Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"You will always be my Hero. If I could save time in a bottle...Prayers for your family and many blessings. SIP until we meet again!"
Tricia of Pomona, NY

"Duane, I think about you every day. I remember running the hills with you when we were at MCAS Camp Pendleton. I will never forget the Plymouth. RIP."
Former Marine Sgt. Dalton Doughty of Mena Arkansas

"It has been almost 10 years since this tragic accident and I remember it like it was yesterday. Like Ryan Riesenbeck, I was also there as one of the first responders in the search and rescue team, me and Ryan Riesenbeck were actually working together. I constantly think about what transpired there for the following 5-6 days and even see it in my dreams. It was a very sad moment and would've never thought that almost 10 years later I would still be thinking about it as often as I do. I know you're in a better place looking down upon us and your memory will always live on. God Bless."
Christian Borrero of Wilbraham, MA

"I remember you Sir. I served with you at Beale AFB and then followed you to the 380th in the Emirates in 2005. I still remember you and appreciate your dedication. Thank you and God Bless"
SMSgt DJ Lemire, USAF Retired of Magalia, CA

"As we approach Memorial Day, your loss is sitting heavy on the heart this morning. You were loved by your U-2 family and are deeply missed daily. May you rest in peace and walk amongst God."
Joe Murphy of Davis Monthan AFB, AZ

"My thanks to you sir,
May you rest in peace and walk with God. thank you and all our fallen heroes for paying the ultimate price. GOD SPEED."
Steven Perez of Marlboro N.Y. 12542

"I had the honor of serving with Major Dively on my first tour to Osan AB, South Korea (he was our D.O.); I happened to be on my 2nd tour to Osan when we learned of his passing...God Speed to you, Major, you were always "the Quiet Professional", my prayers to your family, may God continue to watch over them!"
Javier of Knob Noster, Missouri

"The pain of losing you never grows dim.

Mom & Dad"
d, dively of hollidaysburg, PA

"50 years ago today a real hero was born. I never got to meet Duane, but he has touched my life through his sacrifice and through his loved ones. We are all so very fortunate for Duane--he has been a true instrument of God's goodness in our lives."
John McGinnis of Altoona, PA

"Major Dively,

I was there in SW Asia and part of the team that came and searched for you. I'll never forget that day, Sir. Although I never met you, I am proud to have served in the same Air Force as you. Much Love..."
Ryan Riesenbeck of Cincinnati, OH

"I did not know Maj Dively but saw his name tonight, this 2011 Memorial Day, pop up on the screen on HBO along with thousands of others who made the ultimate sacrifice and felt moved to leave a message.

As a 9/11 survivor I thank God every day, not just for my life but for the tremendous sacrifice offered by our heroes, such as Duane Dively. May you take comfort in the appreciation we all have for his service. May God hold him in the palm of his hand."
Will of CT

"Duane, I was speaking of you today to a co worker, and former service girl who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Your sacrifice was ultimate, your dedication to service beyond measure, but the memory of you is priceless. With fond memories from our high school days, and in gratitude......"
Lynn Roderick of Fayetteville, NY

"In loving memory of Maj Duane Dively for his service and ultimate sacrifice on this day: June 22, 2005. You are dearly loved and sorely missed."

"I was there when the tragedy happen and I will never forget that day!!! God bless him!!"
E of NY

"June 22, 2009
A look up to heaven, that's where you are. And a look inside our hearts is an imprint of your life, love, and cherished memories of you, Duane, which remains forever. You are very much loved and missed."

"The soldiers do not speak. Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them? They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts. They say: We are young. We have died. Remember us. They say: We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done. They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished no one can know what our lives gave. They say: Our deaths are not ours: they are yours they will mean what you make them. They say: Weather our lives and our deaths are for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say: it is you who must say this. They say: We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning. We were young. they say. We have died. Remember us:
(Author Unknown)"
William Taylor / Fellow Veteran of BONITA SPRINGS, FL

"Major Dively, this morning I will be participating in a 5-mile "Run For The Fallen" formation run; I will be running in rememberence of your name. You will not be forgotten.

TSgt Araujo
BMT MTI
Former U-2 Crewchief"
Francisco Araujo of Lackland AFB, Tx

"June 22, 2008
Three years ago today our hearts were broken. With silent thoughts, with secret tears and with love.....we remember you, our son.

Mom & Dad"
Bill & Donata Dively of Hollidaysburg, PA

"As we enter into a New Year, I salute you Duane, my dear husband, along with all of the Fallen Heroes for your ultimate selfless sacrifice and dedication to the preservation and the freedoms of our country! You are very loved, greatly missed and continue to be a huge part of my heart! My prayers continue on for all the family's who have sacrificed as well and for the loss of their loved ones!"
BethAnn Dively

"October 14, 2007
To the family of Maj. Duane W. Dively:
Duane 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 Nevada

"To Maj. Dively's Family. Are family will remeber Duane and your family as hero's. Thank You for all you gave to every man, woman, and child. God Bless You and Your's."
Lenett Dively of Claysburg PA.

"Two years ago today Duane left this earth. All his dreams fulfilled, he has now journeyed into the heavens where he sailed in life. Our hero, our nation's hero, our Son!"
Mom & Dad of Hollidaysburg, PA

"Maj. Dively,
Sir, 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.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"To the family of:Duane W. Dively 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 had the honor of flying with Duane with the 16th Special Operations Squadron in AC-130 Gunships. He was one of the rare people that everyone thought highly of and got along with. Duane was a good officer, competent pilot, and just a nice guy. I remember the day he told us he was leaving for the U-2 assignment. We didn't want to see him leave, but we were excited for him because he was. I was saddened by his passing, but know he was doing what he wanted to do. He was one of many AC-130 "Spectre" crewmates I have seen pass on before their time. Each was a good man and a proud American. Duane exemplified this."
Mike Caravetta (Former Captain, USAF 16th SOS) of Gainesville, Florida

"I found this site while searching the web for relatives, and I felt led to respond. I pray that the friends and family of Major Dively would be comforted by the peace that only God can provide, and be uplifted by the rememberance of his efforts to keep us free. God bless."
John Dively of Springfield, IL

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

"Duane Dively was a great man, a son, a husband, an uncle and a brother. Unfortunately it was not until he gave his life for our country that I came to realize the full effect he had on so many different lives both proffessionally and personally. Describing Duane as "humble" would be an understatement. My heart goes out to the many families who have also lost a loved one to this war on terror and I thank you all for recognizing the sacrafice that Duane has made for our country. Duane truly loved flying and believed in his mission to protect our country and the freedoms we all love. Many described my brother as "a true warrior" and our family will remember him as such forever."
David Dively of Pine Bush NY

"Duane was a friend of my husbands....this is a sad time in our lives and we will remember him always as a hero! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!"
SARAH of RHODE ISLAND

"Major my heart and prays are with you and your family. You have touched the hearts of so many over your years. Frankly; you are remembered by all those you served with. To each soldier that knew you. You have become a friend, sometime's a father role, teacher, and a leader!!! These soldier's will miss you! I am very thankful and grateful to you. One as a father, grandfather, a father of a son that served in IRAQ, ex-AIR FORCE and Veteran. I realize the important role you played for the AIR FORCE, OUR COUNTRY AND ALL OUR MEN AND WOMEN SERVING OUR ARMED FORCES TODAY. We lost our son last year in Balad, Iraq. An although, you both served two different branches of service. You been watching over one another and each other's units. All in the effort to fight TERRORISM and to give those in Afghanistan and Iraq. The opportunity to live in peace. An one day enjoy freedom and liberty. You have not given your life in vain. You are remembered today and always. Never ever to be forgotten MAJOR!!! GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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

"To Duane'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"

"Thank you Duane Dively, 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 Maj. Duane Dively:
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 Duane 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 Maj. Duane Dively:
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 Duane, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia