Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

""Today I did 4 miles in honor of our fallen heroes. I did the ‘I Did the Grid’ run/walk in Northport, NY for Chris Scherer KIA Iraq 2008 .. Brett was one of the 4 service members on my bib. I thank him for his service and the ultimate sacrifice he and his family paid for our freedom. Sleep in Peace, Brett. You ‘did the Grid’ today. <3. Speak their name and they will live forever. Xoxo""
Janelle Olsen of Nesconset,NY

"Thinking of you today Brett"
Greg of Jensen

"Hersh, it was too tough on March 26th, 15 to write this. I miss hearing your music at the chapel.
You, MSG Hiester, and Snyder were an inspiration for me to stay in the service.
You are not forgotten!
SFC J Myers
HHC 76th INF BDE (SEP) OEF 04-05
JSTF OEF 06-07
JSTF OEF 12"
Jerad of Virginia

"IT was an honor to serve with you Hersh."
Sgt Miller of South Bend, IN

"IT was an honor to serve with you Hersh."
Sgt Miller of South Bend, IN

"I did a fallen heroes memorial to him for my school and I feel badly for your loss."
Alex Sharpe

"I remember. Every day I remember and my heart breaks. Every day."
Sarah Gene Hjalmarson of Utah

"To the family of:Brett M. Hershey
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 Brett when we were mobilizing to go to Afghanistan in 2004 at Camp Atterbury near Edinburgh, Indiana. He knew some people from my hometown because they had gone to church camp together. Once we got in country, there was a certain group of us that played basketball at the gym as much as we possibly could. Myself and another soldier talked to him about hanging out when we got back to Indiana. We said something about going out for some drinks. He said, "I don't drink." When asked why, he replied with, "I'm a Christian." I was flabbergasted on the spot. I had never met anyone who was so dedicated to his faith in my entire life. Needless to say, that had a big impact on me from then on, especially after what happened a few months after that. To his family, I am so sorry for your loss. To you Hersh, Thank you for what you did. You are gone but not forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. BMH."
SGT Jonathan Adams of Washington, IN

"Brett was the first kid I met heading into basic training at Fort Benning. We met at the airport in Indianapolis, and became friends on the spot. In fact, I don't believe he had ever met a stranger. I remember his calm, confident, friendly demeanor, his never-wavering positive attitude, his contagious smile, and his zest for life. Brett was hands down one of the most unique and inspiring people I have ever met. Although we only spent a few months in close proximity over eight years ago, and soon fell out of touch, just knowing Brett changed who I was for the better. When I heard the tragic news, I was overcome with emotion. I couldn't help but thinking over and over, "why would God let this happen to such a genuinely good person". I came to realize its just part of his plan, and no matter how hard we try sometimes we just can't see the big picture from our vantage point. I wanted very badly to attend his funeral but unfortunately he had moved to PA. I tried in vain to find a way to pay my condolences but was unsuccessful until now. So here's to you Brett, you will never be forgotten. Your life was a testament to your faith in God. I'm sure you have brought many people closer to Him as you did for me, and your legacy will live on through the lives you have touched. See you soon my friend."
Spc. Adam Stiebeling of Fort Wayne , IN

"sPC HERSHEY WAS MY BROTHER'S BEST FRIEND HUTTON & HERSHEY WAS IN AFGHANSTAN TOGETHER WHEN THIS ALL HAPPENED & MY BROTHER WHEN HE RETURNED HME HE & A FEW GUYS WENT TO pa TO SPEND TIME WITH HERSHEY'S FAMILY.. THE LIL BLACK BRACLET HERSHEY WORE W.W.J.D. MY BROTHER WEARS HIS FAITHFULLY FOR HERSHEY & HE HAS BEEN IN A LOT OF SUFFERING OVER THIS & I PRAY OMG I PRAY FOR UR FAMILY & GOD BLESS ALL THE TROOPS!! MY BROTERH RETURNS TO IRAQ HERE IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS & HERSHEY IS ON HIS MIND REALLY BAD.. MY HEART JUST BREAKS THAT THIS HAPPENIN ALL AROUND US..PLEASE GOD MAKE IT ALL STOP!!"
TRACY{HUTTON}THOMPSON of INDIANAPOLIS,INDIANA

"November 10, 2007
To the family of Spc. Brett M. Hershey:
Brett 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

"Brett, you will always be remembered for your love of life and your love of God. You lived your faith so admirably and you are truly missed. My prayers are with your family."
Aubrey of Woodstock, GA

"One of the finest men I ever served with."
SPC S. Might of Princeton, IN, USA

"Brett, you are a hero and will never be forgotten.Thank God for men like Brett Hershey.I still wear the black bracelet. God bless you and your family.

SGT Daniel Morgan dsmwc8@umkc.edu"
SGT Daniel Morgan of Kansas City, Missouri

"War is one of the worst disasters of man. His predisposition to kill his fellow man is very disterbing. But without a defence we are left vunerable. So it's up to people like Brett to fight for peace."
Keith Roy of O'Fallon, MO

"There arent words to describe the person Brett was. He captured so many hearts and lead so many people to God. I am greatful to have known him and will never forget how much he touched me and so many other lives."
Natalie Turnbull of AFRC Garmisch, Germany

"I saw your picture on the news tonight and I couldn't believe it was you. It's been years since I have seen you but you look just as I remember. All the memories of growing up with you and playing in our neighborhood flooded my mind immediately. I remember riding the bus together and playing after school. I can remember times when we would ride bikes together and hang out in the neighborhood. God bless you Brett! You will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with your family."
Felecia Jones of Oxford, Ohio

"the greatest guy i ever meet"
james stephens of whiteland, in

"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""

"Thank you, Brett, for loving God above all else and for the inspiration you've given so many others. My prayers go out to your family, friends and fellow soldiers.
Brett and I met through his fiancee, Liz, at a Campus Crusade function at Indiana University. I will never forget how loved he made me feel. Christ's love resonated in everything he did."
Emily Veach of Plainsboro, New Jersey, USA

"You are missed by so many at North Central High School. I know now that God is taking good care of you."
Lacey Moser of Indianapolis, Indiana

"Breet you were the best cousin ever we love you"
ben Cameron brett's cousin of harrisburg

"I was a friend of Brett's when he lived in Oxford, Ohio. We played all little league sports together. He will not be forgotten by anyone I know. He was a great kid and I will always have the memories he left with us."
Matt McCutchan of Lebanon, Ohio USA

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

"To Brett'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@sbcglobal.net"

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