Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"My Friend,

It’s been a long time since we left Fort Hood 1/9 Cavalry for Iraq. I was fortunate to become your friend before and during that deployment, I will always cherish the many laughs and talking B.S after missions. I remember having the maintenance team working on your equipment before doing what we do, but it was always better afterwards, playing spades and dominoes. I would listen to you talk about your troops and how much they meant to you, about your time in the Army, duty stations, and your family. I remember how excited you were to be going home on mid-tour leave, you talked about going home to good cooking and your family. It was an honor to have served with you, and you will alway be remembered. God bless you my friend. RIP."
SSG Manuel Castillo Ret. of Navarre, FL, USA

"I still think of you often and keep you and your family in my prayers. For those who do not know, there is a website dedicated to 1/22 Infantry and those who served. There is a section there to remember those we’ve lost. I provided your information to them for your rightful place of honor as a “Regular, By God.” I have provided a link below for anyone who would like to view the tribute.

http://1-22infantry.org/kia2/bourdonpers.htm

Gone but not forgotten"
Spc. Aaron DeShay Bco 1/22

"Elvis, I miss you brother. You were always a great sergeant to look up to! Thank you for your service and sacrifice, you will not be forgotten!"
Travis Velazquez of Sycamore IL

"Dear Elvis,
We have not met but I know you through your wife and children. I know that you are a man of great faith, integrity, love, intelligence and honor. I know that your marriage was happy and you're an amazing father. And you're very patient... like I said, I know your family. :) Their love for you knows no boundaries and their pride is limitless. Thank you for your sacrifice. Our nation is eternally grateful for your service. God Bless you. Say hi to Heath. :)"
Ursula of Harker Heights TX

"Ssg Bourdon,
I never had the chance to meet you. I was given a mourning bracelet when I graduated Ft. Benning as an Infantryman. That was nearly six years ago. I have yet to take it off. Everyone asks me, Was that one of your friends that got killed? I reply no, It was one of my brothers who gave his life for our freedom. While I never met you, I think of you often and thank you daily. You signed up and gave the ultimate sacrifice. We'll take watch down here, I know you are watching over us from up there."
Rigs of Arkansas

"Never met you but I do love you... and your bratty wife ;)"
Jennifer Dennis of Austin, TX

"Elvis, we started this army thing together, from day one @ meps in cleveland & became instant friends, to benning then ord,damn, I cant believe your gone. now Im back in ohio & wish you were too. Mary, I hope your ok. I should of stayed in touch after korea.Elvis, I miss you man."
Mark Davis of Warren, Oh.

"as i sit here thinking about my Big brother...I think of us being kids good and bad....Elvis turned out to be a great man, father, husband,brother,friend and son...ELvis was and still is loved by many including myself...I miss you..but am thankful for you and the other soliders that wrote that blank check and ultimately cashed it when you entered the service.....I love you Big Brother"
Barbara Bourdon-Hughes of Columbus, ohio

"After almost 6 years I stumbled across this memorial for one of my best childhood friends. Elvis was like a brother to me during our teenage years and I was so proud of him when he joined the army. There were so many pitfalls and temptations in y-town that he could have fallen into, but his character pulled him through. Elvis is a true hero, a man who very easily could have sat back and lived off of the system, or turned to drugs and crime. That way of life however was not what Elvis was about.I'm sure he was as great a soldier as he was a human being. He was a leader and a true friend. I will never forget you my brother! R.I.P.
God bless"
Ed Kenney of Y-Town Ohio

"SSG Elvis Bourdon, You will be truly missed but I will always remember you and our time in B CO 1-22IN.

SFC Walker, Christopher 4th/108th BIDS DET (Waco,TX) US Army Reserves"
Christopher Walker of Temple, TX 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"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH

"SSG Bourdon was a "good guy." He wasn't like a lot of the a-holes that populate the COC. He never beat down on the little guys. I respected him more than any of the high-speed wannabees. He had unquestionable integrity and partiotism. Again, Bourdon was a good guy. I will never forget you Bourdon. ~SC"
Campbell of Oak Ridge, TN

"Elvis,
You stepped forward for the cause of freedom,rightousness,and peace. You fought the many evils we all face in one way or another. You stood right in the face of it so others would not have to. You have proved what our creator said; "No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends".John 15:13. Yet, our creator will join us all together when HE wills it.
"The hand of the Lord came upon me. He took me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the valley. It was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many of them spread over the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “O mortal, can these bones live again?” I replied, “O Lord God, only You know.” And He said to me, “Prophesy over these bones and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus said the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you and you shall live again. I will lay sinews upon you, and cover you with flesh, and form skin over you. And I will put breath into you, and you shall live again. And you shall know that I am the Lord!”
I prophesied as I had been commanded. And while I was prophesying, suddenly there was a sound of rattling, and the bones came together, bone to matching bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had grown, and skin had formed over them; but there was no breath in them. Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, O mortal! Say to the breath: Thus said the Lord God: Come, O breath, from the four winds, and breathe into these slain, that they may live again.” I prophesied as He commanded me. The breath entered them, and they came to life and stood up on their feet, a vast multitude.
And He said to me, “O mortal, these bones are the whole House of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, our hope is gone; we are doomed.’ Prophesy, therefore, and say to them: Thus said the Lord God: I am going to open your graves and lift you out of the graves, O My people, and bring you to the land of Israel. You shall know, O My people, that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and lifted you out of your graves. I will put My breath into you and you shall live again, and I will set you upon your own soil. Then you shall know that I the Lord have spoken and have acted”—declares the Lord".Ezekiel 37."
peter kraynik of usa

"thanks for posting that...i am sure elvis would have gotten a kick out of it or said some smart * comment about how half * it was !! ( in a loving way of course)...i miss my husband terribly and so does his kids and family....we are very proud of what he has done there and so many others including you......no one died in vain, those countries are much better off and our country is less likely to be harmed because of so many efforts of brave soldiers like yourself...pick up a beer, and toast in the air, for i will do that tonight in your honor as well...take care..."
mrs. bourdon

"I first posted this on Obama's campaign website, back on 19 Feb 2007. I was thinking about Elvis tonight. Thought I would put it here as well.

I was proper drunk when I wrote it, but I would like to think that my heart was in the right place, even if my sentence structure could have used some work.


"Generally speaking, I consider blogs to be an echo chamber of self-indulgence. Having said that, please indulge me while I say this. Tonight, I learned that someone killed SSGT Elvis Bourdon. He died in Baghdad on September 6, 2004. Because he cannot, I write this for him.

After we attended Mother Benning's School for Boys, he and I (and other assorted reprobates) served together in C 1/9th, 7th Inf. Div. (light). You should know, Iraq was not Elvis's first war.

So, here I am, almost 20 years after I saw him last, drinking Jameson's at 3 am, listening to the saddest of songs, writing some meaningless words that I know that nobody will ever read, struggling to honor his memory in my own stupid way, wondering what to do now, and hoping like hell that Senator Obama can help make sure Elvis didn't die for nothing.

It is not without some trepidation that I also wonder how many more of my brothers have died in this stupid, fugging war. Who will I hear about tomorrow? For the love of Christ, we need to bring our boys home safely and with deliberate speed.

Being bat-* crazy (a technical term) notwithstanding, I am, even now, trying to reach out to the men with whom I was once honored to serve. It is my fervent hope that they can help me to help our brothers coming back from this new nightmare.

Ten to fifteen years down the road, when those guys start to fall apart like we did, they are going to need other vets to be there for them.

The government that sent them to war clearly lacks the will to bring them all the way home. I just keep trying to believe that the Senator means what he says on veteran issues. Sir, if at any time you think that you might not have the strength for this job, you MUST grow stronger.

Oh, by the way, the Senator might also want to look into the practice of sending out VA Form 21-0781 to vets reaching out for help. The person that thought it was appropriate to send that wicked instrument to vets alone and in distress should be punished for his sins. Might I suggest an extended visit to Room 101? It is a sad fact that I happen to know that VA 21-0781 has killed at least one man and his dog. If the Senator doesn't know why, he really should get a further education in the horrors of war. If he does know about that form, I sure hope he does something fast.

That's enough drunken babble from a broken warrior-poet for one night, or even one lifetime. Sorry Elvis, I really shouldn't drink while I am a designated writer.

Um, one more thing, Senator Obama, I assume that you joined the Veteran's Committee on purpose. I would hate to think that you only ended up there because all the other cool committees were taken. Assuming that you are as righteous as you seem to be, please know, if you don't already, that we left a lot of good men dead and dying out in the wilderness.

My Great-Grandma used to say, "if it's not bleeding, it doesn't hurt." Well, not all wounds bleed on the outside. If you have not already, read Catch-22. It will help to remind you to always look for the exit wound. They are walking around and holding down jobs, but war robbed them of the men they could have been. It's time to get serious about helping these men.

Well, good night Elvis, wherever you are tonight. You are not a statistic. You will be missed. This one is for you, my brother. This is Radio Free California, signing off.

These are not my words, but they are beautiful.

Wish You Were Here

So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell?
Blue skies from pain?
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?

Did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?

How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year.
Running over the same old ground.
What have we found?
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.


P.S. If Elvis actually HAD written this . . . it would have been funnier and it would have made more sense. Sorry brother, I'll try harder next time.""
Pete Holland of San Francisco, CA

"well here it is another year has passed and i find myself thinking about elvis,as i do pretty much most days.Weird i grew up without a father but when i was expecting a child and getting married and being chalenged by life i could always count on him for advice and guidance and i still think back to the advice he gave me . i still think back to those many hours in the ucoft talking and trying to get some work done and no matter how tired we were B always had a smile on his face .that i will always miss. it has gotten easier to think of elvis without getting upset but i went and had a tattoo done on my arm so he is always in my thoughts at least once a day . i will never forget."
CPL simon faughnan(ret) of tacoma wa

"I also received SSG Elvis Bourdon's hero bracelet. I wear it proudly to honor him, his family, and what they fight for. I hope others will do the same and honor those "who gave all""
Teneele of Durango, CO,USA

"April 29, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Elvis Bourdon:
Elvis 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

"Yesterday I received from Hero Bracelets one chosen at random for me. It came with Staff Sgt Elvis Bourdon's name emblazoned on it. I will wear it humbly to remember a remarkable man about whom I knew little before that bracelet arrived. I am honored to have gotten to know even a small bit about Elvis Bourdon thru the caring messages sent to his family and from his courageous wife, Mary. The humor, dedication, pride and heroism that he so readily demonstrated will be a beacon to his children -- a legacy he left to remind us that freedom is not free. Some of us must make sacrifices that are unbearable in order to assure the remaining ones ARE able to live free. Elvis Bourdon was one of those. Bless his family and keep them in the palm of His hand. Sincerely, JPW,JR in Atlanta, GA"
JPW, JR of Atlanta metropolitan area, Georgia, USA

"Mary, I just found out about Elvis. I am so sorry. I have so many fond memories of our families together. I hate it that we have lost touch over the years. You guys are in my prayers."
Melissa Smith of Springfield, MO

"Mary, Cory, and Alyssa,
I just found this. It has hit me pretty hard that I did not know this had happened, and I deeply regret not staying in touch. Elvis was a very close friend to me, a far better man than I could ever hope to be. He is a hero"
Toby Smith of Republic PD, MO

"Elvis,

I saw your name in the Army Times a few years back and just found this site today. I went to Master Gunner school with Elvis and got to know him pretty well over the 12 week course. He was a good person, always smiling, and willing to help when he could. My heart is with you and your family."
MSG Joseph Clarke of Ft. Leonardwood Mo

"thanks jim, i have had so many from 1-22 write to me ...feeling the same way..we all can't believe it happened...i come and read these posts from time to time for strength...thanks for sharing your heart with me, it means alot ....."
m. bourdon

"thanks bob for bringing back the memory of the car.....that just brought a smile to my face....i remember that car...but your name doesn't sound familiar to me....did you go to the same high school??? thanks again for your kind words..."
m. bourdon

"The words are hard to find to express my sorrow and disbelief. I served in 1/22 and knew SSG Bourdon. I spoke with him just about every morning as I passed through Bco AO on my way to Cco AO. He was a good man and will be missed by many."
Jim Carpenter of St. Cloud, Fl

"Elvis and I grew up together on the Southside of Youngstown. I lost touch with him since we were in different branches of the military. I just want his wife and kids to know that he was a great guy with a big heart. I think of him every day and wish we could take just one more ride in a Cutlass Supreme. Your Dad was someone who made a difference in this world and his legacy lives on through the lives he touched."
MSgt Bob Gerdes of Anchorage, AK

"again, thank you all for sharing your heart with me and the kids...it means so much to hear from all of you...yes, i remember fort ord and 1-22 and all the years my husband was in proudly serving his country...thank you for remembering us..i check back here periodically to see posts....and keep us in your prayers, for we keep you all in ours..."
m bourdon

"Wow words cannot express my sorrow. And if you remember me, I always had to say something. I will always remember you very fondly, for the support, and teaching that you gave me. We served together in the Bear Country of 1-22. You were there when I needed a friend, thank you for that. I remember how much you liked the Jets, thats ok, the Steelers still won the super bowl. I miss you ole friend..."
SGT Matthew Orton of Maumelle, AR USA

"A heartfelt sorrow and great sadness to hear of the loss of Elvis. I will remember him fondly from basic, our first assignment at Planet Ord, Panama, and Korea. You will be missed."
Scott Marek of Reno, Nevada

"Our prayers are with you and your
family. Now Elvis is in good hands
with our dear Lord."
H. Bourdon of New Freedom,PA.

"Myself and SSG Bourdon chewed some of the same dirt, first in 1-22 Infantry, then in 2-9 Infantry and finally in the 1st Cavalry Division. He was my 2IC while I served as HQ Platoon Sergeant and Supply Sergeant and he as the company Master Gunner with B 1-22 IN. He new it was challenging for one person to do both. So he covered down for me to many times to count. Alway had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. You could'nt help but to love him. I was in Iraq when I found out about good ole' Elvis. It hurts me very deeply that he's no longer with us. Can't look at a green pickup truck without thinking of him and all the good time we had in the field and in garrison. To his family, my prayers have been and will continue to be with you. He will be greatly missed."
SFC (R) Joseph A. Mayfield of Killeen, Tx

"for orlando,

please know you are ALSO always in our prayers ....you will be apart of our family forever as well........i am so touched that you shared such a special bond with my husband.....he spoke so highly of you many times...he also loved and respected you very much as well..
when times were stressful over there, he would call me and tell me how your talks helped him cope thru difficult times too....it was and is a special friendship, and i believe he knows your going back and will be by your side...i wanted you to know that i read your post and will check back often, if it is easier to write here to us, please do, i want to be in contact with the company during this next mission, please let me know the address, i want to send more care packages.....the love for the company this family has didn't end when tragedy began...it still continues ....."
mrs. bourdon and family of texas

"To Mary, Corey, and Allysa, please know that I love you all so very dearly. Two years have past, and yet it seems as if it was not that long ago that I laughed and shared some coffee with my brother Elvis. Know my brother that I think of you often, and I remember all the good times we shared in C 1-9. I'm sory I did not write you sooner, but it brings much pain to my heart and I can not help but cry. We fought side by side many times, and you have always been there for me. And yet, here we are, me and the boys find ourselves going back again. It would be my Honor if you would ride with me again and look out for our boys. You put in a good word with the man above for us, because I know He'll listen to you. I know I don't express it, but I miss you my Brother, and you will never be forgotten! No soldier could be more proud than I, to have served with such an outstanding Leader of men. Mary, I'm sorry I have not always been there for you and the kids, but know that you will always be a part of my heart and my family. All my LOVE and Prayers!
Orlando Garcia, Brother, Friend"
of Fort Hood, TX

"to spc. beck......

i am truly touched by your gesture....i didn't know you have done that.........there are no words to say how i feel about that...keep in touch..and remember what my husband taught you...thank you"
mrs. bourdon

"coming back here after 2 years is still surreal....it makes me feel good inside to know my husband had touched so many soldiers lives....he loved his job as a bc and would be proud and humbled by your words...the children and i are strong, faithful people..GOD knew he was a good guy and wanted to be with him too....continue to keep my husband's advice going, and keep his family in your prayers...thank you"
mrs. bourdon

"I just found out about Elvis recently. I worked with Elvis when we were in B Co 1-22. He was my BC and I learned alot from him. He made me the NCO I am today. The memories will always be with me. My prays go to his family, he will be missed by all."
SSG Steve Stutzman of Ft. Stewart, GA

"I learned of his passing about a week after, when i was back at FT. Hood training to go to Iraq. I was in B co 1-22 with SSG Bourdon and he taught me alot as a young soldier. He will truly be missed. I will never forget him for I wear a black KIA braclet with his name,rank,hometown branch and date on it. I never take it off, lest I never forget."
Spc Beck, Christopher of Midland, Texas

"I just recently learned of SSG. Bourdons passing. I searved with him at Ft. Hood when he was with 1/22 INF. I remember SSG. Bourdon as an NCO that a enlistedmen who was new to the service could sit down and talk with when they had a personal problem or just questions that needed answering. I have the utmost respect for SSG. Bourdon and I am deeply saddened to learn of his early departure. He still had a lot to teach young soldiers."
Spc. Brian Sussman of Washington, DC

"glad to see another terrorist has fallen out of the reach of innocent people....slowly but surely, the efforts for peace and prosperiety are coming true for so many.."
m bourdon of texas

"I WOULD LOKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THE BLESSING OF MY BROTHER AND ANY FALLING HEROS, OUR FAMILY SEND LOVE AND APPRECIATION TO ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES I LOVED MY BROTHER DEARLY AND HE IS A TRUE HERO IN MY BOOK. HE WAS A GGOD PERSON THAT LOVED HIS FAMILY AND SIBLINGS HE WAS A PEACE MAKER AND I LOVE HIM FOR THAT, YOUR FAMILY MISSES YOU LITTLE BROTHER AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN PRAYER'S AND LOOK OVER YOUR FAMILY AND NIECES & NEPHEWS WE LOVE YOU & MISS YOU VERY MUCH."
THANNIA BOURDON of JAMAICA,NY, USA

"Elvis, I come to your grave side often. I am sure you do not remember me as well as I remember you. I can still visualize you two walking in the school halls together. You were both always laughing and so happy. Nothing can ever take that away. You both were always an inspiration to everyone and continue to be. Mary has done an amazing job of keeping life as normal as possible. Corey and Allyssa are still adjusting, but they have that resilience that only comes from two loving parents. Everyone is so proud of you Elvis, and everything for which you believed. Leaving us is like going through a stormy season here on Earth, but then we think of you as the rainbow comes out after the storm and the clouds begin to fade. You are our rainbow, our hope, and you will always be our HERO!!!"
Teresa Schaub of Killeen, Texas

"What more can you say about a warm,caring ,and loving husband, father, and human being. SSG ELVIS BOURDON will always in my heart and prayers. To Mary and the kids, you will always be a part of my family. SSG BOURDON is a great NCO and friend that is greatly missed. We love you bro"
SSG BERNIE BROOKS of FT HOOD, TEXAS

"a year and a half as gone by....it is so hard to believe it...the saddest part of all, is seeing on the news,etc.. that some people still don't get it...why we are there...and what gifts we have brought these people......in a world of "got to have it right now " maybe that is why it is hard for them to comprehend...it is not going to happen just like that...only slow, steady steps make the journey meaningful for all...GOD BLESS all the military and their families...and GOD BLESS the blind in their thinking people too...just ask some soldiers who reenlist after serving in combat..ask a soldier who was wounded or mamed in battle who wants to return to the battlefield..."
mrs. bourdon (proud wife of a fallen hero)

"Once a HEADHUNTER always a HEADHUNTER no matter if u are infantry or u supported the infantry as in my case his mechanic and I will ALWAYS be a HEADHUNTER"
SGT G of Fort Hood, TX

"A Headhunter never forgets."

"My school is sending letters to the fallen soldiers of Ohio, and I have been assigned SSG Elvis Bourdon, and I have found out what happened to him, and I am deeply sorry for your loss."
Michael Watts of Shaker Heights, Ohio

"I served with him in B Company 1/22. I remember him fondly as a great role model. He was a good man, a strong leader, and a true patriot. He will be missed. God bless him and his family."
Rick Mazur of Sycamore, Illinois

"after one year, i decided to read this message board again.......it is so nice to know people support the efforts of my husband and his family.....thank you again for your thoughts and prayers..they mean so much......"
mrs. bourdon

"I was thinking about you today Elvis. It's been a year now and you would be so proud of your family! They honor you every day by living life that still finds joy in it. You are so very missed."
Beth Driver of Killeen, Texas

"To my Friend Elvis who has been gone almost a year now...you are remembered and thought of often. I see your smile in your daughters face, I see the strenght in your sons heart and I feel the pain of your wifes loss. I am keeping my word Elvis I am there for Mary and I will always be thinking of the funny MAN I grew to love and respect. YOU ARE SO LOVED! Put in a good word for me with our HEAVENLY FATHER...we both know I am going to need it!"
Kelly Collins of Lampasas Texas

"thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.we are very proud of his efforts and support all military members in their contributions to freedom past and present..for those of you who have lost loved ones as well, my personal thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families ...thank you for this website, it allows many people to communicate their thoughts that may otherwise not reach the intended families..... GOD BLESS"
mrs. bourdon and family

"my name is cpl simon faughnan (ret) i just found out today i dont think it has sunk in yet. ssg bourdon was my bc and sq ldr 99-00 he was a great teacher ,mentor and frend he will be sorely missed."
simon faughnan of killeen tx

"To the family and friends a Elvis Bourdon, may god bless you and bring you comfort in this most painful of times. I like many others served with Elvis in Bco 1/22 and found a good friend in him. I share your pain as he has left his mark in my heart as he has with most who got to know him. We had a lot of laughs together and I know he will be greatly missed as he truley was a great man."
Aaron DeShay of Florida

"To SSG Bourdon' Family - I would like to begin by saying that I am deeply sorry for your loss and I hope that you have been able to find some comfort following such an event. I knew SSG Bourdon when we were both assigned to the same team at 1/22 INF, Fort Hood, Texas, between 1995-1997. SSG Bourdon taught me many things as a soldier and as a person. He was an excellent team member and was easy to get along with, regardless of differences in rank. He will be missed."
Jeremy Cheney of Falfurrias, Texas

"To the family of SSG Elvis Bourdon
I was in the 1/9 in the late 90's and once a Headhunter always a Headhunter. He will never be forgotten."
Dusty Thomason of Oneonta,AL 35121

"I never knew you or your family but I do now!"
Charles of Montreal

"I SERVED WITH ELVIS IN 1-22 INF, KOREA, AND IN 1ST CAVALRY. I AM PRESENTLY IN 2-5 CAV. HE AND I WERE ALWAYS JOKING WITH ONE ANOTHER. HE WAS A GREAT PERSON, AND WILL BE MISSED BY ANYONE WHO HAS EVER BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH HIM. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS."
SSG MILLER of SADR CITY, IRAQ

"I just recently learned of SSG Bourdon's passing and wanted to send my condolences. I served with Elvis in 1-22 INF from the time he first arrived, until I left at the end of 2001. I remember a spirited and humorous man that I got along well with and we had some great laughs. His loss is tragic and my heart goes out to his family."
Jason Bumby of California

"Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers."
Mrs. Arthur's 4th grade class of Nelsonville, Ohio

"To Elvis' Family:
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

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

"To Elvis' 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, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

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

"To the family of Elvis,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of precious life in this battle for freedom. Elvis is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"Thank you Elvis Bourdon, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Elvis Bourdon:
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 Elvis for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Elvis Bourdon:
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 Elvis, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia