Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Sgt. Sweet, you are missed. You were a great guy and fun to have in the unit. May god bless you and your family. Riley Yadon, SGT USA
1-5 FA"
Riley Yadon of Kansas City

"To Thomas's family and friends,
My name it Kelly (Tyrrell) Zitelman and my younger brother PFC Scott Tyrrell also died "from injuries sustained in Iraq during a non-combat related incident" in 2003. He was near an amunitions hold when it exploded on Nov. 14th and died from his injuries on Nov. 20th at Ft. Sam Houstin, TX.
It has been just over 6 years for us...and I just wanted you to know that yours, as well as mine have not been forgotten. I want to thank you for the sacrifice that, not only he, but all of you also gave! I hope that you are able to keep Thomas's memory alive but have also learned to live with the pain of him being gone. Please know that I will be thinking of all of you and that if any of you ever need to talk with someone "that truely understands"...you can reach me at zitelmanzoo@yahoo.com
Kelly :)"
Kelly Zitelman (sister of a fellow fallen HERO) of Dixon, IL

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,850 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"November 23, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Thomas J. Sweet, II:
Thomas 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

"Sorry for waiting so long, I should of wrote this a very long time ago.
You were always a good freind to me and you wil be missed. God Bless you and your family."
SPC Gary Spisak B 1/5 FA of St. Louis, MO

"I first learned about Thomas in a commeration ceremony on my university campus. There were several white boards on easels lining our campus common area, listing the names of those who have died thus far in this war. The people who coordinated the effort made necklace tags with the names, hometowns, and death dates of the soldiers, and asked students passing by to wear one for the duration of the day. That day, 1 in every 4 of the 12,000 students on my campus wore them. I have kept my tag hanging from the rear-view of my car, and everytime I look at it I take a minute to remember you... even though we never met, I miss you. Thank you for your service to our country, and may your family find peace even in your absence. On this anniversary, I thought about you all day."
Heather Davidson of Bellingham, WA

"I miss you man. You were probably the best friend I've ever had."
Paul Falk of Manhattan, KS

"To the family of:Thomas J. Sweet 11 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"

"We do not know you all -but my husband is also a Thomas Sweet who was in the army 16 years-our prayers go out to you at the holidays especially..."
The Sweets of Yellow House PA

"Hey Thomas, you're missed man"
Hanna of Huntsville

"Thank you Thomas for being such a brave young man. To Thomas Sweet's family my prayers are with you."
Jodie Hjelmstad of Bismarck, ND

"My condolence to the sweet family, if you have any questions let me know, I was with 1-5 in Ramadi at the time
jason.r.garcia@us.army.mil"

"To the family of Thomas J. Sweet II:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"We think of your son Thomas and of the
thousands who have died in Iraq during
this endless war. His death and theirs
diminshes us all. May he rest in peace.
jleppert@bektel.com
23 Feb 2005"
John Leppert of Bismarck ND

"Thank you Sgt. Sweet for protecting your country and its people. We are very much indebted to you for your brave service. You are our hero and we will remember you each day we raise our flag in the front yard. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"We did not know each other, but we share the same name and a love for our country. God Bless...."
Thomas J. Sweet of Parker, CO

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

"SPC Sweet, you will always be remebered by me. You were my driver while I was Service Battery Commander in 1-5FA prior to my departure from the battalion. I remember many long nights leading the convoy. It was fun especially when we ran off the road!! Oh, those were the times! To the family of SPC Sweet, my heart mourns with you. GOD bless."
CPT Gansz of Camp Doha, Kuwait

"Spc. Sweet:
Thank your for giving yourself so that those of us at home can live freely and safely. There are not enough 'thank yous' for a gift such as this. Rest in peace soldier."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Thomas Sweet II, 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 Spc. Thomas Sweet II:
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 Thomas 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. Thomas Sweet II:
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 Thomas, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia