Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"I served With Billy from 1998-1999 with the 10th Marines. We were roommates and as close as could be. I think about him all of the time. He was so outgoing and overly friendly. He taught me to relax and enjoy life instead of being so stressed and uptight all of the time. His sense of humor was off the charts. He used to do impersonations of people that were spot on. Except the one he did of me, LOL. His impersonation of Cartman from South Park still makes me laugh today. We would spend our weekends at East Carolina University or in Myrtle Beach, always having as much fun as possible. We had some great times. We made some long and memorable drives from Camp Lejeune back home for holiday weekends in his old Camero. I always take a few moments anytime I am in the presence of the National Anthem being played and reflect on my friend Billy. He is dearly missed, but will not be forgotten!!!"
Aaron Suhy, CPL, USMC of Waterboro, ME

"He was such a kind and gentle soul. I will never forget him. He will never be forgotten"
Jane of Texas

"12 years ago, my good friend William Tracy was killed along with four other soldiers in a helicopter crash in the Kuwaiti desert. He died 1 day short of his 28th birthday. SPC Rodrigo Gonzalez-Garza, CW2 Timothy Moehling, and CW2 John Smith, were the other Mission Ready soldiers aboard that flight. Will was an awesome friend and a dedicated soldier. I still remember the feeling I had when they released the names of the soldiers killed aboard the helicopter. It is a feeling that I relive on a daily basis. So much has changed in my life since that day 12 years ago, but there is one constant, I still miss my friend and think about him as much today as I did 12 years ago. Will, you are truly missed."
Craig Jones of Burke, VA

"SemperFi my brother! I often think about times we had together in HS and the USMC. I wore a hero bracelet in your honor until it broke in 2006, mid tour in Iraq. I think it's time to get antherone! God bless Bill's family and friends - he will never be forgotten!!"
Brandon Cayes of NH/NC

"It has been so long since you left but it seems just yesterday we were cruising in my car in Germany. You were always so good to me and so wonderful to be around. I think about you often and how I used to raz you for having once been a marine. You are gone but will never be forgotten."
Alana Hayhurst of Stafford, VA

"Happy Birthday Billy I miss you Mom
02/26/2012"
Dianne Childs of Manchester NH

"I was stationed with Will in Germany. He was a friend I could always count on to cheer me up. I miss him so much and he will never be forgotten."
Craig of Alexandria, Va

"The very first moment we were introduced...trips to Boston...Mini golf..the beach...your smile...big shoes..missing you and visits home...goals by the time we turn 40...our friendship and most of all our talks. I miss and think of Billy everyday, he still makes me smile and gives me strength. Lucky to have known him and I will never forget my hero."
Elbie MacNicoll of Concord, NH

"I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR LETTERS AND SUPPORT,BILL WAS MY ONLY SON THERE ISNT A DAY GOES BY I DONT THINK OF HIM I KNOW BILL IS STILL FLYING"
WILLIAM J TRACY of WEBSTER NH

"Glad to see that Bill was awarded that medal. Still think of bill often! I went to Iraq the year after and couldn't help but think about him in Kuwait. I remember when he switched to the Army and visited me in VA when he was there for training. I will always remember Bill!"
Dennis of NH

"Today December 11,2010 Billy recieved the NH Medal of Honer from Govener Lynch gone but not forgotten Billys Mom."
Dianne Childs of MANCHESTER, NH

"it took me a long time to do this, but i was tracy's room mate in germany back in 2000-2001. i still think about him all the time. he was my fellow crew chief on tail # 970. he taught me a lot and i will never forget. i was 20 years old then. i'm 30 now and i still miss the dude!"
jason galvin of richfield, mn galvinjason@yahoo.com

"Thankyou so much for your kind messages I some times worry Billy will be forgotten but I can see that I don't have to worry.Thank 's again, Dianne, Billy's Mom"
Dianne Childs of MANCHESTER, NH

"This is Billy's sister again thank you all for your nice messages and prayers. I am happy he could touch the lives of so many and will never be forgotten."
Sarah of Hancock NH

"I knew Will, Hi was a sweet guy and he was always happy. I still remember when i meet him in Aviano IT, He was different of his friends. I meet him just 1 month before he lives from Kuait and i cant forget when the night before he said to me that he would leave for that place and he said i will come back soon and he send to me a kiss.
He was just a friend but i never forget him.
When he died i wanted to write a letter to his family but i dindt know how i could do it, but now that i found something about him i just wanted to say his family that he was special and that the angel like him go in paradise!"
Veronica of italy

"Cub Scout Pack 2 & Boy Scout Troop 2 of Antrim, New Hampshire have a tradition of marching for a fallen soldier in the Antrim & Bennington Memorial Day parades. To honor the sacrifice of William J. Tracy, a Scout will march for him in our May 26, 2008 parade, carrying a card bearing his name, picture and a brief note about him. The Scouts of Troop 2 and Pack 2 will not forget his contribution to freedom."
Brian Beihl, Scoutmaster of Antrim, New Hampshire USA

"I am still remembering William and thinking of you all who were his family. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
I left a message a few years ago and I want you to know that I still care.
Love and hugs from Plaistow NH"
Linda Heminway of Plaistow NH

"To everyone who has left a message here thank you for your thoughts and prayers Billy was my brother and we will never forget him and can't wait to someday reunite with him. Thank you so much."
Sarah Tracy of Manchester, NH

"Billy,

I remember the days we played ball in Weare together. It seems like yesterday. Then the time I was on Mess duty in boot camp down at Parris Island. It was obvious some of the new boots were in when this scared blond headed kid walked through. It was a weird feeling to see someone so familiar in a unfamiliar place. Small conversation was made so that we did not get in trouble and we went our separate ways. Both of us having no clue what we were in for. A few years went by and while at the change machine once again we ran into each other at Camp Lejuene washing our cars, yet once again we went our separate ways. After the four years was up we ran into each other again in the Mall in Concord and spoke about how nice it was to have the freedom. It wasn't until I saw your name in the paper that I realized what had happened, yet in some ways it was as we met once again. I will always remember you, and only hope that when my day comes we will once again meet. You will NEVER be forgotten! Your sacrifice is why our country is free, and why most can sleep in peace at night. SEMPER FI and GOD Bless you and your family."
Sgt Stephen Dennis of Henniker, NH USA

"May 21, 2007
To the family of William J. Tracy. William 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 believe you are a Tracy, as was my mother..We have always been brave men who go into battle when our country calls...God bless you and know that you are part of a legacy of courageous warriors.."
Wayne Allwine of Glendale, CA U.S.A.

"I have not forgotten Willima Tracy and think of him often, as well as his mom Diane Childs.
He lives on in our memory and in our hearts."
Linda Heminway of Plaistow NH

"If he can stand in battle to ensure our freedom,
We can stand in grief with his family to honor him……

In Remembrance of Spc. William Tracy,

To the Tracy Family, our sincerest and heartfelt condolences are extended to you for the loss you have endured. We pray that in time grief will turn to pride and the pain of loss will be replaced with peace in knowing your loved one is in the hands of the Lord.

For every fallen hero, there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us that freedom is a cherished gift and it is not without sacrifice.

May you take comfort in knowing that many families across this great nation grieve with you in your time of sadness.

Our prayers are with you for peace and healing.

Sincerely,"
Bruce and Karen Thurston of Gilford, NH

"Our thoughts and prayers to the bereaved family and loved ones of William"
Tony Tracy of Dublin, Ireland

"TO THE TRACY FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WILLIAM THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. YOU ARE AN AMERICAN HERO! YOU ARE JUST ONE OF HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS THAT ANSWERED THE CALLING TO SERVE HIS OR HER COUNTRY. WILLING TO RISK EVERYTHING FOR ALL OF AMERICA. THAT SPEAKS volume's TO THE PERSON YOU ARE WILLIAM. FOR THOSE THAT DON'T. CHERISH ALL THAT OUR MILTARY PROTECTS FOR THEM! WILLIAM THANK YOU FOR SERVING ALONG SIDE OUR SON. I REALIZE YOU TWO HAD NOT KNOWN ONE ANOTHER. MANY SOLDIER NEVER KNOWN OTHERS SERVING. STILL YOU ARE ALL A BAND OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS' WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER. MY TEARS STILL ROLL DOWN MY CHEEKS, FOR YOU AS WITH MY SON AND ALL OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS. YOU HAVE MADE AMERICA ALOT SAFER SINCE 911. AN YOU HELPED OTHERS IN THE WORLD. TO ONE DAY ENJOY AND CHERISH FRREDOM. SO TO ALL THOSE THAT TALK THE TALK WILLIAM.....IT WAS YOU THE WALK THE TALK! GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"William,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldiers who were on that Blackhawk with 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

"William Tracy is a person that I never knew, yet I feel his loss. Today, I met his mother and presented her with a quilt to honor her lost son. His mother's pain and grief are understood by so many. Rest in peace brave soldier, may your mother be comforted with the knowledge that people who never knew her son, or her, care deeply about what she is going through. God Bless Diane, William's mom, and God Bless America!"
Linda of Plaistow, NH

"You are a hero in everyones eyes. And you died in respect for your country. You will never be fogotten for your bravery and courage."
Matthew Mahlberg of Canberra, ACT, Australia

"You have rewarded thoses whon are weak and strong for your bravery you will never be forgotten"
Rachel Hoy of Canberra, ACT, Australia

"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

"To the Tracy family: I knew Bill throughout our teenage years while he attended MVHS. Bill was a very eccentric yet committed individual. I remember the time he spent the night at my mother's just because we were to tired to let him drive home alone. I assume Bill was a friend that a friend would love to have; dedicated and true. Rest in peace Bill. And may you be remembered forever , God Bless.."
Christopher Locke of New Hampshire

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

"Bill will be forever in my heart and prayers. He will never be forgotten."
Sheri of Concord, NH

"My family extends its prayers and its thanks to Spc Tracy's family. He did so much to make our country safer and it is so very much appreciated."
The Estes Family of Phoenix, AZ

"I proudly served with spc tracy in aviono Italy. I know him as a soldier and good friend I will forever value both. My prayers and best of wishes to all his family and loved ones. To tracy, thanks for your friendship and your dedication, I personally will NEVER forget the times we shared."
charles krukovsky of savannah Ga. usa

"Thank you William Tracy, 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 Spc. William Tracy:
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 William 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 Spc. William Tracy:
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 William, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia