Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"I was too young at the time to realize that the father of my childhood best friend was a hero. I have a hat that belonged to Michael Heister. The older I get, the more I learn to cherish not just the hat, but the sacrifice Michael gave for this country."
Grant Byman of Muncie, IN

"Think about you and my other fallen friends daily.... its been almost 8 yrs Mike since u have gone. Its memorial day 2013 and I find myself shedding tears for you and all my fallen friends. Wish I would have been there with you."
Sgt. James Haggerty of Ohio

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

"MSG, It was an honor serving with you through two deployments. You were my first platoon sergeant and a great mentor. It was a true honor to serve beside a man like you. Im sure you are looking down and know the events of the last 24hours but just in case I wanted to let you know we got the bastard. Rest in Peace MSG, You are greatly missed."
SSG Braxton Shirar of Fort Wayne IN USA

"I am a member of an organization entitled "Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers", which since October of 2007 has sent over 2,900 prayer shawls to families of fallen soldiers. This group of over 235 knitting groups throughout the country is trying to contact all these families. Is you would like a prayer shawl, please contact me at barbconway@comcast.net or 774 487-8618.
Sincerely, Barbara Conway"
Barbara Conway of Cape Cod MA

"November 11, 2007
To the family of Master Sgt. Michael T. Hiester:
Michael 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

"To the family of:Michael T. Hiester 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 was an Observer Controller for Hiester when he was 238 Cav. Because of Hiester and CPT Fiscus, that was a super unit. He was a damn fine leader and good man. Rest in peace Mike. I'll see you again someday and we can tell war stories again."
1SG Murphy of 101st Airborne

"As an everyday common citizen of the United States of America, one who lives free daily because of your sacrifices, I recognize and thank you and your family for that sacrifice. Your family has our deepest sympathies and you our deepest respect and thanks. May God Bless you and keep you in his army... One Nation Under God."
K Barrick of Baltimore MD

"From your family on www.ScubaBoard.com: We will miss you! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers as well.
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?p=1157269#post1157269"
NetDoc of www.ScubaBoard.com

"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""

"Michael,
On this Memorial Day, I would like to remember your service, your devotion, and your spirit. You have touched so many lives in the short time that we had the pleasure of knowing you.Thank you."
Michelle Perkins of Farmington, MN

"To: My fallen Brother

I have so many fond memories of you from the early days of your military career when we both sat and talked over a cup of coffee in the early moring hours at HHC so many years ago. I am so sorry for your loss and I will never forget you. We as soldiers talked many times that some day we might be called to defend this great nation and you my brother truly know the high price we must pay for Freedom.
With a heavy heart and tearful eyes I say Good-bye
I will never forget you"
Daniel L. Davis, SGT, INARNG of Peru, Indiana

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

"To Michael'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 Michael Hiester, 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 Master Sgt. Michael Hiester:
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 Michael 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 Master Sgt. Michael Hiester:
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 Michael, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia