navy Officer. He was a man of integrity and professionalism. I will keep Doyle's family in my prayers, and I wish I could offer better comfort to his wife and child. Let God be your comfort and he will get you all through this. I firmly believe will see him soon. God Bless You all.

LT Jeremy Huff, USN"
LT Jeremy Huff, USN of Corpus Christi, Tx.

"Leslie,
There are no words that I can say to express my gratitude to your wonderful loving husband. He will always be an important person in our lives, and we appreciate the love he has always had for our country. Because of amazing people such as Doyle, we will remain a strong, free country. Thank you for being such a stong wife to a husband with a huge dream. We love you dearly."
Traci of College Station

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

"Personal comment from Mike Herd

Here at BPA, our hearts are saddened greatly by the loss of Doyle M Hufstedler, III. He was known to family, those close to him, and to those of us who watched him grow up as "Little Doyle". I remember Little Doyle from Boy Scout meetings and events and from my personal relationship with the Hufstedler family. The Hufstedler's were tacitly adopted by me as my second family because they are as close to me as any kin could be. The honor and goodness that runs through the Hufstedlers shone forth in Little Doyle's life. The ever present smile and the contagious happiness could not help but touch all those who he encountered.

Little Doyle was a good friend to my son Chris and brought much joy into his life. Chris would often tell me of the fun times that they had together on Scout outings and how he admired Little Doyle. For that, I was very grateful.

Before deploying to Iraq, Little Doyle, his wife Leslie, his mother Kathleen and his dad Big Doyle and uncle Duane visited us here at BPA. The gals spent time together riding horses while we guys spent time on the range training and shooting. Little Doyle specifically wanted a little extra M-4 training to prepare him for combat. We had a great time and wonderful fellowship.

Just before shipping out, Little Doyle called me on the phone and thanked me for the good time he had out here and for the tips he learned. He didn't have to make that call, but he did. He included ME on his "Thank You" list. I was not really surprised at that. After all, that was the type of considerate person he was. He told me that he was amazed by how little the guys in his new outfit new about weapons handling, but that he was going to change all of that. I feel sure he did. That was the last I spoke to him.

Doyle, I must now call him that, for he definitely took on the mantle of a grown man, was a man of honor, courage and great generosity. He gave of himself with a smile and unselfishly. He died defending us all, and for that, we should all be grateful. Doyle we miss you and wish you joy in Heaven until we see you there later. God bless and Godspeed!

Michael J. Herd
Director of Operations
Bradshaw Pistol Academy"
Michael J. Herd of Bradshaw, TX

"I have made a quilt block in Doyle's honor to be included in the KIA Memorial Quilt
(www.kiamemorialquilt.com)

I hope this shows my appreciation and sorrow at your loss."
Kristie Jones of Houston, TX

"There are no words that can express my deep sorrow of this tragic loss. Not only was Doyle a great person, but also a “Giant of a Man”. Doyle was a great roommate and true friend of my son. They lived together as they crammed 4 years of college into 5 years! They made each other better! I know for a fact that my son is a better man because of Doyle’s influence. Doyle’s contagious smile and care for others is something that I will always remember. You are a True Hero that has given your life for this great nation! Thanks Doyle---you will not be forgotten!"
Waddy Wadkins of Cypress, Texas

""The Sacramento Texas A&M Club will be honoring Doyle at our local Muster Ceremony on April 21, 2004. The club together will answer “here” when Doyle’s name is read during the Roll Call for the Absent. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Doyle’s family and friends.

Sacramento A&M Club Muster - Wednesday April 21st, 2004
Lionsgate Hotel - Sky Room at McClellan AFB
3410 Westover Street
6pm: Happy Hour/Dinner
7pm: Muster"
Matt Kibler of Sacramento, CA

"Dear Doyle,

I only really met you once, but I will remember forever your winning smile and the kindness you showed to my pesky little daughters. You were a great favorite of my son, who was a sophomore when you were a fish, and oh, the stories I have heard about what a gung-ho, cleancut, fun-loving and dutiful Aggie you were! Doyle, I've never heard anything but good about you. Your Mom and Dad raised the finest son possible! God bless you, Sweetheart, and give you Peace and Joy in his loving arms."
Syler Womack of Eustace, Texas

"Doyle was a good man, I was a cadet with him and I know that he was a soldier that was admired by all of his soldiers. His family will be in my prayers."
1LT Peter Norris of FOB Normandy, Iraq

"I am class of 01' and former member of the Corps of Cadets, Although I did not meet Doyle, I remember him from 4 years of encounters. No words can ever mend what his wife and family are going through. My prayers are with you, and I know that it is because of Men like Doyle, we live in a safer place. What do I know about the battle field....? Just that I did not have the courage to sign a contract, and he like many other of my buddies did. I am sorry, really sorry about your loss."
Melissa C. De Luna of New York, New York

"I don't even know how to begin thanking Doyle for his sacrifice. Doyle was a great son and brother, a good friend, and a wonderful husband to my best friend. Baby Grace will be proud to know that her daddy stood up for and faught for what he believed in. He is one of many true American heros who have given their lives so freely for this great nation. God bless you Doyle!"
Holly Terry of College Station, TX

"I am the father of Leslie Anne Hufstedler, wife of Doyle. We would like to thank everyone for all of the wonderful kindness that has been shown the families of Doyle. It goes without saying that Doyle's loss leaves a hole in all of our lives. Doyle was doing what he had prepared for his entire life. He was proud of his country and what it stood for. He gave his all. This is how Grace Ashley Hufstedler will remember her father. He is an true hero."
David Chesson of Charlotte, NC

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

"Dear Doyle,

As your 7th grade English teacher, may I say how proud of you I am? For more than 10 years, I've told anyone who will listen about the hardest-working student I've ever seen--YOU! Although your teachers would all like to take a tiny bit of credit for the man you became, we can not. All the praise goes to your fantastic family and to you.

Your funeral was beautiful and touching. You would have been proud of Leslie and your family. The program mentioned your incredible resolve, and that's the word! (If Doyle wanted it, he could achieve it.)

I'm sorry you never got to hold Grace. We will all be sure to tell her about you. She will know how special her Daddy was.

Thank you for being a great role model for the young people of Abilene...and for all of the grown-ups whose lives you touched, as well.

See you in Heaven,
Kristy ("Miss Hicks") Coker"
Kristy Fowler Coker of Abilene, Texas

"On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincere condolences to you. We share the same loss...the same pain. Our prayers go out to you and we thank you and your brave son for making the ultimate sacrifice.

From the Family of Capt. Ernesto Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/03"
Gloria Caldas of San Antonio, TX

"May God embrace you in your time of grief and be with you all. My nephew, Sgt. Ryan Young, also from Fort Riley, died in December the same way. My heart goes out to you all. Thank you Doyle for dying so we can live freely. You will never be forgotten"
Maureen Ledet of San Angelo, Texas

"To Doyle's Family:
There are no words to express our deep sorrow for your loss. Maybe God bless you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To Doyle's family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Doyle. This is a difficult time in our world and your son did an honorable thing by standing up to the evil of terrorism. Please accept my depest sympathies."
mark reif of winchester, VA

"Thank you Doyle Hufstedler, 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 1st Lt. Doyle Hufstedler:
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 Doyle 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 1st Lt. Doyle Hufstedler:
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 Doyle, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia