Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey A. McLochlin

45, of Rochester, Indiana.
McLochlin died in Orgun-E, Afghanistan, when his unit encountered enemy forces using small arms fire. McLochlin was assigned to the Army National Guard 152nd Infantry Regiment, Marion Indiana. Died on July 5, 2006.

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"Veterans Day is tomorrow. I started writing this long-drawn-out thing. I don’t know why. As it kept growing longer, I finally stopped. Realized nobody was going to read it. And that you know how often you guys are in my thoughts. So, I guess after this long journey of mine that began in 1986. 38 years, a long list of friends lost, not just killed in action, but those who passed afterward… You just hope that a small percentage of people, during their barbeques and gatherings. Take that moment out of their celebrations, to do something by just saying thank you. Maybe even going to see if that lonely old veteran living close by that you only wave at in passing, might be okay to get to know a little better. Dang it, it still ended up being long? Wish you were here."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Just swinging in to let you know you're being thought of. Catch up with you soon. Thanks again."
William L Peterson of El Paso, TX

"To the children and family of Jeff, my deepest condolences. I served with him and loaned him my PT shorts the night before everything. It was the 4 of us that shared that little hut training over 200 Afghanis. He taught me how to set some of the equipment on to get me more squared away. I'm proud I served with him and know he did it so his family didn't have to see it here on our soil. You left big shoes to fill and are missed daily. Until we meet again, see you when i see you."
Daniel Romero of McAllen TX

"Hey Big Man. It is Memorial Day 2024. I have been trying all weekend to leave messages for you and the others but a technical glitch prevented me from getting anything off to you. My nephew has been researching our family’s military history and tracking down our genealogical roots as it applies to the military. Everything from the Revolutionary War, to present. He already did my father and collected his graduation albums from 1964 and has been wanting mine. When I send him off one of my two, I will include the DoD bulletin that came announcing your passing, which Is in the back. And point out one of the few pictures of you that are in there. It is the one of the company in the woods, everyone is in their field jackets, gloves and it is noticeably cold. Of all the faces doing their various things, you look right at the camera and are caught forever in that moment. I will let Lucas know that is you and who you were as I knew you. You are missed."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"I want to apologize for missing you on Veteran's Day. My wife and I were able to get out to the local National Cemetery and visit a Brother there, but things are hectic. Or were.

I'll do my best to be here next time.

Merry Christmas Brother, I wish you were with family and friends."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"29 May 2023, Memorial Day. Do you ever want to thump somebody who is a veteran who wishes you a “Happy Memorial Day?” How does this happen? You need to swing in and help some of these folks. I know if only it were that easy.

I start thinking about this dreaded day weeks out and how will I get through it again. Between Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, the guys from Panama, Gothic Serpent, and those who died under unknown circumstances after all of it… Not to mention those who battled demons more powerful than themselves. Memorial Day can be draining.

I'm sorry things went down as they did and wish every single day you were home with those who love you the most. You had a presence, even back in 1986 – 1987. My nephew has asked for my graduation yearbook from Benning, but I can’t let go of your guys.

Oh, Benning is now Fort Moore. My father’s commander in Vietnam. Crazy huh? Anyway, I wanted you to know I am thinking about you today. As I do often throughout the year.

Thanks for being you."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Christmas Day. 2022. Wishing you were physically here to look upon all that you worked so hard to make happen. Merry Christmas Brother."
William L Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Veterans Day 2022 Came and went yesterday. I went out to the National Cemetery here and spent time with a couple of buddies that have gone before me like you. From the base they were tuning instruments and preparing for a Veterans Day Rock Concert to thank those who have chosen this as either the beginning of something bigger in their lives or a career.

Meanwhile in the cemetery families carefully planted their pots next to stones and watered the contents as others sat in lawn chairs and reminisced about who they were visiting. It is always Veterans and Memorial Day for those left behind.

We share a confusing battery of emotions that can be overwhelming pride and bitter disdain for so many things that have played out in the times before and since.

In the end however, the Veterans in the cemetery would make a short trek to another Veteran at another stone. We're easy to spot. Thank each other quietly, pat on the back, shake of the hand and if the spouse was there. Thank them for taking care of the Veteran and putting up with it all.

I get so very mad when I have to come here to write on these pages and pages of names. Mad that we have lost so many who gave all their potential in a second from something grander than themself.

But my anger is tempered in the end by the greatest of sorrows that because of these great sacrifices, I must reflect on the fact I didn't get to know you better than I did when you were alive.

Thank you for the path you chose to walk and taking care of the many who will never get to know you. I'll of course be back again. I just miss you.

"Delta Dragon" 1986 -87. FT Benning, GA."
William L Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Thinking of you today and every day. Never Forgotten."
Dean Desautels of Rutland, MA

"Memorial Day 2022 has snuck up on me again. That day where a nation comes together and does its thing. While those of us who knew the Fallen or served with them, reflect on our experiences together. I’ll spend the day before leaving messages here for you guys. Each of you leaving a tic mark of experienced etched into who I became before retiring.

Then on Memorial Day, visit those laid to rest nearby and chat a bit asking those I stand over to relay messages to you guys. I’m glad I purchased two of our graduation books way back in ’87. It gives me a chance to look back, reflect on how times had changed and how those of us who had been given the chance to do it right lasted so long.

I only wish you could have walked that carpet, heard that horrible rendition of “Old Soldiers never die…” then move on to the next chapter. You’re not forgotten… Not here."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"I served with Jeff in Afghanistan. A picture of six of us with an American Flag hangs in my office at home and at work. I will never forget my friend, and brother, Jeff McLochlin. God bless you and your family."
Chris Franklin of Hot Springs, AR

"I miss you more and more each day dad I would give anything for you to come home. I’m grateful to all your friends who post stories about you since I don’t have any stories or memories of my own"
Kennedy McLochlin of Rochester IN

"Post-Christmas 2021, thought about you guys all day yesterday but had to put on that happy face. Hit you up again soon."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Veteran's Day 2021. Just a hello."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Never was late again for anything Sgt. Major, the hour half you had me down worked! Then, turn around and have my back 110% in Bosnia for dumb * I did! Lead by example was your way!"
Eric of Ridgeville, IN

"Memorial Day 2021. Needed to swing by and say hello. Wishing you were home and safe."
William Peterson of El Paso, TX

"I find myself wishing I never stumble across a single name of human being that I or you encountered in our nearly 35 years of service. You and Meister are here from Afghanistan, then there are the eight from Iraq and Reirson from Somalia. One of my old ancient friends had hooked up with me on Facebook and was so excited he was finding people from our basic training class to include Drill Sergeants.
I had stumbled across First Sergeant Kelly in Germany after leaving Basic/AIT and to this day I am like, “How did he…?” Seeing your name when I did, and the nightmares the guys were bringing back with them and deciding to share with me instead of counselors was just too much.
I look at your bio on fallen pages like this one and I am so very sad that you couldn’t have just made it to the end and celebrate that wonderful life you had set up for you and yours. Anyway… I just wanted to swing and let you know that you of course are not forgotten. At home and with those you influenced across the land."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"The year seems to have flown yet dragged itself kicking and screaming to every one of these days of reflection. It is Veteran's Day 2020 and what I wouldn't give to have you home celebrating with your family and loved ones. I don't indulge in the spirits but if I did I would pour one and reflect on those crazy times back at Benning in the Winter of 1986 - 87."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Thinking of you on this 2020 Memorial Day. Thinking of your more throughout the year and on down the road. I was rearranging pictures from my military career and found one of our Basic/AIT Barracks undergoing renovation. You wouldn't recognize the place. Anyway, thank you."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Just swinging by to let you know you’re not forgotten this Memorial Day weekend 2017. It is hard to imagine after all these years that our world has changed so much and we didn’t have one another to bounce our opinions off of. The odd thing about those we lost in combat and in other tragic events and we trek through our careers or time in the armed services is how much more we stay in contact with the dead than we do the living.
Yes we say we’ll stay in touch or we’ll get together down here on Mother Earth but often as time goes by we just lose contact and let those friendships made slip away. I guess in a good many ways the time we did have was so wonderful that the memories are forever imprinted in our conscious and subconscious to the point we see things in the world around us that remind us of you or others. Or once in a blue moon a dream is shared where we can wake up and say thanks Brother.
Anyway I have gone long which as we know is the norm for me. I apologize but I guess is because I wish for the time it took to type this out and think of you I wish you could have been here to rib me one more time or just be that friend we were all that time ago. Oh! I ran into Mike Lanni, he was a 1ST PLT Guy Delta 1-1 so... God Bless, and thank you…"
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX. USA

"Merry Christmas Brother."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Memorial Day is upon us. I have started my exit from the Army after all this time, can you believe we started in 1986? So I have been going through the old blue book with all our photos in it then to Facebook trying to find some of the guys and I found Lanni from 1ST Platoon. Damn Ranger is a bonafide Hippie now, crazy Italian lol. Of course there are a couple pictures of you, man did you look like you were handling the cold just fine. Funny how everyone went their separate ways after so long only to get reunited in places like this? I wish you could have made it to your retirement, been home these past few years. Well I am going to exit stage left before this blue page gets to me… Thanks"
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Merry Christmas Brother, I only wish you were here in person to celebrate it with those who love and miss you."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"1986 was ages ago, yet as I look through the Blue Book that was our graduation book on the pages of us cleaning TA-50 (Gear) for turn in and standing around burn barrels during the Field Training Exercise there you are leaning slightly and looking at the camera. We were all so pale but I guess FT Benning in the winter can be pretty miserable. So now Memorial Day stares us in the face tomorrow and there are just too many names but I remember you and believe it or not miss you. God Bless and we’ll meet on down that long road later."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"My son graduated Infantry Basic and AIT last June (2013) and I went to our old barracks only to find them closed down and condemned. I walked with my wife where the laundry room was and the area where we cleaned out TA-50 and I could see that image of you and others that appears in our Graduation Book and all I could think was, “These were brand new in 1986”. I know I hardly interacted with you being in different platoons but I sure think of the guys from the Delta Dragons! 1ST Infantry Training Battalion. I wish you were home with family instead of being remembered here, I will do my best to stop by from time-to-time."
William Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Jeff, its been 7 years now. Its Memorial Day 2013 and I am drinking Whiskey thinking of you, Mike Heister and my friend Vic Anderson.I miss u all and think of you daily."
Sgt. James Haggerty of Ohio

"Just swinging by to let you know you are in our thoughts and that you are sorely missed."
William L Peterson of El Paso, TX

"He is my dad"
Kennedy McLochlin

"Today we celebrate the Armed Services on Veteran’s Day honoring ALL American veterans, both living and dead on a day dedicated largely to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans understood that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free. This is not just for their service in time of war but for the dedicated service of the Nation’s veterans during peace time as an effective deterrent to those who may wish to do us harm.
There really is no way to express with any certainty what our Republic’s veterans carry with them but it should be fully understood that a simple thank often carries significantly more weight than any medal and that knowing the hardships were for not. Today at this moment where I reflect on the many years of dedicated service to God, country, our brothers and sisters I find myself humbled by the steadfast devotion to an ideal many see as slipping away. You are forever endeared and embedded in my every thought and emotion and I wish you the happiness you have earned. God Bless and Salute.

D-1-1 Fort Benning. You're missed Brother."
William Peterson

"So today is Memorial Day, a day in which many again will fire up the Barbeques and fish or simply relax in their homes and amongst friends. Yes a couple of years ago I started a correspondence just like this and no I won’t go on a rant about how I feel the people of our nation don’t fully understand what our Republic stands for or used to. I will only release a sigh of a good many emotions for your sacrifice.
Would I rather have you all back in our lives and hoping to hear from you once again, certainly but I understand what your sacrifice meant and hope for those for whom you gave it will carry the brilliant torch of an idea forward into that uncertain night. I am truly respectful of that sacrifice and am honored to have you as friends and colleagues and thank you for all you have given.
In the words of Abraham Lincoln or John Hays (White House Secretary)
“I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”
God Bless."
William Peterson of El Paso, TX

""To the family of Jeffrey A. McLochlin ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"Jeff was truly a Great American! We were in the same Basic Training / Infantry Training Platoon from DEC 1986 till we graduated on 20 March 1987. I know the last time I saw him was in April of 1987 when we graduated from Airborne School. I reported to Ft Bragg and Jeff to the RANGER Regt.

He will surely be missed by all who ever had the chance to meet him.

SFC(ret.) Mike Menapace Sr."
Mike Menapace of Yorktown, VA / USA

"Tour is wrapping up and we'll be done here in Iraq in about 23 days, wanted to swing by and just sit a spell and remember you. I will look in the graduation book from D 1-1 in the photos from the FTX and recovery there are a couple pics of you; I will see if I can get them out to people."
Peterson of FOB Paliwoda, Iraq

"I served with Jeff in Afghanistan. He is well loved and will be missed. What a great soldier and hero."
Jeff of Lincoln, NE

"Jeff Thank you so much for your contribution for our freedoms as many before you have done. May God be with your family and friends. Looking forward to meeting you on the "other side"."
Carol Steward of Helena, AR

"The young dead soldiers do not speak.
Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses:
who has not heard them?
They have a silence that speaks for them at night
and when the clock counts.
They say: We were young. We have died.
Remember us.
They say: We have done what we could
but until it is finished it is not done.
They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished
no one can know what our lives gave.
They say: Our deaths are not ours: they are yours,
they will mean what you make them.
They say: Whether our lives and our deaths were for
peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say,
it is you who must say this.
We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning.
We were young, they say. We have died; remember us.
by Archibald MacLeish,
1892-1982, American Poet"
William D. Taylor of Bonita Srings, Fl.

"Re: S1C Jeffrey A McLochlin

Hello,
I represent PRAYER SHAWLS 4 FALLEN SOLDIERS (PS4FS), an organization that since October 2007 has sent over 2,800 prayer shawls to military families who have lost a loved one. We are an organization of over 240 groups from all over the country. We make every effort to reach families even when post cards are returned after they have moved. Would you kindly send me a contact email/address so that we may send a loving hand-made prayer shawl to the family? Thank you!

Cozette Haggerty, Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers
Email: ps4fs@charter.net
Website Address: http://webpages.charter.net/ps4fs/shawls"
Cozette Haggerty of Wilbraham, Mass.

"Just a Hello, to let you know you're not forgotten by those who were with you in the beginning."
Peterson of Heading back to Iraq once more

"September 11, 2007
To the family of Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey A. McLochlin:
Jeffrey 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

"Sgt. Maj. McLochlin,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OEF, but also for your service in Bosnia as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Fit To Fight"(152nd Inf. Motto)"

"God Bless..."
Jill Desmond, widow Sgt. Dennis J Boles of Homosassa, FL USA

"May God Bless You. Retired 1SG and Vietnam Vet."
Danny Malone of Algonquin, Illinois

"I sa your message on tv and was greatly moved. Itis so sad that this war has to take our loved one's. As a retired Army 1SG, and Vietnam Vet - I salute you and your family. May God Bless You All"
Danny Malone of Arlington Heights, Il. 6005

"Another memorial day, is upon us and I sit here watching the news and listening to the debates over withdrawing and I must admit I am confused by the rhetoric as I look down this long list of my friends who have sacrificed. Many of my friends have sent me this link which brings tears to my eyes anymore and I can’t watch. I have come to these pages so many times in the past months with a sense of guilt that I have so little to say anymore. The list grows as these fine men and women do their job, a job they volunteered for and feel horrible as I walk away with nothing to write.

These were my friends, are my friends and some won’t remember me and there is one here I know I know but can’t remember him which drives me crazy. Somebody sent me a “Happy Memorial Day” wish the other day. I was at first angry but now I know that each of these individuals brought something to my life in their own way, and helped me to be the soldier I am today. One was somebody from basic training who when I saw his name and picture I was shocked. One I knew in passing and the others I knew all to well. These are my brothers and sisters, men and women who lay it down daily and many who volunteered to do what brought them to the fatal finish that placed them here for you to view.

Please don’t believe all you see in the media as fact. There are so many things being done and accomplished everyday over there that these folks thought was important enough to bring them here. These are our brothers and sisters, our family outside the biological attachments and these are our friends. Even now as I scroll down the list of names I am humbled by what they accomplished and saddened for their families, but it wasn’t a waste. I will sit quietly on a hilltop someplace this weekend and I will think about each of these individuals, and I hope that you will not give up on us, give us a chance because we will never give up on you. God Bless and take care.

http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1

Bill

I went to basic and AIT with Jeff way back in 1986/87 I am sorry for your loss."
SSG WIlliam Peterson of Ft BLiss, Texas.

"Thank you Jeffrey McLochlin, 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 Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey McLochlin:
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 Jeffrey 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 Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey McLochlin:
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 Jeffrey, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on