Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Seems like the other day you and I were laughing at each other while the TAC officers were “smoking” us in the grass. You were such a great friend and inspiration through WOCS and flight school, and I will definitely miss you. To Steve’s family, I’m so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. He will definitely be missed."
Todd Jacobson of FOB Diamondback, Iraq

"God bless you! You are a hero!"
J. L.

"I am so sorry for your loss i have 3 brothers in the army and on of them was staitiond at Hunter Army Airfeid in Georgia and when he got back he should me their memory dvd and Steven was on it and ever since then I have felt sorrow for you. I am sorry for your loss."

"To Steve´s family,
My English is very bad but I want to say that I remember Steve. Although I never met him. I only have seen his picture of a website for the american soldiers but that was enough. Steve will never be forgotten! Never..."
Jana of Hennef, NRW, Germany

"force for the family"
jesus of Spain Burgos

"To Steve's wife, family and friends,
I remember meeting Steve when he first came to Kansas State Univeristy to flight instruct. He and I became instant friends and spent the better half of a year as flight instructors together at KSU. I remember sharing stories about our students trying to crash us in the airplane. I remeber laughing so hard my side hurt and I couldn't catch my breath at some of his stories. Steve was a great soul. He was always cool, clam and collected. He always made everyone around him feel welcome and comfortable. Being prior service U.S. Air Force we often spoke about my "misadventures" over in Desert Shield/Desert Storm/Operation Provide Comfort and how the USAF changed my life and gave me opprotunities I would've never had if I had never served. Though, I never thought he would join the Army. When I left KSU for my first airline job I figure Steve would coming right behind me. When he called and said he was joining the Army I was very impressed and felt he was making a great choice for himself and his family. Not long after that he called and said he got the AH-64D Longbow...he was so excited and I was excited for him. Then I got an e-mail from Steve in Iraq. He sounded upbeat and happy and was so excited about his baby girl on the way. I truly believe Steve made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I am greatful to Steve and his dedication to duty, honor and country. Steve is a great guy and I miss him already. Thanks Steve."
MSgt Brian Custer, KANG of Cheney, Kansas USA

"Dear Steven's Family and Friends, I wish to extend my sincere condolence on your loss and the whole country's loss of Steven. He is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless all of you, and know that Steven is safe with Him right now."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"To the Family of Steven Shephard,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Steve has made the ultimate sacrafice and will never be forgotten. I will never forget the time I spent with Steve in flight school. I couldn't have asked for a better "Stick Buddy." Steve's great attitude and caring personality will never be forgotten. During Instruments, I always thought he was one step ahead of me because of his prior flight experience, however, he was always there to help me out when I needed it. Steve, thanks for all the memories buddy. I'm gonna miss you. You were a great friend, husband and American. God Bless!"
Scott Shimp of Ft. Carson, CO 3d ACR

"M. - We love you and miss you, you are in my daily thoughts. Steve is a great loss to us all, as well as the world. You were both so special to us as we all braved flight school together, i cannot express how we feel your loss for you. We love you both always."
Melissa and Greg Bates of Ft. Campbell, KY

"Remebered by my husband as a Officer who Thanked soldiers when they saluted him. Steven will be greatly missed. A hero in all of our eyes. Your family is forever in our prayers! God Bless!"
Shannon Rincon of Ft. Bragg, NC

"I knew Steve in high school. He was a very sweet guy and will be missed a great deal. I will always remember his family in my prayers."
Heather Wigley-Buckhalter of Purcell, OK USA

"steven you are remembered today. for you have not given your life in vain. you had a calling in life. an the military was your calling! you have not given your life in vain. you are a hero and much more. without people as yourself. we as AMERICAN"S could not enjoy our liberty and freedom. God Bless!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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

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

"To Steven'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. Our boys are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"Our hearts and prayers are with Steve's wife and all of the families in this nightmare you are going threw. Steve was a talented and caring guy who won't ever be forgotton. Our love to you , Meleah."
The Hendrickson's (Kelly & Paul) of Fort Drum, Ny.

"Thank you Steven Shephard, 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 Chief Warrant Officer Steven Shephard:
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 Steven 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 Chief Warrant Officer Steven Shephard:
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 Steven, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia