Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hard to believe it has been 20 years. The U.S. lost a great hero and citizen. I was SOOOO lucky to have him as my first team leader in 3rd SFG, he set the highest bar no other Team Leader could match. If only we could clone a million Chad Buehrings! (I can hear him laugh at that)"
Matt Butcher of Casa Grande, AZ

"Hello everyone, I'm Chad's son, Drew Buehring. I have not seen this page before, but seeing the memories that you all have of my father and how much he impacted so many people is amazing to see almost 20 years after his death. Thank you all for taking the time to remember him and share these kind words."
Charles 'Drew' Buehring of Durham, NC

"Col. Buehring,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OIF but also for your service in Somalia, Bosnia, Korea and Desert Fox as well. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"12 years - damn! I miss you Chud!"
Lowelife of Raleigh, NC

"God bless the families of those that sacrificed for our freedom. Classmates and friends and fellow political science majors, We miss you Chad. We hope your family are well."
Chris Stadler 85' of Gastonia, NC

"Chad, you were a great leader and a friend. It is hard to believe it is almost 11-years...I always remember each month when Alicia would come to the Team Room and pay off your tab...You are always remembered by the Powers Family and we will never forget your sacrifice to our Great Nation...De Oppresso Liber"
Shawn Powers ODA 391 of Ft Bragg, NC

"Memorial day is this weekend and it has been almost 11 years since you gave your life for our country. Those that knew you will never forget your easy going manner especially when times got tough. God bless you and your family"
Andy of Virginia

"Chad

On your 10th anniversery, we had a beer in your honor my friend. It was the cheapest, worst tasting we could find just like we used to share at IOBC when we were "studying" for our next exam in building 4. You are with us always."
Mike of Ft Bragg, NC

"Chad, we went through IOBC together. We never got a chance to serve in SF together, but I will always be your brother in arms. Turk"
Gary Ermutlu of Snellville, GA USA

"Chuck, it was an honor to have served with you. There is comfort in knowing that we will all see you again. Until that time you will not be forgotten."
1SG TC Carter of Tampa, Florida

""To the family of Charles H. Buehring ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"Chad - We went through knob year together and suffered through Ranger School together but I didn't know then how proud I would be to be your friend. I can remember the moment that I heard about your ultimate sacrafice and I only hope you knew how much you meant to the Class of 1985. Thank you for fighting for our country and being a hero, The Citadel, Mike Company and I will always be proud of you!!

M Co. Class of 1985"
Chris Westmoreland of Atlanta, GA

"i love you brother"
carl hood of manhattan ks

"I was the medic that worked on LTC Buehring at the hotel and enroute to the hospital in Baghdad. I want to express my deepest regrets to the family and loved ones."
SFC Michael C. Barber (Arkansas National Guard) of Lavaca, Arkansas

"The soldiers do not speak. Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them? They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts. They say: We are young. We have died. Remember us. They say: We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done. They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished no one can know what our lives gave. They say: Our deaths are not ours: they are yours they will mean what you make them. They say: Weather our lives and our deaths are for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say: it is you who must say this. They say: We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning. We were young. they say. We have died. Remember us:"
William Taylor of Bonita Springs, Fl.

"I was stationed at Camp Buehring, Kuwait a few years ago and would like to establish contact with the family, as it would it mean a lot to me.
thanks, J
jjmeck@comcast.net"
Jason of Fort Collins, CO

"Chad,

I learned so much about the Army and about life from you. Alicia taught my wife and I how to survive as a married couple in the Army. Going to your funeral was one of the most difficult things I have ever done, but seeing Alicia's strength pulled me and my wife through. After four deployemnts to AF and IZ, I will never forget you. You are in my thoughts and I still fight for you and the others from El Cid. Pete Ober, Dan Eggers we are still fighting for you. As we approach five years since you were taken from us, I, we, will continue the fight."
David S. of El Cid 1999

"A year later and you are not forgotten."
Greg Bailey El Cid 87 of Powhatan, Va

"May 11, 2008
To the family of Lt. Col. Charles H. Buehring:
Charles 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

"Gee, it has been 4 years since I heard. I was class of 87 in K Co. Chad was an odd guy to many, in Mike where my best friend was, but I got him even as a knob to a Jr. He seemed to live for the opportunity to serve the country. I remember hearing about his death not long after it happened and crying. He wasn't the first man I knew how was lost in battle, but...there was something to lose with him. God bless you Buehring's.
Greg"
Greg Bailey 87 of Powhatan, Va

"LTC Buehring was one of the few Regular Army officers who excepted my rag-tag band of soldiers without reservation... He was instrumental in the early success we enjoyed and was a consistent advocate of our ability and unique style - my entire detachment was sorry to see him go, but a much better group for knowing him..."
Joe Gabriel TPD 1560 of Ohio

"Every Care Package that Operation Kool Aide has sent to our contacts at Camp Buehring continuously remind us of the dedication and patriotism this Man had in his Heart and Soul. God will watch over him."
Ralph Hanson of Bellevue, Nebraska

"We haven't forgotten Chad today! In fact in his honor, we're having Cheryl's famous brats and apples tonight. Alicia, we're all wondering how to contact you - the boys want to know if you're all okay! chris.gaw@gmail.com"
Chris Gaw of Marshfield, Massachusetts

"I only knew Chad for a month or so before he passed, but my last memory of him is one that I shall keep in my heart forever... Chad was sitting at his desk in CPA's Strat Comm, playing with a little Iraqi girl, the daughter of one of the translators. The memory is so vivid as the pretty little girl reminded me of one of my own daughters. So, here is Chad, a warrior of the first rate, blowing up a balloon at letting it go whizzing throughout the office, buzzing his co-workers, with this precious child, sitting in his lap, laughing. A man with that much capacity for love and kindness will always be the definition of what is good and right in this world.

God bless you Chad and God bless your family."
Steven Wendelin of Fort Belvoir, VA

"I worked with Chad at CFLCC and CJTF-7. He was a great American and he is missed."
Patrick Schmid of Quantico, VA

"Worked with Chad as a member of CFLCC in Kuwait leading up to the move north. Worked with him again in Baghdad after CJTF-7 stood up. He was confident, competent, charming, and unconventional. I will post the photo of us taken July 2003. You'll see what I mean."
Zak Grogan, COL, IN of Redstone Arsenal, AL

"I worked with Chad as an interpreter in Bosnia, late 1995, early 1996. Chad was a good guy. I remember when a civilian approached me threateningly, telling Chad he doesn't like me being there, because he didn't like my nationality. Chad looked at him with a smile that said 'This is my man. You touch him, you touch me. And you don't want to touch me'. The guy walked away, saying he didn't mean any harm.
I felt safe working with Chad. Chad was a good guy."
Drago of Zagreb, Croatia

"Chad was a college classmate of mine. I remember him as consistently pleasant, positive and driven to his goal of being a first rate Army officer. You did fine my friend. You can take your boots off now. Romans 8:28"
Steve A. of Rome, GA

"I will never have a friend again that took such amusement in Halloween antics like myself!
I will never forget, nor will my children, the influence that Chad had upon us all. He was an officer and a gentlemen and the world is a sadder place without his wit and his insights. Rest in peace, Chad, rest in peace."
Chris Gaw of Marshfield, Massachusetts

"Eulogy for LTC Charles H. (“Chad”) Buehring

Introduction

We have gathered here today upon the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery to pay homage to LTC Charles Henry Buehring. Known as Chad to most of us. We have also come to honor the Buehring family for the sacrifice they have made on behalf of this nation. There is little I can say that will truly comfort them, for they alone must carry this heavy burden. Nevertheless, I will try.

Alicia, Nick, Drew and Chris, it is with great sadness that I stand before you today! I am so very sorry for your loss! I too mourn the loss of Chad! As you know, we were best friends and I will miss him greatly for we shared many special moments together. There would have been many more, but for his passing. Please take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace!

Main Body

To all of you, I pose this question, “What is the measure of a man?” For many in our society, it would be the size of his bank account or investment portfolio; for others it might be the magnitude of accumulated material possessions; and for others it might be the glory of fame or media attention. However, I would argue that the true measure of a man is the depth of his character. By this measure, Chad was a giant among men. Let me tell you why I believe this to be so.
It was a privilege for me to see Chad grow to be the man we all knew and loved from the mere boy he was when we first met over 20 years ago at The Citadel. He grew to be a man to respect for his integrity. He chose to tell you the truth, not what he thought you wanted to hear, even when it was not in his best interest.

I first saw this when we visited his family over Spring Break our senior year of college. Chad and I dragged ourselves into his house early one morning from a night out on the town. Chad’s father, Chuck, was sitting at the kitchen table having breakfast when we entered. Close upon our heels was his mother, Mary Ellen. Seeing our rather ragged state she said, “You boys have either been up all night downstairs or you are just coming home. Do you care to tell me which it is?” Chad, true to form, immediately admitted we were just returning. Mary Ellen proceeded to tell us how wicked we were and that we were a bad influence upon Chris. I had a flashback to our freshman year. We were getting racked all over again. Fortunately, Chuck stepped in and saved us.
Chad grew into a man to admire for his doggedness. Once he set his mind to a task, he did not slack off or give up, regardless of the obstacles, no matter the hardship. This trait accounts for his successful 2-year long-distance courtship of Alicia following our graduation from The Citadel.

Chad grew to be a learned man and a man to whom people listened. He constantly sought to learn more about his profession. His efforts led him to complete many military schools as well as to obtain a masters degree. His considerable expertise in special operations gained as an “A” Team leader in Somalia, as a civil affairs team leader in Bosnia, and as a Psychological Operations officer during the ground war in Iraq resulted in his being assigned to an influential roll as a member of Ambassador Bremer’s staff at the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq.

Chad grew to be a fine leader, a true warrior. He led from the front rather than managed from the rear. He was an unselfish leader, never asking others to do something he could not or would not do himself. His sense of duty to those he led and to his superiors was constant. “Duty First, People Always” was his motto. This perhaps accounts for the high esteem in which he was held by so many of his peers and subordinates throughout his career.

Chad grew to be a worthy citizen of our country. Not only did he serve the nation as an officer, but he served his local community as well. Many young boys will long remember him as a dynamic mentor in the local Scouting program. He was also a man of faith and was very active in the church, always prepared to lend a hand or to help others. Your attendance here today and the more than 500 people that attended his memorial service just two weeks ago speak volumes about the number of people he touched throughout his life and the positive impact he had upon them.
This well-rounded, talented man also grew to be a faithful husband, a doting father, a loving brother and a steadfast friend.

Chad truly loved Alicia, his wife for over 16 years. I have never doubted this from the day I was his best man at their wedding. Alicia, I must apologize to you now for painting a slogan on the bottom of his shoes that day, though I must admit that he was quite a stunning figure in his dress blues as you both knelt at the alter and my “H.E.L.P.” artwork was revealed. He certainly never needed any, as you were the best mate he could ever have had. You made him a happy man.
Chad was so proud of his sons. He admired the vigor with which Nick and Drew pursue life. He savored the time he spent with them on scouting projects, on camping trips and just goofing around at home. I recall a camping trip just two years ago when my son, Alex, and I spent several days with Chad, Nick and Drew camping at a state park. We hiked, canoed, and swam during the day and played RISK by lantern-light at night. Chad was beaming with joy the day we taught Drew to swim. He recognized how intelligent his son’s are and he had high expectations for the men that they both will become. I know they will far surpass Chad’s expectations. I know this because they are so much like him. You cannot look them in the face without seeing him.

Chad was also proud of his brother. He took satisfaction from knowing that Chris had grown into a man willing and able to set his own course in life. Chad was also amazed at the knowledge and construction skills that Chris displayed when they built the boys a fort in their back yard. Chad claimed it was so well built that it would outlast the house.

Chad was also a good friend and confidant. As you can tell, we shared so many of life’s important moments together. I think one of the things that I most admired about him was his sense of humor, even in difficult times. You could not be around Chad without him bringing a smile to your face or causing you to break out in laughter. One cherished moment comes to mind. Not having a daughter of his own, Chad took special interest in my daughter, Samantha, when she was but a toddler. Throughout the years, he never overlooked an opportunity to tell me that she was going to be a boy magnet and that I would need to get a shotgun before she began dating in order to keep the boys away or at least to intimidate them. The last time I saw Chad was the day of his mother’s funeral, shortly before he deployed to the Middle East. We had just completed the interment, and I was standing with my family, Alicia and the boys. Chad walked up beside me and stood there in silence, taking in the conversation. After a few moments, he nudged me with his elbow while nodding to Sam, then sixteen-years old, and he said, “Did you get that shotgun yet?” and broke out in his unique, guffaw of a laugh. This is but one of the countless memories I have of him, yet it is so typical.







Among all of these admirable qualities, there is one other that truly made Chad stand apart. It was his moral and physical courage. The best example, the reason we are all here today, was his willingness to fight for and, if need be, to die for those values and for those whom he held dear. Chad chose to serve in Special Forces for most of his career because he believed in their motto, “Free the Oppressed.” He did so by the millions through his work in Iraq. Only time will reveal the benefits of the monumental changes underway in Iraq as a result of our presence. It has undoubtedly changed the calculus of those in that region that would seek to harm us. Our nation is so very fortunate to have citizens such as Chad who, above all things, believe in Freedom.

Closing

In closing, I ask you to look around and take note of the thousands of headstones that surround you. There are many other American cemeteries across the globe just like this one and they too are full of those headstones. While there is an odd and peaceful beauty to these places, they should remind you of one simple fact. Freedom is not free! Chad knew that it was imperative that we win the “War on Terrorism” now, at any cost, because he understood that the price of appeasing those that despise American’s and our way of life would be far dearer in the future when our sons and daughters would pay the price. He died so that our children might live in a free society without fear of terrorism or tyranny. From this moment, we are all forever in debt to the Buehring family for their sacrifice on our behalf. This afternoon, we are laying to rest yet another patriot among so many others who also gave the last full measure of devotion. I pray that some day we shall never have to do so again.

Farewell my friend!"
Bill of NC

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

"Dear Lt. Col Charles Buehring
Because of you I feel a pride beyond compare and that pride is to be an American in this great country. You, Lt Col are a part of the few that are true Americans, you are the ones who show bravery in the face of danger and show what it really is to be an American, and that is to give part yourself in battle against an evil foe. Thanks to you and others like you I will be looking forward to when I get of age joining the army and serving my country. You and your other fallen comrades are my idols and you will always have my eternal thanks."
Anthony D'ELia of Freehold, NJ

"To Lt Col Buehring's Family"
Though we are strangers, we want you to know how sorry we are your Charles was taken from you. There is no doubt his thoughts were of you as he served in Iraq. We will never forget. You are in our hearts."
Carol & Larry Miller of Tampa, Florida (2/24/04)

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

"Thank you Charles Buehring, 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

"May God bless Chad, one of America's many fallen heroes. I first met Chad as his Ranger-buddy in RGR School, 20 years next summer...After he joined our class, I remember him as quite the character -very persistent, dedicated and goal oriented. We spent countless hours’ side-by-side throughout the mountains, desert, and Eglin training, keeping each other awake and 'messing' with each other. I believe we kept in contact for a short while afterwards and then I didn't see him again till around 95' at Ft Bragg. By that time he had matured into a very noteworthy SF soldier. Hopefully Chad's family and friends will take some solace in his accomplishment(s) in a vocation he seemed to enjoy and excel at. I will miss him."
K. Holt

"I am stationed in Baghdad and although I only met him once I am truly saddened by his loss. All of us that were in the Rasheed at the time share this sorrow and wish all of his family our heartfelt condolences. God Bless"
SSG Wes Wooten (Combat Camera) of Baghdad, Iraq

"Chad was one of the good ones. Even as a young cadet in 3rd Batt., his leadership and dedication was evident to us "knobs"."
D Bickel of Citadel '86

"I choose to remember "Chad" as the kid with a mop of golden hair and how he loved to ride the train at Hermann Park in Houston,Texas Your cousin Chip Nall"
howard chip nall of houston tx usa

"RIP Charles. Thank you for your sacrifice and your dedication. My son is in Iraq and your death upset him, he thought a lot of you.I pray for the family you leave behind, that God will help them through their grief until they see you again. God bless you Charles."
Karen L. of California

"To the family and friends of Lt. Col. Charles Buehring:
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 Charles 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 Lt. Col. Charles Buehring:
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 Charles, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia