Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"your memory hit me today, while talking with a co-worker, I can remember that day in its fullest. Miss you SSG. Box"
Cpl. Bellomy of Sheridan, AR

"this is my uncle I love you and miss you I hope you get to one day see the man your two sons have became .p.s. I love you dearly"
senai johnson of texarkana ar

"This coming monday we will once again be able to honor our FALLEN HERO'S, finally at the Nashville Court House SSG, Box's name will be honored as a resident of Howard County, I will have the honor of speaking if I am able about SSG Box and what happened at CP 11, on that fateful day, as we exchanged positions just 5 minutes earlier. There is not a day that goes by that I do not forget about him, he was a true Soldier to the bone. Soldiers and Mission first. I miss him and carry with me my braclet never to remove. I am here today because of him, that I am sure of. Always in my thoughts and prayers. I just wish there was more that I could do to honor him. Words will never be enough, Sleep well Hero."
1st Sgt. Millward of Nashville, Arkansas

"It has been a little over 8 years since you went home to the lord, your memory has not faded. I think about you and SGT. Smith daily, I have a bracelet with both of your names on it that doesn't leave my wrist. The day you went was hard on everyone in Delta company and the battalion, but we honored you as the hero you were. I served with "Tank" in Bosnia and Iraq, I hope that his family is doing well and to let them know that his memory lives on."
SGT. Harley Sowell of Benton, Arkansas

"LDIQXo web20power.txt;1;1"
ZUbimksaEdUgVYNQF of New York

"dear Box family, this is sgt kimbrough i was deployed with box and im sorry that he passed ive tried getting ahold of his family and sgt smiths family they were 2 of my best friends im no longer in service but i have moved from kingsland ar to paris ar i was wondering if i could get a picture of box and maybe a picture of smith from each of the families i would really appreciate it. until this day it haunts me of what happends.. my mailing adrress is 505 kalamazoo rd apt 8 paris arkansas 72855 thank you and im sorry for the loss."
matt kimbrough of paris ar /usa

"To the family of:Hesley Box,Jr.
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"1-21-11"

"As I remember you on this night I hope that your family is doing well. You have had a huge impact on my life and I will nevr forget yo that early afternoon t cp 11 its been almost 5 years and i still think aboutyou almost daily may peace be with you brother and your family"
docroush of indy

"to barbra and helsey, i am sill prayimg for you all."
ossie douglas of chidester,ar 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"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Mothers and/or Fathers, of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com. or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and bless you.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642"
Project Compassion, Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"It truly warms my heart to see all of the thank you and heart felt words each and everyone of you took the time out to write. One solider wanted to know how we were doing after the death of my husband.
First of all thanks for asking, We reside in Hope,Ar his son's are now 9 and 6 years old.The have learned to ex cept what happened to their dad but it will follow them everyday of their lives.And the funny thing is at such a early age they are both into politics.It has not been easy but we are doing good because God is keeping us through the whole ordeal is does not get easier you just have to go on. His parents are do well and his older brother is again on the battle fields of Iraq. So please keep him in your prays as well as our family.Again thank all of you and continue to keep us lifted up in pray."
ALEXIA D.BOX of hope,arkansas,71801

"My name is Joseph Bell, SSG Box was my team leader in Iraq. I was working the Check point the same time he was killed. He was a true American hero, a great leader, and he kept his soldiers safe. I have often wondered how his wife and sons were doing, but never had anyway to check. I am glad to have found this website. SSG Box you will never be forgotten!"
CPL Joseph A. Bell of San Antonio TX

"You were a dude that always made me laugh no matter what i was going through. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!"
Sam Monk of san antonio, tx

"April 29, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Hesley Box, Jr.:
Hesley 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

"MAY 6 2004, I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT SAD DAY ON C.P.11, THANK YOU SSGT FOR BEING THE SOLDIER THAT YOU ARE. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY,MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THEM."
PARKER C. CO 1\153 of DIERKS AR, USA

"SSG Box is a fighter I was with him that day at CP11 in baghdad he will be missed by his family,friends and comrades.I will never forget his strength and he will remain with me for the rest of my life. GOD Bless the Box family. WE WILL NEVER FORGET"
Doc Roush of Ft. Jackson SC

"I am sad that another good man has been killed in this war. I hope that SSgt Box knows that is life was not in vain nor was his death. His family persevers in the midst of all the pain and his wife Alexia is the pillar of strenght keeping his name alive in everything that she does. God bless all of our fallen and the loved ones they leave behind. But, the loved ones should know that they hold heroes in their memories."
Alison Knight of Hope, Arkansas

"I'm extremely proud of this fallen Hero who gave his life for America. Sending ((Hugs)) and Prayers for his family and friends! I hope his memory lives forever."
Jean Mair of Morris, Illinois, USA

"From the whole of my heart - thank you for his service and for his sacrifice. I am honored to be in your debt."
A Grateful Citizen of Elkhart, Indiana USA

"from the stinson family,
god bless your family.. my husband had the chance to know hesley.. they worked together in prescott. he was a wonderful man and friend to all he knew and loved. god bless you all."
stinson of kirby, ar

"TO THE BOX FAMILY!
MY NAME IS JONATHAN MILLER I SERVED WITH HESLEY BOX IN OIF 2. LET ME START BY SAYING AMERICA LOST A TRUE HERO ON MAY 06, 2004. I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY TO HAVE KNOWN SOMEONE SO PROFESSIONAL, CARING, AND THE TRUE DEFINITION OF SOLDIER. I WEAR A BRACELET WITH SSG BOX AND SGT MICHAEL A. SMITH NAME ON IT AND I WILL NEVER REMOVE IT. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO SSG BOX CHILDREN, STAY STRONG, LOVE GOD AND YOUR MOTHER CONTINUE TO TO EXCEL AT EVERYTHING YOU DO, AND IF YOU EVER NEED A ROLE MODEL LOOK TO THE HEAVENS THATS WHERE YOURS IS.... R.I.P BOX (KILLABEE)"
Jonathan Miller of El Dorado, Ar United States of America

"I am the wife of SSG.Hesley Box Jr." We thank you all for your prayers, here a year later. We are healing we have our good days, and we have a lot of bad days. But the prays of the many family, friends, and love ones are what keeps us going. We appreciate God for given us such a valuable gift a living ,breathing angel only here for a short time. I give thanks to God everyday for the love I experienced from Hesley and it will remain with me for the rest of my life and beyond.He lives on in his sons who are so much like there HERO father. And I pray they grow up to be the man he was in life and in death. Thank you once again for loving our angel and for your many prays."
Mrs. Alexia box of Hope, Arkansas, United States

"I too lost a son 11/10/04 fighting in Iraq. His name is Sgt.Michael Ottolini,579th Eng. Calif. Natl. Guard. My love and prayers are sent to his family."
Jacquie Cruz of Windsor, Ca. U>S>A>

"God bless your soul SSG Hesley Box, Jr. You will always be remembered as a true, brave hero. May God hold your family tightly in His loving arms and guide them every step of the way. From just another thankful ever appreciative American citizen who knows the cost of war and is saddened each and every time one of our own is taken from us."
Bela of Woodbury, CT

"DEAR BOX FAMILY,
MY NAME IS ONDRICK RADFORD I SERVED WITH SSG BOX IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.WE WERE IN THE SAME PLATOON AND LONG TIME FRIENDS I KNOW YOU ALL MISS HIM VERY MUCH HE WAS A VERY GOOD STRONG PERSON A GREAT NCO.I OFFER MY CONDOLENCES CAUSE HE IS GREATLY MISSED.BE STRONG AND TRUST IN THE LORD HE PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO BE FREE.HE DEFENDED HIS COUNTRY WITH GREAT PRIDE.AND DID AN OUTSTNDING JOB.WE MISS U SSG BOX.."
SPC ONDRICK RADFORD of CAMDEN AR,

"1/18/05
Thank you brave soldier for taking the fight to those cowards who ambush and run. You have made America safer for your sons and mine and for that we owe you our sincere gratitute. We are proud of you Hesley and we will not forget what you did for the rest of us. To your loved ones, take comfort in knowing that when you close your eyes for the last time, standing there smiling with open arms will be your Hesley. God Bless you and may He grant peace to your family. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"Thank you for your service. I am sorry for your loss."
Bill Hesley of Wildwood Crest New Jersey

"To our beloved Hesley"TANK" Box Jr. I would like to say that on behalf of our family that you are OUR HERO. We love you and appreciate all that you done for us, "What greater love than a man has to lay down his life for his friends". We love you and although you are no longer here with us the memories that you gave us live on. We talk about you daily and just because you are gone does not mean that we stopped loving you. We love you TANK, and we look forward to seeing you again one day. We love you
Your sister in law"
Pamela Turner of Hope Arkansas

"I am so veryy sorry for your loss. I really cant in magine how hard that it must be. But I know how it felt when he did go off to war..many dear friends of mine are gone off to war and I dont know if they are okay or not...but i will do my best to pray for your family.. I thank you so vey much for what you have done. Trying to keep me and my family safe but in doing so yours was taken..i know that God has a very special place in heaven for you and your friends...Thank you again.."
Jamie Judkins of Pittsburgh, Pa

"MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. I THANK GOD EVERY DAY FOR OUR BOYS THAT ARE WILLING TO FIGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM. MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU."
VIVIAN ROBERTS of NASHVILLE, AR.

"I just want you to know they are many of us still in America that do appreciate that we still have people who will stand up for our country, even to the point of giving their lives.

Many brave soldiers such as Staff Sgt. Hesley Box, Jr. and their families, are the ones all of us who are in America have to give thanks to for the freedoms we enjoy ever day of our lives.

My prayers are with you and your family, as well as all the other families who have been touched in such a hard way.

I personally thank you for your loved one and for Him standing up for the freedom of others in a foreign land who were so oppressed by a man who killed people just for his own personal joy.

May God richly bless you and your family in a very special way during this Season when we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus."
Bro. Jerry & Linda Smith of Nashville, Ark. Howard County

"My name is Laura, and I live in Pensacola, FL. I am wearing a bracelet I bought at fallenheros.org, and it honors those who gave their lives in Iraq. Hesley Box Jr's name is on my bracelet, and I just wanted you and your family to know that I wear this bracelet every day, and I think of him and of you , and I thank you and your family for the sacrifice that was made on behalf of our country. I have looked up his biography and I tell it to everyone that asks about my bracelet. God bless you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss, and I think of you every day."
Laura Sikes of Pensacola, FL

"My prayers and support are extended to all of SSG Box's family. My father Lee Sr. was born in Camden and his father Tommy Lee Box was also from Camden. I am not sure if we are related but that matters nonetheless. Hesley's bravery, honor, and sacrifice will not be forgotten by me or my children.
Sincerely,"
Lee Earl Box Jr of Denver, CO

"I am the wife of SSG Hesley Box and I would like to let each and everyone of you know the kids and I really appreciate your love and support for Hesley . So many times people enter this world and leave and no one ever knows they existed but I was so glad that every one else got to see the Hero I had the honor to be married to and Hesley gave his life for something he believed in and because he did his sons will grow up great men and most of all Free men. Thanks to their dad."
Mrs.Alexia Box of Hope, Arkansas, United States

"To all that have made the ultimate sacrifice and to the families who must bare their loss. I extend my heartfelt gratitude and thankfulness for raising sons and daughters who were willing to fight to give hope to a desperate nation and its people.
Their loss serves as a reminder to all Americans that there is a price to be paid for freedom that we as Americans often take for granted.
As parents, we have an obligation to these brave soldiers never to let their sacrifice be forgotten. Let us teach our children the true meaning of freedom. Let every American take time each memorial day to visit the graves of our fallen heros so that they may know that they have not been forgotten and that their efforts in the struggle to free a desperate people were not in vain.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!"
R. Bradley, SFC, US Army (Retired) of Indiana

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

"To Hesley's family, I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Please know that many of us appreciate his service to and sacrifice for our country."
F. Smith of Pennsylvania

"TO THE BOX FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. OUR PRAYS ARE WITH HESLEY AND YOUR FAMILY. ALTHOUGH HE IS A HERO! HESLEY MEANS MUCH MORE TO THOSE HE TOUCHED WITH HIS HEART. FROM A ONE FALLEN PARENT TO ANOTHER!"
leonard wahl of valley stream ny usa

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Hesley, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"SSG Hesley Box Jr was my First Cousin. We all grow up like BROTHERS, so when my wife and myself found that dreadful message on our answering machine, it was like half of my heart was torn away. I still fill the sting of him not being here anymore. Only God and Time can heal the wound in my Uncle and Aunts heart. Lets Hope and pray that this Mid-Eastern conflict soon ends and the rest of the troops can come home safely. TEE, even though you have lost your only brother, don`t forget, My brothers and myself or always willing to step in and try to fill the void that is let behind. Keep your head up!"
TSgt Bobby J Box Jr of Davis-Monthan AFB

"To the Box Family,
I did not know your son, Hesley, but his brother Spc Box is one of my soldiers serving in Iraq with the RSS,2ACR. I am sure SSG Box was a GREAT SOLDIER like his brother. May the Lord continue to comfort your family. God bless you all. SPC Box, we are praying for you and your family."
CSM Vera F. Harris of Camp Echo, Iraq

"One behalf of the Tappin family, we want to send our prayers to the family. Our cousin will not be forgotten and his memory will live on."
Jackie Tappin of Little Rock, Arkansas

"I was saddened to hear about your loss. Keeping your family and all military families in my thoughts and prayers."
Janice Brown of Conway, Arkansas

"To Hesley's 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

"To Hesley'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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.

Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX"

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