Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To the family of:Anthony S. Cometa
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""

"My son, SPC Lance Briggs served with Anthony. I remember how torn he was over this loss. He remembered Anthony as someone that was entertaining and full of energy. Lance was an IRR from Oklahoma so he did not know many of his fellow soldiers well, but this was one that would always have a place in his heart."
Kathie Briggs kjbriggs@aol.com of Meeker, Oklahoma

"May 31, 2008
To the family of Spc. Anthony S. Cometa:
Anthony 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

"Tony was my cousin he was great he tought me how to skateboard. and thats the reason I havent gave up and I dont think I ever will. I loved him so much. I pray for all the men and women who are serving are country."
tyler richardson of arden N.C

"I want to remember Anthony as a friend and fun loving man. I was also with the 1864th Nevada National Guard Unit, and I want to say we will all reunite again my friend."
SPC Rosado of Willimantic, CT/USA

"Tony, I wanted to let you know that I miss you, and that I think of you everyday and our great times that we spent together. My prayers go out to you and your family, the strongest family that I have ever met. Thank you for protecting America, you and your family will be with me forever in my heart."
Casey Frank of Greece, New York

"To Anthony's Family~
I'm SGT Neomi Raap,I am a member of the Nevada State Honor Guard team. My big brother is SFC Larry Perkins, he was your son's Platoon SGT while in Iraq. I recieved the phone call early one morning that informed me our first Nevada soldier had been killed, and my heart just sank. I was immediately told that it wasn't my big brother, but it didn't matter I was still grieving for who ever it was that lost their life. As I left my house that morning to do a funeral service across town all I could think was this soldier that we had lost. The mood at the Armory was sad, as everyone felt the loss. Later that afternoon we heard who it was, a young man named Anthony Cometa, who I had processed through my unit's medical station before he left. I did not know him personally but I still couldn't stop myelf from crying for him and his family. My brother's wife had an expecially hard time with Anthony's death, we had to keep each other strong, and it wasn't easy.
The following week was full of preperation as the NV Honor Guard was gearing up to go to New York for his Full Military Funeral Honors Service. I stayed behind and kept the program running. Early that week in Anthony's unit they did a role call for him, while my big brother read his Bio. He said it was the hardest thing he has ever done. He grieved as best he could while keeping the rest of the soldiers strong enough to stay focused on the mission. Not an easy task for anyone to complete. The day that Anthony had his service in New York we had three services here in Las Vegas, Anthony was on our mind the whole day. In between services we attended the funeral of Marine Jesse Jaime, that was the hardest thing I ever done. Both of these soldiers are younger than me, it's so hard to deal with.
When the rest of our team returned from New York we all had an emergency meeting with the State Chaplain. He has helped us through one of the most difficult times we experienced together.
Within two weeks there was another service for Anthony here in Las Vegas. I knew this was going to be difficult to get through, so I tried to stay focused on every little detail there was to keep my mind busy. I was on the firing party and fired my three rounds with tears in my eyes. I watched Anthony's father Joe receive the flag. After the service I walked up to him and explained a little about myself and my brother, we sat there holding each other and cried. He asked me if I knew his son and I said no, but I truly felt his loss. He then told me that he loved me and thanked me for my service. I walked back to the van crying. I needed that to help me heal, speaking to Joe was very cathartic.

I wanted to share my story with Anthony's family to let them know that Anthony affected many people lives. I wish there was more that I could do in this situation, but I have realized that all I can do is continue to serve and never forget his legacy.
I will continue to pray for his family, as well as everyone else who has lost a loved one to the Global War on Terrorism.

God Bless~

SGT Neomi Lee Raap
soldiermedic2579@yahoo.com"
SGT Neomi Lee Raap of Las Vegas, NV

"To Anthony's Family, I wish to extend my sincere condolences on the loss of your Antony. He is a true Ameican Hero who will never be forgotten and will always be honored. May God Bless you all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

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