Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"My brother Rene Karoussos, also a SEAL, was on the TEAMs with James Patton. I remember Shane and his brothers as little boys. Lizzgmueller@gmail.com"
Lizz Mueller of Orange County, CA

"A deep appreciation for your sacrifice on this day of remembrance ."
Leimbach-Glass family of Central City, NE.

"Thank you so much for your service and sacrifice for our country. My condolences to your friends, family and fellow comrades. Fair winds and following seas."
jeffrey k. Heck USAF 82-86 of columbus ohio

"To the family of Shane
What an honor it is to be able to message you about Shane he will always be a hero to me and an inspiration to all. God bless you"
Lynette Tilbrook of Adelaide Australia

"To the family of:Shane Eric Patton
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""

"Dear Shane...Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. I have told your story to my boys and they shall never forget. We hold you in our hearts. God Bless and God Bless your father and brothers for they so loved you with all their hearts and souls. I know you are watching over them!"
Laura Blott of Beaver Falls, PA

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,550 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Kenna Project Compassion of Manti, Utah USA

"I just finished reading Lone Survivor. Wow, Shane I am in awe of your strength and character to have gone the distance to become a Navy Seal. Your family must be so very proud of you! I wanted to say thank you for you service to our country, you are one of a very rare breed indeed. I cried when I read that you were taken home to be with the Lord so soon. My heart broke for your family. God Bless you and I will pray for your family as I know they must miss you so very much. Remember we are always in His grip. Hooyah!"
Traci Wilberger of Las Vegas, NV

"IT WAS AN HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO KNOW YOU. YOU WERE AN INSPIRATION IN LIFE AND IN YOUR DEATH, TO BE THE BEST YOU KNOW HOW TO BE. THANK YOU. GOD BLESS SHANE PATTON"
RYAN EMBLER of HENDERTUCKY, NV

"RIP to all US servicecmembers, thanks for everything you have done to keep us free. And for Shane and his buddies, thanks for killing those terrorists up in those mountains. You guys are the best!"
Pug of CA

"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN 3 YEARS ALREADY SINCE WE LOST YOU. I WISH I COULD GO BACK TO THE LAST DAY I SAW YOU. WE WERE EATING CHIPS AND SALSA, REMEMBER? I WOULD HAVE BEGGED YOU TO STAY. YOU WOULDN'T HAVE LISTENED TO ME ANYWAY. WHY WERE YOU SO BRAVE? I KNOW IT IS BECAUSE OF YOUR AMAZING DAD. YOU 4 BOYS GREW TO BE GREAT MEN. HE RAISED YOU ALL ON HIS OWN. I COULDN'T HAVE ASKED FOR BETTER BROTHER IN LAWS.
I WISH JIMMY AND MY FUTURE KIDS WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MEET YOU. I'M SURE YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN CRAZY UNCLE SHANE. BUT I WILL TELL THEM YOUR STORY AND ANYONE ELSE WHO WILL LISTEN.
I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER TO LIVE MY LIFE TO THE FULLEST.
I REALIZE OUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED. I'M SO SORRY YOU HAD TO DIE SO YOUNG. BUT SHANE, YOUR 22 YEARS OF LIFE WERE MORE BAD * THEN ANYONE I KNOW. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. BECAUSE OF YOUR BRAVERY AND SACRIFICE I AM LIVING MY DREAM IN A FREE USA. I WILL NOT "TAKE IT FOR GRANTED". CUZ IT SURE AS HELL "ISN'T FREE"
THANKS FOR GETTING MY MAXIM MAGAZINE. I SAW IT IN A PICTURE YOU SENT FROM AFGHANISTAN. THAT MEANT SO MUCH TO ME. I HAVE YOUR 50-CENT C.D. WHEN I BUST SOME RIMES I THINK OF YOU.
PLEASE TAKE CARE OF DIESEL AND GUCCI. SAY WHAT'S UP TO ELVIS, JOSH EMBLER, AND OF COURSE JESUS FOR ME. I AM SO PROUD TO BE A PATTON!!!!
I LOVE YOU AND WILL SEE YOU AGAIN-"
F. J. PATTON of LAND OF THE FREE

"Shane,
You are the greatest. RIP"
SP of Charlotte, NC

"Shane,
First of all thank you for your bravery and for helping keep our country safe. I only met you once, but I know Chase, I just wanted to tell you that you are missed. He looks up to you and you are his hero. He is a great person just like you. Thanks again. You are in my prayers."
Kelli H. of Portland, Or USA

"I recently read Lone Survivor and it touched me deeply. Our country is extremely fortunate to have men such as he who are willing to sacrifice everything to make the world a better place. I never met Shane Patton, but after reading about him and his friends, the world seems like a lesser place without people like them in it. Thank You and God Bless!"
Cory of Millington, MI

"October 13, 2007
To the family of Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane Eric Patton:
Shane 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 of Nevada

"To The Family of Shane Patton,
I have just finished reading Marcus Luttrell's "Lone Survivor". My heart is sad for all who perished during this mission. As an American - we are all so very blessed for people such as Shane.

I was given a prayer when I lost my Father. It has helped me in many ways. I share it with you – in hopes it will – in some way – help you all.

God Almighty – give me the courage I pray, to face the loss of one I have loved so deeply. Looking back through the years, when our lives were so close, it seems that part of me has died as well. Help me not to be bitter – but to dwell in the privilege of our intimacy and to thank you for a good life – well and generously lived. Although we can no longer speak – may the inspiration remain with me. I thank you for the comfort of knowing that the bright spirit of Shane, whom I have loved, is with you. Amen.

Our prayers are with all of you!!"
Jill Deutmeyer of Long Grove, IA

"GOD BLESS YOU AND THE REST OF SEAL TEAM 10! Your sacrifice will never be forgotten! I have great respect for all Seals. My Dad and my hero was a frogman before and during the Korean War. While he never let his family now much about what he did you could tell by his spirit, his brotherly relationship with his SEAL buddies and his mental toughness. I am positive that Shane and the others all had these great qualities.

Matt Peeling"
Matt Peeling of New Windsor, Maryland USA

"Today is the day you flew away, todays the day our hearts were cracked open. Loving you alway Shane"
Grandma Berdeski Hamilton

"I love you Shane"
Grandma Berdeski Hamilton of north carolina

"You are remembered every day. You are so loved"
linda hamilton

"Shane,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other men who were on that Chinook with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. When your fellow SEALs needed help, you didn't hesitate to go. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike C. of El Paso, TX

"Shane.....I met you a few times, as I was friends with Jimmy. I thank you for your sacfice brother! Your loss will never be forgotten! Regards to your family, and their sacrifice as well.

R.I.P"
John Venturino of Henderson, NV, USA

"Shane Eric, My beautiful son... How I have missed you all these years. You are with me now just as you are with us all who know you and love you. I believe you have chosen to be the guiding angel for James, Chase, Dean, your 1/2 siblings Rose and baby brother Robert. After your funeral when we were back home in Poway, baby Robert would look at the ceiling as if following the flight of a moth... giggle and point and say Shane. He was only 16 months old then and didn't talk yet... But he saw you... and called out your name... I just sat there watching him and looking at the ceiling then back to him... I was in awe at what I saw. This went on for weeks... What did he see that made him smile and giggle and call your name? Your a wonderful boy, my son... and a wonderful man your special spirit filled you on earth as it is in Heaven. I know your around us keeping an eye from heaven... I love you and now you are aware of that. I know you love us all.
We will be together again some day. I cherish the days we had.
Forever my love...Mom
My Sons James, Chase & Dean - If you are reading this know I love you and you can Email me any time you would like. I Love you all. There are two sides to every story. Your dad's story which you have lived the past 13 years. And Mine... When you are ready I will answer any questions you may have. I have a blog for you also.
Go to - http://pattonsons.blogspot.com/ or email vberd@cox.net"
Valerie Robinson - Shane's Mother of Poway, CA

"Well, my dearest, Shane, you are so close to me. I think of you daily. I know that spiritually you are alive as I am. I had only wished and prayed to reunite with you as you got older. I have always loved you and your brothers. I miss them so much and have for years. Thank you for the blessings you have brought to the earth in your wonderous efforts as a being and a Navy Seal. I will miss you forever and yet you are here with me now. At least you know the truth. Love Grandma Berdeski"
Linda Berdeski-Hamilton of Leiester, North Carolina

"I grew up with Shane Patton in Coronado. Shane and His brother Jimmy were me and my brother's best friends. I hadnt seen him in 8 years until recently when he came to Panama City for training where we got to reunite for awhile. I am so sad about Shane. He was a great friend and someone you could always count on. He was always fun to hang around. He was proud to be a Navy Seal, but he was always modest. Shane is a hero and a great friend and will never be forgotten. Iam sorry for his families loss. I will never forget him."
Chris J. Schneider of Panama City Beach, FL

"As a mom of five young children, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of this brave solder Shane Eric Patton. 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 Shane's sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"
Jill Hughes of Houston, Tx

"Dear Veronica, thank you so much for your awesome poem. Shane is my grandson. He is with us daily and sorely missed. I sent the poem to his mom and his other grandma Marilyn. God Bless you."
Linda Berdeski-Hamilton of ourhappinessnow@aol.com

"As We Remember Shane

as the stars and stripes sink six feet deep
as the friends and family begin to weep
as the crowd grows quiet
not a word is spoken
the hearts of all are shattered and broken
as the coffin of metal and earth become one
he's remembered as an honorable son
to his father, to the nation, and most importantly God
as the Commander in Chief gives the unforgettable nod
he put his life on the line
becoming his personal endeavor
the spirit of Shane will live on forever

love your cuz."
Veronica of Las Vegas, NV.

"Shane, I can't even express my gratitude. You gave your life for us, so that we could live the life we live. I love you so much. I can't wait until i see you again. I will never look at the American flag the same way. Everytime I look at it no matter where I am. I see your beautiful face. I will never forget when you say that "Freedom isn't free so dont take it for granted." I think about you all the time. Thank you Thank you Thank you! I wonder why you were taken away from us so soon. But I guess that Jesus missed you too much. Sending you a hug and kiss up there in heaven. I love you shane, my hero."
Chelsy, 14 of las vegas, nv

"Thank you all, Shane,my bright shining star. I walk with you always. Grandma ourhappinessnow@aol.com 808-821-2093"
Grandma Linda Berdeski of 6746 Kuamoo rd. kauai, Hawaii 96746

"God Bless Your Family"
Dan, Cindy, TIffany, Eric Dietz of Littleton, Colorado

"I am a good friend of Shane Patton's grandmother and mother. He has been deeply missed by all of us ever since his father took him away to Nevada. I, like Linda (his grandmother) wish the truth to be told and I hope that the other boys can get to know their Mother and Grandmother before it's too late. Love to Jimmy, Chase and Dean and bless Shane for his sacrafice."
Debra Gibson of San Diego

"I am a good friend of Shane Patton's grandmother and mother. He has been deeply missed by all of us ever since his father took him away to Nevada. I, like Linda (his grandmother) wish the truth to be told and I hope that the other boys can get to know their Mother and Grandmother before it's too late. Love to Jimmy, Chase and Dean and bless Shane for his sacrafice.
Debra Gibson"
Debra Gibson of San Diego

"To the Family of Shane Patton and to his Dear and Loving Dad"...Sad only for a Moment For this Will All Pass..For We have No Control in the Destiny of our Lives..Hang on to the Memories of goodtimes had..Stand Proud and Hold Your Head Up High!..Your Son Was An American Hero..Not In Vain did he die..But with Honor...."
A friend of JJ of Las Vegas,Nevada

"Thank you all for your prayers, I am Shane Patton's grandmother and if any of you have
recent pictures I pray that you will send them to me. ourhappinessnow@aol.com"
linda of Kauai Hawaii

"Hey Shane, just realized that it was you. it's filled my heart with tears, knowing that ur no longer here. But i want you to know, that ur a hero, and u'll always be someone special. .... i'll remember the smiles you had, and believe that ur heart is still with u, where ever ur heaven remains. i'm wanting to pay my respects, wanting to go to the memorial service, in hawaii. i hope and pray for well being where ever u may be. i had such a great time, getting to know u. u had lots of qualities, and knew waht u wanted in life."
kym song of mililani, HI/USA

"I'm not in the SEAL community but as a fellow Nevadan I want you to know your SEAL's contribution is recognized and my family's prayers are with you during this difficult time. It was an honor to attend Shane's memorial service and I'm eternally grateful for his service.
Jody Shervanick
Nevada Soldiers Angels"
Jody Shervanick of Las Vegas, Nevada

"To the Family:

I express my deepest sorrow. My brother 1st Class Petty Officer Brian J. Ouellette was with SEAL Team 2 and he was taken on May 29th 2004. I know he has his brothers with him now. May GOD BLESS you and keep you until then.
Mike Ouellette
Uxbridge, MA"
Michael Ouellette of Uxbridge, MA

"TO THE PATTON FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. SHANE OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. WE ENDURED THE TEARS FOR OUR SON. AN WE ARE THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL HE SERVED ALONG SIDE A MAN LIKE YOU. I REALIZE SERVING OUR COUNTRY IS ONE'S CALLING IN LIFE. YOU ARE MUCH TO MANY PEOPLE. ALL THOSE HEARTS YOU HAVE TOUCHED. WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THOSE PRECIOUS MOMENT YOU BOTH SHARED TOGETHER. YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN! I WILL LIGHT A CANDLE AT CHURCH TONIGHT ERIC. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To Shane'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"

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

"RIP SHIPMATE"
US Navy Sailor

"Thank you Shane Patton, 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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane Patton:
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 Shane 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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane Patton:
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 Shane, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia