Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Wow, I love your post today! This in just the perfect time. Thanks a bunch! free online brain games"
Ernest of Singapore

"I knew Brooks as the 1SG's driver for A TRP 5-15 when I was in basic. Brooks had been held over for one cycle because that's what they did sometimes. We both shipped to 3rd Platoon, A Troop, 3-7 CAV. We became good friends. Brooks was quiet and serious. He was a professional all the time when other privates were goofballs. He cared about his young family and did everything in his job to provide for them. The Army took us different directions and I never saw Brooks again. Just the other day I thought about him and then found out today he died. It turns out we were in Iraq at the same time. Weird how that stuff happens. I am saddened but I know he was a hero. You can read it in the comments on this page. I am glad to have known him. He helped me be a good soldier and family man because even though we were both privates, even then he set the example."
SFC(R) Matthew Mayo of Pickerington, OH

"Miss ya Brooks!"
SFC Richer of KY

"SSG was my best friend , he watched out for me and watched my back teaching a tanker how to be a scout, He is forever my idol and miss him. He was the reason for my mos change to become a scout"
Ben "UMIC' Watford of Jacksonville fl

"I love you daddy and miss you very much i wish that i got to say goodbye.. its kinda of hard not to have you here with me to keep me from hurt harm and danger.. well i have to go now i love you daddy"
Aaryan Brooks of Enterprise,Alabama

"There is not a day that goes bye that I don't think of of SSG Brooks, I will never forget him. 3 May 2005 change the lives of many poeple."
SFC Edwin F. Greer of Ft Benning GA.

"I knew William as "Boogie" and he was a very close friend of mine. I did not find out about his death until today and I was devastated. The last time that we spoke was September 1999, he told me that he re-enlisted because he was trying to make a life for him and his family. I wish I had found him before he left this earth. I commend him for the service that he did because he did it for his country. I will truly miss him and will always love him like the brother he was to me."
Tanisha Thompson of Savannah,GA

"To my brother sean aka william brooks only he would know what i am talking about. You where a great friend and i miss you much bro. There are so many things i remember about you all the fun times we shared in Fort Knox. I really remember the time we where coming back from louisville and a skunk was in the middle of the road you tried to avoid it but it was to late he got us. It was skunk on our clothes and it took you two days and alot of scrubbing to get that smell out of your car. You loved your daughter and ex wife so much i am glad i had the chance to meet them both in Elizabethtown Ky when we graduated BNCOC. I wish you where still here but youare in a better place I wear a band around my arm with your named and the date God called you to be one of his angels I love you and miss you so much brother peace be with you, your friend. To the family i pray everyday for your brother, son, uncle ad am sorry for your loss Will was a great man and a wonderful friend."
Michael Carter of Ft Irwin, Ca US

"I'll never forget that he backed me when no one else did. I will remember him for the rest of my life."

"To the Brooks Family, I worked at the Reception Center as a Platoon Sergeant when I met SSG Brooks. We thought we might be related since my mother's maiden name is Brooks. We became friends and the last time I saw William his car had broken down near the back gate at Fort Stewart. I stopped helped him push his car to the side of the rode, and gave him a ride to his unit. He told me he was getting ready to leave for Iraq and he would see me when he got back. I cried when I found out we lost him. He was a joyful person to be around and he loved the Army and what the Army stood for. To the Brooks family, I never found out if we were related, but I feel in my heart that we were. Brother Brooks rest in peace and may God bless your family and your children."
MSG(R) Arnold of Georgia

"I think of you today on this Veteran's Day 2009. I'm thankful that my son is now home but it is bittersweet for I feel the pain of those mothers that will never see their son's again. William, thank you again - we will not forget. And to William's family - my heart shares your loss."
Teresa Adams of Birmingham, AL

"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 E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"I love and miss you my friend. I will never forget you. You were the best nco I ever served with and more importantly you were like a father to me and best friend. I got out some time ago my brother after we arrived back home. The nightmares and sadness of your going still haunt me. I will never forget you. I love you as my brother in arms and as the best friend I could ever remember. I will always remember all the advice you gave me and all the inspiration you served as to myself and so many others.

To the family that reads this I am so sorry for your loss. He was more then a man, he was a hero to our country, and amongst his men.

Here it is four years later after God decided to take one of his angels from earth and I still remember it fresh in my head like it just happened.

I still cry at nights sometimes my friend cause I know that you can never be replaced. Then I realize that one day in Heaven we will meet and your family will meet mine and we shall have a few drinks in fiddlers green. GARRY OWEN MY BROTHER! God bless you my friend and I will always love and miss you...."
Corporal Solomon of Puerto Rico

"Dear Jerome , it's been a while since I looked in the memorial page. I do want you to still know how much I still love you. Missing you and Ged hurts something awful. Yes life still goes on,but the hurt is still there. One day when we meet again, there will be no more separation from one another. God grants me the strength to go on day by day; it is still so very hard. I am proud now and was when you were alive of the life you lived, and gave up so unselfishly. All for now. Love Aunt Anne"
Anne Benson of Birmingham,Al,

"To the family of SSG William J. Brooks,

SSG Brooks was one of the best, if not the BEST, NCOs I had ever had the pleasure of meeting and working with. I always looked up to him. Words cannot even begin to express the pain that was brought to me on that day when I was told of this tragedy. I truly miss him. I always looked up to him and looked to him for guidance as an NCO and as a man. He will always be in my heart and soul. I still lay awake at night thinking of how good of a person he was. To any of the Brooks family, please feel free to contact me anytime of the day, no matter what the circumstances, if you ever need to talk to someone. I will always be here for you as I know he would have done the same for me and my family. My email is caspa69_96@yahoo.com
my cell # is (301)861-6777. He is truly missed. Much love to the Brooks family. I can only imagine the pain that you go through on a daily basis as I broke down and cried my heart out on the day of his memorial. I still find myself doing the same nowdays as I sit and think of how much I miss him. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. And by all means please contact me so I can know your family is doing ok. Thank you for all you have given as it is far more than anyone could've ever imagined.
SSG BROOKS YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN"
SGT Steven A. Wright of Ft Stewart, GA, 1-64 AR, Fire Support

"I didn't know you William,
but I can only feel
some of their pain"
Anonymous of Doesn't Matter

"We miss you so much.
RIP"
B Brooks of b'ham

"May 4, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. William J. Brooks:
William 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

"To the family of:William J. Brooks 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"

"To William and his family:
From the mom of a Marine presently serving in Iraq I want to personally convey my condolences and deeply felt appreciation for your sacrifice. Only the truly selfless can serve their country and be prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice. I pray for all of the fallen and those who are at risk every day in service to our country. You will always be remembered as a hero. I wish I'd had the chance to meet you. Please look after those loved ones you left behind and your brothers in arms still serving this great country. We know that you are proudly guarding the gates of heaven today."
Teresa Adams of MCG Birmingham, AL, USA

"Just going to say, "See you later". We will meet again and I can tell you face to face that you were truly a good soldier and upstanding man. God bless your family and keep them strong. "Brave soldiers NEVER die. Their memory always live on".""
SSG Eric L. Jefferson of Ft. Stewart, GA (1/64th AR BN)

"I know I havent seen you in a few years, but the time we shared, you was a brother to me. Thank you for everything you have given me and thank you for giving us freedom. Your in a better place now, God Bless."
SSG Jevon Hall of aberdeen, MD

"Jerome:

We miss you so much. Words can't express how much we wish that you were still here with us. We know that your presence will live on through your girls.

The only thing that gives us comfort is knowing that you are in a better place."
The Brooks Family of Birmingham, Alabama/USA

"Thank you brother for your sacrifice to our country. As a Noncommissioned officer in 1/64AR, I know you were the best we had! God Bless you and your family."
SGT Frank Ugolini of Ft. Stewart, Georgia

"I WILL LIKE TO SAY TO THE BROOKS FAMILY THAT I TRULY,TRULY AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOST.THIS IS VERY HARD FOR ME TO SAY B/C WILLIAM WAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PERSON TO KNOW.MISS LINDA I KNOW THAT I NEVER GOT A CHANCE TO MEET YOU BUT I FELT LIKE I KNEW YOU B/C WILL TALKED ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME AND HIS GIRLS AND THEN ROXANNE CAME ALONG AND SHE BEGAN TO BE APART OF HIS CONVERSATIONS. I WISH I COULD GIVE YOU ALL A BIG HUG AND SAY AGAIN HOW SORRY I AM.LOVE GOD AND TRUST IN HIM,HE ALREADY KNOWS OUR PAIN.I'M SORRY.TO ALL THE FAMILIES OF FALLEN SOLDIERS GOD LOVES YOU.JUST BELIEVE IN HIM.HE HEARS YOUR CRIES."
ERICA REECE of FORT LEWIS,WA

"William,
I miss you. Gerald is comming to join you. It will be 6 months Thursday. I know you all will keep a watch out for the rest of us.
Ged and William, rest in peace.
Love
Your Aunt B"
Brenda of birmingham

"May god bless your soul. Thanks to people like you, we can remain free."
William M. Brooks of Montpelier, VT

"Jerome:

You will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and in our hearts. Love ya!!"
Angela Brooks of Birmingham, Alabama/USA

"I love u Will, I always have"
Tiffany Burrow of Pueblo CO

"The Salute


To those who have died,
And to those who have cried.
We Salute You.

To those who have lost,
Paid the ultimate cost.
We Salute You.

And to those who still serve,
The Red White and Blue.
Our grateful Nation,
Proudly Salutes You."
Tom Balstad of West Warwick RI

"I am very sorry for your loss and that you have had to join the ranks of Gold Star families. May you find comfort in the memories of your loved one."
Michele Carter, sister of CPL Gary Walters KIA 24 Apr 05 of Germany

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIAM. WE MISS YOU.

AUNT B"
BRENDA of BIRMINGHAM

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

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From the family of LCpl Branden P. Ramey, KIA 11/8/04"
Sandy of CA

"William I miss you so much. I praise you for what you did for your country and for protecting us. You will be missed dearly, but you will always be in my heart. From your Aunt Brenda"
B. Brooks of Birmingham,Alabama

"SSG William Jerome Brooks was one of the finest NCO's I have ever had the oppurtunity to work with. He always led by example, was assigned the toughest missions to accomplish and did so with outstanding results. William was a man of his word and a NCO that always took fantastic care of his Soldiers. We, the "Desert Rogue" family sorely miss him. William always maintained the ability to turn any situation into something positive and had a great outlook on life. William was always positive and showed it through a smile that was unmatched by any. William's work ethic is unmatched and that rolled over into is off duty time too. William made a difference in all of our lives, and will never be forgotten by the "Outlaws" and never be forgotten by "RECON!" William your spirit is embodied in all of us and we will not let you down by continuing until the mission is complete...just like you would want us to do.

Our hearts go out to his family, Roxanne, Ayana and Aaryan as no one will miss him more then you. William was one of the finest men that I have had the pleasure of meeting in 19 years of service. I am so sorry for the loss of William; William embodies the word "HERO!"

1SG James A. Baugh
"Outlaw 7"
Camp Rustimyah, Iraq"
1SG James A. Baugh of Iraq

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"We will never forget Sgt William J. Brooks. So many Americans share with you your pain and sorrow. Your son is truly a hero. He will never be forgotten for sacrificing his life to fight for our freedom. You are in our prayers and May God bless you and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Jackson Olin Highschool class of 1994"
Chanda Davis and Tamara (Mookie)Dowdell of Birmingham,Al, 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, William will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Desert Rogues"
SFC Simpson of 1-6 INF, 1AD, Germany

"Thank you Staff Sergeant Brooks for giving your life to serve our country. You soldiers all have a special place in Heaven."
Family of Cpl Gary W. Walters(died on 04/24/2005) of Victoria, Texas

"TO THE BROOKS FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WILLIAM THANK YOU, FOR SERVING OUR GREAT COUNTRY. PROTECTING US FROM TERRORISM. AN FOR GIVEN IRAQ A NEW BEGINNING. YOU ARE THE ELITE OF AMERICAN'S. YOU WILL NOT HAVE GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN! WILLIAM YOU HAVE TOUSHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. FROM THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, THOSE BROTHERS AND SISTER'S IN THE MILTARY, YOUR SECOND FAMILY. AN THE LOVE OF EACH ONE OF YOUR FAMILY. WITHOUT YOU AND THE THOUSAND THAT SERVED ALONG SIDE YOU. WE IN AMERICAN WOULD NOT BE SAFE! OUR FAMILY IS DEEPLY SADDEN FOR THE LOST OF YOU WILLIAM. AN OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. WE LOST OUR SON LAST MAY. AN WILLIAM SO THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL YOU BOTH WATCHOING OVER ONE ANOTHERS BACK. FOR THAT'S WHAT MILITARY BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S DO! THE REASON OUR ARMED FORCE'S IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD. I REALIZE WILLIAM AND GREGORY HAD NOT KNOWN ONE ANOTHER. BOTH ARE NOW TOGETHER. AN OUR FAMILIES MUST KEEP WILIAM, GREGORY AND ALL OUR FALLEN SOLDIER'S NAME FRESH IN THE MINDS OF ALL AMERICAN'S."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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