Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"It's been 12 years today since Komodo 11 launched out & didn't return that night from a humanitarian mission to provide aid to 2 children in Afghanistan. And still, as always, we remember the 6 crew members and their sacrifice. I don't know for sure if my USAF career ever crossed paths with any of these heroes, but I would be most honored if it had, as would any of us be so honored. May God continue to Bless these 6 fallen Airmen, their families, and members of all the US Armed Forces branches & our allied Services who continue on with the mission, "That Others May Live". In the end, that's what all of the US military missions boil down to. That this nation and all our allies and like minded peoples around the world may continue to enjoy the inalienable blessings of freedom & liberty. "These Things We Do That Others May Live."

From a retired USAF NCO and original member (plank holder) of the 512th SOS/RQS, The Rescue Schoolhouse, KAFB, NM"
F111ECM of Rio Rancho NM

"As I'm approaching my retirement from active duty, I'm thinking a lot of the people I met over the years. John was one of them. I was a supervisor of his when he first arrived at Nellis to be a crew chief on helicopters. He was an inspiring young man and I miss him very much. His family should know that the Rescue community never forgets one of its own."
Paul Brobst of RAF Lakenheath, England

"Seven years later - still remembering Mike this Memorial Day weekend! Best wishes and prayers."
Lt Col Cheryl Schramm of Toledo, Ohio

""To the family of John Teal ,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""

"My brother, I'm headed back to Moody from Kirtland. There was no where else I wanted to go. That's where we belong. Love you! Two's in, light's out."
Mario (El Guapo) of Kirtland AFB

"I served in AFROTC with John and he was an outstanding troop. I was saddened when I heard the news of the fallen helicopter and it really touched home when I found out that you were on board. We all pledged to support and defend the Constitution and with that understood that we could one day make the ultimate sacrifice. Although I hate that you made the ultimate sacrifice, I am proud to have known such a wonderful individual. May God bless your family and continue to provide them with strength."
Maj Monroe Neal, Jr. of Enid, OK/USA

"God bless all of John's family and loved ones"
John M. Teal of Ft. Myers Bch., FL

"May 28, 2007 (Memorial Day)
To the family of John Teal. John 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

"I met Mike in Las Vegas back in 2001. I remember just how incredibly sweet he was. I lost contact with him, but never forgot him. I was trying to locate him today when I came across this web page that delivered a blow to my heart. Although I had not seen him in years he remained in my thoughts and will now forever remain in my heart. To his mother I would like to thank you for raising such a wonderful man, who touched my heart and influenced my life. And to Mike...thank you for your kindenss and compassion and for that you have sacrificed. I will not forget you."
Debbie Hatch of Chico, CA

"Once again, I think about you and the crew. Please let it be known, you are not forgotten."
El Guapo of Kirtland AFB, NM

"More than 3 years since the accident, my thoughts and prayers are still with you and your family. May God watch over Kristine and your loved ones."
Maj Cheryl Schramm of St Petersburg, FL

"Words are not enough but they are all I have. To John's family and friends, thoughts and blessings are with you and all families of the fallen."
Heather of Canberra, ACT Australia

"John,
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

"THESE THINGS WE DO, THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE!!


LOVE YOU BROTHER!"
Mario Munoz of Kirtland AFB, NM

"I will always remember John. I knew him only briefly at Kirtland before I retired, but he impressed me as an honest straight forward guy. I pray for all the families of the fallen, but especially my rescue family members. You will never be forgotten.
"That others may live""
MSgt Robert Bartee USAF (Ret) of Weatherford, TX

"MIKE, I CANNOT THINK OF THE WORDS TO SAY, OTHER THAN THANK YOU VERY VERY VERY MUCH. WE GREW UP IN THE SAME SCOUT TROOP AS CHILDREN AND OUR FAMILYS ATTENDED THE SAME CHURCH. WE EVEN ATTENDED THE SAME UNIVERSITY, OLE MISS. WHILE WE NEVER BECAME CLOSE FRIENDS I ALWAYS KNEW YOU WERE A GREAT PERSON. IN SPEAKING TO A CLOSE FRIEND,ROB SHEPPARD,
WHO SERVED IN ROTC WITH YOU AND THE AIR FORCE HE COULD THINK OF NO FINER PERSON THAN YOURSELF. OUR COUNTRY HAS LOST A GREAT ROLL MODEL AND HERO. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY."
JOHN MORELOCK of DALLAS,TEXAS

"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

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

"To the family of Sgt. John Teal. My son was Capt. John R. Teal also listed on this site. Can you put a picture of your son, brother or husband on this site. My son died six months ago today, October 23, 2003. That is he was murdered by cowards who hid in a ditch and that's where they belong, but with dirt piled six feet high.
Capt. Teal's Mom"
Louise Teal of Montpelier, Va

"Mike, although our paths did not cross again after highschool, I remember you being a good man. Thank you for serving our country. We will not forget."
phillip_puzzo@dell.com of Austin, Texas

"Dear Mike,
I never had the oportunity to meet you. Jason spoke of you often and was honored to have you as a friend.
Curt, Jason's brother met you and thought you were a real swell guy and
was glad you and Jason were friends, and that he could call Mike his friend also. My heart goes out to the family.
I walk in your shoes daily.

Theresa Hicks, mother of SSgt. Jason Hicks, who was on the same helicopter."
Theresa Hicks of Jefferson SC

"My Dearest Mike,
It is one day away from the day that you left this earth one year ago. I can't believe that you are gone. You will always hold a very special place in my heart. Your smile melted my heart every time. I am truly blessed to have been loved by you. You will always be my special angel. Please always watch over me and keep me safe until we meet again. . .
I love you always,
Kris"
Kristine of Jacksonville, FL

"Dear Christine, and family of Mike,

My name is Dustin Mitchell and I worked with your fiance Mike here at Nellis when he was crewing my bird as my assistant dedicated crew chief. I am proud to say Mike was a great man and friend. When it was time to pick a new assistant to help me crew my plane, I did not hesitate when Mikes name came up. I knew he was an intelligent and thoughtful person and I would have no less working with me. He probably told you of some "history" he had here at the squadron (I know you know what I am talking about) and I was aware of that ahead of my selection. I can tell you that not only did I support what he did, even as those around did not, it solidified my desire to have such a stand up person working with me who followed his convictions even when he knew the backlash he would receive. For that I sincerely admired him. Mike displayed a level of maturity that was rare for people his rank and it showed in his conduct. I knew I could trust him with my aircraft and I did not need to follow up on his work. He showed the same sincere love for his work and pride in his aircraft that I did and I guess that is why we became friends. I could ramble on about the stories of our time together but that would be far too much to put in this column. I will say that I will always charish his memory and I am better for knowing Mike Teal.

Mike... I'm sorry I couldn't come to your funeral as I was doing my duty in Iraqi Freedom at the time of your tragic accident. The night that I heard your name was one of the low points of my life. Thank you for what you have done. It was not all for nothing. The world will be a better place because of your ultimate sacrifice on the altar of freedom. Rest in peace my friend."
MSgt Dustin S. Mitchell of Nellis AFB, Las Vegas NV

"What John Teal did for a living says so much about him. He was a soldier and one who risked his own life to save others. That's the mark of someone that rates every bit of pride his family must have felt. Our thanks to him and all he did in the defense of our country."
The Estes Family of Phoenix, AZ

"I worked with John (Mike), and miss him daily. We both rode Harly's and after he finally got his broken in, we rode hard. He was alway's upgrading his bike and would love to show me the new chrome part (whatever if was) as soon as he could. Through Mikes loss I became friends with his family, Christine, and his college brother, Ed. All of us down here in Valdosta miss him very much. Thank you, Mike, for being a part of my life, I am better for it.
THESE THINGS WE DO, THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE."
Matt Holloway MSgt (ret.) of Valdosta, GA

"Thank you John Teal, 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 Staff Sgt. John Teal:
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 John 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. John Teal:
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 John, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia