Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Sandra und David! Chris wird Euch von oben beschuetzen, das fuehle ich ganz deutlich. Auch, wenn ich nicht Deine Schwiegermutter bin, ich wäre es gern gewesen, denn........ die Asche hätte ich Dir gegeben, denn sie gehört Dir,und Deinem kleinen Helden Dave, den wir sehr lieb gewonnen haben.
Sandra, as my English will do!!!!!!! We will go together and we will bring Chris to you!!!! I will do my very best! Love, Hilde and Maarten. Stockholm, Sweden"
H. Huisman-Rohlfs of 17543 Järfälla, Sweden

"Hi Sweatheart !

Today was Davids 5th birthday and we had a wonderful day together ! ! !
You were terrible missed remember 5 years ago when he was born...? Where did the 5 years go ? Its been 3.5 years now that you left and I know you are the love of my life and you always will be ! ! ! Nobody ever treated me like the way you did and I honor you for this ! I could never have a better man in my life then you ! ! ! You had the best heart and you knew what respect meant.....
David and I love you forever and ever ! Thank you for beeing a wonderful husband and dad and thank you for everything !"
Sandy and David

"Chris, I've told a lot of people about you and I'm so proud to say that you're my cousin. A couple times I've found myself bursting into tears over the thought of you and how unfair it is for a young man like you with such a loving heart to have his life end because some other people had so much hate in their hearts. I sometimes cry because I regret not getting to know you better when you were here. All those times I saw you at family gatherings and you would say hi to me but I was too shy to say much more. Since you have been gone I've learned that we can't expect our loved ones to always be there. When we decide that we're ready to talk to that someone, it might be too late. So I'm sorry I never said too much. I really wanted to... but you've helped me be a little more outgoing, especially with our family. I cherish them all more than ever now.

I'm now living in England, married to a military member myself so I feel so much closer to you than ever before. It's a shame I can't share it with you now. I love you so much Chris. We were all lucky to have you in our family. My prayers will always be with you as well as with Sandy and David. You will NEVER be forgotten.

Love Always,
Katie"
Katie Bahosh of Mildenhall, England, UK

"I served with Chris in 1st Cavarly Division, including the brief time while we were both company commanders together. Chris took command of A/2-12 less than a week before I took command of B/1-5, both companies in the task organized 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry. I spoke at his memorial service in Iraq and remember him fondly to this day. I am currently assigned to 3rd US Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard. My unit conducts the Army Honors funerals in Arlington National Cemetery, including Chris' burial in April 2007. I assure you all that the funeral was a fitting tribute and honor to a great Soldier. Chris and his family, especially David and Sandy, will remain forever in my prayers."
David Beard of Washington, DC

"My eyes still well when I think of you. Then I smile thinking of the good times we had. College was a fun and exciting time for us. Too bad Engineering was so much work. I take pride now, knowing that the equipment I build now is helping to protect the men and women who are protecting our freedom. I thank you and you family for the immense price you paid to keep us safe.
Thanks!"
Dave Ducharme of Hubbardston, ma

"I too happened on this web site looking at namesakes. We in the UK have just held our Remembrance Day so it brings home to all the sacrifices young men have given for freedom. I honour all Americans like Capt Sullivan who have laid down their lives to keep us free"
christopher r sullivan of cheltenham, gloucestershire uk

"Hello to everyone who reads this, I would like to give Honors to my cousin Chris today on Veterans Day 2007. May you rest in peace Chris."
Faye Zukowski (cousin) of Hubbardston

"Hi Schatzi,

many people contacted me now to look at some internet articles on the net and were very upset about my mother in law. It was not your wish to be burried in Arlington but I gave your parents your ashes so they can get peace...they burried your so far away from their home....(please forgive me)...you and I know what the truth is and what your wish was, I was never invited to join the ceremony with David and our email address is still the same........its 2.5 years now since your gone and you should have peace. Fighting is not the answer about ashes...we know that your everywhere were David and Im if we think about you. Bring peace to your mom and I know you will tell her when its time for her to go what the truth was. But how can she live with that ? Chris bring her peace because love is the answer !

Love"
Sandy and David of Ulm, Germany

"Dear Chris,

it was Davids 4th birthday just a while ago.....I went with him to Legoland here in Germany. He had a lot of fun and I tried to do my best. I miss you soooo much but David always tells me its o.k. momy its o.k........because I will marry you when Im older......we got such a strong little boy here with a big heart. I know that your very proud of him ! Chris we will love you forever and ever ...
In love always Sandy and David"
Sandra of Ulm, Germany

"Dear Chris, Aunt Dolly, Uncle James, Amy, Steve and the kids,
Two years have past since Chris was taken from all of us. To this day I feel so honored to say that Chris is my cousin. The pride this family all feels to know that Chris gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country is tremedous. It was such an honor to join all of you in Arlington this past April. May Chris rest in Peace and never be forgotton."
Faye & Ed of Hubbardston, MA

"Sully, all I can remember of you is that smile and laugh. You enjoyed life so much. Godspeed"
J Brown of Barksdale, AFB

"Dear Chris & Family,

On Sunday, May 27,2007, our church, First Baptist Church of Orlando, honored those heroes who gave their lives for us in Iraq. As we left church, we were each given a small US flag with the name of one of the fallen heroes. We placed the flags in wooden stands in one of the empty lots of our church. These flags will be in place until after July 4. The name on my flag was Christopher J. Sullivan. During the "Walk of Remberance" to the empty lot, I prayed for Chris and his family. And as I placed the flag in the wooden holder, I knelt on my knees and prayed for Chris' soul, and thanked him for giving his precious life for our freedom. I can't imagine what he went through in Iraq, but hopefully, he knew how much we Americans honor and believe in our troops. Thank you to Chris' family for your gift. I know the pain of losing a child as I lost my only child, a daughter, to cancer on 3/29/05. At least we can rest in the assurance that our children are in the arms of our Lord. Be strong! God bless you.....and God bless America!"
Jane Gilbert of Oviedo, FL USA

"I knew Sully very well. He was my best friend in Vilseck, Germany. I introduced him to his wife in Ulm, Germany. I would love to share my memories of him with his family. P.S. He was the most technical, professional, and light hearted officer and friend I had in the Army. I miss his goofy laugh. What a guy. What a SOLDIER!
dmcpheron@hotmail.com Plese contact me."
CPT. Douglas A. McPheron of Huntington Beach, CA USA

"Hi Sweatheart,

I gave your ashes to my mother in law. I hope you understand that I did that, it was not your wish to be burried in Arlington, but I did it for your mom and dad so they can hopefully have a better life now. Please forgive me ! ! ! I know your always here when I think about you ! I love you with all my heart forever and ever ! Sandy and David"
Sandra Sullivan of Ulm, Germany

"Hi Sweatheart,

Its 2 years today that you left …….where did that 2 years go ?
Your now over the rainbow..
…Somewhere over the rainbow……..we loved that song and the wizard of oz…………. I tell David every day about you. David is talking a lot now and he tells me that he can t remember you………but he remembers the light where he came from and god. I try doing the best I can every day………..but I miss you ! You were a wonderful husband to me…….you always told me that I made you a better man …..thank you ! We found out what true love is together……..I will love you always and forever and ever. I know that we cant have you back as a human being anymore……and that hurts……but I promise you I will be strong ……strong for you, David and myself……….until its time to go home…………I love you ! Sandy and David Sullivan"
Sandra Sullivan of Ulm, Germany

"Dear Chris, We never got to get together as adult men and fellow warriors as renew our bond as cousins and it is something I will always regret. I tried a few times to link up with you when we were both in Iraq, and now I so regret that I didn't try harder. Your mom tells me we grew up to be very similar, in appearance, mannerism and I believe personality from all the things I read about your sense of humor. I am sure we would have had many laughs together.
I came back to this place, I dont know why, but I know you and my friend Ric who I lost here also are watching my six. Godspeed Cousin, till we meet again."
Keith Davidson of Ali Base, Iraq

"Dear Chris, I was your Wife's and Son Casualty Assistance Officer in New England. I served a year in Iraq and had to go through the pain of watching fellow Soldiers die in front of me. Then I had to come home and serve as a CAO. The other side of the coin is the worst side. I thought I was taking seeing it first hand O.K. But then I had to experience the pain of family members grieving for their loved one. I pray that I gave your wife, Sandy, the best care a CAO could give a fallen comrade. I also have 2 sons, one 9 and one 17 months old. We always try and prepare our loved ones for what might happen, but we never really believe that it will happen to us. It was your son that "pushed" me over the edge. I held it in O.K., but cried in private after I met your family the first time. You have a wonderful son. I spent a lot of time with Sandy. I have no doubt that she loved you with all her heart. You were her world. When she said she would never forget you, she was telling the truth. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. But I thought you should know what a wonderful family you had in Sandy and David. God Bless You and Your Family Forever!"
MAJ Lewis Carpenter of Devens, MA

"Chris, my heart breaks everytime I think of you. I can't believe it has been almost 2 years now. I remeber when you were stationed in Germany and had just met Sandy. We would IM each other and talk almost everyday. I wish I was able to spend more time with you before you left. We should have been able to hit our 30's together! I love you and miss you and the heartache will never go away for any of us. Sandy is a strong woman and is looking out for what is best for David and herself. You fell in love with a good woman. We promise to never forget you or the sacrifice you made for all of us. I love you cuz!"
Leslie Sullivan-Hicks of Gardner, MA

"My heart goes out to Captain Sullivan's family.

I am a bereaved mom and a freelance reporter/photographer.

I remember standing in the rain at the Support our Troops Rally in Sterling on March 30,2003 taking photos for a local paper, including one of a young Sullivan(probably a cousin) from Princeton waving her flag, dressed in red, bringing some sunshine to an otherwise dark and solemn day.

I was touched by the quietness and reverence of that day in March 2003 as the war was just starting up and the future for these families so uncertain.

You could feel the pride and at the same time, deep concern.

To this day,I often return to those photos and remember the faces of those concerned parents, family and friends, the names and faces on the signs they held, and pray their loved ones come home safe.

I am so sorry to learn about Captain Sullivan. He will not be forgotten.

From one bereaved parent to another, I wish you peace and strength."
Pam

"I went up to your memorial in Princeton the other day and took pictures of it. It brings a tear to my eye every time I think of how young you were and how you had so much to come home to. Even though I hadn't seen you in a while, you were an awesome cousin and you will be greatly missed. Love always...."
Beth of Hubbardston, MA

"I never had the honor of knowing Chris personally, though I listened to Sandy read the love letters he wrote her and I heard her tell stories about how they met and of the great memories she had of their times together. I know he must have been a great man, because he was married to Sandy and I have never seen a person who loved someone more than Sandy did Chris. Chris served honorably and he is a hero to his country, but Sandy and David are also hero's for carrying on his memory and for not letting anyone forget what a good man he was and what he sacrificed for us all."
Galatea Badger of West Point, NY

"Dear Chris: I never had the honor of meeting you. However, I came to your know your wonderful wife, Sandy. Despite her grief, Sandy continued to honor you by showing kindness, love, warmth, and support to those around her. She has never given up. You also leave a son behind. Little David is a beautiful child, full of spirit and love. I am sorry for your sacrifice, and my heart breaks for those you leave behind. However, by knowing Sandy, I know what an honorable and good man you were."
Dianne of Oklahoma, USA

"Dear Sweatheart Chris,

I miss you with all my heart. We had such a wonderful relationship. I never forget the day the 2 soldiers knocked on my door. It still seemes like it was yesterday. You had just 3 more weeks in Iraq....but then everything changed........ I have to tell you that you were a wonderful husband with a big heart and a humour that helped many. It still hurts so bad to know what we had and what I've lostknow what true love is and what it feels like to love unconditionally. I will love you forever. If I would have a wish it would be to live a normal life with you and our little son David. He just turned 3. The day he went three I was happy and sad. Happy to have such a wonderful son and sad because we couldn t spend this time as human beeings together. We had a world which was like paradise for me. David knows that we lost you and he cries a lot when he looks at your pictures, he got big and understands more about what bad people can do in this world. You would be so happy with him !
I pray to god that nobody else have to go thru such a nightmare like we did. Thank you for this wonderful time we spend together, even we were not even married for 3 years. I will love you forever and ever and ever. IN LOVE SANDRA AND DAVID WILLIAM SULLIVAN"
Sandra Sullivan of Ulm, GERMANY

"CPT Sullivan. It was an honor to be under your leadership, you have tought me alot."
SFC Peter L Millington of Pottersville NY

"Mr and Mrs Sullivan and Amy,
I happened to see Chris's picture on the front page of the Globe's site. I am in shock. I am so sorry for all of you to have lost Chris. I remember how important it was for him to be a soldier and serve this country. It was a huge part of his identity. We are all so lucky he had that in him. He was wonderful... he had such a fun sense of humor and one of the best, most contageous laughs of all time...he was a good friend, knew when to help you laugh and lend support when you cried. A very very special person. Please know I am thinking of all of you and especially Chris. Thanks for everything, Chris. With Love, Donna Haviland Curtin"
Donna Haviland Curtin of Montpelier, VT USA

"Lest we forget the Heros!"
Anonymous of Baltimore, MD

"I am also Christopher Joseph sullivan, firefighter oklahoma.. losing a family member is never easy, but remembering them for who they are makes them eternal. There will always be life and death, it's how we choose to live that life, that determines how we are remembered, and to the Sullivans your Christopher is a hero and will be remembered as one..."
Christopher J. Sullivan of Stillwater, Oklahoma U.S.A

"" To the Sullivan's Family, I know he's gone, but don't cry. I'll have him in my heart. You'll have him as a memory, forever. And so will I. Christopher was a great man, father, uncle, and son. I'll pray for Christopher every night before I go to bed. And make sure you pray for him before you go to bed. You'll have him in your hearts. And don't get mad while he's gone. It will be all right. You miss him a lot. And I'm sorry I wasn't there.""
Nathan of Antioch, TN

"" To the Sullivan's Family, I know he's dead, but don't cry. I'm writing you a letter that Christopher is your hearts, and I'm sorry I wasn't there. You will miss Christopher a lot. And I will miss him, too. Christopher is in my heart, and my soul. I'll have him in my family, and pray for him every night before I go to bed."
Nathan of Antioch, TN

"Godspeed, Chris I remember you and my Brother had such a blast in ROTC. I gave you your first High and Tight. I was Steve's younger Bro.
Miss ya buddy, and I'll try to give'em Hell from the Mighty B-52 for you."
Jon of PelhamNH/Now Barksdale AFB

"We share the same name I am Christopher
joseph sullivan of westchester NY working as a NYC Police Officer. May you rest in eternal peace."
chris of new york

"To the Sullivan's Family,

I'm deeply sadden by our loss. Chris was a good friend of mine through college and through my military career, and I still remember how many good times we had together. He was a great Soldier, officer, and most of all a great friend who will never be forgotten. May God give you all the strength and courage to carry on and help you remember all the good things Chris brought to this world."
Neftali Velez of Fort Lewis, WA

"I was stationed with Chris in Vilseck, Germany. Unfortunately, I only knew him peripherally, through mutual friends, but our paths crossed frequently on such a small post. Of all the people I met in the army, however, he is one that made a great impression on me as an outstanding individual. I don't remember him without a smile on his face. I also remember his great perspective on life and career and although a committed officer, he did not lose his identity to it. I saw his picture in an Army Times newspaper and I recognized him instantly. I caught my breath and hoped I was wrong but I'm sad to find out I wasn't. I know he has left a huge void for all of his friends and family and I grieve for your loss and pray for your peace. He is a great one."
Jay Thompson, MAJ, DE of Gordonsville, VA

"while searching the web for people with the same name as i, i have came across too many good men that have loss their lives fighting for our freedom. the free world owes these men and their families a great debt, my thoughts are with you along with my thanks for making this world a safer place for me and my family. good bless freedom"
christopher j sullivan of london, england

"To the family of Christopher Sullivan
I was with Christopher in 1st PLT in Vilseck Germany when he was a 2LT and I was SPC. We deployed together to Kosovo. He had a great sense of humor and was a good guy all around. I will miss him and my thoughts go out to his wife and son."
SGT Daniel Day of Tacoma WA

"I was stationed with CPT Sullivan when he was a 2LT in Vilseck Germany, he was in 1st platoon and I was in 3rd he was very funny and friendly, he will be missed, a fellow Commanche Company soldier Steel on Target"
SSG Robert Luna of FT Knox, KY. USA

"I am truly saddened by the loss of another Black Knight, CPT Sullivan your memory and all that you have given this country will always be remembered."
Robert.J.Griggs, SFC, Ret of Pensacola, FL

"I worked daily with Chris while in the 2nd Brigade, 1st CAV Division. This was my last assignment prior to getting out of the Army in June, 2003. Chris made every day better while working long hours with tough bosses. He was an inspiration to those around him and his peers will remember his forever. Thanks for all the memories Chris, we'll miss you."
Wade Cross of Dallas, TX

"I was part of the same Army ROTC program with Chris and considered him a good friend. Although stationed at different posts we managed to catch up with each other a few times while we were both stationed in Germany. Since I left the Army we talked occasionally by email - Chris was always sending along joke emails and was quick with a laugh or joke to brighten your day. I regret not having had more time with him, he will be missed."
Brian Morse of Danvers, MA

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

"To Christopher'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 the Sullivan Family,

I met Chris in college when I was introduced to him by some of his roomates at Donahue Hall at UMass Lowell. He was so proud of wearing his uniform even back then. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Chris will not be forgotten."
Patricia Priola of Dracut, MA/United States

"To the Sullivan family,My husband is a colleague of Christopher's Mom. My heart goes out to his family and friends in this time of sadness. You are in our prayers. Sincerely, Susan and George Rushton"
Susan of Lowell , Ma

"Thank you Capt. Sullivan for defending the freedoms we all cherish. You are our hero and we will not forget what you did for all of us. God Bless you and may He grant peace to your loved ones. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland,

"Thank you Christopher Sullivan, 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. Christopher Sullivan:
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 Christopher 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. Christopher Sullivan:
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 Christopher, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia