Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"You have been heavy on my mind and on my heart lately. We are coming up on year 18... you have 3 grandbabies now. I hope you are watching over us and I really hope you are Proud of all that I have tried to accomplish in life without you here. Each Day is a Struggle but I push on. I love you always and forever.

If by chance Cathy Pena see’s this. Please email me @ Desty.boatright@yahoo.com"
Desty Boatright.... Luke’s wife forever!!! of Texas

"Dear Michael and Family, I am a veteran that served during the same time as Michael did. I’ve been wearing your KIA bracelet for about 15 years now. I don’t wear it every day but I do wear it often. Whenever I do though, I like to think that I’m doing my best to honor your memory even though I never knew you. I find myself wearing it more often when I’m facing trying times and I think that reflecting on your sacrifice helps me to put my own challenges into perspective and I thank you for the influence that you’ve had on my life even after your death. Rest in eternal peace sergeant."
Victor Sepulveda of Heilbronn Germany

"Just ran and swam in your honor at the Aaron Vaughn Frogman Memorial in Jensen Beach, Fl.
Thank you for your service, and ultimate sacrifice, for our country."
Eugene O'Neill of Vero Beach, Fl.

"Hey dad, I just wanted to say that I love and miss you every day. I’m gonna be 22 soon, I know, hard to believe your youngest baby has grown up so fast. I have a daughter now who’s almost 7 months old and I hope you’re proud of me. I wish you could be here to watch your grand babies grow up but God had a bigger plan. What I wouldn’t do to have 1 single day with you."
Zoie Boatright of Poolville, Tx

"Im proud to be Luke’s half little brother,and it’s because of him I’m going to the army after high school,I’m 12 now and I wish I got a chance to say hi to Luke."
Andrew boatright of Howe Texas

"I remember you with the 111th. Iam so proud to have known you. You are a hero. Sorry it took so long. You remember me as Hudson, cpl. You take care bro I love you."
Jason Hudson of Phoenix. Az

"Desty: I saw a pic of you and your babies today. Zoe was AJs "little angel". He absolutely adored her! When I saw how big the kids are it made me smile and admire the work you have done raising them. Being a single mother with the constant heart ache and reminder of your husbands absence isn't easy. But Luke would be soooo proud. I have a pic of Luke and AJ on my wall from the time we went to Mexico, remember? They are both standing on the horses! You and I waited for them for almost an hour when they took off on a trail. It was a good weekend! May they continue to have fun wherever they are. Say hi to your mom and dad. They were were so sweet to my husband and to me."
SSGT Pena's wife of GA

"To the family of Michael, my name is Jim Farmer and I am very sorry for your loss. It's been quite a few years now since I first put on a bracelet with Michaels name on it. I received it while ordering some things from Ranger Joe's that my son needed while on his 2nd combat tour in Iraq. It came with the order and I put it on and haven't taken it off since. My son made a third combat trip to Iraq and I always felt he had some good folks from above looking after him. Michaels bracelet has been with me to several places over the years as I still wear it everywhere. I am a 20 year retired Navy veteran and my wife and I travel with her business and folks ask about it and I always explain the story of his name and receiving the bracelet. I own a small fishing tackle shop and make fishing videos from time to time. You can see Michaels bracelet in a lot of my videos I've made over the years and I don't plan on taking it off. As a matter of fact, unless you would like to have it, I'll probably be buried with it. I feel like Michael helped watch over my son while serving in Iraq. If you do a internet search for "Jim Farmer fishing tackle" you can see Michaels bracelet in a lot of my videos and pictures. It's been with me everywhere. Once again, I'm very sorry for your loss and I wanted you to know where Michaels bracelet resides."
Jim Farmer of Cumming, Ga.

"I went and saw you today. 10 years.....hard to believe it's been that long. I just noticed today that there's a 2 star catty corner below you. I started laughing thinking about us being on the range at Hood before Bosnia and Halverson coming up to our group. You must have seen him before me, because you took off and I got yelled at by a 2 star for not having my name on my cat eyes. He even had his aide write down my name. You showed back up right after they left with a * eating grin on your face.
I'm retired and up in Buda now. The wife and I made the drive down to make sure someone was there on this day. You'll never be forgotten Brother."
Tom Sims of Texas

"I miss u each and everyday of my life. I was 2 when u died and after 9 years of u being gone it doesn't get any better. U are my angel standing with me out there on the softball field. U are my angel when I am going thru struggles. We know u are with us each and everyday. We miss u so very much."
Sierra of Rendon tx

"Boat, Just wanted to say that I miss having your friendship and that you were a great leader. Your personality is inspiring. Miss You Bud!!! Your doing a great job Desty!!I'm sure Luke is proud of you."
SGT Peter D. Denton of Central Square, NY

"You have been on my mind heavier today then most days ... I guess its cause I wish you were here with Colton growing up so fast and the girls as well.. The girls are cheerleaders and Colton signed up at the fire station and he got the position as vice president which is very good for him to be almost 17.... I hope you are proud of me and the job I have done with our kids... I worry everyday if you would be proud of me.. I'm almost done with school.. I love and miss you more then you will ever know!!!!"
Desty Boatright of Sgt. Boatright's Heart

"Nine years Bud. I miss you horribly!You will never be forgotten! I owe all that God has made me, directly to your selfless service to this Country! There is not a day that passes, that I don't remember the times we shared and beg God to reunite us again in his kingdom! Until then, brother, thank you!!"
Cpl Bruns of Ft. Recovery, OH

"Thanks again babe for serving our country. We still miss you everyday!!"
Mindy, Ray and the girls of Rendon

"I have an item that belonged to "Luke" in my possesion. I wanted to know if there was any desire to use it. I can be reached at athailias.ea@gmail.com for more specifics."
Eric Arellano of Commerce TX

"Luke i will never forget that the day we lost you it is a day that is baked into my mind. Luke we miss you bubba and you will never be forgotten.Luke you and Desty and the kids were my family and I will never forget those times we shared together."
Anthony White of Porum, Ok.

"~ Another year came and gone 7 yrs today!! We love and miss you always... Your kids n wife"
of XoXo

"To the family of:Michael L.Boatright
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""

"9/11/11 I am flying an American flag today that was part of a 9-11 memorial a few years ago in our town. There were flags for each service member who had lost their life in the wars. I have Michael's flag."
Barb of Lafayette, IN

"Hi,

As I was taking my daughter this morning to the 4th of July parade, we passed a float that was a dedication to the fallen Texan's in Irag and Afganistan. To much my surprise, there was a Boatright up there. I just wanted to express my sorrow for your loss and at the same time Thanks, for the bravery of your son for making the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I will definitely not forget this day and Michael and family will be remembered in my prayers. If you have an organization you take donations in rememberance of Michael, pls do not hesitate to send me the info. Take Care and keep you head up as you should be really proud of what he represents.

Regards,
Kevin
Boatright originally from Bastrop,Tx"
Kevin Boatright of Seguin, Texas USA!

"Just sitting here today thinking about you Boatright, I know it's been sometime but I still laugh and remember the fun times in the unit and your crazy funny ways."
Boyce Wyatt of Irving, TX

"A life time will not be long enough for us to forget...

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

Author Unknown

Memorial Day 2011"

"~ Happy 31st Birthday ~ We miss you!!"
Desty of ~Boat's Wife~

"We still miss you everyday! Tears still flow when we wish we could have 1 more time but smiles fill our faces when we remember all the great times. Miss you and love you! Ray, Mindy and your nieces."
Mindy, Ray and the girls of Mansfield

"~~ 6 years today! We still LOVE YOU and MISS YOU very much ~~ All My Love...


Desty Rae Boatright"

"Bubba,

It's been 6 years today and there isn't a day that goes by that I dont think of you. I am in the Navy now following your footsteps in keeping our fellow Americans free. I have seen so much in the military. I have been in for over 2 years now. I am stationed in Japan. Didnt ever think I would be a Sailor of all things, but you inspired me to be a hero just like you. Everyday I put on my uniform, I put it on for you and your memory. I love and miss you very much. I am proud to call you my brother and I wont ever forget the lessons I have learned from you.

Your little brother,"
Marcus D. Mince of Yokosuka, Japan

"""A life time will not be long enough for us to forget...

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

Author Unknown

Veteran's Day 2010"

"~~ Just thinkin of you and Missin you so much more!!~~"
~Desty Boatright~

"I came to this site to leave a quick message of thanks, as i went thru all the names,tears started to rain.So many paid the ultimate price.There is no way to express my gratitude.There are so many names.They all left behind family members. I know loosing a loved one can burn long and deep.We will never forget Micheal Boatright a true American Hero.May god rest your soul and comfort your family."
james d boatright of jacksonville,fl

"Thinking of you and Desty today Luke. You are very much missed."
Megan of Plano, TX

"I'm thinking about you today Boat and that goofy grin of yours. You may be gone, but as long as I live you will never be forgotten."
Tom of Jupiter, FL

"Hey Luke, just wanted to say you're never forgotten. God bless you for the extreme sacrifice you paid in 2004. No more pain now that you’re with the LORD. Still in my prayers"
Boyce Wyatt of Irving, Texas

"I am also wearing a black bracelet for Sgt. Boatright. "There is no greater love than he that would lay down his life for his brother". I will wear this bracelet until I join Sgt. Boatright. May God bless his family and assuage their grief."
David Ragan of Cumming, GA

"I have a KIA braclet with Boats name on it. I wear it to remind me of all our brothers we have lost and as a wake up call to enjoy what ever time God has granted me. God bless you and keep you all in His arms."
Jeff of Iraq

"I still miss you everyday. I wish we could have had 1 more bonfire and I more laugh. I wish the girls could have known their uncle. Love ya and miss ya!"
Mindy of Arlington

"I'll never forget Luke's promotion board. I was his supervisor, and sitting in the back of the room when the 1SG asked him "What does ASAP stand for?" referring to the Army Substance Abuse Program. Luke said "As Soon As Possible 1SG" in his southern drawl. I had to laugh a little, but they gave him credit because his answer, though not what they expected, was still correct :-)
You are a great guy boat, you are missed every day."
Billy K. of Baltimore, MD

"Its been 5 yrs this month since you left us.... it seem like yesterday. I wish I could see that crazy smile of yours... with all my love desty rae"

"ssg barksdale. please email me destyboatright@yahoo.com ...... i love and miss Luke everyday. this is 4 years today and it dont get any easier. i love you babe. keep watching over the kids and me you are our hero"
desty boatright

"I feel soooooooooooooo bad because I wish that I knew about this site a long time ago. LUKE , WELL I calleed you Boat I miss the hell out of you. I made it back from my last trip to Iraq because of you.You kept me in your watch and you watched over me. Thank you roommate and I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!"
SSG B

"This is to my roommate. I am SSG Barksdale and I was Luke's roommate in Iraq. I was the one who lost it on that dreadfull day. He was not just my roommate he was my friend. We had a lot of nights talking about our wife's. They would call and me and him would keep our other roommate SSG Burge awake. Now here I am alone because SSG Burge and Luke is gone thanke to this war and I am still here. I said at Luke's going away that I am tired and have no more faces for this feeling but it still keep hitting me. I wonder if GOD is waiting to call on me because he has called on my old two roommates and I am the only one still here from that room. Maybe I'm here to tell their story but I wish I was with them. They were my friends and my life. We had fun together and shared bad time together. Luke was my brother and if I could have traded places with him I would have. I LOVE YOU LUKE!!!!! SSG B"
SSG Barksdale of Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

"Desty-
I'm so sorry I just heard about this. I miss and love you. Please contact me. shaunnarae@yahoo.com"
Shaunna Armstrong of Mesquite, TX

"Bubba,
I Love and miss you so much. It still feels like your here with me everyday. I wish you were here. I have a boyfriend now, hes a pretty good guy. I miss you so much and you'll be in my heart always."
Chelsea Mince of Mesquite, TX

"April 23, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Michael L. Boatright:
Michael 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

"Desty:
I only had the pleasure of being in your life for such a short while, but I knew you were special. I can't imagine your pain, but I can tell from your words your fiery spirit and amazing will has the power to carry you and your family through such a difficult loss. May God Bless you and keep you close!
Courtney (Formerly Skidmore) Bissett"
Courtney of Los Angeles, CA

"BOAT, HERE WE ARE 3 YEARS LATER AND I STILL CANT GET OVER THAT DAY. IT ISNT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU AROUND AND EVEN THOUGH I GOT OUT OF THE ARMY AND AM RUNNING MY OWN BUSINESS NOW I WOULD GO BACK IN A HEART BEAT IF U WERE AROUND AND WOULD ASK ME. HOPE U KEEP A SPOT OPEN FOR ME IN THE HEAVANS SO WHEN MY DAY COMES WE CAN GET TOGETHER AND REMENISCE OF THE GOOD OLD DAYS. TO YOUR FAMILY I HOPE THAT TIME WILL HELP WITH THE SUFFERING AND THE PAIN OF LOSING SUCH A GREAT PERSON. WELL BOAT KEEP A WATCH OVER US AND SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE"
EVERARDO ARREOLA of HUNTINGTON, WV, US

"Hey Buddy,
Just wanted to say I miss you and have not forgot about you. Having you in the unit was lots of fun and listening to your stories and gripes made me laugh. I know your with the Good Lord above and he will keep you safe. Until we meet again Michael."
Boyce Wyatt of Irving, Texas

"HEY LUKE, SORRY TO DISSAPOINT YOU WHEN I DROVE YOU AND AJ TO VENICE BEACH AND IT WASN'T LIKE "BAYWATCH" BUT TV FOOLS EVERYBODY. INCLUDING ME THINKING YOU GUYS DIED FOR FREEDOM BUT THEN WHO'S ? I DIDN'T SEE SADDAM BOMBING PEARL HARBOR. MAH... GO FIG. HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE RESTAURANT IN EAST L.A. I TOOK YOU TO AND THE TOUR OF THE GHETTO ME AND AJ WERE RAISED IN. SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE....."
PASCUAL PENA-MEDINA of LOS ANGELES (DUMPSVILLE AS ABRAHAM CALLED IT), CA

"Thank you Luke for the friendship you offered my husband and me. Your family will always be in my heart. I will always remember the bonfires, the crawfish, and good ol' mexico. It seems like you and AJ were meant to cross paths and now you are both laid to rest near eachother, smiling down on all of us from heaven. I thank God I met you and your family."
cathy of killeen, tx

"Bubba, I want you to know that we all love and miss you everyday! My dad is doing all that he can to make sure that not only your memory lives on forever, but the memories of every Texas solider who has surrendered their life for our country. Words cannot express how proud we are of all that you accomplished. It is men and women like you that gave us the freedom we have, and there is no way to express how thankful we are. I love you!"
Amy Boatright of Frisco, TX

"HEY BABE, IT WAS 2 YEARS TODAY. I WENT TO SEE YOU BUT IT WAS SO HARD TO LEAVE YOU. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART."
DESTY RAE BOATRIGHT of BOAT HAS MY HEART FOREVER

"We will never forget Boat or his loving family. You are thought of often. Much love and respect."
Friends and Family of Barracuda of Fort Hood, Texas

"It was my honor to work with you for a short time. My prayers are with you and your family."
JW - United States Secret Service of Dallas, TX

"Remember all the BS details we had to do while with Thunder, with you around it seemed much more tolerable. Miss you...You still own me a trip to the range!"
SGT Pham Long D 20thEN Medic

"SGT Boatright, we didn't know that it would be the last time we would see each other in this world, when our paths crossed in the Engineer Dinning Facility on Ft. Hood. It must have been about February 2004. I was on crutches with my left foot in a cast and had trouble carrying my tray. You got up from your table, greeted me with a big grin and carried my tray to the table. We hadn't seen each other since our unit, C Company "Cowboy" 111th Engineer Battalion, redeployed from Bosnia in 2000. Now, we were both preparing to deploy to Baghdad with the First Cavalry Division. Over lunch you told me about your family and your assignment with the 20th Engineer Battalion. I told about our horses and the Bell County Sheriff's Posse. Once again, your face lit up with that big Boatright grin. I could tell that riding with the Posse is something that you would enjoy. Therefore, tomorrow we will have an extra horse with saddle in the Memorial Day parade in Harker Heights. Your name and piture will be attached to the saddle to represent all our fallen heroes. It will be a great honor to have you present in spirit.
So long my fellow Cowboy,
SFC Stadler
warner.stadler@us.army.mil"
Warner Stadler of Belton, Texas

"TODAY WAS A HARD DAY. TANNAS BIRTHDAY AND SHE MISSES YOU SO VERY MUCH. BUT I KNOW YOU ARE HER ANGEL AND LIKE ALL OF OURS. YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS DAY IN AND DAY OUT NOT A DAY GOES BY WE DONT THINK OF OR TALK ABOUT YOU. WITH ALL MY LOVE TO MY HERO. I LOVE YOU LUKE ALWAYS"
SGT BOAT'S WIFE (DESTY RAE) of TEXAS

"TO THE FAMILY OF LUKE BOATRIGHT JUST WANT TO SEND MY CONDOLENCES AND TO LET YOU KNOW LUKE THAT I AM SO PROUD OF YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY SO THAT WE COULD BE FREE YOU WILL BE FOREVER REMEMBERED AND LOVED.
CYNTHIA BOATRIGHT MOBLEY"
CYNTHIA BOATRIGHT MOBLEY of MURFREESBORO, ARKANSAS

"TO THE FAMILY OF LUKE BOATRIGHT I WANT TO THANK HIM FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY SO THAT WE CAN BE FREE HE IS IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ALWAYS. AND TO HIS WIFE AND KIDS IF YOU EVER NEED ANYTHING PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO LET US KNOW WE WILL BE HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. AFTER ALL WHAT ARE FAMILIES FOR.
WITH ALL MY LOVE CYNTHIA BOATRIGHT MOBLEY"
Cynthia Boatright Mobley of MURFREESBORO, ARKANSAS

"To my family of Luke i want to thank him for serving our country and he truely is a Hero.i will always think of him everyday that goes by for if it wasnt for him we wouldnt be free here.Destey i dont think i ever meet you hun but i seen pictures of you and the children are just beautiful.there is not a day that dont go by i think of youn those kids.if you ever need any thing please call me.i will keep praying for you n the kids that god will help you thru the best way he can and knowing that you are not alone he will answer your prayers.im your father in law's 1st cousin so youn luke are second cousins feel free to write me hun or call me. my address is p.o.box699 Van,Texas 75790 number is 903 963 5157 please take care always thinking of you and kids
with love Robin Boatright Fugate"
robin boatright fugate of van texas

"TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!!! I MISS YOU SO MUCH!! I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART... KISSES TO MY HERO.... YOUR LOVING WIFE DESTY RAE BOATRIGHT"
DESTY BOATRIGHT of TEXAS

"To the family and friends our thoughts and prayers are with you and share in your sorrow. I met Luke only once, but and I could tell he was a good noble man. One time my brother Abraham and him were training here close to Barstow california, they decided to take the day off and come visit. My brother liked him very much, I could tell, and he wanted to show him the beach. So we all went to the beach to walk around, and all Luke said was "This doesn't look look Baywatch", that was funny. At night I drove them back to the base, then they were scared of getting caught. The news of him passing really hurt, I know he was very young and seemed like a great man, he was also very special to my brother, he was like a little brother to Abraham. We also lost my brother Abraham, know to his friends in Texas as AJ, and know life will never be the same. But I pray for him, and all the families who have lost a loved one. I'm sure they are in a better place."
elvia pena medina of los angeles,ca

"It's been a year, and the days are still hard to get though, I have tryed to do all I can to make sure you are always on our minds and heart. We have placed a Memorial for you here in Little Elm beside Candy, we know you would like it.It is a tribute to you from all.I cant say how much I miss you ,and wish that I had been a better uncle. Been there when you needed someone to talk to are just visit with.From the day of your gradution at Ft Leander Wood I new you had become a man, and as I read you were one with the respeck of all you served with. You are a insperation to us all. Please forgive my spelling,
Love Uncle Charles
P.S. Desty please call me."
Charles Boatright of Little Elm, Texas

"I served with Luke in Cco 111th EN. I was the new guy until he showed up. He was a good friend and a good man. We had a blast at Fort Hood training for and then deploying to Bosnia together. I remember how much he wanted to be a soldier. He was my brother and my friend. No matter how crappy the job we were doing he always had this grin on his face that lifted me up. I lost touch with Luke when we came back. I accepted a commission in the Coast Guard and he went active Army. I can't believe he is gone. If anyone has any informaton about burial site I would appreciate it so I could pay my respects at his marker. TSJ12b@msn.com"
Thomas Sims of Galveston, TX

"Boat, damn brother I don't know where to begin. I know I miss the hell out of all the parties, clay pigeon shoots, and good times we had back in the day. I know one thing is for sure, you will never be forgotten, not as long as I'm around. You're always on my mind. Desty and the kiddos, I am truly sorry because I know this past year has really taken a toll on you. Know one thing and that's Luke loved you with all his heart and all his soul. If there is anything you ever need just let me know. He was a honest man who would give you the shirt off his back. That big ol' goofy grin always makes me smile. I'll always cowboy up for you partner and keep the good times going. I miss you tremendously. Barracuda 5 out...."
CPT Calvin Kroeger of Ft Richardson, Alaska

"Desty,
We have been thinking of you and the kids. I was going to write you a note on Sunday but was not sure if you still checked this site. I see that you do, so wanted to let you know we have not forgotten you. Please know that Boat is thought of very often and the Barracudas miss him very much."
Jessica of FT HOOD

"AS OF TODAY YOU HAVE BEEN GONE 1 YEAR. AND I STILL LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART. YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND AND I MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH. NOT A DAY GOES BY I DONT THINK OF YOU AND THE LIFE WE HAD. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY HERO. WITH ALL MY LOVE. THE KIDS AND I MISS YOU DEARLY...."
YOUR LOVING WIFE of IN YOUR HEART

"Hey bro, I think about you every day. You will always be a hero to me and to your country. I cherish the many memeories we have shared and I miss you greatly. I will always remember you and you will never be forgotten for giving the ultimate sacrifice. I will be here for your family till we meet again bro, love you man."
Shaun Dysinger of Axtell, Texas

"You were a true friend, you knew how to keep us a laugh. You knew who you were and what you wanted.You always well be a part of our lives. You well always be here with all the memoires and all the times we had.I will always keep you by my side. love your fried Darrell Devoge"
Devoge Darrell of Las vegas,Nv. Clark

"Boatright you were a damn good man and I just want to say that it was an honor. Rest in peace bud. I'll never forget the good times we had. BARRACUDAS"
Jeff Akins of Fresno, CA

""A life time will not be long enough for us to forget...

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

Author Unknown

In Loving Memory of SGT. Luke Boatright
Family and Friends of Barracuda
Veteran's Day 2005"

"To the Family and Friends of Sergeant Boatright, I am from North Carolina, and this last Memorial Day, we had a Soldiers Healing Field, where American flags were sponsored for all the men and women that died while fighting for the United States during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I had the honor of flying a flag in honor of Sergeant Boatright. I just want to tell you although I never had the priviledge of meeting him, I will always respect and honor this man for all the things he did for my country and fellow Americans. It is because of great people like him, that I am proud to say I also, am an American!!!! God Bless You.."
Morgan of North Carolina

"Undoubtedly, needing to pay my respects to a fallen Texas soldier. My condolensces to the family of SGT Boatright. I salute you, SGT Boatright!"
Angela Turman of Fort Worth, Texas

"i love you babe with all of my heart. you are my hero and always will be from the first day i meet you until now and forever. the kids miss you everyday and will never forget their daddy. you are my hero i love you will all my heart. and also i want to thank everyone who stood by me through it all.........."
desty boatright of ft. hood, texas

"Memorial Day - 2005
He will always be remembered and loved...we will never forget!"

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

"What can I say, he was my Bubba and always will be. I miss him daily. I find peace in knowing he is once again with his sister and together they are watching over us. I'm so proud of the accomlishments he has made, and the dedication he had in serving our country.Though I'm saddened by our loss, I am proud of our Fallen Hero.
I love you Bubba"
Christina Boatright of Frisco, TX

"To the family and loved ones of Sgt. Michael L. Boatright.

God has truely bleesed this Country by giving us heros like Michael. Freedom is not free and Sgt. Boatright has given the ultimate sacrifice for his country. May GOD give him a special place in his Kingdom.

Most Respectfully,
Lanny R. Donnell
3rd Platioon, C Co. (Chargin' Charlie), 3/60th Mobile Riverine Force, 9th Infantry Division Mekong Delta
Vietnam 1968/1970"
Lanny R. Donnell of Fort Worth, Texas

"Bubba, not a day goes by that I do not miss you! We were all so proud of you and all you had done for us. I will never forget all the fun we had growing up at grannys. I could not have asked for a better cousin, or a hero! Love you!!"
Amy Boatright of Frisco, TX USA

"To Michael'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, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"To all the men and women who served with SGT. Boatright; A special thank you, goes out to all of you. Please feel free to e-mail me with any pictures, or if you just want to chat. Thank You. The memory of my son, lives on in many of our hearts, as well as his 3 beautiful children. Desty, who Luke so dearly loved, I couldn't have asked for a better daughter in-law, or mother for my grandchildren. I love all of you.
Please forgive my spelling and errors, on my last message."
Michael Boatright of #9 Candy Deann Ln, Denison Tx. 75020

"SGT.Michael Luke Boatright I'm Proud You,re My Son! I recall all the good times we had through the years and will treasure them. Thank you son. You gave me a gift and that gift meant the most to me it was the joy of watching you as you've grown into a special man. I'm so proud to call you my Heroe and SON. Love you. This is to Sgt.Boat And all is MEN. Sgt.Boats Dad
My Thank's to all the US Men/Weman in iran. We are Proud of you All.
sgtboatrightsdad@aol.com"
Michael Boatright of Denison Texas USA

""There ought to be a town somewhere named for how i feel,i could be the mayor down there sayin welcome to sorryville." I miss you everyday brother.Desty words cant express how sorry i am for you and your familys loss. I miss Luke everyday.If there is anything i can do let me know.
-"Someone's cryin in the hall, good Lord help us all, while we try and stay afloat,if you would,Lord,...
Send a Boat.""
spc clarke of camp war eagle,baghdad,iraq

"Desty,

I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am that you have lost the man you loved so much. Luke was such a good person, and I hope you know how much Jamie and I loved him and that we will forever miss him. We send our love and thoughts to you and the kids."
SPC James Sconyers and Amanda of Fort Hood, Texas

"Since the day i met "BOAT" I knew that he was a man who loved two things in this country:his country and his family. This country will mourn the loss of your life but the troops of this country will ensure that your loss is not in vain. To his wife Desty, and his children i am sorry that the fire in your hearts that offered you so much hope, warmth and protection is no longer there but i assure you that everyday when the sun rises he is there to greet his wife and his children. Boat, i will never forget you never.
BARRACUDA 21T"
SGT ARREOLA, EVERARDO of CAMP EAGLE ,BAGHDAD, IRAQ

"It is not the same without you over here. We all are going to miss you. You made a big impact to soldiers and your peers. We are not going to forget. God Bless. I know you are watching over us everyday. Thanks for everything you did. Barracuda 29"
SFC McStay of Camp War Eagle

"I MISS YOU EVER DAY BROTHER.LIFE JUST IS NOT THE SAME. KEEP THE FIRE GOING .
I WILL MAKE SURE EVERYTHING HERE IS OK
BARRACUDA 21 OUT"
SSG RIDER of F.O.B. EAGLE IRAQ

"Luke will forever be in the hearts and memories of the Barracudas. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loving wife and children."
Sgt. Stocker and Family of Ft. Hood, Texas

"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

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

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