Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hey Tommy. It's been 20 years. Crazy to think about how fast time starts to pass. But every year on this day, I think of you. For everyone involved on that day in 2004, Veterans Day has a different meaning. I hope your family and loved ones have found peace over the years.

You're remembered, brother."
bulldogmedic of anywhere

"Tommie was my Soldier at one point and a great man. I was an infantryman back then. I am now a chaplain and back in northern Iraq. We are doing a Veteran's Day ruck march challenge here and doing it in honor of a fallen hero. I am doing it for Tommie."
CH Jeremy Lytle of Ft. Campbell/ n. Iraq

"Tommy was my fellow soldier , and more than that my brother still polish up my rememberance bracelet to make me not forget the great times we shared. I will always think and love him as such a brother more than a comrade but true brother in arms."
jeffrey brent of norfolk va

"It's been a long time now, but your sacrifice is not forgotten."
Michele Arocha Allen of Bristow, VA

"To the family of Thomas K. Doerflinger:

Firstly, thank you for your son's service to this great nation. Today is my 30th birthday and it humbles me to remember those who were not able to see this day. I had always known Thomas to be very quiet and quite reserved so I always remember the day I heard the news of his passing. That day was a day of awe and disbelief and also so utterly eye-opening. Though I had not seen Thomas since middle school, the fact that he gave his life fighting for me and my country, at only 20 years old, sent a shockwave through me that I will never forget. My prayers are and forever will be with you and your family. Rest peacefully Thomas. Thank you."
Michael Rious of Silver Spring, Maryland, USA

"To the family of:Thomas K.Doerflinger
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""

"Eternal rest grant unto them Oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Dear Doerflinger family--you're in my prayers today. Thomas is not forgotten."
Lindsey of Houston, TX

"Dear Rich and Family, Please know I continue to remember your son, Thomas, in my prayers on November 11th. I'm certain that the six years must seem both like an eternity and at the same time, the blink of any eye. God Bless Thomas' soul, and you, his courageous Family.

Warmly, David"
David Hunter of Cheshire, CT

"I served my country for 5 years and had the opportunity to meet thomas a few years ago. He was an amazing person and I would give my life to be in his place. I came across this listing randomly and honestly wish I never would have. I am so tired of this country ruining the lives of our young youth. I will always think of him for the rest of my life. My condolences to his family. He has given up the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I love him for that!"
Jae of Ventura, CA

"Yesterday, Veterans Day 2009, was the five year anniversary of Thomas' sacrifice. What began as a prayer for him turned into a prayer to him - for his family which he doubtless watches over and for his country. God bless Thomas and his family."
Deacon Tom Davis of Danbury, CT

"November 9, 2008
To the family of Spc. Thomas K. Doerflinger:
Thomas 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

"Mr and Mrs Doerflinger;
I love and miss one of the most unique individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Utterly compassionate, loving, and one of the truest friends I have ever had. I miss you with all my heart, your friend ROSY! You will never be forgotten!"
Jason of Tacoma, WA, USA

"Mr and Mrs Doerflinger;
It has been over two years Thomas has been gone. I know that now the "vidio" that plays in your heads of that awful day may have faded some. Maybe there aren't as many folks mentioning his name as often now. Could be that you feel that the memory of your son, and his sacrifice have slipped a little from other loved ones thoughts. I too have lost my son, and I understand the need for others to remember him too. I am writing to let you know that every day someone who never knew Thomas, remembers him. I have had his KIA bracelet on my wrist every day. When a patient ask me about the name, I tell them everything I know about "Tom" from searching the net. Not one person has ever expressed anything but admiration for his service to his family and his country. I will never forget.
May God Be Always With You"
Teresa D. Earnest, RN of Sun City, AZ

"For the Doerflinger Family
I am so sorry. I have never met you but we carry the same name and I hurt for you. God bless you and take care of you
Pat Doerflinger Garmon
Warrensburg,Mo"
Pat Doerflinger Garmon of Warrensburg,Mo

"To Rich and Family,

My condolences on the loss of your son. I just learned of this tragedy through a notice in the Archbishop Molloy alumni magazine. May the Lord be with him, and may some good come from the cause in which he gave his life. My family and I will pray for him."
John M. Peterson of New York, New York

"Dear Doerflinger Family:
I was in 1/50 with Thomas in Basic Training. Actually I met him the first day we got to Fort Benning at the Reception Batallion. He was in the bunk next to me and three other guys who enlisted as 18X's. He made us all laugh with his witty comments, and we stayed in touch throughout our time at Benning. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, and I thank you for the sacrafice you all have made for our freedom. I sleep peacefully at night because of the courage and actions of men like Thomas."
Jason A. Lee of White Oak, NC

"Mr. and Mrs. Doerflinger
Tommy and I were in the same Platoon together in Basic Training. As fate would have it, we both recieved orders for Ft.Lewis and showed up on the same day in Washington. We both went to the same Battalion and served in the same Platoon again. From then on, we were always together. I've never had a better friend or have missed someone so much. Tommy made an unbearable situation bearable and that is why I've missed him so much this past year. My tour is finally over and I'm getting ready to go home, but I can't really be happy because he's not coming with me. We had so many plans for when we got out of here, it just doesn't feel right leaving without him. I remember the night we left to come over here. We were just a couple of kids excited about the unknown. we wanted to prove ourselves and finally do what we had trained to do for 2 years. Things are a lot different now though. I just hope it comes as some comfort to know that he was always happy and he was proud of what he was doing. Tommy was a good man with a lot of values and I'm sure you're very proud of him. He was the best person to have around. I'm looking forward to seeing you all when I get back. Take care of yourselves"
Sgt. David Sanderson of Mosul, Iraq

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Doerflinger
You probably don't know me but, Tommy was my very good friend. I was in same plt with Tommy. I'm so sorry I couldn't protect Tommy that day. Right now I'm in Walter Reed Army medical center. I got injured about month and half ago. We always talked about we are goin to University of Maryland after we get out of the Army. Once again I'm sorry I couldnt save Tommy."
Spc. Hyun Choi of Washington D.C

"To the parents of Spc. Thomas Doerflinger,
In the Washington Post article about your son, Thomas' teacher said he "wanted to learn discipline, to become more responsible." I hope it may bring you some measure of comfort, no matter how small, that he has become a paragon of those very values. He is an inspiration for others like me to follow, whether in military service or otherwise."
Anonymous of Arlington, VA

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Doerlinger
My husband and I are members of St. John the Baptist Church. I see you and your family whenever we attend 10:30 mass in the hall. I don't know you, and you don't know us, but whenever I see you, my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I can't even imagine the pain and sorrow you must feel with the loss of your beloved son, Thomas. I pray that you and your family are able to find some peace and consolation through the many prayers of your loved ones and even people who don't know you. My prayers and sympathy always."
Judy Dinges of Silver Spring, MD, USA

"To Maria Doerflinger,
From hearing about your brother from you I know in my heart that he was an amazing soldier and a great person. My condolences go to you and your parents and I will never forget you, or the courageous acts and ultimate sacrifice that your brother made. You are always in my prayers."
PFC Sarah E. Bain of Fort Jackson, SC/ Georgetown, TX

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

"Read of your sacrifice for my freedom and for the cause of freedom everywhere. May the Lord give you measures of peace beyond our understanding."
Al Kruger of Sunnyvale, CA

"Thank you..."
The Gavenda Family of Brentwood CA

"To the family & friends of Thomas Doerflinger

You have my heart felt sympathies and prayers that God will comfort you in your loss. No greater love can one show than to sacrifice one's life to save another. He sacrificed his life in a just cause-to bring freedom to a people who had never known freedom. May God Bless you for giving your son the faith and courage to do, ultimately what God wanted him to do."
Robert Curley of Tampa, Fl

"To Thomas' 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"

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

"To Thomas' 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 Thomas Doerflinger, 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. Thomas Doerflinger:
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 Thomas 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. Thomas Doerflinger:
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 Thomas, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia