Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I will never forget how sweet Amy was, her innocence and curiosity about how the world works. I will never forget how good it made me feel to know that my advice and stupid jokes made her feel better and brought back her sweet little smile after a bad day. I will never forget the last image I have of her, looking up at me, confused...
I love you Amy and not a day goes by that I don't think of you and I wish I would have been able to be there for you that day..."
SGT Gracie I. Salazar aka SPC Phelps of Fort Irwin, CA/USA

"Amy, we miss your smile and your giggle. It seems like yesterday when we were hugging you. You were so tiny that your uniform looked as if you were wearing your dad's uniform. You were confident and resolved, excited about your job, talking about keeping in touch. The last thing I remember was your smile."
David & Melissa of Stuttgart, Germany

"Oh Amy we have just recently heard of our loss of you,we have not seen you since you were four years old but I can still see that sweet smile.I always knew God had his hand in your life just by the calm loving spirit that was in you the day you were born on up till we last saw you.Mommy and daddy miss you so much but we know that we will see you again in heaven.Amy you have always been in our hearts and thoughts.You were the youngest of our four children and you will always be our little baby girl,cant wait to see you again .Eternal love from your birth parents,Mommy and Daddy"
Diana & Carl of Joshua,Texas,US

"I plan to run on August 24th, in connection with the RUN FOR THE FALLEN national run for our heroes, in honor of Amy's memory. She died while my son was in Iraq, and I read about it in the 4th ID newsletter. I have carried her sacrifice in my heart and am grateful for the opportunity to run for her. Elizabeth Medaris of FLorence, Alabama."
elizabeth medaris of florence, al

"June 2, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Amy A. Duerksen:
Amy 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

"“The call of death is a call of love. Death can be sweet if we answer it in the affirmative, if we accept it as one of the great eternal forms of life and transformation.”

I was honored to escort Amy's grandparents to the memorial ceremony at Ft. Hood/TX. What kind and brave people !

I think nothing ever can compare to the pain you must feel when losing a child/grandchild.
I bow in honor and say thank you-to Amy and her family and to all those brave men and women serving their country...."
CPL Kroll of Bamberg, Germany

"Amy if only things had turned out diffrent i miss you alot, i know we had problems in our relationship at the time, but i want you to know you changed my life dramaticly, you where the sweetest, and kindest. you would go out of your way to help me out"
TORICES of MOZUL, IRAQ Ft Bliss

"Our tour is almost over Amy. I wish I could have seen you again after our return. You are missed so much and I pray for you and your family every day. Love always,"
G.S. Howell of Afghanistan

"TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF AMY DUERKSEN, I WISH YOU ALL MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. I SERVED IN IRAQ AND LOST FRIENDS, TOO. TO HER FAMILY, REMEMBER THE WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT HER. REMEMBER THE CONTRIBUTION SHE MADE IN SERVING HER COUNTRY. SHE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN IN THIS SOLDIER'S PRAYERS."
MIKE TANNER of POB 389 ROCKY POINT, NY 11778

"To the family of:Amy A. Duerksen 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. She 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"

"With a heavy heart, tonight when I arrived home from work, I logged on to my computer to look for the obituary of a friend of mine that died a couple of days ago. His wasn't listed yet, but I read Amy's. I just wanted to take a moment to offer my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Amy. I offer my prayers and best wishes to you all in your time of grief. Amy gave her life to help ensure that everyone else may contiune to have the freedom to live theirs. God Bless."
Jennifer Anderson of Lubbock, Texas USA

"To the family of Amy, I would like to say how regetful i am and that for all it's worth im sorry and i understand the pain and the loss you have went through. My heart goes out to you and your family and i will keep you all in my dreams and prayers."
J. Bishop of Afghinistan

"Amy, this is just for you...I know we were a strange brew of friends in AIT-me, you, Libby, Martinez, Rags, Kellner and Doak, but we made a perfect circle and you are very missed! I know if you were here, we would be the first to take you to a Mexican restaurant where we would sit on the backporch and listen to the boys watch the game. I love you-I know God is taking care of you sweetheart. Love Spring Howell"
G.S. Howell of Afghanistan (Ft.Drum)

"My heart goes out to Amy and her family. She was the holiest person I knew. She was my angel sent to help me through AIT. I am glad she is in a better and safer place. I love and will always remember you. I am so sorry it had to come to this, and hope you know that I will always be your best friend and sister.

love always,

Libby"
SPC LIBBY, JENNESSA of FORT EUSTIS, VA

"I participated in a Memorial Day event on May 29th, 2006, and one of the things we did to honor our military from this war was to read the names and ages of all the soldiers who have died in Iraq. I had the privilege of reading Amy's name.

For some reason, though I read many other names, hers has stayed in my mind. I would like her friends and family to know that her death has moved me.

Though I am opposed to the war, I am a veteran myself, and I will always support our troops. I wish to convey my deepest respect, and sorrow for your loss.

Dave Wiley,
formerly
RM2 Wiley, USCG"
David L. Wiley of El Cajon, CA

"I remember Amy in AIT as someone who I looked up to. Believe it or not I still wish I was as pure of heart as she was. She was so innocent she would instinctively do the right thing. I miss the moments we talked and shared comments about life. She will be missed. My AIT experience was much better knowing that I made a difference in her life. I just wish we all had time to meet one last time. I wish her family my deepest sympathy. I hope they remember her knowing she left us, leaving permanent marks on more people than she knew."
PFC Mitch Perrault of Fort Drum, NY

"I can remember those nights in Ft Gordon her and I would talk about life and such. Also that night we banged on Joseph window to make her mad. She had alot of potential to become anything she choose. I think about the people I have met in the Army and how they have affected my life. I hope I made a difference in her's. May GOD take her to a plce where she deserves that peace in her heart and sould, where the torments of this world wont affect her soul."
Toby Selig of Ft Drum, NY, Soon to be in Baghdad

"I went to AIT and later to FT Hood with Duerksen. I just want to say that she was one of the sweetest person I've know. At the moment I'm just lost for words and anything I say probly had been said many time.
I wish the Duerksen family to be strong and for all of us that are still deployed to be safe and return home."
SPC Yeh, Jonathan of FOB Kalsu, Iraq

"Amy we will never forget you. it seems like yesterday we were all in AIT together.

To all the Duerkson family, my greatest condolences. Amy was a great soldier, and even more so , a wonderful person. It saddens me greatly to hear of this tragedy. know that she will never be forgotten by the people whos lives she touched."
PFC Matthew Lundgren of US Army Fob Wison, Iraq

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

"To Amy Duerksen Family
May the lord give you strenght in your time of grief. I saw you and my heart goes out to you. I will always pray for you and your husband and family. With all my Love."
Wanda Gilmore (pwoc) of Belair, MD

"To Amy's Family and Friends,
My prayers will always be with you. I will always remember the short time I got to spend with her. I could see how she was filled with God's love. I wish I got to know her better. The thing that conforts me is knowing that one day I'll see Amy again. She was and is a sister of mine in Christ. I'll always remember her."
SPC Jessica Scruggs of Ft. Hood, Tx

"Thank you Amy Duerksen, 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 Pfc. Amy Duerksen:
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 Amy for the sacrifice she has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Amy Duerksen:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. She 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 Amy, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia