Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army CWO Patrick Dorff

32, of Minnesota.
Dorff's helicopter went down in the Tigris River during a search after four soldiers' watercraft capsized. His remains were recovered on January 29. Dorff was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation (Fort Drum); however, in support of mission requirements, he was attached to the 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. Died on January 25, 2004.

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"CWO Dorff,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Scouts Out!"

"Pat, from flight school thru the Advance Officer's Course, and all our days in the Air Cav, I will never forget how kind, intelligent and thoughtful a man you were. We are all fortunate to have known you, worked with you, flown with you, and be protected by you. And sadly, we will never not quite stop grieving your loss. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Godspeed."
Mark Fischer (CW4, Ret.) of Maryland

"Pat, I remembered you tonight, and talked about you with some fellow pilots here at American Airlines. A guy from Minnesota that I'm flyin a trip with reminds me so much of you - I just had to invoke your name, and tell him about good ol Pat Dorff!!!

God Bless You, and your FAMILY, for the life you lived, for the things you believed in, and for the effect you had on so many lives. You were a good man! And you accomplished more in your short life, than normal people accomplish in their LONG lives. You lived a life of meaning, and integrity. And you left behind an example for all of us to use as a template on how to be a good American, and a good PERSON!

You were one of a kind Pat. You were a deeply genuine guy. America would be a better place if we had more like you!!"
Steve Wiggins of Rockford, IL

"I was In HHT in the III/V platoon during that deployment. We have started a run for the fallen service members of OIF and OEF from Texas last year and I ran for you and the 5 others. you will never be forgotten."
Scott Duncan of Hempstead,Texas

"To the family of:Patrick Dorff
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""

"Pat,

I have not survived yet to meet another like you, and I don't expect that I will. Peace to you and your family, you won't be forgotten"
Dan Dunham of Deadhorse Alaska

"June 2, 2008
To the family of CWO Patrick Dorff:
Patrick 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

"Pat,
It's been 3 years...you have been missed. When the 'old Diamondbacks' get together every so often for a drink, we think of you and Adam and recall the good times and have one in your honor. See you on the Green brother."
CW4 Brian Beagle, Diamondback 29 of Ft. Drum, NY

"Diamondback 35,
Pat - After nearly two years, you are still in the thoughts and prayers of every Diamondback that crossed the berm with you. Your knowledge and experience are rarely matched, and your attitude and manner are greatly missed. You will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace."
CW3 MIke Cavaco, Diamondback 19 of 3/17 Cav, Ft Drum, NY

"Dear Pat, If you can hear this, I remember you well. We went through flight school together. We all remember your youth - frozen in time, you were "WAY" younger than almost all of us "old men" in our mid twenties, and we gave you a really hard time for that whenever possible...Hell, we were all young and didn't know so much about life yet. But we all recognized you as an extremely decent human being. We really liked you and all remember you! We may not have known how to express it in the macho environment of being young guys in the military. But we respected you and what a kind and good soul you obviously were. Memories of you are of a good young American from a good family...a young man who loved life, loved flying, and was grateful for the chance to serve his country. I am so sorry that your life was cut short. And I am sorry for your family that they had to lose you so young. But you were a helluva kid in flight school. Earnest, intelligent, fun, easy-going. Even though we lost touch after flight school, I'm sure you turned out to be a great Dad and husband. I'm sure you were a wonderful son and brother. And I have no doubt you were a very good pilot! God bless you! May your soul rest in peace! And may the legacy of the values instilled in you by your family continue to touch others long after your passing. I feel sad that you lost your life. But I am thankful for what you gave to your country so selflessly during your years of service! You were a good man! And your service to your country made us all better people! After talking with a number of our classmates I KNOW that everyone you went to flight school with, in their own way, feels very much the same. Rest in peace Pat! We miss you!!!"
Steve Wiggins of Rockford, IL

"To the family of Patrick Dorff:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"Pat:You are still missed greatly. The memories never leave our minds. Its been almost a year, I cant believe it! Rest in Peace.. forever missing you.

Jamie and Brisa: We miss you guys so much! We still think about you often. Hope you're doing alright.

You are all in our prayers!"
Ashley and family of New York

"We had the privelage of meeting Patrick back in 1994/1995 and became good friends. We will continue to pray for him and his family. We will miss him. He will remain forever in our hearts a HERO."
Marisa & Ryan Cureau of San Antonio, TX/ USA

"To the family of Patrick,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Army Spc. Daniel A. Desens, Jr. KIA 6/24/04. Patrick is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time. My family is originally from Minnesota."
Vic and Tammy McClain--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"Jamie, Brisa and the Dorff Family
May God bless you all always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jamie I am so sorry for your loss, Pat was a great man and will continue to be in our hearts and memories. Just know that God is always with you carrying you through this. When you feel you can't go on God will go on for you all you need to do is put your strength in Him. Pat will be dearly missed. Jamie, Brisa we love you all so much and miss you girl."
Juan, Mayra, Marissa and J. R. Rodriguez of Watertown, NY.

"Pat, you leave me with many fond memories from the years we spent together while assigned to Outlaw Troop. There we were, two Minnesota boys down in Texas flying helicopters for the Army. There are some things that I have long since forgotten - things like what our call signs were (yours would have been in the 10's and mine in the 20's). And then, of course, there are those times that I will always remember..... Pat, it was always a good day when I got to fly a mission with you. I will always remember you as a damn good pilot.

While our lives intertwined but for merely a moment in time, it was a very defining time for all of us - thanks for leaving us the memories. Mimi and I will always remember you as a good man and Jamie and Brisa are forever in our thoughts and prayers."

"Outlaw 1?, this is Outlaw 2?, OUT!"
Dan & Mimi Kinn of Copperas Cove, TX

"Warrant Officer Dorff, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"I knew Patrick back in elementary school in Buffalo. What a wonderful boy he was! He was so caring. With just one look, he could bring a smile to your face. He was a gentleman even back then. We lost touch as I moved away, but one day out of the blue, Patrick called me at college saying he was being stationed in Texas. I wish I would have known how important that visit would be to me so many years later. I got to see what an amazing man he had turned out to be. He was just as wonderful as I remembered ... just older. This world has truly lost an incredible person! I just hope that a little joy comes from hearing that people truly appreciate the courage and selflessness that Patrick showed all through his life. I am so very sorry for your loss ... and America's loss of this unforgetable hero."
Victoria Zink (Hult) of Indianapolis, IN

"Low Flight"

Dedicated to Patrick Dorff




Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth,

And Hovered out of Ground Effect on Semi-Ridgid Blades.

Earthward I've Auto'ed, and met the Rising Brush of Non-Paved Terrain;

And done a thousand things you would never care to.

Skidded and Dropped and Flared Low in the Heat Soaked Roar.

Confined there, I've chased the Earthbound Traffic

And Lost the race due to Insignificant Headwinds.

Forward and up a Little in Ground Effect,

I've Topped the Admirals hedge with drooping turns,

Where never SkyHawk nor even Tomcat Flew.

Shaking and Pulling Collective, I've Lumberd

The Low untresspassed Halls of Victor Airways;

Put out my Hand, and Touched a Tree.

Today Patrick you Fly with Angels. Thank you for your Dedication and Sacrifice. Godspeed Chief..."
Dennis B. Dray Maj (R) ARNG of Tucson, AZ

"I never met Pat, but we had a lot in common. We both hailed from Mpls and the NW suburbs, both went to flight school and flew scout helicopters in the Cav, and both spent time in the 10th Mountain Division. Pat, I never got to say Hi, but I hope our UH-60 formation flyover was a fitting way of saying goodbye !
Thanks for your service !"
CW4 Steve Shoemaker of Elk River, MN

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

"Jamie and The Dorff Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Patrick was a true gentlemen and he will truly be missed, but he will never be forgotten. Take care and God Bless.

To you Patrick...Thanks for serving our country proudly...Rest in Peace..."
Fred, Evelyn, Paul and Philip Rivera of Round Rock, Texas USA

"Jamie and Brisa may God bless you both. And know that Pat is looking down on you now and always. Our prayers are with you all."
Danielle and John Perry of Killeen Texas

"TO THE FAMILY OF PATRICK ! WE LOVE YOU ! JOSE/SILVER MALDONADO AND FAMILY"
JOSE/SILVER MALDONADO of KILLEEN,TX,U.S.

"THE DORFF FAMILY: IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE KNOWING PATRICK AND THE LIFE HE LIVED WITH JAMIE AND BRISA. THANK YOU FOR RAISING SUCH A LOVING SON, WE WILL TREASURE HIM FOREVER.

JAMIE AND BRISA: HOLD ON AND STAND STRONG BECAUSE GOD WILL CARRY YOU THROUGH EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. YIELD TO HIM FOR PEACE AND COMFORT AND ALWAYS KNOW HE IS YOUR HUSBAND AND YOUR FATHER. WE LOVE YOU AND WILL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR YOU.

PATRICK: THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE WELL TAKEN CARE OF. WE WILL MISS YOU!!"
THE CORTES FAMILY of BELGIUM

"Jamie, Brise and Family,
You served your country, you gave the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for our freedom.

When Through
One Man A Little
More Love And
Goodness, A Little
More Light And
Truth Comes Into
The World, Then
That Man's Life
Has Had Meaning

Alfred Step

Thoughts of comfort and sympathy to you and your family during this great time of loss."
Ron, Fran, Melina, and Daniel of Killeen, Texas

"To Yami and the Dorff Family,
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all of you at this time of sadness.
What do you say to a hero who had a million dollar smile that melted your heart?
What do you say to a man who worshipped the ground that Yami walked on?
What do you say to a friend who got mad at his drinking buddies for cheating or not following the rules when we played his box games like Catch Phrase?
We can't live without you buddy! When we
get down on our knees tonight, we will
pray and celebrate that you lived and touched us so deeply in so many ways. You Are our Top Gun!"
Sonia M. Maldonado of Killeen, Texas

"Jamie, Sharon, Roger & the Dorff Family - There are never any words that express the sorrow that you must feel during this most difficult time. Know that Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. With love, with sympathy and warm memories of a very special person whom we all loved and will always be in our hearts and prayers."
Tio Alan, Titi Iris & Cousin Chris Havrilla of Macomb, MI

"My thoughts and prayers are with you and Pat's family. With all our love, comfort and strength. Love you"
Titi Virginia, Gilbert and Dona Maria of Killeen, Texas

"Pat may you rest in peace and know that your family will be well taken care of. You have a new mission...go forward...HOOAH!
Cousins, Karin, Jonathan, Dylan and Victoria"
of Fort Hood, Texas

"Rest in Peace. We all love you very much and will miss you so much. We will take care of Jamie and Brisa. We love you."
Melanie and Ralph Rodriguez of Houston, Texas

"Rest in Peace Soldier. No one will ever forget you, those that knew you and those that didn't. We will always remember what you did for this country. You are never far away. When we look up to the sky and see the brightest shining star, we know it will be you.
God Bless Your Family and Friends."
The Taylors, USMC of North Carolina

"So sorry for your loss, my Son- Spec. Smith, Robert says he was a good man and will miss him dearly. My heart goes out to all of those feeling this loss."
Darlinda & Ron Snell of Sunriver, OR USA

"CWO Dorff:
Thank your for giving yourself so that those of us at home can live freely. There are not enough 'thank yous' for a gift such as this. Rest in peace soldier"
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

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

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on