Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hey Val, it's Shoat. Just wanted to let you know that I still think about you and Smokey all of the time, especially at this time. I still miss him. Hope you and Little man are doing good."
Matt Shoat of West, Tx.

"Hey Val, not sure if you'll remember me but I just found this site in memory of Anthony and I wanted to leave a comment for ya. I'd just like you to know that after all this time I still think about you guys everyday. I'll never forget when I heard about the whole situation. I still have a heavy heart about his move to the line unit while over there and why in the world he was on a night patrol like 3 or 4 days after getting there. I wouldn't let them call Beth to let her know we were coming home cause I didnt want my family there when I got back. I was so heart broke to see all the soldiers meeting their families knowing your loss. Shortly after returning from Iraq I also was sent to 4-42. I began suffering from PTSD and ended up getting out the Army. I stuck around Fort Hood for about 3 years before returning home to Fairview, West Virginia.

I spent almost 4 of my 5 years in the Army with Anthony. He really took care of me, always had my back no matter what. I'll never forget that and will always have him in my prayers. I hope and pray that you and Jaykwon are doing ok. Take Care..."
Matthew Rush a.k.a. "Killer" of Fairview, West Virginia

"August 22, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Anthony O. Thompson:
Anthony 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

"What up smoke man i still miss you man we played video games all the time in germany.Sometimes we went reds house.I still remember the day i was in iraq i got a email that you was in the big ambush and i had a mission the next i was scared as hell but hey i pull it together then i came back to fort hood they sent me right back to iraq in less than 45 soon as i got back i was out on the first thing smokin i miss you man watch my back fisters for life.Im glad to see your son is doing ok his going to make you proud hey maybe oneday i can go see him play in the pros.Hey val if you need somebody to talk hit me up Manning 2542857391 or email me lequettem@yahoo.com"
manning of westbrook maine

"Anthony, it has been over 4 years and i still miss you everyday. I will never be able to express how much i love you and miss you. For a long time i could not think of you without crying, it was so difficult to pull myself together because i thought of you all the time. I felt so empty without you and in so many ways i still feel the same way. I still can not talk about you for more than a minute or two without crying. even while im writing this its difficult to hold back my emotions. So many people has asked to sit down and talk with them but i can not find the strength. It's so difficult to be strong when i think of you because i still very much love you. Jaykwon is about to turn 9 and he runs like you ). He is big for his age, unlike you because you were so small when you were younger, he has my bad handwriting unfortunately, he is very good a reading and video games. He likes playing, football and basketball like his daddy. His favorite cereal is the same as yours. Jaykwon talks about you often. He really loves you and miss you as well.

Mary and Jay have been wonderful. I really dont know what i would have done without them. Mary helped me in more ways than she will ever know. Jay is a great uncle and a great role model.
I love them,thank them and appreciate them so much. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

WE ALL LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH"
Valerie Thompson of Killeen, Texas

"I did not know Anthony personally, but I have recently purchased an Iraqi Honor Bracelet with his name on it. I have researched what happened to him so that when people ask me about the bracelet I can share his story and tell of his family who is missing him very much. I am a Technical Sergeant in the Air Force, and am proud to have his name on my arm in his memory. I hope you are proud to know that I am carrying on his legacy to people that I meet. Feel free to contact if you would like a photo of the bracelet. His sacrifice will not go unnoticed!!! "
Shawn Darrenkamp, USAF of Mountain Home AFB, ID USA

"To the family of:Anthony O. Thompson 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"

"What up val this Manning well i went to iraq twice been out for a year now i have a son so i had to let the bullshit go i miss smoke alot hearing him talk junk all the time call me sometimes we was wondering how you was doing my number is 254 285-7391 aint nobody heard from i talk to ray who was with smoke that night his still messed up in the head take care Manning"
Manning of Maine

"To the family of my good friend ANTHONY ; I want you to know that i still am here with you . I think of you all everyday. To Jay I. Thompson I am always here for you your like my brother too. I hope all is well, and remember my buddy antman is, was, and always be our hero."
Eric Houser (childhood Friend ) of Orangeburg , South Carolina

"I was Sgt. Thompson’s Gunner on the night of the ambush. I didn’t know Sgt. Thompson all that well; he had just gotten to our unit. He had a high spirits. The thing I remember about him most is when he rolled up the biggest guy in our platoon. I was glad to have him on my team, he fit in perfect. He will forever be in my memories and never be forgotten."
Spc. Cross of Bay City, MI

"What smoke this Manning i will never forget you man you was like a brother to me i know you still got my back bro i remember the days beatin that * in Madden football and you just talkin * to me and reds i know you missed your wife val and your little man i really miss you i was in Iraq when you died it hurt bad but i told val what happen for you i sent everything me and reds talk about you sometimes hearing you say something funny i know you my whole Army life in Germany and fort hood but just remember you in a better places i got out to the army its not fun nomore Smoke just remember you still the man in Madden but Manning will beat that * lol To the Smoke family VaL AND EVERYBODY I KNOW HIM FOR ABOUT 8 AND HALF YEARS FROM GERMANY AND FORT HOOD HE WAS ALWAYS SMILING AND JOKING MY ME LAUGH AND THOUGHT HE WAS THE BEST BALL PLAYER IM SMILIN THINKIN OF HIM HE WAS COOL AS HELL WE HANG TOGETHER ALOT IN GERMANY AND SOMETIMES IN FORT HOOD SO I REALLY KNEW HIM I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU NEITHER VAL GOD BLESS MANNING MAKE YOUR DAD PROUD LITTLE SMOKE my email is lequettem@yahoo.com GOD BLESS"
LEQUETTE MANNING HIS LONGTIME FRIEND of I JUST MOVED TO PORTLAND MAINE BUT Im FROM GA JUST STARTING MY LIFE OVER

"To Everyone;
Thank you for your kind words. My Name is MAry Ellen Bell, I am the oldest sister of Anthony. I watch him grew from his arrival from the hospital. He wasn't just my brother he was like my son (there is a 17years beteen us). He was a bright, intelligent and a very loving person. He was willing to go all out for anyone, he was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back if you wanted. He was a very loving and devoted father, he love his family so much. Everything he did he did for them. Anthony was the baby of 5 siblings. He was always the one trying to protect us. Even to this day I still cry, I misses my brothe so much. My life is not complete, there is something missing. Some thing that give me comfort is when I go to his grave site and talk to him and my mother (she died 5 months earlier on the same day)they are buried side by side her baby is next to her. I am trying so hard to understand war and death. I guess I will never get it. Anthony I miss you so much.

Love

Your big sis Mary"
Mary Ellen Bell of Macon, Georgia

"To Valerie and family. you and Anthony are in my prayers he was a great freind to me and he will never be forgotten. Much love to Anthony and to Valerie and family."
Matt Shoat of Waco, Tx

"Anthony, I love you and will always miss you words can never express how i feel. Everyday i feel lost without you. However, I find comfort in knowing that others understand and acknowledge the sacriface that you have made. Baby, i have always respected and loved the sacrifirces that you have made through out your life. And i would like to take this time to thank everyone who wrote to my beloved husband. He is a hero in every sense. To know him is to love him. He was a people person he loved to smile and make others smile. He was a wonderful husband, a oustanding dad, trusted friend, and a great soldier.

Our son is 5 years old and he understands that his father is a hero. He misses him everyday and i know that he would thank each and everyone of you as well. And knowing my husband as well as i do i would like to thank you all for him i know that he appreciate everyone taking the time out and leaving him a message"
Valerie (beloved wife) & Jaykwon (proud son) of killeen , texas

"I WANT TO SAY TO JAWHAR,VALERIEAND AND FAMILY STAY STRONG AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU."
ERIC HOUSER AND FURMAN(TOOTIS) MINTZ of ORANGEBURG SC

"I am Anthony's brother, and I would like to thank all of you for your kind words. My brother is a hero and will never be forgotten. God Bless"
Jawhar Thompson of Killeen, Texas

"Dear loved ones of Anthony Thompson;

Together with Richard Arrigan and James Wright Anthony was killed in the first 'advanced attack' in the neighborhood of Kirkit in Iraq.

Anthony you died in the first so called 'Military Bloody Day' (a MBD) and therefore your dead is very much apreciated by being a freedom lover.

The first MBD was a small one; the latest and 7th MBD took 8 US soldier heroes in one strike and they to fell to the love of freedom on 29 April 2004.

Anthony, James and Arriga let me tell your loved ones that I salute you. I mean this, I salute you. You did not die in vain."
Reinko Venema of Groningen, Holland

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

"My condolences to the family of Anthony O. Thompson, You made the ultimate sacrice for your country and now walks in heaven. God Bless."
Marlena of Killeen, TX

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