Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I am mindful of you and your Paratrooper this morning. Please know I think about all of you often. I am praying God's peace fills you."
Sean of Lawton, OK/USA

"You are truly missed old friend, I don't forget your kind soul. We had the pleasure of serving in time of peace at Vicenza Italy, in 1st platoon E Co 1/508th Airborne Combat Team. Until we meet again, rest in peace 🙏"
Arturo Diaz of Los Angeles, CA

"I was at Arlington National on Monday and was given Clint's name as part of The Mindful Memorial Day 2016 observance. To his family there is not much to say except I am sorry. Freedom lives and through it he lives. God Bless Clint in Heaven."
Peter Parello of Metuchen NJ USA

"I had the pleasure of serving under SGT. Ferrin back in 99. As anybody knew he was above all a great family man. He showed me what it meant to be a leader and the right way to lead people. To the family I am truly sorry."
Nick Adams of Cincinnati, OH

"My son, Jeff Dick, served with SFC Ferrin and spoke highly of him. I remember SFC Ferrin, PFC Joel Brattain and SGT Daniel Londono on my facebook page every March 13th, Memorial Day and Veterans Day. They will never be forgotten by my family."
Kenneth Dick of Hastings, FL USA

"we all miss you toothless wonder. i remember you being my first platoon sgt, i was scared bein picked up at battalion and you made sure i was takin care of. never heard a bad word come from his mouth, was definately one of the good ones"
sgt bobby oller of texarkan, arkansas

"I reported to D Co 1/504 just days prior to our deployment, SSG(SFC) Ferrin took care of me as a young PFC and treated me with great respect as a young Soldier. He was taken from us much too soon, he is greatly missed. I will never forget his leadership, and SFC Ferrin buying me lunch on my first day at the unit. I mention this because I was not one of his Soldiers. That didnt matter to this great man, he saw my as a Soldier,took care of me making sure my equipment was ready to go."
SSG Andrew Tkac of Columbus, Ohio

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"well Brother ill see you at the endless drop zone in the sky You were a great soldier and i was but a young buck when you first greated me but after the years and a combat deployment with you I can say you were defenetly a postive NCO figure for me to look up to.
GOD SPEED and all the way"
Jared Deluna of Hood River

"SFC Ferrin and his family will always be in my heart He is missed greatly"
SPC James Spriggs AT 2 of Keyser ,WV

"He has achieved who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who has looked for the best in others and given the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory is a benediction." (Mrs. A.J. Stanley)

As a young Sergeant, Clint always took care of Soldiers, his or otherwise. In retrospect, It was what made him who he was. He was a gifted Soldier and a caring leader and will be sorely missed."
SGM (Ret) Curtis Regan of Kabul, Afghanistan

"I had the special privilege of knowing Clint, his siblings and parents in Picayune, MS. There is no way I can begin to explain to you how kind and thoughtful Clint was. Also any attempt by me to try to explain the positive influences he had on my life would be sadly inadequate. Clint was able to take any and all situations and create positive and uplifting outcomes for most people. Clint knew what he wanted in life. He had accomplished more by the age of 30 than I have at the age of 35.

I know he is in a better place anxiously waiting for his family to join him in heaven. I look forward to seeing him myself in the future."
Dr. Carl Stingel of Augusta, Georgia

"June 3, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Clint D. Ferrin:
Clint 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

"Today is Saturday May 31, 2008.I am a teacher from Goldsboro, NC. We are attending school today so that we could honor Memorial Day. My students and I are searching people from NC that we can prayerfully remember. I am a native from Mississippi and now live in NC. From our class, to your family. We are remembering you today. Thank you for giving your life for each one of us. May God bless you as he finds favor with you and your precious family."
Hope Skelton's 4th grade class of Goldsboro, NC

""Clint, you are greatly missed and you will never be forgoten""
Andrey K. "Former AT-5 Red Devel's" of MA

"Just wanted to say that I miss you. I hope The Ferrin Family is doing well."
SSG Nicholas W. Cage of Fort Bragg, NC

"SSG Ferrin was a great man and like a brother to all of us who served with him. He will be missed and thank god for men like ssg ferrin and all the other people who serve in the military"
SGT David Thomas of Ft. Lewis,WA

"Clint brother you are not forgotten and will always be in my memory."
SFC Doolittle of Virginia

"Sgt Ferrin was a wonderful man. I only had the pleasure of meeting him a handful of times. My ex-husband SSG Friedt mourns him everyday and remebers him, Brattain and Londono every March 13th. I hope that God will make your pain a little easier with every passing day. We love you guys! I can truely say that none of our (504th) guys will ever be forgotten...SSGT Friedt won't allow it!"
DaVina Rhode of Fort Bragg, NC

"THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.""
Sgt, Ross of Mississippi

"Merry Christmas From Heaven

I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold wintery nights

I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you
to help set your place

You don't have to be
perfect all of the time
He forgives you the slip
If you continue the climb

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
In a new special way

I love you all dearly
now don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year"
Vangi & McKaLyne Lunsford, wife & daughter of the late Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford of Batesville, MS

"I met the Ferrins when i moved to fort bragg, nc....he was in my hubbys unit...Clint really cared for his soldier....His wife Melinda was so nice....and his kids Zack and Madison were so cute....The Ferrins invited us and others who couldnt go home to their house to celebrate...we had so much fun....I met his sister who was an awesome person and a cousin of his who also was awesome.....He is gone but not forgotten..He was an awesome Solider, Father, Husband and Man! When i recieved the call to let us know who was KIA....i was shaken for the longest time....we lost some awesome people.....so my prayers go to his family!"
Amanda of Fort Polk, Louisiana, USA

"i am ryan shawn ferrin of midvale utah. i was in the navy for six years and also served in operation iraqi freedom. i am sorry to hear that clint was killed and my heart goes out to his wife and children."
ryan ferrin of mesa, az

"To the Family of SFC Ferrin, My deep felt condolence goes to you for the lost of your husband,dad, son and brother. He was a great American and a proud PARATROOPER of the 82ND Airborne Division. I did a photo story of their memorial service that was held in Baghdad. I would love to send it to you. Please email me @ stclared@yahoo.com so that I can be able to maill the disc to you. It was a very solemn and special service and I would love for you to see how your Love one was honored in Baghdad.
We will always Remember SFC Ferrin and the 2 other soldiers who died on that fateful day.
Airborne all the WAY!!!"
SSG Avery of Schofield barracks, Hawaii

"I met SFC Ferrin when I was a private and he was a Sgt. He taught me most everything to know about being 11H. He was also like an older brother to me. I will never forget you SFC Ferrin."
Jonathan Knott of Jenison, Michigan

"I was one of the lucky soldiers to serve with Clint Ferrin during OEF and OIF. Clint will forever live in my heart as the greatest leader a man can have...loving to lead and wearing a smile to help us all. A day doesn't go by we don't think of you and thank God he let us have you in our lives. God Bless You, Clint. You are a true hero. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN."
SSG Anthony Long of Ft. Bragg, NC (IA/USA)

"I just saw the "Fallen Heroes" segment on the CBS evening news. I just wanted your family to know that we are deeply grateful for the service to our country that your husband provided and especially for making the ultimate sacrifice. I don't know you, but felt led to tell you this. We pray that God is wrapping His arms around you during this difficult time. I hope your children will one day know that their Daddy was a hero! Thank you and God Bless You."
Gayellen Johnson of Bixby, OK

"To all those who knew and loved Clint Ferrin....I had the pleasure to work for him in the 504 when in Afghanisttan and was in shock when I heard the news. I will never forget his smile, laughs, and his great ability to get things done. I really do miss him and my prayers go out to his Family and him forever. Thank you Clint Ferrin for all you have taught me....Rest in peace"
Diogenes Navarro of Fayetteville, NC

"To Clint's Family, Thank you so much for his sacrifice, South Mississippi will not be the same without him.
Rest in Peace Brave Soldier."
Ray & Mary Dickson of Gautier, MS, USA

"I met SFC Ferrin who was an E-5 at the time in November 1998. I was a brand new private in Bravo 1/504. My first jump in division, I was assigned to a chalk with no one from my platoon close by. My squad leader looked around, and said he needed to pair me off with someone who been around awhile. SFC Ferrin said "I'll take care of him." That is the mentality that he always had. With SFC Ferrin, it didn't matter what unit you were with, who always looked after everyone. Several months later when I was at the rifle range, I was having a tough time firing. Then again, SFC Ferrin helped me along knowing that I was not his responsibility. He was a great leader, soldier, and person. He will be missed by many, my prayers will always be with the Ferrin family. I proudly wear SFC Ferrin's bracelet."
Kenny Henry of Lakeland, Florida

"I've never forgotten the Ferrin family, and the sacrifice that Clint made in leaving his family to the call of duty will never be forgotten anywhere. There's no doubt in my mind how much he loved them, and how much all of us loved them, and him, as well."
Katie of Fayetteville, NC

"One of the finest Military leaders that I have ever known. Mission first, soldiers always. I'm very greatful to have spent last Christmas with his family. I am very proud have served under him. SFC Ferrin, you are my role model. I will not let you down."
SSG Nicholas W. Cage of Ft. Bragg, NC

"to the family of Clint Ferrin, i have just recieved the hero bracelet with your son's name on it , if you would like it please contact me at charlenehinojosa@yahoo.com.... please mention the bracelet"

"I never met Clint, but I have a star with his name on it, that I took from a public memorial. All viewers were invited to take a ceramic star and place it somewhere in the city, so someone new may find it and reflect upon the person lost, before placing it in a new location. It has been a great honor to carry Clint's star, as it inspired me to search for him and find out about his life. He was a hero. And although I am a stranger, I will pray for your broken hearts. I am so sorry for your loss."
Julie of San Francisco

"YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!
I was proud to serve under SSG Ferrin
I will never forget his smile and laugh
Rest In Peace my brother from everyone in
AT-2."
Johan Delgado of fayetteville, nc

"I went to Weber High with Clint, he was always fun to joke around with and had the most contageous smile......God bless you bud......Army SGT Andrew Bingham"
Andrew Bingham of APG, MD

"Melinda,

You can always reach us at vonlopez72@yahoo.com Would love to hear how you and the kids are doing. You are always in our thoughts"
Mike Gonzalez

"Clint,

I will never forget you."
Mike of FT MYER, VA

"I met Clint when he and I were the only two new kids in bio class at Picayune High. He was a great person to talk to, and to comiserate with - it's very hard to go to a new high school, but Clint took it in stride. He was always kind, easygoing, and friendly. Even then he was anxious to join the military; he knew what he wanted in life. I am amazed at what he achieved in such a short time, and saddened that the world is now without someone like him. Clint, you made a positive impact everywhere you went. You are missed by all of us, even those of us outside your family and friends. God Bless."
kate of not picayune ;)

"I am the wife of Clint Ferrin, and my children and I are so proud of our husband and father and love and miss him so much. He will forever be our hero, as will all who honor and serve this awesome country!!! Thank you! And thank all of you for your support! God bless America!"
Melinda Ferrin of North Ogden, Utah

"When I think of Clint, I remember a man who loved his wife and family more than anything. I was looking at pictures the other day and I found one of Clint, Hernandez and myself and it made me proud. Proud to have served with a great soldier like Clint and to call that soldier my friend. Clint will never be forgotten. Airborne"
Mike Peverill of Nevada,Iowa

"This old paratrooper will never forget the brotherhood of the greatest division in the world. Although I never ran across Casanova my heart still hurts for my brother. May you rest in peace."
Anthony of Denver, CO

"I had the honor of serving under SSG Ferrin for a good part of my service in the 82nd Airborne. And I have to say he was probably one of the genuinely good people that I have met in my life. He always helped his soldiers, he always cared and he always took care of the soldiers under his command. He was a good soldier, a good leader and a good man. He and his family will always be in my prayers and my memories."
Jacob Meeks of Portland, OR

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

"I am one of the few men who have had the honor to serve alongside SSG Ferrin. Clint was always a source of level headed stability in our company and provided the highest level of leadership for his troops. As we mourn his loss we cary part of him with us in our actions."
SSG Gillespie of Bloomington, IL

"I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Like your Clint, our Joce was killed the same day in the same way. Please know that our hearts go out to you and your family. Although the grief is overwhelming, please know that like our Joce, Clint died a HERO and he will NOT be forgotten. God Bless you all!"
Melissa Carrasquillo of Goldsboro, NC

"I am deeply sorry for the loss of your husband and son, Clint. Our family also lost a loved one in Fallujah the same way on December 28, 2003. My godson, Ernesto Blanco, was also in the 82nd Airborne. He was a platoon leader and captain who was killed by an IED on a support mission. I don't know if Clint and Ernie knew each other, but please know that our family grieve our loss as well as yours. I needed to write this message because I also live in Utah...in Sandy. If you would like to call me at any time or Email me, please do so. There is comfort in sharing grief that sometimes are not understood by others. Please know that your family is in my heart and prayers, as are Clint and Ernesto. My email is WeCOH2000@aol.com. Do not hesitate to contact me. I will not elaborate about the bravery of our children for that is understood...we, in turn, must continue to be brave for them and always hold their memory close. I have chosen to speak openly about the good Ernesto did in his short life...that is his legacy and the best tribute I can give to him. With much sympathy...Joan Maymi"
Joan Maymi of Salt Lake City, Utah

"To Clint's Family:
There are no words that can express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you and your family as Clint watches over you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones
in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Clint, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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