Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"I went to basic with Travis. He always had a smile on his face, and could make you laugh at anytime.
Til Valhalla brother"
Josh Hartman of Ohio

"To the family and friends of Travis Vanzoest, I would first like to thank you for raising such a wonderful, caring, and patriotic man. My brother, Keith Smette, was also killed in Iraq. My current job is as an instructor for units that are doing premobilization training in North Dakota. I take is seriously. One way for soldiers to get a good understanding of the importance of the training is by remembering those who have given the ultimate sacrafice. I would like for you to email me some stories about Travis. I did not have the privledge to meet him but would love to share bits and pieces about him so that those who deploy in the future will have his memory in their heads and remember why, and who, we are fighting for. My email address is robert.smette@us.army.mil Thank you so much and God Bless!"
CW2 Robert Smette of Bismarck, ND

"May 25th,2008 To the family of:Travis A. Vanzoest 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"

"All my love for the family"
Ria van Zoest of theNetherlands

"Travis I remember the first day you walked into the armory for your first drill weekend. You were a scrawny little thing and I thought what the hell this kid will blow away when the wind blows. Rest in Peace brother."
SSG Maurice Jasmann of Co C 141 Engineers Task Force Trailblazers

"September 14, 2007
To the family of Sgt. Travis A. Vanzoest:
Travis 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

"God Bless..."
Jill Desmond, widow Sgt. Dennis J Boles of Homosassa, FL USA

"Travis, I came across a post card you mailed to me several years ago. You were vacationing in Florida and you said you fell asleep while tanning and burned yourself. I want you to know I am so blessed to have known you. Thank you for all you have done."
Tonya Bertsch of Bismarck, ND

"You are a good man Travis, you asked me once if you would make a good brother in law. I told you you make Keisia happy and thats what matters. What I should have said is I couldn't have asked for a better brother. I know you will never read this, I hope that someway, somehow, you know that we love you, and miss you man. I offered your brother a job. I hope he works for me. He lost you man, and I know I could never fill your shoes, but I would be honored to try and do the things for him that an older brother is supposed to do. I will take care of Keisia too, she misses you everyday man. The hole you left in everyones lives is huge, you made a huge impact bro, I am glad I knew you."
Tyson Austin of Bismarck ND

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

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