Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Sir

Guess i have been letting this go. You are not forgotten, though i haven't given you the thought i should. I hope all is well with you above us and that you keep us close. We are all in your debt and unfortunately can never repay you. Thanks for everything"
SSG Raymond Smith of Sioux Falls, SD

"I will never forget that day or the men that were lost. CPT Scheetz will always be in my memories. I tell the story often as a way to cope I guess. I had front row seats that day as I was in the truck that was destroyed. There is rarely a day goes by that I do not think of the fine men that were lost that day. They were true Heros. I am now on my 3rd trip to Iraq and I know that both CPT Scheetz and SGT Elandt are always watching my six. Rest in Peace my comrades in arms"
SFC Dilcher of Baghdad, Iraq

"Cpt sheetz was a great officer and model soldier. I had the pleasure of serving with him in Germany and Iraq.He is gone but NEVER forgotten"
Spc Dan Neely of atlanta, ga

"CPT Scheetz,
The morning you left the FOB in response to the mortar attacks plays through my mind almost daily...I meant to tell you to be careful, sir. Why I didn't I'll never know. You were the embodyment of duty, honor, pride and determination of freedom. What you taught me and the example you set will always be instilled in me. The pride and honor to have served with you will always be a cornerstone of who I am. CPT Scheetz was a good person, a great soldier, and an outstanding American. God bless and rest in peace."
SPC Dominic Barnhill of Phoenix, AZ

"Charlie Rock! CPT Scheetz led by example, an outstanding leader and mentor. I had the privilege of serving with CPT Scheetz in Baumholder, GTA, Hohenfelds, and Baghdad. I think about you everyday, Sir. The talks we had and the advice you gave me. You are an outstanding soldier and you are missed. -Regulars By God-"
SGT Stuart, Matthew of SLC, UT

"To the family of:Robert C. Scheetz, JR I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day 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 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"CPT Scheetz,
Not a day goes by that I don’t remember the things we went through the talks we had, and what we thought the future would hold. It has been hard, those plans have changed. You taught me a lot, about being a Soldier, but mostly about life. Mrs. Jennifer I am sorry for your loss, he was a great man, who will live on forever. He did a lot of great things for the people around him. He is missed daily."
Aaron Pollock, 1st Armored Division

"Rob Sheetz was a great guy. We were E4’s together back in the 160th MP BN in Tallahassee. He always gave everything his best effort at work and could party with the best of them. He was a great friend and is sorely missed."
Jeff White of Cumming, GA

"I had the pleasure to be a fellow Cadet with Capt. Sheetz while we were both assigned to the 724th MP BN in Tallahassee Florida. He always did the right thing. Sometimes people will say that because it is what you say when someone has passed. Not in this case, he lived it. He always did the right thing. I know he had big dreams and a realistic approach to achieve them. I am glad that he was doing what he loved, being MI and leading troops. Im glad that he loved and had a family. I know they miss him. I hope they will be blessed in all of their dreams."
Clarke Rudd, Cpt, MI, USA of Tallahassee, Florida

"I worked with CPT Sheetz while a member of the Assassin (40th EN) TOC (one of a small minority of intelligent people under that command). Robert was an inspiration of dedication, focus, determination, integrity and compassion for all of us. His life left a lasting impression on those around him. The saddest day of the deployment for me was the day I heard he was tragically overcome by his injuries. To this day I think of him and his sacrifice. My best wishes are for his loved ones. God rest his soul.
SPC Abrashoff, James. ETS'd 11/04"
James Abrashoff of Penn State, PA

"Rob was a great guy all around. I was with him in 1/6 IN where I was the A co. FSO. He was a great S-2 and we would always kid each other that our information was classified...even if it was whether the Red Sox won or not...Professionally, Rob was superb. He had the total confidence of the entire Battalion in his abilities. He was so organized and well-read...Rob had a great sense of humor and always put us in great spirits...The day his vehicle was hit was one of those days in Iraq that I will never forget...the whole Battalion was crushed because of the death of one of its most beloved...he will forever be missed...

To his family: Thank you for letting me know Rob...he was a great human being and talked about you all the time.

To Rob: You will never be forgotten my friend...your memory will forever live on in all of us....

Thank You."
Sean Gilfillan of Providence, RI

"My deepest sympathies to Rob's family. I think about him often and will always strive to lead a good and meaningful life, just as he would have."
CPT Josh Cleveland of Boston, MA

"As a member of MOAA, former military officers in Dothan, I was thinking how CPT Scheetz never got to retire, enjoy a Veteran's Day, or join our group of retired officers like our MOAA chapter. He sacrificed it all for us. I will be sure we remember him on Memorial Day -- as we should every day that we enjoy freedom. May God Bless and comfort his family."
Keith Seagle, President, Ed Burkhalter Chap MOAA (MIlitary Officers Assoc. of America) of Dothan, AL

"Capt Sheetz was one of the best officers, best soldier, and best human being I have ever met. I served with him in Germany and Iraq. You knew from the moment you met him that he was one of the good guys and that he truly cared about people. You could tell he was a true leader. He led by example. He always thought about his soldiers first and himself second. Capt Sheetz was the type of man you would want your daughter to marry, your son to grow up to be, and the type of leader you would want to follow. I only knew him for a few years, but he will be engraved in my mind and heart always."
Dusty Dyer of Fairborn, Ohio

"To Rob
I am sorry I never got to say good-bye to you that night.
I still remember the times in Austria where we skied and the few beers we drank together and the investment advice that you gave me which I still use today. I still cant believe that you are gone. Every time I think of 1-6 I think of you and C co. You are a great man and will not be forgotten for what you have done!
No better man can do what you have taught!
God bless you Robert"
SGT Chad D. Abbott of Missoula, MT

"To the family of CPT Scheetz,
I serverd with the 1-6 INF with him in Iraq, and we worked regularly together. I would like for you to know that his memory will never be forgotton. We lost two brave soldiers that terrible day, and thier sacrifice is burned into my memory. CPT Scheetz had great plans for his future, and there is no doubt in my mind that he would have accomplished them all. To his wife and family, I want you to know that he earned my greatest respect and loyalty during our long deployment. I am truly sorry that he was unable to return."
Sam Winslow of Norridgewock, ME USA

"well what can I say. When i first meet you i really hated you i peged you as a college * that didnt give a dame for your solders. Then there was this speacial moment when we had this patrole and we had a man in for ? and i could see it in your eyes that you did every thing in you power to find out what he hade in his head because you respected and cared for your solders. I would give my life for yours the ordenary man. GOD HAVE PEACE ON YOU LOVEN SOUL."
spc franco of albuquerque N.M

"XO

Still think about you often and Still can't believe your gone. It doesn't seem real and I don't know if it ever will. I hope one day to visit you and I know that I will see you again in Heaven. I'll be at Attention and you will tell me to "Knock-it-Off". I tried to locate your wife when i got back from Iraq, they told me she was in town still. Unfortunately I couldn't bring myself to call, I didn't want to compound her grief. A few months ago I ran into 1SG Grate in Fort Jackson and we talked about you and the type of officer you are. You would have made a fantastic Commander at any level and the Army lost out when it lost you. I would have been proud to serve in your command as would any soldier who served with you. You are truly a soldiers' officer and will never be forgotten. Still can't beileve it's true."
SGT Raymond H Smith of Sioux Falls, SD USA

"GOD BLESS you all, sons and daughters of America, we love you, we miss you and are proud of you."
Dewitt of Birmingham,alabama

"CPT Scheetz

I know you're looking down on us. When I was assigned to Charlie Company, 1-6 Inf in Baumholder, you were the first person that helped me out and guided me to the correct conference room. You took care of me in Hohenfels, Grafenwoehr and in Iraq for those first few weeks. After that we barely saw each other. I thought (and talked) about you often and shared experiences about you with other soldiers who knew you. We often recollected how you always tried to take better care of us than our own unit (sometimes). I remember that, and always will. You never had to do it, but you did.

I'm sorry that I couldn't be there at your service in Iraq. Mission Dictated I be elswhere. I know you understand. You always did.

I miss you and pray for your family to be able to get by this quickly. They will never forget you, either will I.

Goodbye"
SGT Raymond H. Smith of Sioux Falls, SD, USA, (Formerly Baumholder, GE)

"To Cpt. Scheetz family and friends,

I had the privledge to serve with Cpt Scheetz in Germany and Iraq, hands down he was one of the most professional soldiers I will ever have the honor of working for. But most of all I remember his love for his brother soldiers and his wife. Thank you Sir, for the knowledge you passed on and the friendship you gave to all of the soldiers you met.
" Regulars By God ""
SFC Deitering, Christopher of Ft Benning, GA.

"Your loved one was remembered on 27 May 2005 in Bicentennial Memorial Chapel General Protestant Worship Service in Fort Gordon, GA. His life and your sacrifice are not forgotten. Thank you. We are praying for you.
Chaplain (Major) Alva Ray Bennett"

"Jennifer,
My heart breaks for you. Rob was obviously a great soldier but more importantly he was a great husband. May God hold you in His arms and dry your tears. You are in my prayers and thoughts as are Rob's parents and family."
Tracy Campbell Parker of Gallatin, TN

"I was deployed with CPT Scheetz for 15 months, He was a model officer. I will never forget his positive attitude and desire to learn. God bless your soul."
SFC Abid H. Shah of Baumholder, GE

"Job Well Done.... From the Soldiers of HHC 1-6th Infantry. To know them is to love them. CPT Sheetz and SGT Elandt will forever be in our hearts. "REGULARS BY GOD"
SUPPORT PLATOON of Baumholder, Germany.

"CPT Scheetz,
I will never forget you, thre isn't a day when retreat is played that I don't stand at attention thinking about the time we spent and thanking you for your dedication to service, you will be missed."
patrick coley of Colorado Springs, Co.

"Jennifer,
We miss you terribly since your return to the States. We keep you in our hearts and prayers. Remember that we are always just an e-mail or phone call away. You are my Army sister forever! The grace and strength you showed all of us in 1-6 IN has inspired us to be the best Army wives we can be. Brian, the boys, and I will ALWAYS honor Rob's memory - he is our HERO and you are a Hero's Lady. We love you and miss you!
"Regulars, By God!"
The McHughs
Brian, Kimberly, Connor, Dylan, and Mason"
Kimberly of Wiesbaden, Germany

"My heartfelt condolences go to Rob's family. I am a military intelligence officer who served with Rob in Baumholder, Germany, and in Iraq. When I first met Rob, Rob was an infantry lieutenant, I was a junior captain, and he was constantly asking me questions about the military intelligence branch. When he began serving as a brother intelligence officer, it was always a joy for me to work with Rob, his energy and exuberance being what it was.

When I learned of his death, I immediately wrote the following lines as tribute to this great Soldier and comrade:

Well-Met

When we last met
Outside,
In noon's hot light,
I said to you, "Rob, my friend,
Let's shake hands,
Like the Romans did,"
And you chose to humor me,
Grabbing my forearm,
Smiling, as I gripped your arm,
And I told you,
"It's good to see you!"
And (probably lying) you agreed,
And I asked you your plans
For the day, and you said
You were traveling south to Al Hillah,
And I told you to be safe--
Or at least something to that effect.

After I learned
Later,
That you had died
Returning from Al Hillah,
Tossed in a
Fiery explosion
That threw men and metal
More than thirty yards,
I thought of our last meeting,
And how fitting
It had been that it had been thus,
Your broad smile no less bright
Than the Iraqi sun,
Your hailing me like the warrior you are--
Weary, yes, but with heart glad
And ready for the journey ahead.

Well-met, Rob, and God Speed
On the one journey
We all must go on:
We WILL meet again!"
CPT Doug Pryer of Wiesbaden, Germany

"My deepest condolences to the family of a great soldier and an even greater person. I knew Rob since 2001 when we were 2LTs together. While an engineer officer attached to 1-6IN I regularly ran into Rob and was always happy to see him and catch up and share some good laughs. He will be missed...god bless you all."
CPT Jason Melchior of Baumholder, GE

"To Robert's wife, Jen, and all of the Scheetz family:
I had the opportunity to work with Rob while I was an ROTC instructor during his tenure at Troy State University. Jen, Rob was a good man and I was glad to have had the opportunity to train and mentor him. I also want to thank his parents for providing us such a a fine young man. He was a good soldier and a good leader; the kind of individual who inspired others and who could always be counted on to do the right thing. We were all better off for having known him and we have lost a great treasure. I will keep you all in my prayers. God bless."
LTC Joe Salamone of Hurlburt Field, FL

"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

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

"JEN ~~You are truly a special person & what you are going through, I could never imagine..Rob's name always brought a smile to your face~~always remember that special feeling in your heart! Love ya ~~ come on back to Dothan!!! (we're saving your # just for you~~)"
CINDY DEESE #22 of DOTHAN, ALABAMA

"JEN,
I HAVE SUCH FOND MEMORIES OF YOU AND ROB WHILE YOU WORKED WITH US. I CAN STILL SEE HIS FACE LIGHT UP WHEN HE WAS TALKING ABOUT THE MILITARY AND GOING TO RANGER SCHOOL AT FORT BENNING. YOU BOTH WORKED VERY HARD TOWARDS THAT GOAL AND I FIND AN INNER PEACE KNOWING ROB DIED DOING WHAT HE BELIEVED IN WITH ALL HIS HEART AND SOUL. JEN, YOU ARE A STRONG WOMAN AND ROB LOVED YOU DEARLY. YOU WILL BE IN ALL OF OUR HEARTS AND REMEMBER YOU ARE STILL PART OF OUR SMALL FAMILY HERE AT THE COMM CTR EVEN IF YOU DID ADD A FEW EXTRA SYLLABLES TO THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE OR I SHOULD SAY THE SOUTHERN ENGLISH LANGUAGE. I AM PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN ROB & GOD BLESS HIM AND ALL OF OUR SOLDIERS IN THE MIDDLE EAST ... LOVE YA GIRL"
PATTY POOLE of DOTHAN,AL/USA

"Scheetz Family,

Hearing about Rob's death was one of the hardest things I had ever gone through in life. He was my best friend and was like a brother to me! I will never forget the great times with him. From first meeting him in flight school, being the best man in his Wedding, and driving around in his 1966 Mustang that we had restored. Rob loved life and he loved the military, but most of all he loved his wife Jen. I could go on and on about how wonderful this man was, and how he had touched many people hearts. I will miss him dearly. My heart goes out to his family. I will see you in Heaven brother!"
Brian Hudelson of New Albany, Ohio

"Jen,

Rob was a special person in my son's life. We were honored to have known him and have fond memories of him. He touched many lives and we are all better people for knowing him. I know Brian will miss him and always will keep him in his memories. I wish you the best and my prayers are with you."
Kris Anthony (Brian Hudelson's Mom) of Camden, Ar

"Dear Scheetz Family,

We have never met, but I wanted to take just a few moments to send this note to express my sincere sympathy to you all for your loss.

I never knew Robert, but I truly believe that he was a good man and a good son. Robert was planning to be the best man at my niece’s wedding in Columbus, Ohio over Labor Day weekend.

I had the honor to serve in an active and reserve capacity with the US Army for nearly 28 years. Over that time, having known folks who have lost family members in service, I still can only imagine the grief and sorrow that you must now be experiencing. My family and I pray that a gracious God will grant you a full measure of peace and comfort on a day in the near future. Though mere words can only begin to comfort you now, please accept these feeble expressions of our respect in the hope that you might find some solace in them and the others that you receive.

I thank your son for his service to our nation, and for his ultimate sacrifice, and I honor him, today, for both. May God grant his soul everlasting rest.

Your family will be in our prayers in the days, weeks and months to come. I will remember Robert in memorial services in the future.


Respectfully,"
Philip R. Glasser, Major, AUS (ret.) of Overland Park, Kansas

"As Robbie's cousin, I have such fond memories of him growing up..I am so very proud of the honorable man/officer he became. Our family is better because he is/was a part of it..We will always remember him, love him, and be so proud of him. God bless the troops remaining in Iraq. Love ya Jenn!!!!!!"
Robyn Danneker of Danville, PA

"Capt. Scheetz was a fine officer, a good soldier and an even better man. I had the honor of serving under him in both Germany and In Iraq, the world is less having lost a man of his caliber, he will be remembered."
Neal Hennessy of Visalia, CA

"Rob touched lives he never knew. We honor this brave man who gave his life for a worthy endeavor. May we who remain honor him by staying true to the cause in which he believed, and by living honorable lives in his memory. Because Rob's friend Brian Hudelson is a part of our family, we have a good picture of the character of this fallen hero. May God's comfort surround and uphold you all, now and always. Rob will not be forgotten."
Frederick D. Glasser of Hilliard OH USA

"No greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his brothers (John 15:13). Our knowledge of Robert is only from hearing about him. But it is because of him that we have the freedom that we have today. I pray God's blessings and for the peace of God that passes all understanding to be with this great man's family (Phil 4:7)."
David and Coreen Dodds of Reynoldsburg, OH

"I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Regulars By God"
Mike Etheridge

"We are so very sorry for your loss. It was an honor to know that he was protecting our country and our freedom. We were truly blessed to have this honor. He was a great man."
of New Albany, OH

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

"My husband served in Germany with Capt. Scheetz. He was always so very nice to him...he was one of his favorite NCO's. We're so sorry for your loss, you will always be in our prayers."
Brandi Hennessy of Visalia, CA

"I served with Rob IN 1-6. He was an excelnt soldier and officer. He was also a loving husband. He will be missed by all "Regulars" but he will not be forgotten"
CPT Mikel E. Hugo of Fort Huachuca, Arizona

"To the family and friends of Capt. Robert Scheetz, Jr.:
So very sorry for you and yours. He was a good soldier and better man."
SFC Darel Elkins and Family of Ft Polk LA

"To Robert's family, I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Please know that many of us appreciate his service and sacrifice for our country."
F.Smith of Pennsylvania

"WE are so sorry for your loss. Our son, PFC John E. Brown also died in Iraq on 4-14-03. We live in Troy about 60 miles from your home town. If we can help you any way, please feel free to call, our number is in the book.
God Bless"
Bonnie & Ed Brown of Troy, Ala./USA

"To Robert'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

"To Robert'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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,
The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.

Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"Thank you Robert Scheetz, Jr., 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 Capt. Robert Scheetz, Jr.:
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 Robert 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 Capt. Robert Scheetz, Jr.:
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 Robert, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia