Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Brian

Not a moment goes by and I still remember the conversation on why you needed to stay with the section. You are a true heroes."
Claudio of NL

"I was in A co. 2-5. SSG Hobbs was well known as a great leader. If I remember correctly, I personally met him in West Point during a .50 range; or possibly when we returned to Schofield. It was a long time ago. I got the * smoked out of me by Fernandez once. God speed, guys! I'll Try, Sir!!!"
Andrew Thompson

"Just a short message to let the family of Brian know that he is not forgotten. I met Brian while we were both assigned to the 3rd Brigade HQs,25th ID 12-15yrs ago. I remember him as hard worker and always had a smile and a great attitude. I remember working with him in area X-ray on Schofield after a FTX, cleaning and packing up tents, what a mess that was. I thought of him today as I was riding up the elevator in my condo with a guy who mentioned he is currently assigned to 3rd BDE. Made me think back to my time as a Bronco and all of the great Americans like Brian that I was privileged to work with/for/ along side over 26yrs. Brian will not be forgotten.."
Mark of Waialua Hawaii

"I came to know SSG Hobbs working Land and Ammo. He was the BDE guy while I was my BN's guy. It can be a thankless task working on staff and I knew it wasn't what he exactly wanted to be doing but he did it with a smile and made me happier for being around him. I enjoyed chatting with SSG Hobbs and was proud to be part of the same organization as such a devout family man. Thank you to the Hobbs family for sharing such a role model with the rest of the us."
SSG William Sturgeon of KAF Afghanistan/Ft. Hood TX.

"Mem. Day 2013 - Again our thoughts go to SSG Hobbs, and your dear family. Always our thoughts turn to you. Brian, you touched many, many souls, and are a true example of what it means to love the Lord, and your fellow man the way He'd want you to. Every year, my husband must speak or write something for Mem. Day, and always, always, he mentions Brian, also well as Kyle Fernandez, and as well, Benny Benegas, whom we still pray for, because I know it's still hard for him, having lived when his friends did not. May God continue to bless your dear family, care for you, and always, always give you comfort and hope. We send our love and prayers - Chaplain James & Elizabeth Schaefer"
the Schaefers of 3rd Army

"i got to talk to brian a lot waiting for the phones at the base at TK before we moved out to miam do. i was in the vehicle that day and the medic for the convoy. because of my injuries i wasnt able to help and it eats me up everyday i couldt have done more. to the hobbs family i just want you to know how much the time i got to spend with brian means to me and he will always be in my heart and i think of him everyday. im so sorry for your loss."
jeffrey guerin of syracuse NY

"Hello there I live here in Tennessee and about 10 or 11 years I found a metal bracelet with Brian's name and rank and so forth on it.. Why I have kept it through the years I am not quite sure, I came across it again this evening and wasn't sure if it was something you had made to remember him and for other people (mass market) or if this is one of a kind and something the family would like back. Either way I thought I would contact you and let you know"
Tamii Dail of Oak Ridge Tennessee

"To the man who loved me and gave me everything that is important in life <3 You are my hero and I miss you every single day. I am finishing the job we started together, knowing you will be proud of me in the end. I will see you on the other side some day and we will embrace yet again!"
Jenny Hobbs of Gold Canyon, Arizona

"WoW!...Where do I start?...I came across this page because I cant sleep and I'm thinking about him. I was his 50 gunner. And The same explosion which took his life also changed mine forever...I lost my leg in that explosion. In fact I believe I was the last person to ever speak to him. I couldnt tell you what I had for breakfast, but I could definitely tell you what took place that day. From the beginning of that mission to end. I got very close to him on that deployment, and we had nothing but time to get to know eachother out there; busy or not. One thing I can honestly say about SSG. Hobbs is that he was truly one of the most loyal, honest, good-hearted men I'd ever got to know. And I promise I'm not saying this because I'm writing this. I mean that from the bottom of my heart, and tell that to anyone who asks about him? He's one of those men, that would always do the right thing; not because he's been watched but because that's just how he was. Out of the five of us on the vehicle that day, I had a hard time wondering why I only lost my leg, and why he had to lose his life...Because of him; I have that extra will to live and be positive in life. I appreciate so much more in life now than i ever did. There's one other thing I also got to know about Brian; and that was how much he loved his family. To the Hobbs family: I'm sure you knew that already, but I want you to know exactly how much he talked about you. I'm so sorry for your loss; and its just important to me. I feel if I say anything, he would want me to stress that to you!! October 14, 2004 is a day that replays in my mind over and over again. I relive that moment daily as if it happened yesterday. It's hard to believe that it's been 7yrs since that tragic day. But I know he has heard and will continue to hear our prayers for him. He always set a good example for us to follow. Not only as a Soldier, but as a man. I know he's resting in peace, and he will never be forgotten!! God Bless. Anyone who has any questions, about anything! Feel free to contact me on this email, or you can just search my name on Facebook. My email is: joeybanegas@gmail.com"
Sgt. Banegas, Joey R. of San Antonio, TX. USA

"You do not know me nor did i know this hero, but one day i will. I am an X Army SGT, Chaplain Asnt. I left the Army in 2008. I will remember SSG Hobbs and honor him on this date for as long as am able. And I will remember you, his family in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss and it was an honor to wear the same uniform as this man. May God bless you and keep you all!!
PRO DEO ET PATERIA
Chris Howard"
Chris of South Dakota

"SSG Hobbs;
I never forget. You were the only one that I can easily talk to in the staff. You were humble even up there. Rest well my friend. In my heart you will always look cool the same way during that R&R plane ride... you were telling me your plan to spend some time at the spring... I will always remember you as a friend who maintain your cool.

To the Hobbs family;
SSG Hobbs truly is a hero..."
J Y W of Spanaway, WA

"Served with SSG Hobbs, Brian in OEF. He Was, without a doubt, the ultimate leader and an example of what a leader should be in combat. I Was in the vehicle in front of him that day and on most patrols he led leading up to that. I Was young to the military at the time but when i became an NCO his courage and dedication to his soldiers is something i tried to imulate every day during the next two trips I took down range. That day is a day that well be with me the rest of my life and any soldier who served with him at Cobra for that matter. I am honored to be able to say i served with him during our time there!! HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!"
SSG Lofstrom, Derek of Kent, WA

"To Jenny and the kids and the Fernandez Family.
Brian was a good friend and brother in Christ. I understand he led a bible study in Afghanistan for some of his Soldiers and demonstrated that greatest of love by laying down his life for others. I will never forget the short time we spent together on Kandahar while he was departing for mid tour leave. We had a great visit together in my room for what turned out to be the last time. I hope his family recieved the flag I sent that flew on the Dustoff aircraft that flew to the scene of his death. I have never stopped praying for Jenny, Brianna, Jacob, and Joejoe, that God will never allow to dim the bright light that their husband and father was, and is, to so many.
He will always be my brother and my hero.
Well Done good and faithful servant.
Milton McAngus
1SG, Retired
C Company, 3-25th Avn(AA), 25th CAB"
Milton Mcangus of Ewa Beach, Hawaii

"SSG Hobbs
Its is Memorial Day 2010. I wanted to send you yhanks on this day dedicated for you and your great service. You are the greatest example of a perfect NCO and a true mentor. I look down and read the KIA bracelet that I wear everyday. We recieved them before we left Afghanistan and I have worn it every day for the past six years. Thank You for everything
B. Co. 2-5 INF (Cobras)"
SSG Jones, Cody of Dexter, MO

""Brian is my friend... we were in OEF together, we were in S3 during JRTC. I really envy Brian back then because he is always able to stay cool even under pressure. He is one NCO I will never forget because he taught me a lot about being a leader by displaying himself as one. We went to R&R leave and came back the same day from leave, he told me on the plane that he will spend his leave in Colorado Spring. We had a lot of talk during the transit because we were few from 3rd BDE HQ to take leave that time. If I could only turn back time so that I can warn him of that danger three days after coming back to KAF.... I know he is in a better place and I will never forget my friend Brian Hobbs"
SSG Wong, J of Ft. Lewis, WA"

""Son My heart will never be the same.""
Larry Hobbs (Dad) of AZ

""Your son's sacrifice will not be forgotten. My son also served in Afghanistan. As a Mom, I feel your pain.""
Julie Sammann

""SSG HObbs you will be missed. You were on of the best Squad Leaders I had while in Hawaii.""
John Egnor

""Brian- i have your picture in the t-mobile call center where i work we are all proud thank you for protecting us..""
Marla Howard (cook) of OR.

"American Hero
I was lucky enough to have served with Brian in Afghanistan, and in Hawaii before that. It was truly my honor to have served with so fine a man as Brian. I have the memory of the last time I saw him, while we were working on vehicles and changing HMMWV tires in Afghanistan, burned into my mind. Hardly a day goes by when I don't think of that moment. Brian you truely were the best of all of us, a true hero. I will miss you."
David Gohlich

"Hobbs Families-
Thnk you for sharing Brian with us. He was a blessing to our family and is still through his completely awesome children. You are all in my prayers, always. Jen-love ya cousin!"
Emily of AJ, AZ

"SSG BRIAN S. HOBBS WAS A GREAT PERSON. HE MOTIVATED ME TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND. I WANT TO THANK HIM FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE WHEN SOMEONE NEEDED HIM. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIM AND HIS FAMILY.
R.I.P SSG BRIAN S. HOBBS"
SSG AMEZOLA,LEONARDO of CALIFORNIA

"To the family of SSG. Hobbs, Brian:
I knew SSG. Hobbs since i arrived in schofield as a buck private back in 2002, i had so much respect for ssg. hobbs it took a while, to do this since i knew ssg. hobbs, for so long, always no matter what the situation was he was always giving good advise, I want to tell his family that they are always in my prayers, and sorry for not doing this before."
Herrera of New Jersey

"I was looking for new friends, and came across your page. Feel free to cut and paste as a comment, or delete. I just wanted to add my thanks to your brother, even though I don't know him personally. Thank you to him for fighting for our rights, thank you to him for standing up, as a man, in our defense and our honor. Thank you to him for following many a brave man in a fight for out rights and freedoms as a nation. Thank you.
~ Shannon Colvin
Sister to a Marine"
Shannon Colvin of Arizona

"October 14th 2004 will always be burned into my mind. I remember receiving the call on the radio that some of our guys had been hit 10 miles from our position. Someone called the rest of the company into a room and we all got on our knees and prayed for the fallen. I ran out of the room to be alone and cry. I did'nt know Brian well, but I did know Kyle. He was a good friend of mine and taught me alot about the Army. I miss you guys and I'll always have a drink for ya on the 14th......."
Jarrod Bradfield of Columbus Georgia, U.S

"I was stationed at Schofield Barracks from 2000-2003 in D co 725th MSB. I ETSed prior to the 25th ID receiving deployment orders. I was an 88M and transported infantry soldiers around post and to training sites. After I got out, I purchased a bracelet in memorial of a soldier that was killed in Afghanistan. I just found this site and was astounded to see that the soldier whose name I wear around my wrist was a fellow soldier from the 25th. I think about him and his family every day. You are remembered SSG Hobbs!"
Kristie Wikane of Saranac Lake, NY

"SSG Hobbs,
Your still a role model for me and I think of you offten. Thank You. SSG Dormer B Co 2/5IN 2001/02-2003/11 202nd MP 2004/12-2005/12 OEF V"
SSG Don Dormer of Fort Lee VA

"my name is kevin hobbs and i know it is late in coming but i wanted to send my deepest condolances to ssg hobbs family ssg hobbs came and got me a completely new soldier to b co 2-5 he came and picked me up to eat thanksgiving dinner with him and his family i remember his kindness and our late night talks in country about religion and life in general i honor him in my heart and am grateful for having known him"
kevin hobbs of kamuela HI

"Brian is always in our hearts...His sacrafice will never be forgotten. The way he lived and died continue to be an inspiration...Blessings to all the Hobbs family."
Pastor Tony Pierce of Fountain Hills Arizona

"Brian was a great friend and an even greater person, I miss him greatly and I will never forget him and his sacrifice"
Michael Green of Apache Junction, AZ

"Veterans Day, 2007
To the family of Staff Sgt. Brian S. Hobbs:
Brian 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

"OCT. HAS ALWAYS BEEN ROUGH SINCE OUR TIME IN AFGHANISTAN. BUT I, ALONG WITH ALL MY FELLOW COBRAS WILL NEVER FORGET THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE OUR FALLEN BROTHERS MADE FOR THIS COUNTRY AND FOR US. THANK YOU. YOU ARE NOT, AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTON"
Soldier C co. 2-5 INF COBRAS

"To the Hobbs and Fernandez family. I am very sorry for the loss of your loved ones. I was actually in Afghanistan with them during the deployment and saw them both on a day to day basis. I remember Hobbs as always smiling no matter what our living conditions were. As for Kyle he was our Island Warrior never letting anything get him down. On the day that he passed I spoke to him while I was on a guard tower and I said to him, "I'll be waiting when you get back if you get lost just look for my IR light (Infrared)." He smiled laughed and said Aight bra and threw a shakkah to me. We were all crushed to here that we had lost our brothers that day. Till this day I think about them. "I'll try Sir!""
SGT Lester A. Estebes of El Paso, TX

"I came to, then, SGT Hobbs as a green * PFC out of basic in May 00. He was my first team leader. I could go to Hobbs for anything. I wish i could have talked with hem after he left campbell. I served with SSG Hobbs in C co 1-327th IN (AASLT) for two years. It might not be much, but to a young 19 yr old PVT, it was a life time. He was a great soldier and a great leader"
SSG MATIAS of FT. BENNING, GA

"Here it is 12/14/06 and I was faced with a reminder of our servicemen. I saw a truck in front of me this morning with a memorial sticker for Brian. My thoughts go out to the family left behind and Thanks to them for their son's service."
Leslie Bonnette of Queen Creek, AZ

"The Great State Of Arizona will never forget the sacrifice of great heros. To the Hobbs family, we give our deepest condolences. May God bless you."
Michael Gherardini of Mescal, AZ/USA

"SSG. Hobbs was my squadleader for a couple of months and a friend even longer. I offer all my condolences to his family and those of us who revered and grew to know Brian. He spoke of God and was always happy. The world will never be as it was without him.

Spc. Maynard, Jonathan ( Bco. 2-5INF )"
Jonathan W Maynard of Loganville, Ga. 30052

"To the family of: Brian S.Hobb I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,GA

"Brian,
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.

"I'll Try Sir"(5th Inf. Motto)"

"Jenny, Brianna, Jacob and Joejoe - from all of us on George Washington Ct. we wish you the best of luck and the strongest of hugs. We'll remember the birthday parties, the BBQ's, swimming, playing, and just sitting outside talking. Brian will never be forgotten, and neither will any of you. Jason is making a memorial video and I have put a memorial on our website. *hugs* to all of you."
Devin of George Washington Ct.

"Brian was my best friend,I guess everyone knew that. I just can't believe he's gone sometimes. I just want all of you in the Hobbs clan to know that whenever you guys need me, I'm there.
Love,
thomas"
Thomas Lemme of Mesa, AZ

"To Mrs. Hobbs and children,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Staff Sgt. Brian Hobbs. I work in the kitchen at your children's school and get to see them on a regular basis. They are such troopers! I also see your son occaisonally at karate. I had the pleasure of meeting you and Brian at school a couple of weeks before he left for Iraq and I must say it was truly an honor. I pray for you and your family regularly. Your husband is a Hero and will not be forgotten. I appreciate your husband and all of our troops who go into harms way to defend our freedom. God bless you and your family."
Mary of Mesa, Arizona USA

"To Jennie and the Hobbs Family,
Jennie, Brian introduced me to you briefly just prior to my departure from 2/5 Infantry and Hawaii (You may not remember) but I knew Brian and I am not only shocked but saddened by your loss. He was and will always be a fine young man. a great American, and a true Hero. He spoke and thought of you often as he once told me while out on a field exercise's at Pohakalua, "She is my whole being my beacon in life and my sole reason for what I do, without my wife I am nothing" The most astounding thing about that is I saw it in his eyes just how much he meant it. I am truly sorry and share in your loss. It was not only an honor but a pleasure to watch him grow into a fine soldier in my time in the Bobcat Battalion. God Bless"
SFC (Ret) Kevin L Fritz of Westland, Mi

"To Jennie; thank you for your bravery today, May 10, on ABC Channel 15. I would like to send to you a small donation for you and your children in memory of Brian. Please contact me.
hobie@cableone.net"
E.S.Hobbs of Prescott, AZ

"To The Family Of Brian Hobbs,
I would very much like to extend my deepest condolences to you all. I am the mother of Spc. Kyle K. Fernandez,my son was the soldier that also lost his precoius life with Brian that day. I know your hurt,your pain,your loss and I want you to know that Brian will always be in my thoughts and prayers when I remember "my" Kyle I also remember Brain. I do feel your pain and I just want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers always. may the Lord comfort,guide,strenghten,and love you all- sincerely, Nyla Fernandez mother of Spc. Kyle K. Fernandez (nylafern@yahoo.com)"
nyla fernandez of Waianae,HI.

"To Brian'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 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 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"

"It's sad to have to hear about another solider gone. They were protecting or homeland. My heart goes out to Brian's family and all those who lost somone to this war."
Alyssa of Cortez, Co

"To Brian's family,
My deepest condolences for your loss. I also feel your pain, as I lost my son in Afghanistan on September 20th. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Brian is a hero in the eyes of all Americans."
Terry A. Ward mother of SSG. Tony Bruce Olaes of Westminster, S.C.

"To Brian'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 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 Family & Friends of Brian S. Hobbs: I am sorry for your loss. May the memories of your loved one bring some comfort in the days to come. We are indeed blessed to have such brave men and women to serve and die for our country. May your loved one never be forgotten by this country! Thank you for your service Brian. May the Lord bless you and your family."
Veronica Torres of San Antonio, Texas

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

"To Brian'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

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