Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"@Rebecca Garcia from IL
It has been such a long time since I've looked at this page. I wish I would've looked sooner. I don't know if you still have those bracelets but I would love to get in touch with you if you do. I can't believe it's been nearly 17 yrs now. I'm planning to be wed next year and my heart hurts he won't be able to walk me down the aisle, but I miss him and mention him probably at least once every day since that fatal day. Thank you for trying to reach out to me before.


To my daddy: I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU EVERY DAY! I HOPE YOU WOULD BE HAPPY OF THE WOMAN I'M FINALLY BECOMING NOW! I HOPE YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THE MAN THAT CHOSE ME AND I SAID YES TO. HE TREATS ME WITH SO MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT AS WELL AS MIMIE,MOM, AND WILLIAM. OH AND BE SURE TO TELL GRANDADDY I MISS HIM VERY VERY MUCH AND MAKE HIM FEEL LIKE HE'S BACK WITH THE GUYS ONCE AGAIN. FOREVER & ALWAYS, YOUR LITTLE GIRL"
Amanda Kerwood of Paragould, AR 72450

"13 years ago today we lost part of a crew of military members when their Pave Low 53 crashed over Afghanistan . The 4 airmen were some of the finest Airmen I have had the honour of knowing. We also lost a member of the US Army who is dearly missed as well.
I worked with MSgt Kerwood while stationed at RAF Alconbury. He always brought his unique sense of humor and unwavering friendship to all.
To his daughter: Please know that your Dad loved you very much and spoke of you often when amongst friends. He brought his deep sense of Honour and Duty on every Deployment, every Mission and every Flight. He is still dearly missed and fondly thought of"
Anastasia Lemanski of Williamsburg IA United States

"It'll be 13 yrs this year in November since I lost you. I know you would be disappointed with the way some things have turned out in my life. But I know that there are and Will be more moments that will make you proud of me. I wish you were here to see your grandson. And you would be so proud of him. In some ways he's a lot like you. This year has been one of the hardest for me. I miss you so very much daddy. And even though your gone I know and can still feel you protecting me and letting me know when you disapprove of a choice I've made. I can't wait to be with you again daddy. I'll always be your lol squirt lol. I love you. Oh and I got a tattoo when I was 23. It's a memorial one for you and it's on the back of my left shoulder. I think you would love it and it's the only tattoo I have. I love you and I plan to get to your grave site to finally tell you everything just as soon as I can find a way to do so."
Daughter of msgt William "scooter" kerwood of Arkansas

"Ryan yes Billy went to South Tama High School…he moved around 81 to Missouri"
ken

"Did William go to South Tama High School? Class of '85?"
Ryan of Iowa

"your son was one of the sweetest guys I knew."
Emily Keith of 88103

"amanda kerwood,I am so sorry about your lost of your father.I have read so many memory of your father on the fallen heroes memorial,He seems that he was nice man and very like.I would like to get in touch with you I am the person who were the braclet with your dad names on it and says your father name on it and also says let no hero be forgotten just would like to know if you would like it. may god bless you and your family."
Rebecca Garcia of Joliet, IL.

"To the family of:William J. Kerwood
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""

"Scooter, you were always a good human and friend. Not many days go by that I do not think of all of you...it has taken me this long to post this. This is the life that we chose and it has been a good one worth living and the most honorable. You and your family are always in my prayers. See you in Arlington soon. Love you brother."
Dan "Pink" Pinkava of The Plains, VA

"Scooter, Family, & All; God Bless, Love to All..."
Peter "B" of Ft Walton Bch, FL

"My father, William J Kerwood, served as a Petty Officer in the British Royal Navy, posted to Burma on a gun ship. He survived and lived to a good age.
I am sorry that your 'Bill' didn't make it.
Michael."
Michael Kerwood now of QLD Australia

"To the family of TSgt Kerwood: My name is Stephanie Purser, wife of SSG John Purser, who was also on board the aircraft with TSgt Kerwood. I posted a message on here a few years ago and received kind messages from some of the family members of the fallen. It's hard to believe that almost 6 years have gone by since the crash and that event is still surrounded by so much mystery for me. In late August 2008, I finally managed to visit their grave markers at Arlington National Cemetery to pay my respects. I realize that these lists of fallen heroes have not been updated since 2 November 2006 but I decided to post a more recent message to let the family members know that I still think about those 5 men every single day."
Stephanie Purser, purserstephanie@yahoo.com of East Central Alabama

"The fallen hero that you are. The great person that me and others will never know. May you take the Kerwood name and make it a legend, that for a moment in time you saw what was laid on the table before you. You new without a doubt what had to be done. I pray with all my soul you did nt suffer. Our God gives us people like you, to borrow, that one day we can look forward to join u at the table of live and eat with the family. I believe that's why God called Mom home, because she was one damn fine cook. B U D W E I S E R. Because You Deserve What Every Individual Should Enjoy Regulary. Remember Every Soldier In Every War Died Under battle. May all those who new you and those that never got the chance, lift a American beer and drink To you and your Hornets. To the 20 th. THE U. S. AIR FORCE SURE PICKED A GOOD ONE. MAY THEY ALWAYS REMEMBER ALL OF YOU. YOU are missed."
Roy W. KERWOOD of stephenville, TX, U . S. A.

"Dear Brother,
It has ben a long time. I know u watch over me everyday. I have'nt made it too see Amanda yet, but i will soon. I have a daughter now and she looks like us. Chris, Ken, Tom, Janet and I will never forget u. I ll always remember u taking the time to watch me ride bulls in Biloxi MS. You are my hero. To everyone that new him and the boys that love to fly. May u stay safe and get back to your loved ones. God bless you and the family."
Roy W. KERWOOD of Stephenville, Tx U.S.A

"Dear Family of William Kerwood:
To honor the Mo/Ks soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families,the professional portrait artists of the Grateful Hearts project are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family.

These 16"x20" original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families loss.
Please email us at gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Sincerely;
The artists of Grateful Hearts"
J. Gragg of Lee's Summit, Mo.

"Scooter, it's been a long time but still miss you. I pass by you're locker every day and think about ya. Please look down on us this last year and provide us with what you always have. Please be the FE on high that keeps us safe. From all the Gunners"
Adam of The Fighting Two Zero

"November 26, 2007
To the family of Tech. Sgt. William J. Kerwood:
William 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

"I never got the pleasure of meeting william i heard a lot of good memories of him i was married to his daughter amanda and she loved him with all of her heart i never heard one bad thing about him. bill i am sorry i never got to meet you but if your are anything like your daughter i would love you as well"
Michael Gunn of paragould arkansas

"To the Kerwood family:
I was fortunate enough to know Scooter. At the time I was stationed at Eglin and I first met Scooter at the NCO Academy at Tyndall in 2001 and later was deployed at the same location with him in Kuwait. I didn't know he was assigned to my location until I had to go in one early morning and do x-rays on him and his crew. His sense of humor kept me laughing, he was so comical.

I thought about him this weekend while I was in Washington DC visiting some Memorials dedicated to Fallen Soldiers."
MSgt Janet Paulus of Colorado Springs, CO

"Hey Scooter.. we buried Brian Downs in Arlington this past year.. I know you and the boys will make him welcome. Go easy brother.

3/1/2006"
SSgt Seth Meashey of 6th SOS

"I am a neighbor of Ken Kerwood's and played with Billy in the yard once. Billy was a great man with a lot of spirit and heart. He will always be remembered by me and the Kerwoods.
Jackson McNeal"
Jackson McNeal of St. Louis Missouri

"William,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other men who were killed in that '53 crash for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"Ken, Thank you for your message and sorry it has taken so long to respond. I think of our chance meeting that day and how glad I was to hear your voice and have someone to connect to. Hope all is well, I was in Arlington on 4-8-05 where there is a portrait of scooter and it is wonderful.Hope you get to see it. Take care, Pat Walkup,Angel111354@aol.com"
Pat Walkup of Millville, NJ

"To the families of those who perished in and to those who survived this crash. My daughter, Sgt. Diane Gilliam, survived this crash, and yet the survivors of the crash are not receiving fair treatment by the army. You assistance is needed in making sure that all of the survivors receive fair treatment. Also, if there is a witness to Spc Gary Craig's saving of Jonathan Purser we need for you to come forward so that Gary can receive his proper accommodation for his actions

Anita Coyoli-Cullen

Proud Army Mom of Diane Gilliam
Survivor of Helicopter Crash in Afghanistan
11-23-03
ACoyoli1@AOL.com"
Anita Coyoli-Cullen of Huntington Beach, Ca, USA

"To the loved ones of Tech Sergeant Kerwood-My name is Stephanie Purser, wife of Army Ranger SSG Johnathan Purser. John was also on board the same helicopter. He barely survived and was cut free from his harness at the last minute by a Specialist also from 10th Mountain. He received 3rd degree burns on his face and upper body and does not remember most of the crash. I did not know Tech Sergeant Kerwood but I wanted you to know that every single day I pause to reflect on his life and the lives of the four other service members who died that day."
Stephanie Purser of FT Benning, GA purserstephanie@yahoo.com

"Kerwoods still serve in Afghanistan. First Sergeant Larry Kerwood is there through 2005. Stories and photos here:

http://www.wbwip.com/kerwood/larry.html"
David Kerwood of Wickford, RI, USA

"You have not left our thoughts and prayers. Its hard to believe its been a year. The neighborhood hasn't been the same without you."
The Lucas Family of Hurlburt Field,FL

"Dear Scooter,

Hey Bro it's been a year since I've seen you. Hopefully everything is going good and your having fun. Tom, Chris and I got together last weekend and your name came up more than a couple of times. We were setting by the fire and just remembering some of the old times. Some good, some funny, and some not so good. It was a good way to spend the night. On Tue. some of us are going to get together and have a toast to you and the guys. One of our friends served in the 20th and said it was tradition. We can ask Roy about tradition. The boys are all doing good and they talk about you. Adam is always coming up with funny things. I shot a deer this weekend and he asked me if it would be joining you. I told him probably and he said well that's good maybe Uncle Billy can shoot him too and have something to eat. Your other brothers are doing fine. Chris has a lot of you in him. Sometimes when your not looking and he laughs he has that same cackle that you had. It's almost scary. I can almost set here and feel you behind me with your hand on my shoulder. Chris is still upset you outlifted him. That had to be the funniest site I have ever seen. Good thing you helped him out. Well I'd better let you get back to your card game. Tell everyone I said hi.

Love you"
Ken Kerwood of st. louis

"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"

"william was my daddy. I was very upset the night i got told he was dead, however i got to meet his brothers and sisters and now I have a bigger family that i can relate to. It seems like they are the only ones I can relate to right now. Anyway till I get to see him again he lives in my heart and he will get to see the great things that I do."
Amanda Kerwood of Paragould Arkansas

"william was my daddy. I was very upset the night i got told he was dead, however i got to meet his brothers and sisters and now I have a bigger family that i can relate to. It seems like they are the only ones I can relate to right now. Anyway till I get to see him again he lives in my heart and he will get to see the great things that I do."
Amanda Kerwood of Paragould Arkansas

"Thanks for stepping forward when America needed you. To the family - Thank you for your contribution to our liberty and freedom. I'm sorry for your tremendous loss."
Ronald Carlson of Montrose, MN

"Scooter, what can I say buddy you were the heat! I miss seein you around man. Till we meet again Ill drink a cold one for ya.
Once a Hornet Always a Hornet"
Flem of Japan

"Sergeant Kerwood, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Scooter, thank you for your dedication and your sharing of knowledge and experiences. Anyone who knew you professionally is a better aircrew member. Everytime I'm deployed I see you on that running trail. You will be missed. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our country. God Bless you and your family"
MSgt Eddie Pena of 20th SOS

"to the family of William J Kerwood,My prayers are with you .May god bless you and give you peace.I am a mother of a gunner 20th SOS.God bless them all"
connie of avon park,florida.USA

"To the Kerwood Family: My deepest condolences go out to you during this time. William is and always will be a hero. God Bless."
Jessica of Rio Vista,CA

"You da man, what did we used to say? Something like: God's grace and a tail wind ... bad guys beware. Cheers Brother. I only wish we would've had more time."
Guts of 21 SOS, UK

"Thank you to this brave American for what he sacrificed. To know that this man died protecting my country and hence my family is something that goes to the heart like few things do.

I thank his family for producing such a wonderful man."
The Estes Family of Phoenix, AZ

"I would like to say to the Kerwood family that I am really sorry for your loss. I lost my dad in the same crash. "They will never be forgotten"."
Kalie Walters of Hurlburt ,Florida

"Thank you William Kerwood, 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

"I didn’t know “Scooter” I did know Billy Jo. In fact it was the day of his memorial service that I first heard the name “Scooter”. It took me a couple of minutes to figure out whom they were referring to and then it brought a smile to my face. Over the course of the next couple of days I had the privilege of learning many more things about “Scooter” that I had no idea. He wasn’t the type of guy that would brag on himself or tell you stories that might make you worry the next time he was gone. To him what he did was a job that he was proud of and one he enjoyed doing. He valued his country and family and nothing stood in the way. It amazes me how he could perform the job he did and always smile. Maybe that is something that the 20th provide because they said “Howie” was the same way. I look back through old pictures and he always has a smile on his face. He always seemed to be popping in to visit and then be gone. It was always a welcome surprise when the phone would ring and he would say, “Hey I am in Ark. and have a couple days off if you are going to be around I will come up.”
I cannot Thank the people of the 20th and the Air Force enough for the support they have given my family and myself. It seems they go above and beyond to take care of everyone. I can see why “Scooter” called it home and enjoyed it so much. I can tell stories about Billy Jo all day long. I am short on “Scooter” stories. If anyone has any they would like to pass along I would be more than happy to get them. You can send them to me at Ken.a.Kerwood@Monsanto.com.
Have a safe journey my brother and save me a place at the dinner table.

Ken Kerwood"
Ken Kerwood of St. Louis

"People like Bill is why I keep climbing into to these damn things."
Boggy of The 58 SOW

"MSgt. William "Scooter" Kerwood was one the best role models the squadron had to offer. He was always willing to lend a hand and to work untill the job was done. We have all lost a great friend and mentor. We miss you Scooter. Godspeed my friend."
A fellow Green Hornet of the 20th SOS

"To the family and friends of Tech. Sgt. William Kerwood:
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 William 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 Tech. Sgt. William Kerwood:
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 William, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia