Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Dear Brud,
We never met but I know what caliber of a person you were by all the wonderful messages here. I drive past your memorial sign on Interstate 8 occasionally. I Googled your name and found this sight. I was compelled to write to you. All I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service and sacrifice for our Country. You are very loved and forever missed by all those who had to privilege of knowing you. RIP brave warrior. Your family and loved ones are forever in my prayers. I look forward to the day we can actually meet. God Blees You."
Mike Ward of Escondido, CA

"I didnt know Brud personally. He went to the same elementary school as I did. He was younger therefore I didnt know him but upon watching a video my cousin Chad had posted live on facebook the name was stuck in my head. I found my old yearbooks from the '80's and began searching. I dont know how long he was there or where he went after that year of school but I now know I unknowingly attended school with a true American hero. R.I.P Brud Cronkite. U payed the ultimate price for everyone else's freedom. Thank u!"
Josh Davis of Corydon KY

"I was driving home from San Diego headed back to Phx. I saw the sign bearing your name and I looked you up and I wondered who you were? I served in the US Army and I am now a Border Patrol Agent. I feel like I should thank you for your sacrifice for all those that won't. You definitely have family and friends that miss you so very much. God bless you, and may you sleep and wake in the arms of the Lord
(Border Patrol Agent P. Gallegos)"
BPA P Gallegos of Buckeye, AZ

"Brud. I miss you cruising up to the shop on your ATV. Thinking of you today."
Jan Hedlun of Potrero

"Hey roommate!
It's been years since I've written. I still think about our time in Korea and all that you taught me. I talk about you all too often and catch myself looking at your picture everyday when I pass it in my basement. I've done well for myself since we last saw each other. Missing being able to talk to you and joke like we used too. I hope you're enjoying the other side...I cannot even begin to imagine what paradise is like. Keep a seat saved for me when I get to see you again!"
1LT Mark F. Grimsley of Manhattan, KS

"I am Brud's little brother. Thank you to all of Brud's friends for all of the kind words.Special thanks to all that served with Brud in Combat and had his 6.He was a real true American hero who loved his country and his job as a soldier.I will do my best to live my life to the fullest and carry on your memory.He is my hero and I feel him with me always.
And I wanted to correct that it says on this website and many others that Brud was from Spring valley Brud was from Potrero where we grew up. A border mountain town in east country San Diego."
Billy Cronkrite of San Diego, California

"Brud, thinking of you today not only because it is Memorial Day, that is why I am writing on your wall today to honor you in a special way. I think of you often, never to forget you."
Julie Poodles of La Jolla, CA

"I love that this memorial site is still up, 10 years later. Sometimes I think about you, Brud, and I feel like the air has been knocked out of me; your not being here is still so tragic. I am thankful for the time I knew you, and gratified to see how loved you still are."
Calista of California

"Ten years tomorrow, still seems like yesterday."
Jeff McCree of Cove, Texas

"Happy 32nd Brithday Brud June 24th. Your family spent the day at the cemetery with you. You will always always be missed. Love and miss you."
Auntie Andrea of Burbank, Calif.

"To SGT Cronkrite, It has been along time and seems like years ago since we served together. I am so very proud of you. As your platoon leader, I can easily say you were a true professional and someone I constantly leaned on. May you rest in peace my fellow warrior and friend. Know you have touched more lives than you have ever met. I keep you in my prayers everyday."
CPT Denis Wagner, Cobra White 1 of Monterey, California

"To the family of Brud Cronkrite,
We were out on a Harley ride today and stopped for a break on Hwy 94 at the Potrero Store. We saw Brud's picture in the window and wanted to thank him and his family for his service and ultimate sacrifice. After reading about Brud we know he was very loved and will always be missed."
Pete and Karen of San Diego, CA

"Hey Brud I would like to thank you for serving our Country. We will never forget you. RIP my friend. You will forever be missed."
Kelly Boland of San Diego, CA

"i know i will never forget Cronkrite. he was a hell of a soilder and a freind. I sent many nights with him and nichole hanging out in the barricks and out on the town in germany. he will always be missed."
Nick Scanlon of 1st ad 1-37 bandits

"Thought a lot about you today,sure miss you and always will. Went to the History Museum in Burbank and there was your name on a quilt for all the fallen soldiers. Love you
July 16, 2011"
Auntie Andrea of Burbank, Calif.

"To the family of:Brud J. Cronkrite
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"1-15-11"

"Brud ill never forget you and the sublime we rocked out to in baghdad to bruds parents and little brother my email is samcro726@aol.com if you want please get in touch with me i was really close to brud"
WILL of wilkes barre pa

"cronkrite whats up man i miss you so much wish you were still here and to cronkrites parents and little brother i was with brud all the time in germany and iraq brud me and ssg scott were all in the same crew i miss him so much and i wish nothing but the best for you"
robert (WILL) williams of wilkes barre pa

"Brud, can't believe it's been 6 years since I saw you. I still cry because I miss you more than words can say. I sit here crying because I read all the notes people have left you on this site. You were so special and always will be.
Love, Auntie Andrea"
Andrea Hamfeldt of Burbank, California

"Brud, Got your message passing your sign. You came through loud and clear. Pretty funny!!!!!!"
Tammy Burst of San Diego Ca.

"the tears still flow...you are missed and loved."
susan of imperial beach ca

"BRUD
not a day goes by i think of you and wonder how life couldve been different, i am ever eternally grateful for your sacrifice and wont forget your kind nature THANK YOU AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART"
alicia zavala of yuma, az

"May 31, 2010
I still miss you very much!"
Nicole Koser of Palatine, IL

"SGT Cronkrite's Family,
The events that took place in the center of Karbala, Iraq, 10-22 May 2004, are indelibly etched in my mind. Brud was a true patriot and an outstanding NCO. He was in the Army for all the right reasons, and knew his job and how it effected the rest of his unit. He took care of his soldiers and continued to do so till the time he fell. He was a good friend to those fortunate enough to know him.

Specifically for Brud's family: to this day I can only hope that you are finding some sort of peace with the loss of your son. As Brud's Company Commander, I will take with me the decisions made, losses suffered, and responsibility to my grave. I cannot tell you enough how sorry I am for your loss.

SGT Cronkrite, Fallen not Forgotten. May you rest in peace."
W. Thomas Byrns, MAJ(R) of Boise , Idaho

"Thinking of you today Brud, as I so often do. You're still so loved and always missed"
Calista Fulton of El Centro CA

"to my brother brud the stud. what can a sisiter say bout a brother she loves more than life.!!!!other than I LOVE YOU. the life we shared, the fun and trouble we got in...priceless!!!!your everything beautiful the world should be!!!never a day go by that i dont miss you. reading all the love you got on this site makes me cry, because everyone knows what a great person you are and they were lucky to know you. your truly a gift from god for the rest of us. i still cant belive this is life without you. come visit me in my dreams, i need a hug!!! love your sissy messina. if anyone need to talk you can reach bruds sister @ messinahansen@yahoo.com PEACE"
messina hansen(cronkrite) of la mesa ca USA

"Thinking of you Brud"
Amy of Imperial Beach/Potrero

"i miss you so much Brud, my uncel, we all miss you i still visit your memorial"
Haley Lynn Morey of Jamul/all of P Town

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH 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 1,800 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!
Mothers and/or Fathers, of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
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 bless you.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642"
Project Compassion, Kenna of Manti,Utah USA

"brud i remeber u a little bit, but im still see that memorial bridge and think that u gave your life to save your felloe soldiers and to fight for freedom, and now im a young pv-2 and a tanker just like you and i just want you know that although you in heaven i kow you have my back when i soon deploy"
pv2 magers, matthew m. of fort hood, texas

"Brud,
I miss you. You were such an amazing person. One of the most beautiful people I have ever had the privelege of knowing."
Rubi of Camp Roberts, CA

"i love to remember you brud but i cant keep my emotions in check when i remember that hell we went through... I WILL NEVER FORGET...FREEDOM ISNT FREE!!! RIP.. I WILL SEE YOU IN HEAVEN BROTHER!!!"
Darian Koehne of WICHITA KANSAS USA

"Still Missing You Lots Brud.
Think about you everyday!"
Cristen Boerman of Pine Valley, CA

"Brud, a lot of time past, but I still miss you. No day goes by that I don't think of you. Love, Nicole"
Nicole Koser of Elk Grove Village, IL

"Brud,

It's been a long time my brother. It seems like yesterday though that I was cruising around in the tank with you and you were telling me I should be a tanker like you. I just want to put out a correction and that you were in your tank when the RPG fatally wounded you."
Cobra Medic of Vilseck, Germany

"CRONKRITE... MAN I REMEMBER YOU BEING TASKED WITH SHOEING ME A BRAND NEW PRIVATE, AROUND POST.... AND THEN YOU BECAME SGT CRONKRITE... BUT IT WAS EASY TO RESPECT SOMEONE LIKE YOURSELF.... YOU CARRIED YOURSELF WELL AND KNEW ALOT ABOUT TANKIN.... BETWEEN YOU AND MCCREE I COULD GET A ANSWER TO ANY TANKIN QUESTION I COULD ASK.... I ENVIED YOUR TANKIN ABILITIES.... I WISH YOU WERE STILL AROUND BROTHER THE WORLD NEED MORE DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS LIKE YOU.... WE WILL NEVER FORGET... C 1/37 AR"
DARIAN KOEHNE AKA BLUE 3 DELTA of WICHITA KANSAS

"Brud,

I have so many memories of us as little kids; spending the night at your house, eating pomegranates behind the church, singing at church plays, and just hangin' out. The first time I watched He-Man the movie was at your house! My only regret is that as I moved away so did our relationship. I miss you dearly and think about you often. I always have. We love you."
Amy Lovejoy of Imperial Beach

"To You Brud, and family
You will always remain in my heart, your kind friendship and the polite kindness you shown to me when others were not, will always be a soft spot in my heart and that will never be forgotten my friend,"
alicia zavala of clovis, nm

"Thinking of you today, Brud."
Calista of El Centro CA

"May 29, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Brud J. Cronkrite:
Brud 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 was looking at the list of our fallen hero's, and noticed Brud's name. i had remembered a Brud from when i was in kindergarten, and we had the same baby sitter in Jamul. I saw the location of his hometown, and the last name was familiar, and knew it was the same person. This was almost 25 years ago, and i still remember Brud (and messina) from the babysitters. I am really sorry for your loss, your son a hero, and deserves to be held in the highest respect. there are no words to say to what high of a degree of respect i have for him and all the others. thank you for your sacrifice, it will never be forgotten"
joe of lakeside ca (originally Jamul ca)

"To Brud's Family and Friends,

It's been almost 4 years, and Brud is not forgotten, and he never will be!"
Brett

"To the Family of Brud Cronkrite, in 2004, I saw Brud's name listed in the LA Times. Forty Years ago, another brave young man lost his life in a alien land, his name is PFC Woodrow Charles (Woody) Cronkrite USMC, My Brother. I share your loss, then and now."
John Cronkrite of Alta Loma, CA, USA

"Your memory remains strong and your life still celebrated, three years later. I love and miss you so much Brud and still pray for your family. You will always be a hero in my eyes!! God Bless"
Cristen Boerman of Pine Valley, CA -USA-

"Bill, Wendy:
Each day we truly miss Brud and are very proud of him for giving his life so we can have our freedom. I am proud that he was a part of our lifes, and the lifes of of children he was truly like one of our own, to watch him grow into such wonderful man. Your family will always be a part of us."
Jerry, Karen Maynard of Jamul, CA

"Brud, Wendy, Messina, Bill and Billy,
Not a day goes by without a shout out to you all from our hearts.
Brud, your bravery along with your mates in battle in helping protect the world from evil is forever appreciated. We are deeply saddened that your unselfish service ultimately lead to your departure from this realm. We honor you and your family not only on this Veteran's Day, but every single day."
Julie and Kirk Reed of Pacific Beach, San Diego County, CA USA

"I'm thinking of you today Brud. I love you and miss you everyday."
Calista of California

"Well its been almost 2 years... i still often think about Brud. I miss you! My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cronkrite family."
Joshua Ragland of San Diego, CA

"To Brud, I miss you. I will never forget you. Your my Hero...

For Brud...
"So as you read this know my friends
I'd love to stay with you all
Please smile when you think of me
My body's gone that's all
A tout le monde [To all the world]
A tout mes amis [To all my friends]
Je vous aime [I love you]
Je dois partir [I have to leave]""
Chayet Pagano of Potrero, CA

"To The Cronkrite Family,
My name is Charlie Jacobs, I go to Norwich University, Military College of Vermont. My platoon recently bought POW/KIA bracelets to honor the fallen, and I recieved SGT Brud Cronkrite. I wanted to know more about the person i was wearing so I researched Brud and found this page. I send my condolences and wish the best for the Cronkrite Family. Sgt Brud Cronkrite made the ultimate sacrifice, gaving his life so the rest of us can continue with ours. God Bless Brud and the rest of the Cronkrite Family."
Charlie Jacobs of Pembroke, Ma

"To the Cronkrite Family-
Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. Brud was the loader for my wingman's tank, and he was the sort of soldier every new Platoon Leader wishes he had an entire platoon of. When I moved SGT Girona up to Commander of his own tank, the pride I felt in him was eclipsed by the pride I felt being able to move Brud up to the Gunner's seat of his tank. Again, when he re-enlisted and was promoted, I felt great pride. When he and the rest of his crew were moved out of my platoon and into 2nd platoon, it was quite a blow to me. Brud still ranks as one of the best soldiers I've ever had the honor of serving with, and he will continue to be sorely missed. May God bless you all."
1LT Sam Haines of Friedberg, Germany

"Dear Cronkrite Family-
I was stationed in Korea with your son. In fact he was my roommate. We shared the same room in the barracks on Camp Casey for 6 months and I learned what a patriot your son was. He and I left Korea the same day, he to Germany and myself home for mid tour leave. My last words to him after I hugged him goodbye was "be safe and take care", he replied "only if you do it first." It was this selflessness that I will never forget about him. I have a picture of him and I together in TDC and I look at it daily in rememberance. I feel disheartend to know that he and I almost shared the same fate. I was almost killed when a rocket-propelled grenade was shot at my tank missing me by a mere foot as I stood in the loader's hatch, this is where I understood that Brud was when he past. Amasing how God chooses who goes and who stays. I will never forget him and I am honored that I was able to have lived with him for that short time. Brud was a true American. He lived and died a hero! Apahce's on the Warpath, Duece Tank!

p.s. I would love to send the picture I have to the Cronkrite Family.
mark.f.grimsley@us.army.mil"
SSG Mark F. Grimsley of Manhattan, Kansas

"Not a day passes that I do not think of Brud, remember our times, and pray for strength for his parents and brother and sister. What an amazing man, always with a smile and a friendly heart, and now, a hero. But Brud was always a hero in my heart, for he was the greatest friend to me since the day I met him in high school. Brud, I will never forget my surprise 16th Birthday, all those days hanging out after school, or the words you said to me during our last phone conversation before you were deployed. I miss you more than words can express but you will live on in the hearts of those you touched while you were here. God bless you and your family. One day we will all be reunited...until then, please know you will be much missed but never forgotten. I love you Brud."
Cristen Boerman of Pine Valley, California USA

"Brud, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. Losing you was one of the hardest things that I have ever felt. I love you, little brother. See you in heaven, Hero. You were a hero when you were alive and you are etched into eternity a hero. It was a pleasure to serve with you and you were a great friend. We shall meet again. Wendy, Bill, Messina, Billy, Robbie, stay strong. I love you all."
SSG(P) Ronnie Scott, Brud's Tank commander, Baghdad Iraq of Fort Knox, Ky

"Its been one year since my friend fell in Iraq. I have given alot of thought on the way i feel about this entire situation. All i care about is that my friends come home to the ones that love them. I dont want to see any more of our troops killed in the name of peace.

Brud you will not be forgotten my friend, i will always remember the last time we saw one another."
Joshua Ragland of Lakeside, CA

"You could always count on SGT Cronkrite to do his best, finish any task or mission on time...if not early, and in the last few years of military service, that was rare. When one of your soldiers becomes an NCO, you remember back when you became part of the corps...
SGT Cronkrite was a great tanker, an awesome soldier, and close friend.
While I can never bring you back, I can only hope I extracted some small justice in Karbala...after you fell.

I will miss you brother..."
SFC J. McCree of Copperas Cove, Texas

"I still remeber the day that i met Brud, when I was assigned as his firstline supervisor, I new he was special. We went to our first gunnery together and we were a perfect team. (I hope you get to see the video he made) It was not long before he became my best friend. He spent a few days at my house and we would go out around germany together. I miss him terribly. he was one of a kind and a large piece of me died during that war. Anyone who met him was a better person for it. He will always be my brother."
Former SGT Glenn Girona of Friedberg ,Germany

"To the Cronkrite Family,
My family and I are deeply sorry for your loss. I served with Brud in Karbala and I am sure you know this but I just want you to know that he was an outstanding young man and an NCO that cared a great deal for his soldiers. He was doing his job and fought bravely that day. You are in our prayers."
SSG Dale Hall of C Co, 1st BN 37th Armor

"I give you my love ---- I wish to touch each and everyone of kin.love deborah ann cronkrite"
Deborah A. Cronkrite of Kaufman,Tx.

"To the Cronkrite Family - Those of us in the Cowherd Family have had you in our prayers ever since our sons died.
mailto:len@cowherd.org"
Leonard M. Cowherd of Culpeper, VA

"Bill, and Wendy, your loss is my loss, I member Brud like just yesterday, I WILL BE PRAYING FOR Y'ALL, and all the other greiving parents who have lost a child, being ex military, we know it was for his country he died and that by itself makes him a HERO! God Bless,"
Gene Reif of Edmonton, Alberta

"Sgt. Brud Cronkrite You will never be forgotten but you will always be missed.I knew you from the time you were a Baby and watched you grow up.I will always remember the Smile on your face and your Friendly Nature.As a Desert storm Vet I want to thank Not just Sgt. Cronkrite But all the Men and Woman we Have lost. As for words for Bill,Wendy,Messina,and Billy I am deeply sorry for your Loss and Wish Happier times to you all soon.GOD BLESS AMERICA and Our Troops"
Brian and Tammy of Jamul Ca. U.S.A

"To the Cronkrite family,
Please know that our prayers are with you all during this time. My son is attached to 1-37."
Mark Brooks of Lawrenceville, Ga

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

"Brud, today would be your birthday. I remember, how sad I was last year, that we weren´t able to celebrate your birthday. I am even more sad today, because you will never be able to celebrate it, neither with me nor with your family or someone else. I miss you more than anyone can imagine.
I will never forget you and the good times we had together.
You will be always in my heart and I will love you forever,
your Baby."
Nicole of Friedberg, Germany

"Brud, I miss you so much. You were such a good friend. I talk about you a lot and we will all keep you in our minds. You were always there for me when I had problems, you always listened. We had so much fun together and it hurts when I think about this times cause I know I´ll never be able to have that again.

I miss you."
Judith of Friedberg, Germany

"To Brud's family, I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Please know that many of us appreciate his service to and sacrifice for our country."
F.Smith of Pennsylvania

"My deepest condolences go to the Cronkite's. I met Brud while attending Mtn. Empire my Freshman and Sophmore years and always talked to him. He was a kindred spirit and will always be remembered. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to keep all of us safe. I salute you Brud."
Josh Ragland of San Diego, CA

"Dear Cronkrite Family, We just heard the unfortunate news from our son PFC Bryan Burubeltz 1-37 AR 1st Armored Division. He served with Brud in Karbala and spoke so fondly of him. We are raising Brud in prayer for Eternal Life with our Lord and for your comfort in this time of need."
Mr. & Mrs. J. Burubeltz of Modesto, CA USA

"We received the information from Dawn Tiglio-Thomas tonight.
We send our deepest sympathies and warmest thoughts to your family.
We are so sorry. God Bless."
Dan and Jana of San Juan Capistrano, CA

"I have learned of your loss thru Dawn and am truly saddened by your loss. We all appreciate what your son has done for us and our country, With our love and prayers.
The Friedman's"
CANDACE of SAN DIEGO, CA

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

"Dear Cronkrite Family,

Your beloved son Brud paid the ultimate sacrifice for Americas freedom, and for that we are all so very grateful. He is truly a hero! Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to you. May God bless you all and may He also help to heal your hearts. Peace be with you Brud. With love and sincerest gratitude, Two Very Appreciative Americans and Friends,"
Dawn Tiglio Thomas & Kippy Thomas of Alpine, California-United States of America

"To Brud'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

"Brud was a very close friend throughout high school, and my heart goes out to his family for the loss of a truly amazing person. Brud was well loved, and will continue to be even now."
Calista Reynolds of San Diego CA/USA

"To the Cronkite Family:
I was only a Sophomore in high school when Brud graduated, but I still remember as if it was yesterday. Brud was always so nice to everyone, and never failed to make me feel like I was his buddy. Please accept my deepest condolences. Brud will be missed, but will be remembered because of how great a person he was."
Max Torres of San Diego, CA

"Brud paid the ultimate price to keep America free and safe. You will always be in our hearts and prayers. Rest in Peace"
Your Cousin Frank Patnaude, of Odenton, MD

"To Brud'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"

"Dear Cronkrite Family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you; we lost my nephew, Pfc Bradley Kritzer, May 5th. God's comfort be in your hearts."
Laurie Miles of Coalport, PA

"Please accept my deepest condolences in your loss. My heart breaks for you as I went through this almost a year ago. My husband, PFC Shawn Pahnke, 1-37 1st AD Friedburg Germany was killed June 17,2003. I pray that your memories of your loved one bring you strength and comfort. God Bless your entire family in this time of tragedy."
Elisha Pahnke of Shelbyville,IN

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