Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Miss you bud, hope you're resting easy."
Kris D of Las Vegas

"Hey Matt. Been thinking of you today and yesterday. We miss you a lot. I don't know, words seem so weak at a time like this. You treated me like a member of the family long before time and I love you for that. Sometimes I wonder what you'd be doing now, if our kids would get together etc. or would you just be the cool "uncle Matt?" (As an only child I get to pick relatives I've decided) : ) We miss you. We miss your bro, tell him Grandma and w & I miss him. There are a zillion things I want to say but can't sem to put them I to words. I pray you know my thoughts. Love you."
M of Indy

"RIP Commons...12 years ago today my brother...not a day passes when I don't think of the sacrifice of others so that I can be here today. I don't take it for granted. I have three beautiful kids and a job helping kids that I love. Thank you!"
Jgs of Longview, tx

"RLTW"
Ryan of Seattle WA

"Miss you buddy."
Kris DeAngelis of LasVegas Nevada Mar/4/2013

"I don't know you personally but now it feels like I've known you since forever. I know you're at a better place watching over your parents.:) Mr Commons cannot be prouder.
May your soul RIP."
of Annandale, Va

"I worked at JSOC helping to plan certain aspects of Anaconda. One always knows that "All gave some, Some gave all". I visit your space at ANC every Memorial Day and leave a flower, same as I do to other buddies of mine buried there. You are never alone, you're surrounded by your brothers from all ages. Rangers Lead The Way."
Ron of Virginia

"I joined the army in 2002 and deployed to Iraq in 2005 and before i left i picked up this bracelet with your sons name on it at ranger joes outside of Ft. Benning. It is a honor wearing it...I have not taken it off since i got it in 05'. Thank you Cpl Commons for your ultimate sacrifice and to your friends and family as well. God Bless!"
Thomas Clark of Gardendale, Alabama

"To the familiy of Cpl Commons:
I recieved a bracelet with the name of your son in 2007 in my mission in afghanistan.
I wear this bracelet with honor and in memory of your son, which I never had the honor to met him.I am a German Sergeant Major and I serving in the German Mitlitary Police. I will everyone who asking me, and be sure it will be a lot telling about your son, and what he did for his country and for the peace of the world.
My son who is born on the 21 March 2012 is called Matthew.
Again it is a pleasure for me.
I wish you all the best for the future."
D.Kaiser of ,Koblenz/Germany

"I never knew you but I work with your dad. Thank you for your sacrifice. We will never forget."

"Hey Matt,
Wow 10 years have come and gone... How time flies huh...
I miss you bud, and I'm thinking about you."
Kris DeAngelis of LasVegas Nevada Mar/4/2012

"Cant believe its been 10 yrs. Rest easy Ranger. Cant wait to see you when I cross the final LoD."
E of Tampa, FL

"I received a bracelet with Cpl Commons name on it. I got it about a year ago and have not taken it off since. I feel it is important to honor our fallen brothers. There is no greater honor for me than to wear this hero on my wrist at all times. I will never take it off in his honor."
Spc Kynan Pennington of Indiana

"on June 2005 I recieved a braclet with your sons name on it and am honored to wear it and share his story with everyone who ask what i am wearing on my arm. it has been over 6 years and i have not taken it off once he is a part of me and he will live on through our word and memories. my sons know his name and love to answer the question when i am asked they are future Rangers as they tell me they want to be like Daddy and his friend Matthew. i never had the honor to have met your son but i do consider him my friend"
SGT Edgar Sanchez of Odessa, Tx

"To the family of Matthew Commons, I didn't know. But I received a bracelet a few months ago that I ordered..It has Matthews name on it and I wear it with such pride. I am in the Army and a Infantry soldier that has been deployed to both countries..But it is an honor to wear his name on my wrist..he will never be alone or forgotten"
SSG Taylor

"Hey Bud,
Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you, and that I miss you.
Rest easy my friend."
Kris DeAngelis of LasVegas Nevada Mar/4/2011

"To the family of Cpl Commons,

Today i recieved a bracelet with your son's name on it. I will wear it proudly and never forget the sacrifice your son made for this great nation."
TSgt France of Toledo, OH

"Hey Matt buddy another year gone by your a hero man! I still wear your bracelet and think about you"
Dave Iem (SAD retired) of crown point,in

"I hope you are resting peacefully my old friend. I haven't forgotten you, never will."
Kris DeAngelis of LasVegas Nevada Mar/4/2010

"I hope you are resting peacefully my old friend. I haven't forgotten you, never will."
Kris DeAngelis of LasVegas Nevada

"I didn't know you, but I wear your bracelet in your memory and honor. I promise you'll never be forgotten. Thank you. For everything."

"I visited the National Infantry Museum at Ft. Benning today and purchased a bracelet....in memory of Cpl. Commons. I will wear it with pride in memory of the service and sacrifice he gave our country. God Bless his family."
Teri of Phenix City AL

"to Matt's family, I still speak to him everyday"
20091116

"Matt,
I never met you but I have known and worked with your father for years now. Today on the anniversary of your death, your father gave a heartfelt presentation about your service to our country; you would have been very proud. I just want to say that I was moved by your courage and sacrifice for our safety and freedom. From the bottom of my heart - THANK YOU"
Joel of Annandale, VA

"Hey Matt, I went by your sign on Veterans Memorial in Boulder City and left a flag for you the other day, I cant believe its been 7 years now. I got one of your bracelets from Cunni up at Fort Drum about 4 years ago, and he told me about the soldier I never got to see you become. I remember hanging out at Railroad Pass til 4 am, goofing off in D.E.P. and stealing all of McDonald's ketchup! I suppose that in a funny way, when I saw you leave for basic I knew you'd be fine, and that I'd see you somewhere at Benning, maybe at a shoppette or something... and truth be told, I still am waiting to run into you again. I sit up at Boulder city Airport sometimes and listen the Helicopters fly in and out, and think of old times. I have so many new stories to tell you, and so many new things to share, I will save them... for when we meet again. See you in Valhalla old friend."
SGT. Kristopher DeAngelis of Las Vegas, Nevada Mar 6 2009

"Hey Brother I miss talking to you and making fun of Haake. I'll see you when I see you."
Sticks of Nowhere/Everywhere

"Hey Brother I miss talking to you and making fun of Haake. I'll see you when I see you."
Sticks of Nowhere/Everywhere

"Hey Brother I miss talking to you and making fun of Haake. I'll see you when I see you."
Sticks of Nowhere/Everywhere

"hey ranger buddy, you are truly the airborne ranger in the sky. i stopped by arlington a few weeks ago to say hi. will be back this veterans day. to your family hope all is well and you raised a true hero that even over 6 yrs later i think about everyday and the bracelet never leaves my wrist."
RLTW of USA

"Matt
Hope your well in heaven, We are all thinking about you everyday but even more this Weekend! Thanks to you and your family for all you have done for your country
Your Our Hero"
Dave SIP Spec Ops Grp of Chicago

"Thanks again brother for taking care of my men and I."
-SFC Cunni 04MAR08

"HAPPY BIRTRHDAY! Can't beleive how the time passes, seems like yesterday. You are forever in my thoughts. Nick talks about his Uncle Matt. In Honor of you..."
Shell of Las Vegas, Nevada

"I’m currently a US Army Contractor working at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Today, 7 Jan 08, I received a bracelet engraved with the name Matthew A Commons. I’m very proud to wear this bracelet in honor of his memory... Matt you will be remembered!"
Ron of Lakewood, Colorado

"Hey Ranger Buddy I've had your name on my wrist for five tours. Thanks for watching over us. See you when I'm done here.
SUA SPONTE!"

"May 16, 2007
To the family of Matthew A. Commons. Matthew 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

"“The past and the future meet in the memory of the dead. The sweetest and brightest link in the chain that stretches back over the past, binds us to the dead; and that chain stretches forward to eternity and attaches itself to the living throne of God. In this way death joins on to life; and all that is scared in memory connects itself with all.”
George B. Taylor
A Virginian’s reflection on the battle of
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 1863."
David Deardorff of Austin TX

"For over two years, the bracelet bearing Matthew's name hasn't left my wrist. It is a constant reminder of Matthew and those like him who gave their lives to defend this country. From reading the comments left by strangers and loved ones alike, I feel as if I have a slightly better understanding of the wonderful man who reminds me to be thankful of the freedom I experience everyday. To Matthew's family and friends: My thoughts and prayers are with you daily as we continue to remember those who serve for this great country...be they past or present. To Matthew: Thank you for being the amazing person you were and for sacrificing your life for those who will never forget! God Bless"
Paula of Athens, Georgia

"My men and I, forever will mourn your passing with vigilance RLTW"
Cunningham of FOB NARAY, APO AE 09354

"Matt, Happy Birthday! You would be 26 today. I left you a birthday card at Arlington. I miss you. I love you."
Dad of Alexandria, VA

"CPL Commons and Family,
I am a Drill Sergeant in the United States Army, and I wear the bracelet engraved with his name. I did not know Matthew, but I see him everyday. I see him in the faces of the young men that I train and prepare for battle. These young men, like Matthew all enlisted knowing in the back of thier mind that the worst was possible...yet, they still drive on. I tell the story of Matthew Commons to these young soldiers every cycle. It is not just a story about things like loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage....it is a story of a young man, a son, a friend who died trying to save the life of another young man, a son, and a friend. There are some things, I cannot train a human being to do. Some things fortunately are already found within these men...all brothers. As a parent, I truly sympathize with your loss. As a soldier, I am proud to be among the ranks of men like Corporal Matthew Commons. Rest assured, I will never forget...and I will always tell his story."
Drill Sergeant /SSG Amado Yznaga

"Just thinking of you, like normal. Dear God, let me see you again someday."
Shell of Las Vegas, Nevada

"I have a bracelet with Matthew s name on it. I wear the bracelet everyday and think of Matthew. I count my blessings for my life in the USA.Where men and woman fight for freedom. Freedom for eveyone.I have looked up eveything I could find on Matthew. So when someone ask me about my bracelet. I could tell them about Matthew. Everytime I tell someone about Matthew I feel I get to know him more and more. I tell my little girl about him and what he did. I thank you with all my heart. I'm a army brat. May he rest in peace always.
God Bless you and yours"
Christina of OR USA

"mATTHEW THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. MORE SO FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. ( US ARMY SGT GREGORY L. WAHL KIA BALAD, IRAQ 05-03-04.) yOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN! YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY, TOMORROW AND NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. leonard_wahl@hotmail.com"
len Wahl of Texas

"Hey cuz, I miss you. I regret that we didn't have the time together as adults that we did as children. I wish you could have met my husband, you guys would have been great together. Please watch over him for me especially right now since his ship is on deployment ok? So what do you think of my kiddos? We had your picture in the room when Noah Matthew was born since we named him after you and Aunt Pat was there too...I know you were there as well, you know how I know. Hope I'm not interupting you in Heaven too much when I talk to you and ask for help:) I love you so much and miss you terribly. I can't wait to come join you some day with Grandpa...you guys fishin' up there? Thanks for always being here for me when I need you. XXXXOOOO"
Meg Fick of Naval Station Mayport, Jacksonville Florida

"I love you. And now I'm 11"
ThomasCommons of Alexandria, VA

"today is 4 yrs to the day that mattew entered the halls of heven and graced the majisty of the stars. i swore 4 yrs ago that i would never let the memory of the first soilder killed in the battle on terror and my years ago as i moved out of a home i was packing my boxes on march 11 2002 the 6 month mark of 9-11 and i a woke early that morning and there before me on tv on msnbc the showed the funeral of mattew and they played tapes and i saw the the father and brother and family mourn the loss of such a great hero and it forever linked me to him, in a way it was as if i was there to its something i will remember all the days of my life thow i never meet mattew it feels as if i have and it means so much to know he was the first long befor the losses in iraq came the anaconda battle as mattew fought his way out of the helocopter in roberts ridge in the gardez moutntains he could have never imagined he would not reach the promise land. i think of mathew almost every day and i can say from the bottom of my heart i love this kid who was a man that died for my tommorows and he was the first there will always be the fallen heros but there will never be any like mathew who was the first to died defending the great name of this nation.as i did 4yrs ago i made the promise to never forget mathew and today on the 4 yr annvsry i will make another promise i will one day visit mattew at his final reating place i dont know if i will ever be able to but i will try my hardest to stand in front of his final resting place and i can then say i have never felt closer to him.so on this day its only the begining of a great day long remembrance to him who died so long ago but feels just like yesterday. him family and he himself i will honar for all time and may gods great grace be with all who knew him and loved him. i love mattew like a brother and from the bottom of my heart i will never forget you mattew commons."
ERIC FLORES of BARSTOW CALIFORNIA

"Matt - Some time we'll see each other again - and we'll have another beer together - next time you'll be old enough!"
Bob of Las Vegas, NV

"Hi Matt, it's Cynthia. I just want you to know I named my patron saint after you, I wish you could have been there for my confirmation, you are my hero!!!"
Cynthia flygirl_flt253@hotmail.com of Long Beach, MS

"Matthew,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other men who were on that helicopter with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Rangers Lead The Way!"

"Matt, It doesn't seem like that long ago we were in basic training together. When I heard that you passed I was saddened to say the least. I still got a picture of us up on my fridge. I'm sorry that your gone and I'm sorry for your family as well. I hope that you are in a better place. GoodBye"
Adam Volkerding of Dayton ,OH

"Matt: You honored your country, your family, yourself, and the family name. For your sacrifice we will all forever feel the deep loss of your presence, yet enjoy the liberties you died to protect. Rest in peace...I salute you."
Colonel Brian Commons of Tampa , Florida

"Uncle Matt I miss you. Mom and I talk about you alot. I eat alot of Skittles to grow up a hero like you. Nick"
Nick of Las Vegas, Nevada

"Matthew, you were an awesome soldier and you gave the ultimate sacrifice. You, Brad, and Mark are in our family's thoughts and prayers everyday. There never goes a day that one of your names is not mentioned. The braclets are worn proudly, and pictures are hung! You guys are missed greatly. Thanks for watching over us, God bless you boys!! RLTW!!!"
Depouli Family of Savannah, Ga

"I WEAR A BRACLET EVERYDAY IN MEMORY OF YOUR SON IM SERVING A YEAR IN AFGHANISTAN AS I WRITE THIS THANKS TO YOUR SON AMERICANS CAN SLEEP AT NIGHT MY GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THE SOLDIERS HOW FIGHT EVERYDAY FOR THIS COUNTRY GOD BLESS."
CPL. David M. Phares of Afghanistan homestate Indiana

"Hey Ranger Buddy, Miss you guys. Keep looking over us."
- SSG Cunni

"mattew commons died in the fisrt major battle in afghanistan his familiy was the first to hear the most unwanted news and maty god bless mathew i wont ever forget waching his funral on tv on march 11 2002 god bless him for ever and ever.."
ERIC FLOERS........justin99_314@hotmail.com of california

"I recieved a braclete with this mans name on it and I am both thankful and sorry that it exists. Thankful that he gave his life for my wife and unborn child and a deep sorrow for his families loss, God be with you."
SSG Kristopher S. Pedigo of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan

"my condolences to the family for their loss, thanks for raising a hero!"
toby of INDIANA

"You are missed and thought of daily by family, friends, and the many lives you touched. You are a true Hero and good brother, thank you Matt."
Shell of Las Vegas, Nevada

"Thanks for stepping forward when America needed you. To the family - Thank you for your contribution to our liberty and freedom. I'm sorry for your tremendous loss."
Ronald Carlson of Montrose, MN

"To the family of Matthew Commons,
Dear Sir/Ma'am,
I worked the Afghanistan mission in 2002/2003 and just wanted to tell you that we all appreciate the uncommon valor and bravery of men like Matthew who fought for freedom in that conflict. I do not feel the men who fought and gave their lives there are getting all the credit that they deserved and so bought an black KIA bracelet so as to never forget their bravery and sacrifice. When I recived the bracelet the name read Matthew Commons. I happened apon this web site and am thankful that I have the oppertunity to experess my deepest gratitude to you for the sevice that Matthew has done for us and our country. His sacrifice and yours will not be forgotten as I wear this bracelet at all times and think of him and the men and women he served with everyday.
Again, thank you.
SGT Joseph E. Klauser
U.S. Army, Baghdad, Iraq"
SGT Joseph E. Klauser of Baghdad, Iraq

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

"Thanks Matt. I love you! We all do. I hope your having a good time up in heaven. Hows grandpa? Well anyways, thanks."
Patrick Commons of Alexandria, Virginia

"Matthew,
I love you - words I think you never heard from me. You are a fine man. You have always had the qualities of a hero - long before your actions showed it to the world. I remember when you became my step brother, you as an altar server at my wedding, you going "honey hunting", and you playing with my son. I miss you! I cherish my memories of both the kid I knew and the man you became.

I love you!"
Cindy of Lindenhurst, IL

"To Matthew's Loved Ones, I am deeply sorry for your loss of such a fine young man. I proudly were a bracelet in his honor, he inspires me. God Bless!"
Stephanie of Daytona Beach, FL

"I wish more people would be strong enough mentally and physically to do everything that Matthew did. My prayers are with the family!"
Rose Marie Elmo of Reading, Pennsylvania U.S.A

"To the family of Matthew Commons, my prayers are with you. Matthews father was my teacher the year Matthew died and i just want you to know we will always remember you Matthew."
of Virginia

"Cpl Commons was a leader of fine men who cared for them and gave his life in battle to protect them and accomplish the mission.

My family is safer because of this hero. God bless his family."
The Estes Family of Phoenix, AZ

"Thank you Matthew Commons, 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 Pfc. Matthew Commons:
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 Matthew 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. Matthew Commons:
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 Matthew, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia