Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It breaks our hearts but salute to Army Sgt. Andrew Joseph Baddick. Thank you for your service. Your family surely proud of you. free online brain games"
Lucille F. Parham of Los Angeles

"RVrxKP http://www.FyLitCl7Pf7ojQdDUOLQOuaxTXbj5iNG.com"
JimmiNi of New York

"Baddick thinking of you this memorial day and all the good times we had on arden ct. I miss you like crazy brother. I cant think of my service without thinking of you."
Bobby Coffen (Former Sgt. US Army) of Boaz Alabama

"AJ my friend I will never forget the scrafice you have made 7 years ago for all of us and this country. There is not a day goes by when I drive past you moms house that I do not think of you. Thank You, see you in the next life."
TJ

"A.J. my nephew I didnt really know you as an adult.Friends and family tell me you grew up to be a great person.You are missed by a lot of people.I never seen so many people at a wake before or since yours.
Love Your Uncle Terry Callen"
Terry Callen of Edison N.J.,

"Thinking of you this Memorial Day weekend. RIP Brother."
Burton of East Moline, IL

""To the family of Andrew Joseph Baddick, 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""

"Happy Veteran's Day Brother."
Burton of East Moline, IL.

"SGT. Andrew Baddick,
I did not know you, but like you I am a Sergeant in the United States Army serving my country. I ordered a KIA/MIA wristband, not knowing who's name would be on it. When I saw it was yours, I looked up who you were. I just want to let you know, that I will continue to wear this, and you will never be forgotten. Thank you for you dedication to our country, you paid the ultimate sacrifice, and the American people will never forget that. May you rest in peace brother."
SGT. Bishop of Ohio

"AJ, I never stop thinking of you. from basic, to Fort Hood. We were always together. roomates everything. Love you my friend. Miss you more"
Geoff Livingstone of Wilkes Barre PA US

"Hey buddy it has been a long time but know that a day has not gone by that I have not thought about you I unfortunately have lost contact with your Mom and Aunt and appologize for that. We sure did have some long and interesting nights together and I remeber and think of those all the time too ( well at least the ones that I can remember). As a good friend and roomate we share a great deal of time and memories together as we followed each from headquarters unit in Afghanistan to the same company in 504th. I miss you Brother!!!!!!"
SSG Portillo, Gil G.portillo81@hotmail.com of Snead, AL

"Thinking of you this Memorial Day"
Burton of EM, IL.

"Sgt Baddick,
I think you were the best RTO in Division. yet you wanted to go to the Red Devils to make your dad proud. I talked to the sgm to let you go to the red devils and you spoke to 1sg hackerd and he took you in. You did what you had been wanting to do since the war started. I didn't want you to go, but I had to help you get there. I still dream of you and I dream of swimming after you and I am always out of reach. I love Baddick you are a great soldier!!!"
wm of fort brAGG

"A.J WAS A GOOD FRIEND TO HAVE.I WANT TO SCHOOL WITH A.J HE WAS A GRADE BEHIND ME.WE ALL WILL MISS HIM.R.I.P"
DEBBIE of JIM THORPE PA

"Baddick......my goofy friend. it has been 6 years since you made me smile. i knew you would be a good friend. you made me realize how precious life is ....i will never forget you."
frances of killeen,texas

"Baddick, I can remember your airborne tattoo before you ever went to airborne school. You were one of a kind. You will not be forgotten. Kilo 1st 75th.- To Baddicks family; I served with Baddick at Fort Hood and cried the day I found out he had past. I would like to let you know that I operate a non-profit that helps soldiers know and have a store adorning boots, a rifle and a helmet....in memory of Sgt Andrew Baddick. He will not be forgotten!"
Sgt. Patrick Sowers of Dallas, Texas

"To Andrew's father, your package and cd meant so much to my son, in Afghanistan today..we thank you and pray for your son and send love, The Alvey Family"
Lillian Alvey of Alexandria, VA

"Andrew,

Though I never knew you, I was on active duty in Iraq in 2003 when you gave your life.

It is now June 2008, and I am in Afghanistan continuing to serve our country as a contractor.

Today I received a "to any soldier" package, and guess what was in it? A note and a music CD from your father Joe Baddick. He somehow has the strength to continue to support the troops, despite losing you.

He writes that song #12 was your favorite, and I am listening to it right now. He didn't write his address in the letter, but I will search for it (that is actually how I came upon this site) and write him a thank-you letter.

Just wanted you to know - You will always be loved and remembered by your family, your friends, and your country."
J. L. Alvey of Bagram, Afghanistan

"Wow, AJ.. It has been almost 5 years, and I still think of you often. I was searching on the internet for your name and saw a picture of your mom and sister and family at your burial in Arlington. As I look at your mother, my heart breaks. Especially now that I am a mother of two. Knowing who you were and everything you have done for not only your country, but the people who you loved and cared for the most. I only wish that I could see you one more time to let you know how proud of you I am. I miss you AJ. I love you."
Autum Curran of Yokota AB, Japan

"March 28, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Andrew Joseph Baddick:
Andrew 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

"A.J.-
We all sure had some good times throughout the years! I loved working with you on the river. I will always remember you as probably one of the craziest people I know! Miss you...tell Trice I said hi!"
Catherine of Myrtle Beach, SC

"AJ- I first read your name over 4 years ago, the day that I found out that one of my best friends was not coming home again, Sgt Potter, the one that you tried to save, but couldn't. Three weeks ago, I went out on a blind date with a guy that was in the 82nd- so, naturally I started talking Army and Darrin came up, and then, so did you- turns out that each of you guys were one of our closest friends. Talk about a WOW experience!!!!!!! Judge misses you, a lot! We both got goose bumps, teared up and were in complete shock and awe when we realized that our stories of how our friends died over there were meshed together. You guys have made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us over here, and there are really no words that can express the appreciation, gratitude and pride that I have for ya'll. AJ, I never met you, but from what Curtis has told me about you, and just the fact that you tried to save my best friend- I know that you were a man of honor and served our country well, and your family can be proud of you! Thank You!! I know you are missed..."
Liberty Burke of Sarasota, FL USA

"Thinking of you Baddick.

FMR SGT Burton, Derick S. 82nd SIG ACP" ya'll. AJ, I never met you, but from what Curtis has told me about you, and just the fact that you tried to save my best friend- I know that you were a man of honor and served our country well, and your family can be proud of you! Thank You!! I know you are missed..."
Liberty Burke of Sarasota, FL USA

"Thinking of you Baddick.

FMR SGT Burton, Derick S. 82nd SIG ACP"
of East Moline, IL.

"After all this time I still can picture Andrew's face when he first arrived to my PLT in 2-8 Infantry. I will never forget my first new private!
It was an honor!"
Stefan of Fort Chaffee, AR

"I am a resident of Jim Thorpe, AJ"s hometown. I am proud and honored to say that I knew AJ. As the 4th of July approaches, I will be thinking of not only AJ, but all of our service men and women. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all of your sacrifices. AJ, I can't imagine what you and Trice are up to right now :-)"
Kelly of Jim Thorpe, PA USA

"I was there when A.J Jumped into that canal. He went in, in a flash to save those men. He was able to get 4 out of the truck and to the side of the canal where we were able to get them out. When we said the other guy, whom I afterward found to be sgt. Potter, got swept under the bridge. He sad I got him and went under.

Although he and I didnt always see eye to eye My respect for him multiple by an infinate value that night. He jumped in the current to save a man who he didnt know in any way other than he be a brother in need of help.
If the family of Sgt. Baddick stops in to remember him. Please contact me. I have alot to share with you!
Robert Latta
aco 1-504pir"
Robert Latta of robbieshonda@aol.com

"A.J. I miss you. We all miss you. We had some good times together huh? I'll never forget them or you. I love you!!"
Kate of Jim Thorpe

"Andrew,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in Iraq, but also for your service in Afghanistan as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. You are the epitome of what an Army NCO is supposed to be-you didn't hesitate to try to save the life of a fellow soldier who you didn't even know-that says everything about the kind of man you are.

"Airborne All The Way!"

"To the family of Joseph Baddick:
Words can not begin to express the way I feel about Andrew. As I read over the messeges that people have left, I feel a connection between Andrew and Darrin. Andrew lost his life trying to save my stepbrother, and Darrin died while looking over his fellow soldiers. Sgt. Baddick and Sgt. Potter are the reasons we are free today, and we couldn't be more proud of them. WE WILL NOT FORGET! All Gave Some..These Heros Gave All."
Jon Campbell of Louisville Kentucky, Land of the Free, and Home of the Brave

"Three years to the date, I have not forgotten. As I prepare for my third trip over to that hell hole I am looking for redemption and redemption will be served. I have not forgotten you as a friend, classmate and hero. We had many good times together and I will never forget them. See you in the next life. God Speed."
SSgt TJ Garritano of 111th FW A-10 WartHogs

"AJ, you are a wonderful person. If only every solider had a dedicated heart like you. You truly are a hero."
John Achtermann of Lehighton PA

"A.J. Baddick was a heroic young man who I will always remember as the bright, happy, enthusastic kid in my twelfth grade English Class. A.J. would do anything to help me and I knew, immediately, he was a young man I could trust. A.J. knew I was a Veteran and he asked me many questions about the Army. A.J. told me he wanted to be a Combat Infantryman and, then, earn his Airborne wings. He fulfilled his destiny and much more. I am extremely proud to have known him and right next to the flag in my classroom, Room 305, is a picture of A.J. Baddick, a true American Hero."
William J. Davis of Jim Thorpe Sr. H. S.

"AJ
I haven't left a message before because I didn't know you like most of the others knew you. However you were still a friend to me. We were stationed together in Afghanistan. I would often relieve you from duty and vise versa. We would conversate about our hardships. However you always had a positive outlook. I'll never forget the time that...when we came home from Awere stationed together in Afghanistan. I would often relieve you from duty and vise versa. We would conversate about our hardships. However you always had a positive outlook. I'll never forget the time that...when we came home from Afghanistan and you ran into my father on the beach in Wrightsville. He was wearing an 82nd shirt...you asked him about me...of all the people in that damn division you ran into my father. It had to be the one time that when asked if you know a soldier that it turned out he and you did. That was my last memory of you. You were and are still a hero. May your friends and f and think to myself how hard it was for him and his family, the will to never give up is what he has left for me. Thank You."
PFC Joseph Padilla of Stationed in Seoul/ Yongson Garrison/ Republic of Korea, Ft Bragg September 2006

"I met A.J. while at jump school. We made quick friends and hung out while at Airborne School. The last time I saw him was when I dropped off at the airport, after training was complete, so he could fly home to see his family. I was deeply saddened to read in the paper later that year of his loss. I remembered the last day I saw him, he was very excited to be a paratrooper like his father. I am proud to have known A.J., he is a hero. God Bless A.J. and the Baddick
family.
SFC Dan
19th SFG (A)"
Dan of Currently Deployed

"A.J.,
I miss you my little brother. I'm so proud that you took my advice and finished school and joined the military. You made yourself a true man and a hero! Wish I could've been with you. You will always be in my heart and we will meet again. From your big brother Bob! I LOVE you bro!"
MA3 USN Robert Transue of Stroudsburg

"AJ is a true hero. If it was not for him talking me into the military, I would not be serving in the United States Air Force. AJ was a good friend, always willing to help you out when in need. And good guy that listened to your problems. I am so proud of him for giving his life for the freedom of this great country."
Rosemary Karper of Jim Thorpe,Pa/RAF Croughton, UK

"I referred to AJ as "Bad-* Baddick". He was one of the best and could be counted on to get the job done. He was my driver in Afganistan while we worked with the 82's G-3. He volunteered for line duty and went to the 504.
I attended his funeral at Arlington and had the honor of meeting his family and especially his father.

We live in freedom because of men like Andrew Joseph Baddick.
Gone but not forgotten.
Rest in peace brother.

Big Jim Miller CSM, USA, Ret."
Jim Miller of Jacksonville, NC

"I had the honor to serve with Andrew Baddick when we were both serving in the 82nd Airborne Division. SGT Baddick was an outstanding paratrooper who was proud to serve his country. He was especially proud to serve in the same unit that his father had served in. Andrew always carried a picture of his father with him and was quick to show it off. The morning after his death, we were all saddened but not suprised at the cicumstances. I attended his memorial service along with the Commanding General of the 82nd and was proud to have known him."
Michael Duke, Sergeant Major (Ret) of Raeford, NC

"(Private First Class) that was your rank when we last parted ways in Texas. Sergeant Baddick, do you remember me? I was your company commander then and your soul-mate now.

No one feels the sting of your passing more than I. I think of you every single day.

Baddick, you were not happy being an average Joe. No sir, you wanted to jump out of airplanes! You wanted to be Hooah! I reenlisted you, and sent you to Airborne School enroute to the 82nd Airborne Division.

I am so proud of you. You made this world a better place, thanks.

Andrew my friend, you are the best of the best."
Major Charles E. Greene of Anchorage, Alaska

"I was out on patrol that night that this hero tried to save my friend. I personally never got the honor of meeting Andrew but know that one day we will meet and I will thank him for being the soldier that all would be proud to serve with!
Last year I had taken a trip out to California to visit a friend. Out on one of the beaches they had a cross for ever soldier killed since this war began. I asked them where I could find Darrin Potter and Andrew Baddick, they told me there was no telling. See they would put these crosses out every single Sunday so that americans would not forget, but they placed them in and out of the sand in no particular order due to the hundreds. So I began searching... 45 mins later there he was "Sgt. Darrin K. Potter" my friend forever. I sat there and talked to him for what seemed an eternity and then got up to begin looking for Andrew, to my amazement out of these hundreds upon hundreds of soldiers that had died fighting for freedom and for each other there he was... right next to Darrin, how had I not noticed before, how had I not seen? So there I fell to my knees at the wonders of God... they had stuck together, Andrew went in for him and found him.
To the parents of the bravest soldier I never met, I pray for your strength everyday. May you find peace"
Sgt. Schelee K. Reece of Louisville, Ky. 223rd Military Police Co.

""I moved away from Jim Thorpe to join the service 12+ years ago, but my parents still reside there. I never met Sgt. Baddick, but it sounds like he was an honorable man. I can not imagine the grief that your family must be going through and selfishly pray that mine never will. I will never forget the sacrifices made by your son and the other men and women like him. As the saying goes; "Freedom isn't free." Sgt Baddick and others like him have paid for it, and I for one will never take that for granted. I will always honor his memory. -Thank you Andrew, where ever you may be.""
Mike Gordon

"To the family and friends of SGT Baddick - I was reminded of SGT Baddick as I was reading through some letters which my fiance sent me from Iraq. He was in HQ 1/504, and he wrote me about SGT Baddick's selfless, heroic act to try and save SGT Potter. I am truly sorry for your loss. I have come to know that loss personally as my fiance, CPT Ernesto Blanco, was killed 3 months later. May the Lord bless you all and help you make it through."
Michelle Blanco of Texas

"SGT Baddick, You will always be remember. During my year in Baghdad there was not a day that went by that I did not think of you. I had your name on my K-pot in honor of you. You will always be my hero. I will miss you and some day see you again in heaven. To your family and friends, may God keep watch and comfort over you all. I was stationed with Andrew at Ft. Hood, TX."
SPC Parker, Jason of Longview, WA

"AJ is one of my angels in heaven watching over me. I know he is happy and having fun up there with his best friend Kevin who past away a few years earlier.
I grew up with AJ and worked with him at a whitewater rafting company. He LOVED the water! He was the best guide on the river because he cared so much about everyone's safety but he still knew how to have a good time out there. I'll never forget him pulling me up onto his kayak to save me when I got tossed overboard by my friends.
AJ was an amazing guy and everyone in town was so proud of him for what he was doing. I am so glad that the last time I saw him I told him I was proud of him and gave him a hug. He is a true American hero! I miss you AJ."
Alicia Matukonis of Jim Thorpe, PA

"I served alongside Andrew's unit at Abu Ghraib, Iraq. I will never forget the night he died, trying to save a National Guard MP, Sgt. Darrin Potter, from drowning. I never met Andrew personally, but it is soldiers like him that make me proud to have served in such a horrible place. God Bless your family Andrew!"
George Sakellakis of Cleveland, OH/USA

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these guys as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace Andrew, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest"
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"To the family of Andrew Joseph Baddick, I didn't know your son, but I feel proud to wear a uniform because of men like him. He made the ultimate sacrific to save someone else and that's a prime example of what soldiering is all about. Every morning Service men and women salute our flag in rememberence of the soldiers that died for it. I'll think of Andrew Joseph Baddick because his selfless service has truly defined the army values for me. You should all be proud of your soldier. My prayers go to you."
SSG Ortiz of South Korea

"Last weekend I purchased a flag for the Healing Field in Waterloo, Iowa. There were 1,000 flags flying by the river. It was an awesome tribute to these brave young men. When I got home their was a name on the flag and it was in memory of Sergeant Andrew Joseph Baddick from Pennsylvannia. I just wanted to say how connected I feel to your family and how you will be in my prayers. I lost my husband this year so I know the feeling of grief but not of losing a child. I only know that God gives us the strength to survive and I hope that my husband has meet your son in heaven and they have become great friends. God bless all the young men and women who sacrifice their lives for this great country and our freedom."
Beverly Brumbaugh of LaPorte City, Iowa

"This old paratrooper will never forget the brotherhood of the greatest division in the world. Although I never ran across Baddick my heart still hurts for my brother. May you rest in peace."
Anthony of Denver, CO

"This just makes me want to go to war and help out our fellow americans as I am highly thinking of doing I just came across this and my name is Andrew Joseph Thomas alos my family calls me A.J. and I am thinking of becomeing a paratrooper too just thought that was interesting I am sorry for yalls lose I will remember this great soldier and man."
Andrew Thomas of Denton, Tx USA

"I actually recognized Sgt. Baddick after seeing his photo. It finally dawned on me that we crossed paths in Ft. Bragg and I actually had the honor, the privilege of having a brief conversation with an American Hero."
Eric S. Ex. 325AIR, 2/82nd of Elk grove, Ca

"I have to say.. I never knew Andrew.. But he seems quite amazing.. He is definetly a hero.. I am so proud and honered greatly to have people like him in our military.. I am so sorry for your loss.. and I am sorry that this great man had to leave us so soon... I will tell all of my friends about Andrews great herosim so we never forget the sacrafices that he and all of the soldiers in the US Military made for all of us.. Take Care.."
Jessica of Cincinnati, OH, USA

"A.J. was my cousin. I would like to thank him for the great sacrifice he has made for this country's freedom.A.J. is definitely MY HERO"
Karlee Stempel of White Haven, PA USA

"I am in 8th grade and we were learing about how many people were dying in Iraq. As a project from our teacher my friend and I decided to find someone special that served for our country and try to get information on them. If there is a family member of Mr. Baddick I would appreciate it if you could email me back at RockNRollGrlAA90@aol.com"
RockNRollGrlAA90 of NY

"Andrew and I have cousins in common. My second cousin married his uncle. I had never heard about him until he died. I just wanted to say that he personalized the war for me, and isn't forgotten."
Monica of Philadelphia, PA

"I went to school with A.J. and graduated with him.He was a great guy. He even taught me how to drive with his Mom's old car.His Mother didn't know he was using her car for teaching me.He loved to take me to liesureland because he knew the cops would not be around.He even taught me how to get through life and not worry about what other people said.We done so much stuff together as friends,I'm really going to miss him.I also feel so bad for ANN his mother,He always talk good about her.I'm going to miss this person that touched my life in a special way. Love Jamie,I'll miss you A.J."
Jamie Crowley of Jim Thorpe Pa.USA

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

"What a true American Hero! He was not only there to protect our lives and willing to give his for our freedom, but he also gave his life to try and save another soldiers. You were a true man of priciples AJ Baddick and God Bless You, I hope some day in Heaven I can shake your hand and thank you so much for all that you are and the legacy you leave us with."
Tiff4USARMY@yahoo.com of Statesboro, 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, Andrew, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"AJ was a good friend of mine who paid the ultimate sacrafice. Many would never understand what kind of bravery AJ and other military members display everyday. AJ did not hesitate to put give his life for freedom and that is why this great nation is what it is today but I know he looks ovng this battle for we will prevail because of men like AJ. God Speed
Tj"
SSgt Thomas Garritano of Ellsworth AFB

"Thank you Andrew Baddick, 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 blt sacrifice of your own life to save others speaks of the highest ideals any American can hope to aspire to. If by the will of God you can read the words I am writing, know that this American appreciates what you ahve done."
Proud Marine Father of Weatherly, Pa

"My thoughts & prayers go out to all the Military men and women who are at war and especially those who have lost their lives. May God bless you forever. Thank you for everything, you are my hero! Rest in peace."
Amanda K Casas of San Diego, Tx

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Andrew Baddick:
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 Andrew, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia