Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"This veteran’s day I have dedicated to my fond memories of the brief friendship I built with EZ in Oct of 2005. It was a chance meeting really as I was a female broadcaster with Public Affairs traveling throughout Afghanistan collecting holiday greetings from service members stationed away from home. I arrived at the small forward operating base around dinner time and set up my camera and waiting for anyone brave enough to come “bear their souls” to their families. My thought was these tough guys from Vicenza are not going to give me a chance so I’ll just sit and wait for the next transport out. Keep in mind I’m the only female they’ve probably seen since last they’d been home. I heard this “what are you doing out here?” In a southern accent voice…it caught me off guard for sure. I turned around and almost said “lieutenant Dan?” It was obviously not him…I explained my mission and thought it was not going to do any good except pass time, but to my surprise EZ says “well I ca help with that” and he smiled real big and started pulling soldiers out of the chow line and over to me.Now these boys were not just going to talk on camera without pressure so EZ and I started coaxing “come say hello to your mom, or your grandma, or heck say Merry Christmas to MY grandma!” Boy did it work! I filled up a tape or two of greetings and was able to eat a fine meal after. While waiting for my transport,EZ shared that he had been a minister and felt he was called to be in uniform with his brothers. I never knew a man who loved this service so much, he talked about everything being worth it for his family and his country and his faith. After some time he said he had to go out on patrol, but he wanted me to have one of his team’s sweatshirts because he valued my service too. That day was his last day, I was visited by one of his team members two weeks later to tell me what happened. The hardest part of my job is to watch all of my video footage to remove any of those who have fallen so as not to release a message after their death. I know a while back a family member tried to message me on Facebook for details and I was just not ready to visit the memory again. I apologize for not having that strength for you then. You should know he served proudly and I am honored to have known him. I thank you for sharing him with those he impacted!"
Jamie (Wunn) Abordonado of Anchorage, Alaska

"I am Troy,s half brother I miss him Alan WAyne Ortego"
alan ortego of nac tx

"I had the honor this year of laying a wreath at the grave of this fallen warrior. It was as I said my honor and privilege to do this for him and his family. I just want to give my deepest sympathy to the family, and say thank you for the service of their son."
Aaron Ballew of Alexandria, Va

"Im Troy baby brother,jason ezernack sents my brother death its been hard,I miss him so much!my mom has moved in with me and my wife she geting better at dealing with our lost,Troy told mom when he camen home he would get her home of her own,I want to help make that come true,if any one wants to help please call me at 318-936-0059 thank you. plus if any one can tell what happen the day my brther died please call me."
jason ezernack of haughton LA

"I visited you today, Troy. Even though it took me over three years to make it to Arlington, I still came. The sky wept.

Peace, my friend."

"I knew Troy for many years and when he was still a preacher at the church I used to go when I was a boy. When I heard the news a few years ago about his death, I was in shock. My condolences to his family. He will never be forgotten and I will miss him. Thank you for all you did when it came to God and Country. We will see you again one day."
Duane Shelton of Ephrata, PA.

"I was there that night. I wish you were still with us, EZ. You were a good soldier and a great dude. All gave some; some gave all. Thank you, EZ."
Grant Anderson of Ft. Bragg, NC

"Hello, my name is Aime Parrett. I used to go to Trinity Baptist Church in Lancaster, PA where I was baptized by Mr. Ezernack. I just wanted to say that it is sad to hear that he has fallen by hate but in the same sense I am happy to know that in his heart he was falling for love of this country."
Aime Parrett of Lancaster, Pa

"I met someone today who also served in the army during the time that Troy was there. We chatted awhile, and I told him about Troy. So... I have just been thinking about him today,"
Jolynn Singh of TX

"October 1, 2007
To the family of Staff Sgt. Troy S. Ezernack:
Troy 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

"To the family of:Troy S. Ezernack 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"

"Troy,
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.

"Airborne All The Way!""

"We didn't know each other that well, but I knew you well enough to consider you my brother. Now over a year later I will honestly say that there isn't a moment in each day that goes by that I am not thinking of you. I remember seeing you on the pavalion in Kandahar Sep 29th 20005, right before my platoon assumed QRF duties and talking to you about leave. I remember you were getting so excited to go home and see your family and you told me what you had planned. We wished each other luck and went on with our business. Not even two weeks later I was carrying you onto the C-17. That was the hardest and most emotional thing I have ever done in my life. I will always remember you as the man that you were and as my brother in arms."
SSG James Pozin of Kansas City, Mo

"Hey Brother. Its still hard to think that you are realy gone. I have thought about you countless times and always think of us in Castle Greyskull being able to talk to you. You were always a friend to me when I needed someone and although I never got to tell you, Thanks. You were a great friend to me and I will never forget you. God Bless you for your sacrifice and God Bless your family."
Chad Harness of Jacksonville

"hey EZ, not a day goes by that i don't think about you. you were one of the greatest friends i ever had in the army. the late night talks we had during PLDC, talking about all our life experiences, the compared bruises during the combatives course, it was always us pairing up, because we could talk while we were throwing each other around. troy, you have changed my life with your soothing words and guidance. your life experiences have helped me in my tough times. i will never forget when i had to carry you into that C-17, to bring you home to your family, it was the toughest day of my life. i love and miss you so much. i will continue to honor your life, and your friendship, everyday. to all those reading this, this is one of the best men i ever knew. to his family, i am honored to have even knew troy, god bless you, and i pray for your loss, as its my loss as well. god bless you EZ"
chris dahl roosterpelo@yahoo.com of livingston, alabama

"I never got to meet Sgt. Ezernack in person, nor did I ever get to speak with him. However, he touched my life, Sgt Ezernack was the first hero I have ever met in my short time serving my country in Operation Enduring Freedom. I was present at his memorial service in Afghanistan, and he was treated as a hero who served his country proudly and with honor and kept myself and the rest of our country safe. I can tell you that there was not a dry eye at this service, I truly believe that not many people actually knew him personally, but he still touched our hearts with his heroism. I read and article about Sgt. Ezernack a few days later in Stars & Stripes and found out what a good person he is, I have prayed for him and his family ever since that day in October. He is inspiration for me everyday of my life and I would just like everyone to know that he is inspiration for many people now."
M. Cunningham of Charleston, SC

"As a mom of five young children, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of this brave solder Tray S. Ezernack. You are loved by many. Words can not express the emotion. He payed the ultimate price for our freedom and the freedom of so many other people who suffered under the rule of Sadaam. May God be with his family in this time of sorrow and may you find comfort in the fact that we think about Troy's sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"

"I was fortunate to have Troy's friendship, he was a special person, and I will really miss him. Troy loved being a soldier, and especially being a paratrooper. He died honorably serving our country. His sacrifice will not be forgotten! Please keep his wife, Gail, and Troy's family in your prayers.
I am the proud wife of a soldier currently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Never forget, the men and women who fight for our freedom!"
Lisa Foley Villarreal of San Antonio, Texas(USA)

"To Troy's wife Carolyn,family and friends; I attended college with Troy and his wife Carolyn and also served in their wedding. I was shocked to hear about him passing. But, I know he is in a better place with no more wars. Troy could brighten your day even after a long walk home from work. I will miss him and his jokes. My heart goes out to Carolyn and his family."
Tonya Sanders of Memphis,TN

"I knew Troy (and Caroline) many years ago in Longview, Texas. His bouncing personality will certainly be missed."
Jolynn Dean Singh of Dallas, Texas

"To Troy's family: Troy was a great soldier. "EZ" as the others called him was well thought of. My son said that he was one of the finest. What an honor to be so well thought of. May God be with you in your time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Grigsby,
Mother of SPC. Clayton Grigsby
Able Company 2nd Platoon 2-503rd
173rd Airborne Brigade
Sky Soldiers"
of West Plains, MO

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

"TROY YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN! YOU ARE AN AMAZING SOLDIER TROY. I REALIZE YOU DIDN'T KNOWN OUR SON. STILL SOLDIERS HAVE A SPECIAL BOND. KNOWING YOUR A BAND OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS SERVING OUR GREAT COUNTRY. THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER. SO THANK YOU; YOU ARE SOMEONE'S SOMEONE AND SOMEONE TO OUR FAMILY! OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU TROY AND YOUR FAMILY. WE UNDERSTAND THE THE HURT. WE LOST OUR SON GREGORY LAT YEAR IN BALAD,IRAQ. AN MY TEARS STILL FLOW EVERYDAY. MORE TODAY, TROY! TROY YOU ARE A PRODUCT A VERY LOVING PARENTS. AN BY YOUR ACTIONS. TO ANSWER A CALLING TO SERVICE OUR COUNTRY. UNSELFISHLY, RISKING EVERYTHING FOR US ALL. TELL ME MUCH ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. CONSIDER HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF AMERICANS. AN TRUELY, ITS A HAND FULL THAT SERVES OUR COUNTRY. AMERICA OWES YOU MUCH! I SUGGEST TO YOUR FAMILY TO REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. REQUEST A STREET TO BE NAMED IN TROY'S HONOR. THAT NO ONE WILL EVER FORGET ALL HE DID FOR HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY, STSTE AND COUNTRY. IT IS THE VERY LEAST HIS COMMUNITY CAN DO FOR TROY! GOD BLESS! FROM A FALLEN FATHER OF THE BIG RED ONE TO THE FALLEN FAMILY OF THE "173RD". GOD BLESS!"
leonard t. wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Thank you Troy Ezernack, 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 Staff Sgt. Troy Ezernack:
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 Troy 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 Staff Sgt. Troy Ezernack:
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 Troy, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia