Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Spc. Bradley S. Beard

22, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Beard died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Red Cloud, Korea. Died on October 14, 2004.

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"I will never forget what Brad did for our country. I wish I could take the pain away from the family but all I can do is send my love. I will always remember. Thank youBrad."
Carol murray of Fuquayvarina nc

"Bradley,
You don't know me, but in four months I am marrying one of your best friends. He still talks about you. I wish I had the chance to meet you here on earth, but I am sure I will get to see you in heaven. You are remembered. Thank you for your sacrifice."
Summer Joy of Orlando, FL USA

"Years have gone by, but I'll never forget Beard. Shared lots of memories with him, and its hard to believe how things happened. I should've gone with him and Southers. How I wish I could've been there for them. I often wonder what could have happened if I would've been able to go with them. Beard made the ultimate sacrifice, and I will NEVER forget him as my SPC and as a friend. A true hero."
Mercado, Aaron of La Quinta, CA

"This message is to the family of a "kid" I knew and enjoyed being around. Brad and I served together at Camp Casey, Korea. I have a few nice memories of Bradley Beard. Ms. Betsy, if you'd like to call my name is Douglas Kirby at 816-941-3322. Have a nice memory of a trip he and I took to Souel back then. Sorry haven't contacted sooner been dealing with PTSD and numerous family matters. Love, Doug"
Douglas Kirby of Kansas City, Mo.

"I never got a chance to meet you, but you are on my mind often. You have been an inspiration. It's hard to believe it's been seven years. Your honor & memory will never be forgotten.
2nd to NONE"
Tracey of New Bern, NC

"Beard not a day goes by that I have not thought about the day out at Ogden Recon Iraq, miss you buddy and sorry I havent kept in touch with the family... 3177318849"
Goss, Zach of Indianapolis, IN

"I remember when he first got to Korea, big dude with glasses. But turn out he was just a gentle giant. Worked on our track, M577 often late to fix our heather and or something else.
God had a plan before he even joined the military. I don't ask why he was taken from us but I said glory to God who give and take away. Further alone we will know why.
God bless you all."
Romeo B. of Mt Laurel, NJ

"Thinking of you and your family Bradley, and all of our fallen soldiers, with love, admiration, gratitude and respect."
Charlotte Wemple of NC

"I want to express my sympathy in the loss of your son. I can not imagine such a loss. You have my love and prayers. May God bless you and help you through this very trying time."
Dorothy Whaley-Wentz of Durham, NC

"To Brad's family & comrade's,
While having never met Brad, know there is pride in every heart & on every vest that carries his name & while listed in our ranks as an honorary member, cetainly the honor is ours."
Rolling Thunder - Chapter 4 of Raleigh NC

"hey guys, i love ya! i still miss brad every day."
Allie of PA

"April 22, 2008
To the family of Spc. Bradley S. Beard:
Bradley 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 all of Bradley's family and friends, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today."
Charlotte of Smithfield

"I remember the first time I met Bradley, he welcomed Spc Southers and I to 1-15 fa in korea he was so helpull and caring, I'll never forget the day Bradley, Bill southers, and I were sitting in primo's pizza when he and southers selflessly decided to go to iraq with 2-17 fa, i often think of Bradley, he did something for the rest of us that I could never do and I will always be eternally greatfull for that. he was a very special person and will always be im my heart. I miss you bradley,"
michael wolfe of phoenix az

"My name is Joe Anderson. I did not know Brad. I served with the 18th MP bde in Baghdad and points south. I lost a very close friend Christopher Taylor 'Big T' on the 16th of February 2004. I posted a message on another web site on his anniversary. I could not go to his grave. For two years I got drunk and high and did my best to get through the pain. I knew his family was greiving, but there was nothing I could do. I never thought to call them, spend time greiving with them at all. I snuck over to Louisiana and paid my respects by myself. It's coming up on his anniversary again. I received an e-mail from Brad's mother. I hope she doesn't mind me saying this, but all my love and sympathy goes to the family of Spc Beard. One thing I never thought of was the way the families feel. They want to know their son is remembered. I called Big T's family and apologized for not contactiing them. The families want to here from the people who served with their lost loved ones. I don't know how I missed it but grief will make you do funny things. So if you served with Brad Beard, call his family let them know he is not forgotten by the people who served with him. The people he died for. His brothers and sisters. I know it's hard to put your grief aside but focus on his family, call them brothers and sisters and let them know how you feel. His mother is very kind and I believe she would be very easy to talk with. Thats all I can say. I am going to call, maybe visit, Big T's momma on the 16th and let her know that the memory of her son dying for me is not forgotten but held in high regard as the Hero he was and still is as long as he is not forgotten."
Joseph M. Anderson of Mobile, Alabama

"Spc. Beard was the first US soldier I ever treated in combat. He was also my friend and my brother. I will never forget him or the sacrifice he made for us. And I will see him again before too long."
Smith of Ames, Iowa

"I was in Ramadi stationed with SPC Beard. He was a great soldier and I believe his death was not in vain. "STEEL""
fellow soldier of ft drum

"Happy Birthday, Brad. You are very much loved and missed."
Anonymous of Alexandria, Virginia

"SPC Beard was the kind of person that could make you feel better by just being around. He could make you laugh and loosen up just by the way he loved life. A truly good man, soldier and friend."
SPC Smith, Matthew of Fort Eustis, VA

"One of the reasons I liked Beard was because of his helpful ways and his eagerness to hitchhike on a good laugh there was always plenty to go around ....I am truly made sad by the events that took him away from his wonderful family and his friends. For your sacrifice you always be rememberd to me as the man who became a soldier and the soldier who became a friend and the friend who became our hero.....Take care brother in the sky......."
Luis Cruz of Georgia

"I remember when Spc Beard came to 2/17 from 1/15FA. He walked in my PLL office looking lost but He had a sincere look so i didn't go off. I remember him coming to dispatch his vehicle while we were in ramadi and getting ready for patrol at Ogden Recon. The day he died was a sad one. Spc Beard touched a lot of people in 2/17 in many different ways. He was always ready to "lead from the front" and never backed down from any mission. His sense of humor is the one thing about him that I think we all will miss the most. My condolences to the beard family."
Charles E. Odom (retired) of Winston Salem, NC

"Remembered still."
anonymous of USA

"I didn't know SPC Beard personally but I had seen him around during training before we deployed. He always had a smile on his face. I was there with him the day that he was fatally wounded. I will never forget that day and I will never forget him. He was not my soldier but I felt the loss as if he was. He is with his fellow Army brothers and sisters that have put them selves in harms way in the name of freedom. His friends that I have talked to say that he was a great guy and a great soldier. I have no doubt that this is true. I send my sympathies to Bradley's parents. I will always remember your son. He has changed my life."
SSG Laurie A. Eggleston of 122 Sig BN, 2BCT, 2ID

"To the family of:Bradley S Beard, I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Chirst,"
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga

"Brad was one of the only mechanics who never shied away from doing extra work on our howitzwers and ammo track.....He always let me borrow his tools when other mechanics said no...Just an all-around great guy who was always approachable...I love you buddy....I know you're in peace"
SPC Steve Kournianos of Ft. Drum, NY

"Well this has been a long time coming! I am Spc Southers, I was Bradleys roomate in Korea at his old unit. Myself and Bradley volonteered to come to Iraq with 2/17 FA. We were also roomates there as well. I was with Bradley on the convoy. He was my driver, Bradely i dunno what happened that day but it should have been me. I was the closest. I'm sorry buddy. Mr. and Mrs. Beard I'm sorry about Bradley he was a very good person always looking out for me since i was with him everyday for almost a year. I also found very much humor in his comedy acts. I will never forget your son and what he taught me. Thank you Bradley for helping me and being a freind. I'll miss ya pal!! Lots of Love! Spc Southers, William."
Spc William R Southers of Ar Ramadi, IRAQ, 2/17 FA SVC Btry

"Well I grew up with you buddy...You were always a fun guy to be around and I wish you wouldn't of had to move to NC...We had some fun times together and I'll always remember them...You are definatly a hero in my mind...Love ya"
Stephen Buck of Moon Township, PA/United States

"My heart is heavy for the Beard family. We have lost a fine young man and one whom I have the upmost respect. Pain is a great common denominator between us; please know, I will never forget, BRADLEY BEARD!"
Angela of Ft. Worth, Texas

"I don’t believe that we understand all that you gave, or how your sacrifice will affect the future for our sons or daughters. I believe you confronted the evil that has enslaved mankind throughout history, the same evil that many American soldiers have confronted in many battles.

I will teach my son and daughter of your sacrifice and your heroism.

Proud Family of Pfc. Kohler serving in Ar Ramadi, Iraq"
Anderson Family of Montana

"To the family of a fallen and fellow soldier,

I must sincerely say I cannot begin to understand the hardship of losing a young soldier and a son. I, like your son, served in the same country, very far away, very far from loved ones, in a very difficult and different place. My parents at home would constantly watch the casualty reports, praying my name was not on the list. I feel sincerely privileged knowing the fact that I, unlike so many young soldiers, attained the honor of seeing my family and friends again. I am from West Virginia, and I can remember countless hours of staring into the pale, dusty sand wondering if I would ever see home's green mountains again. Although I cannot make the terrible memory of your son's death subside, i can give you the faith that his death was not in vain, and was not alone. Soldiers become brothers in hardship, willing to give the ultimate gift to one another, their lives. I respect gratefully the sacrifices of my fallen brothers, their sacrifice brought me home, their sacrifice makes us free. I can only leave you with these kind words of assurance to another fallen's mother.

Dear Madam,

"I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts, that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle."

"I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save."

"I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

A. Lincoln

Yours, Very Sincerely and Respectfully"
SGT Jason Maddy of Fort Sill, OK

"To the Beard family from the Wahl family. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY YOUR LOST. He was a hero! The elite of all Americans. To be a professional soldiers, doing what? He loved! An all Americans should be THANKFUL to him. We lost our son Gregory. He is a lost of North Carolina. Bradley's lost is more personal to us! God Bless!"
leonard wahl of valley stream ny

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

"To the family of Bradley S. Beard
Bradley is a HERO and will always be remembered. My heart goes out to all of the family. May you find some peace knowing he was fighting for us and our freedom."
Charlotte Barbret-Cupol of Roseville, MI

"To Bradley'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"

"To the family & friends of Bradley Beard:

My heart aches for your loss. My cousin, PFC Mark Barbret, also died in the same explosion as Bradley. My prayers are also with you in this horrible time of sorrow. Know that you are not alone, & neither was Bradley, Mark or Omer. They served together & died together as HEROES!!!! Although are hearts will be heavy for some time, we are truly proud & thankful for all they have sacrificed for our Country. They are now watching over us as well as their fellow soldiers & I find comfort knowing that I have the best watching over me!!! God Bless all of You!!!!"
Melissa (Barbret) Macchi of Roseville, MI

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

"To Bradley'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

"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 Bradley S. Beard."
Amy & Aaron Monier of Waterford, MI.

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

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on