Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To The Auchman Family,
I served with Steve at the 426th Information Operations Squadron,Vogelweh, Germany. Steve was a good man, who possessed a quiet strength that left an indelible mark on me. I still remember many of our conversations like it was yesterday. I was very-sorry to hear of his passing...

Steve was my brother; wearing the "Cloth of the Nation" unifies all who serve. May Steve rest in peace!!! I honor him today, 31 May 2021, in remembrance of him making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation!!!

May GOD give you His Peace as you reflect on Steve's Sevice. May our country never forget this Husband, Father, Airman, and Warrior!!!"
CAMERON "Cam" JONES, MSgt, USAF (Ret.) of Converse, Texas, USA

"Salute to Air Force Master Sgt. Steven E. Auchman. Thank you for your service. crazy kitchen free game"
Lucille F. Parham of Los Angeles

"Remembering MSgt Steven Auchman this 2015 Memorial Day. We served together at the 1st Combat Communications Squadron, 2002-2004, and I was in Balad when he received his fatal injuries in Mosul.

He was a great Airman, warrior, and friend."
Toby Tibbits, CMSgt (Ret)

"I have worn a KIA Memory Bracelet for MSgt. Auchman on my wrist since 2005. I am a USAF veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, and I will continue to honor and remember him for the rest of my life. 10 years later, my prayers are still with the family, and my admiration is still given to this hero."
J. Ling of Birmingham, AL, USA

"I hope your family know that there are many of us that will never forget the sacrifice Stephen and his family have paid, I was a soldier there that day and he did everything exactly the way he was supposed to do it, he ran for cover did what he could.
We will always keep him in our prayers"
GPJ of Mosul, Iraq

"Steve was a wonderful family man...and great friend and a wonderful brother. My former husband was stationed at Robins with Steve and John and I babysat Steve's children when they were small. I was very saddened to learn of his passing a few years ago. Remembering him on this Memorial Day. RIP- You are not forgotten."
Lana (Deyoe) McEndree of Ohio/Nellis AFB, Nevada

"To the family of:Steven E.Auchman
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""

"To Steve Auchman's family-
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I grew up with Steve and John. I remember attending cub scouts meetings at their house as a kid. I remember talking with them in school all the time. As a fellow soldier, if you ever need something please contact me and I am ALWAYS willing to help Steve's family."
Brett Close of Billings, Montana

"To Family and Friends of MSgt Auchman,

It is the great sacrifice of men like MSgt Auchman that allows me and my family to celebrate Thanksgiving today and for that I give thanks to God for him and all the men and women who proudly serve our country.

Sincerely,

A proud USAF veteran"
Bill Gallenstein of Zephyrhills, FL, USA

"To the Auchman Family,

I had the pleasure of knowing and working for MSgt Auchman while assigned at Ramstein. It still seems like yesterday that I heard the news while on deployment myself. I'm currently going through the NCO Academy and today's assignment was to give a briefing on an Air Force enlisted member and I chose to brief about Steve. I want you to know that he is not forgotten and people are still being told of the great husband, father, leader, mentor and friend that he will always be remembered as. God Bless you.

TSgt Dustin Freeman"
Dustin Freeman of Osan Air Base, Korea

"Family and Friends of MSgt Auchman,
We recently had a Memorial Dedication here at Shaw AFB, SC. It was my honor to stand in for a fellow ground rat. I was his representative in the formation and I hung a dog tag on the Soldier's Cross for MSgt Auchman. His name is on our memorial wall. God Bless"
TSgt Stephen Maclin II of Sumter SC

"I posted my condolences a while back when I first heard about this tragedy. Now that I am in Iraq... its been hard missing my family and still being attacked on a weekly basis, but as I laid in my bunk last night, feeling sorry for myself, I started to think about Steven and it gave me strength, remembering what a great and dedicated person he was and how he gave his life serving this country of ours. I hope all is well with your family and I just wanted you to know, that years later, you all are still in my thoughts and prayers."
Aaron Gufford of Victory, Iraq

"Just received news of this. Steve was a good friend and will be sorely missed. I've thought of his and his brother often over the years.... we served together in the 5th."
Tony Licalzi of Melbourne, FL

"To the Auchman Family, I was there in Mosul on the fateful morning and had talked with him prior. I am a AF Contracting Officer and was there essentially alone. Besides the few guys in Steve's unit, there weren't any other AF members. Steve was the only mbr from that group that made an effort to talk. In the short time that I knew him, he made a lasting impression. After reading all of these posts, it just reinforces my thoughts. I'm so sorry your family has to endure this tragedy, but I wanted to let you know (among the many that believe so) that Steve was truly a class guy. My family's prayers are with you always."
Chris Anglin of Montgomery, AL

"Jenny, boys, and Auchman family ,
Remembering you and your ultimate sacrifice, on this Veteran's day. Thank you Steve for our freedom. You are never forgotten!"
Amy L and family of Waterloo, NY

"Jenny,

I just found out about Steve. I am very sorry for your loss. I have great memories of being at Robins AFB with you and him."
Tom Guin of South Elgin, IL

"March 28, 2008
To the family of Master Sgt. Steven E. Auchman:
Steven 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

"Dear Family and friends of Steve Auchman,

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm Brian's friend from school and he never really told me what happened to his father all I knew was he was killed in Iraq. It's terrible what happened to him but at least he died a true man and a hero."
Jami Thornton of Lacey, Washington

"At Ali (Tallil) Air Base, Iraq, A memorial with the name of every fallen Airman during OIF has been placed. At the dedication ceremony, I was selected to read his name because we share AFSC's. His name will live on through this memorial as well as in my mind. I may never have met him, but he is my hero."
Justin Betts of Cheyenne, WY

"This past week I purchased a bracelet with Steven's name on it at Lackland AFB, only to learn today that he died a hero. My condolences go to the family, I will proudly wear my bracelet knowing he died a hero fighting for freedom.
My condolences."
Jo Happel of Cedar Rapids, Iowa

"To Jenny, Eric, & Bryan

I worked with Steven at Hurlburt Field. We shared workspace at the GATR site. We just found out today of this tragedy and we want to offer our prayers to you all. I know almost a year has passed but please accept our sympathy."
Michael & Mary Ann Glaze of Ft. Meade, MD

"Steve, comrade, fallen friend! A void shall always be in our hearts till we meet again. It was my honor to have worked with you back at Hurlburt Field, Florida. Never have I met a father that was as devoted to his family as you were. It is a tragic loss that the Air Force has lost one such as you. God bless you."
Michael Pritt, MSgt (Ret.), USAF of Windsor, Missouri

"Jenny,
I just want you to know, my thoughts and prayers are with you this Memorial Day.
May you find peace and comfort on your journey...."
Debbie Bridges of Washington

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

"I offer my condolences on your loss and the loss of an American Soldier serving his country. I am a radio maintainer and was at at TACP unit near Baghdad shortly before Steve was killed. I have his picture on my desk to honor and remember him. There are very few Air Force radio maintainers at TACP units in Iraq and, I believe, Steve and I were the only two there for a few months. It is possible that someone from my shop will go to replace him soon, possibly myself. We are all willing to serve, just like Steve. God Bless you and your family."
Chris Bates of Fort Hood, Tx

"To the family and friends of MSgt Steve Auchman,

I worked with Steve for nearly ten years at Hurlburt Field, and will miss him deeply in my memories. I know from my experience that there is nothing I can say or do to ease the pain of his loss, but I send my best hopes for your futures. He was a good friend, a dedicated father, and "5.0" Airman."
John F. Hauser of Navarre Florida

"This is a poem I wrote in honor of our military heros. Rick (Steven's brother) asked me to please post it for Steven. I honor all of those who meet liberty's call.
The moon in the clouds and I'm so proud
To give up your life in defense of a dream
Freedom I mean
It comes at a price we seldom ask twice
But more seldom still
Is there the will
To follow a path so hard to tread
and though to dread
The possible news
So very grateful some do choose
To defend our dream and work as a team
Cleansing our world of evil deeds
Though I may not fall to my knees
I pray for those who might
All in a righteous fight"
Genevieve Scruggs of Ft. Walton Bch, FL

"To Steven's Family,

I was a coworker of Steve's back in Germany. Steve was a truly great guy and I'm proud to have served with him. Thank you for your service as a military family for you serve just as Steven has served. My deepest sympathy and best wishes to you and your entire family.

Sincerely, Ken Stewart"
Ken Stewart of San Antonio, TX

"To Steve's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"I don't even know what to say here. I am still in shock that the world could lose such a good person. MSgt Auchman truly led by example and was a role model for everyone he came in contact with. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. He is a true hero."
SSgt Phillip Harris of HQ PACAF - Hickam AFB, Hawaii

"i cant even find the words...all i can say is that i am truly sorry. He was a hero, fighting and dying for our future. I am so sorry. I will pray that God will give you comfort during this difficult time. so sorry"
simone grogan of aspen, co

"Jenny & boys,
I find myself staring at this computer screen, searching for words that
cannot be found, trying to summarize emotions that cannot be described,
replaying simple memories that are now cherished treasures. Steve was
a perfect complement to the gang at the 426th. It was truly a pleasure to
work with and for him, and I'm honored to say he was my friend."
TSgt Chaz Arent of National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, VA

"To the Family of Steve Auchman,

I worked worked with Steve at my first military assignment: Vogelweh, Germany and I am deeply sorry for your loss. I think that anyone who worked with or knew steve can feel the pain from the loss of such a wonderful person. You will all be in my prayers and may God be with you during these trying times.

Sincerely"
Aaron Gufford of RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom

"Jenny and boys - I am so sorry to hear about Steve. The few of us left who worked with Steve here at the 426 are truly shaken at the loss of such a wonderful man. Know that you are in my prayers and be proud of the impact Steve had on all who knew him."
Debi Baldwin of 426 IOS, Vogelweh, Germany

"FIGHTING A WAR NO ONE CAN IGNORE,YOU WILL DEFEND TILL THE END.YOUR SACRIFICE NEVER SUFFICE.YOU CARRY PRIDE ON YOUR SHOULDERS FOR YOU ARE A SOLDIER.TO SAVE LIVES YOU DONT THINK TWICE TO SACRIFICE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED YOU HAVE CRIED WITH GREAT PRIDE I WILL STAND BY YOUR SIDE.YOU ARE THE HEROS IN MY LIFE,I LOVE YOU GUYS!THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE. BY SAMANTHA SKINNER"
doris hayes of kaiserslautern , germany

"To Brad and Arletty We were so sorry to learn of the loss of your brother-in-law.
Our sincere and deepest respect and condolences to Jenny and kids.
Our prayers are with you and with the Auchman family."
Jose and Dolores Gonzalez of Panama Republic of Panama

"To the Family of Steve Auchman:
My husband and I went to school with Steve and John. What two outstanding guys they were in high school! They were both great friends to us. I will always remember their smiles! Jenny and boys, We are so sorry of your loss. Thank you to Steve for defending our country and our freedom. We will always remember Steve, our friend. Please stay strong, as you will be in our thoughts and prayers. John, we are very proud of you, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for protecting us. You are also in our thoughts and prayers."
Mike and Sherrill (Kemp) O'Brien of Waterloo, NY, USA

"Dear Steven,
Thank you for serving us all back at home. I know you are in a better place now and are looking down on all of us."
mark reif of winchester, VA

"From the Wahl faqmily to the Auchman family. we are deeply sadden by your lost. Steven HAS TOUCHED MANY LIVES AND HEARTS. An he is the elite of all AMERICANS! more importantly, he is very dear to family, friends, neighbors and his military family. Six months since our lost of our son Gregory. An we es[pecially, understand your lost. God Bless!"
leonard wahl of Valley Stream Long Island

"We were so very sorry to learn of the loss of Steve -- All are in our prayers -- You have our deepest sympathy.

Mitakuye Oyasin."
Frankie Anderson, of Wells College, Aurora, New York

"To the friends and family of Master Sgt. Steven Auchman,

There are no words that can possibly ease your pain but please know that many across this country are grateful to Master Sgt. Auchman and you. His bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Please accept these words as a token of my heartfelt sorrow for your loss.

Respectfully,"
Rebecca of Los Angeles

"Dearest Jenny, Brian and Eric,
We are so heartbroken over your loss and the loss of the greatest son-in-law. Like you, we are so proud of Steve serving his country but ... we shall miss him so darn much as he was so good to you all and adored his family dearly. Mr P and I will be here for you anytime, anywhere.
Love you Steve!,
Mom (mother-in-law), Mr P (father -in-law)"
Judy Pendleton of Ft Walton Beach, FL

"To the family and friends of Master Sgt. Steven E. Auchman,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca

"To Robert Auchman and Family,
Please accept our deepest respect and condolences. No words can define Hero's, but I can assure you that my family and I will always remember Steven and all fallen Veterens as "Hero's"."
Campbell Family of Aurora, NY USA

"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. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"To Jenny Auchman, his wife and his two children Eric and Bryan Our sincerest condolences for your loss.
We will always remember uncle Steve as a great American Hero, as a great father and a good friend.
good bless you Master Sgt. Steven E. Auchman."
Arletty Smith of North Carolina

"TO THE LOVED ONES OF STEVEN AUCHMAN: MAY YOU BE COMFORTED IN KNOWING THAT YOUR SON IS A HERO WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM. MY BROTHER, CWO3 WILLIAM BRENNAN, RECENTLY WAS KILLED IN IRAQ IN A HELICOPTER CRASH. THEIR MOTTO WAS THAT THEY FLEW FOR THE TROOPS, NOW STEVE IS IN GOOD HANDS, FLYING WITH WILL
AND THE ANGELS."
B. WALL of WOODBURY,CT USA

"To the Auchman Family,
God Bless all of your family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers."
Veteran/Family of Aurora, NY

"To the family of Steven E. Auchman,
Please know that you are in my prayers. Steven is in a better place - in the arms of an angel. Even though it's sometimes hard to remember, know that God is standing by your sides and I'm sure Steven is right there beside Him."
Keela Dates of Wells College, NY USA

"To Robert and members of the Auchman family my sincerest condolences. To lose a member of one's family by any means is a tragic occurrence. To lose someone who was performing an act of patriotism is the ultimate sacrifice and of the highest honor. Everyday I try hard to remind myself just how fortunate I am to live where I do and do as I do knowing full well it would not be so if it were not for the Steven Auchman's putting themslves in harms way protecting those very freedoms that make our country and our way of life so special. My hope is that each of you can accept your loss with a sense of pride and honor and to find some comfort knowing the ultimate sacrifice Steve made was to keep our country safe and our way of life intact for generations to come."
Tom Gunderson of Wells College, Aurora, NY

"We will always remember you as a great solider, uncle and a friend"
Kathy Smith of fayetteville, nc/ USA

"I am so, so sorry for your loss. I appreciate everything that your brother has done for this country, and I hope that you and your family will someday find solace.

Namaste,"
Nicole Sarno of Aurora, NY, USA

"Dear Bob and family,

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. "The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on Him sincerely."
--Psalm 145:18 "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." Matthew 10:39"
Jen, Lucy, and Clifford Zalewski of Auburn, NY

"To Steven and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time."
Jeri Vargo of Wells College, Aurora,NY

"My heartfelt sympathy to his family. May your loving memories of him, and the knowledge that others share your grief, sustain you at this difficult time."
Sandra E. Block of Aurora, New York

"To the Family and Friends of Steven E. Auchamn

My deepest sympathy and thanksgiving.
You are in my prayers and thoughts.
May you sense the presence of God and
receive His strength and comfort during
this difficult time."
Muriel Godbout of King Ferry, New York

"To The Family of Master Sgt. Steven E. Auchman,

My deepest sympathies are with you in your time of grief. I pray you will find strength in your time of pain.

I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts and the memory of Steven's sacrifice in my heart.

God Bless"
Patricia Neal of Aurora, NY

"To ALL of Steven's Family and Friends:
May God bless you and look upon you during this time of sorrow. Like all the other falling soldiers, Steve was, and always will be a hero to the families in the USA.
Thank you Steve for helping to preserve a safer future for my daughter.
May God Bless You!"
Michael Carter Wells College of Aurora, New York - USA

"To Steven's Family,

Please know how sorry I am for your loss, and that I appreciate the sacrifice Steven made on behalf of all of us. You remain in my thoughts and prayers."
Karla Leybold-Taylor of Wells College, Aurora, NY

"To the family of Steven;
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Steven is a true American hero and will always be remembered by us for his bravery and ulitmate sacrifice he gave to our country. Our family has also suffered the loss of my nephew in this battle for freedom. May God bless you during this difficult time."
Vic and Tammy McClain--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"Thank you for the gift of freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"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. Your HERO, Steven, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"I was a high school classmate of Steve's. He was a supportive friend who defined the strong silent type. You could count on Steve to be honest and forthright in everything he did. It's tragic to lose such a good and caring person."
Cindy Welch of Cincinnati Ohio

"I am so sorry for your loss. I know words cant take away the pain. I will pray and your family. What a brave man! wow."
simone of aspen, co.

"To Steven's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To Steven's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"God's blessings to your family, Steven, with prayers for the Lord's mercy and grace during this period of grieving. Thanks to you for the greatest sacrifice a man can give for his countrymen. I pray the Lord gives me a chance to thank you in person one day in His presence."
Charles James of Northglenn, CO

"We honour the sacrifice of Steven and offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends. In all parts of this world are those who are deeply humbled by Steven's sacrifice in the just cause of Freedom."
A grateful New Zealander of Auckland, New Zealand

"My deepest sympathy, our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. May God bless you and help you through this time. Forever in our hearts a HERO Steven E. Auchman."
Amy & Aaron Monier of Waterford, MI.

"To the family of Steven, I'm very sorry for your loss. We also lost our nephew Sgt.Andrew Brown on Oct 8, 2004. We want to let you know that he's also in my prays as well as your family. Our deepest sympathy."
Colleen Kelly of Pleasant Mount, Pa.

"Thank you Steven Auchman, 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 Master Sgt. Steven Auchman:
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 Steven 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 Master Sgt. Steven Auchman:
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 Steven, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia