Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Big brother I miss you so very much I'm so proud of you I wish I just had one day to talk to you and theres not a day that goes by that I don't think about you there are
so many thigs I love to talk to you about I remember you all ways keep me out of trouble win I was a kid you was more than just a big brother you was my best friend and we cry for you all the time and we think of you all the time we might not get to see you now but one day we will love you so much bill and you are my hero big brother"
David Bennett of Jefferson tn us

"Love and miss you big brother not a day go by that I don't think of you"
David bennett

"SFC Bennett,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OIF but also when you served in Panama and Desert Storm as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Green Berets All The Way!"

"Your not forgotten! De Oppresso Liber 2014
To his family;May his memory be filled of a loving father who is warrior, a brother."
MSG Nathan Tinnin of Ft Campbell Ky

"Bill, thinking about you and Kevin today...."
stew of houston, tx

"To the family of William Bennett 5th sf 3rd Batt. I have a bracelet that is in his memory that my brother wore everyday. Now that my brother has passed away I would like for the family to have it. Please contact me at tlyn1978@yahoo.com"
Teri Holden of Leland nc

"Happy Birthday my dear Brother you are so very missed."
Sarah of Dandridge, TN

"William,,
I never got the chance to meet you, but have learned about you from your friend Robert D. Luenebrink. I wanted to thank you for giving your all for our country and our freedom. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
"Pipes""
Donita Kinder Munro of Indianapolis IN

"Bill,

One more marathon to honor not just you but Allison and Seth. Mount Desert Island Marathon, ME - Oct. 17, 2010."
Benny of Collierville, TN

"Bill,

Hey brother. I miss you. Not a day goes by where your not in my life in one form or another. I really wish we were shooting bottle rockets at each other again. Although it was never said, I love you. You had a tremendous influence on my life and I thank GOD every day for the time I got to spend with you. Rest in Peace and give GOD a high five for me."
Lloyd Stites of Scottsdale, AZ

""To the family of William M. Bennett ,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""

"1/30/10
I am a senior in high school and we are doing a research paper on our Heroes and I picked Bill for my report. I was never able to meet Bill but I have always grown up hearing great things about him. My mother, Covalyn, grew up with Bill and his family and she has told me how amazing of a person he was and how he always kept his faith in God and I think that is such an amazing thing. And I wanted to let you know that Bill has not been forgotten and never will be. God bless"
Nicole of Maryville, TN

"To Bill's Family: I went to Arabic language w/Bill. I purchased the book w/Bill's Combat Actions in Afghanistan. I respected Bill, being an ex-medic. I never forget the good outing and his assistance at the beach during our trip to Willmington NC in 1995. He would always give me a hard time being a Civil Affairs type. GO VOLS! BILL...an ultimate warrior."
MAJ Mike Blankenship of Jonesborough, TN

"9/12/09
love and miss you bill you were the best brother a girl could want. this day is just as painful 6 years later."
rosie funkhouser of baker wv. usa

"Love and Miss You!"
Sarah of Dandridge, TN

"I served with you in the 1991 Gulf War, I honor your service, your sacrifice, your memory."
Joe Vizanko of Sunnyvale, California

"R.I.P warrior

Sgt Rett
USMC"

"4/1/09

Last night I learned about this loss for our nation and gain for God's Kingdom. Like the previous writer, I was stationed with this exceptional hero in Ft. Kobbe, Panama. I will never forget this gungho soldier. He was raw, gutsy, athletic, and always kind to me. I remember he used to climb the hills and mountains on his days off.

I share in your loss. My son, LCpl. Aaron C. Austin, USMC was KIA in Fallujah, Iraq on April 26, 2004. He earned the Silver Star and life/death handed me my Gold Star. To quote another writer here, "It's (nearly) 5 years. It isn't easier by any means, but different. It's not as raw. I don't wake up in the nightmare every morning like I did for a couple of years. My bed has quit shaking from the tremor of my body. All these mental and physical emotions, and me, a deep Christian....

They are in a brilliant place right now. They lived and died as heroes. I'll never forget them; I'll always be thankful there are men such as ours.

God bless all of you and may He keep a hedge of protection around your hearts and minds, and may He abundantly bless each fighting troop until we join Bill and Aaron in our eternal home.

I do want you to know that when I learned of his passing, it shook me deeply last night and I mourned your loss.

Five years ago today we learned of the atrocities in Al Anbar when the insurgents strung up the contractors from a bridge there. Things went downhill quickly for me then. By that time, your family was well into their first year of grief. I am so sorry that I was not here then to thank you, but please know that I prayed for all of our troops before their boots ever hit the desert sand. Aaron was there when it first kicked off and I was so thankful he made it back. But each time the chain beat against the flagpole on FOX news and announced another casualty, it made my knees weak and broke my heart. I wonder now if I possibly heard your loved one's name, but failed to put his face to it. I listened to the news constantly, so this certainly must've been the case. So, I'm terribly late in responding, and for that, I am sorry."
De'on (Austin) Miller of Lovington NM

"I was stationed with Bennett @ Ft Kobe, Panama back in 1989 & 90...he was a great guy & I have a few pictures of him. Condolences to his family."
Victoria Dumbacher of Atlanta

"Happy 41st Birthday Bill miss you and love you."
Sarah Bennett of Dandridge, TN

"Been 5 years since Bill's passing, just as painful today as it was then. Rachel and I have since had a baby girl Daniella fittingly she was born on Veteran's Day 07' and I can promise you she will know how brave and professional hero you were.
God Bless All"
Jason Whiting of WV

"Bill it has been 5 years but only seems like yesterday when mom called me love and miss you."
Sarah Bennett of Dandridge Tn

"On the 5th anniversary of your passing, may God continue to give strength and comfort to your family."
Mark of wytheville, va

"April 23, 2008
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class William M. Bennett:
William 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

"Happy Birthday Bill love and miss you."
Sarah of Dandridge,TN

"I am a distant relative of Bill's. I used to help baby-sit him before he left WV. I want the family to know how proud I am of Bill and all men and women of our military. The sacrifice of everyone is larger than any words can explain. Thank-you Bill, I wish I had known you.
Barbara Toler Causby - cousin"
Barbara Causby of Nebo, NC

"I was working as a police officer the night they brought William home from Iraq. I can still remember the solemn pride and sadness that I felt that night. Although I never knew William, I am thankful that there are men and women like him who are willing to lay it all on the line so that people like myself can enjoy the freedoms and privileges that we too often take for granted. God bless you and grant you eternal peace."
Scott Spicer of Maryville, TN

"Seth and Allison,
Four years have passed and the anniversary of Bill's passing has come and gone. I was driving my route for work through Franklin Tennessee this past week and saw a Flags of Honor tribute set up for all Tennesseans that have died in this Global war on terror. Bills Flag and picture were closest to the intersection, and I happened to see it from the road. I am proud to have known him, and have been working with many of his friends and associates from the 5th SFG on a novel titled: "O.D.A.: The story of an Operational Special Forces A-Team" The men that worked with and knew Bill never fail to praise him or the work he died enjoying.
It was an honor to have known such a man."
Steve Collins of Clarksville, TN, U.S.A.

"It has been almost 4 years since Bill's death, but I received his name this morning in church as a fallen hero. I planted a flag for him around the flagpole of our church and want to let his wife Allison and his parents, Leonard and Kathleen, know that as this July 4 approaches, I will be praying for God's strength and comfort for them. Please know that his sacrifice will never be taken for granted as long as I am alive."
Mary Dungan of Knoxville, TN

"I can only say thanks to you and the great men and women that help keep this country free. We moan and complain and groan and then we see families like this who have a lifetime of suffering. Thanks for your service to our country and my thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and loved ones. May God grant his GRACE and MERCY on everyone who knew you.""
keith of paducah, kentucky

"Happy Birthday Bill love and miss you"
Sarah of dandridge tn

"I got Bill's memorial bracelet shortly before leaving for my latest tour in Iraq. I didn't know Bill, but I have served with men like him for the past 17 years. I wore Bill's bracelet throughout my tour, including some time in the Al Anbar province near Ramadi. It remains a part of my daily wardrobe. My sincere condolences to Bill's family and friends.
sfc_alvis@yahoo.com"
SFC Mike Alvis of Champaign, Illinois

"For the family and friends of Bill Bennett. I spent considerable time carrying out research in Northern Afghanistan with the people who were liberated from the Taliban by Bill and the rest of his ODA 595 team. I do not use the term hero lightly, but Bill is remembered as such by those in this land who suffered for so long from the Taliban before their liberation. I had the sad task of conveying the news of his death to some of those Afghan-Uzbeks whom he fought alongside. They were overwhelmed with sorrow and went into mourning, they felt as if they had lost a brother and a protector. I promised to convey their heart felt thanks and prayers to you and am humbled to be able to do so. May God bless you and Bill and thank you from the people of northern Afghanistan."
Brian Glyn Williams of Somerville, MA

"May God Bless you Seth and Allison as we remember Bill this Memorial Day week. We miss you Bill, and we love you Allison and Seth you are in our prays"
Jason Whiting of Piney View,WV

"Bill! Deeply sadden of the news! thank you for serving our country and for being a military brother to ourson; as he felt of you. You are both together. Thank God we had American's like you. That answered a calling very few American's do. You have helped America alot safer since 911! an to give the Afghnistan and Iraqi people a new beginning. You will never ever be forgotten, remembered today, tomorrow forever! GATLINBURG ON THE 4TH OF JULY IS HAVING A MIDNIGHT PARADE AND FIREWORKS. I ALONG WITH OTHER FALLEN FAMILIES WILL BE ATTENDING. TO ENTER A FLOAT TO HONOUR OUR FALLEN AND TO ASK AMERICAN'S TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!"
leonard_wahl@hotmail.com of Spring Texas

"Happy Birthday Bill we love and miss you love Sarah"
Sarah

"You always going to be in my heart and thoughts, till I see you again. Rest and Peace. You are loved forever."
Unknown

"Update from last posting, found a great site with an interview of ODA 595 and a small pic of bill.
Here it is:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/campaign/interviews/595.html
hope you find it interesting."
Steve Collins of Clarksville, tn

"Allison and Seth,
What can I say. Susan the kids and I miss Bill so very much, and we know without the slightest doubt where he is right now and who he is singing with. It was always great seeing him in church with you guys and there will always be an empty spot in the pews where you always sat. Allison the offer still stands if you guys ever need or want anything please call Sue or myself, and we will do our darndest to help any way we can. We miss you sister. And Seth must be at least six feet tall now. hahaha
Sincerely,"
Steve and Susan Collins of Hillcrest Baptist Church, Clarksville, TN,

"Bill,
Not a day goes by where your not in my thoughts.....I miss you and love you"
lloyd of Scottsdale, az

"You are not forgotten."
Scott of Londonderry, NH

"Thank you for your sacrifice and may God be with the family. Yours was a just cause and although your loss can never be replaced, this world will be better for it. Until we all gather once again for that final formation, I salute you."
Doug Lowe SFC(Ret) of Clarksville, TN

"I have just recently received William M. Bennett's hero bracelet. I am honored to be wearing his name on my wrist and my prayers are with his family."
Diane, Highschool Student of Norridge, IL

"SFC Bennett will always be in my memories. It did not matter to him that I was not a team guy and treated me as part of the team. I helped to recover and drive SFC Bennett to the nearest med assets. It hurt to see that the man that I had come to respect and admire is now gone from this world. My condolences to the family."

"William Bennett you are not forgotten, you are hero forever. Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. William is given an eternal life and never perish. You always in my prayer Allison and Seth"
FW of Texas

"William Bennett,
I am a soldier that has just completed his deploymemt ot Iraq. I now wear your name on a memorial bracelet I ordered specifically for you, I wear it with full honor to the United States and you. I had several freinds killed in Iraq. I am sure you are missed by many. Thank you for your great sacrifice, mabe someday in Heaven I will get to meet you. Until then God bless you and your family."
CPL James Schrock of Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania

"Bill today marks one year since you left this world I thank of you every day and miss you so much but i understand the sicrafice you made for your country and family. I will never forget you brother we had a blast when we were kids i miss those years so much i often go back to those times and laugh at the things we did and the trouble we would get into thanks for the adventure love you always your sis. Some day we will get to walk those railroad tracks again and try to beat the train but until then save me a spot love Sarah."
Sarah of Dandridge Tn

"To the soilder that left the message on this site that tried to save Bill just keep in mind you done all you could do please if you visit this again will you leave your name and email so i can thank you for trying i am williams sister me and my family appreciate all of you that tried to save him thanks and may God Bless you and keep you safe"
Sarah of Tn

"William Bennett, Even though you never met me i still have respect for you. I knew you even though you didnt know me. I was there the night of the raid in ramadi with 10th Mtn Div. I tried so hard to keep you in this world for your family but i couldnt. I helped the medics give you chest compressions in the FLA. I also helped pull you out of the house(me and one of my friends) i just want to let you know that i still think about you and that night and wish i could have done a little more to keep you here. RIP. Hooah!"

"You gave the ultimate sacrifice for your country. I salute you. You are a Hero in my book. May you rest in peace!"
Jeffrey Scott of Houston, Texas

"You are a hero to us all William M. Bennett. People do not realize the sacrafices a soldier makes during times of war . . . I know that God has a special place by his side reserved for you . . . I'll look forward to meeting you when I get to Heaven. http://www.rncrosscarrier.org"
Alby Thorp of Sevierville, Tennessee

"William M. Bennett is in a better place now and will look over you from heaven."
7th Grade student of Barker middle School

"I'm a 7th grade student from Barker Central school. I am participating in a wonderful project, to write to war heroe's families.
I just wanted to say that William Bennett
will always be remembered as a HERO. He served our country and died trying to protect his family, friends, and country from harm.My heart weeps for your tragic loss, William will be in my thoughts and prayers."
7th Grade Student of Barker Middle School

"William you will be missed so much. You was a brave soldier and had so much courage. May God comfort your family. I know that he is looking down
to protect us. You was a hero. May God Bless Wanda"
Wanda of Manchester,Tenn USA

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

"I met Bill in the Q-course, we shared the struggles of getting through it and then we were both assigned to 5th Group togeather. He was a true professional. You will be missed by many, rest in peace and thank you for your service."
Dominique Greydanus of San Antonio, TX

"Hello everyone. My name is Allison Bennett, Bill's wife. Thank you all for caring enough to take the time to write to us through this site. It means so much to me to know that people appreciate and remember Bill's sacrifice. For those of you who were privileged enough to know Bill, please email me directly. It gives me comfort to re-live his life and stories with those who shared his past.

baskntn@bellsouth.net
Thank you again."
Allison of Clarksville, TN. USA

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

"the spirit of life, love and all that can come with the close connection with the almighty is shining brightly in his face. i never knew him or his family but i've seen this in his face the many times i have visited a fallen military website and want to pass this along to his family. his joy of life, his goodness and his connection with the divine shines ever so brightly even through an internet photo.

much love and thanks to you all and him for the ultimate sacrifice given by ALL of you. i pray for your peace and comfort,
kelly"
kelly b. hoots of montgomery

"I WORK AT A GAS STATION CALLED THE PANTRY ON LAFAYETTE, BENNETT WAS ONE OF OUR BOYS. SMILE ON HIS FACE AND A REFILL IN THAT CUP.CAME IN AND SASSED ALL OF US (IN A GOOD WAY) AND WE WOULD JUST SASS HIM RIGHT ON BACK AND JUST START LAUGHING. NEVER SEEN HIM IN A BAD MOOD, HE USE TO HELP US RUN OFF THE KIDS WHEN THEY GOT OUT OF SCHOOL SOMETIMES. HE WOULD SAY THESE KIDS AROUND HERE AND ROLL HIS EYES AND GRIN. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT I AM VERY PROUD THAT I GOT TO KNOW YOUR SON, HE IS A VERY GOOD MAN. MAY GOD BE WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY."
DONNA of CLARKSVILLE TN

"I new Bill from Dive school pre-screen, Dive school and were roommates in Panama. He always set high standards form himself and for those working with him. America is grateful for his service and mourns his lost."
Michael Colbert of Virginia

"William (Don) was my friend and classmate in the 18D and 18C SFQC. He was a true friend and American. God bless you Don..."
Steve Benson of Mountain View CA

"Bill, God bless you for what you have done for your nation. You will be missed. My condolences to the family. You have always been the example of what to be as a Special Forces NCO."
Pete Schichtel of Ft. Bragg, NC

"Thank you William Bennett, 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

"I was a roommate of Bill's in Navy dive school back in the spring of '89, and we both were stationed in Panama together soon after. I am deeply sorry for your loss Allison and Seth. Know that Bill is with God, looking down on you and watching over you."
John Bogue of Philadelphia, PA

"I ran across this soldier on the CNN site - I am a Canadian who regrets that my country did not support good soldiers such as this. God Bless."
Ryan Thompson of Calgary, Alberta

"William was my brother I was very proud of him and I miss him very much and thank you all for you thoughts and prayers. William went by "Bill" and he was born in W.Va. He is deeply missed by his family."
Sarah Hawkins of Dandridge,Tn Jefferson

"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

"May God see you thru your time of loss. Know that William is now and forever known as a hero and will sit as an Angel of God and watch over you."
W. of Flushing, MI

"May God see you thru your time of loss. Know that William is now and forever known as a hero and will sit as an Angel of God and watch over you."
W. of Flushing, MI

"To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class William Bennett:
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 William 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. 1st Class William Bennett:
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 William, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia