Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To my brother, Steve - Aaron, Alex and I miss you so much. Maria and Stephen II were in New Jersey visiting us in January and then again last month. It was wonderful having them here. I always feel closer to you when they are around and feel that you are watching over them. You must be so proud of your wife and sons, as are we. Love, your sister, Tracy"
Tracy Gilman of Westville, New Jersey

"My heart broke a little when I learned that Steve had gone. He was my hero way back in 1982 when he saved me from a bully in third grade. I was SO proud of him when he told me he was in the service. There is always a worry when someone you know goes to war but your heart always fears. I was shocked to hear about his loss. Whenever I hear about any loss, I think if Steve and smile. He was one of my favorite heroes."
Monica of Pitman, NJ

"From one alaska gold star family to another I admire the grace and courage you are showing. It is amazing to me that you chose to have a baby after the death of your husband I know I wouldn't be able to that. Encourage your son to follow in his daddys footsteps because watching the special on E it was apparent he was a truly one in a million amazing man. We were at wainwright from 06 to 09 and I had heard about you but was not sure what was going on and tried to stay out of army gossip. This was a wonderful way to keep your husbands memory alive and let your son be the light that guides your path. I keep you and your children in prayers."
krisy bohling of ft sill ok

"SSG S, i think of you often, and am heartbroken about the loss of a good man who was just plain great to his family and soldiers."
ian of connecticut

"November 23, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Sutherland:
Stephen gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cnanot 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

"Steve,
I cant believe it, your gone. Its been 3 years to the day Brother. I sometimes sit back and think about Basic Training the hell we went thru, then I flash forward to when I ran into you at Carson, when I get stationed with you almost 2 years later, then I flash forward again, to diffeent random memories of the time we spent together at different functions. You were a true friend, you were my daughter's Godfather. I cant believe your gone. I miss you, but just know I will never forget you. A great man once told me.. "Frisbie, dont worry, our paths will cross again!"... and they did. Well now let me tell you... "Sutherland, dont worry, our paths will cross again!""
SSG Frisbie, Dustin D. of Fort Knox, KY

"Stephen, Three years ago today you drew your last breath. Now you family and loved ones have had to learn to continue to breathe without you. They love you and miss you so much and they have done so much to make you so proud. Omar is a soldier now, carrying on the honor you portrayed. Victor is nearing graduation. Little Stephen is growing and walking and smiling and brings joy to Maria every day. And, Stephen, you should be so proud of Maria. She holds your memory so dear and she misses you. But she has kept the family and the home together and carried on knowing that is what you would have wanted. Yes, Stephen, you would be proud. In fact, I believe you ARE proud. Keep watching over them, they are just going to keep on making you proud.

Maria, my thoughts are with you. God Bless you all!"
Kathleen Beasinger of Juneau, AK

"Thinking of you and praying for your family daily. As another anniversary approaches I will remember always what a true hero you were."
Peggy Premus of Queens, NY, USA

"Our Baby, Stephen John Sutherland, II just celebrated his 1st Birthday! Stephen you would be such a proud daddy! Our baby is beautiful like we always thought he would be. He is growing and getting stronger as every day passes. He is my miracle baby and the reason I'm still here moving forward like you said I would. I love you for doing this ahead of time just in case....you were right and I will forever be thankful that you thought about this and I was able to be a mommy again. Forever in Love with You"
Maria Sutherland of North Pole, AK, USA

"We Miss you Steve even though we weren't blood you were like my uncle the Christmas before you were drafted my mom had just got out of a bad relationship and didn't have money to give her five children a nice Christmas but you stepped in with the kindness of your heart and made sure it was a good Christmas for us all i also remember the day you left you stopped at our house and my mom made you a cup of coffee to take with you. You always knew the right words to say to when someone was down i don't have one bad memory about you were a wonderful person i love you and we miss you uncle Steve i hope you are watching over us all. :0)"
Lisa of Pennsylvania

"did not know you but i am sure you were a wonderful person. today 2 years ago you left this earth doing what most people could never do and i thank you a thousand times and it is stll not enough. with love"
ps i hope you now have a baby and watch over it and you wife because they will need that."
TJS of celina,tn USA

"Stephen was a good friend of mine. I had lost contact with him in 2002, after I had left the military at Ft. Carson, Colorado. I just read about his death last night, Feb 12th, 2007, on an unrelated news story of soldiers leaving sperm deposits behind. I also read that his wife Maria is expecting a beautiful baby sometime in July so that he may live on.

This was an exceptional soldier. He was also an exceptional man, and even though I hadn't talked to him in 5 years, he will always be my friend and hero."
Charles of Colorado Springs, CO

"To the family of:Stephen J. Sutherland 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"

"To Stephen's Family, I wish to offer you my deepest condolences. You are in our prayers. To you Stephen, you are a true American Hero. Thank you for all you have done in Iraq. May God Bless you all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"I felt an angel near today,
Though one I couldn’t see.
I felt an angel, Oh-So-Close,
Sent to comfort me.

I felt an angel’s gentle kiss,
Soft upon my cheek.
An oh, without a single word,
Of caring it did speak.

I fel and angel’s loving touch,
Soft upon my heart.
And with that Tough, I felt the Pain,
And Hurt within depart.

I felt An Angel’s tepid tears,
Fall softly next to mine.
And knew that as those tears did dry,
A new day would be mine.

I felt and angel’s silken wings,
Enfold me with Pure Love.
And felt a strength within me grow,
A strength sent from above

I felt an angel, Oh-So-Close,
Though one I couldn’t see.
I felt an angel near today,
Sent to comfort me.


Gone – but not forgotten.
Thank you for sharing your marine with us,
and for the sacrifice made by you and your family on our behalf.
Proud mom of Lcpl Alex
Currently serving in Iraq"
Patricia of Bishop, CA

"STEPHEN THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. YOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN! STEPHEN YOU DIDN'T KNOW OUR SON GREGORY. TODAY SADLY, YOU ARE UNITED WITH HIM. AN MY TEARS SINCE GREGORY HAVE STOPPED OFF AND ON. TODAY THOSE VERY TEARS FLOW IN HONOUR OF YOU, STEPHEN! YOU ARE AN AMERICAN HERO! STILL I REALIZE YOU ARE MORE THEN A SOLDIER AND HERO! I'M A FATHER, SO I KNOW YOU ARE AN IMPORTANT KEY IN YOUR FAMILY. AN ALL THIS IS VERY DIFFUCULT FOR THEM. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH THEM AND YOU. HEALING IS A VERY SLOW PROCESS. WE ALL DEAL WITH IT VERY DIFFERENTLY. BE CARING AND UNDERSTANDING TOWARD ONE ANOTHER. STEPHENS DOESN'T WANT ANY OF YOU UNHAPPY. LOSING STEPHEN IS LIKE LOSING ANOTHER SON. I FEELING THE EMPTYNESS AND PAIN! LIKE I FELT FOR MY GREGORY. STEPHEN HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. TO THOSE HEARTS HE HAS TOUCHED. I ASSURE YOU ALL ARE REFLECTING ON MOMENTS SHARED WITH STEPHEN. SO WILL LAUGH AND MANY WILL CRY. HE IS ONE SPECIAL INDIVIDUAL TO OUR NATION. AMERICA IS ALOT SAFER SINCE 911! STEPHEN PLAYED A ROLE IN THAT. AN TO GIVE THOSE IN IRAQ HOPE! GOD BLESS!"
leonard wahl of valley stream ny

"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.
Our nations HERO, Stephen will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "

"Thank you Stephen Sutherland, 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 Staff Sgt. Stephen Sutherland:
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 Stephen 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 Staff Sgt. Stephen Sutherland:
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 Stephen, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia