Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"thank u brian"
Sammy of Ny

"I was there. PFC Derks knows me well. He probably didn't like me much. I was always on him. He was a good kid. A hero. I have never got over Derks. Tonight I shed a tear, like many other nights. It should not have happened, but it did. It is the life of a soldier, a true hero. PFC Derks, I am sorry I didn't tell you enough how important you are. I wanted to be there to help you, to replace you. You are my hero.... I want his parents and family to know, they deserve the truth. I know the truth, I was there...sad day. Yet day of hero. Private Derks, I'm sorry. I Tried....."
SGT Haas, Shain of Blythe, ca

"brain im thinking of you today. you were such a amazing peron."
felica of grand rapids mi

"To the family of:Brian K. Derks
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""

"It was a pleasure and a honor meeting your family last night and hearing about your son, Brian. He sounds like he was a amazing young man. I have read about him on Myspace and now on this website, and it makes me so proud that my son was given the honor of representing him in the Grand Ledge football game last night. I would like you to know that I will think of your son at every football game, Bubba will always come to my mind. Thank you so much for coming to Grand Ledge and sharing your stories of your son, it meant so much to us, especially to my son. He will wear the football pin on his varsity coat with Pride!!!"
Tammy Bachert of Grand Ledge, MI

"My name is Dayna Dion and I would like extend my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Brian K. Derks for their loss. I am writing on behalf of Frankie Cuadra who has painted a portrait of Brian in honor of his memory. We are looking to ship the portrait to his family but don't have an address. If you know Brian's address, please contact us at soldierstribute@gmail.com so that his portrait can go home. You can find an article on Frankie and his tribute to fallen soldier's here:  http://bit.ly/jwRQZn"
Dayna Dion of Chicago, IL

"Thinking of you today, Brian."
Sandra Pfannes of Lima, Ohio

"I really miss you buddy. I love you thank you for all that you taught me. I'll see you someday again"
Doug of Miami, Fl

"July 1, 2008
To the family of Spc. Brian K. Derks:
Brian 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 Derks Family, you guys were like my extended family and I can't help but have Brian in my thoughts this Memorial Day 2007 and have you all in my prayers. I know the void will always be there but I also know you are so very strong.God Bless."
Karri Tawney of Toledo,OH (former WCHS grad)

"Brian on this Memorial Day 2007 we will remember you. You are with my son Sgt. Todd James Robbins who also gave his life for our freedom. May the angels in heaven sing your praise for all that you two have done for us to be free. Love the Robbins family"
Anne Robbins of Pentwater/Hart Michigan

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

"We all apreciate what you did in iraq and will never forget what you sacrificed for us."
Ryan Maik of White Cloud, Michigan, USA

"I found out about Brians death while i was deployed to afganistan on my second deployment. Brian was a good friend and he will be missed."
of Fort Bragg NC

"hey bro yanno as well as i do that they got the people who did this to you and your never gonna be forgotten by anyone you did exactly what you always swore you would do you gave your life to defend your country and died a hero we all love you and miss you"
Bruce aka Silver of Kingman,AZ/United States Of America (is there any other)

"Mr & Mrs Derks & Sally,
I was very sadded to hear of the loss of Brian. You never think that it can happen to someone you know and someone you went to school with. My heart goes out to you as well as my prayers. May God Bless you all and comfort you and be there for you whenever you need him. Let God be your strenght at all times.
To Brian, Thank you for serving our country God Bless you!
Love and God Bless"
Lucy Bennett of White Cloud MI

"TO THE DERKS FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. MOUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH BRIAN AND YOUR FAMILY. LOSING BRIAN A REMINDER OF OUR GREGORY. MY TEARS STILL FLOW, FOR BRIAN AS WITH MY SON AND ALL OUR FALLEN. BRIAN VERY THANKFUL FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. MORE SO FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. AS HE WAS FOR YOU TO ALWAYS WATCH OVER ONE ANOTHER. TODAY YOU REUNITE; DEALING WITH A LOST SO DEEP FOR YOU BRIAN IS HARD. I DO KNOW ONE THING. YOU ARE ONE AMAZING MEN; ONE THAT HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. AN TO ALL THOSE YOU HAVE. ALL HOLD VERY FOND AND DEAR MEMORIES YOU BOTH SHARED TOGETHER! GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To the family of Brian
i had the pleasure of meeting Brian out here in southern california, Brian was a great guy who helped out a lot and gave great advise. Mr. and Mrs. Derks you guys raised a great young man, if we were all like Brian the world would be a better place. Brian you are our hero"
Cynthia Cazares of Fontana California

"Brian I can't find the words to say I cannot belive you are gone I remembered chatting with you while you were "Over there" and you telling me that we should hang out when you get back well I know that will never happen now... but you know what I want to say thank you so much for what you did I met you personally and I knew that you were one special person, one of a kind brian you were sweet, loyal, respectful, and helpful when anyone needed you... you were truely an angel and now you are up there with the rest of them.... Spc derks I salute you for your bravery,and honor to this country because of you we are sleeping safe tonite... Brian K. Derks you will be missed beyond imagine... I know you are in a better place now.... God Bless

" Do Not Cry At My Grave"
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow,
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the feilds of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush,
Of bueatiful birds in circling flight,
I am in the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in the quiet room,
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I do not die."
Gracie Cervantes of Colton Ca, United States

"Brian followed his dream and did what he loved doing. we all knew what the consequence could be. Brian we love and miss you. Follow yours dreams is what Brian would say!"
your cousin of Arizona

"I am so sorry to hear of yet another loss of life. Brian Derks, THANK YOU, you are a true Hero. 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

"The Salute


To those who have died,
And to those who have cried.
We Salute You.

To those who have lost,
Paid the ultimate cost.
We Salute You.

And to those who still serve,
The Red White and Blue.
Our grateful Nation,
Proudly Salutes You.

I am leaving this message to all of our soldiers but had to say a bit more to you. Brian you gave your life for our nation on my 40th birthday and I will always remember you. I joined at age 17, did 11 years and loved it. Mom was always worried but I did love not only serving, but my buddies as well. I am sure that your buddies loved you as you did them. May God hold you and give your loved ones peace."
Tom Balstad of West Warwick RI

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your
Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the loyal service and sacrifice that was made and
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Our cousin LCPL Michael Smith Jr. gave his life on 4-17-04 fighting for freedom.
Please know that this was not in vain and these American Heros will FOREVER be honored.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

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

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