Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"PFC Franklin we will never forget. Your sacrifice has not been forgotten."
MSG Vic 74th LRSD 173RD ABN

"I really miss you out here🥹
The days have gotten easier but the memory of you still remains and will always remain gosh how I wish I could hug you right about now🥺"
Tierra Nicole Hundley of Hattiesburg,Ms

"Wassup big bro you been on my mind all morning! I miss you so much man! Continue resting. Gone but never forgotten

Love you forever!
-little bro Bendell ❤️"
Bendell Bell of Hammond, La

"My favorite memory of Benny was how he got up on one of them picnic tables at a battalion cookout and would display his masterful level of dance expertise. RIP brother. I only got to know you a short while. But You left an impression to last a lifetime."
Forsythe of Providence

"5/25/2016,

Benny, we approach yet another Memorial Day and over 10 years later I still cannot find the words. My regrets of not being on that deployment with you and the Platoon still weigh heavily with me. I feel terrible at times for not returning to final resting place where I last left you, but know that you are still not forgotten by me and those you served with. I see it routinely where other Soldiers express their remorse for your passing and recall your great personality. I can only imagine where you would be ten years from then, whether you continued a military career or moved on to new things in a civilian life; maybe just raising a family. I know in the military we often define our entire being on “he was a Good Soldier,” statement; almost how we justify our existence. I know I said that once before and even my last remarks at your service of being a Good Soldier, but now it doesn’t feel it was good enough. Benny I’m proud to have served with you and that you were my first soldier when I became a leader in the Army. There have been many influences in my life that have shaped my military career and through memory you have always played an important role. I know this webpage is old; I hope maybe your family sees it again and knows you may not walk with us anymore, but you still influence those that do. Rest in Peace my brother and I hope to see you on the other side.

1SG Evarts"
of FL

"RIP DUKE we have never forgotten you brother last year I served with ssg gatten in Korea and he still wears the 550 chord bracelet you gave him everyday and at his going away party I had the dj at the club play Mario baby you should let me loveyou we all know you loved to dance to that jam .

sfc cavano"
francis cavano of fayettevilld

"Dear my favorite cousin u will never be forgotten 7yrs later and those memories of u are still near and dear. Sometimes I wish I could hear that voice saying what's up lil cuz. Gosh u were the sweetest. The purity of ur heart made me love u even more. I'm sure everyone u had came in contact with felt that same pureness u exuded. Just wanted to show my love for u as I've cried, laughed, smiled in reflection of ur life throughout the years, there is still a peace in my heart. Knowing u are in a better place away from the cruelty of this world puts me at peace. I know heaven is much greater since God has the best angel up there... Love u always and forever cousin ... U will always be remembered!!! Thanks everyone for the kind words, it feels good to read these thoughtful threads!!!"
Brittney Jackson of Hammond, la

"Alexis Lott. please email me at christopher5400@gmail.com"
Christopher Block of Detroit, Mi

"Love u so much❤"
Danny leatherwood

"Love u so much❤"
Danny leatherwood

"Dear Cousin, It's been 7 years. As I'm laying in my bed right now I can't Hold back my tears. I miss you so much Lord knows I do. I miss those family reunions, I miss those laughs, I miss all the good times we had. Since you departed nothing with the family has been the same, I wish you could fly down & make everything right. I want you to know that we haven't forgot about you I promise. I had a dream a couple months ago & you were in it. But you had a tattoo, did you keep that from us lol ? But anyways you told me no matter how hard things get I got you, at first I didn't get it until I found myself in church crying over the scripture for that morning. I was hurting & didn't even realize it. Thank you so much Seeing you that day made me cry tears of joy. As I look up at you, I smile to say I love & Miss you. See you soon."
Alexis "Peaches" Lott of Hattiesburg, MS

"To the family of:Benny S. Franklin
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""

"In serving With a sister unit at the time, I only met you a few times Benny an it was an honor to have known you. You are not forgotten at all but not only by the 82nd but others as well. In July 2011 while in Iraq an avation unit you deployed with herd the 82nd was back an looked us up, They presented us a folded flag and certificate in your honor, which i am trying to get to your family but dont know there current address so could use some help. If anyone knows this info please email me
Levi.Trull@us.army.mil so that i can get this to his family where it belongs."
SSG Trull, Levi of Ft Bragg. NC

"PFC Franklin, I will not forget."
SSG Evarts

"I still think about you everyday Benny. You have no idea how proud I am to call you a brother in arms. I miss you and will never forget you."
SGT Marc Phillips of Dallas, Texas USA

"I served with SPC Benny Franklin in the 82nd Airborne Division and HE is still in my thoughts and he will never be forgotten"
SSG Sean Rowe of Tucson, AZ

"It has been so long but I still remember those days when you used to dance at school or just outside in the road. You were always full of life and happiness and we are forever proud of you for fighting for this country. You were one of the best people in the world and you were always there with a smile to help me when I was down. I still remember it like yesterday. I love you Duke and I miss you!!!"
Yazmyn Smith of Hammond, LA

"my heart is beaking for your families. having a husband currently deployed in kandahar, I cannot imagine your grief. god bless each and every one of you and just remember that in heaven there are no more wars. my his soul rest in eternal peace."
jackie holen of lillington, nc usa

"man duke if only u caould read and reply to what i write i would wrie u 24/7 i miss u so much just looking at your pictures makes me want to go crazy no bad memories come up just good one how'd u do it(stay happy all da time)i guess u really do have the heart of a solder


from tierrA NICOLE HUNDLEY"
COUSIN TIERRA of HATTIESBURG,MS

"I miss my couisn!"
Kendall Johnson of Hammond, la

"well little cuz i want to say i love you so much and miss you deeply. you will never be forgotten the family miss you like crazy, but you know what we came to relize that you not alone at home you have auntie net, auntie margret ann,cousin ej, and cousin toya so do me a favor and you guys take care of each other and tell them i love and miss them also. and don't worry i call and make sur tee- tee is ok i miss you duke words can't explain. you lost your life protecting our country and i honor you for that we all do.hey i remember the last time you were at my house laying on the couch having all those girls calling the house lol and i told you to stop having all those chicking head girls calling all time of the night what i will give to have you laying on that couch again duke. i love you duke and i am proud of you keep watching over us. love your cousin terra."
TERRA HUNDLEY of HATTIESBURS MS.

"Duke u know I love u with all my heart words can't even explain how much u mean 2 me. I miss u so much but I know you are in a better place even though sometimes it is hard because, I never thought someone so close to me would not be here with me today. I miss you being here to give me advice,I miss your smile,I miss you always dancing and making everyone laugh but I know u are looking down on me smiling and even though u are not here today u will always be my ROLEMODEL & hold a very special place in my heart. I LOVE & MISS U SOOOOO MUCH COUSIN!!! I KNOW WE WILL MEET AGAIN SOMEDAY!!! LOVE ALWAYS YOUR LIL CUZ MYESHA JACKSON!"
Myesha Jackson of Hammond,LA

"October 1, 2007
To the family of Pfc. Benny S. Franklin:
Benny 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

"WELL ALL I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT DUKE IS THAT HE WAS A VERY LOVING AND CARING FIANCE TO ME.HE LOVED TO DANCE AND SMILE ALOT AND COULD BRIGHTEN UP MY DAY EVEN WHEN I WAS DOWN. I MISS HIM WITH ALL MY HEART AND WILL NEVER FORGET HIM. DUKE WAS SO VERY SPECIAL TO ME AS I WAS TO HIM. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART DUKE. AND I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN ONE DAY AT THE PEARLY GATES. BABY YOU ARE GONE BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN."
NINA S. ISABELLE of FAYETTEVILLE,NC

"Benny may have been my step brother, but he was really close enough to be my real brother. I cry every night just to think about it, but then I once realize you are in a better place now.. U will NEVER be forgotten and ALWAYS LOVED!!!!! It really hurted me to hear that my brother had just passed, but you are with my heavenly father which is where i hope to meet u some day. "DUKE I LOVE YOU AND I MISS U SOOO MUCH,WORDS CANT EXPLAIN!" LOVE YOUR LIL' SIS QUALA."
DaQuala Sims of Hammond, Louisiana

""If you are able,
save them a place
inside of you
and save one backward glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can
no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.
Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.
And in that time
when men decide and feel safe
to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.
"Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam."
America has been built on the blood
of Heros and Brave Men of Honor.
Thank you for your service and my
freedom.. May God bring comfort
to your loved ones.
You shall never be forgotten by
a grateful nation.""
William D. Taylor of Bonita Springs Florida

"To Mr. and Mrs Tillis.
This is SSG Safstrom, I was glad to have met you during the memorial service at Fort Bragg. Benny was truly an awesome person. He was a well rounded young man and a pure joy to be around. He was a proud young man and I could tell was brought up the right way. He was very disciplined and respectful, always in the best of moods and had a ball with everything he did. I was with him on his last day here with us and I can tell you he was a guy you always knew had your back.
He was a friend of everyone at our outpost that we lived at and a hell of a ballplayer. He and I never lost a 2 on 2 game!!!!!! Oh trust me there were many who tried but fell short!
That huge smile was always a welcome sight for anyone who was feeling down.
He will be forever remembered by all who knew him. "Gone but not forgotten".


David Safstrom"
SSG David Safstrom of Ft Bragg N.C.

"Another fallen soul, Benny Franklin, your mortal shell now shed, soar throughout the heavens forever more"
Eli Sea of Savannah, Georgia

"Benny,
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.

"Loyalty"(319th FA Motto)"

"hey brother, just want to let you know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
see you on the DZ. "Loyalty""
Jmccormick

"blue skies and soft landings"
c. co. 3-325

"God Bless you and your family. Thank you for your service.

Spc. Ryan Bales
82nd Airborne 2/504 PIR
hometown: Baton Rouge, LA"
Spc. Ryan Bales of Fort Bragg, NC

"BENNY WAS THE BEST F.O THAT I HAVE EVER MEET. HE WAS COOL TO HANG WITH AND HELP U NO MATTER WHAT. HE WILL ALWAYS BEEN IN MY HEART AND MIND. WE WILL NEVER EVER FORGET HIM. ONE LOVE FOR MY BOY DUKE. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTEN"
JESUS MEJIA of F.T BRAGG. NC

"One of the best people I have ever meet, Frankie could and did do it all, he knew alittle bit about everything and was a strong as a ox. One of the best soldiers I have ever meet and not a day goes by where i dont think of him. From singing Biz markee on partols to him cutting my hair, one of the greatest and he will always be missed. Love you Duke"
Ed Mongillo of branford Ct

"what can i say about one of the most promising privates i have ever had the honor of serving with, Franky i miss you everyday. i hope you are at peace right now."
Adrian J. Rangel of Fayetteville, Nc

"to our F.O. we will never forget u may ur soul rest in peace with God.."
Cory of Ft.Bragg ,NC

"ON OCTOBER7,2005 I WOKE WITH YOU HEAVY ON MY MIND. LITTLE DID I KNOW I WOULD NOT SEEYOU AGAIN BUT MY LIITLE COUSIN YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART FOREVER
YOUR SMILE I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER."
YOUR COUSIN NANNY of HAMMOND,LA

"RIP CUZ GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN WE LOVE AND MISS YOU, JAHEIM,RAHEIM, JAQARIUS AND THE REST OF THE BROWN, KELLER AND SMITH FAMILY."
LATOYA of HAMMOND LA

"Benny was my cousin and I can't even begin to described the part "duke" played in my life. I didn't really realize it myself until recently. As I lay down to sleep I begin to think of all his encouraging words. I shed a tear every night mainly because it hurts, but the other part is that I am happy he is with our heavenly father. Where he doesn't have to worry about the problems of this world. My cousin may be gone but he'll never ever be forgotten, simply because he lives inside of me. Love you Cuz R.I.P. To all of the family be of good cheer. Joy is coming in the morning. Love You all"
Brittney Jackson of Hammond ,Louisiana

"Benny or as we called him duke was a great man i got to meet him while i was deployed with him. He was a great man and a great soldier will always miss him but we will never forget him. I wish the best for his family."
Jesus Mejia of Ft. Bragg, NC

"Benny you was a very dear and special person to me and to all. You were there at times when i felt down and when i was happy you was just always there no matter what.Dancing your little heart away just of smiling away .I want you to know you may be gone but never forgtten and always loved by me and many more."
lorgeorgia garner of hammond, louisiana

"Benny you was a very dear and special person to me and to all. You were there at times when i felt down and when i was happy you was just always there know matter what.Dancing your little heart away just of smiling away .I want you to know you may be gone but never forgtten and always loved by me and many more."
lorgeorgia garner of hammond, louisiana

"As a mom of five young children, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of this young,brave solder Benny S. Franklin. 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 Benny"s sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"
jill hughes of Houston Tx

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

"To Benny' Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Ernie served honorably in Afghanistan, only to lose his life in Iraq. Know that our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice as we mourn the loss of yet another Devil. Our boys are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne 504 PIR
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gloria.caldas@sbcglobal.net"

"Benny thank you for serving our country. Especially, for being a military brother to our son. Benny you have been a comfort to me. That no matter the branch of service. Soldier have a special bond! To watch over one another regardless of the pride for your branch of service. That soldier have another family to consider and be concern for! An just like you and all that are serving our country. You gave me comfort never to worry about our son. An sadly your news, brings tears as it did for my son and all our fallen soldier. Benny you are a HERO! An you are the elite of hundreds of millions of AMERICANS. For you unselfishly; answered a calling to service our country. Willingly; to risk everything for US ALL!!!!!!!!! Benny you have touched the hearts of so many. From neighbors, friends, to those in your community, relatives and your military family of brothers and sisters. Not to mention all those in AFGHANISTAN you helped. That all can enjoy the opportunity to live in peace. An to all those you have touched. all hold very fond memories of you. For you shared very precious moments together. I remembered you not knowning you, today, tomorrow and forever. Benny you are in a small way apart of Military, Aafghanistan, American and World history. Benny without your service Afghanistan wouldn't be enjoying PEACE! An America is alot safer since 911! Thanks to you and all that serve with you. Fighting off terrorism is with each soldier and a united miltary working together. To your family Benny, reach out to your community and political leaders today.REQUEST THAT A STREET BE NAMED IN BENNY'S HONOR. We as fallen parents have to speak for our son's and daughters. We must honor them TODAY not tomorrow. We are honoring WWI, WWII, KOREAN, DESRT STORM AND ETC., MANY YEARS AFTER THE FACT. PEOPLE FORGET MUCH OF WHAT THOSE SOLDIERS GAVE FOR OUR COUNTRY. WE CAN NOT ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN TO BENNY AND ALL OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS. IT IS THE VERY LEAST THE COMMUNITY AND THE POLITICAL LEADERS CAN DO FOR BENNY! GOD BLESS BENNY!"
leonard t. wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

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