Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I had the great honor to serve beside Sgt Trotter in Korea and Iraq. He still is, and forever will be, sorely missed."
David "Scotty" Martin of Arlington, VA

"I was with Aco 1/503 ABN Inf 101st ABN Div starting in 1972. I feel as if I lost a brother, May God bless him and his loved ones"
Gregory of Orlando, FL

"I served with SGT Trotter while in the OLD Guard as well as in Korea and Iraq. Few soldiers demanded the respect and the received it like Trotter. God Bless him and his family for there is nothing but prayer that can help fill the gap that has been left when he departed us."
SSG T.J. Lorenz of Arlington VA

"SGT Trotter was a great man and will never be forgotten."
SSG Joshua Johnston of Las Vegas, NV

"To Clayton and the Trotter Family,
I still to this day remember having the privilege to sing at John Byron's memorial and what an honor to be your friends. Before the memorial, I remember looking at my Kuwait Liberation Medal that I received during Desert Storm and how Byron was finishing something that I was privileged to assist with. Te faces of the Kuwaiti people as the returned to there land that was free will always be a memories that I will never forget. Freedom is not free for there is not greater love than a man lay down his life for a friend. I pray that we as a country do not forget that freedom has a price and we can sleep at night because of young men like you who are have given there life to protect ours."
Michael Doddridge of Sulphur Springs, Texas

"2 years later...we don't ever forget!
1st Rock!"
SSG Jones Dco 1-503rd INF of Phoenix, AZ

"I served with SGT John B Trotter in korea and Iraq. I was on the ground when his platoon was attacked. My platoon and I listened as rounds whizzed over head, smacking into the bricks nearby. I was proud to serve with John, though I may not have known him as well as I wanted to. In memory of him I have worn a bracelet with his name and rank on it since I began my second tour here in iraq. I am sorry for your loss and wish you, the family, my deepest regards."
SGT Lucas E LIsitza of A Co. 2/502 INF, 101 ABN Div. Baghdad, Iraq

"I served in Dco 1-503rd in Ramadi at the same time as Sgt Trotter, and was involved in the same mission with Aco the day he was killed. As a matter of fact, we were only a few blocks away and heard the gunfire.
That was a long day, and one of many that I'll never forget. I will also never forget him or the 2 dozen other guys we lost during our year in Iraq.
They will be with me always.
First Rock!"
SSG Patrick Jones of Phoenix, AZ

"To the Family and Friends of Sgt. John B. Trotter,

I served in Aco 1/503 from May 1989 - May 1990 stationed at Camp Hovey, R.O.K. I also fought in Iraq during Desert Storm. It is these similarities with Sgt John B. Trotter that I am compelled to write this message. Hold your head up high, for John was a soldier and a hero, and we should be proud.
Although we never met, we share a common bond, and I will forever consider Sgt. Trotter my Brother-in-Arms.
First Rock!"
William R Maglio Jr of Lutz, Florida USA

"To the Family & Friends of Sgt John Trotter,

My name is Suzanne and I am a college student at St. Michael's College in VT. Today in memory of all the fallen soldiers there were tags with the name of a soldier and their picture that we could pick up and wear for the day. I just wanted to let you know that I am proud to wear the nametag with John B. Trotter's name and pciture. I hope that God's peace is around you and I wish you well. I'm sure John was a great man, and he is a hero. God Bless!"
Suzanne of Colchester, Vermont

"To the FAMILY and Friends of Byron Trotter:
I went to High School with Byron, he took me along with four of our friends to our Junior Prom, he tutored me through English, and was one of my best friends. Being from the small town of Blanco, TX, word travels fast. When I heard he went into the Army, I was so proud of him, as I am sure you all were. Byron was, is and always will be a great inspiration to me. He is truly missed.
Sincerely,"
SRA Stephanie (BROWN) Ruepp, USAF of Luke Air Force Base, Phoenix, AZ

"Soldier Trotter (and fellow Texan),

I salute you!

forever indebted to you,"
Angela of Fort Worth, Texas

"to the family and friends of SGT John B. Trotter... SGT Trotter was my roommate before we left Korea and was one a my good friends. SGT Trotter was a great NCO and always lead from the front. May he watch us from above and know that we will fight on and remember him forever."
SGT Camarillo, Joseph of A Co. 1-503/ 3Plt, 2 Sqd. Ar Ramadi, Iraq

"I just found out from a friend. John was one of the best soldiers that I ever had the chance to serve with. I miss all the guys at the 503rd. I wish that I had stayed and gone with you all. You will be missed Trotter."
Sgt Jared Schiro of Hawaii

"I don’t believe that we understand all that you gave, or how your sacrifice will affect the future for our sons or daughters. I believe you confronted the evil that has enslaved mankind throughout history, the same evil that many American soldiers have confronted in many battles.

I will teach my son and daughter of your sacrifice and your heroism.

Proud Family of Pfc. Kohler serving in Ar Ramadi, Iraq"
Anderson Family of Montana

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

"I didn't get to know you eventhough we were in The Old Guard together. Thank you for your service. I know you were a great NCO and served proudly."
Alex Cochrane of Fort Belvoir, VA

"to the family of sgt trotter, he was my best freind and i never served with i finer non commisioned officer, he was a true leader and will always be the best freind i ever had"
specialist johnie dodd of a-co 1/503 inf regt air assault

"To John'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 as we lose yet another of Texas sons.

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"

"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 ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To John'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 John Trotter, 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. John Trotter:
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 Sgt. John Trotter:
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