Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"People like you make the world more round! To the family, America an I thank you for your sacrifice. I wish our government was better at showing appreciation to our fallen heroes. They should be treated better than any and I mean any elected official. Your dad, husband, brother…is much more important to our country."
Greg Maddox of Bogart Georgia

"You’re a hero and an inspiration. As a fellow man of Stafford Virginia, I hope to carry on the legacy you left in the 160th. God bless and God be with you till we meet again.”"
NSDQ of Stafford, Virginia

"Just thinking about you Mike. I miss you brother."
Brian Boydston

"dear michael, I am so sorry that you had to leave us. I hope God is watching over you. ruth"

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

"My hero, you will always live in our thought, RIP"
Jose L Sanchez of San Diego, cal U.S.A

"Giving thanks for you giving your life for our freedom, Mike. We will always remember you.
Veterans' Day, 2014"
JILL BERNSTEIN of Stafford, VA

"NSDQ!!"
An Indebted Citizen of Clarksville, TN, USA

"Michael, Thankyou for your sacrifice.I am sorry it was the ultimate one.Your brother Lee is a very good friend of mine and I know he misses you a lot.Your brother is a really good guy and helps anyone who asks.Kinda like you I imagine.I wear your remembrance bracelet a lot to help honor and preserve your memory.Today is a day the country remembers, but everyday your brother remembers.Thankyou again for all you did.You sre truly an American Hero..."
jimmy Maher of Youngsville, NC

"Jan. 2014 - My family and I say the movie "Lone Survivor". We did not leave with dry eyes. My husband, Steve Marietta, and Russell worked an aircraft together in Hawaii. I often fondly remember all the time he spent with us. We truly miss him. My thoughts and prayers to your beautiful family Mike."
Yvette Marietta of Austin, TX

"It's Veterans Day 2013 and I wanted to stop by to let you know that your sacrifice was not in vain. Today will be my grandson's first event with the Young Marines group he is joining... I so hope that he will become a strong man like you were, Mike.
God Bless the Russell Family +"
Jill Bernstein of Stafford, VA USA

"Thinking of you today Mike. Remember the fun times we had playing hours on end in the woods of the old neighborhood."
Mike Scullin of Stafford, Va

"Uncle Mike, you've missed alot im now 19 on the 17th it is march 6th 2013 im married and have a beautiful baby with Caleb Waid hes in the military i met him in ft. carson like you and Aunt Annette mom says im more like her every day, we survived our first deployment he came home 8 hours after Alyanna was born im so thankful he is home i know your looking down on us all keeping us all safe! and i thank you! Besides all that,today i wrote a essay about you and its topic was who i considered a hero and i looked at this page and i couldn't help but tear up,i remember i seen you last and it was around xmas time, ive learned because of you to always cherish the good and bad times, i know aunt Annette and Lauren and Megan miss you more then anything. no matter where you are, you are and always will be a hero to many people family/friends. you wont ever be forgotten! love and miss you!"
Charlotte Peters/Waid of Ft. Carson, Colorado

"Even we, here in Holland Europe have not forgotten your sacrefice Mike, not to be forgotten what you did also for our freedom!"
Peter & Ellen of Holland

"7 Years today. I still miss you everyday Wild Man Mike Russell! Watch for the fireworks tonight they are just for you big brother! Love you always"
Missy Russell of USA

"Mike I think about you everyday, as I go into the service to serve our country like you did proudly I keep my head up and let you never leave my mind. Your a true role model to me, and we all miss you very much! I'm glad I got to spend time with you in Disney with your wonderful family, that's a memory I will never forget. Thank you for being such an inspiration and I love you!"
Jordan Russell of Charleston, SC

"Thank your for your service. You gave all for us. The debt that we all owe to you is to make this world a place of beauty and peace so that your legacy of service will not be in vain."
Dennis and Carol Harris of Raleigh, NC USA

"On Veterans Day 2011 I am remembering with gratitude Mike Russell and all the men and women in our Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we all could be free in this country. Thank you Mike and Family!"
Jill Bernstein of Stafford, VA USA

"Thank you Mike. They got him! Your ribbon on my car has faded but your sacrifice for our freedom is always remembered. God Bless+"
Jill Bernstein of Stafford, VA USA!

"I think about you often Mike, and especially on this day. My thoughts and prayers to your family."
Krysti Charles Webber of Chapel Hill, NC

"Uncle Mike, you are still my Uncle, my roll model, charming and kind to every one in your life. You've dedicated your life to protect America. We think about you everyday, your visits to Colorado, your wedding when I was a kid, your humor. Your beautiful young family carries on cheerful because thats how you'd want it to be. All in which we hold in our hearts. This one's for you bud,
Love your Nephew,
ALWAYS."
Andrew Rabideau of Knob Noster, Mo.

"Mike and I were friends through high school and even went on an awesome trip after graduation to the Carribean. I love him like a brother and will miss him always. I think about him often.

Mike, I wish your kids would have had the chance to know you like we all did. I'm sure your wife will make sure they do."
Anne (Buss) Schulz of WIndsor, CO

"Miss you everyday brother, saved your seat at the race, Annette and the kids are doin fine, Miss ya."
Lee Russell of Raleigh

"To other memebers of Family...
To those that new you and to those that didn't. you are truly miss by us all. I Grew up looking up to you i grew up wishing to be like you. You are my hero. Growing up playing football at grandma Rabideau's to every time i saw you. We all miss and love you dearly"
Todd Peters of Lancaster, OH

"To the family and friends of Mike Russell:
I knew Mike from high school in Stafford and working at Kings Dominion. I came across some old pictures today and have been thinking about Mike and what an amazing person he was. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Hard to believe its been more than 3 years now. We won't forget you Mike."
Krysti Charles Webber of Chapel Hill, NC

"Remembering with pride one of America's Heroes on this Veterans Day 2007. You will never be forgotten. God's Peace+"
Jill Bernstein of Stafford, VA

"October 14, 2007
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell:
Michael 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 Mike Russell:

I knew Mike from church growing up in Stafford, and from school, and working at Kings Dominion. He was a good friend. My heart broke when I heard about his loss, I can't believe it's been 2 years already. I pray for his wife and children, and his brother and sister, and father. Mike was always there for me when I needed a shoulder."
Taryn Grant Peachey of Raleigh, NC

"Mike, thank you for everything you have done for so many people. You more than any other man taught me what it means to be a soldier. What it means to get a job done no matter what. Thank you for your mentoring but most of all thank you for friendship.

N.S.D.Q"
Brian B

"Michael,
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. You didn't hesitate to go to the aid of your fellow servicemen. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Night Stalkers Rule The Night!"
160th SOAR Motto"

"To Mike and his family,

Mike and I were good friends in high school, but we lost touch after he left for Hawaii. I will never forget how good a friend he was. I am just sorry we lost touch.

My deepest sympathies go out to you guys. Mike was a great person.

Dana Roeber and family of Southaven, MS
dana.roeber@stjude.org"
dana roeber of Southaven, MS USA

"To the family and friends of Michael Russell,

I am so sorry for the loss of such a tremendous human being. He was my best friend in high school and the best man at my wedding. He was always a great listener and my rock during hard times. I feel privileged for having him in my life. He will never be forgotten."
Kelley (Thompson) Williamson of Orlando, FL

"Mike was a great kid as I remember and I am sure the best soldier. Lee, it's been years, but we grew up together in the old neighborhood in Stafford. How many days did we spend out in the woods. I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Praying for you and your family. e_j_garza@yahoo.com"
Eric Garza of Atlanta, GA

": To the family of:Michael L. Russell 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 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 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"Mike, give me a tour of Heaven when I see you. Get ready to play baseball together again. I remember the good times we had in Stafford and will anticipate better times when I see you again. May the Lord keep you. Lee, I hope all is going well with you in Raliegh. I am in the area from time to time. Email me at dallascowboysnrichrock@yahoo.com so we can do lunch."
Richard Mower of Roanoke, VA

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

"Our deepest sympathies to Michael's family and friends. Our hearts are heavy and tears are shed every day. You are all in our thoughts and prayers forever. We are bound by Michael...my brother SFC Marcus Muralles was also on the Chinook. We feel your pain. Please know that we are here if you ever need us. May God grant you peace.- mckenna_6968@yahoo.com"
Cindy Swazay of Indianapolis,IN

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

""Greater love has no one than this,
than to lay down his life for his friends."
~John 15:13~"
Yates Family of Stafford,Va

"To Michael's Family, I wish to exntend my sincere condolences to you for the loss of your Michael. Michael is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless all of you."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"RIP BRAVE WARRIOR....

J and T in NC USMC"

"Mike, I miss you Brother. I am so glad that I got to talk to you before you left. Things will never be the same at Martinsville, We all miss you and we are so very proud of you and you friends who died with you. Give mom a hug and we will see you again in heaven.
Night Stalkers Dont Quit"
Lee Russell Jr. of Raleigh, NC

"michael thany you for serving our great country. you have not given your life in vain! this was your calling life! one that many many american's had no clue of your role and job. making this event more diffucult on your personal family and yourself! you will always be remembered today, tomorrow and forever! never ever to be forgotten. only wish our son had known you. still you position was one to protect his mission. now you are together on a new mission. God Bless!"
LEONARD WAHL

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

"Thank you Michael Russell, 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. 1st Class Michael Russell:
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 Michael 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. 1st Class Michael Russell:
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 Michael, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia