Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Spc Lutters was always fun to be around.I wasn't there the day he was taking away from us, but i will never forget.It's hard to share that day he was taking with the day i was born. He will be missed by us all."
Sgt Harrison, Patrick A of NEVADA MISSOURI

"Derrick you were my mentor into the national guard, and you were also my brother-in-arms. you showed me everything i needed to know for life let alone the military. i miss you greatly brother and i think about you often."
Spc. Kelly Ray Simmonds of Colby. Kansas

"Derrick, Thanks for all the Memories, I think of you each and every day,
Love DAD"

"Derrick,
This will be the third Veterans Day I pause in your honor and the honor of many others. When I say I think of you every day, those words could not be more true. To be honest there are days that I wish I did not think of you and then I have to replace the bad memories that haunt me with the good ones that make me smile. Your family is in my prayers daily, know that you are missed and thank you for watching over us all. God has truly blessed me with your presence in my life.
SSG Honeycutt (DOC)"
SuzAnne Honeycutt of Hutchinson, Kansas USA

"Derrick, I know it has been a while, but not a day goes by that I don't think of you and your sacrifice for this great country. Because of you we can have freedom. Thank you my brother, you are missed more than words can say"
Spc. Dan Winegar of Wichita , KS

"There has not been a day go by that I have not thought of you. When we were preparing to leave Iraq I struggled so much with the thought of leaving you and Dusty behind. People were happy to be leaving but I was not. I couldnt get beyond the thought that we would be leaving you and Dusty in Iraq. I know you are in a much better place than I. Your smile was infectious and I am proud to wear your name on my body forever.

For the family members left behind, Derrick was an awsome person and liked by everyone. Job well done with this young man."
SSG SuzAnne Honeycutt of Hutchinson, Kansas

"It's been a year ago today that Derrick was taken from this earth. He's in a much better place, but we miss him just as deeply as we did a year ago. Thank you to all who have shared memories of Derrick, they are truly precious. I know that Derrick is smiling down on all of us."
Aunt Marie of Ransom, Kansas

"It's been almost a year now but I haven't forgotten you. I know that I didn't always agree with you about the war but I respected you and you respected me nonetheless. Don't worry about your mom, my dad's been helping her out like a good brother and the whole family is too.
I remember you as the scrawny little kid playing guitar as a teenager and the big soldier swinging my brother from your arms when you tackled him.
I wish I knew you better before you died, but I guess that what heaven is for."
Alicia Dressman of Overland Park, KS

"Spc. Lutters, You are gods soldier now, no longer mine.. Derrik your my standard for a soldier and warrior. I so wish that I could have prepared you more. I will alawys look up to you for your courage and kindness. We will miss so. I was lucky to had been your platoon seargent.."
Sfc. Mark Mitzner of Afton, Ok

"Remembering a Hero who answered the call without questioning what maybe we should have."
anonymous of USA

"There are not to many people who continually have a smile on their face. Derrick was one of those people. I didn't get the chance to know him as well as I would have liked but I had a few chances to hang out and have a couple of beers with him. I'm glad that I got to serve with him it was an honor and a priveledge. Derrick is a true hero. I only wish there was more like him."
Spc. Jeremy Blevens of Neodesha, Ks

"I had the wonderful fortune of being one of Derrick's sixth grade teachers. He passed through my life with a smile and a wink. During our year together we worked on a veterans' project that left all of us feeling very proud and patriotic. As a young man he stepped into those shoes and did what he thought needed to be done. He will always be my hero."
R. Peters of Louisburg, KS

"Derrick was an awesome person, and a great friend as well, no matter what happened he was always there for you...he was a hero in life as he is now... we will never forget you Derrick, or the things that you brought to our lives. We love you and miss you everyday!!! Fly with the angels..."
Amanda Asher & Damian Bost of Burlington Colorado

"Derrick was extremely brave and a friend to all that knew him. Memories of him will keep his spirit alive forever. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family always."
AD1 (AW/SW) SPARKS USN of JACKSONVILLE, FL

"We were all furtanant to meet Derrick J. Lutters, he truly is more than just a hero, is also a true friend. We hope to keep in touch with everyone who know us and may God be with you all always. Last but not least,,,To all of us Derrick may be a fallen sodlior, but his spirit will always be around all that he knew."
marylou, mike, gomez and family of elkhart and rolla ks.

"SPC Derrick J. Lutters is our hero highlighted today, 27 July 2005, in the Mulit-National Corps Joint Operations Center in Baghdad, Iraq. I put his picture up for a moment of silence at our brief. It was seen by everyone from a Three Star General to a Private First Class. We will not forget him."
Lieutenant Commander J. Michael Hakanson, Chaplain Corps, USN of Baghdad, Iraq

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From the family of LCpl Branden P. Ramey, KIA 11/8/04"
Sandy of CA

"The gift of Derrick's life for our freedom will always be in our hearts."
Fred and Diana Dycus of Goodland, KS

"I did not know SPC Lutters very long, but remember the times around him. He was always ready with a joke and kept everyone in a good mood. One of the best guys I've ever had the honor of meeting. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile. He is greatly missed, as a Soldier, and even more as a friend. Hooah SPC Lutters, Hooah."
SPC Sam Frantz of HSC, 891st ENGR BN, Chanute, KS

"Derrick, you were not only our best man in the wedding but you were our best friend. A tear will fall everyday for you. We love you! You are OUR HERO. You died doing what you always loved. God will take care of you now."
Blake and Amber Helderman of Goodland, KS

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

"To the family, in particular to you Genevieve, know our hearts ache with yours in your tragic loss. I've read many of the memorials posted in honor of Derrick...what a wonderful young man! I know he will be sadly missed, but will be forever in your hearts and your memories."
Jeff & Holly Smith of Greenville, Ohio

"We will forever be greatful for such a loving, giving, and brave young man. Our hearts ache for you Chuck and Marion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
Rod and Debbie Erb of Ransom, KS

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. We will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays and family of Massillon, Ohio

"We will never forget you Derrick. Your friends at Kit Carson Correctional Center in Burlington will always remember how you touched each and every one of us. Thank you for being a great friend and coworker."
Robbie and Sara Satterly of Burlington, CO

"TO THE LUTTERS FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. DERRICK WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEART AND PRAYS. WE LOST OUR SON A YEAR AGO. REMEMBER ALL THOSE FOND MEMORIES OF DERRICK. HE IS ON A NEW MISSION NOW NOT ALONE! GOD BLESS!"
leonard wahl of valley stream ny usa

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

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