Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Each year before Memorial Day weekend, my office hands out cards with the names of fallen soldiers. This year (2023) the card I received had the name of SFC James J. Stoddard, Jr. printed on it.

I looked him up, read his story and was saddened to learn his fate and for the family he left behind. But I also feel honored to have received his name and humbled by his sacrifice for our nation. I just wanted to let his family know he is not forgotten. God bless."
Jeff of Springfield, VA/USA

"To the family of:James J. Stoddard,Jr.
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""

"Jamie- Amy and Kids,

We miss that smile and respected Jamie and his work. Your family is a blessing to so many!"
The Carabello's

"I went to airborne school and then was in A Co. 2-504 with James and he is one of the people I remember best. He was a true American and one of the best soldiers I have ever known."
Riley Nelson of Pocatello Id

"My family and friends are safer for your courage. Our Country, citizens, and all who enjoy freedom around the world are indebted. Our prayers are with Mr. Stoddard and his family. When I give thanks for all we have Mr. Stoddard, and all who have given, are in my heart present to receive eternal gratitude. I hope your family will accept my most humble best wishes for a beautiful future."
A. James Stoddard of San Jose, California

"Dear Megan & Family,
I'm so sorry that you lost your father and husband. I didn't know him but I know that the world is a sadder place without him."
Katherine of San Diego, CA USA

"I remember Jamie as a kid and he was always so much fun. Our families were close and a huge part of us all has been lost. We love you Jamie and miss you dearly!!"
Tes of VA

"October 1, 2007
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class James J. Stoddard, Jr.:
James 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

"SFC Stoddard was the first squad leader I had in the army. He was the best example of what a man, and a soldier should be. I am so proud to have known him, and so proud to have served under him. I still think about him all the time. It's been two years now, and while the pain does fade, the memories and the pride will not. Thanks."
SGT John Kenney of Boston, Ma

"To the Stoddard Family. God bless you all, I miss Jimmy. I was with him and think of him often. He will not be forgotten. Rangers Lead the Way!"
Edward Newton of Ft Polk, La

"I served with SFC Stoddard (Then, SSG Staddard)in Afghanistan and in Iraq when I was in Alpha of the 2-504th. I was the NBC NCO for both tours and Ill tell you, as a non Infantry soldier it was rough. SFC Stoddard was always a person I could talk to and he made it alot easier for me. I reenlisted to go to Fort hood after the last deployment and I didnt go with them for the second time around. I heard about James from the news and my heart was broke. Im gonna miss you buddy, Always. To the family of James, My heart and condolince goes out to you."
Juan Rodriguez SSG of Fort Hood, Texas

"James,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Airborne All The Way!"

"Its almost been a year and it hurts as much today as it did then!! Me and the kids miss Jamie so much!! I know he watches over us all each and everyday and I know I will see him again someday. I would like to thank all my friends and family for all the support I have received in the last year!! Without you I could of not gotten though it!! Thanks! I love and miss you Jamie!!!!!"
Amy Stoddard of crofton MD

"Jamie, you were an awesome guy and loyal friend all the years I knew you in school and I am sure you were all the years that followed. All these years later it hurts so bad to hear this......how innocent kids sharing sunflower seeds on the way to a game can turn into losing a hero in a grown up war. I will pray for your family; I only wish that could make a difference."
Kim Parker (McConnell) of Pasadena, Md

"DEAR FAMILY THESE MONTHS HAVE GONE BY VERY FAST I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER. AND NEVER FORGET WHAT YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN HAVE EVEN UP FOR ALL OF US........"
KIM of ODENTON MD

"To the Stoddards-
Just remember that we love you and always will remain family. He will be missed by all!"
Alanna Messimore of Raleigh, NC

"To the Stoddard Family, you know that Pat and I are here for you whenever you need us. James was our best friend. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him. I will always be lucky for the special times we shared together. James always made sacrifices for everyone including his country. He will be extremely missed. Love you all very much."
Christine Crawford of Severn, Maryland

"I am James' daughter. I just wanted to say he was a wonderful dad and i loved him very much, i will never forget him, and i wish he was still with us. :( I LOVE U D!!!"
Megan Stoddard of Crofton Maryland

"As a mom of five young children, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of this brave solder James J Stoddard, Jr. 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 James's sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"
jill hughes of Houston, Tx

"To the Stoddard Family,

Know that your husband and son was one of the finest men I have ever known. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of paying final respects for him in Arlington. My thoughts are with you and if there is anything I can ever do for you, please dont hesitate to ask.

This Army is a sadder place without the calibre of NCO that was SFC Stoddard. I will miss you."
MAJ Michael Gonzalez of C/1-3 IN (TOG), FT Myer, VA

"To James' Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Ernie served honorably in Afghanistan, only to lose his life in Iraq. Know that our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice as we mourn the loss of yet another Red Devil. Our boys are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne 504 PIR
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gloria.caldas@sbcglobal.net"

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

"TO THE STODDARD FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE NEWS. LOSING SOMEONE SO DEAR IS PAINFUL. WE ENDURED IT WITH OUR SON. HE DIED LAST YEAR IN BALAD,IRAQ. (2004) IT HAS NOT BE EASY. STILL WE ALL DEAL WITH THIS VERY DIFFERENTLY. MY TEARS STILL FLOW FOR JAMES AS IT DID WITH MY SON AND ALL OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS! JAMES YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN. AN YOU ARE A HERO! TO THOSE IN YOUR COMMUNITY AND YOUR POLITICAL LEADERS. NOW IS THE TIME TO HONOR JAMES. BY NAMING A STREET IN HIS HOMETOWN. FOR JAMES SERVED NOT ONLY HIS COUNTRY, HIS STATE, HIS COUNTYA AND MOST OF ALL HIS COMMUNITY! JAMES WAS THE ELITE OF HUNDREDS OF MILLION AMERICANS LIVING IN AMERICA TODAY! VERY FEW ANSWER THE CALLING TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY. WILLINGLY TO RISK EVERYTHING FOR US ALL. THAT TELLS YOU THE INDIVIDUAL JAMES IS"!" HE IS SO MUCH MORE THEN A SOLDIER. HE IS A MAN, ONE THAT IS LOVING TO HIS FRIENDS, FAMILY, COMMUNITY AND HIS MILITARY FAMILY OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS. JAMES HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. TO THOSE THAT KNEW HIM KNOWN. HE SHARED MANY VERY PRECIOUS MOMENTS WITH THEM. THAT JAMES WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN, NOT TODAY, NOR TOMORROW. THE VERY LEAST HIS COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS CAN DO FOR JAMES. IS TO HONOR HIM NOW; NOT TO WAIT FOR FOR THIS CONFLICT OR WAR TO END. TODAY WE ARE JUST HONORING THOSE FROM WWI, WWII, KOREAN AND ETC. JAMES YOU ARE SOMEONE'S SOMEONE AND MY FRIEND YOU ARE SOMEONE DEAR TO OUR SON AND OUR FAMILY. MANY THAT SERVE TOGETHER NEVER ARE INTODUCED TO ONE ANOTHER. UNLESS HE IS SERVING TOGETHER AT ONE TIME. STILL NO MATTER WHERE OUR SOLDIER ARE. ALL WATCH OVER ONE ANOTHER AS BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S. JAMESYOU ARE APART OF MUCH THAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD TODAY. YOU HELP TO MAKE THE WORLD ALOT SAFER SINCE 911; ESPECIALLY; HERE IN AMERICA. YOU HAVE GIVEN THOSE IN THE WORLD. THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE IN PEACE WITHOUT FEAR. YOU BECOME VERY MUCH APART OF MILITARY, AFGHANISTNS, AMERICAN AND WORLD HISTORY. YOU TRUELY, HAVE GIVEN SO MUCH TO AMERICA AND THE WORLD. THANK YOU! AN YOU REST NOW, GOD BLESS!"
leonard wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Thank you James Stoddard, Jr., 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 James Stoddard, Jr.:
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 James 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 James Stoddard, Jr.:
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 James, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia