Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"I had the honor to with Derek Hines, He taught me so much and was a very good friend. He helped me through some troubled times of mine when we were in Afghanistan together. I will never for get you Derek, I am a better man today because of you. Miss you brother."
SSG Cushman, Mark of Clarksville, TN (FT. Campbell)

"To Hinzey,
Miss you bro.
To the Hines Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Just know that there are many great friends of Hinezy who miss him dearly.
If you ever need anything."
CPT Mike Parks of Fort Meade, MD, USA

"To the family of:Derek S. Hines 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 Hines Family,
It was an honor to serve along side Derek for a short time in Italy and Afghanistan. Even though I only knew him for such a short time, he left a huge impact on me and can only hope to live up to his example!"
Morgan Huston, SSgt (fmr) USAF TACP of Denver Colorado

"hinsey i love you and you were an awesome hockey player and im happy that my dad coached you because you bacame like a brother to me jack and brendan and we truly miss you and love you. Thank you hinsey you ARE truly a/my hero!"
dani riley of West Point

"October 8, 2007
To the family of 1st Lt. Derek S. Hines:
Derek 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
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy of Nevada

"Be thou at peace..."

CPT Chris Bright
USMA '98"
Chris Bright of Methuen, MA

"Lt. Hines u are my hero and you motivate me to be the best that I can be. I hope to be half the man you were someday."
Spc. Brad Sullivan of Peabody, MA

"Dear Steve, Sue, Mike, Ashley, Trevor,
On this Veterans Day it only seem appropriate the honor Derek for his courage and sacrifice in making sure the world is a safer place. Please know that you are always in my thoughts along with all the other service men and women. Thank you."
Robin Walker Ambrose of Baldwinsville, NY

"Lt. Hines,
Sir, 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)"

"I owe a lot to Derek. He has opened up my eyes clearly and made me realize that I must give my life 100% and do the right thing. Thank you Derek, you are a true inspiration to me and I will never forget you."
Tony Page of Amesbury, MA

"To the Hines family: My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you. As a military officer and former Mass hockey player I can relate to some of Derek's life. Words are not enough for me to express my thanks to Derek for serving this great nation and allowing me to continue to serve. God bless you."
1st Lt Scott Frank, USAF of Easton, Mass

"Derek,Man amoung men Proud you should be
I a vet wish i had met still for GOD
GOD won'tFORGET."
1ST. LT.SPEC OPSVNV of NC28516

"As a mom of five young children, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of this brave solder Army Derek S Hines. 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 Derek's sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"
Jill Hughes of Houston TX

"I remember watching Derek play and just thinking what an amazing person he must be. When he fought for us he made us all proud. And I am very sorry that he is gone."
Allison Reed of Smithtown, New York, USA

"Dear Hines family, I watched Derek grow up playing hockey with my brother Dan. I was happy to hear reports about his career after SJP at West Point (even if I didn't root for him when they played USAFA). I wish I could have been there at his memorial to pay tribute to a life lived to the fullest. I want you to know that your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers."
Dave Bennett, Capt, USAF of Ft Polk, LA (Wilmington, MA)

"What I remember of Derek was an amazing hockey player and an amazing person. As a fellow member of the Class of 2003 at West Point, I feel the loss of Derek very deeply. I pray for the Hines family and the families of all former, present, and future soldiers. God Bless you and your family Derek."
Erich H. Petersen, USMA Class of 2003, U.S. Army (Ret.) of Crystal Lake, IL

"I noted the passing of a fellow hockey player and soldier on the site of the Royal Military College Club of Canada this morning. Derek sounded like my kind of teammate, and on other sites I noted his size, about two inches on me, but that never stopped us! I spent a tour in Afghanistan in 03/04, and everytime I hear of another passing, I get weepy, the place affected me that much. If there is a shinny game in heaven I am sure Derek is one of its stars. My heartfelt sympathies to all that mourn his passing. RIP Buddy.

Mitch
RMC Class of 1981"
Captain(Retired) JM MacLeod of Toronto, ON, Canada

"All gave some , but some gave all.
The hall of fallen hero's has gained a new voice that will steady a hand or go that extra mile so no soldier will go into battel untrained. Citizen Soldier Brian Moran 3/75 Ranger, now amesbury fire"
Brian "doc" Moran of amesbury MA

"Steve,

I was so very, very sorry to hear of the loss of your son, Derek. When I was informed of his death, I could only think back to our conversations in Boston when we spoke about our sons going to their respective colleges. You were so proud of Derek and of his accomplishments, as you should have been and, moreover, the fact that he was going to West Point. Now, I put myself in your shoes and think how I would feel and I can only cry. Be strong and remember that he will always be a part of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
Lou Raffetto of Laurel, MD.

"I can not possibly express my gratitude for Derek's sacrifice for our freedom. He is a true hero and that is a status that only those worthy may gain. My heart goes out to all that have been affected by your loss."
Lyndsi Ouellette of Flower Mound, TX

"Hines Family.
I am truly sorry for the loss of your son Derek. Your son’s ultimate sacrifice was not vain. I have many friends and shipmates serving overseas and thank God for their courage and Devotion to Duty. God bless Derek and your family.
Very Respectfully,"
Jeffrey P. Ferlauto, LT, USCG of Juneau, AK-originally from Nbpt

"My prayers are with the Hines family..I met Derek his cow year. He was the type who lit up a room when he walked in...I introduced him to my younger girlfriend whom he started dating..On several occasions I cut Derek's hair and we would all make plans to meet at the Cape during a few summers....I think and pray for Derek everyday and will never forget the times he made me laugh so much...He will forever hold a special place in my heart....RIP Derek...."
Sue Vaughan of West Point, NY

"We knew Derek through his girlfriend ( fiancee) Lt. Leah Sandmann, our niece. At their graduation from West Point, time did not allow us to meet him so we were always giving Leah the business for being afraid to introduce him to her extended family from Minnesota for fear of scaring him off. Now that the unspeakable has happened we are saddened that we were never able to meet this brave soldier who fought so valiantly and was such a big part of Leah's life and future plans. Please accept our sincere condolences.
We are praying for his soul and the lives of all who were touched by his life."
Mike and LaDonna Kartak of Corcoran, MN

"In reading and hearing about Derek , He seemed to be the type of person that you felt blessed to know, That just knowing him would make you a better person , and those type of people are few and far between ,and I could'nt help but think what amazing parents he must have had , to have a son that was so well respected and loved By others.So to the parents Steve and Sue Hines I want to thank you for loving and caring for him enough to make him into the incredible person that he was and to know that he is a true hero in every aspect of the word. I thank him for the unselfish sacrifice he made and I assure YOU he did not go in vain,please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers , much love Janet Woodman"
Janet Arthur Woodman of Seabrook N.H.(formerly Amesbury)

"May God watch over your family. Your son gave the ultimate sacrifice to allow every one of us the freedom that we sometimes take for granted. My you know your son did not die in vain. Let it be a reminder to those of us that do not read about it every day,to realize that men and women are far away from home, putting themselves in harms way to allow us to live our lives without fear. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. "GOD BLESS" and Thank you!"
Ed & Tracey of Haverhill, Ma.

"I'm so, so sorry for your loss. I will pray for your family daily. Derek was a true hero and will always be remembered as such. He protected us from terrorism and I will be forever grateful for him and his courage. Rest in Peace Derek and Hines Family, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers daily."
Sue L. of Amesbury, MA

"I knew Derek as a child. We played hockey against each other. I am sorry about your lose and my heart goes out to your family. You served this country proudly. May you res in peace"
Jon Hlebica of Amesbury, Ma

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

"My name is Dylan and my brother's name is Tyler. I am 7 and he is 5. Thank you Derek for keeping us safe.

To your parents - We are both very sad that you lost your son. Our mom told us how she was crying today as she stood along the route with so many people who wanted to show their support for you. We hope to honor your son's memory by growing up to be good men. My mom helped to write this but I told her what to say. I'll ask God to take good care of him."
Dylan and Tyler T. of Amesbury, MA

"My thoughts and prayers are for the family of Derek. I am in Toledo, Oh and my nephew Scott is an old neighbor of yours. He grew up with Derek and my twin daughters remember your family from our visits many years ago. May God Bless and give you courage to cope with such a tremendous loss."
B. Worley of Toledo, Ohio

"To the Hines family,
I hope that the unbelieveble attendance at the wake and funeral for Derek remind you that he is an American Hero."
of Amesbury, MA

"Sgt. Hines, Susan, the Hines Family-

I never had the chance to meet Derek. My wife Annie and I met several of you on the Joppa Flats sandbar one summer while I was "between opportunities" professionally. You were such a happy and kind family then and later when we met around Newburyport & Amesbury.

We are so sorry for your loss. Find the strength in that wonderful family of yours to continue on and know that Derek is remembered even by those who never met him because of the strength of your family."
Richard & Annie Noonan of Kittery Point, ME

"To the Family of 1st Lt. Derek Hines,
It was an honor for me to meet both of you and the kid's last night. I wish it could have been under better circumstances. 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 Derek for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."He will always be remembered as an American Hero 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 Derek, who continues to live on in your heart."

District 10 Senior Vice Commander
Commander of VFW Post 2104
North Andover, MA"
Robert Dufresne

"To the Family of 1st Lt. Derek Hines,
Our sincerest condolences to you. The many words and thoughts that have gone on and off this message, fall far short of expressing the gratitude we feel for what Derek has given.
Our best wishes and prayers are with you.
Thank You,"
Mr. and Mrs. Dana M. Davis and family of Newburyport, MA

"Me and my buddies from high school were Dereks biggests fans when he played hockey at west point. We went to every game and cheered our heads off. He always came out after the game to talk to us and thank us for coming. You will always be in our hearts derek and we will always be your #1 fans."
steve feroli of walden, NY

"I haven't seen Derek since high school. We had to sit next to each other often in classes because our last names began with 'H'. He made me laugh to the point of tears sometimes. This news saddens me deeply and my heart goes out to his family and those with whom he was much closer."
MHayford of New York, NY (originally from NBPT)

"Having recently experienced the sudden and tragic loss of my wife , I can understand the emotions the Hines family is going through.My wife was a teacher at the Nock for 20+ years and I believe had Derek as a student.She always spoke highly of Derek and his brothers and sisters.The city of Newburyport has been hit with tragic news this past year.Derek touched the lives of so many.His spirit and cause must endure.He will always be remembered in our hearts.To the Hines family- I will forever promise to you that his spirit and heroism will be told to many."
Rick S. of Newburyport

"To the family of 1st LT. Derek Hines,
On behalf of District 10 of the Department of Massachusetts Veterans of Foreign Wars, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to you for the loss of Derek, a true American hero. As veterans we understand the sacrifices that our military members and their families must make and for that our nation should be eternally grateful. Despite the recent negative treatment the War on Terrorism has received, Derek died for a noble cause - to bring the freedom that we sometimes take for granted to other areas of the world and to provide us with the security of knowing that the very best young men and women that this country has to offer are out there to ensure that we at home our as safe as possible. There are no words that can lessen your sorrow, only time and the understanding that Derek did not die in vain can provide some relief for the aching in your hearts. We share your pain and hope that you will someday begin to overcome the grief you all must feel. God Bless the United States of America and God Bless Derek.
District 10 Commander
Department of Massachusetts
Veterans of Foreign Wars"
Philip R. Spitalere of North Andover VFW Post 2104

"I knew Derek from him being at West Point. I work at the Dental Clinic where Derek always came to get his teeth fixed. Everytime he came he would always say Sue come see me play in a hockey game. On one occassion he reserved me tickets and I went. That monday he came in with a BIG smile and said Thanks for coming. Then when he became Captain of the team, he knew how much I liked Hockey and had the whole team sign a poster and brought it to me. He was a great solider and will be missed as well as remembered.
My sympathy and condolences to the entire Hines family. My prayers are with you."
Susan Grossarth of West Point (Dental Clinic) NY

"Mr, & Mrs. Hines and Family,

I had the pleasure of attending St. John's Prep with Derek for 4 years. He was well known around campus as being intelligent and a great athlete, but to those who knew him well, he was just a great young man. He was always smiling, and always had something nice to say...he was very genuine.

I was sorry to see you couldn't make it to the candlelight vigil that was held at the Prep last night, but we all understand. Many people showed up, and I'm sure many others would have if they had known. Many shared stories and memories of Derek, and it was nothing but a mix of smiles and tears.

My heart goes out to you and may God bless you. It was an honor to be associated with your son, and even though I have not seen him since the Prep, I will miss him terribly."
David J Reppucci - SJP Class of 1999 of Burlington, MA

"I remember Derek as a 6 & 7 year old playing hockey and seemingly unafraid to get out and do what he had to do. Obviously he carried that same determination into his young adulthood. Who knew 18 years ago carpooling to IC I was carrying with me a future hero. God Bless the entire Hines family."
Sharon Gorman of Fremont, NH (formerly of Amesbury, MA)

"to trevor and his family,
i grew up with trevor and i know that he is a wonderful boy, and although i never got the chance to meet derek i can only assume that he carried the same atrobutes that trevor does. regardless, he is a true hero to all of us, i know there are no words i can say that will change anything, but i do hope that you can find peace and hope in knowing that derek died fighting for his country and the wellness of all of us, he was brave and honorable. i cant imagine having to endure the loss of a brother/son and i can only imagine how hard it must be for you, but we are all praying for him and the whole Hines family and we will keep derek in our hearts forever<3

with love always*"
L.Cupo of Manlius, NY

"Dear Derek- I will always remember that smile of yours, the one that was so big you could barely see your eyes. You are our guardian angel now. I hope everyone will have the honor of feeling your presence. Heartfelt love and affection goes out to Sue, Steve, Ashley, Mike, Trevor and Derek's enormous amount of friends,family, teamates, classmates, and loved ones. "The voice may be silent, but the spirit lives on"."
--KB-- of Newburyport, MA

"The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you." Dwight D. Eisenhower

How true that is of 1LT Derek Hines. He is a true American, a true leader and a true hero. I am saddened by his loss, but know that I am a better person because I knew him, if only briefly. God speed to Derek and sincerest condolences to his entire family and West Point classmates.

"My days of old have vanished — tone and tint. They have gone glimmering through the dreams of things that were. Their memory is one of wondrous beauty, watered by tears and coaxed and caressed by the smiles of yesterday." Douglas MacArthur"
Molly of Massachusetts, USA

"To the Hines Family:

I am so sorry for your loss.There is not much I can say in such a sad time, but how proud I am to say I knew a "True Hero"."
James R. Alcott of Saugus, MA, USA

""Far or forgot to me is near;
Shadow and sunlight are the same;
The vanished gods to me appear;
And one to me are shame and fame.
They reckon ill who leave me out;
When me they fly, I am the wings;
I am the doubter and the doubt,
And I the hymn the Brahmin sings."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson


I went to school with Derek (Nock / NHS), and although we were not BEST FRIENDS, we were always affable to one another. And I feel deep sorrow for his family's loss of a son, loved one, and patriot.

To the Funniest kid in 8th grade English w/ Mrs O'neil: Goodbye and Thank You"
-rz of nbpt

"You were a true soldier in the purest of deeds and honor. You will be missed. Your fellow brothers of the 173D Airborne will honor your memory forever."
Dennis Hill,(Secretary) New England Chapter # 9 of the 173D Airborne Brigade of Norwood, Ma.

"To Geoff Hines and Family
My heart goes out to you Geoff. You and your family are in my thoughts"
Emmy O'Sullivan of Mt. Pleasant, SC (formerly of Newburyport)

"To the Hines Family,
I never new Derek, but my father Larry who lives down the street from you speaks so highly of him. There is no greater sacrifice than to loose a son or daughter in war. My prayers go out to you and your family. I am the mother of two American Soldiers and I am proud of their choices. My heart goes out to you. God Bless You.
Peace, Love and Blessings,
Kimberly A. Potts
mother of 2 American Soldiers"
Kimberly Potts of Amesbury, MA

"I wish to send my deepest sympathies to Derek's family. I know his girlfriend, Leah, and she and her family spoke of him with great love. I am sorry I was never able to meet him.

The sacrifice he has made for his country will stay with me forever."
Robin S. Grenier of Manchester, CT

"Steve, Sue, Mike, Ashley and Trevor...
Our world and our City of Newburyport in particular has lost a great American and a warm and wonderful person with the loss of your Derek. To say that his death has touched and shocked the community in which he grew up is a sad understatement. Everywhere you go here, people speak about how wonderful he was, how talented and gifted, how generous and selfless he was. Everyone here in Newburyport knows one Hines or another, and we are all so saddened for the loss that this wonderful family now faces. Let it be small comfort to know that Derek made each and every person he touched better for having known him. And may it be small comfort to know, Sue and Steve, that it is a tribute to you that he was so special. God takes the best first, unfortunately for us. But he was and will always be a true American and one that our City and community will never forget."
Mary Anne Clancy, Mayor of City of Newburyport, MA

"Some of the most beautiful things in the world, can't be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.

My Heart Felt Condolences To You All!"
Richie S. Jr. of Beverly, Mass USA

"To Derek'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. Our sons are true heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto "The Big Ern" Blanco-Caldas
82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"Dear, Mr. and Mrs Hines. There are no adequate words to ease the sorrow of your loss. I served at West Point for the four years Derek was a cadet and my son Mike is his classmate. I learned of his death through him. His classmates keep a very close vigil over the class. We must never forget Derek's courage and determination, his leadership and his compassion for his soldiers. The nation, the Army, and the United States Military Academy are fortunate beyond measure to have had a man of his character serving in this desparate time in our history. I am certain his fellow soldiers will always remember him for the impact he had on their lives. May God be with you in this difficult time. Colonel Mike Haith (US Army Retired, USMA 1975)"
Michael E. Haith of Yorktown, VA

"I want to send my condolences to the family of Lt Hines. The loss of your loved one touches me deeply. My son, Chad, is a member of the 173rd (2/503D). Words cannot express how I feel to hear of the loss of yet another American Soldier. May God bless you."
Sheila Steely of Magnolia Texas

"TO THE HINES FAMILY FROM THE WAHL. OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH DEREK AND YOUR FAMILY. DEREK THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR GREAT COUNTRY. AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. NEITHER OF KNEW ONE ANOTHER. ALTHOUGH, TODAY YOU ARE TOGETHER! DEREK ONE COMFORT I HAD! WAS KNOWING THAT YOU, GREGORY NOT ONLY HAD EACH OTHER, YOU ASLO HAD THOUSANDS OF SOLDIER'S ALL WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER. DEREK YOU AS THE THOUSAND'S SERVING OUR COUNTRY ARE TRUELY: THE ELITE OF AMERICAN'S. YOU HAVE ANSWERED A CALLING IN LIFE. RISKING YOUR LIFE DAY IN AND DAY OUT. PROTECTING AMERICA, AFGHANISTAN AND THE WORLD FROM TERRORISM. AN GIVEN THOSE LIVING UNDER TERRORISM FREEDOM. TO REBUILD ONE'S COUNTRY TO ENJOY LIBERTY AND FREEDOM. SINCE 911!~~~~~~DEREK WE HAVE BEEN ALOT SAFER RIGHT HERE IN AMERICA. THE LAND YOU AND THE THOUSAND'S SERVING PROTECT. YOU CONSIDER THE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS, IT'S A HANDFUL THAT SERVE OUR COUNTRY TODAY. AN THAT TELL ME ALOT OF THE PERSON YOU ARE! YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE EHARTS OF SO MANY. TO THOSE IN YOUR COMMUNITY, NEIGHBOR'S, FRIENDS, YOUR MILITARY FAMILY OF BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S! DERAK TO ALL THOSE UNDER YOUR COMMAND. ALL WILL MISS YOU DEEPLY. FOR IT WAS YOUR LEADERSHIP THAT GOT THEM PASSED EACH DAY. ALL YOUR HARD TASK TO LEARN. TO INSTRUCT YOUR MEN AND WOMEN TO SAFEGUARD ONE ANOTHER AND TO HANDLE THE MISSION. YOU DEREK, ARE NOT FORGOTTEN; I REMEMBERED YOU TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER. TO SLL THOSE YOU HAVE TOUCHED IN A SPECIAL WAY DEREK. ALL HOLD THE DEEPEST FOND MEMORIES YOU SHARED WITH EACH OTHER. WE ALL DEEP WITH OUR DIFFERENTLY. AN I STILL TODAY DEAL WITH THE LOST OF MY SON. AN I DO WITH EACH SOLDIER FALLEN IN AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ AND OTHER HOT ZONE'S. FOR I KNOW THIS MILITARY LIFE WAS MY SON'S HAPPINESS IN LIFE. AN BELIEVE THAT FOR THE MAJORITY OF OUR SOLDIER'S SERVING OUR COUNTRY. AMERICA OWE'S ALL OF YOU! DEREK YOU REST AND MY HEART, PRAYS ARE WITH YOU. TO YOUR FAMILY I PRAY YOU HEAL! AN I HOPE THAT YOU HONOR DEREK! TODAY! AN REMEMBER WAR MEMORIAL'S TAKE'S YEAR AFTER A CONFLICT TO HONOR DEREK AND ALL OUR FALLEN. I SUGGEST TO THE HINES FAMILY. REACH OUT TO THE POLITICAL LEADERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY. TO NAME A STREET AFTER DEREK! THE COMMUNITY AWARENESS IS IMPORTANT THAT DEREK AND OUR SOLDIER ARE REMEMBERED. NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN, NOT EVER! I HONORED MY SON IN A DIFFERNET WAY. HE HAD THE GREATEST LOVE FOR HIS DAUGHTER ALEXIS AND CHILDREN. SO I RAISED FUNDS FOR THE CHILDREN OF A FALLEN SOLDIER OF LONG ISLAND. FOR THE CHILDREN TRUELY; GAVE UP THE ULIMATE SCARIFICE OF ALL AMERICAN'S. DEREK DESERVE'S TO BE HONORED! THAT SOMETHING HE CARED ABOUT. DEREK HAS NOT DIED IN VAIN, NOR THE BROTHERS AND SISTER'S BEFORE HIM!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Derek - Freedo in not free.

Thank you for sacrifice>

Former Army Ranger Steven C. Denelsbeck
2nd squad, 3rd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, 1st SOCOM

The credit goes to the brave souls the>>>"

"Thank you Derek Hines, 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 1st Lt. Derek Hines:
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 Derek 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 1st Lt. Derek Hines:
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 Derek, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia