Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Thinking of you today, Jessica."
Robin of Champaign, IL

"Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our freedom. My 10 year old daughter, Charmel Hill ran a 5k run in your memory at Fort Bragg today."
Sheila Hill of Linden, NC

"Sacrifices are made by both soldier and family. I am humbled and saddened by the loss but filled with gratitude for such courage. A wise man once said that courage isn't the absence of fear, it's the management of it."
Neighborhood friend of California

"to Family of Jessica Cawvey,
The Illinois Women's Military and Civilian Memorial take this time to remember your service and sacrifice. God bless to you and your family.Learn about us at www.iwmcm.org or contact pam@iwmcm.org"
Pam Lovell Chair of Normal, IL

"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice,
memorial day may 27 2013
Your never forgotten
Sgt.Buckhannon whooa"
Earl Buckhannon of mahomet illinois

"I still remember, I live in Mt Zion and stood in the rain as Jessica left for Iraq. Her sacrifice will never be forgotten.
I hope as the years have past some of the pain has subsided and you are left with happy memories
She has been gone for 12+ years and I'm sure a day does not go by without thinking of her especially during the Holiday Season.
I will make a donation in her name for the Wounded Warrior Foundation
God bless you and Merry Christmas"
Dr Charles Stone of Mount Zion Illinois

"hey cuz..... this is kristy... YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVED YOU AND STILL DO... thanks for giving your life for our freedom, but if i knew the last time i seen ya would be the last..... i woulda never let you go outta my site!!!!!!! god willing!!! you have NO IDEA how much i miss you!!!!!! me and karie talk about you often, we just watched some of the dvds your friends etc made and we all sat in silence, except for the kids, we kept saying SHHHHH!!!! so we could hear the songs and see the pictures in peace as we hope you are, peace that is... girl i will never ever ever ever forget you or the crazy memories we have... to this day i still cry and it has been almost 9 yrs. unbelievable!!!! i love you to the maxxxx and as u are smiling down I KNOW YOU KNOW I DO!!!! :) i love you j.l.c. as you are tatted on my left arm... r.i.p. baby girl!!!! i WILL see you again, when it is my time to go..."
kristina mcdougle of wilson, north carolina

"I miss you daily. I will remember you in all your awesomeness for as long as I'm living, ;-). I can't wait to see you in heaven. My time served with you was an absolute pleasure. May you rest in peace, battle. Sierra...your mother was the best. I know she cannot wait to reunite with you one day. Until we meet again, your memories will never fade Cawvey."
Serena Spencer, 1544th TC of sullivan, il

"i am soo sorry rest in piece:)"
karina

"”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 the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,000 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!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
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

"Thank you Jessica for your sacrifice and service to our great nation. Because of you and our brave men and women serving our country, I am truly proud to be an American. Though we have never met, I look forward to meeting you in person, in Heaven. Till then, may God watch over and protect your family and friends; and bless them all their lives."
Mark of Houston, TX

"To the family of:Jessica L. Cawvey 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. She 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"

"I was in basic training with Jessica and we went through some tough times together. We ran together, we ate together, shared duties, we shared moments I will never forget. There were times when we wanted to quit, but we remembered why we were there and mostly why she was there, for a better future for her daughter and her family. I had recently been informed of her passing and wish nothing but the best for her family and Jessica will always be in my heart."
Elizabeth Stavola of Santa Ana, Ca, USA

"I can't stop crying right now. I was from Jessica's Unit and left in 2001 to transfer to the Indiana National Guard. I would have went on this deployment had I stayed in the Illinois National Guard. I never met Jessica, but I know many people from that unit that were from Marshall, Illinois where I was raised. My heart goes out to Jessica's family and especially Sierra. I'm a single mother to a six year old boy named Tyler and I'm about to leave him to go to Iraq in Jan of 09. This will be my first tour. I'm excited to be a part of this war in hopes of helping the world be a better place, but at the same time I'm scared to death. I will pray for this family and you will be remembered always. God Bless! :)


P.S. Stay strong Sierra...Everything happens for a reason...I pinky swear that good things are headed your way! And don't forget to pray ;)"
Shannan Brush of Terre Haute, IN, USA

"Memorial Day, 2008
To the family of Spc. Jessica L. Cawvey:
Jessica 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 SPC Jessica Cawvey:
I went on the website www.memorialbracelets.com to purchase a KIA bracelet. I had one when I was a child but lost it in a move. I am from Normal, IL and I wanted a bracelet with someone from close to here on it and SPC Cawvey's name came up as the only one from this area. I bought it with out even knowing who she was. Then I searched her name on the internet and came across her story. Now I am more than honored to wear that bracelet knowing what a great person and mother she was. I was in the Army myself and know how much it means to be thanked for my service. So thank you to your daughter/mother and you for her commitment to this country. I'm sorry such a young, beautiful life was taken too soon. You will be in my prayers!"
Sarah of Normal, IL

"It was my great priviledge this weekend at the 10th anniversary of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial to honor Specialist Jessica L. Cawvey during the Service of Remembrance after our Candlelight March from the Lincoln Memorial. I announced her name and placed rose petals in the reflection pool at the Women's Memorial in her memory to honor her sacrifice for our country. I served during Desert Storm when my Naval Reserve Unit was called up. At the time I did not have any children but as a mother of two young daughters now, I can only imagine the strength it took for Jessica to serve in Iraq while having to leave her precious daughter and family. I can think of no greater sacrifice than to give your life for your country. To Jessica's daughter and family my thoughts and prayers will always be with you. God speed. (karlenejennings@netscape.net)"
Karlene Jennings of Elkton, Maryland

"Dear Cawvey Family,
I was looking up information on my brother who was seriously injured in Iraq and I stumbled upon this site. I wanted to send my best wishes to you all! I remember Jessica as a very funny girl who made faces at me in class at parkland. I had the fatefull call last year that my older brother may not make it. He was hit by a roadside bomb as well. He lived but just barely. It was the most hellish day of my life. My heart goes out to you all. God bless and I hope Sierra is doing well.
Krico.n.Nivek@gmail.com"
Crystal Hardyman of Grayslake, IL

"dear mommy i love you i know you love me too. i miss you . im happy you were trying to fight for freedom.iloveu.your the person i love the most well 2nd if im putting jesus 1st.nobody could replace you. i know you pinky promised me. you did your best and thats all that matters.you went for someone in your troop .thats brave.you are very speacial."
sierra of mahomet il,usa

"To The Family of Jessica,
I know this is really late, but just heard of this site. I am so proud of your daughter. I come from a military family where all of us boys save one served in the military. Jessica is a hero in my eyes and your family will always be in my prayers. I know I am related somehow but don't know how.
Mike Cawvey mcawvey@charter.net"
Michael Cawvey of Pevely, MO , USA

"Jessica,
The good times we had, You will always have a special place in my heart there lies another soldier that was dear to me SPC.CORY A. HUBBELL.. I was blessed to be able to get to know you on a fun and personal level!! you will always be in my heart and soul.. UNTILL WE MEET AGIAN MY FRIEND!!!! R.I.P much love to you!!!!! God bless seirra and your family!!!"
Brandon Davis of Urbana IL U.S.A

"I love you Jessica You will be missed everyday for the rest of our lives....see you soon"
Jennifer Buffington of Carbondale, IL/ US

"My name is Cameron Schilling and I have started “Portrait of a Soldier” which donates a portrait sketch of every Illinois soldier who has fallen in Iraq or Afghanistan. All 122 sketches will be on display for a Memorial Day Presentation in Chicago, Illinois on May 26-31 at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. After the ceremony the sketches will be given to the immediate families of the Illinois soldiers. I would invite any friends or family members to come and honor these men and women from Illinois who have given their lives to our country. For more information please contact OperationHomeFront.org at 866-417-8889 which is an organization headed by the Lt. Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who is in charge of the Memorial Day Presentation. Thank You.

Please check out www.portraitofasoldier.org
To contact Cameron email cameronschilling84@hotmail.com
To contact Operation Home Front call 866-417-8889"
Cameron Schilling of Charleston, Illinois

"To the family of Jessica Cawvey,
I just saw a rerun of the Montel show. My heart goes out to your family. I heart hurts everytime I see a story about our fallen soldiers. It hurts especially when I see that these soldiers had a young child or children. To Jessica's mother and daughter, Sierra: You will always be in my family's prayer. God bless you for having such a wonderful daughter and mother."
Ed of Fairfield, Ca, USA

"Thank you for giving so greatly that we may not have to worry about the things that you've protected us from."
Dan of Indianapolis, IN

"Remembered still."
anonymous of USA

"I WAS JUST TURNING 15 WHEN U DIED AND WHEN I READ HOW U DIED IT MADE ME CRY SO JESSICA I CHOSE YOU TO DO A POEM ON BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT KNOW U YOU HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE WITH ME"
KIARA GREEN of FAYETTEVILLE, NC

"I SERVED IN IRAQ FROM SEPT. 04 TO SEPT. 05. I AM PROUD OF THE MEN, AND WOMEN WHO SERVED ALONG SIDE OF ME. TO THE FAMILY, AND FRIENDS OF JESSICE, MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY. SHE MAY BE GONE, BUT WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. I ONLY WISHED THAT I HAD THE HONOR OF MEETING HER. GOD BLESS JESSICA."
MIKE TANNER of ROCKY POINT, NY

"My name is Cameron Schilling. I am a college student from central Illinois. I am the first generation of my family not to serve his country. I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice you and your loved one has given for the United States. I am disappointed by the way the news media has covered this war and the deaths of our youth. The media has stopped listing the names of the soldiers killed in Iraq and people only talk about the soldiers when we reach a specific milestone in deaths. If you just started watching the news today you would not even know there is a war going on. Partisan politics have replaced coverage of our young generation who have traveled to a foreign land in the name of the United States. Whether you believe the war in Iraq is wrong, right, justified or not everyone should pay even just a little more attention to what these young men and women are sacrificing. This is what I would like to do. I want to do my part in honoring these soldiers and their memories. Along with being a college student I am also a budding artist. I draw pencil portraits of local people in my community. I want to offer a pencil portrait sketch to the immediate family of every Illinois soldier killed in Iraq. Please contact me at cameronschilling84@hotmail.com."
Cameron of Illinois

"hello hope u are all right every ! missing u loads all the best yr family"
jodie of crewe

"To the Family of SPC Cawvey:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 7/12/05, 112 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put Jessica's name on one of them.
We have called our display "Arlington Midwest" and it is located in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

If you would like us to do this, please email me at ArlingtonMidwest@yahoo.com.

We invite you to visit Arlington Midwest. I can send you directions and some pictures by email.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them."
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"Jessica,
I am so touched by you going on that patrol,when you didnt have to.So a friend could feel safe.You are a true hero.Its going to take people like you,Male and Female,to keep our land and children safe.I just want to thank you for doing your part.Im sure there is a special place in heaven for you.And please god bless her dauther and family."
officer gerry stewart of Armington ill usa

"Jessica,
NEVER will a day pass that you won't cross my mind. It still hurts so bad but I wait patiently till we have our "cawvey time" in heaven. Sierra: Your mother was incredible and loved you more than ANYTHING in this world. I want you to know that the 1st platoon females in the 1544th will ALWAYS be there for you and your family."
Jennifer Buffington of Lincoln, Illinois

"Dear family of Jessica Cawvey,
I am sorry that Jessica died last October. I'm sure you really miss her.Thank you for letting Jessica fight for our country."
Audrey Macaluso- Age 9 of West Chicago, IL, USA

"Cawvey, my #2, thank you for being the best battle buddy a person could ever have! I'm so glad I got to spend every day with you up until that very moment it happened, you're still with me everyday. Thank you for going out there that night and being the best friend I've ever had.. To Sierra, your mom loved you more than anything and wanted nothing more than to get home safe to you. She was the best and to her you were the best, you and your grandparents are in my heart all the time.."
Spc. Andrea Bryan of Efingham, Illinois

"To the family of Jessica Cawvey. My name is Rachel. I attended Basic trainig w/ Jessica. I recently learned of her passing away threw a web site called Remember The Fallen. Though i'm no longer in the military i often follow up on my fellow soldiers whom i care for deeply. It broke my heart to hear that Cawvey had died. She was in my platoon @ Ft. Jackson Sc. I remeber her very well. Her fight and determanation to complete her trainging was inspiring. Her tears and her will to do what she had to do as a soldier was shared by all of us. I will always remember Jessica, Especialy Motivating her to complete her last pt. test. She ran until she couldnt run anymore. I'm sure her other platoon mates and I were very motivating, but the real motivation in her life that kept her going was her daughter. My heart go's out to you Sierra. Your mom was a good soldier. She always will be."
Rachel of San Diego. California

"To the family of Jessica L. Cawvey,
You don't know me and I never had the privilege of knowing Jessica. Today in Chicago, while attending a memorial service to honor the fallen soldiers on this the two year anniversary of the beginning of this war, I was given a piece of paper with Jessica's name on it. I was also given a yellow flower in memory of her life. Then the entire congregation walked from a church in downtown Chicago to Grant Park where we lowered an American Flag to half staff. I placed the flower on a small memorial with Jessica's name on it along side hundreds of other names of other soldiers that have died from Illinois. Everyone then sang a simple song about Peace. I came home and looked up Jessica's name on the internet and found this site. I want you to know that she is not forgotten and never will be. I wish you all peace in knowing that her memory is still living on and touching people's hearts and minds.

God bless you."
Anbritt Stengele of Chicago, Illinois USA

"To Jessicas Family,I pray for you everyday. I am so thankful for what she did over there. She has left a impression on my life that has forever changed me.I am so proud of her. I love you guys"
Heather Wyatt of Nashville, Tn

"Thank you Sarge...for finishing the job we began. I was there in '91. Thank you Sarge...May God welcome you home and guard your family...Carry-on..."
Seminarian Dan Ebker of Peoria, IL

"Thank you Jessica for giving your all. God Bless your family and especially your child."
Deb Cawvey of Eureka, CA

"To Jessica's family, especially her daughter sierra. I went to school with your daughter/mom. What I will remember most is that she always had a smile on her face. She is a true heroe, and in her passing, she truly has made me, as well as many others my age or our generation wake up and really think. She will not be forgotten."
Kelly of Mahomet, IL

"To Jessica's family, First I want to tell you how sorry I am for your family. I also lost my nephew Sgt. Andy Brown on Oct 8, 2004 in a ied blast. Our family is having a hard time understanding how this could happen. As I'm sure your family is also. Just know that she is in my prayers and all the young people over there. We have all our wonderful memories. May God Bless you in this sad time."
Colleen Kelly of Pleasant Mount, Penna.

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

"To the family of Jessica;

Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Jessica is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice she gave to our country. Our family has also suffered the loss of my nephew in this battle for freedom. May God bless you during this difficult time."
Vic and Tammy McClain--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"May your soul rest in peace young lady. Your strength will endure through your family and child. May your strength rest in those who feel the greatest loss."
unnamed of undisclosed

"To Jessica'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 your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"Do not forget Jessica.

Below taken from a website 10/27/04/... "Now, your exercise today is to say Jessica L. Cawvey's name and her age, 21 years, 10 times because Jessica is gone now. No one will ever say her name again in her wedding announcement or birth announcements of her children or in reports on her work progress. Jessica is gone and no one will say her name again except those very close to her who loved her, who will remember her."

Remember"
Mike of Va Beach Va

"The Family Army Spc. JESSICA L. CAWVEY
I didn't know JESSICA L. CAWVE Yon a personal level. I never met her in my life.God bless You JESSICA L. CAWVEY. My heart goes out to you at your loss. The world will be less because of your and our loss. I send you all my love and embrace you warmly. Family JESSICA L. CAWVEY, I can't imagine the loss you are feeling right now. May God's love bring peace to you and your family through these hard times. Killed mummy 6 years old daughter, who has gone help Iraq people, but huns have gotten back life. JESSICA L. CAWVEY remain in my memory. Daughter JESSICA L. CAWVEY
Your mummy She is a true hero at world."
DARIUSZ CHORAK of ELBLAG POLAND"
DARIUSZ CHORAK of Elblag Poland Europe

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

"My deepest sympathy, our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. May God bless you and help you through this time. Forever in our hearts a HERO Jessica L. Cawvey."
Amy & Aaron Monier of Waterford, MI.

"To Jessica's family I am truly saddened by your loss. You are in my thoughts."
roy glanville of england

"Jessica L. Cawvey - Thank you so much for your courageousness. You are a hero in all of our hearts. To the family- I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that you must be heart broken with devistation. I wish I could do more but all I can do is say thank you for raising a young hero.God Bless you."
Alicia Bilby of Nevada, Missouri

"To Jessica'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

"Thank you Jessica Cawvey, 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. Jessica Cawvey:
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 Jessica for the sacrifice she 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. Jessica Cawvey:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. She 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 Jessica, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia