Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"To the family of:Joseph F. Fuerst 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"1-30-11"

"We will always remember our brother in arms, always remember the urge to serve on the front lines, He truly was on the tip of the spear, and we will never forget his sacrifice,.. to an American Hero, rest in peace brother."
Sgt Hank West of Lexington, ky

"You are missed and I think of you often. Tara, whatever, whenever you need....on this Memorial Day, May 31, 2010, you will always be remembered."
CPT Adam R. Bailey of St. Augustine, FL

"I grieve for all the victims of war, the fallen, the wounded, all who suffer, all who have to deal with loss and being left alone!

The Cost of War



death...destruction...devastation...

the rage on insanity...

the fanned flames of fury...

senseless suffering...sacrifices...

struggles & strife...

sadness & sorrow...

futility & failure...

bloodied bodies, broken bones...

raging rivers of blood...

wounds to bind and heal...

among the ruins also

remnants of regret & remorse...

shattered hopes & dreams...

deep scars in mind & soul...

festering sores

of anguish, anger,

recrimination, blame & guilt...

but alas...

also the seeds

of future conflicts...

victors & vanquished

linked forever

in a legacy

of loss...

lingering...languishing...

tears & heavy hearts...

wailing & grief...

reminders & warnings...

monuments...

memorials...

memory...

endless rows

of graves.



Gerhard A. Fürst

January 17, 1991

(rev. 7/29/2009)





Becoming, being, and remaining really human
is a perpetual challenge, a task,
a profound obligation, and in the face
of increasingly great odds and obstacles,
it is often a reat personal struggle!
However, we need inner stability, emotional balance, personal peace... the desire to seek, find, and employ compassion,
and to prove by daily practice
what is best in all of us,
for the betterment of all.
We need to solidify the bonds
of our common humanity.
We have been put on this earth
to seek and find fulfillment
in life and living,
individually and collectively.
We have not been placed here
to create and wreak havoc,
to generate chaos,
and to make war on each other.


Regrettably, inhuman actions are manifested
by daily deeds of vilification,
mayhem, violence and ugliness.
War is not just the absence of Peace,

it is the absolute proof of failure

of human potential.

We crave Peace, we need Peace
within and between ourselves.
That should be the common human purpose,
our most valued goal and sacred objective.

Real humanity is revealed in humane and dignified dealings with and treatment of
fellow human beings!

Follow the Golden Rule!

Do unto others
as you would have them
do unto you!

Just a reminder...
for all of us!

Gerhard A. Fürst
9/27/2009"
Gerhard A. Fuerst of Kalamazoo, MI, USA

"I remember Joe. I went to high school with him. I appreciate the sacrifice he made for us. Have a blessed Memorial Day."
Tarah Brand Todd of Milan, MI

"September 11, 2007
To the family of Staff Sgt. Joseph F. Fuerst, III:
Joseph 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 spent a great deal of time thinking about you and Tom last Sunday (06/24/07). I am glad I got to meet you and work with you."
Miguel Aguilar of Albuquerque, NM

"One ear later, little brother.
Fallen, but Never Forgotten!
You are as Loved as much Today, as Yesterday, and the Day Before. With heavy hearts we live on. In our memories you are still very much alive, and never to be forgotten. My children will remember you as vividly as I do, because through all of us you will live on eternally here on Earth.

Love Always and Forever,
Becky"
of Hernando County, Fl

"Dear Barb and Big Joe, Joe was the greatset, as a friend, son, husband, a big part in my life. There isn't a day where I dont think of him. He was like an older brother to Zack and I. I know our pain will never equal yours but we will always be there for you no matter what.I love you all so much and I'm glad you were a big part of my life.
God Bless You Always."
Kaitlin Grant of Tampa, Florida/Hillsborough

"To Tara, Big Joe, and Miss barb, joe was a good friend and good husband also too him i was his kid lol so he was also a good father. im sorry for all that has happen, Joe will always be remeber as all those things and also as a man who fought for his country and love. ill always miss him and god bless u guys"
Zack Grant of tampa,florida/hillsborough

"God Bless..."
Jill Desmond, widow Sgt. Dennis J Boles of Homosassa, FL USA

"To Tara and ALL the family of SSG Joseph first: having worked with and only known Joe for a short period of time before he went to Kandahar, one thing I learned quickly about this young man was how exciting in was to be around him, full of energy and pride to be there serving his country. I am trully sorry for his loss and feel deep regret, he is trully an American Hero who will not be forgotten.
"Only two defining forces have ever suffered for you,
Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.
One died for your soul...the other for your freedom."
We will never forget you or the sacrifice you made SSG Fuerst, It was an honor and privaledge to have served with such a fine soldier and American Hero."
1SG Lawrence M. Ogle of Hernando, Fl

"Thank you all for the support you have shown to my family and in memory of my husband. He will forever be a true American Hero."
Tara Fuerst of Tampa, FL

"Thank you SSG Joseph F. Fuerst III, it was an honor serving with you and Tara in Afghanistan - Thank you for your sacrifice. Tara please let us know if we can do anything – your ARMY family is behind you 100% and pray for you and Joe’s family. We will never forget the man who gave his life for this country. He loved you with all of his heart and was honored to be your husband.

God Bless!

He will NEVER be forgotten."
Alexandra I. Espinel of Orlanod, FL

"To Joseph's family and friends,
Thank you for giving us a man with his courage. He gave the ultimate sacrifice, and will never be forgotten.
BE PROUD. I am damn proud of him. Thank you."
David Michael O'Brien of Atlanta, Ga

"To Joseph's family and friends,
Thank you for giving us a man with his courage. He gave the ultimate sacrifice, and will never be forgotten.
BE PROUD. I am damn proud of him. Thank you."
David Michael O'Brien of Atlanta, Ga

"Tara, please let me know if I can do anything for you. I'm sorry for your loss. Joe was a great Soldier of the 53rd Infantry Brigade. It was so close to coming home, and I'm glad he had to chance to serve with you in Kandahar."
Jennifer Collins of New Port Richey, FL

"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, Joseph will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! "

"Be sure of my prayers for Joseph and for his dear family during this time of great sorrow. I am very proud to have been his teacher in grammar school. May he enjoy eternal peace, the PEACE he was willing to give his life for."
Sr. Joanne Holloman of Haledon, NJ

"Thank you for your service to this great nation, you will never be forgotten...May God bless you always!"
Sister of Fallen Hero, LCpl. Leon Deraps, Omie Johnson of Jamestown Missouri

"To the family of Hero Joseph Fuerst,III, he has served his country with pride and is honored by those of us who still are here because of his sacrifice. We know well your pain, on this same date 2 yrs ago our grandson L. Cpl Juston Thacker, USMC lost his life at Bari Khout, Naray, Afghanistan. The three were ambushed while on patrol. PFC Daniel McClenney gave his life the same day. We honor our brave heroes, who gave up their life of comfort here to fight for FREEDOM. Their memory will live on in the hearts of all their loved ones. May God Bless and heal your deep wounds. Proud grandparents of Juston. We may be reached at lcpljustontthacker@sunlitsurf.com"
Tom & Dixie Sisk of Princeton, WV

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