Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"For Brian's 40th birthday I was successful at getting the Department of Defense to correct the press release that stated "the soldier reached up and grabbed the lines and was fatally injured. The facts are the soldier's raised weapon snagged a power line that was hidden in a line of trees. This soldier was not careless or stupid and would not "grab" power lines. The contact with his weapon, as confirmed by the melted metal by his commanding officer, Aubry Garner, was the cause of death. Please update your records to reflect the corrected DoD press release. CPT Brian Faunce, 28, of Philadelphia; assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Carson, Colo.; died Sept. 18 in Asad, Iraq. Faunce was moving in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle when his weapon made contact with low-hanging power lines"
Judith Faunce of Wilmington, DE USA

"Capt. Faunce,
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."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"Capt. Faunce,
Every Memorial Day since your death I light a candle for you. I'll never forget that September day. You were a true man, a warrior, and a hero. It was an honor to be under your command."
Mike Reist of Rifle, Colorado

"It's been almost 11 and 1/2 years since passing on , but your light is still influencing the next generation , may you continue to inspire with your story of courage and kindness . And to your family may they always walk with a head held high for the son/man you came to be"
stryker 33 of cape may nj

"My husband CSM Retired Eli Thomas was deployed to Iraq in the same battalion as Cpt. Faunce and knew him well. We now both work at Picatinny Arsenal in NJ where there is a memorial tree planted in his honor. We think of him as we pass it daily. Cheryl probably wouldn't remember me, but I think of her often and hope that she is doing well."
Donna Sampson-Thomas of Picatinny Arsenal, NJ

"Hello, I'm sincerely sorry for your loss. I served with Captain Faunce when he was station at Ft. Drum C co 1-32. He was a good leader and a good man. God Bless
Shane D Wilson"

"Sir close to that time again. I will never forget that day nor will I forget you. I will remember everything I learned from you and it will continue to help Soldiers get home."
Blackhawk MG of Husseniya, Iraq

"We still think of, and remember you Brian, Capt. Faunce. The kids are getting bigger, but remember, and talk about your wedding day. We hold your memory in our thoughts, and prayers today, and always."
The Meyers Family, SGM (ret) Dis, Jan, & kids of Pittsburgh, PA (formerly Ft. Drum, NY)

"I remember working with Brian Prior to OIF during training in Ft Hood and NTC. What stands out the most was his energy while working as well as his humor.I was on radio watch one day and as he sat next to me I watched him work on an after action report. I can remember the level of intensity he put into what he was doing. While he was there we joked and laughed about what was going on during training.I will always remember him as a professional soldier who was very in to his work and his soldiers well being.I still remember vividly the memorial service that was held in Iraq. I remember feeling the intense emotions that stirred around the hanger that it was held in. Even though I didn't know Brian on an extremely personal basis due to our ranks however I felt like I had lost a very close friend that day. You are truly missed Sir! RIP CPT B.Faunce"
SSG Rickli of Colorado Springs, CO

"On Memorial Day, 2009: We will never forget. Thank you, Brian. May your surviving family be blessed."
Amey & Greg Parkins of Whispering Pines, NC

"August 3, 2008
To the family of Capt. Brian R. Faunce:
Brian 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

"You never declined a dare. RIP"
Rayden

"To Brian's friends and family,
I only knew Brian when I was ROTC cadet a few years behind him at PSU. While I didn't know him that well, I do remember I was always impressed by his professionalism and passion for his career choice. I am deeply saddened that this great life was cut short, but you can all be proud that Brian did his share in making this world a better by instilling his values on cadets and soldiers that will pass it on to the people that look up to them. It's been years but I still remember the true image of the Army that Brian conveyed. He maybe be gone, but never forgotten and he lives on in every life he touched, even those lives who only know his values, not the man. Rest in Peace Sir, Penn State Proud and you did make a difference."
Craig Hall of Philadelphia PA

"To the family of CPT Brian R. Faunce, US Army:
My most sincere condolences to the loss of your son, Brian. No words can consol you but rest assured those of us who have worn this country's uniform and shared the great experiences of student life in Happy Valley are deeply saddened when one of our comrades has made the ultimate sacrifice. He will not be forgotten for he has responded to that famous stanza in our alma mater:
"May no act of ours bring shame,
To one heart that loves thy name,
May our lives but swell thy fame,
Dear old State, dear Old State."
Brian's life, and his passing, has met that wish."
Thomas C. Fosnacht, COL, USAR, Rtd (Class of '70) of Hershey, PA

"I knew Brian as the sweet little boy who lived in the corner house at the end of my street. I walked past his house every day on the way to school. His big dog, Benjamin, would greet us as we traveled past the chain link fence. Being a few years older than him, I moved away (with my military husband) and never had the honor of knowing Brian as a man or as "Faunce" the soldier. But from the messages I've read here, he was the same good-hearted and kind person I had known as a child. When my sister called to tell me of his death, my heart immediately went out to his parents, sisters, and especially to his wife. I want you ALL to know that our family will always honor his service and your sacrifice for this great country of ours. We will never forget you, Brian."
Becky (Fletcher) Dennys of Suffolk, VA

"Bin durch Zufall auf diese Seite gelangt.Mein aufrichtiges Mitleid an seine Familie und Freunde die er hinterlassen hat.Er war so jung aber schon ein Held.Ich habe mir die Hinterlassenen Nachrichten durchgelesen und musste feststellen dass er ein guter Mann war,wie alle gefallenen Soldaten.Liebe Grüsse aus Holzwickede melanie6881@t-online.de"
Melanie of Holzwickede,Germany

"I did not know Brian but my last name is also Faunce and i know there are not alot of Faunces around,,, So my prayers are with all of you guys!!!
May God Bless"
Marcia Faunce of Coshocton, Ohio

"Faunce---It was a pleasure knowing you and sharing our time on S. Indiana. I hope heaven has cold beer and that you have one waiting for me. Some inside stuff for ya buddy----Your Grandmothers couch is still in use! And yes CPT Clown is looking for you!!!"
DirtyLeg of New England

"I remember Capt Faunce just briefly a few times when I was stationed in with 1-12BN 4th ID in Kirkuk Iraq. We were at a change of command ceremony for the new Battalion Commander. We were all standing in formation and I, a new Executive Officer was at the rear of the formation and I noticed him and said to myself "he must be that new company commander". About that time, he looked right at me and then at another soldier of mine standing ahead of me in formation. It was then that I noticed my soldier had live rounds loaded into his M249 SAW during an in ranks formation. This was a big mistake due to the fact of friendly fire and just common sense. When I looked back at Capt Faunce he was walking toward me with a determined look. I thought to myself "well here comes a real chewing from this new company commander. He got within two feet and said slowly and camly "XO, do me a favor and have that soldier empty his chamber"....In a calm manner, I responded "Yes Sir".. he then responded "Thank A lot" smiled sincerely and walked away. Here was a chance for a new commander to plant himself firmly as a tough, firm no non sense officer. Well he did just that to me and the few people that heard him. He was more than that to me, from that point on I looked up to him as a real leader and motivator and a really great person. Thank You for that sir small moment and God Bless you and your wonderful family. I am Sorry that you had to leave us early, but your impact will always be felt.
"WARRIORS""
1LT Kyle Ford of Pasadena, Maryland

"I only know Brian Faunce through this website and what a wonderful caring soldier, son, brother he was. My heart is filled with sadness at his loss and pride to know that our country still produces such heroes. Thank you Faunce family for raising such a wonderful young man. I pray that you have found peace in the knowledge that Brian, though gone from you, will never die."
Cathy of Hilltown, PA, USA

"The hardest thing in a soldiers life is to loose such a great leader. Cpt. Faunce loved his country, his soldiers, but most of all his family. When I first arrived in Iraq under his command he and I had a talk about our time in Korea and how we had similar issues with our familes. He told me of his wife and how wounderful she was, how his father taught him right. When I spoke at his funeral I was lucky enough to meet his family and friends. I am now sure I know why he was the great man he was. His family loved him and taught him well. As a soldier you see things you might not want and good people leave the world in an instant. Brian was a man I will never forget. Brian taught me the true meaning of honor. God Bless Brian and his family that I will always hold dear to my heart."
Former SSG Shawn Dodd of Denver CO

"To all of you who have expressed your condolences and support on this web site, I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Brian was truly a special person. It is going on 2-1/2 years since his death. The words of sympathy, support and appreciation for his sacrifice help to ease the pain of his loss. It is important that the citizens of this country honor and appreciate those who choose a life of service and, on any given day may be called upon to place themselves in harm's way for our protection. Please don't ever forget that. It is also important that we complete the mission we have begun; to bring to task the terroists who murder innocent people, and to replace tyranny with freedom. Anything less would relegate the sacrifices of my son and the others as meaningless. Thank you all, again. Special thanks to those who didn't even know Brian, but appreciated his service and sacrifice. Lastly, a very special thanks to Tim Rivera for creating this site."
Richard Faunce, Brian's Dad of Morrisville, PA.

"Having Been Led By Love of Country - Warriors

1st Battalion(M), 12th Infantry Regiment

1-12 was never the same after you left us. Continue to look down on us."
Fellow Soldier in Iraq

"I am sadden by the passing of Brian Faunce. Brian graduated from Bensalem High School with my sister and I graduated with his sister. I can't ever remember seeing him without a smile on his face. I'll always remember him and that he was lost fighting for us. My prayers and blessings go out to his family and friends."
Erica J. Boone (Urich) of Bensalem, Pennsylvania

"I knew Capt. Faunce when he was a Lt in Ft. Drum. I had the privilege of being in his platoon and RTO until he moved on. He was a good man and a good friend."
Michael Conner of Ft Bliss, heading to iraq

"I had the privelege of knowing Brian. I went through ROTC at Penn State with Brian and later we crossed paths at Fort Benning at the Infantry Officer's Basic Course in 1997. We had been good friends over those years and I always respected his intensity and professionalism. Of course over those several years since graduation and from Penn State and IOBC, I didn't get an opportunity to speak with him again. When I learned of Brian's death, it hit me pretty hard. I was at Fort Stewart, GA preparing to go to deploy to Iraq.

The last time I had spoken with him was in Georgia. We were in different class rotations of the Infantry Offcier's Basic Course, so it was by chance that we ran into each other. We had gone to Atlanta and then on to Auburn, AL one weekend with a couple of other Penn State ROTC Grads to go out for some dinner and blow off some steam from the training we were undertaking. It was late by the time we started heading back to Columbus, so he handed me the keys to his Volkswagon to drive us back to Fort Benning. It was odd for some reason that the memory would stay with me all these years, but for some reason it was improtant. It was the last time I would talk to him.

I lost 5 other comrades while in Iraq. Given the nature of completing the mission, it's sometimes hard to grieve the loss of a fallen brother until you get back home. Although I haven't posted this message since a year and a half after his ultimate sacrifice, I would like his family to know that there wasn't a week that went by in Iraq or when I got home that I have not remembered Brian or strived to honor his sacrifice."
CPT Jim Becker of Archer Lodge, NC

"We never knew Cpt. Faunce, but we are proud of his service. My daughter wears a hero braclet with his name everyday. May his family find comfort that he is with the Lord and, yes gone from us, but not forgotten especially by one 11 year old girl and her mother.
God Bless- Faunce Family"
Dawn of Indianapolis

"I have no idea who Brian Faunce was but I can see what kind of a person and Soldier he was from the lessages here that have been left so God Bless you Brian, I know your in Heaven"
PFC Long, Cody. of Camp Humphreys, Korea

"Keep an eye on us, Faunce.
We'll do you proud."

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these guys as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace Brian, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest"
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"Dear Family of Brian, Yesterday ,at my Synagogue during the Jewish New Year services, the congregation each received a name of a fallen hero of the war. I received Brian's name and wanted you to know that we all prayed for him and prayed he will rest in peace. Also, I pray for you."
Joyce Ben-Kiki of Newington, Ct.

"18 September, 2004: One year later, we have not forgotten you, Brian. We pray for your grieving family. May they feel hope during the hard days and peace during the times of anger and frustration. We pray that you will all be re-united one day in Heaven."
Greg & Amey Parkins of Okinawa, Japan

"JUST LIKE TO SAY GOD BLESS THIS SOLDIER & HIS FAMILY, AND LIKE TO THANK YOU . B R.FAUNCE, FOR BEING A TRUE "AMERICAN SOLDIER"......A FELLOW PHILADELPHIAN."
J AVILES PPD.#4612 of PHILADELPHIA PA.

"I knew Brian Faunce in the Civil Air Patrol as "Cadet Colonel Faunce". He staffed the Hawk Mountain Summer School as my Cadet School Commander. Although I knew him briefly, I remember him as being devoted to his his country, its principles, to professionalism, and to leadership by example. At times when he disciplined us with pushups and situps, he would also do them alongside us because he felt our failing was impart his failing. He took responsibility for his charge and was motivated to improve himself and the conditions around him. I am glad to say I served with him in the C.A.P. To his family, prayerful encouragement to endure these times."
Formerly, Cadet Major Nathan Whitfield of Lancaster, PA

"Badger... You were a friend and a great fellow Manchu!!! We will always remember the great cookouts and late cold nights during EXEVAL!!! Keep up the Fire!!!"
2Manchu 8T of Lexington, Virginia

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

"Hey brother. This is absolutely crazy for me. I am sitting here, just miles from where you worked and fought, just months after your death. I never thought I would be back in this hell hole again, particularly only after 6 months of leaving it the first time. It was very hard for me to hear from your mother of your passing. I was driving home from NC when my dad called and asked me to call your mom. I didn't want to believe it. As hard as it was for us to keep in touch with each other, we always found a way. (whether it took weeks, months or years to do it.) It crushed me to hear I lost a brother that day... and knowing your family was in such pain... it just broke my heart knowing I was helpless to do anything for them. My heart goes out to your mom, wife, dad and sisters. It is truely always with them. Trust me bubba, a day hasn't gone by that I haven't thought of you or them. Our time on the Mountain, and at the beach will be treasured forever. Keep watch over your soldiers, as I'm sure you will, and if you can spare the glance, keep this Marine in check. You are a great friend amigo, and we are all a little better off having experienced BF. (PS: I'm sure you'll be glad to know I don't hold you responsible for Kelly. Who could have known. :)"
Your Brother of Philly Pa (currenly in AL Asad, Iraq)

"I attended college with Brian and was a member of the Ranger Club when he headed it. He was an excellent soldier who took pride in the job he did and excelled in leading troops. The knowledge he passed on to me has helped me in the Army and in life several times over. My sympathies go out to his family. You will truley be missed Brian."
CPT Michael Wissemann of Ft Campbell, KY

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

"I am 2LT Ryan McCarthy and am a recent graduate from Penn State's Army ROTC program. Like CPT Faunce I, too, am assigned to Ft. Carson. I assure his friends and family that CPT Faunce's memory lives on in every PSU ROTC grad! Penn State Proud , Sir!"
2LT Ryan McCarthy of State College, PA

"Thank you Brian Faunce, 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

"My heart goes out to Brian's family and friends. He's always been a great guy and one of my closest friends since I met him at Penn State. He'll be missed dearly by me and all of those who were privileged to know and love Brian."
Ramona Josefczyk of Oak Ridge, TN

"My brother and I knew Brian from the Civil Air Patrol. We will always remember fondly the great adventures we shared at Hawk Mountain, PA. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Faunce family and Brian's friends. We share your loss."
Brenda and Culum Canally of Horsham, PA

"I was in the Civil Air Patrol with Brian. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a terrific guy."
Jennifer of FairlessHills

"To know Brian was to love him and we feel proud to have shared some wonderful times with Brian at Fort Drum, Fort Benning and Korea. Our sincerest sympathies to Cheryl, the Faunce family, and all of Brian's friends who mourn around the world.
CPT Paul and Natalie Larson"
Larson of Vicenza, Italy

"I was the radio operator in the light infantry platoon that CPT Faunce commanded while assigned to the 10th Mountian Division. It was a pleasure to serve with him. My prayers and sympathy go out to his family."
Stanley Davoy of Newport News, VA

"We were priviledged to work with Brian. What a great man!"
Steel 6 of Balad, Iraq

"My husband and I were stationed with "Faunce" at Ft. Drum, New York. Being at such an isolated post, we all became very close. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cheryl and his family. Brian was a running buddy of ours, so this past weekend I ran the Army 10 miler in honor of him. We are all better people because of the short time we had with Brian."
Kristen Brittingham of Charleston, SC

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Brian Faunce. Brian was my roomate my junior year of college and my wife and I were shocked to hear the news of his passing."
Bill and Tanya Tumas of Lansdale, PA

"To the family and friends of Capt. Brian Faunce:
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 Brian 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 Capt. Brian Faunce:
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 Brian, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia