Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"SSG Farmer always made me laugh. We were in Iraq together during OIF I. I will never forget him, his humor, and benevolent nature.

Deezy
2nd Plt, 297th CTC"
Hernandez of CA

"Then Sgt. Farmer was my T.C. on that fateful day. By all means it should have been me in his place but he had me stay back and in my place he died. I cannot begin to express my sorrow to all of those that loved him and miss him."
Richard B. of Copperas Cove,TX

"To the family of:Donald B.Farmer
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""

"My daughter Mariela was in also in the accident with Donald on December 19th 2004 in Kuwait. She survived, but spent 8 months in coma in Walter Reed Med Center in DC. She is better now, but still cannot walk and has severe Brain injury.
We are very sorry for Donald and the other soldier who died in this terrible accident.
There was also a 4th. soldier, and my daughter would like to know who it is, but we never found any more information about this accident.
Do you have any information ?
best regards,
Emile Meylan emeylan@sercotech.com"
Emile Meylan of Livermore, CA

"It feels like just yesterday when i found out the best dad in the whole world would no longer be with me. Just wanted to say I Miss You Daddy and Love You Lots. I cant wait to see you again."
Charon Farmer of Zion, IL

"Will always remember my best friend! Thanks for all the memories of Heidelberg and Texas!"
Jamie Roney of Lubbock, Texas

"My buddy my bestfriend my brother, I will carry the memory of you in my heart until the day I die, the good times we've had in Italy and Germany will last me a life time. Donald was a good friend to my wife and I and a Damn good godfather to my kids, I remember one night Donald, myself and CJ drinking a gal of GIN, my wife said I showed up the next morning with one shoe on, one shoe off, no shirt and I had a small puppy with me,it took us that whole day to find where I parked the car. Best night of my life with my best friends and a new puppy"
Darwin " BIG ZAK " Hamilton of Ft. Riley Kansas

"Godspeed SSGT Farmer"
PFC Farmer of lakeville mn

"SSGT. Farmer, To the family I am truley sorry for what happened and, me being the protecter that i am i wish i was there but i was not. Bless the family and may Mr. Farmer R.I.P Love you man ...."
Willie Myers of Chicago IL.

"I remember being stationed with SSG Farmer in Italy (28th Trans PLT). SSG Farmer was my Squad Leader then became the Master Driver Trainer. I remembered the times he took me out on the rode to test drive those 915's in our unit. I'd scared him at first until I go the concept of driving those narrows lanes around on the local economy of Vicenza. After several road test, I finally succeeded. I remember him telling me how good of a driver I was and he would ride with me any day over any Soldier he has trained. SSG Farmer was a great leader. He had a high care and concern for any Soldier. I can truly say he's one of the best leaders I've had in my career and is dearly missed.
May you rest in peace and may God continue to Bless your Family."
SSG Alexander, Kimby of United States Army

"My dearest army buddy who always went out of your way to help a young officer out, you are still dearly missed and thought of often! I don't know if Germany could have been the same without a soldier like you sitting across from me in the CAT and living in my same apartment building. Your kind, selfless acts are always remembered!"
CPT Roney of Lubbock, Texas

"December 6, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Donald B. Farmer:
Donald 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 with SSG Farmer at the hospital in Kuwait when he died. I have been sickened by this accident since it happened and my sincerest condolences go out to SSG Farmer's family. For the brief time I talked with him, I could tell he was a decent, honorable, and caring person. I told him I would see him when he awoke from his surgery but sadly that never happened. May God bless SSG Farmer's family."
MAJ Tom Carlson of Tucson, AZ

"To the family of Staff Sergeant Donald B. Farmer,
Today, March 17, 2007, persons in our community honored and remembered those who had died in the Iraq war. We held tombstone shaped signs on which the names of the men and women of our armed forces, who have died, were written. The sign I held was Donald's. I have pastored a church in Junction City, KS, where many enlisted soldiers from Fort Riley worshiped. I know their character and their love of family, friends and country. I know the sacrifices that are asked of our soldiers and those asked of family. It is a huge price to pay. My prayers go out to you and your family, and to all the families in this country and in Iraq who have lost sons and daughters, husbands, wifes and fathers, to this war and to those unnumbered whose souls, spirits and bodies are wounded. Blessings!"
Ann Hunt of Eureka, CA

"Ahhh Farmer, I will never forget the many green monsters we drank and the bomb * barbeque's you threw....You were always the "grown up" one making sure everyone stayed in line. You caught me in the "act" and wouldn't let me live it down, oh yeah, I also think you were the one who jumped in when I was getting my a** beat and saved me from any further damage. You were one cool dude and a great friend...I will always remeber you and the times we shared in Italy.....Peace out hommy, and take care of everyone down here and make sure we get to where you are...Do what you have always done...take care of the Italy crew, your loved ones, and especially your children...."
Jessica Proxmire "Prox" of Indianapolis, Indiana

"I was stationed with Farmer in Italy. He was a great friend and did anything he could for anyone. When I found out he passed I was so sad. He will be greatly missed.
Elisha Crimando (Dornan)"
Elisha Crimando of Oxford, Michigan

"I was stationed with Farmer in Italy. We were in the same platoon. He was a great guy. My heart broke when I found out what had happened to him. I was going through old pictures and I came across one of him posing next to my car. His house was the place to be on the weekends and we always had so much fun. I'm really gonna miss him. He was a great NCO and a great friend."
Kimberly Obregon (Clackler) of Ft. Hood, Texas

"it's been two years... but seems yesterday since i saw u for the last time... thanks for have been such a great friend.. thanks for have been part of my life... thanks for have been the special person u were (and im sure u still are)
i really miss you"
Greta of Verona, Italy

"Bernard, it is Memorial Day 2006 and yes I got a day off. As promised to you and your family, I think of you daily. I fly my fallen soldier flag for you and I have made a book of our last letters, emails, and photos for your mom, daughter, and son. I will read my copy of the book today knowing that you are right beside me. The photo that you sent from Killeen serves as my screensaver on my computer where I cannot forget my coworker, friend, hero, and true soldier (who always made fun of us Texans). Again, I cannot forget when we both, in uniform, worked side by side in Heidelberg, Germany. You were always caring and watching over other soldiers, even us officers. Thank you for being more than a fellow soldier but a friend to many! I cherish my last email sent the day before your death telling me you opened your Christmas care package early and thanking me for the surprises. I have never been happier that you ignored my "Do not open before Christmas" label on the box. You know that your memory forever lives on through all who knew you! I made a tshirt with your picture from Iraq on it for you son to wear. That is what he wanted and asked for. God bless your memory and all who remember you on this Memorial Day!"
Jamie Roney CPT, AN of Lubbock, Texas

"SSG Farmer was a great soldier, an excellent leader, and a very good man. I am very sad to hear of his passing. I send my most sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace."
Fellow Soldier of Fort Lee, VA

"My name is Cameron Schilling and I have started “Portrait of a Soldier” which donates a portrait sketch of every Illinois soldier who has fallen in Iraq or Afghanistan. All 122 sketches will be on display for a Memorial Day Presentation in Chicago, Illinois on May 26-31 at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. After the ceremony the sketches will be given to the immediate families of the Illinois soldiers. I would invite any friends or family members to come and honor these men and women from Illinois who have given their lives to our country. For more information please contact OperationHomeFront.org at 866-417-8889 which is an organization headed by the Lt. Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who is in charge of the Memorial Day Presentation. Thank You.

Please check out www.portraitofasoldier.org
To contact Cameron email cameronschilling84@hotmail.com
To contact Operation Home Front call 866-417-8889"
Cameron Schilling of Charleston, Illinois

"To a brother soldier and his family, I regret the pain you have had to endure, the sacrifice you have all been force to give your country. Please be proud and let honor fill your emotions where pain and doubt might try to consume that space wrongly. Staff Sergeant Farmer was obviously a good man that touched many people and soldiers across the world. I'm proud to be a part of that huge family known as the Army with brothers and sisters in teh other branches. I pray that the Lord receives him and that His mercy and grace fall on you, too."
Vinny of Soldier abroad

"To the family of SSG Farmer, my sincere prayers go out to you. I was stationed with SGT Farmer in Italy and enjoyed talking with him and Morena. The last time I saw him, they were in the airport in Vicenza as he was preparing to return to Kuwait. As his Career Counselor, we talked a lot about his military career. He was proud (and brave) to go to Fort Hood to serve. I used to joke with him about getting a ride in his new BMW. God speed and God bless you. He will never be forgotten."
SFC Dixon of Georgia

"My name is Cameron Schilling. I am a college student from central Illinois. I am the first generation of my family not to serve his country. I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice you and your loved one has given for the United States. I am disappointed by the way the news media has covered this war and the deaths of our youth. The media has stopped listing the names of the soldiers killed in Iraq and people only talk about the soldiers when we reach a specific milestone in deaths. If you just started watching the news today you would not even know there is a war going on. Partisan politics have replaced coverage of our young generation who have traveled to a foreign land in the name of the United States. Whether you believe the war in Iraq is wrong, right, justified or not everyone should pay even just a little more attention to what these young men and women are sacrificing. This is what I would like to do. I want to do my part in honoring these soldiers and their memories. Along with being a college student I am also a budding artist. I draw pencil portraits of local people in my community. I want to offer a pencil portrait sketch to the immediate family of every Illinois soldier killed in Iraq. Please contact me at cameronschilling84@hotmail.com."
Cameron of Illinois

"SGT Farmer, I will never forget the BBQs at your house and all the help you gave me in Italy for me and my family. I will never forget the time when I told you Jarret didn't need to go on mission since the baby was coming any day soon and you told me "Ms Fred, don't worry about it, have the banana pudding, and cheesecake made for the party Friday" (while laughing). That Friday you took Jarret off of mission, because I was in labor, sorry the food wasn't made for the party. Everytime I think of you I remember the last time we spoke (5 December) right before I left on mission the next day, making fun of your basic Trainee nametape. Plus you were suppose to pin me on the 1st if I made cutoff (which I did). When I heard of the accident I couldn't wait to get back to Kuwait to see your face, but that never happend, just tears. I'm so glad I had the honoring of knowing you, the good times, the laughter and the tears will never be forgotten. We love and miss you,
Your former soldier's spouse, Ms Fred (Jessica Kelley), Jalisa and Jarret Jr."
Jessica Kelley of Fort Knox, KY

"...i know you are watching me from heaven... as u always did while you were here. You have been my best friend, the old brother i never had; i will never forget the wonderful time spent with you, your advices, the way you were drying up my tears during my hard times; you are a special person and a True Man. it took so long for me to accept this loss... and i can still hear your voice saying "there is no need to cry" as u used to tell me when i was down... you will never be forgotten, your pics are on my wall to remember me everyday i met a Real Angel.
Your italian friend."
of Italy

"To the Family of SSG Farmer:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 7/12/05, 112 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put Donald's name on one of them.
We have called our display "Arlington Midwest" and it is located in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

If you would like us to do this, please email me at ArlingtonMidwest@yahoo.com.

We invite you to visit Arlington Midwest. I can send you directions and some pictures by email.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them."
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"I knew Donald when he was CPL Farmer in 1st Howitzer battery, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. He was a good soldier and a very good person all together. I learned of his passing two days ago. My most sincere condolences reach out to Donald's family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Paul"
Paul of Ft. Polk, LA

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

"My darling Bernard! How do I say good bye to you? We had a date in Killeen, Texas when you came home. I am so glad you opened my Christmas care package early. Thanks for not listening to me tell you to wait until Christmas. I would have never dreamed that it would be the last gift from me to you. Your gift of friendship to me keeps giving and giving. The memories are enough for a lifetime. In all the world, there is no friend like you. I will carry a part of you with me through life and know that I am a better person because of you. I promise, if your family ever needs anything, I am here for them as you were for me. This was a man of wisdom, courage, loyalty, selfless service, respect, sense of duty, integrity, generosity, and many other atributes too many to name. I was proud to serve beside you as soldiers and even more proud to call you friend. You reflect great credit on our nation and the men and women who serve in the armed forces. Every time I see the flag of this great nation standing high and proud, it will remind me of you. We met across the oceans and you died across the oceans. A part of you lives on through your children and me! We were together on September 11th. I believe that event changed the world in mere moments effecting all of our lives and changing the military life we all knew. So many lives, so many memories."
Jamie Roney Captain, U.S. Army Nurse Corps of Lubbock, Texas

"To the family of Donald Farmer: I am deeply sorry for your loss. It's even worse when this hits so close to home. My BF came home from Iraq last week, and I am so thankful. I am very thankful that Donald was also there, protecting my freedom. He will not be forgotten. Thank you and GOD BLESS your family."
Julie Siver of Buffalo Grove, IL

"To the family of Donald Farmer I just want to say May God bless you, I served with your son in Italy for 3 years, I truly will miss him, he was my friend and my brother 357. You should be proud of him and all that he did. He is the true meaning of the word FRIEND.
R.I.P Farmer.


It is Allah Who brings forth light from darkness, Life and activity from death, spiritual Enlightenment from ignorance and superstition Banish fear, and trust His Provident. No danger, then from the outer world, No secret plotting from perverted wills, No disturbance of your happiness of good, Can affect the fortress of your inmost soul.

C.293
(113:1-5.)
THE HOLY QURAN"
SSG. YUSUF A. JACKSON aka BIG JACK of CAMP CASEY KOREA

"To the family of Donald Farmer I just want to say my God bless you, I served with your son in Italy for 3 years, I truly will miss him, he was my friend and my brother 357. You should be proud of him and all that he did. He is the true meaning of the word FRIEND.
R.I.P Farmer.


It is Allah Who brings forth light from darkness, Life and activity from death, spiritual Enlightenment from ignorance and superstition Banish fear, and trust His Provident. No danger, then from the outer world, No secret plotting from perverted wills, No disturbance of your happiness of good, Can affect the fortress of your inmost soul.

C.293
(113:1-5.)
THE HOLY QURAN"
SSG. YUSUF A. JACKSON aka BIG JACK of CAMP CASEY KOREA

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

"To the family of Donald Farmer: you are in our thoughts and prayers. We appreciate your sacrifice for our country's protection.

May his contribution of serving the USA be a comfort to you."
Zemaitaitis Family of Streamwood, Illinois

"I am very sorry for your loss of your famiily member. On the day that Sgt. Farmer passed away my husband Sgt. Barry Meza also paseed away at the same incident as Sgt. Farmer. May God bless you and your family and I promise that there will be better days ahead of this long journey of life. Someone once told me recently that "Being happy doens't mean everything is perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections. Remember, life isn't measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families that has lost a loved one weither it be at war or in general. God bless all."
Dana Meza of Pasadena,TX USA

"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 Donald Farmer, 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 Staff Sgt. Donald Farmer:
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 Donald 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 Staff Sgt. Donald Farmer:
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 Donald, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia