Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I was blessed for a short period of time with the responsibility of trying to provide leadership for Travis amongst others. To his family I offer my deepest sympathies. I can only state that while we will never understand the depth of your loss, we do know what we were fortunate enough to gain for too short a time. God Bless you Travis."
Rick Lamach of Helena MT

"Today marks the 5th anniversary that Travis died. It's still so hard to believe that he isn't here anymore and I still have such a hard time looking at pictures. I love him and am grateful for the time that we did have. I miss you little brother!"
Amy McGhee of Missoula, Montana

"It's been 4 and half years since Travis died, and it still hurts the same. I am his older sister, Amy and I have 3 sons. Our youngest, Jeremiah (Moose) Travis did not know about. Jeremiah is a spitting image of him, which in some way is comforting. I so wish that things could have been different, my boys would have loved him with all they had. This past Monday was Memorial Day, and we spent it in Bozeman where they honored the fallen hero's and their Gold Star families of this current war. It was an honor to be around other families and veterens who are so often forgotten for their sacrifices. It is an honor to be an American, where people freely give their life, for the rest of our nation.
I miss my brother dearly, and I will not let his sacrifice be in vain."
Amy McGhee of Missoula, Montana

"I never met you until that fatal day...How I remember that day like it was yesterday. I prayed for you and I am sorry I could not for more. You will forever be engraved in my memories."

"To Travis's Family,
I did not know Travis personally but I was at Kirkuk the night he passed away and I have never forgotten his name. Although I am Air Force, I had spent many months down at Ft. Carson when I lived and worked in Denver. I wish I had the pleasure of knowing him then.
Travis, you are always in my prayers and I will never forget you."
MSgt Kymberly Bali, Colorado Air National Guard of Dallas, Texas

"Its been almost 4 years since Kirkuk and you going away. I wish I could have stopped it. I remember seeing you head out that night, you were so happy and full of life. You were so happy to be going out to the fight. One last hurrah and yell...I remember your face. It was almost us going out on QRF...I wish it was us...I will always remember you man...I hope this finds you well. Miss you brother...I will never forget you. Warrior and a dear friend...Thanks brother...Always..."
Matt Hames of Palestine Texas

"I did not know you well but what you did for my Family, and others, I thank you.. God Speed and Semper FI."
SGT. Bryan C. Langevin of Sartell, MN/ USA

"Travis was in my platoon. We clashed a little bit(playing basketball) because we were alike in the fact we are both competitive and didn't like to lose. We became good friends, and we talked often about our plans once we got home. I think of him often.
"Travis, peace be with you and we will meet again" God Bless You"
Eric Wells - E Troop 163rd Inf of Billings, MT

"Its been three years brother. but i still miss you. and i haven't forgotten what you gave me."
Charlie Tewalt of Bozeman, MT

"March 28, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Travis M. Arndt:
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

"To the family of:Travis M. Arndt 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"

"It's been alittle over two years now and I still haven't forgotten you, I look at the pictures of us in Ft.Carson before we went over, you touched me and you earned my respect, I regret you didn't come home with us, but you came home in our hearts. I miss ya."
Robert Light of Helena,Mt.

"Veterans Day makes me think of you. We all miss you every day, you are in my thoughts. Thank you for your service and sacrafice to our country and our freedom."
Erin Hagmeier of Bozeman, MT

"God Bless!"
Colleen of Chicago, Illinois

"“It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.”

To SGT Travis Arndt
Thank you soldier for defending our freedoms. Your deeds have made America safer and we are deeply grateful to you. You are our hero and we will remember you each day we raise our flag in the front yard. From a very grateful American family.

The Lewis family of Helena, Montana (A Montana National Guard Family)""
David Lewis of Helena, MT

"Greater Love Hath No Man Than To Lay Down His Life For His Brother. Your life here with us may now be over, but your memory will continue in everyone who had the honor to call you my friend."
Charles Tewalt of Bozeman, MT USA

"I remember when Travis showed up as a replacement to our company when we were in Kirkuk. One would usually give the new guy a hard time but Travis gave me the hard time and from that moment on Travis earned all my respect. I found a brother I never had in Travis. I think of him and his family every day since the night he laid his life down for ours. My thoughts are with his Family. Travis I'll see you when I see you."
Charles Tewalt of Bozeman, MT USA

"It has almost been 5 months since Travis passed and almost a year since I saw him last. I have lived with his girlfriend Lindsey for years. So, I had the privilege to get to know Travis and all his great quirks. I miss the punk who used to come over to the house and tease us. I miss the nice guy who never made me feel unwelcome or the third wheel when it was Lindsey, him, and me. I miss his playful side and his sense of humor. Heck, I wouldn't mind listening to him babble on about cars again. I just wanted to let Travis and his loved ones know that I still think about him and miss him daily. He won't be forgotten. I also wanted to thank Travis for what he taught me and for his ultimate sacrifice. I will remember him as the goofball boy and the courageous man. I know his family and loved ones are still struggling with their loss and I just want you to know you are still in my prayers."
Kelsey Bock of Bozeman, MT

"I am Travis' older cousin, and I remember Travis fondly every day. I remember how Travis, Amy and I spent our summers together playing. The three of us grew up more like siblings then cousins. Eventhough its been over 3 months, I still can't believe it is true! It seems to hurt more and more everyday that he isn't with us. I still cry everyday. The only thing that helps me get by day to day is knowing that he is safe now with our Heavenly father. We will always love you Travis. Thank you for what you were willing to do for our Country. You ARE truly and American Hero.
I miss you so much!!!"
Tracy Arndt of Great Falls, MT

"I AM ONE OF HIS COUSINS...I GOT TO KNOW TRAVIS REALLY WELL BEFORE HE GOT KILLED OVER IN KIRKUK IRAQ...I CRY ALMOST EVERY DAY AND IT HAS BEEN 4 MONTHS SINCE HE HAD LEFT US...HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN IN MY EYES..."
SASHA of GREAT FALLS, MT

"I recieved a picture of Travis at church during our Veteran's Day service. I keep it in my wallet as a way of honoring both him and all who are serving overseas. I have a 20 year old son who attends The Citadel and is planning on becoming an Officer in the Marines upon graduation. It is such a mixed feeling that I have, of both pride and fear. It is obvious that Travis was a vibrant, wonderful person that was taken too soon. We will keep him and all of his family in our prayers, especially during this holiday season"
Patty Houpt of Sudbury, MA

"Travis touched all our hearts. He was a friend, an inspiration, and a blessing to everyone who knew him. Travis lived in my apartment while I was traveling in South America. He was deported while I was gone and I didn't get to send him off properly or say goodbye. I sent a postcard but it didn't get there in time--this seemed like the best opprotunity to say goodbye. I know you're out there watching over us Trav, we love you and we'll miss you tons buddy! Thank you for your service and all the times you helped me out in life. Words can't express how thankful I am to have known you! You'll be in our hearts and prayers."
Benjamin Kennedy of Bozeman, Montana

"Thank you Travis for all you have done. My spouse is in the same company and was over in Iraq with Travis. Travis was a great person and a hero to many. He will be greatly missed, and always loved. I know some of the family and my heart goes out to you. God Bless."
Lori Berndt of Great falls, Mt, USA

"Travis was truly a special person. He was one of my good friends through out high school and after. He loved his family and friends so much and would have done anything for them. He was not a person to carry a grudge or stay angry for more than a day. He will be truly missed and his memory will remain in my heart forever. He was a wonderful friend!"
Brooke Shanahan Meyn of Bozeman, Mt

"I can't believe it's been a month already. It is still a very hard reality knowing that he isn't coming home with the rest of the guys next week. I just wanted to let all of the guys know at the FOB Warrior that knew him and had a great time working with him...thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping him safe for so long. I really, really appreciate all of the sacrifices that you all are making for our freedom. You all are such hero's. It really is an honor to be a sister of one such hero. I know that Travis believed in what you all are doing, and again I thank you for being there for him. Please feel free to email MCNoodlz@aol.com"
Amy, Travis' sister of Lolo, Montana

"I never met Travis personally. I work for Northwest Airlines as a ground crew employee in Minneapolis Minnesota. We often handle caskets and it never had a impact on me..... Until Travis came through. As we took his body of the plane he had a escort who was at full attn treating Travis like a hero. The 3 of us removing his body off the plane to take him to his connecting flight treated his body with the greatest of care. It was a touching sight. I had never been curious about the various bodies we ship but I felt something special about Travis and I wanted to learn more about him. I stumbled upon this sight when I looked up his name and now I see he was truely special. I never met him personally but the way I did get to know him was a honor."
Greg Staffa of Northwest Airlines Ground Crew (ESE) MSP

"To The family and friends of SGT Travis Arndt,
I am a soldier from 2/116 Cav, Idaho and was stationed in Kirkuk,Iraq. WE WILL NEVER FORGET! I am sorry about your loss,please know he died to bring freedom to a people who have never known freedom and pray that it takes hold in that land."
Rob Woody of F.O.B. Warrior Kirkuk Iraq

"To the Arndt Family,
I would just like to say I am sorry for your loss. A few months ago I joined a group called Soldiers Angels and adopted a soldier which just happened to be Travis. I just wanted to say it has been a joy writing to him. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you now. God Bless your Family and Travis."
Stephanie of Richmond, MI

"The last time I saw travis was sitting at my kitchen table the night before he left for his service in Iraq. If I would have known what he would sacrifice for our country I would have said "Thank You" and "You mean a lot to me Travis" just one last time. Becasue I lived with Lindsey last summer, I got to really know Travis, his laugh, his big heart and his lovable personality! I know he loved you so much Linds, why else would a guy spend most of the summer with 4 girls? You will be truly missed Travis, thank you for your service and sacrifice and we will love you always! (Hey Travis...remember the time Leslie and I got your Jetta stuck in all that snow at the end of our driveway...yeah, sorry about that :)"
Erin Hagmeier of Helena, MT

"I met Travis during my sophomore year of college. I just remember the first time I met him I thought what a big guy! One thing that I remember about Travis is he was always smiling and always full of laughs. I really do not think I will ever forget his laugh. Travis was a great person with so much to give to everyone and I could see this when he was around Lindsey. I could tell that he honestly truly did love her. -Linds, hang in there buddy. We all love you!"
Leslie of Bozeman, MT

"To the family and friends of an American Hero, Sgt. Travis Arndt:

My deepest condolences to you in losing Travis. I thank you for your ultimate sacrifice for the sake of freedom. May God's peace, love and mercy surround you as you grieve and may you hold on to the hope of seeing Travis again in Heaven someday.

Rest in the arms of God, brave soldier. From the posts here, it is obvious that you have served your country, family and friends with courage, compassion and dignity.

God bless.

Sincerely,"
Becky Harvey of Boise, Idaho

"I am Travis' older sister, Amy. I just wanted to thank each and every person for posting their message. Travis was such a wonderful person, he was loyal, compassionate and very loving. Out of everyone that you will ever meet in your life, Travis was always the one to stick by your side and be there when you needed him. His nephew Caleb, prayed for him every night before he went to sleep, and we know that God answered our prayers and he is in heaven waiting for us. I will never forget my big little brother. I love you Travis.
Thank you all again so much and God Bless!"
Amy (Arndt) McGhee of Missoua, MT

"I am Travis' older sister, Amy. I just wanted to thank each and every person for posting their message. Travis was such a wonderful person, he was loyal, compassionate and very loving. Out of everyone that you will ever meet in your life, Travis was always the one to stick by your side and be there when you needed him. His nephew Caleb, prayed for him every night before he went to sleep, and we know that God answered our prayers and he is in heaven waiting for us. I will never forget my big little brother. I love you Travis.
Thank you all again so much and God Bless!"
Amy (Arndt) McGhee of Missoua, MT

"Travis was a great man with such a big heart. I know this because I was his girlfriend. I would have wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with him. I wish that everyone could have had an opportunity to meet him. He was such a positive person and would have done anything for anyone. I am going to miss him greatly, but I am so proud of him and his sacrifices. Thank you to everyone who has sent prayers and are keeping Travis in their thoughts."
Lindsey Logan of Bozeman, Montana

""REST in Peace dear soldier. We are so sorry -
VERY GRATEFUL for your service and willingness to help others find the freedoms we take for granted here.
A Montana family""

"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.
God Bless you ALWAYS.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge fellow Montanans"

"I had the pleasure of knowing Travis through middle and high school. Words cannot express what a wonderful person he was. Thank you to everyone for their thoughts and prayers and please continue to pray for the rest of our troops. God Bless you all."
Charlene Nelson of Knoxville, TN

"You will never be forgotten!!"
of Kirkuk, Iraq

"I went to college with Travis in Jamestown, ND. We lived in the same dorm so we became pretty close friends. I have so many fond memories that involve Travis, like driving around town in his Jeep with Sarah and Cam. He was such an amazing person, always lighting up a room with his huge, warm smile. He always talked about his girlfriend and you could tell how much he loved her. I am going to miss Travis so very much and I want to say Thank You Travis for sacrificing your life to protect me and the rest of America. I'm losing a dear friend and I just want to send my thoughts and prayers to Travis's family and friends. God Bless"
Nikki Leingang of Mandan, ND

"I went to college with Travis in Jamestown, ND. We lived in the same dorm so we became pretty close friends. I have so many fond memories that involve Travis, like driving around town in his Jeep with Sarah and Cam. He was such an amazing person, always lighting up a room with his huge, warm smile. He always talked about his girlfriend and you could tell how much he loved her. I am going to miss Travis so very much and I want to say Thank You Travis for sacrificing your life to protect me and the rest of America. I'm losing a dear friend and I just want to send my thoughts and prayers to Travis's family and friends. God Bless"
Nikki Leingang of Mandan, ND

"TO THE ARNDT FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH TRAVIS AND YOUR FAMILY. WE LOST OUR SON LAST YEAR IN BALAD, IRAQ. AN IT IS NOT EASY LOSING SOMEONE, NO LESS SOMEONE YOU LOVE DEARLY. WE ALL DEAL WITH OUR LOST VERY DIFFERENTLY. TRAVIS YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. TO THOSE YOU HAVE ALL HOLD VERY PRECIOUS MEMORIES. THAT HE OR HER SHARED WITH YOU TOGETHER. TRAVIS YOU ARE MORE THEN A SOLDIER AND A HERO! AN YOU ARE APART OF IRAQI, AMERICAN AND WORLD HISTORY. AMAN SERVING HIS COUNTRY. TO PROTECT US ALL FROM TERRORISM AND TO GIVE OTHERS FREEDOM. NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOUR FAMILY. TO REACH OUT TO THE POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IN YOUR HOME TOWN.. TO NAME A STREET AFTER TRAVIS. THAT HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. TRAVIS THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. MORE IMPORTANTLY, FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Thank you Travis Arndt, 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 Arndt:
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 Arndt:
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