Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"God bless you my true war brother/ (little buddy) we served in Desert shield/ Desert Storm, we had incredible experiences that we always said we would share with our kids and grand children. I lost contact with you Kelly Bolor/ never thought I would hear about you going on another tour and not making it. If anyone new about survival was you and Paul Garcia , buddy. I suppose Our Heavenly Father was calling for you. I sincerely feel for my little buddy, Kelly Girl! I am very sorry i didn’t find out sooner about Sggt FIrst class , Kelly Bolor/ he was my brother at arms, please , I extend my condolences to you and his child! I will lay down a message number (760) 628-6207 Respectfully, George Ferrer"
George Ferrer of Hesperia ca 92345

"You will always be missed but we will see you and your mom for sure on the othe side. Yes at home with OUR LORD JESUS. YOU AND YOUR MOM, AND MAXY I could never tell you guys apart…. Even as a young single mom that I was and Maxey apart identical twins. In the late 70’s early 80’s you were just a boy in Sacred Heart’s school, you , your family saved my life and my kids. You all cared for them, and me as your own. I laugh when I think about teaching you guys how to swim at the Royal Lahaina pool.
In
OUR SAVIORS ARMS MY MAN🙏🌹❤️✝️
Thank you and your brothers for your ever loving service thru your whole life✝️😍🙏🙏🙏"
Debbie Uyetake of Maui Hawaii,Haiku

"WOW BROTHER, ITS GOING ON 12-YEARS SINCE YOU BEEN GONE FROM ALL OF US THAT LOVE YOU VERY MUCH. I WISH THAT I WAS ABLE TO TALK WITH YOU, NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DONT THINK OF THE GOOD DAYS WE HAD IN N OUT OF THE MILITARY. MAN BROTHER DO I MISS YOU!!!YOU BE SO PROUD OF KELLY-GIRL & ESPECIALLY KYLE, WHAT A GREAT KID. LOVE YOU BROTHER (I KNOW YOUR WATCHING)."
RET. E.S.R. of RIALTO,CA USA

"I had the pleasure of being SFC Bolor's platoon sergeant when he first joined the 137th, just before we shipped out to Desert Storm, he was not only a good soldier, but also a great person."
SFC Ignacio O Quiroz of Snohomish, WA

"I served with Kelly from around 1989. I remember few of my comrades from back then, but Kelly sticks out in my memory. I had the privilege of working again with him again around 1996. He was a professional and a caring man. The world is a less happy place without his joy. Kelly's family, please take comfort, if you can, from the thought that Kelly was loved by more than you'll ever know."
Keith of Colorado

"To the Family of SFC Kelly Bolor, I am SFC Ronnie Gullion, I sat with you at Kelly's memorial and held his son throughout the ceremony. That has had a great impact on my life and I wish to reach out to you on this memorial day to to say Thank You for your Sacrifice and I think of you and Kelly everyday, in fact I have a memorial set up in my house to honor his memory. I have something I would like to get to you and I have lost your contact information over the years. MRS. Bolor, I am sorry I couldn't attend his service in Hawaii and I have regretted that my commander wouldnt allow me to go. PLease email me at ronald.gullion@gmail.com so that I can send you what I have that you deserve to possess. Thank YOu and GOD BLESS I pray that all is well. RONNIE"
Ronnie Gullion of Fort Campbell, Kentucky

"Thank you everyone for all the kind words for my brother Kelly. Everytime I come on this site and read them I'am so proud of all the people that have honored him and took the time to write such nice thoughts and words. My prayers and thoughts go with you and my brother always and forever. Thank you everyone. It means a lot to me Kelly's sister"
Nita Bolor-Kjontvedt of Granada Hills, CA, USA

"I knew you for only a few short months. You used to come over to our area hang out and shoot the breeze. You were laid back and fun to be around. For years i couldnt remember your name, just your face. i remember you telling me how excited you were to be going home. You showed me pictures and told me about your car.Eight years have gone by and i still think of you often"
Anthony Messina of Yaphank,NY/US

"I recently had the privilege of vacationing in Maui..Dec 3-8th 2010. God placed me on the same walking path with PFC Kelly Bolor's brother. Although we only shared a few words and I didn't even get his name, I learned enough to search for anything related to the helicopter accident in Nov. 2003. I've carried Kelly's story home to Modesto, CA..and shared it with family and friends so that His sacrifice will never be forgotten. I may have seen many beautiful and amazing things in Hawaii, but none have impacted me more than those few short minutes I spoke with Bolor's brother. I want to thank you Bolor family for giving up so much for me. May God Bless you and keep u during the toughest moments. My heart goes out to you all. With much love and admiration."
Kathryn Witthoft of Modesto, Ca

"To the family of SFC Kelly Bolor. My name is SFC Charles Bailey Jr. I served with kelly in Irag. As a matter of fact I was the cheif of Signal fo our installation. I remeer meeting Kelly one Sunday morning. I knew his crew was new on the airbase and I wanted to welcome him. Kelly was a man of honor and respect. He had a heart warm as the sun. Always smiling! We use to get together for late night cook outs. Kelly I will always have your in my heart bra. May the lord bless me again to reunite with you in our next life. Love you bro.

Chuck"
Charles Bailey Jr of Augusta Ga

""To the family of Kelly Bolor ,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""

"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"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"He will never be forgotten, he was a good man. God Bless his family, Kelly Girl and little Kelly Boy. :)"
Lauren Duncan of Los Angeles, CA

"SFC Bolor will never be forgotten in the hearts of his loved ones and his fellow Soldiers. God bless his wife, Kelly and his son, Kyle."
Rita of Montclair, CA

"01 July 2008- SFC Bolor was my mentor and I had always inspired to be like him as an NCO. He was my Platoon Sergeant for 4 years. When I left the 137th, I still called him for advise. Not once he had turned me away. When I heard that he passed away, I was devastated. It felt like I lost a brother. When my Father passed away in '97, he was the only one who showed up for my father's funeral from my chain of command.That meant a lot to me. Thank you for all the fun Annual Trainings, drill weekends at the unit and the times you stop by the 250th with Kyle. I recall you saying that fridays were McDonald's day with Kyle. I'm sure your son will grow up to be a good man like you. SFC Bolor I will always be greatful for what you've done for us. You will never be forgotten."
SSG Rotesa Sison of Los Alamitos, CA

"Today is July 24th, 2008 Tuesday evening. I was watching KCAL9 news on t.v. and noticed a Army Reserve Unit arrives back from a 1 year tour of duty in Afganhastan. On the news, they interviewed Rose Sison who I met and know when I was a active reservist for the 250th Transporation Company in South El Monte, CA. I googled online for her and the unit and came to see the sad news. I can't believe what I am reading! Sgt Kelly Bolor was a fellow solider and a friend. Though he was and island boy like myself, we did't talk much but when we did, it was like we were friends for years. Back when the 137th Quartermaster Company and the 250th were doing our annual training together in Camp Pendleton, Ft., Ft Irwin or other places we wer lucky to work together. Sgt Bolor was so cool. He brought his ukulele and sang some local songs for us. He always shared his island spirit and always smiled. He never looked stressed and enjoyed life. Sgt Bolor was definitely a roll model for myself and every solider that knew him. I later tranfered to the Irvine Reserve unit and then got out in 2000. I severed in the reserves from 1991 - 2000. If there is anyone who remembered me, Spc Antonio Andico, please send me an email to aloha808@gmail.com and we can talk about Sgt Bolor and reminise. I still can't believe he is gone but God has him and is taking good care of him. My prayers go out to him and his immediate family. I will always remember Sgt Kelly Bolor and will miss my Army comrade.

Aloha & Mahalo brahdah! You will be missed!

Spc Antonio Andico
Corona, CA."
Antonio Andico of Corona, CA U.S.A.

"Recently I attended a huge event in the majestic old railroad station in Buffalo NY. Way up in the huge vaulted ceiling, there were hundreds of red, white and blue balloons, each holding the name of one of our fallen soldiers. Midway through the event, a balloon literally hit me in the head, and the name Kelly Bolor was attached by a ribbon. On the flip side of the attached card was a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt.
"It isn't enough to talk about peace.
One must believe in it.
And it isn't enough to believe in it.
One must work on it."
Know that we are grateful for your son's willingness to work for that peace.
Know that Kelly and you and your family are in our prayers here in Buffalo NY."
Liz of Buffalo, NY

"April 27, 2008
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Bolor:
Kelly 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

"Another year goes by and it still feels like that day....we miss you Sergeant Bolor"
R of Los Angeles

"In Love and Memory to SFC Bolor and Family, we Love you very much and God Bless you and Family. I remember the conversation still to this day we had the day before you was taken away from us and your request to stay with the outstanding soldiers you were leading during our nation War. You were and still is and will always be a great son and father and husband and most importantly a great "LEADER". You can look down from heaven and smile about the impact on all the lives of young soldiers and leader's you have made a differant. I'am very Honored to have served with and beside you. The freedom we enjoy is not Free, its Warriors like you that have paid the ultimate sacrifice our nation freedom. to the Bolor Family God Bless you always."
CSM, Anthony J. Slater Sr. of APG,MD

"SFC Bolor,

Happy Memorial Day and we salute you on this special occasion! I think often of your positive attitude and great leadership with the 137th QM. Your unit had the highest morale in our Battalion (626 FSB -now 626 BSB). They have you to thank for the tough NCO leadership and true love for your soldiers. Was truly an honor to have been your Battalion Commander. You were truly best of the best. Mahalo on behalf of all the members, past and present, of the unit.

God Bless to Keli and your Son"
LTC (R) Martin L. Herbert of Washington, D.C.

"THE GREATES MAN I'VE HAD A PLEASURE TO SERVE UNDER....CAUSE OF YOUR GREAT LEADERSHIP WE ALL MADE IT HOME...WISH U COULD HAVE CAME HOME TO SEE YOUR LIL BOY.....LOVE ALWAYS RAMIREZ"
RAMIREZ of LOS ANGELES

"SFC Bolor,
After more than 2 years and I still miss you. Tearing up with a lump in my throat every time I think about you and your family. You were my mentor and my friend. How is heaven treating you?
Miss you always,

PS. Hello, Kelly Girl and Kyle. :)"
Mia Noradee Dunderdale of Trabuco Canyon, CA

"Our memorial dedication ceremony program on August 26, 2006 will list your name as one of our fallen whose sacrifice gives us the duty and the priviledge to carry on your legacy of freedom and liberty. Mahalo from Oahu Chapter 858, Vietnam Veterans of America."
Luis Parker of Ewa Beach, HI

"SFC Bolor and I were in the same company, 137th QM Co. He was a great person. I miss him. He would be happy to know that our reserve center is getting named in memory of him. Miss you Sargent Bolor"
SGT Henkin of el monte CA

"I just returned from a Memorial Run for Kelly and the other soldiers who died that day. Never forget, Kelly is a true American Hero. God bless you all."
Amy Hancock of Fort Hood, Texas, USA

"SFC Kelly Bolor was the backbone of his unit! I had the honor of serving as this magnificent leader's Battalion Commander during his unfortunate passing. He had his unit singing (literally) as they set up their morale boosting laundry and bath services. Which were, by the way, the very best any of us had ever seen in our careers. Positive, energetic, caring, and totally professional, Kelly Bolor was loved by all that knew him. On behalf of all of the soldiers of the 626 Forward Support Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, we salute you for making the ultimate sacrifice for your nation.

LTC Martin L. Herbert, Cdr, 626 FSB, 2002-2004 martin.herbert@us.army.mil"
LTC Martin L. Herbert of Washington, DC

"God bless you SGT Bolor. Your bravery means something special to me; I’m in the Australian army and believe that men like us create the real peace. It is terrible that you had to lay down your life for freedom, but in doing so you have made a difference for the good of the world.
In Australia we have a pray that is said about our fallen men and I will say it for you:

“They will not grow old,
it is use that are left that grow old.
Age shall not weary them
nor the year condemn.

At the going down of the sun
and in the morning we will remember them

Lest we forget”

Rest my brother in arms and mate"
SGT Adrian Simmons of Sydney , NSW , Australia

"No person should have to die at the age at 37. Sixteen other people die the same day that your noble son died. I hope that you can find the strenght to carry on in life. Your son is in a better place now HEAVEN.I will keep praying for him and the other fallen heroes that fought."
7th grade student of Barker Middle school

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

"Kelly boy and Ohana,
Our greatest sympathy goes out to you and your family. I WILL MISS YOU KELLY BOY!! May God bless your family as you shine upon them. Malama Pono Kelly Girl and Kyle. Our prayers goes out to you and your family. Classmate of 1984"
Kirsten (Padua) Lum Lung of Henderson, NV

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

"Kelly Boy is the hero that well not forget.God will always be by your side
Kelly Girl and Kyle.
ALOHA GOD
BLESS"
L..A. of HOOLULU HAWAII

""OUR special chosen words since day one of finding this site last year...have always been......REST IN PEACE BRAVE SOLDIERS/MARINES/WARRIORS We love you and MAY GOD BLESS you each. Your loved ones are in a beautiful place called Heaven now....When you look up to the sky at night and see the brightest star...it's your hero..shining down on you"
The Taylors USMC of NC

"Thank you Kelly Bolor, 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

"Aunt Kelly,
We all miss kelly boy so much, and if you need any one to talk to you can call me at home or come and visit. Right now im doing an exposite in honor of his death. when im done i would love for you to see it when i do it. well if you need any thing just call you know my number."
Mike of Walnut Ca, USA

"There are no words that can express our sorrow. We hope that you find comfort in the people closest to you and with god in this difficult time."
Richard Garcia, Stephanie and Maila Cunningham of Diamond Bar, Calif

"Kelly Girl,
We cannot express our sympathy. You and Kyle will always be in our thoughts."
The Garcia Family of Santa, Ana California

"Kelly Girl,
We cannot express enough how sorry we are for your loss and we will also miss him very much. He died serving our country and we are all very thankful. Although Kelly Boy is not with us, he is where he wanted to be, at home. Rick & I were remembering the time we all went out to dinner and as soon as Rick and Kelly Boy were done eating they were rushing us to leave. You and I just sat there as if we had more time to talk as we always did after we ate dinner. We had alot of good years together and it will always be remembered. I am always here for you and Kyle when you need me. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with you.
Love and Friends Always,
The Cortez Family
Rick, Virginia, Jonathan and Daniel"
Virginia Cortez of Hacienda Heights, CA

"Kelly Boy, I will miss you and words cannot express my sorrow. I have lost a brother in law and a friend. Thank you for all you have done and the friends that we became. I fell so very lucky to have known a person as special as you. I can honestly say I have never known such a caring and true person in my life. Aloha my friend we will meet again. I promise to take care of your sister and will never let her down. We will both be there for Kelly Girl and Kyle whenever they need us. I hope you have no worries and I know you are now in a better place. I will miss you my fallen hero. Love you and see you in time."
Bill and Nita (KellyBoys Sister) Kjontvedt of Granada Hills, CA, USA

"We will miss you Kelly! Our prayers and love go out to your family.
Love,
Aunty Honey, Uncle Iriko & family"
Kim Chang of Lahaina, HI/USA

"SFC Bolor was a true friend to the members of my team and myself. I, myself, will miss him immensely.

Sergeant First Class Kelley Bolor was my friend. He was the Platoon Sergeant of the Laundry, Bath and Renovation team. This group of soldiers are Army National Guard out of Los Angeles, California attached to 626 Forward Support Battalion here at Tall’Afar, Iraq.

Sergeant First Class Bolor, a soldier, a Hawaiian, an American, was one of the few people I went out of my way to visit, spend time with and trusted. Kelly Boy, as his friends and I called him was always there with a smile. He listened to me talk about my life and my family and things that upset me. He, in turn, told me about his job in California, his wife, his young son, and showed me pictures of his family and home. He was proud to serve his country, and was proud of his soldiers and what they had accomplished here in Iraq. Kelly Boy and I spent many nights cooking up food (as close to “Local Grinds” as we could). We traded Hawaiian music CDs and I sang songs while he played his guitar. I enjoyed his company, and his humor. He had an infectious smile. We had a group of people that we considered “Ohana”. It was a group of people from different backgrounds, and different ethnicities that came together and could make a place like this, in times like these, a more bearable place to be. Anyone who knew Kelly Boy was instantly drawn to him. He carried his “Pocket full of Paradise” with him everywhere he went and shared it with all that he met. In the days prior to him leaving us, I had spoken with him and we were planning one of our many Luaus. We were planning this to bring up everyone’s spirits. In his memory we are going ahead of with the plans to celebrate him and his contributions to all of us.

I will miss his smiling face, his music, his company, and his presence in this world. I hope that, when I get a chance, I will be able meet with his family and let them know that in the short amount of time that I knew him, that he made an impact in my life and in the lives of so many.

I share this with you, my family, so that Kelly Boy, in spirit, never dies. His spirit will always be with me.

Mahalo, Kelly Boy, for all that you did for my team and I.

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN MY FRIEND,
ALOHA,
CHRIS MILLER"
SSG CHRIS MILLER of TALL'AFAR, IRAQ

"I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. My prayers are with you."
Beverly Arnold of Cynthiana,KY

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