Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It's been years.... But Colby is always on my mind. I always miss him. He's not forgotten. I loved him dearly. I just wanted to remind people he's still loved and missed by people far and away."
Jeff Harp of Los Angeles, CA

"Farnan, the franchise. I miss you brother, I think about you everyday and I wish you were still here. To his family, he was a great soldier and better friend. I will never forget
him."
SSG Christopher Drinkwater of Ft. Carson, CO

"I met Colby my freshman year at Northwest Missouri State. He lived on the floor above me and we often hung out together. One time I'll remember is our "Captain Challenge". In the short few years I knew Colby, I counted him as a friend and someone who would go far in life. I remember when I found out, I was in a doctor's office and picked up the paper on the coffee table in the waiting room and saw it on the front page. I couldn't believe it. I began crying and couldn't stop. Colby was a very special guy, and I can't praise and thank him enough for his service and his sacrifice for our freedom. Still can't believe he's gone, but will always think of his sly smile and remember him as an American Hero. Thank you, Colby, and hope you're resting peacefully."
Sarah Book of St. Joseph, MO

"To the Farnan Family, I did not know your son but have a special bond with him, he is a fellow Soldier. I stood beside you one night In Weston and knew there were no words that I could say to comfort you or relieve the pain of your loss. I pray that I never have to feel that pain. Please know this, your son will never be forgotten and will always live on in the hearts and minds of family, friends and all Soldiers that served before, with and after him. He is a true Hero."
MSG Dutcher of Weston MO.

"To the family of:Colby M.Farnan
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"3-20-11"

"You are gone Colby but never will be forgotten. You will always be missed. Here we are 6 years later I know you are looking over Bubba and all the other guys! thank you to our angel"
Shelly Grice of Vilseck, Germany

"I love you and miss you brother. Not a day goes by where I dont think about you."
Ryan Casto of Mesick, MI

"I walked in memory of Pfc Colby Farnan this morning in the Run for the Fallen at the Lake of the Ozarks. I feel honored to be able to represent Pfc. Farnan who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. God bless America."
Patty Friend of Lake Ozark, MO, USA

"To those who still visit this page, Colby has a Guestbook on the Walk to Remember Web Site, www.walktoremembermo.com
thanks for the kind words, he is still missed so very much 5 years to the day. Missing you Colby, Dad, BPP"
Patrick Farnan, ptfarnan@aol.com of Weston, MO 64098

"To the Farnan family I am in my 2nd tour in Iraq. I will always honor the servicemembers such as Colby, that have been lost in the service of this great nation, and remember them as we continue with The War on Terror."
Justin (Nick)Farnan of Arifjan,Kuwait

"Colby was a good friend. in weston we grow up together and may of not been friends in the beginning but we became really good friends once we both where put into 1/15Fa. I can't say that I have had as good of a friend as Colby was to help me through my troubles in Korea. I just wish I could of been there to help you out when you needed Colby. You will always be there in my memories.
To the lott and farnan family I give you my love and Thank you for your sons help and friendship."
Mike Bays. of Wichita fall, Tx

"i love you cuzin i miss you thanks for all those years of fireworks and love you always were my hero"
debra farnan of roanoke va,clarinda ia

"i love you cuzin i miss you thanks for all those years of fireworks and love you always were my hero"
debra farnan of va usa

"I served with Farnan in Korea. I have many fond memories of him. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. He will be missed. He was a very good person I am glad to have known him."
Andrew Analla of SW Missouri

"June 3, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Colby M. Farnan:
Colby 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

"RIP young soldier, god bless you and your family."
Brian of Austin, tx

"Dear Family of Colby Farnan:

To honor the Missouri soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, the professional artists of the "Grateful Hearts project" are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family.

These 16"x20" original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrificies made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families loss.

for more information,please email us at gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net
Sincerely;
The Artists of Grateful Hearts"
J.Gragg of Lee's Summit,Mo.

"Know that Colby your son, brother, friend did not die in vain. We honor and appreciate his sacrifice and will keep his memory in our heart/minds always. To a great American, Colby Farnan, thank you and God's speed."
John Farnan of East Greenbush, NY

"To the family of Spc Colby Farnan...I just found out about your son's death last night. I know, it's very late to say how sorry I am but I just recently lost my son...Spc Matthew Murchison in August, so I have kind of be occupied. My thoughts and prayers are with you for the upcoming holidays. I know if you are like me, they are going to be difficult. Bless you and please, contact me if you would like. I would love to talk"
Debbie Shanahan of Kansas City, Missouri

"Miss you bro"

"To my friend, Comrad, my brother you are muched loved and will forever be with us. You touched many people and filled thier heart with laughter. You will never be forgotten!!!"
Ssgt Joseph C. Mumma of Platte City, MO/ USA

"Hi we are the Farnan family from liverpool England and would like to send our belated thoughts to you all . There are not many Farnan`s in this world `and we all want you to no that we are thinking about you and will pray for Colby ,,,"
Derek Farnan of Linverpool England

"Dear Colby,
Hi my name is lexi you probably dont know me but i know you. Its very sad that you have been killed in iraq and im very sorry i know you cant hear me but try. Your parents are very supportive of you and love you very much. I hope your spirits are with them everyday just know that i lexi love you very much too and i am so sorry and know this you ARE my hero -lexi"
alexis collier of missouri, weston

"My brother, my friend, it's your boy, Abréu from 4/1!

Man, it's been over two years now. I still miss you! I pray that your family receives comfort from above. The only positive thing about losing you is that it's Heaven's gain. You were an awesome soldier/comrade and an even better friend. Much love, Colby!

In Christ,

SPC Abréu
Formerly of your unit, HHB 4/1 FA

"Primus Aut Nullus, First or Not At All!""
SPC Michael R. Abréu of Junction City, KS (USA)

"whats up colby farnan..i know someway you will be able to get this..this is daney..kickin it at Haskell, bro i am sure you remember the good times and hopefully take a little teeny time to reflect and reminisce of those goofy times..haskell is a good school..remember playing the drill sgts, we could always use a great player and bro, hey, we know you'd have our backs, you'd be welcomed anywhere in indian country..some kick * tournaments too, got to go to miami florida bro with some bro's from sioux land..i got a chance to go like right when i got out the army, visited seminole land, would have definately hit the heart..home of the brave bro!!..i'll see and reminisce again..peace
justin chebon daney"
justin chebon daney of lawrence, kansas/us

"I was able to fly from my hometown in Sacramento, CA to visit my brother who just returned from Iraq that is stationed at Fort Riley. Arriving I became aware of what happened. I felt terrible for a brother I hadn't known. I felt terrible for him, his family, I also didn't know. My brother just as I sadly attended his memorial at Fort Riley. For me he's like my brother. A brother that he served with and beside. When they are deployed and out you send them and their brothers 150 lbs care packages worth of the good stuff from home.
There at the memorial I learned a little about him and how he was a great person. Somebody I'd like to know. I stood beside my own brother there and had never felt such deeply sad emotions for what price our loved ones face. I have never ached with sorrow so badly. I cried for loosing him like a brother.
I wanted you to know that even today I haven't forgotten him or your loss.
Certain things remind me and bring some of the feelings I had. As time goes by I remember."
A Robinson of Roseville, CA

"Colby, I miss you, and hope you are doing great in that better place. Thank You for fighting for freedom."
Sarah Stout of San, Diego,USA

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

-Two years since you were taken from us, you are still remembered and missed dearly. To Colby's family; you are always in my prayers."
Andrea Bartel of Mission, KS

"I just want offer my condolances to all the Farnan family. I went to school with Colby and I had his grandmother as a first grade teacher. I was about half way thru my second tour in Iraq when i found out Colby had been killed. I just want you to know that I thaught of him offen and was proud to say that I knew him. There is no greater sacrifice than to give your life in the pursuit of what you think is right. Colby will forever be in my prayers"
Sgt. Chad Huston Us Army of Camp Casey South Korea formerly of Weston Mo

"To the family of Colby,

I served with your beloved service member while assigned to 4-1 FA. His calm demenor and warm smile always brightened my day and it seemed nothing could ever bring him down. There is never a day that goes by I don't think about him or you-- his family. I came back in one piece and many have called me a hero, but I am not a hero at all. The true heros are the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country: Colby is the real hero! I will always remember Colby...my hero!

God Bless,
Rester"
Ryan Rester of Manhattan, KS USA

"Farnan,

I'm here in Iraq a little over half way through my tour and you along with my other friends that have made the ultimate sacrifice are on my mind. you are not now and never will be forgotten. You did great things for your Country, Friends, and Family. We are all proud of you! I miss you man!"
CPT Jan A. Stewart of FOB Duke, Iraq

"Colby,
I went to watch the fireworks at the school tonight and did nothing but think of you and your family. I saw your dad and gave him a big hug. I told him how much I think of you and how they are in my prayers. I know that we weren't that close, but I do miss you a ton and think of you often. I can't wait to see you again someday."
Jessica Reed of Kansas City, MO

"I thought of Colby as we celebrated Joel's 23rd Birthday and as we went to Memorial Day...God has BIG BIG plans for these young men and women.
To the Farnan family...you are always close to our hearts...we are anxious about the Walk to Remember in September, however, very very grateful to Colby's family for the opportunity to help
With all my love
Debi Bertoldie"
Debi Bertoldie of Independence

"Memorial Day 2006 - Thanks for the rain and waiting until the end of the ceremony for it to start. Your dad did a great job; you might have helped with that, too! The Battlefield Cross is terrific and will remind everyone of you and your fallen comrades forever. We still miss your physical presence although we feel your presence daily. Love"
from Weston of Weston, MO

"i don't know if you'd remember me..... but you got really drunk at my step-mom's wedding (barb) and hit on me all night. :) i am hanging out, drinking with my friends in connecticut and we just started talking about the war. i randomly googled you and found this site that made me cry. i left a flag at the four-way stop in weston last year when i was on my way to work at snow creek. i just wanted you and your family to know that i still think about you a lot. every time i think of brandon i still think of you. in my thoughts always."
stacey archambault (brandon's step-sister) of formerly leavenworth, now rocky hill, ct

"Farnan Family,
As the one year anniversary of Colby's death approaches, I want you to know that you guys are in my prayers. I think about you guys and Colby everyday! My heart cries out to you all. People always try to comfort you by saying that "they are in a better place now!" That is definitely not comforting in a situation like this I know, but I do believe in my heart that he is in the best place anyone can ever go. I don't know what exactly the best thing to say to comfort someone in this situation is, but I know that the day we all get to see Colby again will be a blessed day, I can't wait until that day comes! Love you all!"
Jessica Reed of Farley,MO

"Colby, As time draws near to this dreadful anniversary I can only pray and hope that you are okay and at peace. I miss you so very much, think of you always and want so badly to see, touch and talk to you. I love you son."
Dad, BPP of Weston,MO

"We hung out in your room before a baseball game of yours. I miss you so much, hanging our at grandmas house, you were such a good person, I just can't believe any of this. Pat and D I can't explain in words how I feel, I miss you all, Kristen Colby and you guys, I hope to see you soon"
Jesse Farnan of Austin, TX

"Family and friends of Colby Farnan,
I served in 4-1 FA during OIF1 and my fallin brothers in arms will aways be missed and honored. Colby gave his life for his country. All of us in arms know that this is the ultimate sacrifice, we attend the ceramony of the fallen and drive on with the mission. But the hurt of our loss will never faid. Neither will the glory of the pride we have while serving our country. You all will be in my prayers."
Seth Pawli of Marshall, MO

"Colby, I love you and miss you today and every day. You are and always will be my son, my friend and my hero. It has been nearly 9 months and each day begins and ends the same, missing and loving you. Dad"
Patrick Farnan of Weston, MO

"God Bless You and Keep you Colby, You were very brave. Our thoughths are with you. The Cortese Family,
U.S. Army"
Elisabeth Cortese of Raleigh, N.C. U.S.A

"I served with PFC Farnan in Korea with 2ID and he will be missed. He was a good Soldier and a true friend to his peers. My prayers go out to his friends and family. Take comfort in knowing that he is with God and in a better place. God Bless."
CPT Eric Gust of Samarra, Iraq

"Colby Mace,
It's been 8 months and three days now and it's just as hard today as it was then. I miss you more than words can say. I love you baby, forever and for always!!!"
Alisha Romstad "z" of Kansas City, MO

"To the Farnan family,
I didn't know Colby all that much, I Served with him at Ft. Riley and Iraq. I Was sorry to hear of the passing of Colby and Moski, along with the others being wounded that day. Your family will be in my prayers along with all the other families of our fallen heroes!"
Derek J. Wilkie of Belcourt, North Dakota

"Colby-
I thank you so much for serving your country and making the greatest sacrifice that any soldier can! I didn't know you as well as some of the people that have left messages, but I remember what a great guy you were! I still wear the button with your picture on it I got at your funeral, I think it helps people remember what is going on. I know that is NOT fair that you had to leave this world so early, but you did so helping protect your country from terrorism. For that I just want to tell you that you're my hero and I think about you and the family you left behind everyday. Pat, Deann, and Kristen- I am so sorry for your loss! You guys are in my prayers constantly. Love, Jessica"
Jessica Reed of Farley,MO

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

"From everyone in Bravo Battery in Taji Iraq, we think about Farnan everyday , with every patrol or mission we go on, we think of him. To his family in Weston Missouri , we want you to know that his family in Iraq think of and miss him often. Beastmasters- First Or Not At All"
PFC Kelly of Camp Taji Iraq

"~colby~ I didnt get to know you all that well but i did get the honor of talking to you at the baseball games you umpired. my prayers and best wishes go out to your family you are truely missed and would be surprised at how many lives you have touched. all my love."
Tatiana Crawford of Weston Mo

"Dear Colby,
You were loved by more people than you ever knew,you will always be rememebered and loved.You left this world a better place and as a Hero.Thank you.
My deepest sympathies go out to your Mom and your family."
A Grateful Person, of Of the USA

"Colby, one of the best friends I could have wanted. I will remember all our good times. Your welcoming back from Korea. You hangin with my family at my moms wedding. You, Heath, and I cruisin around just making each other laugh. You were an awesome friend and a pleasure to be around all the time. I miss you dearly but you will never be forgotten. Keep a spot saved for me in heaven. Love you brother."
Brandon owens, miss ya bro of weston Mo now pittsburg KS

"The Farnan Family will be in my prayers."
SGT Robert Johnson of Lincoln, Nebraska

"TO COLBY'S FAMILY. I CANNOT IMAGINE THE PAIN AND SORROW YOU MUST FEEL FROM YOUR LOSS. BUT COLBY DIED SERVING HIS COUNTRY, AND TRYING TO MAKE THE WORLD SAFER FROM TERRORISM. I ALSO SERVED IN IRAQ NOT LONG AGO, AND MY LAST NAME IS ALSO FARNAN, FROM MARYVILLE,MO."
JUSTIN (NICK) FARNAN of STANTON,IA 51573

"I had the pleasure of serving with Colby in Korea. HE was always hi spirited and full of life. He has made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and family. His dedication to his friends, family and fellow Soldiers will never be forgotten. May God bless those who he has left behind and take Colby into his Kingdom. You will be missed buddy!"
1LT Jan Stewart of Fort Hood, TX

"Farnan Fam: I only knew Colby for a short time but i always had a good feeling about him. He will be missed. Batallion Attention, Present Arms. We Salute You Farnan. C 4-1 Field Artillery Fort Riley, Kansas/ Taji, Iraq. OIF 1, OIF 3"
SGT. Joseph E. Lewis of Obetz, Ohio

"we'll miss u!!!"
anissa and colby

"Colby
You are still touching people with your big heart, and memories
I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU AND THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY!
your sister
Kristen"
Kristen Farnan of weston, MO

"The loss of Colby, my "nephew" in blood, son in heart, has been so very tragic for all of us who are left behind. We miss him so terribly, but are grateful for the time we had with such an outstanding young man. I can only cope by keeping the thought that he is better off than those of us left behind, and will watch over us forever."
Leah Hollingsworth of Weston, MO

"Colby, We miss you, love you, and will always remember your spirit and smile! Thank you for touching our lives!"
Rick, Jenni, Kaleb, Lexi, Payton, Paxton of Weston, MO

"To the family of colby
it hurts me that colby is gone but i will never forget his uplifting smile. colby was such a kind and very funny man he could cheer anyone no matter how bad things got. i was just bless i got to know him for a short while in korea. colby im going to miss you. there would never be another person like you. to the families of colby i wish you the best during a tough time."
preston parks of fort drum ny usa

"Colby, you will forever be in our hearts. So many fun memories of you. God bless your family for the pain they still endure. We hurt not only for ourselves, but for them too. We love you."
Billy, Marcia, Tyson and Chase of Weston, MO

"Dear Colby,
It's been 2 months and 1 day. I miss you so much. I love you.
Mom"
Deann Farnan of Weston, MO

"Hey buddy,
It's been along time since I've gotten to see ya. I still remember riddin bikes around town when we were kids. Even though it had been for ever i still felt, feal close to you. I will never forget the times we had when we were kids and I will never forget the the things you've done for me and this wonderful country, I just wish I coulda been there with ya to have your back bro. I love ya always and you will always be on my mind. Miss ya"
Coleman of St. Joe, Missouri

"St. Charles Democratic Alliance held a Tribute & Memorial to the 20 fallen soldiers from Missouri on 3/19/2005, the 2nd anniversary of the War in Iraq. Four families of the fallen attended the event, and nine families shared messages that were read during the tribute by Connie Greene, sister of fallen soldier Jamie Huggins. The event aired on all four local newscasts (Fox KTVI, KPLR, KSDK, KMOV.) Biographies of each of the fallen soldiers were read while photos of the soldiers were displayed. The event also included Bible readings, songs, keynotes speeches by Rev. Jason Samuel and Viet Nam Veteran Ken Peters, and a fellowship in the church hall immediately following the tribute. Our organization was sensitive to the fact that even though information on Missouri’s fallen soldiers is a matter of open record, we had to go beyond the name, rank and serial number – we needed to share information on the fallen soldiers from the family’s perspective and present a tribute that each of the soldiers would have approved of. This was a day for honoring Missouri’s finest, as well as the sacrifice the families made, and continue to make every day. Special thanks to the Burkhardt, Gottfried, Huggins and Spink families for traveling long distances to Transfiguration Church in Lake St. Louis to participate in this community tribute. (anngastler@charter.net)"
Ann Gastler of St. Charles Democratic Alliance of St. Peters, MO

"My sympathies to the Farnan family. Your son was such an energetic and fun loving guy. He will always be a hero to me and everyone who knew him from his days at Northwest Missouri State University."
Megan of Maryville, MO

"We will always remember Colby,, he will never be forgotten by our family. We are still trying to believe it. He hugged us all on Christmas Day 2004 and he will ever be remembered that way! We love you all!"
Terry Barnhart of Weston MO USA

"Colby you will always be remembered and forever loved. Thank you for bringing so much laughter and joy to our lives. To the Farnan family. My deepest sympathies and heart felt love go out to you. You have always been dear friends to my family. You helped us in our times of grief, please let us help you through this sorrowful time in your life. Know that our prayers and love is with you always."
Hannah Grape (Bless) of Ft. Bragg, NC 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

"Colby thank you so much for being such a great friend I and everyone in Weston, Mo will miss you so much. You passed away as a hero and we will never forget you. You will always be in our prayers and thoughts!!!"
Crystal Mangini, and everyone from Weston of Weston, Mo

"I am organizing a 3/19/2005 Tribute & Memorial Service Honoring Missouri's Fallen Soldiers, hosted by St. Charles Democratic Alliance. We plan to have a spiritual memorial tribute planned to honor the 20 fallen Missouri soldiers who died in Iraq. We wanted to let you know your beloved isn't forgotten and invite you to this tribute. If you're not able to be in Lake St. Louis on 3/19/05 but would like to send a message or letter that we could read on behalf of your family, again, we'd be honored. Again, my deepest sympathy and please know that Colby is in my prayers. (anngastler@charter.net)"
Ann Gastler of St. Peters, MO

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

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