Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"PFC Wyatt, this is your 1SG Jose Pepin writing you a note. I’m very moved by all the postings on this Fallen Heroes Memorial website. This show prove that there are many people, family and friends out there that really care for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country as you did. I will never forget that day (13 October 2003). I was there with you and witnessed first hand what you went through. I will never forget how everyone came out to protect us. Your friends and family should be very proud of your service and how you gave your life to safe mine. This was the worse day of my life. Loosing a Soldier is never easy for anyone, especially me that my job was to watch over all of you and bring all of 82 of you to your friend and family alive and well. To this day, I’m being treated for the memories and how life like still is in my mind. You protected us and I’d like to thank you in this manner, how much I appreciate your service and how much you touched our Soldiers and the families of Charlie Battery 1st Bn, 17th FA. After your death, we named our FOB after you. We called it “Camp Wyatt” in your honor. Everyone in our sector knew who you were and what it meant to have named our FOB in your honor.

To all those in C 1-17 FA, which have posted their own notes here, I’d like to thank you for your continue service and for been there when we most needed you. This forum is a good therapy for those who were part of this unfortunate death. God bless you all and never forget to always do an extra push-up for the one “Cougar” in the sky; PFC Stephen Eugene Wyatt.

1SG Jose Pepin
Cougar 7
Retired 2004"
1SG Pepin of Orlando Florida

"Pfc. Wyatt man there is not a day that goes by that I don't remember you, I remember that unforgettable day like it was yesterday it plays in my mind over and over again we were talking right before you left matter of fact you were already in your gunners hatch and I was on my way to guard duty and how amped up you were to be getting out of the FOB for a little while and I had to go to guard duty. Brother there is not a day you are forgotten and you never will be. I remember you being the number one man in 5th Section and I was the number one man in 6th section those were some good times you were pretty good buddie."
SSG. Smith, Charles M of Ft. Sill OK

"Hello my brother in arms. This is your 1st Section Chief. I just wanted to let you know on your day I put your picture up and worn your name on my wrist. I also told my Soldiers and command about you on your day. I told another young Soldier, who just came in the Army, about you. He was the same age as you and a little confused about his place in this Army. I gave him some sound advice. I told him "Be on time, look good, and study hard. Sounds familiar because it was the same thing I told you when you came to me. Every year around this time I find myself thinking of what your life would be like if you were here and I say to myself "God took him for a reason", sometimes I'm confused about that reason but when I think of the good times we had talking, I realize that was the reason. I miss you and you will always be apart of my life until that day comes that God takes me. Love you brother! See yeah on the other side."
SFC Christopher M. Ward of Ft. Polk, LA. US

"Six years ago tomorrow I left early on PCS orders from Khanaqin, Iraq. Six years ago tomorrow you were killed in a convoy that I was supposed to be a part of, I know there is nothing that I could have done to prevent it. We were in such an early stage in this war, our equipment was so primitive compared to what we use now. I know Delawder has spoken at a memorial for you, Sgt Walls and I talk on occasion but really don't bring the attack up. We weren't the closest friends but we shared our moments.

It was hard to sit through the training the following year, wondering would the attack be in the next slide? Back then there were so few soldiers with combat experience, yet I was considered one, as a young Specialist I was giving these classes because I had been there.

Every day since, I remember, Forget Not The Fallen."
SGT Jacob M. Bills of FOB Diamondback / Fort Hood, Texas / Portland, Oregon

"I also was a friend of PFC Wyatt... He and I would play basketball outside the Rec Center we stayed in for a few months of our deployment... I'll never forget that horrible day... Not a day goes by without thinking about it... PFC Wyatt, you will be missed and know that you will live on through our memories of you and the good times we had... I'll never forget you!!! HOOAH!!!"
SGT Salinas, Luis

"I WAS A FRIEND OF WYATT AND HE WAS A MEMBER OF MY BATTERY IN IRAQ C1/17. I REMEMBER THE EXACT MOMENT HE DIED. I WAS ON GUARD DUTY ON FRONT GATE WHEN I HEARD THE NEWS. IT WAS A SHOCK. HE WAS A GOOD MAN AND LOVED HIS WIFE VERY MUCH. HE COULD NOT WAIT TO COME HOME AND WAS COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS TILL OUR UNIT GET BACK TO THE STATES. I LIVED IN THE SAME BARRACKS WITH HIM TOO AND HE WAS A JOY TO BE AROUND. EVERY TIME I WENT BY THE BRIDGE WHERE HE WAS KILLED I WOULD REMEMBER HIM IN MY THOUGHTS. EVEN THOUGH THIS WEBSITE SAY HE WAS KILLED IN BALAD. HE DIED ACTUALLY NORTH OF THE TOWN OF BALAD RUZ. WHICH IS DIFFERENT THAN THE TOWN BALAD.I JUST WANTED TO GET THAT RIGHT.
MAY GOD BLESS HIS SOUL."
RAHMAT GUL of NY,NY

"September 29, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Stephen E. Wyatt:
Stephen 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

"My name is Stepehn Ferguson I had the great honor of serving in the war with stephen, I was with svc bty 1/17 Fa Ft. sill Ok. we were good friend in Iraq, I remember that he was real good at ping pong, and that baseball game on the xbox. me and stephen had some good times and i will never forget him, and to the family im am sorry for your loss. he was a good man."
Stephen Milfred Ferguson of Baytown tx

"i went to school with stephen i am now cuurently serving in the us army at ft. bragg nc stephen is one of the main reasons i joined iwant to say thank you for what you did for me and our country and i will never let ne one forget the ultimate sacrifice you made for myself and everyone else

fortuna infortuna fortiuna
(fortune or misfourtune all the same to a man with a stout heart)
37th engineer battalion"
trey anderson of kilgore tx

"I was Stephens roommate before he left for iraq and I spoke at his memorial service at Ft. Sill there is not a day goes by that we dont think of Stephen and the sacrafice he made for his country. Him and his family will always be in our prayers. I know your up there looking down on us SHARK."
SGT James Haynes of Ft. Gordon, GA

"I was doing genealogy on the Wyatt families when I found this. I am so sorry for your loss. I have a grandson in Afghanistan and I worry everyday. God Bless your family. You are in my prayers."
Pam Dailey of Coudersport, Pa

"I was doing genealogy on the Wyatt families when I found this. I am so sorry for your loss. I have a grandson in Afghanistan and I worry everyday. God Bless your family. You are in my prayers."
Pam Dailey of Coudersport, Pa

"I served in C Btry from 97-00. I was the Section Chief for 6th Howitzer section. I never had the chance to serve side by side with PFC Wyatt, but I know in my heart that he was a hero and it takes a special person to be a redleg. Gone but never forgotten! PFC Stephen E. Wyatt I salute you and may you rest in peace. Cougars!"
SFC Brandon L. Wallace of Oklahoma City, OK

"I went to high school with Stephen. You served your country and paid the ultimate price in servitude and duty. May God Bless You As You Commune With Angels."
Anonymous of Kilgore, TX

"To Stephen - Your bravery makes me ashamed that I never served. I pray for the tender care of your soul in the arms of the Lord.

To Stephen's family, I am a Wyatt from Arkansas. The Wyatt's trace back to English Knights and Kings before that. I will send you the tracings if you would like so you can further document your Son's nobility.

There is to be a 500 year Wyatt reunion at Allington Castle, Maidstone Kent County England in 2008. May we honor Stephen there in a way you deem appropriate?

david.wyatt@midvision.com"
David Wyatt of Mishawaka, Indiana

"Stephen,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"In Time Of Peace, Prepare For War"
17th FA Motto"

"me and wyatt served together in the war. i remember me and steven standing on top of the howitzer arguing about what x box game i could beat him at.as a matter of fact he beat me in all the games we played. he was a very close friend and he is deeply missed. im deeply sorry for your lose."
spc, lagombra henry of bronx ny

"To the family of:Stephen E. Wyatt 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"

"The Wyatt Family,
I am in SVC Btry, 1ST BN, 17TH FA. I was in Iraq when your son was killed. I did not know your son, but from one who knew soldiers who served with him, he was an outstanding soldier. One who many should follow. My family will always remember him and you in our prayers. May God protect you and keep you safe.
"WOLFPACK""
SSG Adams and Family of Fort Sill, Ok

"To Stephen E. Wyatt's family,loved ones, friends & acquaitances:

I received Stephen's name on the Hero Bracelet which I purchased. I will wear it proudly and tell others of his sacrifice.

I lost my husband (age 50) in July 2004 to a sudden heart attack. My sorrow, grief and loss has subsided a little since I began wearing Stephen's name on my wrist. I hope by showing my support in this way for the soldiers who gave their lives in this war I will be able to help mend someone else's heart.

Please know we will never forget these soldiers. Their lives were a gift to us all.

Thank you."
Julia Petersen of Minneapolis, Minn.

"My Stephen,
How loving, kind, and sweet you are. As we grew up together we had so much fun. We got in tons of trouble but had fun doing it. From watching you ski down the hill in the back yard with WATER skis when it snowed and dad came home just in time to hear you start cussing when you went over the lightly frozen pond! How Exciting! Froze your tooshie didnt you! You are my hero and i miss you so much. I have millions of memories of us and i wont let any of them slip. They pass through my head a million times a day. I miss you so much and although it has been a year, it still doesnt seem like your really gone. We had our ups and downs just like all families do but somehow we always made it through. You led a great life down here as well as leading people to God. I know you are doing terriffic up there and are watching over us all. It eases my pain to know that you are home with God. From our childhood to our highschool years you never let me forget who I was and by how many people I was loved. I don't know how I am making it without you but I do know it sure is hard. You are my inspiration through life, you helped me get to where I am today. I love you so much and miss you so greatly. I will see you again one day soon but untill then my God take care of you and make you happy. I love you!!!"
Slkt2004@aol.com of Kilgore, TX

"Stephen whatt, Thanks for your service and the love of your country.My husband and i were, no "claimed"leaders to this hero we were just good friends to this family. I will always remember you and your wife. you two will forever live in our hearts. You were our friends! My husband was in Stephen's btry.
I remember everything after that day like it was yesterday. I remember your families strength it was beautiful how together it seemed when all was lost. to Stephen's best friend from high school, I keep you in my prayers too. We spoke briefly, but, it was enough to last a life time. Our
blessings go out to you and yours and may
God bless you then, today, and all of your
Tomorrow's. If you ever need anything please feel free to look us up.
always the rosario Family"
Tiya & SSG Kohner Rosario of Fort Sill Oklahoma

"I was Stephen's Commander when he died. I must say I was proud to serve with him. He was a true soldier. A hero for all to look up to. He will never be forgotten. On the one year anniversary we held a memorial service to remind ourselves what he did for us, our country, and for the Iraqi people. May God bless Stephen's family and all who love him.
COUGARS!
Commander, C Battery, 1ST Battalion, 17TH Field Artillery"
CPT Rob Walker of Fort Sill, OK

"Stephen called me Gram and I was honored. I met Stephen when he was 7. He was a rascally kid but all boy. Loved to fish!!! Whatever conversation he had with you, it alwayse ended up about fishing. His dad taught him how. At the age of 12, between Charles and Della, he started to blossom. Went to church and became a solid member. Thanks Ray. I remember him helping his neighbor Mr. Thomas. He never said no if he could help. Then he met Kelly. That was the icing on the cake. I am so proud of him. I love you Stephen, you are my hero!"
God Bless You, Gram of Kilgore, Texas ( US )

"I graduated with Stephen and knew him a long time. He is my hero. He died doing what he loved and everyone knew that. We miss you Stephen."
of Kilgore, TX

"to the family of Stephen....my heart and soul aches for the pain you must feel to have lost this precious member of your family. I pray that God will give you the comfort you need to carry on, and that Stephen rests peacefully in the arms of our Loving Father in Heaven. He is a hero to all Americans who sit in the lap of freedom each day. I will not forget that Stephen gave all for us."
Jackie of Longview, TX

"Private Wyatt, 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, Srephen, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Even though I didn't know you I've known many young men like you in my military career. Go far enough back and I'm sure we have common ancestors and a common God. Job well done and God be with you."
SFC Tony Wyatt of Marmaduke, Ark. USA

"What do you say to some one who has fought and died for you. Words can not tell you how I feel, but I know what I feel is hate and sorrow and gilt. I accompanied you back home to your family, but it was not the way I would have liked to. Soldier to Soldier, I thank you for making the ultimate sacrafice for our country. I am glad that I had the honor to meet a truly brave and remarkable hero."
SPC. Garrett Ives of Tyler, TX

"Thank you Stephen Wyatt, 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

""It so hard to keep going when it hurts so bad...I'm trying not to let you down..." Pfc. Stephen E. Wyatt wrote that in a letter.
This website touches me because I knew him personally. I would like his family to know how sorry I am about their loss, he was a wonderful person, and a true hero. He will live on in our hearts forever.
R.I.P Stephen E. Wyatt
6/14/84 - 10/13/03"
Anonymous of Gladewater, Texas, U.S.A

"SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE. ALWAYS SADDER WHEN THEY ARE TAKEN AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE. YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS."
BEVERLY ARNOLD of CYNTHIANA,KY

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Stephen Wyatt:
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 Pfc. Stephen Wyatt:
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