Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army Spc. John R. Sullivan

26, of Countryside, Illinois.
Sullivan died when two 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters crashed in Mosul, Iraq. He was assigned to the 626th Forward Support Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Died on November 15, 2003.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Spc. John R. Sullivan.

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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

"John I still Miss You.And LOVE YOU
Bee with GOD
DAD"
DAD of MY HEART AND SOUL

"John
I Miss You
Dad"

"John I still miss you and as I can see
beside your family as if I didnt know
YOU have many others that LOVED and and still miss you and still LOVE you
be with GOD be always in my mind as my among the other brothers and MOM and
everyone who loves you so much. I meant Your brothers.We miss you soo much.
Anyway
JOHN
I Miss You and will always LOVE YOU
DAD"
James E Sullivan Johns DAD of romeoville Il.

"November 15, 2008
To the family of Spc. John R. Sullivan:
John 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

"To all who have been so kind and loveing to JOHN and his family
I Say thank you all sovery much!!!
WE all LOVE JOHN and will always rember him as he was Smile when you think of JOHN cayse you know he smiled at and with us. John I miss you but if not for you I wouldnt be here. I thank you for the time we spent together and I thank you for being MY SON ."
james e sullivan of romeoville Ill

"Sully,

I wish I would never gave up my seat on that Blackhawk that night. You'd be with Katrina and the boys. I will never forget you brother. I think of that night all time. Katrina we never met before but I had gaurd duty in Iraq with John a lot. He spoke so highly of you. My prayers are with you and the Sullivan family.

Fallen soldiers never die, they become heros.

John you truely are a hero!"
Curtis Willis of Clearwater, FL

"Hey John
My Baby BOY!!!!!
I Miss You so much...
I think of you always as does Mom and and your bthers and as your WIFE and your babey BOYS.
JOHN I MISS YOU every minute of every day Be with GOD .
I LOVE YOU
DAD"

"John,
You are still missed everyday. I have a picture that hangs in my home of you to remind me and others of your incredible sacrifice. I know that you are still watching over all of us with warmth and love. My prayers are with your family, although I am sure they know that you are a person to be celebrated and not mourned. I miss you and can't wait to see your smiling face again when I leave this mortal coil. With love and admiration.
~Nicki"
Nichole Frankenberger of Mokena, IL

"To
All who have lost
Major huggies to you and hope send back
John I miss you I love you I miss you Dad"
Jim Sullivan of romeoville Ill

"Sully,
Its been a long time man, I think about you all the time. You were a truly great friend. I din't know this site existed until today, May 2, 2008, sorry it took so long. You taught me so many things about life, and was a true inspiration on how to live it. I will miss you man, and I'll never forget "Dove Creek"... Katrina, if you get this, I pray for you and the kids and I know John is up there looking out for you. He loved you all so much. Please email me...j6t9hoss@yahoo.com; I'd love to know how you are doing."
Jade Huskey of Dove Creek/Fruita CO

"Sullivan my heart sank when I got the news. Even though time had passed the sting was the same. Mathis, who is in Iraq now found me and told me. What an awesome guy. We had a great time in Ft. Stewart. I remember the good and bad times, like when we were in Egypt together. You WILL always be remembered!! TO the family my heart and prayers go out to you. I was blessed to have spent time with John. Rock of the Marne."
Curtis Johnson of Concord NC.

"J
oDadhn I Love You"
Dad

"Hi Folks
I am was and will always be Johns Dad
I want to thank all of you for your kindeness John would be happy. That you thought of Him bee well all and always be thikinng of John as He was
and rember the happy and as for me Johns dad I rememb er Him as JOHN MY SON One of many SONS JOHN AMAZING BOY"
Jim Sullivan Johns DAD

"wow My name is John R Sullivan I was living in Fayetteville when this "war" began I met MANY great heroes while there.
I will be forever greatful to all these young men.Forever"
John Russell Sullivan of San Antonio TX

"To all who have sent a message I thank you. and Never forget JOHN and all of the others who passed . My tears are for all."
James Sullivan of Romeoville Il

"In Love and memory of a great father and son, and soldier. Mrs. Sullivan I want to pass on my Family and I,Love condolences and Prayer's to you and your entire Family. I'am Command Sergeant Major, Slater who was assigned to the 626 Battallion 101st ABN DIV, when SPC Sullivan was taken from us, I wanted to know how you and your dauther and the twins are doing now. I know the twin's are about 4 year's old now and the dauther is about 9 year's of age. I often think about you'll and as the senior enlisted advisior to the Commander my biggest fear was losing a soldier, my wife and I would love to hear from you'll I'am getting ready to retire effective 1 May 08, if possible we would love to have some picture's to put in our retirement slide show. you will always be in our through's and Prayer's forever. God Bless you'll during the Holiday's and and always.

CSM Anthony .J slater
61st BDE OMMS
APG, MD"
Anthony J. Slater Sr. of APG,MD,USA

"Whats up brother? Came by to say hi and to give your pops my email so mabey we could chat! I WOULD LOVE to see some pictures of you bro!Hope all is well up there!U Get to play with the guitar heros yet!If so tell Hendrix i said hey! My E-mail is altman_will@yahoo.com
Someone drop me a line and God bless all those that we have lost and to the familys that still await the arrival of there loved ones!"
Will Altman of Tacoma,Washington

"John
I still miss you I will always love you
and will never forget you you are still amazing you are always in my thoughts and in my mind be well my Son I love you always and forever Be with God be well. Dad"
Jim of Romeoville,Il /usa

"SPC Sullivan,

Just want you to know that you remain in our hearts and your family in our prayers. I still vividly remember dedicating the "John R. Sullivan Obstacle Course" at Ft Campbell with Mrs Sullivan and the twins in attendence. I said during the dedication speech that the twins will always know about their Fathers legacy. Although retired now, I marched in the Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. yesterday and thought of "Sully". God bless you and your family. The 626 FSB (now 626 BSB) family will always be there should your family need anything. God Bless!"
LTC (R) Martin L. Herbert of Washington, D.C.

"William its so cool you played with My SON JOHN wasnt He so cool thank you for your kind thoughts and words JOHNs DAD Be Well"
jim of romeoville,Ill usa

"JOHN,My brother!my mentor! you taught me so much on guitar.i remember the first day he moved across the street from me! i was on the front porch playing and he came to introduce himself! we hit it off. we had something in common! the guitar. i heard him play and i set mine down cus this kid could play! The talent he had blew me away!his ending,i still havenot caught my breath!forever in my heart and soul!!TRINA,my heart goes out to you aswell! hope to meet again!"
WILLIAM ALTMAN of TACOMA,WASH. USA

"We All Cry together"

"John I Miss you"
DAD

"To all who have lost someone to the war in Iraq to all who who are still serving thank you I share your sacrifice. i am thankfull. OH by the way i dont do do spell check and i dont spell well. anyway be cool folks thank you for LOVING JOHN he was the best I Miss him very much but to all who cared thank you and all who suffered loss i CRY with you be well JOHN S DAD"
borjamz@sbcglobal.net

"John I Still miss you. You are always
here in my heart and my mind"
DAD of romeoville Ill USA

"Sorry Im somewhat spacey The loss of My Son John kinda knocked me all I Know!!! is i Miss Him very much and as so as all who do now and forever will JOHN we all Love you John Forever Huggies to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
dad

"John Is and was my SON I miss him very much. I could say more. But Huggies to JOHN. I misss YOU."
DAD

"John Is my Son. John was my kind baby boy John was a part of my life I will never forget. All who have lost I huggy to you be well what can I say be and be well"
Jim

"To the family of:John R. Sullivan 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"

"Luke and all Im Johns Dad thank you and all for being soo very kind"

"I was just thinking about John today as I was writing an email to another friend who is serving in Iraq. I went to Pleasantdale Jr High and Lyons Township High School with John. When I transferred to Pleasantdale, John was the only one who was nice to the "new kid". We played pick-up games of tag football, basketball, rode the bus together every day, and we listened to some great music, John was a musician at heart. In fact the last email John sent to me was about a tape he was listening to which I had given him. He was without a doubt one of the nicest goodhearted individuals I have ever met or run across in my life. He is sorely missed."
Luke Cholodecki of Chicago, IL

"My name is Cameron Schilling and I have started “Portrait of a Soldier” which donates a portrait sketch of every Illinois soldier who has fallen in Iraq or Afghanistan. All 122 sketches will be on display for a Memorial Day Presentation in Chicago, Illinois on May 26-31 at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. After the ceremony the sketches will be given to the immediate families of the Illinois soldiers. I would invite any friends or family members to come and honor these men and women from Illinois who have given their lives to our country. For more information please contact OperationHomeFront.org at 866-417-8889 which is an organization headed by the Lt. Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who is in charge of the Memorial Day Presentation. Thank You.

Please check out www.portraitofasoldier.org
To contact Cameron email cameronschilling84@hotmail.com
To contact Operation Home Front call 866-417-8889"
Cameron Schilling of Charleston, Illinois

"Thank you, John. Thank you for not only fighting for the freedom of your friends and family, but fighting for the freedom of strangers as well. For those that knew you, it is not something out of character for you to do. You have always had a huge heart and a great deal of compassion and strength. I was blessed to have known you and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. Before you were saving the lives of others, you saved my life and I will eternally be grateful. I know you are watching over Katrina and the boys and they are lucky to have an angel like you. You are missed."
Nichole Frankenberger of Mokena, IL

"To the Family of John R Sullivan

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we pause to thank Sully for his sacrifices on behalf of our country.

Samuel K, Mary J, Samuel J and William Skinner

Winnetka, Illinois"
The Skinner family of Winnetka, Illinois

"My name is Cameron Schilling. I am a college student from central Illinois. I am the first generation of my family not to serve his country. I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice you and your loved one has given for the United States. I am disappointed by the way the news media has covered this war and the deaths of our youth. The media has stopped listing the names of the soldiers killed in Iraq and people only talk about the soldiers when we reach a specific milestone in deaths. If you just started watching the news today you would not even know there is a war going on. Partisan politics have replaced coverage of our young generation who have traveled to a foreign land in the name of the United States. Whether you believe the war in Iraq is wrong, right, justified or not everyone should pay even just a little more attention to what these young men and women are sacrificing. This is what I would like to do. I want to do my part in honoring these soldiers and their memories. Along with being a college student I am also a budding artist. I draw pencil portraits of local people in my community. I want to offer a pencil portrait sketch to the immediate family of every Illinois soldier killed in Iraq. Please contact me at cameronschilling84@hotmail.com."
Cameron of illinois

"I served with Sully in Iraq. He was very proud to be a husband and father and he talked about his three children all the time. He was funny and bright. He will be very much missed. We never gave you any coins but you had our hearts,friendship and loyalty. From all of us at Bco BSB, we love & miss you! God Bless the Sullivan Family. God Bless YOU Sully!!!!!!!!!"
SPC Crawford of Ft Campbell Ky

"To the Family of SPC John Sullivan:

My friends and I have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 7/12/05, 112 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put John's name on one of them. If you would like us to do this, please email me at ArlingtonMidwest@yahoo.com.

We have called our display "Arlington Midwest" and it is located in Wisconsin Dells, WI. It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

We invite you to visit Arlington Midwest. I can send you directions and some pictures by email.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them."
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"SPC John Sullivan, Sully as all that loved you called you, we salute you for dedicating your life to making a difference. Had the honor to serve as Sully's Battalion Commander during his unfortunate passing. He was a true warrior that volunteered for the War on terror shortly after 9-11. He always was upbeat and had the respect of all his fellow soldiers - outstanding mechanic and was proud of the twin boys that his wife gave birth to while he was fighting for his nation. I presented him a Bn Coin for excellence shortly before his unexpected passing. We miss you John and know that your Wife and Boys will take solice in knowing you are a true hero. On behalf of the 626 Forward Support Battalion that served with you in Iraq. We salute you and miss you!

LTC Martin L. Herbert, former Commanding Officer, 626 Forward Support Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, martin.herbert@us.army.mil"
LTC Martin L. Herbert of Washington, DC

"It is so sad to see a young man leave his family so soon, My name is Ray Mussatto, I live in Countryside, I remember when they had a memorial for John at the American Legion Hall, Post 1941 in La Grange IL. It was a sad day of my life, I remember meeting the family, I have two daughters, Tina and Diane and one Son John also. My son always wanted to go into the Air Force to fly a plane, but his eye site wasn't 20/20. I'm kind of glad he didn't go in, but as you know, someone has to protect our country, I myself was in the Army, from 1964 till 1965. My Prayers go out to the family and friends of John R. Sullivan. God Bless All and lets get the rest of our troops home alive."
Ray & Joyce Mussatto of Countryside, IL. USA

"We learned of your death while visiting the memorial park in Countryside. No doubt you left broken hearts and unfinished dreams. As a mother of 4 children I thank you for your service. I will think of you and your family."
A Local Family of LaGrange, IL

"I served with Sully in Iraq and I must say it was a true honor. I had not met a man in the army more dedicated. Anytime you needed something he was the first to help out. The ARMY is truly a different place with out him. Sully you are missed and remembered. May GOD shine down on your family. Especially those little boys. To his family thank you for your sacrifice and your bravery. May GOD bless you."
PFC Burroughs, Mark of FT. Campbell, KY. USA

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

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

""OUR special chosen words since day one of finding this site last year...have always been......REST IN PEACE BRAVE SOLDIERS/MARINES/WARRIORS We love you and MAY GOD BLESS you each. Your loved ones are in a beautiful place called Heaven now....When you look up to the sky at night and see the brightest star...it's your hero..shining down on you..The Taylors United States Marine Corps, North Carolina"

"Sully was a wonderful person, I knew him only for a little while and he had a huge impression on me and the rest of the unit. He was always smiling and laughing and being silly. We really miss him alot. My condolances to his family. We miss you Sully"
Manuel Gonzalez of Fort Campbell, KY

"In times of loss we must also try to rejoice and to remember, and for those reasons the following is respectfully submitted:

Faces of Valor Concert Honors
Musician Soldier's Ultimate Sacrifice

Celebration of his life and works to be held at Neener's Pub in Tacoma, Washington at 9:00 pm, Saturday, February 21, 2004

Specialist John Sullivan of the Army's 101st Airborne Division, known as Sully to friends in the Seattle Music Scene, died November 15, 2003 when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed in Mosul, Iraq. It is the deadliest single incident in the war so far. He was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He should have come home and for the first time - held his 2-month-old sons. His wife was pregnant when he left and he never met the twins.

He is greatly missed in the Seattle Rock Music Circuit as he was known to be one of the most talented guitar players in the area. He performed at shows and released several recordings of his solo guitar work. As a tribute to him, fellow talented guitarists will honor his birthday [February 17th] with a celebration of his life and works at Neener's Pub in Tacoma, Washington at 9pm on Saturday, February 21, 2004. All performers will play to a back track in the same manner that Sully did on stage and there will be a special grand finale. The event is rightfully named Faces of Valor, in reference to an official list of soldiers killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. This show is sponsored by Neener's Pub and Syren Spawn Presents. Advertising support by Tacomascene.com.

At this time we are looking for three things:

1) currently enlisted soldiers living in Washington State that want to play a solo guitar piece in the same manner done by Sully to a back track. Deadline for reserving a spot on stage is January 15th. Anyone wanting to be considered should contact Lisa Bonner of Syren Spawn and Desert Mermaid Presents at 360-402-0387, desertmermaid@msn.com or Shawn Reid at Neener's Pub at 253-627-0632, shawhat@hotmail.com

Websites:
Neener's Pub:
http://www.neenerspub.com

Desert Mermaid:
http://www.desertmermain.us

2) musicians to donate an original musical recording to be placed on a music compilation CD and sold with all proceeds going to Katrina Sullivan and her twin sons. Please submit by February 15, 2004

3) Soldiers to come and share this time with his friends and family.

Performing that night will be:

Hodgy of the bands THE BRAINDEAD, BEEF KURTAIN and CHARLIE DROWN

Timothy Jennings of TREMORCORDIS

Shannon Sharp of BYAXIS

Primo Pulanco of LYRANTHE

Allen Mattila of S2C/SUBJEKT 2 CHANGE

Jay Hanlon - last project GRIND RING

The Rikk Beatty Band


All of the above are Seattle Metal bands found at http://www.seattlemetal.com


Sincerely,
http://www.tacomascene.com

http://www.tacomascene.com/specialreport/sully.html


###"
TacomaScene.com of Tacoma, Washington

"Thank you John 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 left behind,

I'm truthfully sorry, for the loss of a loved one, but I know how it feels..I only knew Sullivan for 4 months, but we became best-friends in that time..we did everything together...I would like to give you my e-mail address if you have any questions...cringberg@yahoo.com..Sullivan buddy you will be missed...and never forgotten!!!"
Carl Ringberg of Ft. Campbell, Ky/ USA

"Family of Specialist John R. Sullivan

I'm a Veteran of Desert Storm, Sgt. Robert J. Drazkowski 6570th Air Base Group, United States Air Force. I can not express enough sympathy for the loss of your family member. Our country is founded and will be kept a free country by the sacrifice of John R. Sullivan, by the sacrifice of his family, and by the sacrifice of his friends who have lost a great man. My prayers and thoughts will be with all of you for the rest of my life. May God bless all of you during this time of sorrow.

Friend of Steve Tucker"
Robert J. Drazkowski of Ottawa, ILLinois

"To the family and friends of Spc. John 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 John 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. John 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 John, 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