Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"19 long years have passed. I stumbled on this page once again, I re-read the remembrances and cried like it was 2004. A lot has changed, most notably the lost of Ka'eo's mom, my sister Noe. She was never the same following the lost of her eldest son and there's a small part of me that feels like she's finally at peace in his arms and in the company of her dad. Still missing Ka'eo like it was yesterday, his children are all grown up and out on their own. As I get older I realize that it's not worth all of the anguish to forget how to live. There are so many more hills to climb and bridges to cross. The dreams, the pleasantries and the memories will never ever end! Keep the spirit of our heroes alive and love the ones you're with. Aloha."
Uncle Kimo of Where the Beach Has Water

"It's been almost 10 years now and as I read these entries the tears flow as freely as they did in 2004. Kaeo has been kicking it with his Pearl City Papa for the past 10 years and yesterday he was joined by his California Papa, so braddah keep the inu flowing because the Kanikapila is about to begin. Thank You all for of the kind words and memories. As he affected all of you, he had affected us ten fold. Kaeo will never be forgotten and will live on forever as Our Hawaiian Hero! God Please Bless All Who Protect Our Tomorrow!"
Kaeo's Uncle Kimo of Where the beach has water

"Hey bro I was going through some old Army stuff and I came across a booklet they gave us. I seen your picture and I was remembering the the good times. I only knew you for like five months but within that time i considered you a good friend. Well my brother I just wanted to show you some love and let you know that you still are truly missed."
Kevin Briseno of Los Angeles, CA

"Fern, I think of you and your family often, especially on this unfortunate anniversary."
Wade Smith, Fellow Bobcat of Boulder, CO

"Still thinking about you everyday friend. Your brothers of C co 2-5 INF will never forget you."
Heinold. Don of Pittsburgh, PA

"i got to the unit around the same time and was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with you that i will always cherish. you were the most fun loving caring person i know. i was with you that day sitting right behind you and i will always be with you. i truly miss you and love you bro and think of you everyday."
jeff guerin of syracuse, ny

"It's been eight years since Akua carried you home. I Think of you a lot and I have grown close with Keahi. Mai hopohopo...e malama ana au I kou palala a me kau keiki. hpbfl. Aloha ....a Hui hou"
kumu of aiea, hawai'i nei

"Family of Kyle Ferbandez,
I was his friend in high school and been holding on to a star bulliten artical for years. I've been in the Army for 10 years now and finally got stationed in the 25th. I lived in Waipio Gentry and when he would drive by hed allways stop and say hello. I went to PCHS and graduated in 96. He was such a good man. Even at that age. I looked up to him for he carried him self so well. God allways takes the best...I wish you all the best thru the memorial times and will never forget. RIP Kyle."
SSG HOPKINS, GARY of Waipahu, HI

"A true Hero God Bless"
Nancy Rodriguez of Vista Ca

"You will forever be missed Fern Dawg. You were one of the best all around guys that I knew and had the pleasure to serve with while in the Army."
Spc. Sears, Justin A. of Yorktown, Va

"Kyle... Without a doubt the most fun, loving, very comedic and family oriented men I have ever had the honor knowing. Before we left I had really became close with him and a couple other guys in our company that i well never forget. Know matter how bad things where at home or at Cobra he could put a smile on your face. This day we lost 2 extrodinary men that affected every single man in our unit in there own way. Was joking around and listening to music with him not a couple hours before we left on the patrol. Was right in front of him when it happened and all of us out there on that patrol was affected in some way. Was an absolute great man and hope that if the day ever comes i have a family I can be half the man he was to his. Ive served more than three years over seas now but there isnt one person or one day thats is on my mind more. Still have a picture of a couple us framed in my room and just like Joe said everytime single time I hear the IZ I have to stop what im doing to listen and remember!!! Kyle you well never be forgotten... It was an absolute honor to be a great friend of yours and serve next to you!!"
SSG Lofstrom, Derek of Kent, WA

"Fern, It brought Back tears seeing your Quilt, I am honored to have known you and your children everytime I listen to IZ I think of the Fun times, you are missed Daily Love you Bro."
SSG Simpliciano, Joseph of Waianae, HI 96792

"To those who have endured and those who have fallen, to families and friends, to aquaintances and/or complete strangers this message is in the name of my nephew Kyle Ka'eo Fernandez. It has been nearly six years since his passing and as I sit hear and read your entries honoring my nephew, I cry. His zest for life, their zest for life. His compassion for his fellow americans, fellow human beings, their passion to do the right thing. His every being, their every wish, his every dream, their every desire. The young, the old, the brass and the bold. As the days go by I shall never forget. As the months go by I shall never regret. As the years come and go may we genuinely remember and never ever relinquish our gratitude for all of our hero's, those walking, those unable to walk, those talking, those unable to talk and of course those chosen few who "Gave All". Their gift to us is truly our freedom, lets honor them by living through their courage and strive for a peaceful home front."
Ka'eo's Uncle Kimo of "Where the beach has water"

"My fiancee gave me a KIA memorial bracelet with spc. Fernandez info. I will honor and pray for Kyle and his family always. God Bless you..."
Phillip of Flagstaff, Arizona

"It's been along time Fern and I miss talking to you so much. I will never forget you my brother. I hope to see your kids again someday when they are grown, so I can tell them what a great man their dad was. I know you and Ranz are looking down on us and watching out for us everyday."
SGT Heinold islandlife80@yahoo.com of Pittsburgh, Pa

"fern dizzle, lol. i miss ya dogg...save me a spot;)

spc marcus johnson"
marcus johnson of texas

"Brian is my friend... we were in OEF together, we were in S3 during JRTC. I really envy Brian back then because he is always able to stay cool even under pressure. He is one NCO I will never forget because he taught me a lot about being a leader by displaying himself as one. We went to R&R leave and came back the same day from leave, he told me on the plane that he will spend his leave in Colorado Spring. We had a lot of talk during the transit because we were few from 3rd BDE HQ to take leave that time. If I could only turn back time so that I can warn him of that danger three days after coming back to KAF.... I know he is in a better place and I will never forget my friend Brian Hobbs"
SSG Wong, J of Ft. Lewis, WA

"Veterans Day, 2007
To the family of Spc. Kyle Ka Eo Fernandez:
Kyle 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

""Fern Dawg" it has been almost 3 years since you have passed and I still think about that day. To the Fernandez family I am very sorry for your pain and Kyle was truly a loving father and husband. He will always be missed by all of his brothers! He will be in my thoughts during my upcoming deployment Iraq. lestebes@yahoo.com"
SGT Lester A. Estebes of El Paso, TX

"To the Fernandez family-
I'm the sister of SSG. Brian S. Hobbs the soldier that died right along side your beloved Kyle! I want you all to know how sorry me and my family are for your loss! It's taken me a long while to write you, I guess because I Hoped it was all a very Bad nightmare! We'd just like you all to know you've been in our prayers ever since we heard the horrible news.I remember my brother speaking of Kyle on his leave and I know without a doubt that Kyle & Brian are in Heaven with Jesus! Just knowing that puts my soul at ease.I miss my brother each & everyday just like you miss your precious Kyle! Kyle is a hero! I wish I had known him! Take care and God Bless you all!
daizee68@yahoo.com

sincerely,"
Lisa Graffa of Gold Canyon,AZ USA

"Today makes five years since the attack of the Twin Towers. On this day we rememeber your son and the sacrafice that he made for all of us. We are so grateful for his bravery. I want you to know that we will never forget Kyle. He is always in our prayers and so are you. Thank you for raising such a fine young man who was willing to fight to protect us and our freedom. May the Lord hold you close as you go through this day of rememberance."
Kaulu Family of Waipahu, HI

"On August 26, 2006, we will dedicate a memorial stone at Punchbowl Cemetery, in honor of those whose sacrifice gives us the duty and the priviledge to carry on their legacy of freedom and liberty. Your name will be on our program. Mahalo from Oahu Chapter 858, Vietnam Veterans of America."
Luis Parker of Ewa Beach, HI

"We are extremely proud and honored to have known such a great man! Our condolences go out to you, his family! No words can make it better, but let it be known he was beloved and will always be remembered."
The Nagel Ohana of Wahiawa, HI

"FERN DAWGS I STILL MISS YOU TODAY MAN THERE NOT A DAY THAT GOES BY AND I DONT REMEMBER YOU MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER COBRAS!!!
SGT JOHNNY CASTILLO
COBRA 2003-2006"
JOHNNY CASTILLO of FT RILEY KANSAS

"Fern you will be missed,you where there when I need someone to talk to, thanks for being there.

Bobcat from 2001-2003"
Curtis W. Land of Angleton TX

"fern dawg, when you left you took a piece of each of us with you. we will miss you"
wagner of ft riley, ks

"fern dawg, ill always remember the morning before u died u told me that u couldnt wait to go on leave because u missed ur wife and kids u were always upbeat thanks for everything "hey stupid""
cpl gio of jamestown, ny

"To the Fernandz family:
i had the honor to serve with Kyle i Afghanistan, with C.co i was in the mortar platoon, ad hung out with Kyle quite a bit playing cards and whatnot. the times we shared together were pretty cool. we would talk about our families and tried collecting these pogs that would come in bags of chips we would get for our little ones back at home. after his passing away i got so angry,but the Lord kept me straight. i keep him in my prayers,and you to. May GOD less you always"
Sgt Nieves, Tomas of from New York City

"Kaeo Fernandez was a very good man, brother and friend. He was very close to our family and we will miss him dearly. We will always keep his legacy close to our hearts. The saying goes..."God only takes the best"...he will be missed by many. Hawaiian Supaman!"
Madelyn & Doug Burgo of Kapolei, Hawaii

"Kaeo Fernandez was a very good man, brother and friend. He was very close to our family and we will miss him dearly. We will always keep his legacy close to our hearts. The saying goes..."God only takes the best"...he will be missed by many."
Madelyn & Doug Burgo of Kapolei, Hawaii

"To the Fernandez family- I was blessed to have known Ka'eo when I was a little girl. He would always come over to the house (I'm Dan and Doug Burgo's niece) and talk story with me- ask me how school was, how my friends were- he was genuinely interested in other people, and he always knew how to make someone, even a small child, feel important. I miss him so much (even though it's been years since I've seen him,) and I wanted you to know that he is truly missed not only by his friends and family, but by people that he didn't know all that well, and ESPECIALLY by a "little girl" who's all grown up now. Mahalo for allowing me the honor of knowing such an honorable, respectable, and brave man. Te Amo, Ka'eo!"
Heather S. Burgo of Pearl City, Hawaii, USA

"Fern Dawg, I miss you. you are not forgotten and forever will be remembered as the best gunner i ever knew. I dedicate this next deployment to you."
SGT Paul D. Bowling of FT. Bliss TX

"To your Family take care, thank you for your service to our country. Too many people take this country for granted. God Bless you."
Roy Niemann of Plymouth Meeting, PA

"Kyle,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldier who was killed in that ambush with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"I'll Try Sir"(5th Inf. Motto)"

"To the family of Kyle KaEo Fernandez,
We met on Memorial Day this past year. My husband serve side by side with your son, brother, husband, and daddy. We both still mourn the loss of Kyle and pray for your family. We want to express our gratitude to Kyle and to you because we truly appreciate the sacrifice that Kyle made for our freedom. Ryan (my husband) will never forget the friendship and the soldier that Kyle was. Ryan is now out of the Army but misses it everyday. We love you and you will always be in our hearts and prayers."
Alissa Pickett (wife of C Co 2-5 Inf soldier) of Port Huron, MI

"To the family of Kyle Fernandez,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. Prayfully 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 at Gateway Community Church: Rev John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington, Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ."
Polly Ballew of Covington Ga

"To the family of Kyle... I want to thank you for raising a son that was willing to fight for freedom not only for himself and his family, but for strangers too. He is our Hero and we will remember him and the sacrafice he made. May all the wonderful memories that you shared help you through these difficult times. Our prayers are with you."
Kaulu Family of Waipahu, Hi

"To the family of Kyle Fernandez

I just want to say that i knew Kyle when we were in basic together. He was a great friend and soldier. I am truly sorry to hear that he has passed on to the next life. I know this a hard time for you'll but i just want to say from the bottom of my heart. My prayers are with you all the way. Rest in peace my fallen friend.
Boys of
Bco 1/502 INF
101st Airborne Scream Eagles"
SPC Arevalo, Juan of San Antonio, TX, USA

"To Kyle's family, We are so sorry for your loss and know that no words can make it any easier. Even though we never had the priveledge of meeting him, Kyle is our hero. We appreciate what he did for us and are proud of him for protecting all of us. God Bless You!"
Larry & Susan Keen of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

"In memory of Kyle Fernandez, from former soldiers of 2nd platoon, charlie company, 2nd battalion, 5th infantry.

You will be missed."
SPC Jeff Grubb of Hoboken, NJ

"Thank You for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"To Kyle'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 prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To the family and friends,

Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved ones bravery and sacrifice. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. Your loved one is a hero. Greater love have no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

God bless you.

Home Front Ministries
Shepherd of the Hills Church
Porter Ranch, CA"

"To the family of Kyle,
My deepest condolences for your loss. I know your pain, as I recently lost my son in Afghanistan. May God give you strength and know that Kyle is a hero in all the eyes of his fellow Americans."
Terry A. Ward mother of SSG. Tony Bruce Olaes of Westninster South Carolina

"To the family and friends of Spc Kyle Fernandez. Thank you for the sacrifice that he made to our country to keep it free. "The cost of freedom remains high but the loss of freedom costs much more" sign on a church says it all. We share and understand your loss our grandson LCpl Juston Thacker gave his life on the foreign soil of Afghanistan 6/24/04, he believed he could make a difference. All of our lost loved ones have made a difference. Our shores are safer because of their bravery."
Tom & Dixie Sisk of Princeton WV

"To Kyle'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 prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"For Family and Friends of Kyle Ka Eo Fernandez: I am sorry for your loss. May the Lord be with you at this time of sorrow. There will never be enough words to express how fortunate we are to have MEN who proudly serve and die for our country. I am sorry that your loved one had to be one of them. May your son, husband, brother and friend never be forgotten."
Veronica Torres of San Antonio, Texas

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

"To Kyle's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

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