Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Fair winds and following seas Shipmate, see you on that distant shore. No away tae bide away. Plankowner, USS Carl Vinson, CVN-70. 20 year vet, retired in '02."
HT1(SW) Dale Muckey of Crystal City, MO

"Only a ABH knows the sacrifices made day in and day out...Flight Quarters To Flight Quarters on those Flight Decks.So many things many never hear of and will never know.BUT WE DO KNOW AND ALWAYS WILL.
God Bless Shipmate...Stand Down"
D.DICKSON ABH1 USS Forrestal 1964-1968.... of Dublin Ohio

"My baby boy Brendan was born 2 minutes after midnight on March 5, 2002. I've always believed your spirit is within him. Thank you, Neil for your sacrifice."
Gregory Miller of Jackson, MI

"The Watch
For many years,
This sailor has stood the watch
While some of us were in our bunks at night,
This sailor stood the watch

While some of us were in school learning our trade,
This shipmate stood the watch

Yes...even before some of you had joined into this trade,
This shipmate stood the watch

In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen
brewing on the horizon of history,
This shipmate stood the watch

Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there,
Needing his guidance and help,
Needing that hand to hold during those hard times,
But he still stood the watch

He stood the watch for many years,
He stood the watch so that we, our families,
And our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety,
Each and every night,
Knowing that a sailor stood the watch

Today we are here to say:
"Shipmate...the watch stands relieved.
Relieved by those YOU have trained, guided, and lead
Shipmate you stand relieved...we have the watch!"

"Boatswain...Standby to pipe the side...Our Shipmate's going Ashore!"

as a fellow abh i know how much of a family we are and i have lost a brother but he did his duty and he will always be remembered"
ABH3 Hall of San Diego

"Hi, Im 17 and am leaving in May as an ABH.
God bless your soul and your prosterities for your sacrifice."
BArthur of Georgia

"You may have fallen but you are always in our hearts as we take the flight deck. With every landing and every launch, your name will always be in an ABH's mind. God bless you as god watches over your family remember what life is when life is gone. We can only hope the best."
ABH3 THOMPSON of san diego

"It is always sad when we lose a hero; losing an fellow ABH hero amplifies the loss and I hope his family and friends have been able to cherish their memories of him and carry-on his legacy. Let us not forget the fallen or let their deaths go in vain. May God bless his family. GOD BLESS AB's and all those serving in all armed services."
James Tonymo Stephens of USS GEORGE WASHINGTON CVN 73

"May 16, 2007
To the family of Neil C. Roberts. Neil 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

"We Tried so Hard to get there to help you when you fell out of the aircraft. I regret we never made it there for you. It will always haunt me what happened to to you. I am sorry.
SPC CJT
10th MNT A Co. 1/87 INF."
Cj of 1/87 INF

"thanks for your service to our great navy and country"
david m britton abh-3 uss forrestal cv59

"I am 17 leaving to the navy in july and I am proud to say I am a abh soon and to fight for our country as he did I will never forget the abhers."
Richard Martinez of Brighton,Co usa

"I learned about your heroic actions on the military channel today and was deeply moved to hear what great heroism you displayed and the sacrifice you took.

My prayers are, and will always be with our service men and woman. You all are Americas best, and make us proud everyday.

To the friends of family of Neil C. Roberts I morn your loss, his heroism was larger then life.

R.I.P
ed"
ed of modesto, ca

"Neil C Roberts. I am Recruit Thompson joining the U.S Navy. I take Pride in knowing the career I chose is the one you put your life on the line for. With that said we shall continue with " Honor, Courage, Commitment.""
Kris Thompson of Arizona, For now

"Neil,
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."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"Neil,
Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed to all of us years later. Whether or not you know, it you're an inspiration to all those who aspire to be Team Guys. Your undying commitment to freedom has been an inpiration to us all. Moreover, those future Team Guys all aspire to follow your footsteps in preserving our purposeful and commited cause! RIP Buddy."
IT2 Reinke of Illinois

"My son was so moved by your sacrifice that he named his son after you. His name is Christopher Neil Johnson. He just turned 2 in May. We will be sure to share with him the sacrifice also. May God bless your family as we continue to pray for them"
The Johnson Family of Batson, Texas

"GOD BLESS YOU SHIPMATE."
CHRIS of NORFOLK

"Thank you for doing your job and putting the crossed anchors and wings upfront for your country. My heartfelt sympathy to all your friends and family."
Kevin Needham (ABH-1 retired) of Olympia, Washington

"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

"Neil as a fellow neibor i to live in woodland. we will always be proud of you and be thankful for what you have given us. and as i leave in january to become an abh as well i will keep you in my thoughts.
God bless you,
the Warren family"
Lee of woodland,CA

"May you rest in peace and your name be remembered and protected well everywhere it is mentioned."
Chris of Fl

"Petty Officer Roberts, goodbye sailor and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"My heart goes out to the family and friends of this fallen warrior. My son is serving in Iraq with the 25th Infantry so I know somewhat of the loss this family is experiencing. God bless you all."
Steve of Georgetown, Texas

"Neil, you and your sacrifice are not forgotten on this Memorial Day Weekend 2004. You are always in our thoughts and prayers, as well as the many countless other soldiers who go go unnoticed in the war on terror worldwide. This weekend, we pay special tribute to those who have left us in defense of our freedoms and our nation."
Brian of Long Island, New York

"RIP SHIPMATE"

"God bless this brave sailor's family. He was a man who gave his life so that his countrymen could live safer.

To me that means when I put my kids to bed at night and look at them, I know that they are safer only because of someone like Neil Roberts."
The Estes Family of Phoenix, AZ

"Thank you Neil Roberts, 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 Aviation Boatswain's Mate-Handling Petty Officer 1st Class Neil Roberts:
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 Neil 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 Aviation Boatswain's Mate-Handling Petty Officer 1st Class Neil Roberts:
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 Neil, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia