Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"I never got to meet my father, but thanks to y'all, I feel as if I have. The warm has passed from him to y'all to me, so thank you.

Thank you so much."
Jireh Fraise of Dallas, TX

"Met this young soldier on the EIB Site, always had a huge smile on his face, always laughing at just about anything. To his family my prayers go out to you...Will always be Remembered.."
T. Walton of Columbus, GA

"For those who remember and love CPL David Fraise: Kandahar Airfield will host a Tribute 5K to his memory and 10 years of ministry at the CPL David M. Fraise Memorial Chapel in Afghanistan. The Chapel was established on 10 April 2005. We are excited to remember our fallen warrior and hero!"
CH (MAJ) Jennifer Cooper, TAAC-S Chaplain of Kandahar Airfield

"running the soldiers marathon in Columbus in memory of CPL Fraise....still think about this guy even now in 2013. He was a great person and had an infectiously positive attitude...."
Michael Holly of FSGA

"I still think about Fraise every couple days and every time I do, I can see that big smile of his. I met him when I was tasked out to drive the CSM during EIB. Although our friendship was short lived, his impact on my life will last for a lifetime. That's just the type of guy he was. I remember being devastated to hear about him over the radio."
Bui of California

"I met David while he was the Chaplains Assistant in 2-35. I was with Cacti Commo. David showed me the meaning of being humble, and being a man of god although it would not dawn on me for some years later after he was killed. One day, while deployed for training in Japan, I was posted on a road going to the area where we were preparing to do a live fire excersize. I was particularly miserable as it was bitterly cold (I was too used to the heat and humidity of hawaii) and the only company I had was a young Japanese soldier who couldn't speak English very well. I was cussing up a storm because I was miserable, cold, tired, and hungry and was angry that I had been posted as a road guard rather than doing my actual job. Needless to say, David rolled up to me with a canteen of hot cocoa and a sandwich. He handed them to me and said "Romero, God told me to give these to you because he thought they'd cheer you up." I looked at him quizzically and asked him why he was such a nice guy. He replied with that smile on his face, "God made me that way and he loves you. Don't fret, you'll have your day too." Indeed, the cocoa and sandwich made me feel better and I even shared my cocoa with the japanese guy who had apparently never had it before and smiled brightly and even thanked David the next time he came through. Needless to say, it wasn't till years later that Davids small deed done on behalf of our savior really hit home not long after I found out he was killed. He was dedicated to service toward God, his country, and his comrades. I was heartbroken. David, I know you're there and I know you're watching me. I love you man, and thank you for teaching me to be humble and to help my fellow man like you did when you helped me on that rocky, dirty road in Japan."
Anthony of Albuquerque, New Mexico

"To the Family of CPL David Fraise,

It has been many years since I met David. It was in 2002 on a field exercise in Japan while he was driver for CSM Coleman. My platoon was about to conduct a live fire exercise, and I walked over to CSM Coleman's vehicle to let him know that we were ready. David greeted me there with his intoxicating smile. From that day on, I do not believe that I ever saw him without a smile on his face.
We served together in Afghanistan until his untimely death. He paid the ultimate sacrifice, and will never be forgotten.
In his honor, I am developing a CrossFit workout in his name. When it is published, I will post it. I plan to do this workout annually on the anniversary of the day we lost a fine young man....
"Take Arms""
SFC Michael A. Jones of San Antonio, Texas

"love you brother never forget you"
jeff of roc "ny"

"I met CPL Fraise while working with the 2-35th in Hawaii. I was able to enjoy his company from time to time when he walked into the legal office to deliver paperwork or to give me an update as to the Commander's calendar. I remember his incredible signature that he used to sign for the Power-of-Attorney that would go to his wife before his deployment. He took great care and time to form each and every letter of his name. There was always something special about this man; but the greatest testament to his life was yet to come.

One day he burst in to tell me some incredible news. He had been working as the Colonel's Driver and wanted so badly to get back on the line and lead soldiers. Just before 1-35th deployed, they promoted him from Specialist to Corporal and gave him a line to lead. He was excited and we shook hands as he sat in front of me and signed that POA.

CPL Fraise's legacy did not end there. It did not end on the battlefield either. When I first learned of his death, he being the first soldier from the 25th ID(L) to give their life for the war in Afghanistan, I was hurt and broken. He was my fellow brother in arms, but I never got the chance to learn that he was also my Brother in Christ. This came at his funeral service. As literally hundreds of soldiers from around the base gathered at the post chapel of all ranks, one single message rang loud and true: CPL Fraise never failed to tell anyone about the love of Christ! Every soldier, regardless of rank, stature, race, or creed testified to the love that CPL Fraise had for them and for his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! I was speechless and knew that I was standing in the midst of the legacy of a great man of God!

But this legacy lives on. Every Memorial Day and every chance that I get to tell people about the war and my time in the Army, I tell them about this man of God. I tell them about this young man who boldly preached the Gospel of Peace. CPL Fraise will always be my hero in the Faith. God Bless you, brother, for showing me what I need to do and how to be the man that God wants me to be.

To Mrs. Fraise: I gave you my condolences that day at the chapel and have never forgotten you or your precious child ever since. I pray that God strengthens you and gives you peace knowing that your husband has done greater things in more lives by his sacrifice than most anyone will ever do with their entire life. I praise God for the opportunity to have known you all, albeit even for just a little while. God Bless. www.qministry.org"
SGT Bobby Quick of Bozeman, MT/USA

"Fraise I miss you brother. In basic you would talk about God all the time. I remember seeing you at the airport in HI., that night I arrived right after basic training. I remember running into you at the PX and the shop-et many different times. The one thing that sticks out the most is how you always praised God. I still remember when I found out what happened. My world stopped, how could anything like that happen to a man on God? I know your in a better place now, but my heart still breaks knowing your no longer with us. I remember you talking about your wife and your baby and how proud you were at the shop-et before 3rd brigade deployed. When I found out that you passed in Afghanistan I wanted to write your family and tell them what a difference you made in my life and what a tragedy it is to lose you, but I never got up the nerve (Sorry). I never got a chance to tell you "You were right about God", or "Thank you ". God Bless you and your entire family and I pray that your child grows up knowing how truly great you were! I MISS YOU AND ALWAYS WILL, RIP AND GOD BLESS !!!!"
Robert Schaffer of Boise, ID

"Hello you guys. i just want to say thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart. i come back to this site still after 5 years and can feel the love beaming off this page. Jireh and i are doin ok. we are currently staying in new orleans and living the life God has in store for us. Thank you guys once again."
Jenniece Nissi Fraise of new orleans,la

"my name is justin garcia when i was first stationed in hawaii david was the first one i met and he was the nicest person there he made me feel like risking my life wasnt so bad i will always remember him and my love goes out to the daughter that will never know him"
justin garcia of hawaii a -2 -35

"i served with cpl fraise and i have honestly never knew a more kind hearted person than cpl fraise he will always be in my mind and heart RIP my brother spc copen"
spc copen of mt vernon ,illinois

"Fraise didn't die in vain. God only knows how much I want to thank this man."
RZ of Swarthmore, Pa

"Dear Family of David Fraise,
I never met David, but last Tuesday during a Human Context presentation at the Uniformed Services University where I am a student, one of David's fellow soldiers testified about the impact that he had had on his life. 2LT Charny, an admitted atheist who grew up in Communist Russia, said; "I don't believe in God... but there was something about this guy... He was just a happy man that infused the rest of us with peace." He also mentioned that he was the only infantry soldier that he knew of that never swore. That is an amazing testimony! His life continues to make an impact, even after he has gone home to be with the LORD. At least 165 total strangers to David were impacted by his life this week in that lecture hall. I was one of them. My desire is that my life might also reflect that of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ, as David's clearly did. Christ is risen! Therefore all who truly depend upon Christ will live forever!"
2LT Matt Brown of Bethesda, MD, USA

"DEAREST NISI (SP?) AND FAMILY! I MISS DAVID AND HAVE ENCLOSED HIS PHOTOS FROM WHEN I VISITED HIM IN QALAT, BEFORE HIS DEMISE (CONTACT ME IF THEY DO NOT COME IN). I REMEMBER HOW YOU AND DAVID SERVED THE LORD IN THE CROSSROADS COFFEEHOUSE...HOW CHEERFUL YOU AND DAVID ALWAYS WERE, BECAUSE OF YOUR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER AND FOR THE LORD! WHAT A TREASURE YOU ARE! I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING DAVID AGAIN IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD, AS CHRIST SAID, "HE WHO BELIEVES IN ME SHALL NEVER DIE" (ST JOHN 11:25).
--CH SCHAEFER, RC SOUTH CHAPLAIN, OEF V."
CHAPLAIN JAMES SCHAEFER, USA of FT McPHERSON, GA

"Fraise...

i miss them days back in 03 when i was clearing to head to the mainland.. i was driving McBride at that time and you where in the 3 shop. i remember you kept telling me you wanted my job. You are missed and my prayers are with your family."
SGT Curtis Alexander of Austin, TX

"November 18, 2007
To the family of Cpl. David M. Fraise:
David 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

"I met David at our base in Afghanistan he stuck out right away from all the other guys he was always upbeat and in a good mood I remember I went out on a patrol the night before with him he and I were drivers. It was pitch black out that night and we coudn't see anything however David kept leadin us forward like he knew the way and the right path. He got us all the way through that patrol safe and back home! I was worried as hell that night but I know that God had his hand on his shoulder and got us all home safely. I owe him my life and my saftey and I will never forget him as long as I shall live even though I only knew him for a short period of time. You his family have remained and will remain in my prayers for ever more. I am in debt to your husband son and father"
SGT Derek Shoun of C Co. 125th MI BN / C Co. 3/1st SPWTG JFKSWCS

"David was my next-door neighbor on Wheeler Army Airfield back in Hawaii. I used to cut his grass for him and his wife Niece. I always liked going over to there house and hanging out with David, he was always happy and always smiled...no matter what..the guy was always smiling and laughing. He will always be apart of me, even if I knew him for a short time. David, we miss you!!!! I love you like a brother."
Wes Redekop of Tacoma, WA

"To the family of:David M. Fraise 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 MET FRAISE IN 2002 IN JAPAN........MAN IT WAS COLD AND HE WAS CSM DRIVER. THE MAN DIDN'T SLEEP MUCH NEEDLESS TO SAY. I COULD WRITE A BOOK ABOUT HOW FRAISE CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER WITH HIS SMILE AND THE DAY HE TOLD ME HOW HAPPY HE WAS TO BE EXPECTING HIS CHILD...HE SAID "SPRINGER, THIS IS THE BEST THING I'VE EVER CREATED," I GAVE HIM A HUG AND SHOOK HIS HAND......I'LL NEVER FORGET THIS DAY BECAUSE I WAS SO MAD AT THE ARMY AND FRAISE PICKED ME UP WITH HIS SMILE.
YOU NEVER KNOW HOW SOMEONE WILL SHAPE YOUR LIFE I GUESS UNTIL THEY ARE GONE. I CAN TELL YOU I AM FOREVER CHANGED BY FRAISE AND I TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED.
I DONT HAVE THE WORDS TO WRITE, I HAVE SO MUCH MORE ABOUT HIM TO SAY. HE LIVES FOREVER WITH ME, A VETERAN THAT LOST HIS BROTHER.
AWSHAWAII@YAHOO.COM

ONE DAY I WILL FIND HIS FAMILY AND LET THEM KNOW WHAT THEY ALREADY KNOW........HE WAS SPECIAL, A TRUE SHINING STAR, A GOOD-MAN FULL-OF LIFE, ONE THAT WILL FOREVER BE REMEMBERED IN MY HEART AND SOUL AND IN EVERYTHING THAT I DO. HIS MEMORY WILL BE ALIVE WITH ME AND EVERYONE I TALK TO ABOUT HIM....... FOREVER!!!!"
SGT SPRINGER, ANDY of EDINBURG,VA USA

"To the family of Cpl David M. Fraise and Niece, All of us from A co., 2nd Platoon, 35th Infantry hold David in our hearts forever, and always will. He is remembered and talked about often. We wear our memorial bracelets with love and pride. All of us wear one, and will never take them off. I, and we are extremely sorry for your loss. David is a very special person who will always be loved. I have three items which I would like to give to you. I have the speech that I wrote and read at his memorial, my first memorial bracelet (worn in Afghanistan), and his actual name tag worn that day,(of our patrol). I hope to give these to you. I keep in touch with all the guys in that patrol that day, as well as the rest of the 2nd Platoon, and if there is anything we can do we will. David is extremely missed. A Man, a Soldier, A Husband, A Father ----- THE TRUE AMERICAN HERO---- Cpl. David M. Fraise

We Miss you!
Corder, Patrick A Co. 2/35 INF 2nd PLT corderpjc@yahoo.com"
Patrick J. Corder of Mililani, Hawaii

"YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYS ARE APPRECIATED BY THE FRAISE FAMILY AS WELL AS THE EXTENDED FAMILY MEMBERS. MY COUSIN WAS A VERY SPECIAL MAN. HE IS SADLY MISSED AND FOREVER LOVED."
ANGEL CRAIG DOZIER of NEW ORLEANS, LA

"A plywood church filled with both people who knew, and didn't know him struggled to hold in their tears. Thats what kind of man he was. I only knew David in passing but I am still deeply pained by his death."
Charles Wendorf of Camarillo, Ca

""YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN MY MAN" ALWAYS A SMILE ON YOUR FACE, A MAN OF GOD, TO HIS WIFE AND KIDS ===> MAY GOD REALLY BLESS YOU ALL!! YOUR IN MY PRAYERS, CACTI 4 LIFE, IT WAS MY HONOR TO SERVE WITH YOU DAVID, THE APACHE COMPANY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME..FRAISE FAMILY, DAVID IS ALWAYS IN MY HEART!!!! REMEMERED AND MISSED"
JOSEPH GUIJARRO (FORMALLY- A Co 2-35 IN SUPPLY SGT) of FT HUACHUCA, ARIZONA

"David,
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.

"Take Arms"(35th Inf. Motto)"

"Neice I have thought of you so many times since I heard about David's death. I remember feeling so guilty for being jealous of you when David was going to Afganistan and Scott was going to Iraq. I wish they both could have come back safely and Jireh could have the father she deserves and David so badly wanted to be. You are still in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you and Jireh."
Lindsay Smith of Wahiawa, Hawaii

"I always called him "Crazy Frasie". I will be honest in saying I was not his best friend or anything, but I remember that the lord was always with him. I KNOW HE IS IN A MUCH BETTER PLACE. My regards go out to his wife, unborn son at the time, and the rest of his family."
Spc. "RZ" Rzucidlo of Barbers Point, Hawaii

"I suppose I've never ran across this site before. I love and miss my cousin so much. I always catch myself typing his name in online to try and find new pics of him. Some of u know david as the courageous, and God fearing soldier, but I knew him as so much more. If u can hear me david. I miss u, and I love u. It was so hard loosing david, he was sort of like a big brother to me when we were younger. I remember racing david everyday and he would never let me win. I remember the countless talks about how I should get saved and come to christ. I really miss him. Really. Nissi if u run across this message, please contact me, u know how to reach me. Best of wishes to u and the baby."
Lewis Wills of monroe, la, united states

"I have been speaking with Cpl. Fraise's wife whose home was devasted by Katrina. Our organization is working with her to help financially during her struggles and although I never met or knew her husband, David, I can say he must have been a proud man to wed such a wonderful young woman. His sacrifice for our country, our children and grandchildren must never be forgotten. May his memories always be remembered in those that love and served with him. God Bless the Fraise family and friends. If anyone has photos of Cpl. Fraise that they can share, please email us as his wives photos were destroyed by the flooding of Katrina.
info@cfsrf.org"
Becky Campbell of Gaithersburg, MD, USA

"I am proud to say that I knew CPL Fraise and served with him in Afghanistan. He was one of those people who was always happy to see you and had a smile and greeting for everyone. Since he was killed I have thought about it many times, and have concluded that I have never met a better person and have no doubt that he is now with his god. I would like to give my condulences to his family, whom unfortunatly I have not met and say that I wish I had gotten to know Fraise better. His memory and sacrifice are truly a credit to the United States and all it stands for."
Thomas Reich of Grand Rapids, MI

"Family of CPL Fraise,
I knew David for almost 3 years as he served in 2-35th Infantry. David never was seen without a smile that truely had a positive impact on everyone around him. I am still saddened by his loss, but will never forget the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE HE MADE FOR HIS COUNTRY. I pray daily for his family, that GOD will comfort them and always keep them. I know today that David's smile is what makes our days bright and bearable."
Bill of Hawaii

"To my very dear friend Nissi, I was thinking of you and Jireh and David and I came across this sight. As I read all the wonderful letters tears began to flow. I know that if this sadness is still in my heart, I can't imagine how you must feel. I just want to say that God is bigger than all of this and He's there for you and jireh. He will keep you in perfect peace if you keep you mind stayed on him. Draw nearer to God and He will draw nearer to you, He's waiting.

I love You and Jireh"
Yasmeen of Schofield Bks, HI

"i want to thank everyone for the love and support.i cannot express how that make me feel, to actually know that there are people there for me and to encourage me to be strong.

thank you all"
jenniece fraise of honolulu, hi

"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"

"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

"Just utter disbelief is what i feel. This was a FINE young man. he loved the lord and he loved his wife and baby. David i will miss your bright smile. i remember the time niecy went home David was soooo lonley. he was at the commissary everyday buggin me.(hahaha) niecy said when she got home he even had buffed the floor. then at the baby shower all u seen was his teeth.I cry when i think about what happened to u. Niecy my heart is with u and the baby. im glad i had the honor of knowing this family"
Carla Crawford of Honolulu Hi

"Just utter disbelief is what i feel. This was a FINE young man. he loved the lord and he loved his wife and baby. David i will miss your bright smile. i remember the time niecy went home David was soooo lonley. he was at the commissary everyday buggin me.(hahaha) niecy said when she got home he even had buffed the floor. then at the baby shower all u seen was his teeth.I cry when i think about what happened to u. Niecy my heart is with u and the baby. im glad i had the honor of knowing this family"
Carla Crawford of Honolulu Hi

"To Cpl Fraise's family & friends our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I feel your sorrow and pain. Cpl. Fraise thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you gave of yourself for your country. You are a great american hero.

Widow of SFC Robert J. Mogensen
3rd SFG KIA May 29, 2004
Afghanistan"
Tanya Mogensen & Family of North Carolina

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

"Thank you for your service, sir. You will not be forgotten. God bless and keep David's family until they all may meet again."
Dana of Bakersfield, CA

"To Davids family and especially to Jenniece and the little girl:

Im so sorry that you have to go through all of this pain. My daughter also lost her father. He was Taft Williams, also from New Orleans.
It was and still is very hard for us.
We are here in Germany.
We will always love him.
Never forgett, David is there, everywhere keeping an eye on you and the little girl.

Im sorry. I asked myself so many times: Why him? Out of those poor soldiers. Why did he have to be one of them dying?
We will never find an awnser. My daughter (8) always tells me: Mom it was time for him to go. God needed a brave man in heaven to help him."

Yours Simone
from germany
(simyrwd@aol.com)"
Simone of Germany

"I am so sorry words cannot describe how i feel. He was such a great person and soldier. Glad i could help with the broken car and proud to have met him"
SFC Jerry A. Caligiure of Schofield Bks. Hi

"To David'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

"To David's family,
Words cannot express the sorrow I am feeling with you. Having met you when you first arrived up until David left for Afghanistan, I will always remember his smile and his fire for God. Remember, Jenniece, we are all in God's right hand (Is 41:10) and He is watching over us all, through the good and the bad."
Joy B (WOLCC) of Honolulu HI

"To David'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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.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, David, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"D-avid Fraise, a minstrel of praise
The Lord was acquainted with all of
your ways.
A-nnointed, appointed, and called of
the Lord.
To spread the good news of his
marvellous word.
V-ictorious in battle both here and
abroad
A soldier indeed in the Army of
God.
I-nstructed by God through Pastor
Monnet
You gave all you had to show
sinners the Way.
D-early departed child of the
King
Death has no victory, death has
no sting!!

David, you were a courageous spiritual warrior as well as a national hero. Your life was a living testimony of Jesus Christ. We'll miss you."
Karen L. Baptiste of New Orleans, Louisiana

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