Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Sgt Mitts. I wil always remember you and SSG T. for one thing, How commited you were to your soldiers, and duty. Of all the people I met while I was with 3/21, you both cared more for the people you served with. I will always think daily of you guys with fond memories. All of the us will. May God bless you and yours. Let us never forget. Say hello to SSG T. for me, and may we all get to reunite in heaven on day."
SPC Zimmerman of Lancaster, SC

"To the Mitts Family,
My name is Pastor David Reaves formerly known as SPC David Reaves. I had the opportunity of serving in Aco 3/21st INF with David. He was the type of person that always took every oppotunity to give his best. While I am greatly saddened to learn of his passing I am grateful to have known a true hero. I am thankful for David and the legacy and honor displayed by such a noble man..."
David Reaves of Tacoma,Wa USA

"david i can remeber dancing with you at prom on year and just haveing blast i miss you alot and im sad that your gone but one things for sure i'll never forget you and want you stood for=. david we miss you"
carrie of sedro woolley wa usa

"Dave, I remember being a brand new private at 327 and meeting you for the first time. I thought you were at least a SGT so I hardly said a thing... you know what Im talking about. You were so up beat and happy like everything was the best it could be. I admired that from the beginning. Then you said if you ever want to hand out just look me up on the alert roster PFC Mitts. I really enjoyed having you as my friend. I remember you leaving for Washington and I believe I left 327 shortly after. I have always missed the times we had together. I heard from Stone that you had passed. I have seen quite a few go before me but you still stick with me and always will. I wonder sometimes how God can take such a wonderful person from us. Take care Bro and I know you are above us smiling like you always do."
coa

"I still hate knowing I didnt have a chance man...your courage saved Dewayne, know that, and know I did all I could for our brother T....I will never forget your spirit...you were a great friend"
Doc P of Ft Lewis

"David... there are so many should haves and would haves... I miss you man... I miss all the great times at grandma and grandpas... and yet... being your cousin and knowing that I hadn't spoken to you in to long just tears me up inside... I love you cousin David. I know we'll talk again, and forgive the years that had passed."
Edward Stone of Cougar, Washington

"SGT Mitts I had the pleasure of meeting you when you first came to the Alpha company family when the 3-21 first stood up . I was your platoon sgt and then i left the next year to goto Univ of nebraska to teach ROTC ...I cried the day i heard you and SSg T were killed...I should of beeen their with you guys ..God bless your family and your soul .."
David Mcwilliams of 1 AD germany

"SGT MITTS I am confident you fought a good fight. I salute you and your most valorous and honorarable contributions you made. A GREAT NCO and friend your couragous and selfless service will not ever be forgotten and nor our other brothers in arms, I miss you like I do the memories of our child hood Kiss grandma for me and I'll see you SGT. I LOVE YOU CUZ"
SGT STEVEN BALDWIN of MONMOUTH OR

"david i love you so much and wish you were here. i think about you all the time. dave i will see you in heaven and we will be together again. love you cous. "love johnny"
johnny breitmeyer of roseburg or

"I have never met you but was so touched by the article in my local newspaper. I saved it from last year and have kept it in my Bible. May God greatly encourage your family, especially as the one year of your loss is soon here.

Thank you for the priceless gift of your life as I reflect on my birthday today. In this life, I could never give the gift you've sacrificed for me and all Americans. I pray that your reward is rich in heaven."
Dixie Ferguson of Walla Walla, WA

"Dave, My hunting partner for life. I love you like my brother. I will never forget you and I know you will always be there on my future hunts in spirt. The United States is thankful for the service that you did for our country. I miss you so much buddy, until we meet again someday! Your in gods hands now Dave. I miss and love you, I will never forget the memories that we have!!!"
Dusty McGrorty of Warrenton, Oregon

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

"To the family, friends, and fellow soldiers of SGT DAVID MITTS...
I am able to say that serving with Sgt Mitts was a pleasure that I thank God above for. I recieved my promotion to Sgt just yesterday here in Afghanistan where I am now stationed. Hours later, I learned of Sgt Mitts and SSgt Tuialuuluu's deaths. Sgt Mitts and SSGT "T" served as my team leader and squad leader in A Co. 3-21 (GIMLETS) while I was stationed at fort lewis from 2001 through 2003. A finer NCO and leader would be extremely difficult to find. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I remember fondly going to meet with some of his family while we did a mission at Camp Rilea in Oregon. I recall also how much he wanted a little boy. He talked of it often, and it saddens me greatly to know that he was not able to see his son in person. May his spirit live on in those of us who were fortunate enough to have served with him. Upon completion of my mission here in Afghanistan, I am planning on having a KIA bracelet made which I will wear always in honor of both Sgt Mitts and Ssgt Tuialuuluu. I would not be the soldier I am today without them both!"
SGT Terry Long, Former Gimlet (AND PROUD OF IT... BORE BROTHER BORE) of Bagram, Afghanistan

"Even though he might have not remebered me, I remeber him, and will always. I went to school with him in Warrenton Oregon. Our parents were friends. His father and mine worked together. I havent been back to warrenton in awhile but it is a place I will always call home. It's strange because we ended up in the same place,Iraq. I didnt know he had died until I called my mother. The war became so much more real to her and added to her fears for me. David.... You fell a hero and will aways be remebered that way. God bless you and thank you for your service to our country. To the Wife, family and friends of david, as a soldier, the loss of any soldier is hard to deal with, but when its some one you knew it makes it that much harder. As a father myself I can only imagine the grief that you have had to indure and will always have. To the wife of the fallen hero, my heart goes out to you. Even though your son will never know his father, he will know he died a hero. Even though we do not know each other I want you to know if there is anything you ever need, im only an email away. God bless you and your family. Jerry Howe---my email= jerryhowe3@yahoo.com"
SGT. Jerry Howe III of Tikrit,Iraq-HHB 1-7 FA

"Dear David in heaven, I never got a chance to meet you although I feel I,ve known you forever. You were my brothers best friend(Dwayne). You took good care of him and for that I am greatful to you. You are an angel now and we will meet someday. I think of you often and can't understand why this had to happen. You are a true hero. You will forever be in my thoughts and I'm glad I got the chance to write you while you were serving. To your family I am truly sorry. I think about you guys too. Tara if you read this I am truly sorry and I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain. Take care. I love you David and your family. Rest in peace!"
Lashara of Rocky Mount, Va

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

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