Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hey Robbie, I've seen your dedication plaques in the DFAC at Ft Hood and at Freedom Rest here in Iraq. I've visited many of the places you prowled while over here. My last stop was Falcon just the other day. Each place brought back great memories. I feel like I raised you from a puppy from when you tagged along with me and Jan on dates to when we mobilized for Desert Storm; you as my gunner. I always knew you would make a great leader. This is evidenced by the remarks of others that have served with you. I just wanted to let you and your family know I still think of you and that you will always be missed. -Toon-Daddy"
CSM Jay Stallings of Taji, Iraq

"I remember when SSG. Thornton first came to Charle Troop 1/7 Cav. The unit was in the field, and I was running chow with the supply sergeant.
We picked SSG. Thornton up from Squadron and he insisted on going out to the field with us to run chow. He wanted to meet the unit. I thought something was wrong with him at the time, but just speaking with him on that ride let me know that there was something special about him. He actually cared.
I grew a great deal of respect for SSG. Thornton and he is a true leader. To say he was loved and admired by his soldiers is an understatement.
I send my deepest condolences to the family of SSG. Thornton, and all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him."
Born Rice of Queens, NY

"To SSG Rob (the boss), hey it has been 3 years since that day and not one goes by that I don't think of you and your contributions to where I am today. Your giudance and teaching enabled me to become a better NCO and I know you are always looking down on me. Thank you buddy and I will see you eventually, I'll bring the Kool-Aid."
SSG Craig A. Showers of Fort Campbell, KY, USA

"I love you Rob..."
Heiko of okinawa

"Robbie, You were an awsome father, friend and Soldier. I will honor your memory all the days of my life."
MSG Brad Bryan of Copperas Cove, Texas

"To the family and friends of Staff Sergeant Robert C Thornton from his English name-sake.

It was somewhat unnerving to see my name appearing on a web-site honouring a brave and courgeous man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. To find appropriate words remains a challenge to which, sadly, I am unable to rise. However, let me say this, as his name-sake, I will honour the memory of Staff Sergeant Robert C Thornton on 23 August with an old English Thornton family tradition. On the occasion, a drink (a pint of beer) is bought for the 'absent friend', which is left by a vacant chair, we then raise a toast to 'absent friends'. I will change the toast to honour Staff Sergeant Robert C Thornton. Not much I know, but hopefully you will accept this small jesture as a sign of respect to Robert's memory and give you some small comfort that his sacrifice is appreciated on the other side of 'the pond'. With best wishes to you all."
Robert C Thornton of Northampton, England

"Hey Baby. I can not believe it is almost 3 years since you had to leave us. I still miss you so much. The kids and I went down and laid flowers by your name at the 1st Cav Memorial today. Our way of celebrating Memorial Day I guess. They miss you but they know how much you love them and that you are our Hero and our Angel who watches over us keeping us safe. Always know that you are my one true soul-mate....always and forever. I will always love you, more than words can say."
Your LNAH

"To all the loved ones of Staff Sgt Robert C Thornton Jr. ~ I am a 20 year old air force ROTC cadet, training to become an officer in the United States Air Force. I just wanted to let you know that his name is on my POW/MIA bracelet, and I'm proud to wear it everyday when I'm in my uniform. May God bless him in heaven and those of you left to carry on."
Holly of San Marcos, Texas

"TO THE FAMILY OF SSG THORNTON YOU HAVE MY PRAYERS ALONG WITH MY FAMILY. I HAD THE HONOR TO SERVE WITH SSG THORNTON AND DEPLOY WITH 1/7 CAV. I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT SUMMER IN 2001 WHEN I WAS PVT2 AND IN THE FIELD HAVING A HARD TIME WITH THE TASK AT HAND AND SSGT THORNTON CAME TO MY TRACK TO GIVE ME A PEACE OF CAKE HIS WONDERFUL WIFE HAD SENT TO HIM IN THE FIELD.I KNEW FROM THAT DAY EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO BE OK NO MATTER WHAT TASK I HAD. MY ARMY DAYS CAME TO AN END WAY TO SOON, BUT I WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT HE TOLD WITH A GREAT SMILE, I WILL BE GREAT IN LIFE JUST TAKE YOUR TIME. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU SSGT THORNTON YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS"
SPC WILFREDO SANTIAGO III of KILLEEN, TX

"To the family of:Robert C. Thornton,Jr. 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"

"Forever MY Hero. Forever MY Love. I love you and miss you more than words can say. Always & Forever"
Ellen of Copperas Cove, TX

"SSG. Thornton... I am proud to say I served with you as your driver and loader In Commanche Troop. You were a great mentor and you a great NCO. I ll never forget what you have taught and your memory will always live on with me. From when I tried to drive your tracker and didn't realize it was stick...to getting lost and than becoming Junior NCO also. Thank you for your service. My condolences to your family. SSG. Thorton Was a great Man And NCO."
CPL. Yatsko, Matthew of Douglassville Pa

"Robbie, it's been just over 2 years since we lost you. I think of you constantly and the very last things you said to me before you passed. We were in the chow hall on FOB Falcon and you looked me in the eye and said, "This is the best thing about this chow hall, the kool-aid!" And as I walked past you and Cam standing by your tank you said, "There goes a true American hero, a warrior, Sgt Davis!" No SSG Thorton, you are a true American hero and a warrior. I've talked about the incident twice and both times I couldn't finish. I never saw you get angry or scold a soldier for no reason. I never heard anyone mutter a bad thing about you. To this day, I envy you. And let me tell you something about this wonderful wife of yours! A little over 2 weeks after you died, I still got a birthday cake from Ellen. Most people would have given up and moved back home, but she is the epitome of a warrior. Thank you Ellen, for your service to the troops in C Troop, 1-7 Cav and for your undying devotion to the family."
Frank Davis Red3GX

"Two years ago today. I still can't believe you are gone. There is not a day that goes by that I don't look at your picture and smile. Your laughter and sense of humor was so contagious that it is hard to think of anything about you and be sad. The only sadness comes from knowing you are not here. I know you are happy because you have an endless amout of dumpsters to dig in. I love you and will miss ya forever. Thanks for being the "Ultimate Warrior"! Oh yeah you had better start seeing if you can pull some strings up there and give Dale Jr. a little help! I Love Ya!"
Suzy of Rainbow City, Al.

"Thor, I will always remember you the way I last saw you...brave, big in the hatch, smiling, and waving a peace sign at me as you went out Falcon't gate...thanks for saving my life over there with your laughter. Miss ya, and peace to your family."
SGT Rebecca Deuel, medic of 1st Cav, Ft. Hood

"I attended the M1A1 Abrams Master Gunner Course with SSG Thornton and truly learned the man he was. We worked togther alot in 1-7 CAV ensuring that soldiers were trained properly. He cared about soldiers and had a big heart and would always do anything to help anyone. Brother you are missed."
SFC Roberto Garza JR of Schofield Barracks, HI

"Army Staff Sgt. Robert C. Thornton Jr. was brought to my attention by Wayne Mills. He is honored on my "Memorial Wall" I designed to honor our fallen heroes. Here is the address:
.http://421specialforces.com/421st_memorial_wall_iraq.htm."
Keith Milligan of Tuscaloosa, AL

"Sgt. Thornton was an amazing man. He was my recruiter in Albertville and became a close friend. I never made it into the Army because of a four wheeler accident but we continued to talk afterwards. I visited him often and also tried to give him more recruits..lol. My heart sunk when I heard the news. I truely knew how passionate he was about the Army, and that is how I am able to coupe with his death. I know that he died doing what he loved. Much love goes out to his family. He will always be in my thoughts."
Holly Musick of Fort Walton Beach, Fl

"I JUST WANTED TO SAY I REALLY DEEPLY APPRECIATE THE SERVICE THAT ROBERT GAVE TO THIS GREAT COUNTRY. I AM SOON TO BE REDEPLOYED TO IRAQ AND I WOULD LIKE FOR EACH OF THE FAMILY AND LOVED ONES OF ROBERT TO KNOW THAT MY SERVICE TO THIS GREAT COUNTRY IS TO TRY AND GIVE BACK WHAT HAS BEEN SACRIFICED TO KEEP US FREE. AS FOR THE MOTHER OF ROBERT, I KNOW THERE IS NOTHING THAT COULD EVER BRING HIM BACK BUT REMEMBER, HIS MEMORY WILL LIVE ON ALSO KNOW THAT EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE LOST A SON, YOU HAVE GAINED A ARMY OF SONS THAT WILL FINISH WHAT ROBERT WAS TASKED TO DO. I DIDNT KNOW ROBERT, BUT IM SURE THAT HE WAS A SOLDIER OF HONOR, AND FULL OF LOVE OF COUNTRY. I JUST WANTED TO WRITE A LITTLE SOMETHING TO SHOW I CARE. EVEN THOUGH I DIDNT KNOW ROBERT, I HAVE LOST A BROTHER AT ARMS AND IT HURTS VERY BADLY TO KNOW A BROTHER HAS FALLEN. AGAIN I THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.
I PRAY GOD WILL BLESS EACH OF YOU. AND I SURE WOULD LOVE TO MEET WITH YOU.

FROM A SOLDIER,"
SGT. Patrick S. Banks of Ashville, Alabama

"I will never forget you Robbie. A great tanker, leader, mentor, soldier, husband, father and friend. You taught so many soldiers what is was to be a man and a tanker. I never felt safer, when I knew it was you on the other end of the mike, when I was in contact you were always there to send back up and relay the info quickly and rapidly. I miss you and think of you often. God Bless and keep your family.

SSG Darrin C. Boner
Comanche Troop 1-7 Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division"

"To the family of SSG Robert Thornton,
I only knew SSG Thornton briefly while I was attending Master Gunner School with him in 2003 but you all have been on my mind a lot since I found out he passed away. SSG Thornton was a true warrior and will be truly missed. He always spoke so highly of his wife and kids and was so proud to be a husband and father. SSG Thornton is a true American Hero and will be missed. I will always remember our short but memorable times together in Master Gunner School. To his kids, hold your heads high and just remember that your dad was a great guy and really loved you a lot. You will always be in my prayers."
SFC William Shelley of Latta, SC

"Thank you to everyone that has posted a message here. These messages are something that I come and read often because they give me comfort, make me smile and in a small way bring me some peace. I will treasure each and every message here because they all come with memories of my Robby and I know that he will never be forgotten by any of you. It is wonderful to read how much he meant to different people and how many lives he touched. These messages will be so important later on because they will help Brad and Bree understand what kind of man their Daddy is. Thank you all again for helping me keep my Robby's memory alive."
Ellen Proud Wife of SSG Robert Thornton KIA 8-23-2004 of Copperas Cove, TX

""Thorndog", "Rob", "Robby", "Cecil",
"Thor", "Mike Gulf", The finest of friends and the most dependable warrior. Always the steadfast leader and battle buddy.....and we all couldn't help but have a great time with you. Your presence has left a legacy of decency, caring, and love that will linger in our memories and hearts forever. God Bless and keep your loving wife, children, and all of of those lives that you touched with your caring hand. "By this I know, that thou art pleased with me, in that my enemy has not triumphed over me. But thou hast upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in thy presence forever". (Psalm 41:11-12)

Fellow Trooper, 1st Squadron, 7th United States Cavalry"
Rodney Wilmore of Kempner, Texas

"To Ellen,
I just wanted you to know that we all will miss Robbie so much. I would have never met my wife if it wasn't for him and Bob pushing me to ask her out. I enjoyed every day that we worked together in Albertville. He was a joy to be around and always found the good things in all situations. We will remember and always love him."
Todd and Beverly Fuller of Albertville, AL

"I was with Robert in Fulda, Germany back in the mid 80s. We were a close unit then...and it pains me to learn that he has passed away. My condolences to his family and friends, he will always remain a great man."
Jeff McCree, SFC, 75th Div. of San Antonio, Texas

"To Robbies family, I want to say that Robbie held a special place in my heart for years and it hurt so bad to hear that he had been killed. I wish you all peace."
Tami Colston/Fowler of Rome Ga.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this brave man. My brother was with "Robbie" that day. I hope everyone is able to find peace within themselves."
Tatro-Medlin's of Las Vegas, NV

"Rob,
I could not have had a better son-in-law. I will always miss you and I loved you as a great friend and soldier.
Vern"
Vern of Rainbow City, Al.

"1/30/05
Thank you Robert for your brave actions in defending our country and its people. Your sacrifice has made a difference as we see the Iraqi people voting for the first time. We all owe you our sincere gratitute. You are our hero and we will not forget what you did for us all. God Bless you and may He grant your wife and children peace."
Jim & Margie Shaw of Pasadena, Maryland

"Robbie,
The main things I am going to always remember you by is :Your wonderful, lound, shrill laugh; Your love of the band Rush; The song Jump and the little hand guy you would make jump off the steering wheel to make Anna and I laugh. And, I'll never forget the day you told me you were going to ask Ellen to marry you. I believe you picked the best woman out there Robbie. You will never be forgotten."
Mandy Thornton of Seattle, WA

"To the wife of "Robbie", and his two beautiful children, I share in your loss, not of only a fine leader but a wonderful friend. I was blessed to be able to serve with him, and all of us of C Troop miss him dearly, his presence is with us daily. May God bless you all and bring peace, we will see you all in March."
SGT Aaron Stelly of C TRP 1-7 CAV, 1st PLT

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

"To Robert's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To Robert'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

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. For the family/friends: May time provide happy loving memories in place of present sorrows. Look to the sky for in the infinite meadows of Heaven the bright shining stars bloom....the forget-me-nots of angels. God bless you and thank you."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"To the family of Robert,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Robert is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

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