Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"The Blue 2! One of the greatest men I ever had the honor of knowing. A great mentor, leader and man. I miss you. Never forgotten"
Scott Ray of Bamberg Germany

"I got to know Jason, Kim and Lane on the plane ride over to Vilseck Germany in 1998 and we became friends out of necesssity I think, since all of us were alone in a strange country. I remember Jason fondly as always making me laugh and for taking care of his family and my ex husband too (on occassion). I am so sorry to hear about his death after all these years. I will always remember staying at that funny little hotel in Schlict, going on site seeing tours, hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your place for the single guys in the company and how Jason was always so nice and made me feel welcome in your home. Kim, I wish you all the best.
Theresa Phillips
phillips0393@comcast.net"
Theresa of Richmond, VA

"I am truly sorry for the loss of this young man as well as a good future leader. He will be missed!"
Kevin Phillips of Richmond, VA/USA

"I cannot remember where I was stationed with him..Korea, Germany or at Ft. Carson. But I do remember the man. He was young and inspirational. God has blessed his soul or I would not remember him. He was a good man and a trusting soldier!!!!"
Jeff Shelton of Colorado Springs

"i will forever remember you and your family!
All gave some, some gave ALL!!!"
ssg haden

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH

""prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers is an organization of over 235 knitting groups throughout the country. Since October of 2007 we have sent out over 2,900 prayer shawls to families of fallen soldiers. If you or a member of your family would like a hand knit prayer shawl in the memory of Jason, Please contact me at barbconway@comast.net or 774 487-8618.
Sincerely, Barbara"
Barbara Conway of Cape Cod MA

"I represent Prayer shawls 4 Fallen soldiers, an organization that since October of 2007 has sent over 2,700 prayer shawls to military families who have lost a loved one. We are an organization of over 236 knitting groups from all over the country. We make every effort to reach families. Would a friend of the family kindly send me a contact email/address so that we may send a prayer shawl to the family of Jason Benford. My email is barbconway@comcast.net. My phone is 774 487-8618.
Fondly, Barbara"
Barbara Conway of Cape Cod MA

"jan 25 2008
Blue 2 (aka Jason Benford)
i think of all of the brothers ive lost, from our able company. Everyday i push myself harder to still be a good soldier even though im out now. I just wanted to let you know im living in Az now raising my beautiful son that i named after Blue2D (tommy byrd). I let him know everyday how lucky i was to know people like you and tommy and ssg summers. And how i try so hard in this life to do my best and keep my sanity. I owe everything to you guys and we will all be together again. I love you all.. former CPL Noah P."
former CPL Noah P. of Prescott, Az

"22 Nov 08
It's been three years, every year during the holidays I am supposed to be thankful and happy. The thing is that I can't think about the living without thinking about the dead. I know that this suffering is my idea, if we were to see each other you would tell me I'm wasting my time. What eats at me is how I found out about your death. It seemed no one wanted to tell me, that night I dreamed that we met each other and said our goodbyes that's when I knew it was true. I wear your remembrance bracelet everyday. It seems so weird, I was the one ready to die, I hope that I can see you on the other side and I can tell you all the marvelous things I have done with my borrowed time."
James Severin of Atlanta, GA

"April 22, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Jason A. Benford:
Jason 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

"My heart goes out to the Benford family. I was in country attached to 3-69 AR in 2005. I remember reading about your loved ones heroic efforts. I can't ever forget because It really struck me so deeply as i imagined what his family must feel.You guy's have been in my prayers ever since and will always remain in them. God Bless.
SGT Mark Benford"
SGT Mark Benford of Texas

"To the family of:Jason A.Benford 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"

"Hi Uncle Jay. I think about you everyday and want you to know thst I miss you and love you so much. My thoughts are with you Kim & boys."
Dana Parker of Sanford, Fl

"Hello Uncle Jay, I miss you. It has been a year to the day and not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I love you Uncle Jay. I just wish that I was able to tell you that before. Kim, Lane, and Jacob You are in my prayers everyday and I love and miss you guys."
Emily Wood of Orlando, FL/USA

"Kim,
I want to let you know that you and the boys have been in my thoughts and prayers."
Cherish Orr of Colorado Springs, Colorado

"I can’t believe its been a year man, it seems like yesterday when we last saw each other.
I saw Kim about two months ago she looked sad but she was making it. I still feel a lot of guilt and sadness for not being able to get you off the roof sooner, if I would have known then what I do now I would have not teased you when you walked by me that day. An I would have held Byrd longer and we would have cried together longer at all of our losses. You were the best of us all and I will always try to be a better person, because of you. I miss you Brother."
Tim Day of Able company Ft Benning

"To the Benford Family, with all of our love this aniversary.

"i carry your heart with me"
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)i am never without it(anywhere i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done by only me is your doing,my darling)i fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart) by: ee cummings"
Anonymous

"I am sooooo sorry for your loss. I heard about Jason from my little brother who goes to school with Lane, back last September. I was out doing a little shopping with my dad and family when we went to a comando shop right outside of Ft.Benning and was looking around when i found this glass case with silver braclets in it. Taking a closer look i realized that they were engraved with names and ranks of soldiers, i suddenly realized what they were for; they are rememberance braclets for dead soldiers. I asked my little brother what was the last name of his friend who's dad died in the army. After looking through all of the braclets i found it, Jason A. Benford. After buying the braclet I searched the web and found this. Just wanted to tell you, Lane and Mrs.Benford, that I'm sorry for your loss and hope that the rest of your family and you stay safe for a very long time."
Sara Lewallen of Columbus, Ga

"Jason stayed with me when we had to unload hot rounds from a Bradley that had been hit with an RPG. He just wouldn't leave! He is with me watchin my back. Regards to the family. bsbauer2003@yahoo.com"
Brian Bauer of Topton Pa 19562

"my name is Cassidy and i am a volunteer for the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run. We are a group of people that have built a memorial wall in Marsielles Illinois for all the fallen soldiers in Mideast conflicts since Beriut. Your loved one's name will be permenently added to this wall. For any further information visit our website www.ilfreedomrun.org please e-mail me at me1196@aol.com to let me know that you have recived this message. If you decide to come to this memorial on June 19th, 2006, you will recieve VIP seating and treatment for the cermonies that day. ALL OUR WELCOMING TO HONOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS
**Cassidy"
Cassidy of Brookfield/ILL/red,white,blue

"hi dad its lane
i miss you i just want you to come home i just want you to know that i love you and just remeber i love you"
lane benford of columbus GA

"I know you and tommy are eating all the pudding in the world....I miss you guys, thank you for taking care of Tommy...Kim and I are taking care of eachother too."
mykel byrd of tucson arizona

"I am so truly sorry for the loss of your husband, son, father, and friend, Jason Benford. My heart goes out to you at his loss. Please know that I am praying you find perfect peace during this holiday time, and please know that his dying was such a noble sacrifice for a great cause - freedom. Thank you, Kim, for being a wonderful, supportive wife to Jason. You are an inspiration to many and I pray for your strength to raise those precious children as I'm sure Jason would want. Sincerely,"
Kim Taylor of Columbus, GA-Cascade Hills Church

"I hope SPC Byrd brought you your pudding."
Nestor's wife of LaGrange, GA

""On behalf of the Hardy family, we send our sincerest condolences. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice . They are true heroes!
Friend of Jimmy Ryan & Joel Garica""
nanniebecky of Columbus Ga

"To the Benford Family,
We extend our heartfelt condolences to you for the loss of your beloved JASON. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. JASON will Always Be Remembered as a Hero.
JASON - Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our great country. We celebrate your life and honor you as an American Hero. Gods Speed young Warrior and may the Angels surround your family as they try to heal.
From a grateful family of a US Army Soldier, from Ft. Campbell 101st AVN Regt, now serving in Iraq 10-20-05.""
---The Erwin Family of Oregon, United States of America

"I hope that God gives you the strength to get through this, and that you always know he is with you! I'm sorry for your loss, he is truly a hero!"
Jennifer of Bradenton, FL, USA

"May God bless you and your family Mrs. Benford. I am proud to have served with SSG. Benford in Able Company 2-69. His memory will forever live, just like the smile he always had on his face. He will be missed, but NEVER FORGOTTEN!!"
Strike Force Soldier A Co 2-69 of Ramadi, Iraq

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

"I was deeply saddened by the news of Ssg Benfords death. It is sad that a fine soldier and a good husband had to be taken away from us in the prime of his life. I served with Ssg Benford in Bco 2-2 Inf in vilseck Germany as the training room NCO. I really enjoyed working with him. He could smile in a heartbeat, and light a private up the next. I also worked with Kim in Family Support Group. She had a true dedication to the cause we were after. I hope God will watch over you Kim in these troubling times."
Garland Ellenburg II of Concord NC

"TO JASON A. BENFORD FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. JASON THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. RISKING EVERYTHING UNSELFISHLY FOR ALL AMERICANS! AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON GREGORY. SOLDIER HOLD A SPECIAL BOND THE BAND OF BROTHERHOOD ALONG WITH SISTERHOOD! A POWER MOST IN THE WORLD FEAR THE AMERICAN SOLDIER! IRAQ SEE'S THE SWEETER SIDE OF AMERICAN SOLDIER'S. JASON YOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN PAL! MY TEARS ROLL DOWN MY CHEEKS FOR YOU AS WITH MY SON AND ALL OUR FALLEN. YOU CAN NOT BE FORGOTTEN JASON. YOU COME FROM ONE SPECIAL COMMUNITY. TO YOUR FAMILY REACH OUT TO THE POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY NOT TOMORROW. REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED AND HONORED AFTER JASON SERVICE. TO HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY, STATE AND COUNTRY. WE CAN NOT ALLOW OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS TO BE FORGOTTEN. TODAY WE HONOR FALLEN FROM WWI, WWII, KOREAN AND ETC. WEM CAN NOT WAIT UNTIL THIS CONFLICT OR WAR ENDS, UNFAIR TO JASON AND ALL OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS! JASON YOU ARE MORE THEN ASOLDIER AND HERO. YOU ARE SOMEONE'S SOMEONE AND SOMEONE DEAR TO US ALL. GOD BLESS!"
leonard t. wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Mrs Benford
I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with your husband for about 3 years in Aco 1-15th IN during ODS and OIF. He was a true soldier and I am sure he was an excellent husband. He will never be forgotten!!"
MSG Milton Hathcock of Fort Knox, KY

"Thank you Jason Benford, 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 Staff Sgt. Jason Benford:
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 Jason 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 Staff Sgt. Jason Benford:
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 Jason, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia