Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"It has taken 15 years to find your name ...and now I shall not forget it.
My team were first on the scene at the bridge, i have always wanted pay my respects as that day has always been on my mind but didn’t know where to begin finding you.
My sincere condolences to your family and friends
RIP"
Glen of UK

"Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart. garena free fire playerunknown's battlegrounds"
Samuel D. Darden of Dallas, Texas

"Ten years....ten...I should have been stronger... More involved...my lessons of being a combat leader stings and burns me forever. I remember the dream you visited me...you told me to let it go...I will, but...will NEVER FORGET... You were a good Soldier...You ARE a GOOD Soldier! BATTLE BORN!!!"
SSG Romero of Las Vegas, NV

"It’s been ten years now but it sure doesn’t feel like it. I just met you the day before so I barely knew you but I think about you and that day often. I was one of the last to leave the bridge that day and can still see it perfectly in my head. I felt like I needed to do something to acknowledge today and this seemed to be the best way. I hope your family is doing well and wish them the best and know you are not at all forgotten."
of Iowa

"It is nearing 10 years since you left us. We think of and honor your ultimate sacrifice everyday. Thank you for always keeping a smile on everyone's face and being an outstanding battle buddy. You are not forgotten, Battle Born!"
SFC Joseph Babb of Las Vegas, NV

"There will be no party, or BBQ. I wont go out and drink beer with my friends. I will continue on like any other day, with you there in my mind. I will quietly mourn you, like I often do. I would love to say today is to honor you, but honestly, no holiday ever could. How do you honor some one so special, someone who gave their life to protect all that's good? We all still deal with the loneliness, and for some its just too much. Time does not heal all wounds; I still believe you left too soon. All I can do is go on with your memory, and though there is still pain in our hearts, we are forever grateful for the gift of freedom you have given us. Thinking of you always, sharing memories of the good times past, last words, last good byes. But just know this my friend, your memory never dies. We miss you every day."
Rachel Rogers-Fort of Sheridan, WY

"Cometa, it is coming up on memorial day 2015 and I still think of you constantly brother. You might be gone from here but you will never truly be gone from our thoughts and our hearts. I hope your rockin it out in the heavens brother."
Jason R. Karol Sgt USA Ret. of Warrenton, OR

"Gone But Never Forgotten. On this Veterans day 11 NOV 2014, I give thanks and honor you brother. You are still missed."
Sgt Jason Karol Ret. of Warrenton, OR

"Happy 30th cuzzo!"
of Rochester, NY

"miss u tons buddy. love u"
Jason of summerville

"Love you Tony <3 a day doesn't pass where you don't come to mind. I miss you. This weekend as we celebrate Memorial Day, and our freedom. I will remember all you and your family sacrificed, you will always be a hero."
Sara of Tampa

"Still thinking of you buddy. In my heart forever and always."
Your Friend of USA

"It's been so long. Still thinkin about you buddy"
Ryan of Greece

"I know you are in a better place. We all still miss you and think of you every day. Even after 8 years I can still hear your laugh and I think of all the good times I am thankful for. I miss you playing the bass. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for all you gave."
Rachel of USA

"SPC Cometa,

Tomorrow 75 Soldiers will show up to the UNLV track to celebrate and remember you with a grueling PT session. More importantly, we'll remind ourselves of the lessons your tragedy leaves us with. You are not forgotten."
MAJ Derek Imig of Las Vegas, NV

"Its been 7 Years Still in my heart and Mind Miss Ya XOO"
Ashley of Roc

"Im missing you buddy, I think about you everyday"
Alex Horton of Rochester NY

"Happy Birthday cuz."
Matt Marcello of ROC, NY

"Its been 6 years and not a day goes by I don't remember your ultimate sacrifice. I have worn your memorial bracelet for almost as long and tell your story to all that will listen. Thank You Tony, your a True American Hero."
Corby Allman of Spring Valley California

"You will always be in our hearts and mind buddy, you are greatly missed."
Daniel of Willimantic,CT

"11:11 missing you everyday !!!
Love ya Tony"
Uncle Frank & Aunt Jane of East Rochester, NY

"I never said thank you for being there for me every day and doing all you did. I still remember that last hug the week you set out. It is still so painful after all these years, but I know you are in a better place. We miss you every day. Love you."
Rachel of Las Vegas, NV

"I miss you bruv. Not a day goes by I dont think of you."
Matt Marcello of Rochester

"Tony just wanted to say i miss you not a day passes where i just wish i could have hugged you longer when we said goodbye. I know someday we will see eachother again."
Ashley of Rochester NY

"Tony,
So updates time. I FINALLY had a little girl. :) Her name is Isabella. I made peace with Alex. We are now officially friends. It is so strange to see life come full circle. I am certain that I will see you again someday, and when I do man, have we got some catching up to do...lol. Although you life was cut short, and your death was tragic, sometimes I feel as though you got lucky. Everything seems so repetitious and rediculously pointless at times. We are all going to pass away at some point, but we all spend so much time just thinking of ourselves. I guess I just don't get what the point is of this life full of pain and suffering at times, but then again there are moments of happiness and joy that almost make it seem worth while. Though if you ask me I say you're the lucky one. You no longer have to go through the hard times or the downs. You don't have to cry, hurt, fear, or suffer anymore. Even still, I miss you, but I realize that the times when I wish you were around is just my human weakness; human nature, selfishness that drives me to believe it would be better if you were still here. It is late and I am rambling, but just wanted to say I miss you and I am glad for the peace you have."
Tabatha(Curtis)Seppala of Rochester, New York

"p.s. Nancy, if you still from time to time happen to venture across this page, I hope you know you are still in my heart and in my prayers. I hope I run into you again someday soon. Please email me from time to time. I would love to hear from you. t4st3r@yahoo.com. I hope you and yours are doing well and still send you all my love and best wishes."
Tabatha L. Seppala(Tabby Curtis) of Rochester, New York, USA

"I was writing a blog the other day and my thoughts came back to you. You had such a kind smile. It is amazing how some people have such a great impact on others. Whenever I think of you I just remember how sweet you were, how nice you ALWAYS were to me, and how there was always a smile on your face. It truly brightened the room. I miss you. I've been back in Rochester for about seven months now and sometimes I drive by your mom's old house and wish I could've given her a hug and given her my condolences in person. I still read the email you sent me a couple of weeks before and wish we could've run into each other when I was in Germany. I am rambling, sorry. Just miss you and wanted you to know that even though I am a hypocritical peace-loving ARMY wife...Bill, the kids, and I appreciate your SELFLESS SERVICE...Hooah."
Tabatha L. Seppala(Tabby Curtis) of Rochester, New York, USA

"To: The family Of anthony cometa.tony and me go back to the day we both enterted basic training togethor.I miss you my buddy.He was an inspiration to me and my family. I will never forget him or his love for music."
SPC. John Ambler of Sheridan WY

"WOW! I found a lot of people who care for you Anthony, and thats not suprising. You have touched many people in your short 20 years here. I remember you as if it was yesterday, we were in your tent at camp Arifjan, your tent was behind mine and you were playing your music, Ben Rader and I would enter your tent and see you all in smiles and ready for a game on the computer while we were trying to relax. then we moved into the hardened buildings with lots of A/C and lighting, more power outlets and lots of room for your stuff, You always kept a clean area but when it was time for fun we came to your area to play the X-Box and listen to the music. You were a young man with a lot of SPIRIT and full of life.
I never expected you to move on before us OLDER Soldiers, it's just not right, but GOD knew you were needed else where and he brought you home, what you did on this Earth, your gift to others, well as far as me was seeing your smile, openess to new things to learn, and to teach others about your music. You always told people that you loved your maker "GOD". You have spread your love to many people through out the world, and to this day you still do. Your name is on the flag along with several others at my childs former Middle School in Spring Creek, Nevada. The flag is a memorial for you and a rememberance for the ones who served right along side with you.. I will be taking a picture of you framed of course to be placed there with a short BIO of you, But what all should I say? That will come to me, I have a little time to allow that info to sink in. My kids now know you as you are in my house sitting in my display cabnet along with other items from our unit.

I do miss you, and I do think about you and what you have done while I have known you when you wee here in physical form. All I can say is your one heck of a Soldier, son, and Friend. Thank you for being there and giving me your time in Iraq, Ft. Lewis, Las Vegas and Reno.


Always your friend,

SSG Merritt, Robert D.
Formerly: 1864th Med. transport Co.
Henderson, NV and Operation Iraqi Freedom III.
Now with the Idaho Guard in Boise."
Robert Merritt of Spring Creek, NV, USA

"It has almost been 3 years. I saw your father on the local news tonight. Still the pain is so real and you can see it in his eyes. I pray for you and the family you have left here on earth. It is always good to see your brother and parents from time to time. On this memorial day...i remember and honor you in my heart! xo"
Gina of rochester NY

"There is not a day that goes by that I dont think about you Tony. I am so greatful to have known you personally. I miss you and your wonderful hugs and your smile, you are such a peace keeper. Thats one thing I remember the most. Always keeping the peace! Nancy I also think about you all the time and just pray for you and your strength. Tony lives on in my heart and will never die in my eyes. Im excited for the day we meet again, up in our fathers house. "Tony Tony Tony" I say it all the time in my head and remember the times we have shared."
Sara Thomas of Rochester NY/ Tampa, Fl

"Hey Tone,
Had a dream the other night of you playing your bass...miss you so much!!!! Love you!"
Becky Lloyd of Las Vegas, NV

"TONY I MISS U SO MUCH.. YOUR KINDNESS YOUR FUNNY SENSE OF HUMOR AND YOUR ABILITY TO MAKE ANYONE LAUGH WHEN THEY DIDNT EVEN WANT TO. I MISS U TERRIBLY. U JUST LIT UP THE ROOM WHEN THINGS WERE NOT THE WAY THEY WERE SUPPOSE TO BE. I MISS U SO MUCH AND I CANNOT EVEN DESCRIBE HOW MUCH. WE WILL ALL CONTINUE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS THE LOVE AND HAPPINESS U HAVE BROUGHT TO SO MANY OF US, FAMILY AND SO MANY FRIENDS. WE ALL MISS U SO MUCH AND I CANT WAIT TIL THAT DAY THAT I SEE U AGAIN. WE LOVE U AND MISS U SO MUCH UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN . LUV YA TONY!!!!"
JEN KRAWECKI of ROCHESTER, NY

"October 14, 2007
To the family of Spc. Anthony S. Cometa:
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

"Tony, one thing you taught me is how to live my life everyday as if it were the last day on earth.I promised myself i would never spend another day angry and everyday i wake up living life like im on vacation."
Ashley of Rochester, NY

"I have just learned today the passing away of Spc. Anthony. I don't know him personally, but his last name caught my attention. I am presenly deployed with USS CHOSIN (CG 65)my second deployment as Command Chaplain. I realize how deeply this loss will touch Anthony's family and friends. I pray that God Himself and people close to Anthony would accompany his family in their journey of grief. May I extend my deep sympathy to his family." No greater honor can be given to any man than the privilege of serving the cause of freedom..." and especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in that service.

Chaplain John Cometa

cometajq@cg65.navy.mil"
LT John Cometa, CHC, USN of Honolulu, Hawaii

"I miss you, I was thinking the other day about our 8th grade formal, and how you were the best date that I have ever had. We came back to my house after and jumped on the trampoine together for hours. I went to visit you the other day. I couldnt stay very long, It hurt too much. I just wanted to say that I think about you everyday, and dream about you alot. I still cant let you go. I just keep on telling myself that I will see you again someday. Miss you and love you.
3.1.07"
Casey of Greece, NY

"It has been almost one and a half years since your death, but still I think of you and smile. I miss you so much! I will always hold dear the fun times all of us had out on the town. Thoughts of you now and always...

P.S. The boys have your name tatooed on them.. You will never be forgotten!!!"
Enjoli Roberts of Carson City, NV

"Tony, as your section sargent for a short time, I hope I gave you the leadership and respect that I have tried to provide to all my soldiers past and present. You always completed your duties and I never had any doubts about you. Thank you for being a good soldier. It saddens me that I will never serve with you again. You truely were one of the "PERROS" and original "SECTION 8". We had some good times in some of the worst conditions.

To Tony's family, I trust you recieved the framed photos of Anthony. I was the one who had them made. If you didn't know, they were taken the evening (just hours) befor the inncident. As you can see, even during the most worst conditions, he was always full of smiles.
Feel free to contact me anytime.
seferino.romero@us.army.mil

SFC Sef "GUNNER" Romero"
Sef "GUNNER" Romero of Las Vegas, NV

"Anthony,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, TX

"One of the most possitive, peaceful and fun-loving people I have ever met in my entire life was Tony. I miss you so much Tone. I just wanted to say that you are never forgotten and I think about you every day. I still have the memories though. Thanks for all of the great times.
Joey C. I am so sorry for the loss of your son...What a great man he was, and thank you for letting me have a piece of his life and yours. I love you!"
Becky Williams of Las Vegas, NV

"To the family of:Anthony S. Cometa 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"

"I was with the Mayor's cell at Camp Arifjan; our duty was to make it a safe and comfortable place for the Soldiers while they were off mission. I did not personally know SPC Cometa but did go to his memorial service. This was a solemn occasion with deep felt emotions expressed by his friends. Please know that the utmost respect and sacrifice was paid to your Soldier. We all feel the loss. As Memorial Day comes tomorrow, I will be speaking to veterans at a VA Care Home in SC, I will remember SPC Cometa and other fallen comrades who where with us at Camp Arifjan."
MAJ Bill Berry, 1-263d ADA of Anderson, SC

"Tony Cometa my "old friend",you'll never be forgotten,these few simple verses were the least we could do to tell the world that you were here.The love and the laughter will live on long after all of the sadness and the tears we'll meet again. We love you,we celebrate your life every day, we know you'll be with us this summer by the campfire. Heres to the drink we promised well someday share. LOVE YOU ALWAYS!!! Ash,Mom,Jay"
Ashley Pascale of Rochester,NY

"Tony gave the greatest hugs ever. His smiles, brought smiles. He saved the eighth grade formal, and made us feel special and beautiful. We only wish we could repay him for all he did for us. Tony, we love you & miss you, and we're sorry for not getting the chance to show you more."
mandy & adriana of rochester/greece NY

"As a mom of five young children, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of this brave solder Anthony S. Cometa. You are loved by many. Words can not express the emotion. He payed the ultimate price for our freedom. May God be with his family in this time of sorrow and may you find comfort in the fact that we think about Anthony S. Cometa sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"
Jill Hughes of Houston TX"

"Anthony Cometa, thank-you for all you did for our country.You and your family will stay in our prayers and shall never be forgotten!"
Trina of Sandusky,Ohio

"Nancy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I can't imagine the heart ache you're going through. You haven't been out of my thoughts or prayers since I've heard. You will forever be in my heart. You are one special lady. God be with you. Anne Heisel, rsterner"
Anne Heisel

"Here it is September of 2005 and I still can't really believe that you are gone. The last time I saw you I just remember how excited you were about your bass clef tattoo. You were a great friend Tony, and I know that even though you may not be able to read this you can see me crying and know how hurt I am that we didn't keep in touch. I just wish you were here. Everybody misses you soooo much. Your friend always."
Tabatha L. Seppala(Curtis) of Formerly of Rochester, New York

"Our dearest friend,
You will be soo missed here in the big city of Vegas. We will always remember your smile and the way it lit up a room. I will always remember the way you hugged me upon your visit back in April.
We love you and miss you,
Your friends"
Enjoli Laurent of Las Vegas,Nv

"A poem for our hero
Tony Cometa
June 15 1984 To June 16 2005

My heart feels so empty, and I don’t know what to say
I watched you grow up from a little boy to a man on this day.
You gave of yourself in so many ways, to help others who wasn’t having a real great day.

Your love for life and the impact you had On others,
They could not help but become your friends and your brothers.
Your gentle smile and your loving embrace,
Gave to all you surrounded, assurance of your faith.

You are a very special man and this is absolutely true,
You are my hero, my friend and my nephew.
I will miss you so much that words can not describe,
But I know that you are sitting rate by Gods side.

He had plans for you in your life, and we may not understand,
the pain and the strife that he had in his plan.
But that’s ok, for he gave you to us freely, to love and to hold though only briefly.

I will miss you so much this is for sure, but I will see you again this is assured.
So until we meet again,
Farewell for now,
my nephew my hero to whom I AM SO PROUD



With all the love that I have to give,
Your uncle Keith"
Keith Richardson of Candler North Carolina

"To Anthony's Family, I wish to offer my deepest condolences on your loss. Anthony is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"I too have served this great country and this great state of Nevada. I am a High Roller in the Nevada Air National Guard and have been deployed to Qatar, Kuwait and recently returned from Baghdad. Although I never met you Anthony, I know you were a first-class troop, great friend, and the perfect son to those who new you in your brief life. Because of you and all those who have lost their lives, and those who continue to fight this war on terrorism our ‘America’ will survive and be stronger than ever. My life and freedom given by you and so many others makes me eternally grateful for all who have faced the challenges to protect America and our friends on foreign soils. For that Spc. Anthony S. Cometa I am deeply grateful. May God bless you and give you peace."
MSgt Rommie Brown of Reno, Nevada

"Tony was a great kid with a great positive attitude. I don't remember ever seeing him without a smile on his face. Anyone should have been proud just to know him. Such a terrible thing should not have happened to such a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. Joe your my boy and you are stronger than I could ever be."
Mike MacGregor of Rochester, NY

"ANTHONY THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. AMERICA, AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ AND OTHER HOT ZONE'S IN THE WORLD ARE ALOT SAFER TODAY. THANKS TO YOU AND ALL THAT SERVE OUR COUNTRY. YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN. YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND FOREVER, NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. ANTHONY YOU HAVE TOUCHED MANY MANY MANY HERATS. YOU CERTAINLY; ARE THE ELITE OF MOST AMERICANS. AN THIS WAS YOUR CALLING IN LIFE TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY. YOU HAVE DONE AN OUTSTANDING JOB ANTHONY. NOT JUST ON THE BATTLE FIELD. WE LOST OUR SON LAST YEAR. AN THE CONFORT FROM ALL THIS. IS THE FACT GREGORY SERVED ALONG SIDE TRUE AMERICANS, THAT ALWAYS WATCHED OVER ONE ANOTHER, AND EACH OTHERS UNITS. ANTHONY YOU ARE A HERO! AN FRANLY, YOU ARE ALOT MORE THEN A HERO! YOU ARE SOMEONE'S SOMEONE AND YOU ARE SOMEONE TO OUR FAMILY."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To Anthony'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 son returned safely from Afghanistan, only to lose his life in Iraq. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice. Our sons are true heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto "The Big Ern" Blanco-Caldas
82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.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, Anthony will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Anthony Cometa, 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 Spc. Anthony Cometa:
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 Spc. Anthony Cometa:
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