Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Jerry,
I just wanted to say how proud I am. And with what happened yesterday in FT Hood.. , All I can do is think about you! I miss you so much everyday! I vowed at your funeral to do everything I could as a civilian. I am keeping that promise to you. You are NEVER forgotten!!! WE all LOVE you soo much and miss you! It feels like yesterday that I saw your face. I love you soo much!! Wish you were here, but I know that your in a much better place and I will see you one day. For some reason at times, it doesn't help. I used to think that with time it would get easier, however not so much. With every fallen soldier on the news, my tears start to fall, as if i knew that soldier. Thats the AMAZING thing about our military, is that we are one HUGE family. And we really do feel EVERY single loss. And try to remember daily, every one of our fallen family. With Veteran's Day approaching, I again cannot thank you enough for doing a job I am unable to do. You are truly my hero! I love and miss you soo much!"
LeeAnn Dowdell of Kansas City

"Jerry we love and miss you so much. Tarisha talks about how much she misses you all the time. She tells every one her daddy is a hero and she is very proud of you. love you."

"hi this is tarishas mom and i was wondering if anyone here that knew jerry might have some pics i can get for tarisha i only have one pic of him for her and i dont know how to get a hold of his fam to get any. so if anyone can help you can email me at billys_girl2000@yahoo.com thanks"

"Jerry,
Man I miss you!! Being back in KC and I was showing Scott around Independence today, and he told me to drive around the block that he saw your name on an Iraq memorial set up, I thought it was only the World War Vets, so I drove back around and sure enough there was your name right there under Joel's! I still CANNOT believe how proud I am and will always be of you. I love you so much, I know your always there but I miss you more than you know. Thanks to everyone and GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!! 8[6[09
Annie"
LeeAnn (Annie) of KC MO ( PROUD USA)

"I love you bub and I miss you always!!! It seems like yesterday that this happened and it was 6 years!! I love you and all your brothers and the brothers who stood by you!! GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND THE USA!! You will NEVER be forgotten!! I love you sooo very much!"
LeeAnn (Annie) sister by heart! of Dodge City, KS (formally Independence MO

"This is to Nakia and Tarisha.

I don't know how to say this but I was the driver of the vehicle he died in, as I am sure you've read. I actually had to email the developers of this page to let them know how he died as they had heard it wrong. Either way, I'd like to tell you how sorry I am. I think of him and that day non stop. I wish I could change the past but I can't. I just want you to know he was a great man and a great soldier. I could see it in him that he loved what he was doing. It's not that often that you can come across someone who truly loves what they do. He was one of them. I was honored to know him. It was real hard for me to know that I lived and he didn't. I've come a good distance in that though. I still blame myself, even though I know it's not my fault. It's something I will always do. It's just how I am.

Smitty, as we knew him, drew smiles upon all who knew him be it directly or indirectly. He was great to be around. His death was hard on my platoon as we all loved and respected him. A lot of what we did after his death was for him. How we acted and handled situations were in respect to him.

May you and your daughter always remember him. Eventually I plan on paying for something to be made up in memory of him. I have an idea on what I want to do, but I need to get the supplies.

Feel free to email me anytime you wish.

JAY25M2396@yahoo.com"
Jared Albin of Niagara Falls, NY/USA

"My name is Nakia. I was with Jerry for 4 years. We have a daughter together her name is Tarisha and she reminds me so much of him. she was only 4 when he was killed. She knows that he was trying to make this a better world for her and every one. I would have lefft a mess here sooner but i just found out about this sit a few min ago. I cryed as I read everyones mess. I want to say thanks to every one. It means so much to me and Tarisha. I would love it if any one has any good storys about him and the time u spent with him. Please e-mail me at billys_girl2000@yahoo.com. Thanks and GOD BLESS"
Nakia Rees & Tarisha Smith ( his daughter } of sedalia mo

"Today i was going through old photos from our time in fort riley. we had visited a memorial in junction city just outside of post so my husband could pay respects to his fallen brothers. that day i ran accross something i thought i would never see nor did i ever want to see. standing there was a white cross with a picture of jerry. i never imagined someone i knew would fall in this war and it really hit home on me. i took a picture of that cross and have held onto it for many years now. now that ive run across it again i will be sending it to vikie jo his beautiful little girl so that she will have a little piece of her father. i am deeply sorry for your loss of jerry he was a good man. for you jerry may the lord smile his grace upon you and your family."
Janelle of Germany

"Hey....
It's me again...lol. I just want you to know how amazing your brothers are that you served with. I know how amazing you were and will always be, and I love to see how others know that too. I love you and am sooo very proud that there are no words to express. Love you!"
LeeAnn (Annie) Dowdell of Kansas City MO

"Hey Jerry!
Well I am back in KC, and I still miss you more than anything! I am watching this show on HBO called Generation Kill and it is really hard to watch but it really helps me understand what you may have went through. Well bub, I love you and I think and pray about you everyday of my life!! I am soo very proud of you.
Love Always,
Annie"
LeeAnn (Annie) Dowdell of Independence, MO PROUD USA !!!

"Hey...
I miss you like crazy. And i love you. Thank you again to everyone that leaves messages, I would love to hear any stories you have. I love you and miss you so much!!
Any one of his friends or who knew him please email me at anytime
ldowdellshs@yahoo.com"
LeeAnn (Annie) of Daytona Beach ( formally Independence MO) PROUD USA

"Memorial Day will always be a hard day for me. I still think about the day we lost you. I'll always remember you and the person you were. You made many of us laugh and when we lost you, things just wasn't the same. You're in my thoughts forever."
Jared Albin of Niagara Falls, NY

"jerry we miss you and love you always!"
cheryl dowdell of parkville ,missouri

"Well Jerry it has been a long time... 5 years! And I wish was getting easier. I miss and love you soooo much! I can't believe you are gone. I am SOOO very proud of you and of all of our military. I just miss you and I think about you EVERY day! I love you!"
LeeAnn (Annie) Dowdell of Daytona beach Fl ( formally Independence MO

"My brother PFC David W Webb passed away on January 27, 2008. But i ran across this poem that i loved and i thougt you might would like it too.
His Journey's Just Begun...

Don't think of him as gone away-
his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets-
this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.

And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched...
for nothing loved is ever lost-
and he was loved so much."
Casey of Dallas, TX

"January 28, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Jeremiah D. Smith:
Jeremiah 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 Family of Jeremiah Smith:

To honor the Missouri soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families,the professional portrait artists of the Grateful Hearts project are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family.

the 16"x20" original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrificies made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families loss.

For information,please email us at gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net

Sincerely;
The Artists of Grateful Hearts"
J.Gragg of Lee's Summit,Mo.

"hello and thank you to everyone who has left a message on this page . My name is WILLIAM SMITH i am jerry's yougest brother.This is my first visit to this site. (12-09-07) My graditute for every kind word, every thought, and every story shared . Knowing there are so many people who loved him and was lucky enough to share time with him . His smile is forever stamped in my memory and i see in yours too! THANK YOU ! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REACH ME OR JERRY'S DAD- www.smithfamilyof7@yahoo.com"
william smith of independence mo . united states

"I am Lezlie Crowe-Albin Jared Albin's wife. He has left a message on here already and I feel I need to say something... I did not know Jared at the time of the accident, but I know how much the loss of Smitty hurts him... He at times has said why him why did he have to die, he was a husband and father, it should have been me, not Smitty!!! He wishes so much to pay his respects to Smitty's familly and to tell them how sorry he is and to let them know that if there is anything they need to contact him... I only know Smitty through what Jared has told me but to think of the pain and loss my heart breaks, even now I am in tears... If you would like to contact us please do so no matter the reason or lack of reason let us take the oppertunity to remimber Smitty for who he was a wonderful husband, father , friend, and soldier!!! lezliealbin@yahoo.com"
Lezlie Crowe-Albni of Moreland KY

"Jerry,
Hey... Happy Veterans Day! I love you and miss you every day. Words can never describe the pride I feel every time I think of you or say your name. I will never forget all the memories of you,and even the hardest ones I remember, you still made everyone smile. I love you always and know that you will never be forgotten!

LOVE YOU"
LeeAnn (Annie) Dowdell of Ormond Beach FL, PROUD USA

"Jerry,
Just wanted to tell you I love you and miss you so much! I think about you every day! I wish you were here but I will see you again one day!! MUAH! LOVE YOU ALWAYS !!!!
ldowdellshs@yahoo.com"
LeeAnn Dowdell of Ormond Beach, Fl ***PROUD USA***

"Jerry,

It is now October 07 and I still think about you everyday. I watch the news and keep up with all the political stuff and I can't help but wonder what you would think. You are very missed and will NEVER be forgotten. You are an American hero, and I am so blessed to have had you in my life. I am hoping that some of your friends that were with you in Iraq will email me. You are an amazing person who made it through so much. We love you and miss you!
Annie
ldowdellshs@yahoo.com"
LeeAnn Dowdell of Daytona Beach Fl

"Jerry,
Happy 4th of July! I cannot believe how much I niss you. I am SOO proud of you and all that you stood for. You are truly my hero. Because of you and soldiers like you... our country and the world are a safer place for our children (and thier children)to grow up in. I wish I was healthy enough to join the army myself. But I stand proud as a sister whose brother gave his life for the sake of others. I love you and you are missed every day!!

Love Always!!!"
LeeAnn (Annie) of Daytona Beach, Fl ( PROUD USA)

"Jerry,
I am sorry that I havent posted in awhile. I made a decal honoring you for my car. I love you and I miss you. I think about you everyday. I am so very proud of you. I wish you were here. I love you so much!

Love
Annie"
LeeAnn Dowdell of Daytona Beach Fl

"Jerry,
Well today is Feb, 24th,2007.I still think about you everyday! I talked to Jason today and he is doing so well. He is having a baby and he is going to school!! I know how proud you must be! You and Jason give me inspiration to overcome my obsticles and reach for the sky! I love you and I miss having my brother, you and Jason mean the world to me! I am so very proud of you. You are my hero, and always know that I love you!!
Love,
LeeAnn ldowdellshs@yahoo.com"
LeeAnn Dowdell of Daytona Beach Fl, Proud USA

"Jerry,
I still think about you every day!It is amazing how this world is so different with the war right now. I only wish I could hear your opinion about it. I already know what you would say and I agree. I could care less about the politics in the war, I just care about the men and women like you brave enough to do a job that I could NEVER do. Physically as well as mentally. I miss you. I keep thinking it will get easier, but I am not so sure of that. I LOVE YOU so very much! I will continue to keep your memory alive, as well as my passion to change the world.You taught me so much in your life as well as your death. If anyone could make it and change their "stars" it was you. You did and I am forever proud. I am now trying to do the same. I love you, and I miss you SOO much. Ldowdellshs@yahoo.com"
LeeAnn ( Annie) Dowdell of Deland, Fl, Proud USA

"To the family of:Jeremiah D. Smith 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"

"PVT Smith I didn't know you but I know your sister. I have been deployed and seen combat in the War on Terror. I thank you for your scarafice it could have just easily been me. I say a prayer every day for my friends and fellow soldiers that we have lost."
SGT Fowler, Timothy USA (RET) of Merriam, KS

"Jerry,
It is so hard today! I cannot believe it has 5 years to the day that this war started. You will never be forgotten. You did a great job, doing what you love and being proud of who you are and what you accomplished in life! I love you so much and I think about you everyday! You are my hero, and I thank God that he brought you in my life!
Love Always and Forever,
Annie ( LeeAnn)"
LeeAnn Dowdell of Overland Park , KS

"I want to tell everyone how thankful and how much the family appreciates your ongoing support! This is still so hard! If anyone is wanting to contact me please email me at heavenlytleeann@hotmail.com. With everything in the world that is going on, I know 1 thing is for sure... we LOVE and Support ALL of our troops and our huge (ongoing military family) All of you our part of our family, we love and wish everyone our blessing, and our gratitude. We will never forget and to date the feeling hasn't changed for me, a sister without a brother. But for the sake our all our soldiers and for the USA we need to do what we do best! Jeremiah wouldn't have had it ANY OTHER WAY!! Trust me, he was very proud, As are we. thanks!! LeeAnn ( Annie) 913-568-2144"
Annie of Overland Park, KS

"To the Smith Family, I never knew that this could all hit so close to home. War never seemed like it could be this close, even tho i took Josh to the flight line twice and we were there to see him off. I still in a selfish way look for him to come home agin.
I just want to let you know that there are times when I need to know someone has my back and share the same thought process, my daughter NEEDS that BOND SO SO BAD she was only 18 when her husband was killed and their baby was not yet 1. I would love more than anything to be there for you and you could be there for us. We have alot to learn from each other, infact you can teach us. We have not gone thru this living hell as long as your family. You know people say time heals... Well I am not finding it. Well from a mothernlaw that loved her sonnlaw more than ever to Your dear FAMILY if ever you need us we are only 15 minutes away. Now that is Close.
The family of Spc Joshua James Munger KIA IRAQ NOV 2-05 we live in Centerview Mo spcmungermothernlaw@yahoo.com"
Tanya Bush"mama" of Centerview Mo

"I am one of the soldiers who was in the truck at the time Smith, AKA Smitty, died. I was his driver. To this day, May 26 is a hard day for me. Smitty became a good friend in the little time I knew him. He was a replacement for my platoon. I am glad he came to us. I just wish he didnt die. The good thing is the one who blew the IED was killed as well. He was a great soldier. He knew his job better than some higher ranking than him. I know I will never forget him. I wish I could get in touch with his family. I have a picture someone did up on my request for him. I'd like to send it to them. 2-7 INF."
SPC Jared Albin of Ft. Stewart, GA USA

"Smith You are a brother to many and missed by all. I married Sandi Cambell and wish I had You for advice on that one. We divorced and she took my stuff and everything I had while we were deployed. The funeral was the hardest thing I've done I my life, to try to keep military bearing and not break down. You will always be remembered."
Ed Crays of martinez, California

"St. Charles Democratic Alliance held a Tribute & Memorial to the 20 fallen soldiers from Missouri on 3/19/2005, the 2nd anniversary of the War in Iraq. Four families of the fallen attended the event, and nine families shared messages that were read during the tribute by Connie Greene, sister of fallen soldier Jamie Huggins. The event aired on all four local newscasts (Fox KTVI, KPLR, KSDK, KMOV.) Biographies of each of the fallen soldiers were read while photos of the soldiers were displayed. The event also included Bible readings, songs, keynotes speeches by Rev. Jason Samuel and Viet Nam Veteran Ken Peters, and a fellowship in the church hall immediately following the tribute. Our organization was sensitive to the fact that even though information on Missouri’s fallen soldiers is a matter of open record, we had to go beyond the name, rank and serial number – we needed to share information on the fallen soldiers from the family’s perspective and present a tribute that each of the soldiers would have approved of. This was a day for honoring Missouri’s finest, as well as the sacrifice the families made, and continue to make every day. Special thanks to the Burkhardt, Gottfried, Huggins and Spink families for traveling long distances to Transfiguration Church in Lake St. Louis to participate in this community tribute. (anngastler@charter.net)"
Ann Gastler of St. Charles Democratic Alliance of St. Peters, MO

"I am organizing a 3/19/2005 Tribute & Memorial Service Honoring Missouri's Fallen Soldiers, hosted by St. Charles Democratic Alliance. We plan to have a spiritual memorial tribute planned to honor the 18 fallen Missouri soldiers who died in Iraq. We wanted to let you know your beloved isn't forgotten and invite you to this tribute. If you're not able to be in Lake St. Louis on 3/19/05 but would like to send a message or letter that we could read on behalf of your family, again, we'd be honored. Again, my deepest sympathy and please know that Jeremiah is in my prayers."
Ann Gastler (anngastler@charter.net) of St. Peters, MO

"Mr. Smith's efforts will always be appreciated by people who value freedom. I respect this man and offer my sincere condolences to his family."
R. Kean of St. Louis, MO

"Jeremiah D. Smith- Thank you for your courageous sacrifice. Your a hero in all of our hearts. God bless the family."
Alicia Bilby of Nevada, Missouri

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"I was one of the soldiers assigned to be a replacement at Ft. Bliss with Smith and Scott (message above).Smith was a great guy who I liked being around with cause he had such a free spirit. He loved his job and really wanted to go overseas. Like Scott said above we would trade stories and jokingly tease each other about their choice in M.O.S. while sitting on our footlockers getting ready to deploy. We deployed to Iraq and me, Scott, Smith and a few others were put in a duece and a half for a couple of hours. They then split us up, Scott and I went to the line platoon since we were 11b's and he went with the scout platoon. I didn't know that would've been the last time I would see him alive. When I had heard that he passed away I was in shock. Just a week before his death Scott met up with Smith and Smith asked about me and how I was doing. So I was intent on meeting up with him a week later but Phillipe came out of the place where the scout platoon was staying and brought the bad news. I couldn't believe what he had said. I had a hard time sleeping the next few nights. Smith was a soldier that you had to meet to truly appreciate him. He was taken away from us so quick and young. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. P.S. Hey Smith, I think the deuce driver wants his Snapple drinks, that we drank, back."
SPC Peters, Ian of 6th Ranger Training Battalion

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

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

"Smith, I think back to the time you and your family came to my place to watch boxing. Your baby girl got sick and throw up in my living room. That was the first time my family met you and your family.It was us and some friends from the platoon and company.I wish we could have spent more time like that together, enjoying ourselfes and having a good time together with family and friends. I still have the I.D. tags silencers you me gave a few weeks before you left to Iraq. I still wear them. It hurt when I found out what happenrd, I will always remember you."
D. Barajas of Saginaw, MI

"i serve with pfc smith while i was at fort riley and know i am in korea he was one of the best soldiers i had a chance to work with he did what ever you asked of him and never spoke back i wish i chould take his place he ment alot to me and i am sad to see him gone but we must always remember that he was a good man and he died for use"
spc iverson of camp page korea

"Thank you Jeremiah Smith, 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

"I got to know Smith at Fort Bliss, when about 150 of us were assembled there to be sent to the Middle East. I have great memories of the nights sitting on our footlockers trading stories with Peters, Phillipe, McHuen, the tall dude with glasses, and all the other guys. I ran into Smith again in Bahgdad one week before he died. He was so motivated about his job. He loved being a Scout, he was tight with his buddies, and he had a contagious excitement. Even though I had only known him for a short time before we were deployed, it felt great to see a face from "home". As an Infantryman, I have a lot of respect for what Smith did in the war, and I'm sure he's up in heaven, miles ahead of the convoy, manning the machine gun on his Humvee, Scouting the way for the rest of us."
Jonathan Scott of Camp Rudder, FL

"Smitty
From your fellow Scouts at Ft. Riley. You served your country as a true Cavalry Scout, out front in harms way. You served with distinction and honor. You will be missed. May the Great Scout in the Sky keep you in his everlasting Troop. We know that you'll be th best damn troop in the regiment. Keep the beer cold in "Fiddler's Green" for us. We'll see you soon. SCOUTS OUT"
SSG A.D. Martinek of SCT PLT, HHC, 1-34 AR

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Jeremiah Smith:
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 Jeremiah 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 Pfc. Jeremiah Smith:
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 Jeremiah, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia