Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I will never forget Mickey, from our times in Colorado Springs to Norway to Mosul. He was a mentor and a friend."
Charlie F.

"I just wanted to let you know Mick, that I am thinking of you on this Veteren's Day. Thank you for everything you have given to me and helped me become. I truely miss you and forever will!!
-Love You Always"
Melissa of Germany

"Mickey, been awhile, never do i let people forget the fast track chem guy that was one hell of a nco! my best to your family"
SGT Joel Morris of euless, tx

"My dear, sweet Mickey you are lovingly in my heart daily. I miss you terribly. I love you, Mickey! Love, Mom, 14 July 2008"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"Dear Family members, I am John Rencher, I served with him at the 82nd before I went to the Ranger Battalion I saw him and always called him cherry, but he was so squared away and I knew it thats why I always stayed on him. He had it, a fast tracker and I hate to hear about this 3years later. Mickey, My heart goes out to you and even though it has been years since I seen you I still remember you and Melissa Zaun arguing and playing in the hall as if it were yesterday. My prayers go out to the family and Mickey keep driving on in heaven Airborne All the Way"
SFC John Rencher of oxford ,Al

"Hey Mickey- back in Group now (7th) and was thinking of you ...meet a guy in Hawaii that knew you as well (he was a chem geek as well :) ) just thought I'd drop by and post on here...you are not forgotten!"
Baker of Ft Bragg, NC

"I was going through a scrap book of mine and found an old birthday card. I love it and you too..I have so many wonderful warm memories of you. Horror movies in the barracks, our Thursday night rituals, dancing at Pyrates.
I miss you so much, my friend"
Miss V of NC

"Dear Mickey's Family,
My name is Veronica and I reside here in NC. I decided to google his name after I came across a birthday card that he got me in 1997. So this is the place where I tell you how much I miss him and how much I loved him.
I met Mickey on Sept 5th, 1996 in his barracks at Fort Bragg. This was the day that terrible hurricane was on our shores(Fran) and I found myself hanging out with a group of friends, that knew some guys that worked with Mickey. From the beginning, he was so sweet and made me feel like part of his family. He brought us pizza, we watched movies in his room and he even gave me a chem light after the power went out.
That night was very special to me, because not only did I meet someone that I hoped to see again, but I met someone that I hoped would be my friend forever and he was. From that day on, up until the time of his marriage, I was a fixture in Mickey's room! My friends and I would always hang out there before going to the clubs and it became a sort of ritual with us. Every Thursday night, it was fun times at Mickey's. We'd get there and he'd have pizza, movies, and a comfortable chair for us. Often he would leave and go to laundry or some other task while we hung out. Whenever the company had a function or jump, he'd call us up and we'd go to the dropzone or be there at the barracks for cookouts and volley ball. This went on for over 2yrs.
After he went to Fort Carson, I did lose contact and didn't know whether I would ever see him again. One day, I'm in a local bar and I see this tall, slender guy with piercing eyes looking at me. He walks over and says "are you Miss V?". I break down into a flurry of tears and blubbering as we hug and start to catch up. We have a few drinks, then share a few dances..I could actually get him on the dance floor!! We talk and hang out, and after the club closes we go to a 24-hr. Hardees and we talk all night. The next day(a Sunday)he drives up to my house and we hang out again and play soccer in the yard,watch movies,debate Stephen King and have dinner.
He was in my life for so long and I didn't know how to take his deployments other than "like a friend". He would call at least once a month, wrote a few letters and when he came back again, we would get together, go out dancing, or hang out. They are memories that I will treasure forever.
I remember the last time that I saw him. I walked in, and there he was, smiling down at me. I knew that he was going to be there, but didn't realize that it would be the last time. We had a blast, we danced all night, laughed, talked about life, how much he loved his family and the military. After the club closed, we went to his place, where he cooked us breakfast and we stayed until 6:00am. It was so good to be able to see him. He called me the first week of January to wish me happy birthday(my birthday is the 19th)and to say that he probably wouldn't be able to call on the exact date. We chatted for about 15mins, and told him I couldn't wait to see him again and give him a hug. We made tentative plans that we would hang out after he got back and got settled. I got the news about his death and it devastated me!I had just spoken with him three weeks earlier!! How could that be. He was a wonderful human being and I miss him everyday! He DID send my birthday card and I got it exactly on my birthday of 2005!2wks after our last conversation. He never forgot and neither will I.
I love you and miss you Mickey! He was an incredible human being and a great person. He didn't see my race(African-American), or my size and to see us two together(as we often were)at the mall,barracks or club was always a surprise for other people. Not for him, he and I enjoyed each other and had a pure, genuine friendship. I know that I'll never find that again and if I do, they will be compared to him."
Veronica Swann of Fuquay-Varina, NC

"Well Mick it has been 3 years and I can say I have thought about you everyday. For the longest time I couldn't bring myself to leave a message here. I so badly want to be able to take a last minute trip to the ski resorts like we did not long ago. I also always thought the first time I went to your home state would be for a reason other than saying goodbye. Your always in my thoughts. We all miss you."
Brian of Houston

"Merry Christmas, Mickey! Your happy thoughts are with me each and every day. I love you, baby...Love, Mom. December 25, 2007"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"Hey Mickey,
I just wanted to leave you a note and say how much we miss you. I wanted to let you know that even though we only knew you a couple years, you were an awesome friend! You had such a kind heart and you always made us smile. I'll never forget the time you protected me at that club, when Steve wasn't able to be there. You didn't have to do that, but that was how you were. I'll always remember how you would come to me for "psychic" readings--we had so many laughs. I'll never forget how you never let us take a picture of you(well, we did get one, with your head down).
You'll be happy to know, we finally did have a baby boy! He was born just a couple months after you passed. And guess what, he absolutely LOVES Mickey Mouse LOL!
It's funny, my little sister (who I tried to set you up with) AND my best friend, both married men who share your birthday; they also share similar features with you! Just another way for us to remember you. I wish I had found this page sooner. We're always thinking of you Mickey!
God Bless
Love,
Steve and Danielle"
Danielle of Fort Carson, CO.

"MICKEY THIS IS CPL. BEMISS, BROTHER I DID EVERYTHING I COULD DO TO SAVE EVERYONES LIFE ESPCIALY YOU I AM VERY SORRY THAT I DIDNT SEE THE STRYKER SOONER I WISH THAT YOU WERE ALIVE AND I WAS IN HELL. I AM PARALYZED BECAUSE I COULDN'T HANDLE THE FACT THAT YOU DIED AND I DID'NT. I CAN PROMISE YOU THAT I WILL GIVE EVERYTHING I CAN TO DO TO CHANGE THE WORLD AND MAKE MY BROKEN BODY IN HONER OF YOU RANGERS LEAD THE WAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!! MICKEY YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART!!!!!"
CPL. CHRIS BEMISS of LOUISVILLE ,KY.

"Happy 30th Birthday in Heaven, Mickey! I love you, baby...Love, Mom 7-7-2007"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"Be strong and courageous. May the Lord's blessing and comfort be upon the loved ones."
Ashley Yap of Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

"Happy New Year, my sweet son! Not a day goes by without loving thoughts of you. Catch my kisses to Heaven, and give yourself a big hug for me. Missing you always.
Love, Mom 1 January 2007"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"Mickey- served with you at 10th Group and it was a shock to hear that you were no longer with us. We Lost touch after my PCS....You were a great Soldier, Friend, and person...You are missed deeply. I miss that huge Dodge you had at Carson..could it get any bigger?! You will never be forgotten!"
SSG Damon Baker of Schofield Barracks

"I love you, Mickey! Love, Mom. 7 August 2006"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"Happy 29th Birthday, Mickey! 27 on earth, 2 in heaven. I miss and love you each and every day. “The universe will reward you for taking risks on its behalf. –Shakti Gawain” Love, Mom 7 July 2006"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides. —David Viscott. I love and miss you, Mickey, this second Memorial Day without you. Bless you, baby. ~Mom, 29 May 2006"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"Happy Mother's Day to us, my sweet son! I’m loving you more every day. Love, mom. 14 May 2006"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"I LOVE YOU, MICKEY... ~Mom, 25 February 2006"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"Happy Valentine's Day, my sweet son! Hugs & Kisses, Mom - 14 February 2006"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"Oh babe, I miss you so...1 year ago, you went to Heaven with half my heart...You inspire me to "Live Well and Travel with the Golden Rule, always; and to learn from the past and go forward optimistically" - How easy that is Mick because you're with my always. I LOVE YOU... ~ Mom 28 January 2006"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"Hey Mick,
I still can't believe everything! I'm having the worst morning today. (I had a wonderful dream about you and I last night and when I woke up, I reliezed it wasn't true). I miss you so much and wish you were here! I love you and miss you!"
M of Germany

"To the family of: Mickey E. Zaun I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga

"Mickey, I find you in my thoughts a lot with Veterans Day coming up. You were a great friend and a role model for when I become an NCO. I wish I had a chance to thank you for everything. You are sadly missed!"
Brian Robinson of Pittsburgh, PA

"Mickey, you were a sweetie in H.S., and will always be remembered to me as my brother's favorite friend. Thank you for your courage and beautiful spirit. You'll be missed- and never forgotten."
Nicki Langerman of Minneapolis, MN

"Mickey, It was a huge blow to find out that you left us way to early. I first met you at 10th SFG, and whether it was chatting it up in the barracks or down at JRTC, you were always a great friend. My heart goes out to to all of your loved ones. You are truly missed."
CW2 Keith Buczko of Ft. Lewis, WA

"Hey Mick,
Just thinking about you today....you were such a great guy and i will think of you everyday!!
Love You!!"
PJ of jamestown, nd

"Mickey, not a day goes by that my heart doesn’t ache for you. Love you, honey, and I can’t wait to see you again! ~ Mom (8 August 2005)"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"I love you, Mickey, my Hero!"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"Dear Mickey,
I never had the chance to meet you in person but from all of the good things I have heard about you, I feel like I know you very well. You are a true hero and I just want to say god bless you for everything you have done for this country. We will always remember you in our hearts and our prayers."
Heide Stier of Crystal, MN

"Lynyrd Skynyrd
» Free Bird

If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be travelling on, now,
'Cause there's too many places I've got to see.
But, if I stayed here with you, girl,
Things just couldn't be the same.
'Cause I'm as free as a bird now,
And this bird you can not change.
Lord knows, I can't change.
Bye, bye, its been a sweet love.
Though this feeling I can't change.
But please don't take it badly,
'Cause Lord knows I'm to blame.
But, if I stayed here with you girl,
Things just couldn't be the same.
Cause I'm as free as a bird now,
And this bird you'll never change.
And this bird you can not change.
Lord knows, I can't change.
Lord help me, I can't change.

LOVE YOU MICKEY - HAPPY BIRTHDAY."
JANELLE KOELSCH of MINNEAPOLIS MN

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mickey! My Special Man…I Love you. Thank You for being my Good Luck Charm and Angel on my Shoulder. You are always with me, Babe! ~ Mom, 7 July 2005"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"Happy Father’s Day, Mickey. Do you remember when we used Father’s Day as Kid’s Day (because there isn’t one), and we’d celebrate—the two of us, then three when Sharee came along? I love you! ~ Mom, 19 June 2005"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"I cry for you, Mickey, with great pride. You are The Next Great Generation. You allow Freedom to Reign. Long live Red, White, and Blue! We, our Nation, Salute You and Your Brothers this Memorial Day 30 May 2005 ~ Mom"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"Mickey, with great privilege we (Sharee, Janelle, and me) honored you in Fort Bragg with your wonderful Military Family and at Fort Snelling. God Bless You, my son. We love you immensely. ~ Mom"
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"I love you, Mickey. You are wonderful. You’ve made so many people happy simply by being their friend. I am so proud and pleased to be your mother. Hugs and Kisses to you...Love, me."
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"I was shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of Mickey. We were friends and served together at Ft. Carson. This is truly a tragic loss for the army. My heart goes out to his family."
2LT Ryan Morrison of Boise, ID

"To the family of Mickey E. Zaun:

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"

"Mickey...I never got the chance to meet you but I have had the honor & pleasure of knowing your family. I hope you are watching Sharee in all she is accomplishing right now and watching over us all as we miss you, your spirit, your heroism, your smile and your embrace daily. Thank you for dedication to our country~you are truly a hero. We miss you dearly."
Maggie Hoeg of Plymouth, MN

"Mickey was a great friend, someone that had a very short period of time in my life, but that time will never be forgotten. I will always remember what he has done for me and he will remain in my thoughts."
Pam Radatovich of Fayetteville, NC

"Mickey was always there for me and I for him. I will miss his brothership dearly and he will forever be in my thoughts. De Oppresso Libre, Sua Sponte...Airborne All the Way!"
Mike Mayberry of Colorado Springs, CO

"Mickey, my son, is a True American Hero. He has always been my Hero and forever will be the Angel on my shoulder. Thank you all tremendously for your support of my Mickey and for continuing to support all of our Courageous Military Men and Women who keep America Free. With my deepest respect and appreciation, Cheryl Zaun."
Cheryl Zaun of Eden Prairie, MN

"Wow...where to start? Mick was a soldier of mine at 10th SFG(A) at Fort Carson, Colorado. Mickey was a hell of a soldier and I value everything he did for me and everything he taught me...Mickey, you will be missed."
CPT (Ret) Jay C. Huston of Colorado Springs, CO

"Mick, you were one of the few that "got it". Thanks for all you did while at carson. you were the best. trojan leader"
sgt morris of euless tx

"There is no way for us to express the deep sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mickey Zaun. I lost my son on January 26, 2005 in Iraq. Those that have laid down their lives are the true heroes. May God bless you and comfort you during this time."
Helen Gilbert of Dayton, Ohio

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

"Thank you Mickey Zaun, 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. 1st Class Mickey Zaun:
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 Mickey 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. 1st Class Mickey Zaun:
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 Mickey, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia