Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Condolences to the Bruckenthal family. 10 years later, I can't imagine the pain. Nathan Bruckenthal is an inspiration to me, I've read every I could about him. He's a large reason why I want to be a Coast Guardsman. I appreciate his service to our country."
Lawrence Morris of Sumner, WA

"“Thank you for the service and sacrifice for our nation. My condolences to your friends and family.”"
jeffrey k. Heck USAF 82-86 of columbus ohio

"To the family of:Nathan B. Bruckenthal
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" 1-1-11"

"Can you please help me, Ive been trying to find my deceased father and cannot find him. He died when I was seven, he was in the coast gurard- charlie a steward
brandi@itsallaboutyoutwo.com"
brandi walker of warner robins ga

"”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 1,750 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!
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 God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion of Manti, Utah 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 1,750 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!
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 God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Thinking of you and your family on Independence Day. Thank you for serving our Country. We are a proud Coast Guard family because of men and women like you."
Lisa Healy of Chesapeake, VA

"Remembering you on Memorial Day, Nate...God bless you and your family."
USCGR PS1 of Georgia

"Dear Family,
On this memorial day 2009 I continue to pray and keep each of you and Nate in my prayers.
I will continue to do my part to carry on the fight to the enemy.
I pray for you all to have continued PEACE and know I think of Nate often.
May Our God Bless you and Keep you and thank you for his service to all of us and for your sacrifice.
"HOUSTES OPPUGNATE"
Carry the Fight To the Enemy!"
04/24/04"
David Agata (ret) Coral Springs Police SWAT of Margate Fl

"On this Memorial Day 2009. I wish you peace."
USAF OIF vet of Tucson AZ

"It is those with courage, those with a defined line of trust, hope and integrity that will stand to do what is right and help those who cannot bear to help them selves, my deepest condolences go out to the Family of Nathan B. Bruckenthal for even though i am blinded of his character by the fact that i have not once known him or made acquaintance on his behalf i am awed by the shaking courage a man must possess on a burdened flame of hope and desire to do what is right and help those who have no say, it is a man and a women as he that should be remembered and as i sit here writing this message i am fully aware that he would be saving lives as he thrusts his iron shield into life and takes hold of it i cannot help but recall a poem:

"A man that stands on a burdened flame
One with a awe these other with shame
We cannot think which will he choose
Will he choose the path to lose
or A rock will and sturdy grip
The life of those that plead he will not let slip
For as the rain falls hard upon
The school of days the school that tore
all those that stood in a shadowed life
With hope like thread on the edge of knife
Yet there he stands despair aside ready to fight
Ready to turn the tide...""
Anonymous of Jeddah Saudi Arabia

"I was told of Nathan's story from a friend. I am a 23 year veteran of the Fire Department and served as a Firefighter / Paramedic and served on the Police Department SWAT Team. I am in awe of his accomplishments. He sounds like a guy I would have liked to have on "my team". May God bless his family. Never forget him."
Christopher Clad of Sandpoint, Idaho, USA

"Ma'am, though it has been almost 5 years after losing your husband, I just wanted you to know that we, in the Coast Guard, are still remembering and honoring your husband. I have been charged with looking up all members of the Coast Guard who have died in a Law Enforcement Action for my participation in CCTI. Please accept my sincerest regrets that you suffered a loss due to his actions in defending this country. He is a hero and will always be remembered that way."
MSTC Brandon Westbrook of Atlantic Strike Team, Fort Dix, NJ

"Nate it been a while since i have drop you off at the airport and said see you later. You never think that will be last time you see you Brother, Team mate and your friend. That day will always be there for me. He was and is a true hero in my eyes. to you Pattie my thoughts and prayers are always with you and i hope the best for you always. What can you say about Nate that no one else has said but what a great guy to be around. he will be miss always and some day i will see him agian. God bless Bruckenthal family forever."
Ben Overholt of Springtown, Texas

"I would like PO Bruckenthal's wife and daughter to know that we still honor her husband here at the training center. I have been a company commander for three years and I have talked about Nathan to every company I have had. Recently after the Marine Corp Marathon 10k I visited his grave site in section 60 and payed my respects. Next year I am going to run the full marathon in his honor. I am putting together a team if anyone would like to participate please look me up on global. Mrs. Bruckenthal although I did not know your husband and I am not sure you will read this but I would like to say I am very sorry for your loss PO Bruckenthal was a hero and a role model to me and to allot of recruits here at the Training Center."
Yn2 Garcia of Cape May, NJ

"To Nathan's family...

You are all remembered this Veteran's Day, and so is Nathan's hard work, and giving heart."
Sibby of Houston, Texas

"May 11, 2008
To the family of Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal:
Nathan 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

"I had the honor of going to Boarding Officer School with Nate and living in the room next to him. I try to visit his resting place every year. We were supposed to meet up for a beer upon his return to the US from Bahrain. I am going over their this year for a year tour and I will carry his memorial coin with me on every boarding. When we meet again, I'm buying."
BM1 M. Vecchione of Yorktown, VA

"Nathan was my cousin, and we miss him so much. I went to Washington D.C. last year and my family and I went to Arlington Cemetery to see Nathan. I miss him so much! He always made me laugh, he knew how to put a smile on anyones face. In class when we talk about Memorial Day my teachers always make me share about my cousin, and everytime I cry. Still today, a year and a half later, I still cry when people talk about him, or I have to talk about him for a long period of time. I miss him so much. I wish he was here with us today. I think it's selfish of me that I want him to be here with me when he's obiusly in a better place. I cried for weeks after he died and it was devestating. My friends knew I was going through a tough time but they felt like they didn't know me anymore. I wasn't the bubbly person I usually am, I wasn't happy, I was down and always sad. I"m happy now, but still not the same. I love him and I know that one day I will see him again, in heaven."
Anonymous of Maine

""It's been a year and a half since I last talked to my cousin Nate. He was the best cousin I could have ever asked for, I cried for weeks when I learned he was gone. I know that he sacrifaced himself for the safety of our country. He was truly a decidacated Coastie. I love him so much! and I miss him. I've met his daughter Harper only once when she was first born for I live so far away, but the moment I saw her I immediatly saw Nate, at this point people would say I loved him, as in the past, but I still love him and I always will, so Nate, I love you so much, and I hope you'll be waiting for me with open arms the day I come to heaven.
Rest In Peace Nathan Bruckenthal. Rest In Peace, knowing you've done everything right, I love you so much and so does the rest of the family! We will always remember you.""
Anonymous of New Farfield CT.

"I never knew you, but my condolences go out to you, your family,and your friends.

Peace be with you.

from the grandson of a U.S. Army Lt.Colonel"
Steve of Delaware

"I knew Nate at TACLET SOUTH from 01-03. It was an honor to work with him. I remember my team 409 had just gotten back from Bahrain, when Nate's team was deployed. I remember he was trying to by my Jeep. He will be miss but never forgotten."
Jorge E Anez of Spring Tx

"I knew Nate at TACLET SOUTH from 01-03. It was an honor to work with him. I remember my team 409 had just gotten back from Bahrain, when Nate's team was deployed. I remember he was trying to by my Jeep. He will be miss but never forgatten."
Jorge E Anez of Spring Tx

"im met Nate in the gulf. He was the finest Coastie one could meet....we will miss you bro,

Yn3, USCG"

"I retired from the Coast Guard many years ago so I never had the honor of meeting Nathan. I didn't have to to appreciate his courage or the devotion to duty the young men and women of the Coast Guard show on a daily basis whereever they are stationed. His sacrifice saved others. It's what we do."
Bob HACKETT, HS1 USCG (RET) of Springfield MA

"Although I never knew Nate or his loved ones, when I read of his passing I was quite saddened but proud that a fellow Coastie gave his life for this wonderful country. May his family be blessed for their courage and may he be a reminder to all that Nate gave his life so that those left behind can treasure the freedoms we enjoy every day. His name will be inscribed in the Book of Life. For those who bereave him, cherish his life on earth and his memory."
Ron Ruthfield, USCG 1960-1968 of Lewisville, NC, USA

"To the Family and Friends,
As a merchant mariner, I remember coming home to the news that a sailor had been killed in action. Having just returned from working for the Navy I felt differently about this loss of life, the loss of a brother. He was a sailor and soldier of the United States, and died doing his job and duty, he died a Hero. On National Maritime Day Here in Ft. Lauderdale, FL we honored Nathan's memory and his service. Something that I will never forget. God Bless"
James Nickerson; Able Seaman USMM of Hollywood FL USA

"I HAVE TO SAY THAT IT IS A HORRIBLE THING TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE AND THEIR FAMILY. I HAVE GROWN UP IN MILITARY LIFE AND SUPPORT EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. I AM IN THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AND WANT TO SAY THAT I RESPECT HIM VERY MUCH AS A FELLOW COAST GUARDSMAN AND AS A PERSON EVEN WITHOUT THE CHANCE TO BE STATIONED WITH HIM. HE IS A SHIPMATE AND WILL ALWAYS BE ONE TO ME. I HAVE READ THE STORIES ON HIM AND I CRY EVERYTIME I READ THEM. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU AND THANK YOU TO THE FAMILY FOR LETTING HIM FIGHT FOR FREEDOM IT ISNT FREE FOR I KNOW WITH BEING IN THE MILITARY."
SARAH J RICH of FT MYERS BEACH FLORIDA UNITED STATES

"Thank You for your service Nathan. fair winds and folloing seas. God Bless you and your family. God speed."
charlie of danbury CT

"MY CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF NATHAN BRUCKENTHAL. I HAD THE PLEASURE AND HONOR OF SERVING WITH NATE AS WE CALLED HIM, ONBOARD U.S.S. FIREBOLT DURING HIS FIRST TOUR IN IRAQ BACK IN 2003. I REMEMBER THE DAY WE MET LIKE YESTERDAY. TYPICALLY, NAVY AND COASTIES DON'T ALWAYS GET ALONG. AND AT THAT TIME, MY UNIT HAD WORKED WITH ALOT OF COASTIES PRIOR TO WORKING WITH BRUCKENTHAL'S UNIT. SO THE FEELING WAS,"OH BOY, ANOTHER GROUP OF COASTIES". BUT HIS GROUP WAS THE FIRST GROUP THAT MY UNIT GOT ALONG WITH FROM THE START. AND WHEN ME AND NATE FOUND OUT WE WERE BOTH FROM NY, WE BECAME INSTANT BUDDIES. HE WAS A GREAT GUY TO KNOW, EVEN FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. HE RESPECTED ALL, AND ALL RESPECTED HIM. ALTHOUGH OUR FRIENDSHIP WAS SHORT, I'LL REMEMBER IT FOR A LIFETIME. HE AND ALL THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO HAVE LEFT THIS WORLD DUE TO THEIR SACRFICES WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. ONE LUV, GM3(SW)MALACHI, USN (1998-2004) U.S.S.FIREBOLT PC-10 JUN'01-MAR'04"
CLARENCE MALACHI of VIRGINIA BEACH,VA U.S.A.

"WEDNESDAY OF NEXT WEEK 12-14-05 SEVERAL FALLEN FAMILIES FROM LONG ISLAND. WE BE HEADING TO ARLINGTON. TO PLACE A CHRISTMAS WREATH TO AS MANY FALLEN SOLDIERS AS POSSIBL. GARDEN WORLD IN FRANKLIN SQUARE HAS DONATED 150 WREATHS! TO PLACE AT EACH FALLEN SOLDIER AT PINELAWN NATIONAL AND CALVERTON. AN TO BRING DOWN TO ARLINGTON."
YOUNGBOOD,FLETHER AND WAHL of USA GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIER'S SERVING!

"He was the only one who talked to me at Herndon high school. I've never forgotten his kindness and never will."
of Virginia

"Nate, I miss you brother. Not a day goes by that WE do not think about the ultimate sacrifice that you made for the people of this great country. Everyday at work, we dress in our locker room, your locker has been sealed by your former brothers and fellow instructors. Your TACLET pin shines, your red instructor shirt reminds us of what we come to work for everyday. You are a warrior, one that will not be forgotten. To Patti and Harper, you are part of our family forever, you know we are but a phone call away, where ever you two find yourselves. To Nate's Family, words will never match the pain that you feel, you are in our thoughts and prayers, for you as well, we are but a phone call away.
Very Respectfully,
BM1 Al Vasquez
TACLET South"
Al Vasquez of Miami, Florida

"Nate, I miss you my friend not a day goes by without thinking about all the good times. To Patti, Harper, and Nate's family. Be assured that Nate and the rest of you have not been forgotten by us at T/S. I'll never forget you bro!!!"
Mo

"As a plankowner of TACLET South, it really brought the war home when I learned about Nathan. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting him, my family will always remember his sacrifice."
Rick Johnson of 29 Palms, CA

"thank you for your service, rest in peace"
ken of ny

"To the family and friends,
My son is currently serving on the USCG Mobile Bay and I am retired regular army. I have nothing but great admiration for all members of the USCG. Everybody forgets them until they are needed. Lets not let this go astray and lets bring the Guard back to the public eye."
Pat Whalen of Strongsville, Ohio

"I remember seeing Coast Guard ships off the coast of Vietnem giving gun fire support to the Army. They did a super job. Thank you for your son, he will never be forgot."
David M.White of Spokane, WA

"I REPORTED TO STATION NEAH BAY IN MAY OF 2002 AND ACTUALLY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FOR NATE BEFORE HE PCS TO TACLET. HE AND PATTI WERE GOOD FRIENDS. NATE I MISS YOU, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. YOU ARE A REAL LIFE HERO. I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN. PATTI, I WISH WE COULD STAY IN TOUCH MORE OFTEN. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND HARPER. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

DC2 CHRIS JOHNSON
USCGC MARIA BRAY ( WLM-562 )
JAX, FL"
CHRIS JOHNSON of JAX, FL / USA

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please use our link and register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Wife of an Air Force veteran and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts "
Kim Woodard of Richmond, VA

"ON JULY 16, 2005 A DINNER DANCE HONORING SGT. GREGORY L. WAHL AT THE AMERICAN LEGIONIN VALLEY STREAM. HONORING ALL OUR FALLEN SOLDIER'S OF LONG ISLAND. (8pm) THE FUNDS RAISED GOES DIRECTLY TO THE CHILDREN OF THE FALLEN SOLDIER. MR. BRUCKENTHAL YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT lwahl1@Sears.com. I need information of Nathan's wife and child. I wanted to do something then meant the world to Gregory. As I'm sure Nathan child was to him. An our recent fallen soldier Jeffrey Weiner of his children. I look forward to hearing from you and or someone in the Bruckenthal family."
leonard wahl of valley stream ny

"A year has now passed since I last spoke to my husband, Nathan...just a few hours before he was hurt by the terrorist. He was so happy about us starting a family and he told me that I could start counting the days, since he was comming home soon...he was through half of his deployment and couldnt wait to come home where he belonged he said. I miss him so much. I see him in our daughter Harper every day as she is a spitting image of Nathan. Everytime I look at her I cant stop smiling, and it feels like Nathan is right here with us. She is most beutiful baby girl and I love her so much.

I want to thank everybody that has been so kind and supportive to me and Harper. Thank you for the beautiful notes, letters, blankets, baby clothes and more that I have received.

I want to especially thank our friends Kathy and Lee. If it wouldnt have been for you I dont know where I would have been today. Love you guys.
To the Makah tribe I thank you for letting Nathan be all the he could be in Neah Bay. Thank you for honoring him in the way that you did. It means a lot to me and his family. Nathan loved working in Neah Bay and he loved the people that lived there. He loved to help out with the football team and he "loved" running after loose doonkies in Neah Bay. :o)
Phil and TJ were just some of his favorites...and Betsy and Glenda and Company of course and the list could go on and on.
Thank you for your friendship.

Sincerely"
Pattie and baby girl Harper of Seattle, WA

"To the Bruckenthal family and Patty and Baby Harper,
I had the privlage to meet Nate while he was stationed here at Neah Bay, he was such an inspiring person, a person who not only the kids looked up to, but many others did as well, including myself.
Everyone here in Neah Bay misses Nate dearly he helped our community more than anyone would ever know, we will never meet another person like Nate, and we still miss him as much as the day him and Patty left Neah Bay, he was truelly a unique special person to our town, we love you and will never forget the good you did for a town Nate. And Patty we wish you well with your new baby girl she is beautiful! hopefully she will inherit some of Nate's traits :)"
Stella Wachendorf of Neah Bay, WA U.S.

"I spent eight years as a Coast Guard damage controllman and I am truly honored to have been able to wear the same uniform as Petty Officer Bruckenthal. My family and I will always be grateful for his dedication and sacrifice in the name of freedom. May God always hold Nathan as one of his own."
Gary R. Cunningham of Newton Falls, Ohio

"Five months later and we still grieve.
We will never forget the boy or the man you became."
Your friends and family of Northport

"The Family of Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal:
I grieve at the loss of your son, your brother, your friend. I thank you for bringing him to this earth so that he could give us the biggest gift: freedom."

"I met Nate when he was stationed in Wa. Him and Patti became close friends of mine. He was a great man and a true HERO. He took to my girls right away. He was go great with them. They called him uncle Nate. He would have been such a great father. He will always be in my memory and forever missed. Patti I am so sorry for your loss. Just remember I love you and am always here for you."
Sarah True Johnson of Salem, Oregon

"Patti we are so sorry for the loss of Nathan, what a truely wonderful person. He was and always will be a Great Hero. Patti take care of yourself and that wonderful child and always remember you are always in our heart and prayers"
Jody and JT Green of Neah Bay WA

"Petty Officer Bruckenthal, goodbye sailor and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"I am in 8th grade and we were learing about how many people were dying in Iraq. He is included in our prayers. If there is a family member I would appreciate it if you could email me back at RockNRollGrlAA90@aol.com so I can write my report on this hero."
student at Emmet Belknap of NY

"WORD ARE EXTREMELY HARD TO EXPRESS IN ANY CONDOLENCES. WE ARE VERY PROUD FAMILIES THAT LOST VERY SPECIAL SOLDIERS! YOUR SON IS ESPECIALLY, HARDER TO FORGET. HE WILL CERTAINLY, BE IN MY PRAYS AND FOR HIS FAMILY. BOTH SERVING OUR COUNTRY, PROUDLY FOR ALL AMERICANS AND THEIR FAMILIES. OUR FAMILY LOST IS VERY SIMILAR IN MANY RESPECTS. WE HAVE VERY SPECIAL DAUGHTER-IN-LAWS AND GRANDCHILDREN TO REMEMBER OUR SONS EVEN MORE. ANY YET WE HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES OURSELVES. TO REFLECT ON THE LOVE OF OUR SONS."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Pattie:
I am sorry for your loss i got stationed at Neah Bay not long after Nate left. I am sorry that i did not get the chance to meet you inspiring husband. You and the rest of you family are in my Prayers."
SN Samantha Mahan of Neah Bay, Washington

"To Nathan'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"
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com

"My heart goes out to your his family in this difficult time. I once worked with Nathan a very long time ago and he was a very nice and respectful young man."
Fantasia Forrest of Sterling, VA, USA

"I had the pleasure of meeting Nate when he was stationed in Neah Bay. I wish that I could have gotten to know him better. I attended the Memorial Service held for him in Neah Bay. Neah Bay is a small village on the Makah Reservation in Washington State. For the short time Nate was stationed in Neah Bay he did more for our village than many of us have in our lifetimes here. He was a volunteer fireman, a reserve officer for our Police department and volunteered to coach our High School football team; all of this in addition to his duties with the Coast Guard. He was a man of endless energy, and deep dedication to all he put his heart into. I thank him for paying such great attention to our young men on the football team. I heard stories of his attendance at our basketball games. He was up and dancing in the bleachers, exhorting the home fans to join him in his energy to support our kids. A positive roll model and always a postive message for our kids. He met his wife Patty in Neah Bay, and broke a lot of hearts here when they married. As a member of the Makah Tribe I was proud of the way we chose to honor Nate. I am proud of his service to our country and saddened by our loss. I pray for his family as they grieve. They can be encouraged by the fact that he brought smiles, enthusiasm, and wonderful memories "from sea to shining sea." Time will come when you can celebrate his life, enjoy his child and remember that he represents the best that this nation has to offer. Thank you for sharing him with us, God bless you."
Bud Denney of Neah Bay, WA USA

"Nate was one of the best men I've had the privilege to know. He taught me dedication, determination, commitment. His main goal in life was to make those that he kept around him happy...and he always succeeded. I learned from him that the most important part of being happy was the search for happiness. For him, that usually included public service. Since the day I met him, I've admired him. I have no doubt that he found fulfillment in life...that he loved his wife with all his heart, that he thoroughly enjoyed his work, and that he felt purposeful in all his volunteerism...because that's how he lived his life. My heart breaks for Patty (who I'm looking forward to meeting), his mother and sister (who I love very dearly), but mostly for Patty and his child on the way, who will never know exactly how special his/her father was.

If anyone can send monetary support for Patty Bruckenthal and the baby she has on the way, donations can be sent to:

The Nathan Bruckenthal Memorial Trust Fund
P.O. Box 398
Northport, NY 11768

In addition to monetary donations, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation office at Coast Guard Integrated Support Command Miami is collecting baby items and notes of sympathy and condolences.

Items and letters can be sent to:
U. S. Coast Guard
Richmond Hts MWR Rec Center
15403 SW 123 Avenue
Miami, Fl 33177
ATTN: Family of Nathan Bruckenthal"
Areesah of Northern VA

"To Nathan'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

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

"Thank you Nathan Bruckenthal, 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 Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal:
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 Nathan 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 Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal:
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 Nathan, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia