Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army Sgt. Darrin K. Potter

24, of Louisville, Kentucky.
Potter was a member of a military police team searching the prison area near Abu Ghraib Prison, Iraq. During the search, his vehicle left the road and went into a canal. SGT Potter died in the vehicle, two other soldiers escaped. He was assigned to the 223rd Military Police Company, U.S. Army National Guard, Louisville, Kentucky. Died on September 29, 2003.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Sgt. Darrin K. Potter.

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"Darrin, there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I still remember being at the Camp Victory palace when we received the call... Everyone loaded up and rushed to the TOC, but they wouldn't let us leave to go help you. I am so sorry that we could not be there for you brother. Each day I try to make sure I live my life the best I can, knowing that you didn't get to finish yours. I have three kids now, two boys. I hope to tell them one day how my friend and hero lost his life protecting us. Thank you. We will never forget you..."
Rodney McGaughey of Bowling Green, KY

"To the family of SGT Potter and members of the 223 MP CO. I have thought of Darrin many times since that night in Iraq. My heart-felt sympathy goes out to you all. I was at the 223rd MP CO TOC at Camp Bucca as the message updates were being passed on to members of his company. I have thought many times if there was something else I could have done to prevent this from happening.

As I talked with members of the 223rd that night I wish there had been some way I could have taken away their grief and pain. Darrin stood among the best and will be missed by the 223 MP CO, 530th MP BN and the MP Community.


Colonel Steve Novotny
530th MP BN Commander"
Colonel Steve Novotny of Nebraska

"I hope I am keeping my promise Darrin. 10. I can never stop thinking about that night."
Harned of Louisville, Ky

"Hard to think you have been gone since 2003 and recall the day I got the news which crushed my family. I recall our last day at the Churchill Downs at KY Oaks. We had so much fun that day and so many others while at UL. Miss you a lot and have been to see you at the grave site. Wish you could be with us on this past KY Oaks and Derby."
JPM of Louisville, KY

"I have been thinking of SGT Potter since Memorial Day is around the corner. I served with SGT Potter at Camp Bucca, Iraq 2003. I remember him always having a smile on his face and was so nice to everyone. I will all ways remember when I was told that his hummer overturned in the canal I felt horrible. I am happy to say though that I served with a true american hero who gave his life for his country. SGT Potter gone but not forgotten."
Michelle S. of Ft. Myers, FL

"SGT Darrin Potter:
I was the Operations Officer for the 800th MP Brigade that worked with you and the 223rd MP Company in Camp Bucca and at Camp Victory Iraq. I was the one who ordered your platoon to help defend the positions outside of Abu Ghraib. Its something that I live with to this day. I remember the night when you went missing and the announcement that they had found you. I am still deeply affected by it to this day as well as Sgt Andrew Baddick. I have never forgotten you or the job you did with our unit and pray for you and your familiy every day brave soldier. Major Al Garbarino (Major G) Retired"
Major Al Garbarino of Merrick, New York

"I happened upon this site today, and am moved by all the messages. I did not serve with SGT Potter, but it is apparent that he left a huge impact on the Soldiers under his charge.
To the families, my condolensces, thoughts, and prayers.
To my fellow servicemembers, thank you for your service, and thank you for honoring this NCO. I only wish this site, and many more like it, were more readily visited and praised."
1SG Hunt of Columbus, Ohio

"I was right in front of you, I wish it were my HMMWV and not yours"
Tim of Lexington

""To the family of Darrin K Potter ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know 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 pray with you or talk to 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""

"Just thinking about you and wanted to let you know that you and my little guy have more than just your name in common, and I am not sure I am ready for that. I think that you two would get into some real trouble. I am glad you are his namesake, and I love telling him stories about you and why he is named after you. You are a hero, and you are missed. We love you, Darrin."
Ashley Johnson of Lexington, KY

"Darrin. Its been a little over 6 years now since that horrible night. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and what could have been done different. I met your sister, mom and grandparents at you grave a couple months back. They have been there for me to help me through this. You will never be forgotten. I love you Darrin."
rdp of berea, ky

"Darrin, I was with you when the first mortar hit that we had to respond to. I was in the HMMWV in front of you when it happened. I miss you man......"
Tim Croxton of Lexington, Kentucky

"Sitting here thinking about you. You are forever in our hearts and minds! God Bless you, brother."
Michael Felts of Hopkinsville, KY

"Hey babe... me, again... 6 years today you have been gone, and it still feels like yesterday... I can still hear your voice on the phone saying, "can ya hear me now??", lol... I miss you more than you could possibly imagine! Rodney is headed to see you right now, hopefully meeting Anita there in a lil while... your mom went and saw you this morning, and your dad is coming later tonight... I really wish I could be there to visit you today, hopefully next year I will be in a better place in life and can make it up there... you would be so proud of me right now, I am getting ready to go to EMT school starting in Dec- and Trinity is growing up to be quite the beautiful young lady, she will be 4 next month, wish she could have met you... but she will know all about you and what a great person you were and how you influenced my life in so many ways... Saturday, I was really wishing you were a phone call away- a guy was murdered on my street, just a few houses away, and I helped lead the cops to the gun, and now I can't even go home, cause I am too scared... even though you can't be here physically for me, I know that you are always around, and looking out for me... I love you always Darrin!!!!"
Liberty of Sarasota, FL

"My wife and I took our son to see you today. Neither one of us can believe it's almost been six years. It seems just like yesterday. Caleb had lots of questions about you and why he was named after you. Ashley said that you would be very proud of him and that the two of you would probably stay in trouble together. I miss you Brother every day. Mike couldn't make it today but I know that he was thinking of you because he called as I was leaving the cemetery. You are always in our thoughts!"
Stryker3Alpha of Lexington, KY

"Hey babe... it is Memorial Day 2009- you have been gone almost 6 years, and I miss you today just as much as I have every day since you have been gone. Even without you here, I am still meeting people whose lives you touched, like mine. I am friends now with Anita- we keep in touch online, you are right, you had one special sister- and even from the grave, you helped find someone special for her... Rodney and I have also become friends from a distance- both found me from my message on your page here to you last year. I hope to be making a trip up to Louisville this year to visit Rodney and so that he can take me to your grave where you rest, so that I can finally say goodbye to you in person. I am so proud of you and thankful that I had you in my life while you were with us- I feel truly blessed to have known what a special person you were here, even if that time was cut short. I know you sacrificed your life for what you believed in- the freedom of everyone in this beautiful country that we live in- and knowing that helps give me some peace. I still wish that you could have met Trinity, but she will grow up knowing who you were and what a special part of my life you will always be- you are gone, but NEVER forgotten!!!!! I just want you to know how much I will always love and miss you, Darrin!!!!"
Liberty Burke of Sarasota, FL

"Darrin...Wow I want to pick the phone up an call you just like I always did. There wasn't a week that went by even after we dated that we didn't talk and most of the time see eachother. I miss our all night talk sessions, trying not to laugh to loud because we didn't want to wake Mike up. The best was your ARMY Christmas Party over off Hurstbourne Ln. Wow how much fun did we have that night. Who had toooo much...??? Did we have a blast or what. I miss my "LITTLE BUDDY" so much! I go by the grave yard where you rest and I try to talk to you and all I do is end up crying because I miss you so much. It just isn't right what happen to you. I want to be mad but I know you and you would tell me to stop making a fuss over you and be happy. Remember the good times and laugh at them with you. I know that's what your doing at this time, your watching over all of us and laughing each and everytime we tell a story! I will carry you with me forever. I hear you voice so often still. Even after you were gone I would call your phone just to hear your voice mail. God how I miss you!!! I wish you were here, I need you hear to have one of our all nighter's, talking about everything. I need it so bad and there is nobody else that I have ever been able to talk to like that than you. Nicholas say's Hi and he misses you. He remembers all the fun things we did and went and when you put his stroller together and everytime I would push him in it the wheels would fall off. Your one hell of a police officer and soldier but you can't build a stroller for anything. Dad just bought a new red Corvette Conv. And each time I drive it I will surely be thinking of you. I'm sure you will be watching me and laughing at me drive it telling me what I should or better yet what I shouldn't be doing. I'm sure your laughing your butt off now thinking about me driving that. Well, I miss ya "little buddy" and nobody will ever take your place. I will always hold a special place in my heart just for you. I know I'm being a sap and you want me to be quiet, it's just been almost 6 years since I have gotten to talk to you like this. I love you and miss ya little buddy. Watch over us and we will always keep your memory alive down here. until we meet again..."
Brandie Colburn of Taylorsville, KY

"My name is Steve Blackwell and I have created a Profile on the Army Together We Served website for SGT Potter.

http://army.togetherweserved.com/profile/123479

If anyone has any information such as awards, ribbons, units, pictures, or anything else that I can post to Darrin's Fallen Profile, please email me at atwsfallenmp@gmail.com

Steve Blackwell
Webmaster, the Military Police Homepage
http://www.militarypolice.com"
Steve Blackwell of Hampton, VA

"Stryker3Charlie, Brother not a day goes by that I don't think of you. It's been that way for over five years. I have reminders everywhere... in my office... my passwords... my home...my son. I miss you. I cannot sit down and play cards anymore without your memory coming to the front of my mind. My only wish is that I would have went to Abu either with you or instead of you. Most people have no idea how many times you cheated death in Iraq before September 29th, 2003. I thought you were invincible. I miss you brother!"
Styker3Alpha of Lexington, Ky

"Darrin- I was in the closest tower at abu, tiger 97, when your humvee rolled into the canal. Listening to the chaos on the radio, and trying to clarify things, but not being able to physically do anything to help... it was the most helpless i've ever felt in my life. All i could do was provide overwatch security and be the eyes and ears on the radio. I miss you brother, and i think of you and pray every day. I pray that your family is doing well also."
greg of wi

"I served with Darrin in Iraq with the 223. I was a young soldier just out of basic and had been involuntarily transferred to the 223rd. I didn't know hardly anyone there at the time and we had just told our families goodbye. I remember it like it was yesterday, Darrin came up to me and patted me on the back and said "it will be okay man, its not the end of the world." Darrin and I quickly became friends after that, I immediately saw he was someone I could talk too.
While in Fort Dix before deploying. Darrin and some of us were hanging out at the club on base and Darrin wanted me to have a drink with him. I wasn't much of drinker but Darrin snuck off to the bar and bought me a Makers Mark and Coke. Now that I think about it that was one of the best drinks i ever had because i got to drink it with him. I still drink one every now and then in his honor.
I still were his KIA bracelet everyday of my life. I wear it everytime I leave and I don't take it off until the day is over. I must have had a thousand people ask me what that bracelet means over these past 5 years and each time I enjoy telling them about how great Darrin was. I am a police officer now and Darrin's name is around my wrist each second I'm out there. I miss you brother and I'll see you on the other side."
Fellow Soldier of Kentucky

"August 20, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Darrin K. Potter:
Darrin 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

"Darrin " Chubbs McGee" Potter
I still laugh so hard when I remember that night. Good times man,
Its been going on 5 years since I heard you were gone and yet it seems like last night when you were a cadet on the Jefferson County Police Dept. We would patrol the mean streets of Adam district and see what we could stur up. Those were great times and some of the funnest times of my career. Mike, Angie and me talk about you from time to time a laugh and remember. Every time I see a red Corvette or see a Makers Mark item I think about you. I wear your name on my bracelet every day, many people ask about you when they see it and I tell about you. As long as I am alive on this earth I will carry your name with me, tell your story and remind people that freedom is'nt free. May god look over you and your family. Know that we miss you and keep your name alive. Bye for now Brother."
Scott Pickett JCPD of Louisville, Ky. USA

"Darrin-
One more thing. I remember that foot locker we found on Eage Base, Bosnia, w/ all that alcohol. Everyone wanted to keep it so they could consume it later. You did the right thing by getting rid of it. Still makes me laugh all these years later!
By the way I left the Army and joined the Air Force and later joined OSI. Funny how things turn out Bro!
Wayne Pugh cwpugh30@yahoo.com"
Wayne Pugh of SA, TX

"Darrin,
Wow it's been awhile now! I remember when I was in Bosnia and SFC Hammond asked who should take my place as "MPI", and w/out a doubt I said you, of course! You were truly what an NCO was all about! You are missed by so many.
We all miss you!"
Wayne Pugh of San Antonio, TX

"Hey Darrin,
it's your cousin Kate! The family misses you...and you will always be remembered fondly. All the little ones are growing up. Wish you were here..."
Kate of Louisville, Kentucky

"Darrin,
it's been a long time since you've been gone, but i think of you often. I met you through your dad, we bonded fast and i know we would have become lifelong friends. It chokes me up right now just to think that you are not here. You left a lot of people with a big hole in their lives. I have a picture of you in uniform hanging in my bar downstairs and i raise a shot of Jack to you often. As a Brit with a dry , stupid sense of humor, not a lot of people make me laugh, but you always did. I miss you dude. I thank you for your service, and would also like to take the opp to thank America as a whole for everything they have done for my Country. If it wasn't for the American military i would be speaking German.....
Gareth - England (living in Louiville)
luv u mate"
Gareth of Louisville, KY

"I apologize, I did totally not proof read my earlier message- in the last paragraph of the message below this one, i mis-spelled a name... it is Andrew Baddick, no R in the last name, my typing error..."
Liberty

"Darrin- hey babe... wow, I miss you so much!! It has been almost 4 1/2 years now, and there is still hardly a day that goes by that I don't miss you, bro. I remember the last time I talked to you, when you called me from your cell over there with your weekly (or so) check in- you were going to be going to stay in one of the palaces, and you were pretty stoked about it. You always found the silver lining on the black cloud, just one of the many reasons that I loved you so much. I was so devestated when I found out about what happened to you. After weeks of not hearing from you, I knew something wasn't right, and I went online and did a search on LCJ paper, and up poppped KIA. I don't think that I have ever cried so hard or so long before, and I know I haven't since. Some friends of mine went to DC and took pics of your memorial up there for me- but I still have had a hard time with closure- but, you know that, don't you buddy?

The saying has always been "God works in mysterious ways", and I have always believed that to be true- and I know you and I had lots of conversations about that kind of stuff, "everything happens for a reason", etc... even though, after your death, I have to admit I questioned God, why you? Why one of the best people that I had ever known in my life? I have come to realize that I may never really have a direct answer to that specific part of that question, cause you are part of a bigger picture. Why any of the guys that have sacrificed their lives over there?

You always told me how awesome of a person that I am, how happy I deserve to be, and how happy I will make someone because of how great I am- and you always made me believe it, too! Now, years after you are gone, I can still hear you telling me those things about me that made me stick out from everyone else, and why I should never settle for less than I deserve. Because of you, I have stuck to that standard. I wish you were still here to meet my beautiful daughter, Trinity, she is almost 2 1/2, she is the most awesome thing ever! And she has made my standards even higher than you had me set them, if you can believe that- lol!!!

So, back to God working in mysterious ways- I think that you are in cahoots up there with him, aren't you? I went out on a blind date with a guy a while back, thinking that it was just another first date that was going to bomb out like all the other ones that I am used to. He used to be 82nd at Bragg, so he and I started talking Army, and of course you came up while I was talking... I started describing to him what happened to you, and his mouth fell open, he dropped the drink he was holding (thank goodness we were at the beach) and took a couple of steps back from me with a total look of dumbfoundment upon his face. Turns out that this guy that I am now with, was best friends with the guy in 82nd that died trying to save you, Darrin. That is not just coincidence, I don't believe that it is, anyway.

Being in FL (after GA), I never met your family- (talked to your dad a few times on the phone, know where you got your humor from =o) ) I didn't have anyone here that knew you, I didn't have your grave here that I could go and visit and talk to- didn't really have anyone that understood what I was feeling, the pain that I still feel to some extent to this day. But, now I have someone that does understand, and we share more than most people that have lost loved ones over there, our's died together. I feel like I am finally starting to get the closure that I have needed. Not that I will ever forget you, that will NEVER happen... in fact, I still think of you every time I see the Verizon commercials- "can you hear me now?!", actually, I can still hear your voice saying it, a little crackly at times, while I was out at my parents house (in BFE, lol) during that over 6 month period that we talked at least once every day.... lots and lots of things that I will never forget about you, I could go on for hours, as I am sure Abe, Fatboy, your sis and the rest of your family and friends could do, too. I know that they all miss you daily, too. I will love you always and forever babe!!!

To Darrins family and Abe... I have a few pics from when Darrin and Abe came down here in June 2002, contact me at the email address below and I would be happy to send them to you... I tried calling Abe a couple of times in the past and didn't get him, and I just found this page tonight and poured my heart out... I just wanted ya'll to know how much I love and miss him- plus it really helped me feel better, for the first time, I actually felt like I was talking to Darrin tonight- like Sgt Reece wrote on Andrew Braddick's page where he found Darrin's cross on the beach in CA and talked to it for a while. Another amazing story to go along with your amazing Darrin.

God Bless You All!!!!!"
Liberty Burke (hrsshu23@yahoo.com) of Sarasota, FL

"I was lucky enough to serve with Darrin in Iraq. He and I were in the same platoon. Darrin and my husband Todd were in the same squad. We spent most days playing cards with Darrin. My husband thought the world of him, and we were both devestated by his death. He was a wonderful person, and a great friend. In 2004 we had a son and named him after Darrin. I hope our son grows up with the passion for life that Darrin had....."
Ashley Johnson of Lexington KY

"I was stationed with SGT Potter in 2001 at Eagle Base, Tusla Bosina. At the time I was the Commander for the Army CID Unit on Eagle Base. SGT Potter was part of a reserve unit that assisted our office on a daily basis. The one thing I remembered most about him was his willingness to always help the agents out and to assist me with cases we were working. Whatever he did, he did it with a smile and a motivated attitude. It always made me feel good to have a Soldier of his caliber around. When I learned of his passing, I was shocked and sadden. However, in times like that you reflect on a person's life. You hope that they have lived a good life and added something to the world while they were here. From meeting and working with SGT Potter he added something to the world and if you met him, he made that day a little better for you....it seems I also remember him showing me a picture of a corvette or some sports car that he could not wait to get home to....just another fond memory I had of him...my thoughts and prayers will be with his family always"
CW3 (Ret) Karen Thompson, USACIDC of Fort Belvoir, VA

"As a fellow Mp in the 223rd Mp co. of louisville Ky, i would love to say that darrin was a great man,friend,and he was a true american soldier. There isnt a day that goes by that i dont think of him and how he passed serving our country and that i thank him everyday. "Some give a little and some give it all!" My condolences go out to his family, and Darrin i will see you soon!!!! HOOAH!!!!"
fellow soldier of the 223rd Mp co. of louisville,KY

"Darrin, My Beloved Son It has been almost 4 years now and a day doesn't pass that I do not think of you. It is still like a bad dream and the pain of the loss of you my son is still so unbearable. I will always miss you and will have you in my thoughts everyday. I will always be proud to say you were a great soldier, police officer, friend , brother, and my son. I love you and always will."
Dave of Louisville, KY

"Darrin, miss you all the time. No one made people smile like you did! All of our prayers and love are with you."
Pamela Stocker of Louisville, Ky

"MY NAME IS SGT J. RAY. I SERVED WITH SGT POTTER IN BOSNIA, EAGLE BASE. I DID NOT KNOW SGT POTTER AS WELL AS I WOULD HAVE LIKED, I DO KNOW THAT HE WAS WELL LIKED AND ADMIRED BY ALL THAT SERVED WITH HIM. DARRIN YOU ARE THE FIRST OF THE THIS TERRIBLE LIST THAT I HAVE SERVED OVERSEAS WITH, YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN."
SGT J RAY of NASHVILLE, TN

"Darrin,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OIF, but also for your service in Bosnia as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"I served with DARRIN POTTER at camp bucca,we were in the same unit,i actually had an argument with darrin over a girl the last time i saw him,he flashed the pic of his sister around so much i thought it was his girlfriend and when this new girl came looking for darrin i spoke up saying it was wrong to cheat,darrin said he wasnt cheating,it was his sister in the pic.I was wrong and now he's gone and its too late to say i'm sorry.Darrin paid the ultimate price for freedom and i will never forget him,Darrin is a true hero,my prayers and heart go out to him and his family.please forgive me darrin,i'm sorry brother."
sorry soldier of kentucky/USA

"I will never forget the night Sgt Darrin Potter went to be with the lord. I was his security overwatch as he and members of the 82nd went out on a mission across route Tampa. I watched the whole accidet from about a 100 meters away. I wanted to help but could not leave my postion. Not a day goes bye that I dont think of the night of 29Sept2003. You will live in my heart and mind forever Sgt Darren Potter."
Sgt Gregg Alberini 447th Mp Co. of Warren Ohio U.S.

"I will never forget the night Sgt Darren Potter went to be with the lord. I was his security overwatch as he and members of the 82nd went out on a mission across route Tampa. I watched the whole accidet from about a 100 meters away. I wanted to help but could not leave my postion. Not a day goes bye that I dont think of the night of 29Sept2003. You will live in my heart and mind forever Sgt Darren Potter."
Sgt Gregg Alberini 447th Mp Co. of Warren Ohio U.S.

"From a friend and fellow team member - I am truly blessed to have known Darrin and know that he is in a better place. My condolences to the family. "Blessed are the Peacemakers...""
Trucker 1 of Louisville, KY

"I swear I will never forget, that night we had the worst lasanga I think the military could possilbly find. I remember Cory stealing like 4 puddings for Darrin cause that was all he was eating and he enjoyed every last one of them! I remember looking him in the eyes that night and... I don't know... he was glowing.
I laugh now at all of the reps that come into our unit that are missing out on the 3 stooges (Darrin, Matt, & Abe) I think they could smell the girls as they would pull into the parking lot.:) Sometmes I still catch myself thinking "I need to warn that new girl"
I know that he and I will meet again one day in our fathers kingdom and we'll hang out by the hot tub! I love you Darrin!
Super Dave I pray or your strength everyday!
My Love Forever
Your Friend and Fellow Soldier"
of Louisville, Ky

"DARRIN WAS MY TEAM LEADER IN BOSNIA,HE WAS A GREAT LEADER THAT I LEARNED ALOT FROM! ILL NEVER FORGET HIM,HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND MENTOR!I SALUTE YOU!"
SGT CORNELL of LOUISVILLE,KY

"Anita and family-I was thinking about Darrin today and thought I should come over here to let you know. There aren't many days when I don't think about you guys and about the sacrifices you've had to make. As always, your family remains in my prayers."
Tiffany Schroer (Dearmond) of Louisville, KY

"Assist, Protect, Defend. Not for self, but for country.
Your country salutes you Darrin.

From a former member of 223rd MP Co"
Brett Beaverson of Taylorsville, KY

"I knew Darrin from Butler High School...talk about someone who could light up a room by just entering. He was one hell of a guy and one hell of a soldier. He'll forever be missed. Love you D!"
Me of Louisville, Kentucky

"I served alongside Sgt. Potter's unit in southern Iraq and at Abu Ghraib. I never met him personally but I remember seeing him out and about. My heart goes out to the true heroes of that horrible night - his innocent family, who sacrificed their young man. God Bless his family!"
George Sakellakis of Brook Park, OH/USA

"I served alongside Sgt. Potter's unit in southern Iraq and at Abu Ghraib. I never met him personally but I remember seeing him out and about. My heart goes out to the true heroes of that horrible night - his innocent family, who sacrificed their young man. God Bless his family!"
George Sakellakis of Brook Park, OH/USA

"It has been over a year now. Almost a year since my unit returned home from Abu Ghuraib. I met Darrin at Camp Bucca and only talked to him a few times at Abu. Seems like yesterday that that long night was upon us. I wear the ID braclet of SGT Darrin K. Potter everyday. I hope his memory continues to be livid for years to come."
SFC Bruce Murdock (447th MP CO) of Akron, Ohio

"I never met SGT Potter, but we served with the 223rd at Camp Bucca, and they later came up to join us at Abu...I remember how torn up everyone was, it was just too close to home...Most of the unit (447th MP CO) wears his bracelet and that of Andrew Baddick (1/504, 82nd) who died trying to save him...Rest in peace, brother"
SSG Justin Benzie of Akron, OH

"I never had the pleasure of meeting Darrin, but when my best friend called to tell me a friend of hers had died in Iraq, I was deeply saddened. When all of my friends were mourning Darrin’s death, I wanted to do something to help make the funeral as special for Darrin’s family and friends as possible. I had the pleasure of scanning all of the photos (from birth to Iraq) for Darrin’s funeral [slideshow / video]. During this, I became to know Darrin, and realized how great of a son, brother and friend he was to everyone.

‘Darrin, you will truly be missed by all of your family, friends, those who served with you and those who never had the opportunity to meet you. In my heart, I call you a friend that I never knew, but will never forget.’

~ All gave some…some gave all ~"
Jessica Parrish of Louisville, Kentucky

"Darrin, I will never forget the day you passed. The whole post walked around in a daze for quite some time. I did not know you, but after the memorial service I knew you had to be a great guy and well loved after what your fellow soldiers said! You and your family are in my prayers. Rest in Peace MP"
Spc. Anthony Whipkey of Leonardtown, md

"I served with SGT Potter at Camp Bucca, Iraq. He was a great friend to all that knew and served with him. His memory will remain strong with us all. SGT Potter was and is a true America Hero."
SPC James Kelly of Walton, Ky 940th MP CO.

"As a high classmates of Darrin, I was shocked and upset by his death. But his service to our country can never be repaid. May God bless his family! Darrin was a good guy and I will miss him!"
Josh Suiter of New Albany, Indiana, USA

"My sincere condolences offered in recognition of Darrin's service to his country, and the Kentucky National Guard. He died with honor, and will be remembered."
SSG C. Hawkins of Frankfort, Kentucky

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

"Hello I don't know if anyone will get this message since Darrins death was a few months ago but I just found the site! My husband is Mike Beeler from the 223 and he was good friends with Darrin! His death has hit him pretty hard and we think about the family alot! We want to express our deepest sympathy! We miss him and he will never be forgotten!"
Alisha Beeler of Louisville,KY

"i am so sorry to hear about darrin he was a kind and sweet guy. i remember him when we were little and we all went to church together. he will never be forgotten. he will remain in our hearts forever."
samantha carrier of louisville ky

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

"One can't put into words the sorrow felt for all the young men sent into battle that never get to enjoy the freedom they themselves stood for. As a Viet Nam Vet I salute you."
Joe Potter (Sgt.USAF retired) of Kempt, Nova Scotia Canada

"I know that you do not know me but I served with Darrin in Bosnia and I also saw him before he left for Iraq.. He was a very funny and flirtaous man who loved life and the females.... I drove all the way to New Jersey to see my Boyfriend(who is now my ex but still great friends).... I took my best friend with me.. We met the crew at TGIfridays and then we went to Ft. dix to the Sausage club..I say that because there were so many men in the place...He put the slickest move on my best friend.. He was talking to her in my car and he reached over the seat and popped it back to sway her... It was the highlight of the trip.. I still think of Potter the same way, he was a great man... His funeral is one I still talk about and will continue to talk about... Staples and abe gave a great speech,,,,... I hope you and your family will one day look back at his life and say..." Only Darrin could live a life that fabulous in that short of time"/// He was truely an individual that makes you think about enjoying life to the fullest everyday...
god bless your family..and you...
SPC Exler"
Rena of Radcliff, Ky

"Darrin you were a great friend and wonderful soldier. For all others, Darrin worked for me on the Drug Suppression Unit while we were assigned in Bosnia. He was a great investigator and I was lucky enough to meet with him again in Kuwait, before we headed up north into Baghdad. I will always treasure the great times we had together as Reservists and what a nice guy he was."
James "Jay" Collins of Jacksonville, FL

"The women and men of the FBI Agents Association salute your service."
SA Darin L. Paul of Detroit, Michigan, USA

"Thank you Darrin Potter, 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 of Darrin Potter. Darrin is a true hero and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I served with the 223rd in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, and know the 223rd is like family and mourn Darrin's loss. God has a special place for Darrin, I beleive that with all my heart."
FBI Special Agent D. Louis Mitchell of West Palm Beach, Florida

"TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DARRIN POTTER. I DIDN'T KNOW YOUR SON, BUT I KNOW ONE OF HIS FRIENDS OFFICER PUGH
AND SHE TOLD ME HE WAS A GREAT GUY.
AS A FELLOW SOLDIER I KNOW THE HIGHEST HONOR I CAN GIVE SGT POTTER IS A SALUTE.
I SALUTE HIM. GOD BLESS YOU."
SSG TIM BROWN of LOUISVILLE

""Military Police Corps Regimental Prayer
By Chaplain Michael Yarman

Heavenly Father - We approach You today because You have called us to be a people of prayer.

We praise You because You are our Creator, our Redeemer and our Provider.

We acknowledge our great need for You as we fulfill our mission as soldiers.

We have been called to serve our nation as Military Police and we are proud of the honored heritage of the Regiment and our motto: Of the Troops and For the Troops.

Whether we are fighting an enemy, securing as area, patrolling the streets, or helping someone in distress, help us, O Lord, to always be men and women of integrity who can be counted on to do the right thing.

Give us the strength to stand for what is right and to oppose those who would do harm to our nation and the people we serve.

May we always be truthful in Word, Deed and Signature, and bring honor through our service to the memory of those in the Regiment who gave the supreme sacrifice for their country.

Guide us now, Father, by giving us wisdom and knowledge from on high, that as Military Police we will always be prepared to Assist, Protect and Defend.""
CPT Glidewell

"To the family and friends of Darrin Potter: may you find peace in knowing Darrin is a true hero! I am a graduate of 2001 from butler highschool, am a friend of a soldier from the 223rd, and a military wife myself. Please accept my deepest condolences in your very troubling times. Love and prayers going out to you. Darrin, you were and always will be a true American hero!!"
Tiffany Schroer of Louisville, KY, USA

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Darrin Potter:
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 Darrin 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. Darrin Potter:
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 Darrin, 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