Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army Spc. Brandon M. Read

21, of Greeneville, Tennessee.
Read died in Qayyarah West, Iraq, when his convoy came under attack by enemy forces using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 125th Transportation Company from Lexington, Kentucky. Died on September 6, 2004.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Spc. Brandon M. Read.

Links:

Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

Please report inappropriate messages

"It's Memorial Day today. The service we attend is in your memory. I searched the internet for your name and said many prayers. We are going to play taps today at 3pm in your memory-our way to never forget. Love you buddy"
Bridget of Charleston, SC

"I visited Brandon in Arlington a few weeks ago. Still just doesn't seem possible after all these years... I'd give anything to see that smile or hear one of his jokes."
Jessica of Greeneville, TN

"Thought I would drop a note to say I've been thinking about you, I haven't forgotten you or your family my friend. God bless. May 2016"
SSG Norman Perciful of Kent, WA

"Thought I would drop a note to say I've been thinking about you, I haven't forgotten you or your family my friend. God bless."
SSG Norman Perciful of Kent, WA

"Thank you all so much for your condolences, stories and words about Brandon. You will never know what it means to our family that Brandon is not forgotten."
Kelli (Brandon's mom) of TN

""I've told a million lies, but now I tell a single truth---there's you in everything I do." Regret is such a punishing emotion. Miss you, every day."
of TN

"Rest well brother. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

"The Soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the Soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” -General Douglas MacArthur"
SFC Clifford Kurten of Dubois, PA

"Spc Read you was one of my brightest soldiers and that day that you were KIA was the day the unit and this country lost a brother. Even though we have all went in separate directions your memory still lives with all of us. Rest In Peace my Brother."
MSG Dennis Moore US Army Retired of Florida

"I don't know how it's been 10 years, it feels like yesterday I was standing in the funeral home trying to make sense of such a tragedy, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that your gone. Yesterday you were laid to rest at Arlington, such an honor. I'm working on a memorial tattoo for you. I think of you all the time, and will always honor your memory. Love you cuz."
Briana Read of DuBois, PA

"I was simply playing a game on Quizup which is an app and I noticed someone was using an in-memory of picture of Brandon. I didn't understand what KIA meant and googled it, along with his name. My heart goes out to the family & friends of Brandon. What an amazing thing he did by serving his country."
DB of Canada

"To the Read Family - please know that Brandon is remembered today and always with gratitude and the utmost respect. Peace be with you."
Cathy Lowe of Lexington KY

"Even now.. over 7 years later.. it crushes me to think that you're gone. "I miss you" doesn't even cover it. I would give anything to hear your voice again. I know you're at peace and I hope one day I will find some as well.."
Yours always of TN

"Brandon - I just wanted you to know I think of you often. You made the ultimate sacrifice for your friends, family, and your country. We are poorer without you amongst us. You have been and will always be missed by all who knew you."
Nomyar of New York, NY

"To echo what Kawfup, Q, and the others of CV said about EQ - Brandon your legacy lives on in World of Warcraft. While I grew up next to you just over the border in Ky, and we never ran with the same crowd since you are still much younger than I am :) you are still remembered and missed by your online family."
-Thund

"Brandon,

I think about you so often....I talk to you in my prayers at night...its been 7 years since we lost you....I miss you so terribly much...until we meet again my friend....I love you..."
Kayla of DuBois,PA

"Brandon,

It has been seven years today since you were taken from us. I still think of you often and remember your genuine smile. I have a 3 year old son now, also named Brandon, after a hero and a frend. I know you are up above watching over and I want you to know your spirit still lives."
Brandy Chapman of Fort Eustis, Virginia

"Sometimes a song says it best...

Broken this fragile thing now
And I can't pick up the pieces
And I've thrown my words all around
But I can't give you a reason

I feel so broken up
And I give up
I just want to tell you so you know

Here I go,
Scream my lungs out and try to get to you
You are my only one
I let go, but there's just no one that gets me like you
You are my only, my only one

Made my mistakes, let you down
And I can't, I can't hold on for too long
Ran my whole life in the ground
And I can't get up since you're gone

Here I go so dishonestly
Leave a note for you my only one
And I know you can see right through me

Here I go, scream my lungs out and try to get to you
You are my only one
I let go, but there's just no one, no one like you
You are my only, my only one"
-- of TN

"ile pray for yal"
jay of fl

"You are so, so missed. I bet you can feel it from there.. well I hope so.

You will always have a HUGE piece of my heart.

March 21, 2011"
-- of Greeneville, TN

"Still think about you often. Cant believe its been six years. I'm still greatful to you and all the other fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for my freedom. Miss you, Brandon."
Jason Samanka of DuBois, PA

"To the family of Brandon, and the soldiers of the 125th transportation company, it was a pleasure to have served with you. After all the years that has come and gone each having a month of September. I can honestly say Brandon you're remembered. Although it has taken a long time to finally come to terms that an Angel had to watch over us to get us through, you did a great job. MAY YOU CONTINUE TO REST IN PEACE FELLOW SOLDIER."
Sfc Robert C White of Jackson, MS USA " robert_white872@yahoo.com"

"Brandon,

I will never forget. Thank you"
Ranto of Findlay, Ohio

"My girlfriend and I passed your grandparents house like we do just about everyday. She noticed that the GPS had the old road name instead of the new one that your family fought with sandt township to re-name in memory of you. She asked who you were...and I had so many stories to tell from way back when up to your final day. She smiled and appreciated them. I miss you Brandon. I'll never forget."
Jason Samanka of DuBois, PA.

"In a few days, it will have been 5 years since you died.. You are still my hero and I still think of you everyday. I promise I will never stop because you deserve more than anyone to be remembered."
-- 9/3/2009 of TN

"Brandon,

Thought I would stop by and say hello, I still think about you a lot. Not too much has changed here, my son graduated high school last week. I'm proud of him, just as I am proud to have known you. June 2009
."
SSG Norman Perciful of Berea, KY

"Hey bro. Thinking of you on Memorial Day 2009. I'll never forget you."
Kawfup of Crusaders Valorous, Everquest

"-------------------------------------
I basked in you;
I loved you, helplessly, with a boundless tongue-tied love.
And death doesn't prevent me from loving you.
Besides,
in my opinion you aren't dead.
(I know dead people, and you are not dead.)

-- I read this and thought immediately of you.. 3/18/2009
-------------------------------------"
-- of TN

"Feb 2009"
SSG Norman Perciful of Berea, Kentucky

"Brandon,

Been a little while since I've been back here, but I do think of you often. I have talked to your Mom a few times over the years. I plan on visiting your gravesite this year, I have been needing to do that for a while now. I wish every day that we could all go back and do things differently. But I know you are up there watching over us all, and I hope one day we can see each other again."
SSG Norman Perciful of Berea, Kentucky

"Brandon, I remember the day that you were taken from this world. I remember praying in the back of the truck that you were ok. I'm saddened by the thought that I didn't get to know you better.
In the brief time that I had met you, I felt that our friendship had begun to grow exponentially. You were a great man to know. And a great man to remember. God Bless you and your parents. My prayers go to your family. Your life has ended but ours continue on. And for your families I know it's pained. The loss of a child or brother as awesome as you were, would leave a hole unable to be filled. Thank you for being my friend for the short time I knew you."
cody cundiff of somerset, ky

"Brandon...its been over 4 years now. I still think of you often. Every time I pass your grandparent's house I'm reminded of how you gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I still thank you from the bottom of my heart. I miss you. See you when i get there...."
Jason Samanka of DuBois, Pennsylvania

""I have not been on here for a while. As I lay here on the couch, memories of you and our friends keep running through my mind. We had a lot of good times together. I miss you Brandon. It's good to see so many people still visit here. God keep you always and bless your wonderful family.""
Nick of Alpharetta, GA

"It is September 13th, 2008. I have just finished up an evening in the virtual world of Everquest. A world that you liked to spend some of your free time in before you went off to war. I still wear my pink boots. What self respecting dwarf would wear silly pink boots? Well, this one does. Someone asked me tonight about the color, as it classed so garishly with my otherwise green armor. I told him the tale of you and how you went off to war to protect us, that we might have the luxury of sitting in our safe homes, and enjoy leisure time as you once did. I told the tale of how you fell in battle for us. And now I weep. I can only imagine the loss that those who knew you better must feel. My prayers go out to your family. Thank you Brandon, your memmory and the lessons you have taught me will stay with me always."
Logan Hedges, AKA Borr Mac Bel of Monroe, NC, USA

"I would like the parents of Brandon Read to know that my heart goes out to you. I know the pain and hurt never goes away, but I pray that the fond memories of your son, Brandon, renews you daily. And, that you hold to that tomorrow when you shall meet again. Soldiers, I hold very dear to my heart, for I am a veteran, having served in the army, and the 639th Transportation. Your son is a hero to me, this nation, and every person that is privileged to call these United States their home. It comes at a great cost to many. May God hold you close in his arms, and comfort you daily."
Chris Fugate of Kingsport, Tennessee

"August 20, 2008
To the family of Spc. Brandon M. Read:
Brandon 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

"Dear Sir and his family,

My name is Yvette Burridge, I'm from Lafayette, LA.

I just wanted you and your family to know that all of you will remain in my prayers.

I too, lost my son David Burridge (19) in Iraq the same day you lost your life and your family lost you. There are no words that can express the loss and pain. Just know you are not alone.

May God be with you always and keep you near his heart.

I know we lost a good man that day. He will forever be missed and remembered, as well as his family he left behind.

please contact me at 337-781-3776"
Yvette Burridge of Lafayette, LA

"To my friend:
In my heart, but not my sight..
I still think about you day and night
My voice cracks.. can’t even speak your name
My world will never be the same

Across the ocean you took your last breath
A stranger we’ll never know stole the rest
“But he said he would see me soon!”
I screamed that. I cried.
I had nothing to bargain with God, but I tried.

I wonder if you knew or if it hurt
Now your body is below 6 feet of dirt
I wish it were anyone else, but you.

Sometimes I think I can cry myself to death
Then the sobbing would halt for lack of breath
How could you not make it to 22??
I wish it were me instead of you

I write down these words ever so often
Different rhymes.. different lines
Doesn’t matter-- you’re still in a coffin
Usually I rip them up and throw them away
Because it hurts too much to let them stay…
In my sight.. like you’ll never be again

20/20 -- only available in the rearview mirror
Now of course things couldn’t be clearer
I hate the person I was then
But there’s no going back
I hope these words make it to where you are

It’s true.. I wasn’t always a good friend
Now you are gone and I can’t cope with
The things I’ll never get to say
To your face..
I owe you a lot.
You were on the line but I could not--
Speak those words.
My voice cracked then too.
Why couldn’t I have been brave like you?

An apology wouldn’t have been enough anyway
But I should have said something.

I burned a candle for you...
And wanted to melt away with it.."

"Dear family. We are with you on this one and will try whatever we can to correct this wrong. Our son's names should not be used in vain. Parents of Sgt Felix M Del Greco. God bless you."
Claire of simsbury, ct

"Brandon,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you! I miss you so much! I hope you hear my thoughts and prayers of and for you when I talk to you at night! I am making a book of pictures of you and all of the newspaper clippings of you so I can always see you. I'm going to tell Alyssa all about you, and I show her the picture I have of when I had her in the hospital and you were in my bed holding her. I think about you and still after all this time I can't stop thinking about you and can't believe your gone. I know you are watching over me and I can't wait until I can see you again!! I love you so much and miss you terribly!!!"
Cecilia Hammons of Elizabethton, TN, USA

"It's been over 3 years now, and my heart still aches because you are gone. I still visit this site to read about how you touched the lives of so many others. I still think about you and what a wonderful future you would have had.. I hope your family is doing well, though I know it's hard for them without you. I love you and miss you everyday. You're still my hero. I pray you know that."
Jessica of Greeneville, TN

"I still sit here often finding myself thinking of you and your family, Brandon. So many memories still feel like they were only yesterday yet so much has changed. Whenever people read the back window of my car they often ask who Brandon Read is and I tell them your story. I, like everyone here miss you dearly, friend. I would like to leave my e-mail address on here for Mike. I have dug through virtually every paper I own trying to find your number to see how you and your family are since we last spoke so many months ago. Please e-mail me if you read this. cobra83_2@hotmail.com Brandon, God bless you and your family always."
Nicholas DelPonte of Atlanta, GA

"BRANDON

I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY AT YOUR MEMORIAL AND STILL DON'T. YOU KEPT MY MORALE UP, AND YOU ALWAYS KEPT A SMILE.WHEN LEFT THE ROAD WAS THE ONLY THING THAT KEPT ME GOIND. I STILL WISH YOU WERE HERE TODAY. WITH YOU GONE THE WORLD IS A LESSER PLACE. YOU ARE AND WILL BE MISSED. I HOPE THAT YOU ARE STILL SMILING BRANDON. ONE DAY WE'LL MEET UP AGAIN. 88M LEADS THE WAY!"
TONY WHEATLEY of BALTIMORE CITY, MARYLAND

"Brandon,
I Love You and miss you. I still think about you constantly and carry your picture with me in my wallet, the picture of you on the back of the truck with aunt kelli. Thats my favorite picture of you in uniform. Everybody who sees your pic asks "who is that hottie in uniform" thats my cousin Brandon and i tell them your story. We will never forget you and we all love you so much. I remember the last time we talked, it was at my going away party and you called to tell me goodluck. Thank you so much for always being amazing. You are an amazing cousin and friend. I love you so much and some day i will see you again."
Janyl Witherite of Bellefonte, PA

"Brandon,
I served with you in Iraq and remember the day very vividly when the news of your passing came down through the platoons, I still remember the silence, I still remember the tears. I spoke with your mother when we returned, I told her of the conditions in which we rode up and down that dangerous road everyday and you never said a negative word, you just did your job. We carried on for you, and we will never forget you. God Bless you and your family, we truly lost a TRUE SOLDIER."
SFC COREY WILSON of Meridian MS

"Still Thinking Of You Brandon. I Will Never Forget."
Kyle Read of DuBois PA

"Brandon,

Although I never had the opportunity to meet you in real life, you were always a hero in our virtual world of Everquest. When we were in EQ together I knew you only as Kerson the Enchanter. Perhaps you would be gratified to know that Kerson is still revered in the game today. Even now, 2 years after your passing, I cannot help but compare all other Enchanters to you. Simply put, you were one of the most outsanding players I ever met.

From what I have heard and read, you lived the way you played. As an Enchanter in EQ, you always put the safety of others before yourself. You faced overwhelming odds without fear or hesitation. When all seemed lost and other players would panic and run, you stood your ground... and saved many of your fellow players by your quick and decisive actions.

I may have been your class officer in CV, but I always considered us equals and often looked to you for advice and guidance.

I miss you my fellow Enchanter, my companion in arms, my friend.

Q

Qillz Aurus
Enchanter Class Officer
Crusaders Valorous"

"Brandon, you'll never be forgotten.

The day your friends in Everquest found out, we decided as a Guild that from this day forth we would wear the same ugly colored pink boots you used to wear.
Over 2 years later most of the Guild still wears those boots, even some of the members who joined after you passed, and who never knew you.

The fact that people still refuse to change these colors speaks volumes for the impact you have made upon those people around you, even upon those that never met you in person.

May God bless and keep you in His everloving arms my brother.

We miss you."
The members of Crusaders Valorous of Bertox Server, Everquest

"i still can't get over what happen...i want your family to know that a day don't go by without me thinking of you and your love ones....."
SPC Davis, Rakeim of gadsden, alabama

"i think about you all the time.i miss the days we would pick on each other about who could do the best p.t.your my hero Brandon.we will meet again on a better day."
Specialist Wes Brown of wilmington n.c. u.s.a.

"Today we mark the 2nd anniversary of your passing. You are always in our hearts and mind. There are days that the tears are as numerous as the raindrops. It has been such a difficult time for our family. We appreciate the prayers of your friends and fellow soldiers. They also knew you as a true American hero. You will never be forgotten. We love you and are so proud of you. I know you are among the bravest and most honorable soldiers in heaven. mimi"
Sandy Courtright of DuBois, PA

"It's been almost 2 years and I still think of you everyday. I can't even talk about the war, or hear Amazing Grace without crying. I have so many good memories with you.. laughing because you were so hysterical. But I wish I had more. I pray for your family everyday because as hard as it is for me, I can't even imagine their pain. I'm so glad you called me that Saturday before it happened. You were so upbeat and we were sure we'd get to see each other again. I miss you dearly and love you so much. There's so much to say still, but one day we'll get to talk again. You are my hero and I'm so proud of you. You'll always be in heart."
Jessica of Greeneville, TN

"Brandon,
Your memory lives on in all of us who were fortunate enough to know you. I often find myself thinking back to so many happy memories from the 639'th and our time in the 125'th together. One that always makes me smile is when You, Stanton, and Myself were all in Charleston, SC eating at Bubba Gump and you made your corn cobb into a "man" and danced him across the table..lol. You are one of my dearest friends and you will always live in my memories. I like so many others miss you dearly, friend. God keep you and your family. You'll never be forgotten!"
Nicholas DelPonte of Atlanta, GA

"fourth of july in gatlinburg tennessee, parade and fireworks. i will be attending along with other families. to eneter a float to honour our fallen and support our troops! Brandon you and your family are in my heart and prays. you have not died in vain! You are an AMERICAN HERO! You are remembered today and always. Thank you for serving our country and being a military brother to our son. As I can assure you Gregory felt of you. You are together now.healing is a slow process......brandon loved you all very much. As he knew you all loved him unconditionally. reflect on the very precious and fond memories you each shared together with Brandon. he is reating now and stll very much apart of you. father of fallen soldier US ARMY Sgt. Gregory L. Wahl KIA Balad, Iraq 05-03-04"
leonard_wahl@hotmail.com of spring, Texas

"you don't know me and thats ok. I'm an infantryman from greeneville. you represented your state and hometown with pride. you have shown all tenneseeans what volunteer pride is really about. god bless you"
cpl. wagner of ft. riley, ks

"I was with Brandon on september 6th 2004 I was driving the rear gutruck that Spc Read was in when we got hit. Not a single day goes bye that I don't think about that event and Brandon. I live evryday in honor of him because I truly know he is in a much better place now may god watch over him,his family and all of are troops.

- Sgt Nicholas Gatti
454th Transportation Co
OIF 2"
Nicholas Gatti of Columbus, Ohio

"Brandon,

I am glad to have served with you in Iraq my fallen friend. You were a good soldier and I will always remember you. I can remember it as if it was yesterday, sitting atop those tankers downloading at the bag farms. I didn't know a place could be so covered in dirt and sand. But the trips through Spicher always seemed to make the best of a bad situation considering all. But after 3 deployments for OEF/OIF, I sometimes wonder if I could have been a better NCO. Maybe I missed something, maybe I could have passed along just a little more information to my younger fellow soldiers. I feel guilt about that tragic day when you were taken from us. Things that happened, things that should have happened. I hope one day it will heal.

harley_rider@adelphia.net

Rest in peace now, you have earned it.
."
SSG Norman R. Perciful, 125th Trans Co of Berea, Kentucky

"To the family of:Brandon M Read 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. Prayerfully one day we will meet in Heaven where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga

"Brandon,

I want to say it was a true honor serving with you at FTCKY with the 639th Transporation Co. You were a soldier that always gave 110% and I will always remember you as a HERO.

My hopes and prayers go out to your father (MIKE) and the rest of your family members.

God Speed.

Warm Regards,
Captain Phil Ter haar"
of Tampa, FL

"Brandon, your smile has warmed the hearts of so many and continues to shine upon us. I miss you and love you - Kristi O"

"Brandon,
In the past year, There hasn't been a day gone by that I haven't thought of you many times. You are my and many other peoples hero. I love you and miss you so much. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for our counrty. Look over all of us and keep us safe. I know for a fact you and Grandma already did once for me. Your in my heart and prayers always. Love you cousin!"
Ryan Courtright of DuBois, PA

"A year has passed since we lost our precious Brandon. You are so sadly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers everyday. You are a true American hero and I know you are in a very special place because you were a very special individual and my beloved grandson. If I could I would send you some homemade peanut butter cookies. You could really put them away. I will hold you forever and ever in my heart. Knowing that you are in heaven waiting for us. It will be easy to leave this earth to be with you again. I love you, mimi"
Sandy Courtright of DuBois, PA USA

"Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Alexandra is growing like a weed. I am sure you have noticed. Jaymon misses you so much. He and I talk about you every day. He loves you so much and wished he would have said it more. Your mom needs you now more than ever, so be beside her everyday. I love you and I'll see you when I get there."
Rachael of Greeneville, TN

"Brandon,
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I'll never forget all the good times we had together. Thank you for always being there for me. You and your family are in my prayers. I love you and miss you so much. Until we meet again..."
Kayla Pearce of DuBois, PA

"Brandon,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I'll never forget all the good times we had. You were always there for me, thank you. I miss you so much and love you. Until we meet again...."
Kayla Pearce of DuBois, PA

"HELLO, MY NAME IS JENNIFER STUBBS AND I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO MEET BRANDON. EVEN THOUGH IT WAS FOR A FEW DAYS HE LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON ME AND MY HUSBAND WHO KNEW HIM FROM SERVING IN THE 125TH TRANSPORTATION UNIT WITH HIM. BRYAN AND BIG COUNTRY ARE STIL OVER IN IRAQ AND i KNOW THEY THINK ABOUT HIM EVERY DAY. WE MISS HIM."
JENNIFER of CARHTAGE, NC

"Brandon,
You and your family have been in my thoughts over the past few months and especially now at the holidays. I miss you so much. I will always cherish our summer memories together. You will always have a special place in my heart."
Nikki Nasuti of DuBois, PA

"Brandon....i just want to tell you that you and your family is always on my mind. I'm proud of you. You were a soldier....a hero! thankyou for all the memories from back in the day when you lived here in Dubois! see ya when i get there."
Jason Samanka of DuBois, PA USA

"Dear Brandon,
I will remember you whenever I hear the word "soldier" and more importantly, when ever I hear the word "hero." You are forever one of my friends."
Jason Pontzer of DuBois, PA

"Dear Brandon,
You will never be forgotten. Your Mom, Dad, brother, aunt, grandparents, other relatives and friends will always remember you. What a terrific smile! Please know that we at Give2theTroops have set up a Memorial for you in our gallery.

I can tell you, you are missed and loved and are ALWAYS in our thoughts.

Thank you for the ultimate sacrifce you made for us and our country. We will do everything we can to support and comfort your family.

With our love, appreciation and gratitude,
Andi"
Give2theTroops, Inc. of Fairfield, CT

"Brandon, my sweet Brandon. It has been two months now since you left us to become an angel. I miss you more than anyone can ever know. My heart is so empty and hurting. Not a second goes by that I don't think of you and pray that you are okay. You left this world knowing how much you were loved. I thank God that it is something that has always been said in our family.....sometimes you don't get a second chance. I love you, I love you, I love you........"
Mom

"My Dearest Brandon,
You are the bravest man I have ever known and i love you more now than ever. Thank you for loving me and making me a better person. You will never be forgotten. I told you I was proud of you and I always will be.
Your Loving Fiancee"
Jessica of Fort Worth, TX

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

"To Brandon's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

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

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

"To the family of Brandon,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. We know your pain, our family also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Brandon is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.nett of Tucson, AZ

"To Brandon's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

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

"Thank you Brandon Read, 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. Brandon Read:
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 Brandon 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. Brandon Read:
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 Brandon, 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