Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Dear son .. we’ve switched to the private group on Facebook .. Daddy and I started a group Charlie/Co Blair / DiCenzo group … about 88 of your soldier friends found us …. They check on us … they share stories about 2006 …. The Captain’s family have joined with us .

We miss you everyday !! We love you sweetie !

Momma K"
Karen Blair of Montana

"To those that Blair left behind, thank you for you sacrifice and my condolences for you loss. I was once Blair's squad leader when he first joined the National Guard still in highschool. I fondly recall his naive private innocence and zealous enthusiasm. His well intended but misguided antics still bring chuckle a smile to my face. The thought that he is gone leaves an ache when and brings glaze to my eyes.
I remember how distraught he was when he couldn't deploy with us. Fir what splice it me buying i assure you he was doing EXACTLY what God made him to do when we lost him. I look forward to seeing him again at the feet of the Savior."
MSG Wes Parker of Flagstaff, AZ

"Dear son . A lot of your friends have found us on Facebook .. we formed a private group . Charlie-Co Blair / DiCenzo group .

We’ve been writing weekly there .

We love and miss you everyday !!

It’s been 15 years now . Your Captain’s family are on the group that we created ..

Love you !!
Momma K and Daddy Jan 2022"
Karen Blair of Belfry Montana

"I had the privilege and honor of working SPC. Blair's service when I lived in Florida and worked for Hiers-Baxley. I think of him every Veterans Day, and sometimes, randomly. He is truly to be honored for his sacrifice and bravery. He will not be forgotten."
Cynthia of WV

"This Memorial Day - May 25th, I ran a 50k (31 miles) in memory of SPC Robert E. Blair. I had his photo pinned to me & with every mile that passed I looked at his picture & said his name. I did not know him but wanted to honor his memory on the anniversary of his death. He will never be forgotten."
Melissa of New York

"My name is Andrew Saldana...Blair was one of my soldiers, I have never reached out or spoken to anyone after he fell. I just wanted to say, he was a stellar young man and was my friend. Thank you for your sacrifice as his family. Please feel free to reach out if you ever would like to. drew_1518@hotmail.com"
Andrew Saldana of Odessa, Tx

"I came across your son's memorial and I want to
tell you that your son Robert is not forgotten. His contribution (and yours) will never be forgotten. My son was born in 1984 and also served in the same war. He came home but is forever changed. Please know we care. Call me - Susan (352-208-4722)"
Susan of Ocala

"Nov 2016

You have a birthday on the 23rd son .... You would of been 33 !!! Love you and miss you !!! Hugs in heaven !! Momma K and Daddy"
Karen Blair of Montana

"Another 4th of July without you son .... We love you !! Daddy and MommaK"
of Mt

"This May 25, 2016 will be 10 years gone ... But never forgotten Son !!! We put an ad in the Florida paper to honor you !

Daddy wrote : "Our true freedom is your eternal vigilance !!" ..... You are guarding the gates in heaven and watching over us !!

We love you and miss you so much .... I mailed out 100 memory cards to friends and family. It has my favorite pic of you .. You are sitting in a military vehicle and you are the reflection of what a true soldier looks like in that pic !!

You so loved serving this country ! Thanks for what you did for all of us ... You are a true Amercian Hero !!

Hugs in heaven !!

Love ... MommaK and Daddy

10 years gone .... But never forgotten and forever loved !!!"
Karen Blair of Belfry Montana

"2016

Easter blessings in heaven !

We love and miss you!

Our hero !!

Love .. Momma K and Dad"
Karen Blair of Montana

"Happy Valentines Day !! We love you sweet son !

We miss you our Hero !"
MommaK and Daddy of Montana

"2016

Happy New Year Son !!

We love you and miss you !

MommaK and daddy"
Karen Blair of Montana

"2015 Merry Christmas son ! We love you and miss you !! Our hero !!

Momma K and Daddy"
Karen Blair of Montana

"Thanksgiving 2015 .. Another empty seat at the table ... We love and miss you !!
You are guarding the gates of heaven !

Love forever !! Momma K and dad"
Karen Blair of Montana

"Thinking of you today son !!!

W love you and miss you !"
Karen Blair of Montana

"Next month is Thanksgiving and we are thankful for your service son ! We love and miss you !

Momma K and Daddy"
Karen and Allen Blair of Montana

"Next month is Thanksgiving and we are thankful for your service son ! We love and miss you !

Momma K and Daddy"
Karen and Allen Blair of Montana

"No Son !! 32 years old !! On November 23, 2006 would have been 23 .... and every year after to Nov. 2015 .... Would have been 32 !! Oh my! I often wonder how handsome you would be .... Very !! Keep guarding the gates of Heaven !!
Love you and miss you so much !!"
Karen Blair of Montana

"Next month you would have been 31 .... It's been a long journey son ... We love and miss you ! To our Hero and Son .... Can't wait to go out and put the birthday flowers in Bushnell!
MommaK and Daddy"
Karen Blair of Montana

"May .. 2015

Son ... In 5 days .. It will be Memorial Day ... This year .. It falls on your death date .... You and your Capt. Dicenzo are truly .. HEROS! Nine years gone .. But never forgotten !!!
Daddy and I thank you son for serving this country ! You gave your all !!! The sacrifice is great and the loss is worse !! It's been a long nine years !! We love you and miss you !!!

Hold those gates with strong arms in heaven ! You are the best one to guard them !!!

Love forever ..... Momma K and Daddy"
Karen Blair of Montana

"It's been three months since Aunt Debbie passed away ... I know she's in heaven with you !! Memorial Day is next month .... It is hard to believe you've been gone 9 years son !! We love you and miss you !!!!"
Parents of Montana

"Another Valentine day has come and gone ... You are in our hearts son .. Always !!

Love you !!

Momma K and daddy"
K Blair of Belfry, Mt

"Son .... your Aunt Debbie passed away last night ... My heart is broken again ... She was 55 and you were 22 ...... Please welcome her and look out for her !! Love you our hero !!"
Momma K

"Happy New Year 2015 !

We love you !! Momma K and Daddy"

"Son ...... This is Christmas 2014!!!! Another sweet baby has been born ... You have another nephew ... he is so precious !!

Aunt Debbie is very very sick and it's a sad time this Christmas as we watch her fight hard to beat this cancer !!!! We know she loves the Lord !!! Son, continue watching heavens gates !! We will always love you our hero !!!!"
Momma K and daddy of Montana

"On the 23rd of this month ... You would have been 31!!!! Time is going by .... You are never forgotten son! It is the Thanksgiving season .. We are thankful for your service!!

Love you ...."
Momma K and Dad of Belfry, Mt.

"Blair
Man do I miss you and dicenzo can't believe it been 8 yrs. I still remember me and you drinking a few cold ones back in Germany and the time you pee'd on CQ shoes. We had a good time in Germany. I hope your watching under us and we will meet again and drink some more but until then I toast to you and cpt dicenzos' honor. Cheers!"
Christopher Moore of Tempe, Arizona

"Hey, brother!

I cannot believe 8 years have past since you and CPT. Dicenzo went on to heaven. Miss you man!

Adrian"
Adrian Howard of Henderson, Kentucky

"Dear son,

This Sunday, May 25th will be eight years you've been gone ..... It's so hard to believe it's been that long .... We miss you everyday !!!

We are so proud of what you and your Captain did for our country !!

You are our Hero !!!

We love you always !"
Momma K and Dad Blair of Belfry, Mt

"Today is my birthday son! I miss you and I know you are guarding Heavens gates!!"
Blairs of Montana

"Here...seven years to date on the anniversary of the day... I am reading all of these heartfelt post that many people have wrote in honor and respect for my nephew Robert.
I pray for everyone that has lost a fallen hero...for the peace of God to comfort and strengthen you. We honor all the fallen men and women who gave everything so that we may have freedom...God bless u all!"
Sue McCullough of Summerfield, FL

"The message below is for our remembrance of this coming Memorial Day!!

May 22, 2013 for the anniversary date of May 25, 2006 when Robert was taken from us!"
Blairs of Montana

"As we get closer to this Saturday, we are reminiscing about the past seven years!!

It's hard to believe that you would have been 29 this year! Christy will be 30 in October and is having a baby in August!!! Yes, another nephew!!

I spoke to some High School students last week about Memorial Day....... Explaining that it is NOT just a hotdog cook-out....... You could have heard a pin drop in the room!!!!!

You, and your Captain Doug, have been in our thoughts.... We pray for his family, too!!!

This Saturday, the 25th will be another tough day.... But, we know you are guarding the Gates of Heaven!!!!!

To our HERO and son............

We know this message is for the living .... May they read it and take time to remember that .... Freedom is not Free.... It comes with a Price!!!!

We will always love you!!!"
MonmaK and Dad of Montana

"Easter 2013!

Love forever!!!!"
MommaK and Dad of Montana

"Spc Blair,
I have written papers about you. You tried to convince me to join the rodeo in Germany for soldiers. I was across the hall from you at FOB falcon and we spent many nights/daytime downtimes talking about missing "back home". I knew you for your grand smile. The day you died, I was leaving the shower, and you were coming in. I had come off a day long mission and was distressed. And despite the awkward situation(having ended this day, showered,and put pt's back on), you smiled at me and asked how I was doing. My response was not adequate. Then I recieved the horrible news hours later from a medic buddy of mine. I wish everyday that I'd have atleast repeated your courtesy. You were a great man and are sorely missed by those of us who served with you."
Robert C. Lowery of Plano, Tx

"December 2012

This Christmas you would have been 29 ... This past November. Time goes by and your memory is as fresh as the day you came home on leave ....

You have a niece and she has your eyes!!!

Merry Christmas 2012 to our Hero!

Rest in the arms of God .. He is the reason for the season ... He is our refuge and peace in the midst of a storm !! Love you son!!!"
Karen and Allen Blair of Montana

"Miss you Robert."
Shannon of Umatilla, FL

"On this memorial day, I came to this site to Honor your memory. RIP Blair. You're time was too short here... Never Forgotten."
Alicia Sieg of Ocala, FL

"Today, Son, marks 6 years you were taken from us....we think of you everyday..We are proud of you our HERO and Son! Love you!

Dad and Momma-K"
Karen and Allen Blair of Montana

"Dear Robert,
It's been a long while before I could say anything about you. I regret not being by your side when I felt you needed me the most. Even tho I know there was nothing I could have done and I trained you the best I could. You were the only Soldier that was ever at some point in my career under me, that I lost. You will be forever the Hero of Hoenfels!

SSG T

PS Sorry for taking to long to write."
SSG Tollinchi, Jason of Jacksonville, Florida

"Thank you for contacting us....we appreciate your help in getting our things back to us."
Allen and Karen Blair of Montana

"Hi to the family of Robert Edwards Blair I found some of your sons things from the army please call me 352-304-2949. I found them in a friend salvage store. Would like to get them to you. Christie"
Christie of Ocala, florida

"Today, on this 10th anniversary of 9/11, we honor you and Capt. Doug, too! This made life changes and decisions and made you more determined to make a difference in this world. Thank you our son and HERO!"
Momma-K and Daddy of Montana

"To Allen and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you on this Memorial Day."
Ruth Hagler of Tallahassee, FL

"Today, on this Memorial Day...we honor you our son and Hero!
Love,

Dad and Momma-K"
Karen and Allen Blair of Belfry, Montana

"Robert

Seems like only yesterday we were at Fob Falcon. Ill never forget you or Capt D and the impact you both had on my life. That day and your memories live on through my family and have made us better people. Words cant express the sacrifice you made to your country and your fellow soldiers. Miss you brother.....CHARLIE ROCK!!!!!"
Joshua B Vincent of Modesto, CA

"May 25, 2011

Today, marks five years since you were taken from us!

You and your Capt. are guarding Heaven's Gates!

We love and miss you!

Dad and Momma-K"
Karen Blair of Belfry, Montana

"It has been 5 years now son. We will start writing in my journal from now on, instead of this site. We love and miss you!"
Momma-K and Daddy of Belfry, MT

"But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seem to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. Wisdom 3:1-3

Please know that your son is not forgotten and his memory lives. I pray that you have been consoled over the years for his loss. God bless you, your family, friends and God bless the American Soldier."
Vickie Blacklock (mother of a soldier) of Huntsville, AL

"Dear Blair,
I miss you so much and I think about you every day. I'm sorry that I never went bull riding with you. It kills me that you and Cpt D. never got to get out of there and back with your family. But your & the others of Cco deaths has given me a purpose and a love for life. I use you and the others that have died to compare to others that I know and will ever meet.I can never forget you.
Much love, Raymond Alexander Girona"
Raymond Girona of Hoboken NJ

"Jan. 1, 2011

Happy New Year Son! This year marks 5 years since you were taken from us.....I know Heaven's Gates are guarded by you and your Capt.

We love and miss you so much!

God bless you........

This year, your ornament on the tree had a flag with an eagle....it's a nice one!

Love ya......"
Momma-K and Daddy of Belfry, MT

"Hello Son!

Merry Christmas....we love you and miss you! Your wreath and stocking decorate your resting place!

You are guarding Heaven's gates!
Love,"
Daddy and Momma-K of Belfry,MT

"Amvets Post 19 in Ft McCoy, Fl is earning the money to have a dedicated monument for the "Fallen Heroes of Marion County" be built in the Ocala/MC Veterans Mem Park. Your sons valor will be remembered and honored for all times, This is my promise, Libby Rawson, Ladies Auxiliary President"
Libby Rawson of Ocala, Fla.

"Dear Son, OUR HERO!

It has been 4 years now since you were taken from us....each day, we think of all the great times the three of us had hunting, riding 4 Wheelers and all the times you made us smile with your humor! You could light up the room and bring joy, laughter and fun to all of us!

We miss you so much.....we enjoy our times with you as we sit on the bench right next to you at the Florida National Cemetery....as we both sit and sing your favorite song....we just find God's peace ....we have our quiet moments with you and the little crystal angels hidden in the trees.. chime ...

We wrote an article about your last hunt with you and Daddy....the "Turkey Call" magazine printed it!!! It is called...."From Iraq with Love".....

You are guarding Heaven's Gates ....you are and will always be our son and HERO!!! We love you!

You have another niece......she is a beautiful baby! We are proud of all that you did for this country!
Love you honey!!!! Daddy and Momma-K"
Capt. (ret.) Allen and Karen Blair of Silver Springs, Florida USA

"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
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I can still remember the day I found out you were gone. I called my mom and we both cried. Having been to Iraq and back I know the courage you had and remembering all the years we spent together as kids who became adults, I know you were the bravest man I've ever met because I've seen the American Pride in your eyes, as we both grew up together, we both joined the military, we both marched over that dry Iraqi sand, yet I know in my heart that you were the braver of the two of us and as I sit here and cry over loosing a friend, I know our little home town now sees you for the hero, that I always knew you were. I'll never forget you, I will always tell your story. You're an American hero and a very missed one at that."
Rachel of Ocklawaha, Fl

"Blair,
You are truly missed in our household. You are thought about everyday and you even played a part in naming one of our sons. It was truly an honor to have known you and to have become friends with you. RIP.
Crystal St.Lawrence (SPC Michael St.Lawrence's wife)"
Crystal St. Lawrence of Houston, TX

"Hey Buddy,
I miss you still today after all these years. I will never forget you. We will meet again one day, but for me not yet brother. Rest well Brother, and my prayers have been with your family and freinds as well during all this time."
Spc Bustin of Nj

"Dear Allen and Karen Blair - I will always lift up the memory of your wonderful, adventurous, bull-riding son when we have yearly memorials to my son-in-law Captain Douglas DiCenzo, whom I know your remember was another brave soldier lost when the IED hit the Humvee they were riding in. Your son was obviously full of gusto, and I know he is guarding us just on the other side with Doug. May the Lord continue to hold your hearts in his hands until we are all united again with our brave heroes! With Love, Sherry Kitts"
Sherry Kitts of Hixson, TN, USA

"you will never be forgotten. we didnt know each other as well as id like to have, but i remember seeing you in your uniform when you came and visited school once. i looked up to you then, and now here i am in the very same place you gave your life. i can only pray i and as strong as you were. my sympothy goes out to your family. 5 years has come and gone now, but you will never be forgotten."
specialist creig benson of (ocklawaha, fl.) camp warhorse iraq.

"April 23, 2008
To the family of Spc. Robert E. Blair:
Robert 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

"Robert, we miss you! I will forever cherish the memories I have of you. You are in God's Army now and I am so proud of you."
Heather (Reitz) DePalma of Ocala, FL

"Robert you will be missed...
rip
we love you always and forever!!"
Lauren of Ocala/Florida

"To the family of:Robert E. Blair 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"

"Robert,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldier who was also killed in that blast for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Unity Is Strength"(6th Inf. Motto)"

"If you are able,
save them a place
inside of you
and save one backward glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can
no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.
Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.
And in that time
when men decide and feel safe
to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.
Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
America has been built on the blood of Heros and Brave men of Honor. A fellow Veteran thanks this American Hero for his Bravery, His Service to Country, and for the Ultimate Sacrifice he has made.Thank you for our cherished Freedoms your sacrifice has protected. May you rest well in Gods loving embrace Brave Solider, and may God bring peace to your family and loved ones."
William Darby Taylor of Bonita Springs Florida

"It's been a year now little cousin. It seems like yesterday to us though. We miss you and love you. Another soldier to stand guard at the Gates Of Heaven."
Jerry N. of Dunnellon, Fl

"MY DARLING COUSIN,
YOUD THINK AFTER ALL THESE MONTHS IT WOULD START TO GET EASIER , ALTHOUGH I THINK THE PAIN IS JUST HURTING MORE. EVERY DAY I WISH I COULD HAD BEEN THERE TO TAKE YOU SPOT. I JUST WISH I COULD HAVE GAVE YOU A HUG ONCE LAST TIME AND SAID GOOD BYE. YOU NEVER THINK IT COULD BE YOUR LAST CHANCE. LOVE YOU ROB"
ASHLEY AVERY of OCALA, FL

"Dear Blair family and friends,
My heart goes out to you all at this terrible time of great personal loss. Know that many pray for you and send comfort in many ways. Our children bring us so much joy and wisdom as they change our lives forever.
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
or cool one pain,
or help one fainting robin
unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
Emily Dickinson


Coordinator for the Florida Chapter of the Home of the Brave Quilt Project
www.flhomeofthebravequilts.com"
Darleena Jones of Satellite Beach, FL

"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, Robert will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! "

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