Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"we thank everybody that sends their love and prayers"
donaldson and butler family of michigan

"to my son special Adrian j. butler you will always be in my prayers we love you
mother and brother"
mom and his brother of michigan

"Butler, my memories of you and your kind heart will always be cherished. You touched many lives during your service and you are an inspiration to us all."
Josh Evans of Florida

"** class of 2002 that la what I get for not proof reading..."
Kristena of Michigan

"When I was a senior c/o 03, Adrian was the leader of our culligans program, which basically boiled down to an after school study group. I was always the mouthy one and one day I got myself a lot of down ups... I told Adrian I could do 2 to everyone (every one) of his push ups. I was a 105 pound soaking wet wrestler girl... Adrian got ready to drop and do some push ups when I decided to tell him my joke. That I would do 2 push-ups and they would be to everyone. I thought e was going to make me run for days, instead I got 50 down ups, I would rather have run..."
Kristena of Michigan

"To the Butler Family, i served with adrian and john for while assigned to the 411th, they were part of my family, i want you to know they were loved by many and i am truly sorry for your loss."
Daniel L. Paterson, SGT. (RET) of Sierra Vista, AZ USA

"I can't get you off of my mind this weekend. I will keep on pushing in your memory until the end. I will do it for you brother. I can't find any other reason."
SSG Holder of Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

"SPC Butler,

You have taught me to never take life for granted. You gave me strength to carry on when I wanted to give up. I still carry on to this day because of your powerful words you shared with me. I will never forget you! You are my friend, my brother, and I will never forget you!"
SSG Becker of Mosul, Iraq

"Happy birthday Adrian I will think of u the next time I play mary j blige. Rest in peace"
Ebony b of Lansing michigan

"Happy Birthday Adrian. I will always remember you and the impact you had on my life. You will forever be missed but never forgotten"
Schennile Rodgers of West. St. Paul, Minnesota

"Adrian,

I was just sitting here thinking about you, and the song from Maxwell came on and it brought me to tears. You used to play that song for me, and I just couldn't keep it together. I miss you dear friend, and I will love you forever."
Aneeshah of Pflugerville, Texas

"Hi my love...today completes four long years since you left our side...and you're STILL on my mind and in my heart...daily. I'll always love you!! Missing you much..."
Ruth of Austin,TX

"hey friend, your in my heart this memorial day."
Smitty of Germany

"Weighing heavy on my mind this memorial weekend!"
Ruth of Austin, TX

"Adrian,

I was just thinking about you and just wanted you to know. I know that you are up there cheering as the NCAA tournaments is now in play, I can hear you now "Go Spartans!!" and I yell "Go Runnin' Horns!". I miss those times. Take care my friend.. I miss you."
Aneeshah of Pflugerville

"Today is a VERY special day Baby...today was the day you were born - Jan 31st! Thank you for being the love of my life! FOREVER FOREVER & ALWAYS!"
Ruth of Austin,Tx

"Today is a VERY special day Baby...today was the day you were born! Thank you for being the love of my life! FOREVER FOREVER & ALWAYS!"
Ruth of Austin,Tx

"hey roommate, Ive sat here for almost 20 mins thinking of something appropriate to say on here...dude, i know you and Tollbooth are in a better place right now, you are missed, you are remembered, and you are loved. Thank you for everything, and most of all your sacrifice, rest peacefully knowing that it was not in vain, and that you and tollefson have given me the courage to keep fighting time and time again. We will meet again brother, till next time..."
SGT Angel Villegas of Ft. Hood, TX

"Adrian,

I sit here at the home of our regiment, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. This is where your time in the Army began, this is where it started for all of us. I walk by places here and think of you. i remember when you and I came here for PST training in 2001. Even though you are no longer here on earth your life touched so many. a little bit of you lives on in the hearts of those you knew. the people you met. My friend there are people who now live in a free country because of your sacrifice. 2 years ago the situation in Iraq today would have been unimaginable, WE HAVE ALMOST ONE THE BATTLE."
Josh Smith of Fort Leonard Wood, MO (TEMPORARY)

"I was friends with Adrian in college, we lived on the same floor in the dorms, I spent many evenings hanging out with all of the guys and going to parties. I was trying to look Adrian up on myspace when I seen these memorials. I was shocked to say the least, I didn't even know he had entered the military, it had been so many years. Of all of the people that I met at MSU, Adrian always stood out in my mind and in my heart. I thought of him often over the years and the impact he had on my life. My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. God received a very good soldier the day Adrian came into his services. Love you always Adrian. Love Nickie."
Nickie Alexander (Gilbert) of Flint, MI, USA

"Adrian, one of the best friends I have ever had. I have thought about you often these last few years since your passing and it's still hard to believe that you are gone. I have known you since 9th grade and there was never a day that went by that you didn't make me laugh or smile. You always kept it real with me no matter what and I could always count on you for anything. I'm glad that the Lord allowed you to grace my life with your presence, even if it were for a short time. I will never forget you....EVER and I will always love you!"
Schennile Hytower of St. Paul, Minnesota

"Adrian, Baby...I MISS YOU!!!"
Ruth of Austin, TX

"BLESS YOU

I THANK MY GOD EVERY TIME I REMEMBER YOU.

PHILIPPIANS 1:3

your kindness meant so much.

THANK YOU"
BUTLER FAMILY of DETROIT,MI.

"Right now I'm at a loss for words...but I'm always thinking about you. I still have your pics up and I still carry that one around that I received the very same week you and John went to grace the Lord's side. I miss you and will always love you."
Ruth of Austin TX

"Well A, It's been 3 years and I've just now been able to write something down for you. Sorry about that. It hasn't been easy, it's been real tough, especially for Joe. He misses you like crazy, we all do. Let's face it you are a hard person to forget. I know I didn't get to spend much time with you in person but the time I did get to spend with you left a huge mark on my heart. I'm grateful for the chance to meet you and have you in our family if only for a moment in time. You were so special. Haylee and Logan are so proud to tell everyone that you are their godfather. Haylee still talks to your picture every night. We all miss you so much but I know you are watching over us all. We love you and will continue to miss you."
Wendi, Joe, Haylee, Logan and little Aiden Josiah of Fort Campbell, KY

"Adrian, I know you are sitting there in the clouds looking down. How I miss your jokes!! I just wanted to tell you hello, and let you know that I sure miss you. Please watch over our men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan etc. I can honestly say.. "You are an angel.""
Aneeshah of Pflugerville, Texas

"Ok, its been a very long time Adrian, Eldridge, and Peggy (Mom). I am so devestated to hear about the loss of my very best friend. I am a childhood friend who grew up with Adrian and Messiah. I remember it so clear like it was yesterday, when we use to play everyday on Monica Street in Detroit!!!
I truly miss the good ole 80's. It was a time when us as kids had no worries in the world. Of course time flies by and we loss touch. I never forgot about our friendship and what it meant to me. I will forever cherish it.
Eldridge, man if your reading this somewhere, just know that My DEEPEST SYMPHATHY goes out to you and Mom.
We experienced so much together and I hope you are doing fine. I know it must be horrible to lose a son and brotha. I can't imagine how you felt when you found out he (Adrian) was gone.
I wish I couldve been there for support and to wish him a blessed homegoing, but in spirit I'm sure he knows how I feel about him and your family. A year or two, my mom ran into Peggy downtown and they exchanged numbers and because of my hectic schedule, I didn't get in touch quick enough, but leaving messages on then number that was giving. I'm pretty sure by now its been changed. So please CONTACT ME, if your out there. I'd love to hear from you all.

TorJuanSanders@yahoo.com
I miss you all and love you all.
RIP Adrian :)"
TorJuan of Detroit, MI

"May 11, 2008
To the family of Spc. Adrian J. Butler:
Adrian 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

"HE WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED IN MY HEART, CARRING HIM FOR 9 MOS. TO WATCHING AND BECOMEING A MAN. NOTHING MORE PAINFUL THAN WATCHING HIM PASS!!!!THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT,LETTERS,CARDS and CALLS
IN MY TIME OF NEED.HE WILL BE MISSED FOREVER....."
mom of detroit ,mi

"Damn. I was putting together an album on MySpace and thought of you. Though I only know you through Ricky, I was so blessed to have chatted with you on the internet. In your honor I have posted your pic in the 92nd Album. You will forever be remembered! You where a great Soldier, Friend, Brother,Son, and all around great person. We all miss you."
Nancy Holder of Chicago, IL

"Adrian,

I was sitting back, and thinking about you. How we had fun, and we would listen to music. I remember you asked me if I liked you better wearing your glasses, or not. To me, it never mattered if you had them on or off. Your smile took over everything. I miss you."
Aneeshah of Pflugerville

"Hey buddy,

I have reached a crossroads in my army career i am about to try and make a big jump into the unknown, accept more responsibility. I wish I could talk to you..."
smitty of georgia

"Butler, Nathan is back in Iraq again, so you and John were on my mind, please watch over him, and walk by his side. I think about you alot, take care,"
Bianca of Newport News, VA

"Hey Adrian,

I had you on my mind today and wanted to come through and leave a message. I was reading through messages and it made me smile. I didnt get the chance to know you very long but from reading other posts I could only imagine. I to still listen to the many cds you made me. And how you loved that mustang! What about that camera. You loved taking pictures. Now I wish I would have had you make me copies. lol...I pray that your family and friends are at peace. We all know that you are in a better place. You know when time went by and I didnt hear from you I would check your status on your email and two days before you were killed you changed your status to Soldier for Christ. I remember your mom calling me to see if I had heard from you. I could go on and on. Just know that you are missed by many. You were really a true friend. Missing You,"
Melissa of TX

"Well Baby, today it's been 2 years ago since you and John went to grace our dear Lord's side...but the pain still exists like it was yesterday. I know you and John are watching over us though. I will look up at the stars tonight and remember what all we would talk about when we were apart ... I love you and miss you so much Baby ... forever forever and always!!"
Ruth of Austin TX

"So here we are coming up on 2 years without you. I can honestly say it has been a rough 2 years for me. I sit and think about how much easier it would be with you still here. I lost a part of me when you were taken. I looked up to you like a big brother. I still do. I will tell my son about you when he is old enough to understand. I never had a chance to introduce you to him. I can honestly say there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. Until that day our Lord returns you will rest your weary soul. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
SGT Ricky E. Holder of USANATO, SHAPE, Belgium/ricky.holder@us.army.mil

"Butler,

here we are coming up on 2 years to the day you were taken. This past weekend i had the honor of visiting the WW2, Korea, and Vietnam memorials. It was humbling to say the least. I can only hope that one day you and all others who paid the ultimate sacrifice be honored in a similiar way. I hope one day I can take my daughter to this place and show you, and all the other heroes of this conflict to her."
SA Joshua Smith /Army CID (joshua.smith4@forscom.army.mil) of Ft. McPherson, GA

"Adrian, how time goes by so quickly. I sit here and rember us talking about your silver mustang... and how you loved that car! Everytime you talked about it you beamed. Yes, I still listen to the cd you made.. matter of fact it is #1 in my changer. I know you are in a better place now. Just know that I miss you hear on earth.."
Aneeshah of Pflugerville, Texas

"Brother B. I was just thinking about you and I stumbled upon Smitty's message. It made me laugh. Remember (SND) HA HA. I'm sitting here with Perez at work in Belgium and we reminised that night in the shoppette in Volgelweh. I would give anything to go back and do it all again. Take one more pistol pitcha HA HA. Me, you, Evans, Smitty. I miss you. We all miss you. I will never forget. You are my hero. My best friend. My brother. I will come visit you too."
SGT Ricky Holder of USANATO, SHAPE, Belgium

"What a tremendous loss. When I think about you and sully, I can only hope that the people of this country know what was given up for them.

Till we form again"
Daniel J. Castrillo of Daphne Alabama

"My prayers are with you"
Heather V of wyoming Mi.

"Baby, today, May 12th, would have a been our one year wedding anniversary...and today would have been our big blow out wedding!!! You're still in my thoughts...and you'll forever be in my heart!!! I love you Baby!"
Ruth of Austin, TX

"Brother B,

Not a day goes by that I find myself thinking of the old days at the "Rock". I can still hear your laugh. I can still picture you walking down the hall of the barracks, in your slippers, MSU shirt, and carrying your pan of hamburger helper. It was like clockwork almost every night. Those were the simple days, I would give anything to go have them back. Nice and simple the old gang, Evans, Holder, me, and even Ewing, crazy Ewing....I promise I will come to Detroit to visit you 1 day."
Smitty (SND) of Fort McPherson ,GA

"Adrian, I constantly find myself thinking "hmmm, on today's date we would have been married how long already"...yeah, I still think about that. Baby, you will always live on in my heart...and I'll forever forever & always love you...my dear love!!! They say time heals all wounds...I'm still waiting on "time" to take it's course. I miss you so much but I know you're at His right hand watching over us. Rest now my love...Rest now."
Your Fiance, Ruth of Austin, TX

"Butler,

My soldier, my friend. Thank you for being the best man at my wedding that I had in Baumholder, GE where we were both assigned to the 92 MP Co, 2nd Pltn. I enjoyed playing sports with you, speaking with you and laughing with you. Thank you for all you kindness that you showed me and for the mark that you left in my life. I will always miss you and value the times we had as both friends and soldiers. I know that you are in good hands with Jesus. Rest now. Your friend, Catterton."
SSG Catterton of Petersburg, VA

"Hey Brother,

Well you have been gone now for a year and a half. I thought that things would get easy, but there is still the pain in my heart. You will always be a part of my life and a part of my family. You will never be forgotten."
SGT. LoCurto of Ft. Stewart GA

"Adrian, I am sorry that I did not and could not do more that day for you and John. Like I have said before, I was given the task of being the eyes and hands of God out there on the field, and there is only so much I can do. I know you and John are in a better place now, I just really needed to say I am sorry for not bringing you all home like I said I would. Your medic, Bianca Foreman (squirelette)"
Bianca of Newport News, VA

"SPC BUTLER FRIEND, COMRADE, FAMILY. YOU ARE FOR EVER MISSED AMONG US KNOW THIS THAT YOU HAVE HAVE DONE YOUR TIME HERE ON EARTH NOW BE AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD FOR HE HAS ONE OF THE BEST SOLDIERS, FRIEND, COMRADE, FAMILY ANYBODY COULD EVER HAVE AT HIS RIGHT HAND ALSO KNOW THAT YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. I WANT TO TAKE THIS TIME TO THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID WHEN I FIRST CAME TO THE UNIT YOU TAUGHT ME SO MUCH ABOUT BEING MYELF AND A SOLDIER I TRUELY MISS YOU AND DEDICATED A MEMORIAL TO YOU AND NARSON I KNOW YOU ARE WATCHING OVER US AND GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIEND NOW REST YOU ARE DONE HERE"
SPC MCKINNEY, DOUGLAS of BAUMHOLDER ENROUTE TO FORT LEWIS

"To the family of Butler, please know we did our best out there for him. He was a great friend to all and one of the few men I could go to for a smile in all the chaos of war. Thank you."
Spc Olsen 1st Plt. of Ft. Hood Tx.

"My LOVE, tomorrow is your one year anniversary and the pain still hurts like it was yesterday. I miss you terribly Adrian!!! Ms. Donaldson & Messiah, even though I'm not there in person, my heart will forever be with both of you. Adrian and I didn't make it to the alter, but both of you are and always will be family!! I love you both. Brandon, thank you for being there for me. Adrian is smiling upon you right now. Adrian, forever forever & always will I love you...YOU were the epitomy of a son, soldier, friend and fiance!! You took a piece of me with you when you left this earth...you took my heart with you Baby!!! To this day I do what you always asked me to do when you were in Iraq, go outside and look at the stars and that was to remind me that no matter how far apart we were that we could both be looking at the very same star, and that was our love shining ever so bright. I LOVE YOU FOREVER FOREVER & ALWAYS!!!!"
Ruth Olvera of Austin TX

"To the family of:Adrian J Butler 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 the family of Adrian. You are not alone when mourning the loss of such a great person. I met Adrian at the phone center on FOB Spartan in line waiting to call home. Although I known him for only a few months I know he loved his family. I never knew anyone who died in this war but him and on this memorial day and until I leave this world his life will always be celebrated in my home. Everything from playing basketball to desperate housewives will always remind me of "Adrian"."
SSG. Harrison of 463rd ENG

"Adrian, you were a great person and an oustanding friend. You will forever be in my heart. God bless."
Josh Evans of Tallahassee, Florida

"Adrian, funny how I have been listening to the cd you made me when you visited me before your second deployment to Iraq. I miss the times we shared, you coming over and watching movies and just being "Adrian the die hard Spartan". I have you on my messenger.. I'm sure all of my messages are still there. How I miss your smile, hugs and silly jokes. I remember our last conversation... you were so happy. I have the last email you sent me.. I will never erase it. You are and will forever be a blessing. My tears, are for you whenever you need them. I miss you....a million words can't express the pain I feel. I love you."
Aneeshah of Pflugerville, TX

"thinkin of u..."
Mehrnosh of Germany

"You were my sons room mate the time you spent in Germany.....Sgt Josh Smith....he bought your car when you left germany...you touched his life like you did so many. We spoke to you on the phone when we called josh..always talking about Smoker (MSU)you are sadly missed...."
cindy smith of montcalm county mich

"I met Adrian's brother El about 8 years ago and I was heartbroken for him when I saw Adrian on the news. I hope that this reaches you and your family El. I am so sorry for the loss of your brother and I pray that God gives you all strength each and everyday. I pray that all is well and I am thinking of you. Thank you for your sacrifice. With love, Gina"
Gina of Garden City Michigan Usa

"Adrian was a true friend and had a good heart. I met Adrian in college, we worked together and became good friends up to his departure. He was one of the best men at my wedding and a confidante. He will truly be missed. My heart goes out to his mother, Ruth Olvera, Brandon and many other friends whose lives he has touched. Though he is not here, he is in our hearts and in heaven. You were a great man Adrian and will forever be missed. I'll see you up there, until then much love. Your brother - Julian"
Julian Kirkland of East Lansing, MI USA

"I will always love you as a friend,Adrian...even when you re not among us anymore, i feel your presence with every step...it shouldn t have been you.you didnt even agree with what u had to do..."
Mehrnosh of Germany

"Adrian has been my best friend since sixth grade. We attended Michigan State University and graduated together in 2000. He was supposed to be my best man at my wedding in April. We miss him dearly. He was the glue that kept us together. Please visit www.geocities.com/remember_adrian. Ruth, I will be praying for you. It was so nice to meet you."
Brandon Barnett of Detroit, Michigan

"TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF SPC BUTLER. I WOULD LIKE YOU TO KNOW THAT SPC BUTLER WAS ONE OF THE BEST SOLDIERS THAT I HAVE EVER KNOWN. I SERVED WITH HIM WHILE HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE 92ND MP COMPANY IN BAUMHOLDER GERMANY. I AM TRUELY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND NEVER THOUGHT SOMETHING LIKE THIS WOULD HIT SO CLOSE TO MY HEART. SPC BUTLER WAS SO FULL OF LIFE AND LOVED WHAT HE WAS DOING, NO MATTER IF WHAT WE WERE DOING SOMETIMES DID NOT MAKE ANY SENSE. BUT HIS HUMOR WAS GREATLY APPRECIATED. WE CROSSED PATHS AGAIN IN IRAQ IN APRIL OF 2003 AND HAD TIME TO ACTUALLY EAT LUNCH AND TALK ABOUT OLD TIMES, WHICH WAS ENJOYABLE. AGAIN I WOULD LIKE TO SEND YOU MY CONDOLENCES AND LET YOU KNOW THAT SPC BUTLER WAS THE EPITOME OF AN AMERICAN SOLDIER."
SGT NATHAN A. DEAL of FORT BLISS, TX

"To Adrian's Family, I send my condolences and love. I am the mother-in-law of Sgt. Tony Wood. I have just return from Washington D.C, Walter Reed hospital with my two grandchildren. It was best that they be with me while Tony and his wife (my daughter endure the healing process. I would really appreciate it if someone did contact me, if it's appropipate. Tony has alot of internal injuries and it will be a slow healing process. We praise God daily for his blessings. Please know that Tony feels and shares your lost, as he has said that Adrain was a dear friend. It has not been easy on Tony remembering what happened the day of the accident. Please forgive me if this is inappropiate and just delete. We are all truly sorry for your loss.
angelsrainbows@hotmail.com Aloha, Sheila Andrade of Kaneohe, Hawaii"
Sheila Andrade of Kaneohe, Hawaii USA

"Butler-
John talked about you a lot. I only met you once, and you seemed like a really good guy. John liked you a lot, and would always tell stories about you. God bless you for what you gave to this country, and Ruth, my sympathy goes to you. Thank you for your kind words on John's page. Fellow soldier and one of John's best friend,"
Nathan DeBoer of Hawaii

"Adrian, you will FOREVER be my hero!!! You touched so many lives in such a short time and left an imprint of what a TRUE FRIEND is!!! In mine, you left that and a whole lot more...you showed me what TRUE LOVE is...God Bless you, I LOVE YOU ADRIAN FOREVER FOREVER & ALWAYS!!! I won't say goodbye, for we'll meet again..until then my love, rest in peace!!!"
Ruth of Austin, TX

"My prayers go out to all of Adrians family and friends. I only got to know him a short period of time, but he will be greatly missed. God Bless"
Melissa of Texas

"To the family of SPC Butler I want to send my regards. I was SPC Butler first commander. He was always a great kid. He was a joy to be around. I can remember the first time we were in Iraq to see how much he matured. I know he died doing what he loved and that is defending his country. You and your family will be in my prayers. May god bless you."
CPT(P) GERALD MAPP of FORT LEAVENWORTH

"Thank You Adrian Butler for your heroism. May you now know the peace you so rightly deserve. You are safe at last. My heart aches with your family for their loss."
Melissa Macchi (cousin of PFC Mark Barbret from Shelby Twp., MI, killed in Iraq on 10/14/04) of Roseville, MI

"TO THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF SPC BUTLER. I JUST WANT TO SEND OUT MY CONDOLENCES. HE WAS ONE OF MY GOOD FRIENDS IN THE COMPANY AND HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE, BUTLER. I'LL MISS YOU!"
SPC BATSON, B. of BAGHDAD, IRAQ

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

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