Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"You are not forgotten friend. You still touch the lives of so many people, I sit and tell stories of you to my son now 14 years old. He asks who is that in the pictures I have of you holding him as a 2 year old and who's name is on that bracelet you wear dad. I tell him, one of the finest men I have known in my lifetime. My daughter will also know you uncle Billy, my children will know of the sacrifice you made. They will know the freedom that they have now is because of you.
Aloha dear friend."
SSG CHRIS VALDEZ of CENTRAL AMERICA,DUSTOFF

"This Year October 20, 2014. Will Marked the 10 year Anniversary of a Brother that will "NEVER" be forgotten. A Mission that Changed the "Life's" of My fellow soldiers of SNT Heavy Weapon & MORTAR Team,And Especially "Me" that was with Billy Gomez on a 3 Day Mission Out of the Wire from (OE, FOB Base Of Or gun E 2004-2005). Like a Brother from a Different Mother, me and my Brada is a rare breed of soldiers (Mexican & SAMOAN) that were room-mate for 3yrs,in the Wolfhounds 2-27 Inf Bn The Greatest Unit in the US ARMY. "NEC ASPERA TERRANT"(NO FEAR).The go to guys in our Medic Platoon to make things Happen, No Mission Too "Impossible" or "Very Impossible" to Complete in a timely manner for me and my brada (Gomez). The Make it Happen Team!I miss you so Much Brada, Billy Gomez. Its been almost 10 years now, and I can still sense, and see the dust and smoke, and especially our last moment together before I say good-bye to you my brada. After treating Mass Casualty that includes 3 soldiers and 1 interpreter in less than 5 minutes, while I hear the Chopper coming."With the Help from my Greatest CLS/Combat Life Saver Soldiers you can ever ask from SNT & MORTORS." I Squeeze his hands saying to his ears: Its Me BILLY, your Brada TUI, PLEASE HANG IN THEIR BRADA x3, After hearing his voice saying-------I'm sorry, I cant continue: Please Understand..!! But I'm looking forward to pay respect to my brada home and family this year October 2014, so who ever wants to join or just meet their in Paris, California. Just email me (t.visala@yahoo.com) Thank You, and God Bless America, and All our Men and Women in uniform,and our Past and Present Veterans, And God Bless All Organization that are out there that Helps out different military families both active, retired, and veteran."
Medically Retired SSG TUI,VISALA T of Tampa,Florida

"This Year October 20, 2014. Will Marked the 10 year Anniversary of a Tragic Mission.That one of our Brother made the Ultimate Sacrifice(RIP-Billy Gomez) that Changed the "Life's" of My fellow SNT & MORTAR Team, Especially Me. I will plan to visit my brother home and family this October and pay dearly respect, who wants to join email me at t.visala@yahoo.com"
Visala T. Tui of Tampa,Florida

"I right this on Veteran's Day 2013 from KAF Afghanistan with a lump in my throat and can't believe it has been 9 yrs. I was in the Wolfhounds and HHC with Billy and while we didn't hang out much his attitude and smile always seemed to make things better. Thank you for the 1st Class medic support you gave all of us Wolfhounds "Doc" I sure do appreciate it and miss it."
SSG William Sturgeon of KAF Afghanistan/Ft. Hood TX.

"I miss you, Billy. Today, at the bank of all places, I met someone that reminded me so much of you. So much that I came home and cried. I tried reading your letters but couldn't. If SFC Webb reads this, please contact me! I would love to hear about his last days with you. My email is lovesetsfree@gmail.com. Thank you..."
Shea Scheuer of Pismo Beach, CA 93449

"To family and friends of Billy Gomez,
Billy will never be forgotten. It was an honor to meet and work with him. I remember I had just gotten to Fort Bragg and the company was coming back from South Carolina dropping off vehicles for our mission to Nicaragua. The next day I met everyone and Billy stood out most with his demeanor. He was always family oriented and was unselfish always willing to help anyone that needed it. I really enjoyed working with him and the rest of the 261 family. You were taken away from this earth Billy but we will never forget you. Until we meet again, rest in peace."
Marco Sanchez of Fort Campbell, Kentucky

"I was stationed with the Billy(goat) at Alpha Co 261st ASMB. We were playing ice hockey and Billy was the goalie.He turned the goal around so no one could shoot into it and score.Billy, you will never be forgotten."
Swanya Burrow-Sanchez of Ft Campbell,KY

"Today I was talking to my Boss and telling him about a Remembrance Run we are doing tomorrow for the Fallen Soldiers of the 3rd BCT, 25th ID and he started to share a story about helping the family of a Fallen Soldier in 25th ID when he was in Germany...Come to find out it was Billy and his Family. I was stationed with Billy in Hawaii and served with him in Afghanistan! I was not in country when he had his accident, so although very sad it was nice to hear that he and his family were well taken care of in his last days and hours! I Miss You very much My Friend! I know you are looking down upon us and keeping us safe! May God Bless Your Family and I hope their pain and sorrow is much less now! I will run for you tomorrow Billy...may your memory and sacrifice never be forgot! Thank you for your wonderful friendship and Awesome Service!!!!"
CPT Joyce Mullins (now); SGT Joyce Miller (then) of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

"Where do I begin ? So few of us ever chose this path we are taught to live with honor respect and brotherhood billy I've missed you for a long time and I'm sorry I wasnt there by yr side to all my brothers for
Alpha company 261st I'm sorry I gave up on all of u but I will always be here for u all"
Prieto , Robinson of Miami Florida

"Just wanted to say that I knew Billy at Ft.Bragg. Me and this guy had so much fun together and got smoked so many times by Wilson and Wells,and I can't forget you Doug Alderson..Billy was such a character in and out of the uniform. His favorite was, "Do ya smell what the ROCK is cooking?" He loved the WWF and the Rock. I remember one night at West Point, we were wrestling on the bunks and ended up knocking a wall locker over on our platoon sargeant!!...that was a hoot!! He would say Pettit!!, look what you did now!! I never had so many laughs with one individual! I remember, Billy and I re-enlisted about the same time for Hawaii. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe he spent his last Thanksgiving with me and my family in Hawaii. I do know it's that time of year again and I just wanted to say I miss you little buddy. Happy Thanksgiving, Brother. Pettit!"
Chris Pettit of Spencer, Tennessee, US of A.

"Veterans Day, 2011

Remembering this great soldier on this day. I knew Billy when I was assigned to A Co. 261st at Fort Bragg. He was always an up-beat and positive soldier that cared very much for his battle buddies and for family. He will be missed. Gone but not forgotten."
Joe Zaversnik of Fort Hood, TX (currently in Afghanistan)

"To the family of:Billy Gomez
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""

"To the family of Army Cpl. Billy Gomez, my condolences and prayers are with you all. One night, with ALL DO RESPECT, I was doing some research for my Developmental Class (READING) that I teach at El Paso Community College-in El Paso, TX. I came upon your web site and was AMAZED to see a fallen hero with the same name as me. My birth given name is William F. Gomez Jr. and everyone who knows me, family, friends, relatives and neighbors knows me by "Billy Gomez". Now, I have two great reasons to be proud of my name, first, my father's name was William F. Gomez Sr., but all who knew him called him "Willie". He was an honest, hard working humble man who also served in the armed forces (ARMY) during the Korean Era. He was in the 2nd Armored Division ("Hell on Wheels") and was a professional boxer for the ARMY during his service to our country. Second, I share/have the same name as Army Cpl. Billy Gomez a Fallen Hero. My father, may he rest in Peace-used to say when someone passed away, "God Bless Them" and "Gone but not Forgotten". To all of our Fallen Heroes-"God grant you Eternal Rest and we Sincerely are grateful for your ultimate Sacrifice". William F. "Billy" Gomez Jr. of El Paso, Tx"
William F. "Billy" Gomez Jr. of El Paso, Tx

"I'm so sorry for your loss, I served with Billy at Ft. Bragg, 261st ASMB. He was one of my closest friends I remember many times watching the WWF (the Rock) basketball and just clowning around. Know I'll always remember him"
USA Retired Jackey Wells of Idabel, OK

"You will never be forgotten........"
Deidre

"just stopped by to say you are not forgotten! it's been a long time Doc...you are missed!"
SFC Baker of back in hawaii

"To the family of Billy Gomez,

I was Billy's first squad leader in the Army. I can remember the first time I met him, shy and quite but always willing to get the job done. I was always impressed with Billy. Billy will truley be missed and I will always have you and your family in my prayers. SFC Wilson"
Doug Wilson of California

"Here it is nearly 5 years since 20 OCT 2004. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. Know that not a day goes by that I don't think of Billy. He was a hell of a medic and a great person. I was on the mission with Billy that day."
SFC WEBB of Savannah GA

"It's July 30th 2009, and Billy and the other's that I served with are on my mind. He never feared his fate, and even in the darkness of war, he seemed to always have that larger than life smile, even up to his last day. He was more than a medic, he was a friend to all and never met a stranger, our loss was truely heaven's gain, looking back now, you never think about the violence that led to his death, all you can remember about Billy is that laugh and smile. It hurt everyone who knew him very deeply, we lost a brother. Speaking of brother's, I can remember after we got back to Hawaii, walking through the quad and seeing his brother there with the same smile, and I felt a calm come over me, It's never funny when a soldier sheds a tear over his fallen brothers, but I couldn't help but laugh as a tear rolled down my cheek, I was remembering the last thing he said to me, what he said will forever be between he and I, but even now in times of sorrow, I remember Billy's words, and through my tears, I smile. Thank you for the advice Billy, and the friendship."
SGT Chapman, David B. US Army Ret. itisgood2bme2000@yahoo.com of Kings Mountain, NC/USA

"To the family of CPL Billy Gomez. It was an honor to know Billy. He was an amazing, kind and generous person. It still saddens me to this day when I think of him and I wear an ID bracelet in his honor. My most sincerest sympathies."
Joe Valdez of Landstuhl, Germany

"To the Gomez family, it saddens me to have learned that Billy has left us and moved on to somewhere better. It took me a long time to be able to sit down and write you this message. I had the privilege and pleasure to have served with Billy as his Platoon Sergeant within Alpha Company 261st, Treatment Platoon. I will always remember his smile and laughter. He was a "CAN DO SOLDIER" and could be depended on to do anything with a smile and positive attitude. I can still see him in the warehouse, in Nicaragua and at West Point laughing that laugh and that smile. It was an HONOR to have served with him and to have KNOWN him. He will always be remembered and loved within my heart and the hearts of those he touched. "Charlie Mike"

Sergeant First Class Retired, US Army Senior Jump Master
619-920-6174, dlalderson@yahoo.com"
Doug Alderson of Carlsbad, CA.

"Veterans Day, 2007
To the family of Cpl. Billy Gomez:
Billy 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

"billy.. thanks for the good times man. if it wasn't for you i wouldn't have made it out of the kuhukus in time to see my first daughter born..
see you when i get there.

WOLFHOUNDS!"
Spc. Kevyn D. Mack of Meeker, Colorado, USA

""I was deeply saddened when I learned of their loss about 2 years ago. It hit more close to home since the Gomez boys were neighbors of my grandparents and mom. I never met Billy (nor his triplet brother Joey) but I have had the privilege of spending the past week (10/23/06) with Mark (the other triplet of Billy and Joey) when my mother unfortunately underwent brain surgery for an aneurysm. Mark was a dream to our family, an absolute God-send during this time of need, and to date, is still visiting with my mom while she is yet in the hospital. It's an honor knowing that these men who fought for our country, one sacrificing his own young life, are dear family friends of ours. Thank you, Billy, for fighting for the freedom of others. Your memory will live forever on. Thank you, Joey, for giving to your country, even though we have not yet met, and thank you, Mark, for being who you are - my friend. Always, Monet""
Monet Torres of the San Francisco Bay Area, California

"Thank You God for this amazing man of honor, Billy Gomez. I pray that all of us will celebrate Billy's life by remembering all of the wonderful things about him. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
A Friend of Shell Beach, CA

"Billy,
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.

"Wolfhounds!"(27th Inf. Motto)"

"To the Family of Billy Gomez...As I right this my heart is heavy with sorrow.. My heartfelt sorrow goes to you and his brothers in the ARMY and his triplet brothers. I was his NCO at one time. I will always remember his warm smile and great attitude. Even when there was nothing to smile about Billy always found a reason. I have often thought of him and others that I left behind. To my sorrow I just now found out what became of him. I was proud to serve with him and lucky to have known him. He is my personal hero. I live in California and would like to talk to his family to share what I knew of him. Please email if you read this slyventure@cox.net. The sorrow that I feel at the passing of a brother like Billy is beyond words. I could not begin to imagine what a loss it is for you. Please accept my sincere sense of loss and regret for you. I will pray for you and for Billy's soul. He truly was a good soul, soldier and brother. He now stands in a place of honor and glory that so few can be. I just cannot believe that he is gone. Thank you for your sacrifice Billy and Family...
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends"
Sgt. S. Ocana of California

"TO THE BILLY GOMEZ FAMILY YOUR SONS LOSS WILL BE FELT TROUGHOUT THE MEDIC COMMUNITY IN THE ARMY. HE WAS TRUELY THE EMBODIMENT OF THE THE ARMY VALUES AND A TRUE FRIEND TO ALL THOSE HE CAME IN CONTACT WITH. I REMEMBER HOW MUCH HE CARED FOR HIS FAMILY AND THE TIME THAT YOU WERE ALL ABLE TO COME TO THE NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER TO VISIT HIM. PLEASE KNOW THAT HE IS GREATLY MISSED!!"
RANDY RAU of FT BLISS, TX

"He was great son, brother and friend. He will be missed forever. He is a HERO and we thank him for that. God Bless all those parents, brothers and friends that have lost someone for this war. God Bless Billy Gomez. May he rest in peace."
Flabia Molina of Los Angeles, CA USA

"I was stationed with Billy at FT.Bragg (A co 261st ASMB). He was good friend of mine and anyone who knew him, he was just a great person. He never had an enemy in the world. Billy Was a family oriented person, every payday he would sent most of his payheck home to his mother and father, He was never a slacker, always the one 1SG Davis would go to when he needed something done right. Billy was the best human being I have ever met. To the Gomez family...I am extreamly sorry for your loss, I loved Billy as a brother, I haven't stoppped crying since I heard of his passing, Please call me (910) 875-2839, I would like to speak with you, Maybe that will help me stop crying, Thank you. If I am not home please leave a message and I will call you back. God Bless you and All who knew Billy. I miss you."
Brian Rendon of Raeford, NC

"To the family of Billy, my deepest apologies for your loss. I have known Billy here in Hawaii and as quiet as he was.. memories of him laughing will always stay in my heart. I was blessed to have known him, he will always be a HERO. He will live forever, because I refuse to forget!"
Tiane Olortegui of Wahiawa, Hawaii USA

"We will miss Billy. He was a kind and generous soul. My prayers are with his family."
Tanya of Madison, WI

"May God comfort and strengthen the family and friends of Billy Gomez and may they find peace in knowing that he is now with our Lord Jesus Christ."
of Santa Ana, CA

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

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

"To Billy'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.

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 friends and family of Cpl. Billy Gomez,

There are no words that can possibly ease your pain but please know that many across this country are grateful to your son and you. His bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Please accept these words as a token of my heartfelt sorrow for your loss.

Respectfully,"
Rebecca of Los Angeles

"To the Gomez Family,
My prayers are with you through these hard times. Please know that Billy will forever be remembered as our HERO! I'll miss you Billy, thank you for all of the laughs in high school."
Vanessa of Perris, CA

"To Billy'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

"We are so saddened by the loss of your brave soldier. Our son is also in the 2-27th, fighting in Afghanistan. I truly think the work your soldier did was noble, and that he was a real hero. Our profoundest sympathy goes out to you."
Paul and Friederike Wiese of Vacaville, California

"To the family of Billy Gomez. Thank you for sharing him with our country. These brave men have given all of us a special gift of freedom to be used wisely. They honored our country with their lives. We thank him and all the others who have shed their blood on foreign soil. We know your pain. Our grandson LCpl Juston Thacker was KIA, 6/24/04 in Naray, Afghanistan. May our Lord comfort you. The cost of freedom is high but the loss of freedom is higher. Our family may be contacted at website:lcpljustontthacker.com"
Tom & Dixie Sisk of Princeton, WV

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