Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"To Paul Sweeney's family and friends, I don't know if you've heard this story or not: I was there at the ramp ceremony when SSG Sweeney was loaded onto the plane at Kandahar Airfield to go back home in 2003. I had the honor of playing Taps and the National Anthem for him over a PA system during the ceremony at the airport. I want you to know that literally thousands and thousands of soldiers lined the road to pay their respects and salute SSG Sweeney for his sacrifice as the Humvee carrying him made its way to the flight line. For some reason his name always stuck with me. May his name be a blessing and God bless you!"
Justin M. of Texas / OEF IV 2003 & VII 2006 / Army, 10th Mountain Division

"I had the honor of serving with Paul in Germany in the early 90's. Like most of you I cant believe he is gone and has been gone now for over 11 yrs. and I just learned about this. To put it simply he was a great man and an awesome soldier. I can only hope his family has been able find some kind of peace. May they be blessed and may Sweeney RIP>"
Brad Hurst of Franklin, ohio

"Sweeney family and friends,
Paul left 3rd BN, 3rd SFG(A) with an everlasting impression of what right looks like. He was a friend, brother, and a warrior. Every time I come back to Afghanistan I think of him and others that have given their all. I think about how honored SFODA 376 was to have served with his detachment- SFODA 371, and how much I know they all remember that day. I hope you know how much we all think about you. Paul has provided motivation for all of us to strive for more in our careers. I can only hope that at our retirement we are looked at as half the man Paul is. V/r, SFODA 376"
SFODA 3316 of Afghanistan

"I think of Paulie often and wish I could be half the Father, Husband and Friend as he was. My fav pics of him is him sleeping with the boys! I have had the honor of talking to two Presidents about this great man prior to giving them an American flag, something that I hold very near to my heart (Paulie gave me my view of the American flag). He will never be forgotten! Kristen, Ryan and Sean, your Husband/Father is a true hero!!! he always looked out for others. I am proud to say i had the chance to meet such a great man."
of DC

"I just read about Paul in Kaplan's Imperial Grunts, and after some Google-fu understand his sons are much older now. If either or both should happen to read this: your father was undoubtedly a great man who loved you very much. He was, and will always remain, an American hero."
M.L. of D.C.

""To the family of Paul A. Sweeney ,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""

"We will like to Thank You to Paul A Sweeney's family that they try to LIVE strong and looks like PAUL is STOPing by Afghan time to time to look after some American Soldiers.
Freedom is not Free,America will live Free all of the World and we will remember Hero like Paul A Sweeney forever in our Heart.
God Bless U S A and Long live America with Freedom all the way,We are prode to be American and stand next Amy Green Beret Heroes."
Chae-Hun Sweeney of Phoenix,Arizona

"dear Paul-
our family will never be the same without you. rest in peace."

"Dear Family of Paul A. Sweeney,
We are sorry for your loss. Your cousin's daughter brought her shirt to school today and we had it outside for our flag-raising ceremony. Although we didn't know Paul personally, we thank him for his bravery and sacrifice for our country on this Veteran's Day."
Mrs. Buonocore's Fifth Grade Class 2008 of New Jersey

"Our entire family thinks of you Kristen each time we wear our Paul shirts from Ladder 87. Mike was the only one to be so lucky to meet Paul but after meeting you and the kids at the memorial at the fire house and Craigs wedding, I know he must have been such a wonderful person since you and the kids are so great. We always have you in our prayers and thoughts. We will always were our Paul shirts with Pride and keep you and the kids in our hearts. God Bless you all always. Mike, Patty and little Michael Atheras 5-26-08"
Patty Atheras of Staten Island, NY

"I would like to thank you for your memorial of a fallen brother of yours, Staff Sgt. Paul Sweeney. I am a very close friend of his sisters and mother...they speak of him every day...miss him horribly...I've never met Paul, but I feel as though I have through his family's words. As a Mother's Day gift to Paul's mother, Janet Bowen I've created this movie clip:

"In Honor of Staff Sgt. Paul A. Sweeney"

This movie was created with love for the Sweeney family..."
Zina Villano of Cresco, PA USA

"I am truly honored to have known Paul and consider him to be a good friend. We both arrived at B 1-6 Infantry Vilseck, Germany at the same time from OSUT. Even though we were Team Leaders in different Platoons, I knew that he would join the Special Forces and earn his Beret. Paul was a quiet professional who took care of his Team and always challenged his Soldiers. I will always remember him and will always consider him a true friend. I will truly miss Him but will always remember the time that we were both “Regulars by God!”"
CPT James Earls of Fort Carson, CO HHC 2-12 IN

"November 26, 2007
To the family of Staff Sgt. Paul A. Sweeney:
Paul 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

"My sincere condolences to Sgt Sweeneys Family and friends....I was looking up my name on google when I came across this brave hero...we share the same name and I am in awe of this person...I wish all American forces come home safely soon....Kind regards
Paul A Sweeney"
Paul Andrew Sweeney of Australia

"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, Paul Sweeney will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! "

"Paul - you were one of my son Billy's favorite friends in Roselle Park High. He was just about to look you up when he heard the news of your death. Thank you to you and all the servicemen who put their lives on the line so we can be free."
Lynn Milligan of Roselle Park, NJ

"paul you are a very important part of our lives. you were a wonderful son,husband and father. you were a hero when you gave the ultimate sacrifice but you were a hero to us long before that. I love and miss you and always will. Love Mom xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox"
Janet Sweeney Bowen of lakeville pa

"To Paul's brother:

Last year I met you at Freedom Weekend Aloft. This year I looked for you but didn't see your kiosk. I wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten your family or Paul's sacrifice. I know this time of year is hard because we are especially mindful of the loss of our loved ones. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers."

"Thanks cousin. I wish I had the honor to meet you in this life."
Navy Puke of Japan

"We will never forget your sacrifice."

"Thank You to Paul A Sweeney and all other Heroes, so we can live safely and stopping the Word War III. I been asking our true GOD that he can send my holy ghosts who guide me and watch out for me to middle East for safe return of our young men and women, ARMY Green Berets always first and ALL THE WAY. I am from South Korea Chae-Hun Sweeney nick name is Paul Sweeney. I been solute at flag everyday after work coming home, memorial of Paul A Sweeney."
Chae-Hun(Paul) Sweeney of Phoenix,Arizona

"Uncle Pauly,
I am truly sorry that I took this long to find this webpage. I remember the first day meeting you, you were in HQ plt, doing the "dry sweep shuffle" with Corrigan. From the first time I met you, the look in your eyes, I knew that I had found a leader to follow. I remember the many times you would out shoot other soldiers and how you amazingly had the highest PT score out of anyone I've known. I wrote CPT Pham and I was very pleased that the Army had named a FOB after you. I just want to say thank you for teaching me to believe in myself, for the time you took out of your time to make sure myself, Winninham, Ramos, and Leblanc were doing well and your care for us, as well as your outstanding leadership. You are always held very closely in my heart, soul, and thoughts, and will NEVER be forgotten. MRS. Sweeney, I'm glad that I had the wonderful opportunity to meet you and your first born, I never knew that you had a second one too! Well congradulations and I'm deeply sorry for your loss. For the rest of the Sweeney family, my condolences. We have all lost a wonderful person, but know that Paul has touched many lives in a wonderful way. Words cannot express the feeling in my heart, but I'm grateful knowing that he's in gods great care. Uncle Pauly, once again, thank you for everything."
jason paul cordeiro of killeen texas/iraq

"Paul,
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.

"Green Berets All The Way!"

"To the Sweeny family:

Next weekend I am going to Washington to see the portrait of a loved one at the Faces of the Fallen Memorial. While I am there, I will be looking for Paul's portrait also. Your family is still in our prayers."

"I knew Pauly in Ft. Hood Texas. He was my squad leader when I had first entered the Army ( along with my good friends Mike Leblanc and Norman Jones ). We all really looked up to Pauly, he was a soldiers soldier. He taught us everything we needed to know about being a soldier and being confident in ourselves. When Pauly left for Airborne school it ended up he was held back for a week due to a clerical error. When I arrived a week later we were placed in the same company. It was great to have him as buddy to jump out of planes with. At the end of the course we drove to Ft. Bragg together in his Mustang. Upon our arrival Pauly was to stay at his friends house, and he arranged for me to stay there also. Thanks you for great hospitality Luke and family. It was an honor to know Pauly. He was one of those people that made you a better person for knowing him. My condolences to Kristin and his two sons."
Eric Abbott of Hebron, CT

"SSG PAUL SWEENY IS MY HERO.I MET HIM AT FT HOOD,TX IN 98,AND HE WAS MY SQUAD LEADER UP UNTIL HE LEFT FOR THE SPECIAL FORCES Q COURSE IN 2000.HE WAS LIKE OUR OLDER BROTHER,AND ALWAYS BELEIVED IN US,LIKE WE ALWAYS TRUSTED AND BELEIVED IN EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM.THERE WAS A TIME WHEN I WAS VERY DEPRESSED,AND NO ONE COULD TALK ME DOWN,EXCEPT FOR PAULY.MY FIRST TIME AS A GUNNER IN A BRADLEY FIGHTING VEHICLE,HE WAS THE ONLY ONE THAT KNEW I COULD OUT SHOOT EVERYONE,AND HE CALLED IT BEFORE IT HAPPEND.I SHOT 10 OUT OF 10,AND HE TOLD ME,THAT I HAD IT ALL ALONG AND TO ALWAYS TRUST MY SKILLS.HE TAUGHT ME ALOT IN THE 2 YRS THAT I KNEW HIM,AND I NEVER GOT TO THANK HIM.THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING SSG SWEENY,THANK YOU.THE ONLY THING ME AND PAULY DIDNT AGREE ON WAS FOOTBALL, CAUSE I WAS A SAINTS FAN AND HE WAS A GIANTS FAN.I WAS PRIVLEDGED TO MEET HIS WIFE,AND FIRST SON,BUT I HOPE BOTH OF HIS SONS WILL ONEDAY KNOW JUST HOW GREAT OF A PERSON HE WAS,AND HOW GENUINE HE WAS WITH HIS SOLDIERS.HE WAS HARD ON US,BUT WE ALWAYS HAD THE BEST P.T. SCORES,BEST RIFFLE SCORES,AND WE COULD OUT DO ANY PLATOON THAT CHALLENGED US.I KNOW HE TOUCHED ALOT OF PEOPLE,BUT I JUST HOPE HE KNOWS HOW MUCH HE TOUCH ME AS A SOLDIER AND A PERSON.MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY,FREINDS,AND HIS UNIT.WE ALL LOST A GREAT WARRIOR IN SSG SWEENY AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET HIM.SO THANK YOU AGAIN PAULY,AND MUCH LOVE ALWAYS.TO ALL HIS FORMER SOLDIERS AND FREINDS,WE SHOULD ALL GET DOWN AND PUSH ONE MORE TIME."
MICHAEL B. LEBLANC of NEW ORLEANS,LA U.S.A.

"To Paul's little brother: I met you today - Memorial Day - at Freedom Weekend Aloft. I was wondering how many of the people I'd passed realized what this day was all about. I do. My son's father was killed in Iraq in 2004 so this day is especially poignant for me. It isn't about picnics and having a day off from work. If I'd had my choice, I would have stayed home and cried over all the lost sons and daughters, but my son is only six and that wouldn't be fair to him. While he and his step-father wandered around elsewhere, I stopped to make a purchase and noticed your bracelet. When I asked you about it, you told me it was in honor of your brother. I kept saying his name over and over in my head until I could get home and write it down. I wanted you to know that every time I pray for the families who have lost sons and daughters I will be praying for your family by name. I will also think about your brother and your loss every time I see the American flag windcatcher I bought today. I know this is little consolation for your loss, but down here in the great state of South Carolina there will be one family who thinks of your family often."

"Today is Memorial Day 2005.I want to express my thanks to a man I never knew personally, Sergeant Paul A Sweeney from Lakeville, PA. for the ultimate sacrifice he paid for our country so that myself and all Americans are able to enjoy the American dream. About a year ago, I volunteered to help the National Exchange Club of Phoenix, AZ in a "Fallen Solider" memorial field. We set up thousands of American Flags to not only honor each individual person whom were lost in "911" tragedy, but also all the soliders that had died for our country. These flags were available to purchase to raise money for victims of "911" and to families of the lost solidiers. It just so happened that the flag I purchased was of solidier Paul A. Sweeney. I read his biography story of his wife and two children and want them to know that I thank Paul A. Sweeney for his service to our country every time I sit in my back yard to look at my flag with his name on the yellow bow. Thank you Paul A. Sweeney."
Constance Arenson of Phoenix, Arizona

"I send my condolences to the Sweeney family. I am an old Wallenpaupack friend of Kevin and Tom, and although I never knew Paul, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the whole family. What a brave man."
Stacie Jones of Baltimore, MD

"Pauly was a Great Father, Husband, and Friend. He is dearly missed. Our prayers go out to Kristen and the boys."
Jeff and Connie Pearson of Fort Lewis, Wa

"Paul was a true hero in every sense of the word. He was a wonderful person, family man, and soldier. I have never met Paul personally, but I have heard nothing but great things about him from my family. My thoughts and prayers are with the Sweeney family every day."
Kelli Ann Bowen of Hainesport, NJ USA

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry (Apollo,PA) on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these guys as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace Paul, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest. Thank you. You are not forgotten."
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"to all the family paul was a great friend to me evan tho im 14 i will still miss him sorry i havent said anything till now ."
brian roberts jr of omaha,nebraska,us

"To the family and friends,

Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved ones bravery and sacrifice. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. Your loved one is a hero. Greater love have no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

God bless you.

Home Front Ministries
Shepherd of the Hills Church
Porter Ranch, CA"

"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

"I am Paul's younger brother. Thank you all for your gratitude and support. Paul was a great person. Thank you."
Tim Bowen of Lakeville, Pa

"You will not be forgotten, Your spirit will live forever as long as a soldier fights for what he believes in."
Sgt Pierre Pelletier of Buffalo, NY

"Sergeant Sweeney, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. You will not be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"I came across this website by chance. Having read the memorial messages for my American Name sake, Staff SGT, Paul Sweeney, I wish to add my condolences to the Sweeney family and best wishes and safe return of the U.S troops in Afghanistan & Iraq"
Paul Sweeney of Ireland

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort and peace in their time of need and sorrow. May you forever rest in heavenly peace. You will not be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"I am in 8th grade and we were learing about how many people were dying in Iraq. He is included in our prayers. If there is a family member I would appreciate it if you could email me back at RockNRollGrlAA90@aol.com so I can write my report on this hero.""
Student at Emmet Belknap of Lockport, NY

"All gave some, some gave all." Thank You Army Staff SGT, Paul Sweeney. I am free today because of the sacrafice you made for America. To the family and friends: I am so very sorry for your loss. Paul is and always will be a hero. He is gone but definitely not forgotten. God Bless."
Jessica of Rio Vista.CA

"To Kristen, and the boys:
We love you very much, Paul meant the world to us, we're with you every step of the way "PAUL WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN""
JOHN&ELIZABETH SCHWARTZ of HAWLEY, PA. U.S.A

"My thanks to the family of this brave soldier for raising such a man. I can not tell you of how grateful I am for what he was doing.

My kids sleep safer at night due to men like him.

He is what honor and dedication are all about."
The Estes Family of Phoenix, AZ

"MY HEART GOES OUT TO THIS FAMILY, I WAS CELEBRATING MY BIRTHDAY TODAY AS YOUR FAMILY MORN THE DEATH OF YOUR FAMILY MEMBER, FIGHTING FOR PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THIS ENTIRE FAMILY AND THE MILITARY. WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND YOUR FEELINGS PARENTS, BECAUSE I'VE NEVER LOST A CHILD, BUT EACH NIGHT I GO TO BED AND CHECK ON MY TWO MINORS, I CAN IMAGINE WHAT YOU MUST BE EXPERIENCING. REMEMBER GOD DON'T PUT NO MORE ON US THAN WE CAN BARE. AND HE WANTED YOUR SON AS ONE OF HIS ROSES TO BEAUTIFY HIS GARDEN. LET GO AND LET GOD. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY, AND THE MILITARY.....:)"
TRENA RILEY of WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.

"Thank you Paul Sweeney, 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

"I grew up with Paul, and I heard of his ultimate sacrifice today. All that I read is true...he was always a fun, loving, and dedicated friend. My heart goes out to his parents, brothers and sisters, but most of all to his wife and children. I feel blessed to have known him, and proud to have called him a friend. I will always remember "Sweens" (as I called him when we were kids), and wish that I could say thank you to him today. My son will grow up with the freedom that Paul Sweeney helped defend."
Jim Accardi of Haddonfield, NJ

"In the short time that I knew Paul, he came to represent the true greatness of the American spirit. He was a loving husband and father, a dedicated patriot, and he always had a smile on his face. He is an exceptional credit to our fine soldiers who fight to preserve the liberty we often fail to appreciate, and I for one will never again take that blessing for granted."
Adam Drake of Mechanicsburg, PA

"Please come view the tribute page we set up to Paul on our company website. Please offer any suggestions and we hope you look at this as a Tribute rather than a memorial:
www.engine167ladder87.com
(Click on the Honorary Members link on top. From there you can also access pictures of Paul which we are still looking for as many as possible. Thank you."
Craig Chille - L-87 - FDNY of Staten Island, NY

"To Jennifer Sweeney (Bates)and familyMay God be with you in your time of need. Your brother fought so others can be free. To give of yourself is the greatest gift of all. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney for raising wonderful children. GOD BLESS YOU."
ROBYN BRANT of Union, NJ

"To Kristen, Sean, Ryan and the family and friends of Paul Sweeney...
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Our deepest condolences to a man who in one day inspired and touched the hearts of over 50 members of our firehouse. Whether at home, or abroad we all fight for the same reason and your spirit lives on through your wife, your two sons, your friends and your family in New York. You all have a home in Staten Island. We will have a tribute to Paul within the next week up on our website. I will post the message here when its ready. www.engine167ladder87.com
God Bless."
Craig Chille FDNY L-87 of Staten Island, NY / USA

"I got a call from my son a couple days ago and he told me that Paul had died. He was there when they carried his body onto the plane. It was attended by everyone, with full military honors. It was hard for him...for all of them as they watched in formation. He was crying when he told me, and I cried as well. I wish there was something I could do or say that would take away the pain I know his death has caused his family. I will pray for God to comfort you, to ease your pain.

He died with honor so that the rest of us could live in a world free from terror. He will be missed by many but he is in a better place, with God. One day I will thank him personally. RIP Paul and thank you."
Carol of Seattle

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Paul Sweeney:
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 Paul 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 Staff Sgt. Paul Sweeney:
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 Paul, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia