Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Ben!! Loooong time brother, more than half a lifetime ago for me. Talking to none other than Romero from C CO 2-81AR, what crazy times. Then 3d ACR and pushing out to OIF I.. a few of the guys at Knox wound up KIA or deceased during the first year after we all graduated at Knox.

Anyways.. know that a bit of your memory lives on with me--and the rest of us. It's gotten hectic for the OIF/OEF veterans--nowadays most of them are lost to suicide and the ultra rare cancer from time to time. The second half of my career I lost a lot of guys in garrison environment--or they were civilians in a new career and passed suddenly. Life is so precious man--something I knew that you understood. Where most of us were all gung-ho you were calculated and questioning.

Hope your family has found as much peace as they can with your absence. Know that a ton of us down here think about you and thanks for keeping a watch over us."
Gary McKenzie 2003-2009 Heavy Company, 2nd SQDN, 3d ACR (Fort Carson/Fort Hood) of Regensburg. Germany

"I miss you so much! I would give anything to have you back. Little things you done and things you said will always remain. I love you dearly to this day and for the rest of my life. I went to the cemetery to see you, and as normal cried because it hurts. I can't wait to see you again."
April Freeman of Hinesville, GA

"12 years to the day and it echoes in my mind...your missed brother-aaiiyeh"
Jay Gamel of 1/3 3rd ACR

"Hey Ben I know its late brother but I miss you, and was blessed and honored to know you. To the family and friends of Benjamin, I want you to know that he will always be remembered and honored in my eyes and in my heart. Let me know if there is anything that I can do.
You can reach me at gmanger29@gmail.com
R.I.P brother
AI-EE-YAH!!!"
SPC. Victor Palmer 3rd Platoon K Troop 3/3 ACR of Scottsdale, AZ

"Ben I miss you very much and still think about you daily. I cant believe this year is 11 years. Sometimes it feels like it just happened. You are still very much loved, not only by me but by many. I will see you soon my darling husband!"
April Freeman of Ludowici, GA

"It's almost been 11 years...time flies. Still think about you sometimes man, you were an inspirational person. Looking forward to the day we meet again!"
Scott Mims of GA

"Ben,

It is Christmas...a time we would have spent together at Memas house if time wasn't so cruel. You came up in conversation with Aunt Helen, as you always do. This time, I asked if she could still hear your voice. She said she could...I can somewhat. I wish I would have been older when you were alive..I think we would have gotten along well intellectually. I remember you were sarcastic and you were well equipped with a dry sense if humor. I also remember that you loved tattoos; I have two now...one is in you're honor and my future son will have your name as one of his because you were our last namesake. Though I don't believe in God, I still think you are still very present in my life. You and Mema visit me in dreams. I miss you and will honor the ten year anniversary of Your passing this coming year. If anyone has any videos they can share with me so I can hear his voice again, I would dearly appreciate it. LaurenMF88@gmail.com"
Lauren Freeman of Orlando,FL

"Hey Ben,
Seems like only yesterday we were in the pit together at Ft. Knox doing push-ups. I miss you man."
John F Caudill of Columbus, Ohio

"It's been 8 long years since we lost our brother and a part of are familiy i went to see him yesterday and to let him know that we haven't forgotten him i will come see you agian soon brother"
Pvt. Snay K-Trp 3/3 ACR of Tampa , Fl

"i want to leave a message to the familiy of pvt. freeman ben was in the same platoon as me and bunked next to me in Iraq he came to us after we had been in country for a while and he became like a little brother to me i have never got over his loss even to this they i think about him every day he was a good kid and i miss him so very much sincerly pvt Snay Killer troop3/3 acr if u ever have any question you can contact me 863-701-3706"
Pvt. Snay of Tampa , Flordia

"I send my deepest condolences to your family Ben. My name is Mike Fischer and Ben came to my platoon in Iraq in 2003.He and I were the best of friends in such a short period of time. I liked and respected him from the moment I met him. He made me laugh so much I could forget we were in a war zone. Ben and I are in a lot of photos together and I hope they have reached you. Ben was my all time favorite soldier ,despite having him in my platoon for such a short time. Not one day goes by without his memory in my heart and I will never forget his sacrifice to our country.
God bless you my friend.
Your friend,
Spc.Mike Fischer K TROOP 3/3ACR 4th plt"
Mike Fischer of Mary Esther, Fl

"I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN IN VERMONT. TODAY i SHED TEARS FOR BENJAMIN WHEN A YOUNG MAN RAN THROUGH TOWN AND LEFT A FLAG WITH BENJAMINS NAME ON IT. hE IS RUNNING CROSS COUNTRY LEAVING A FLAG EACH MILE WITH THE NAME OF ONE OF OUR HEROES. GOD BLESS YOU AND KNOW THAT AFTER 7 YEARS BENJAMIN HAS NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN."
JEANNETTE GRIFFITH of FAIR HAVEN VT USA

"My name is Shari Culpepper. I did not know Benjamin but I have the true honor to represent him on May 31, 2010 in the Dacula Ga.- Georgia's Fallen Heroes Parade. I always wanted to be in a parade, but I never thought it would be at such a cost. I have read all the posts and realize I am reprenting a son, son-in-law, cousin, husband, father, friend, and true patriot. Based on all the kind rememberances, I know I would have liked Benjamin. I hope I represent him well. God bless Benajmin, his loved ones, and all of the Fallen Heroes."
Shari Culpepper of Buford, Ga, USA

"To the family of Benjamin L. Freeman ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"I can't believe I let this much time pass and didn't even know what happened! I have never forgotten you, and wanted to see how you were, and hear the "who's the man in the big black hat" haha. I'm so sad to hear this, more sad that I'm 6 years late on this news. You were such a wonderful friend to me, and gave me such great memories. Even though you were miles away, your friendship, and daily conversations really kept me going through a difficult time in my life, and for that I thank you. I know wherever you are, you are laughing it up, playing music, and eating some may-o-naise. lol. I love that way you said that. I'm so glad I have those video's you sent me, I can listen to it all the time!"
Crystal of Hanover, PA

"ben its been a long time my friend but u have not been forgotten i pass your grave every day on my way to work and i always say hi ben.its so hard to believe ur gone and its beenjust over fiv yrs now but everyday as i go by always think about u and ur love for mayo...lol..u wer always a really sweet guy and ur missed so much hope o see u again on day.much love my hero ben"
tiffaney bennett of valdosta ga

"I miss you Ben...I had heard rumors about what happened to you but I didn't believe it. Someone told me that you were in the military and I'm thinking to my self no not Ben he would never join the military. I miss those days we used to hang out at your house every day after school and blasting heavy metal in your room. I miss you so much man and I hate that we lost touch for a couple years, I miss you so much man and you have influenced me in so many ways. Before all I had heard were rumors about this and I had never heard the full truth until I googled your name. You were truly one of the realest people I have ever met. I miss you man and I'm sorry for not being a better friend."
Scott Mims of Valdosta, GA

"Well my love, Today is the day I have not wanted to see, really wish it hasn't happened. I miss you so much. Its probably harder on us having these kind of sites, but its good to be able to go to them, to see the comments people leave, to see that smile on your face knowing I took that picture. I do still miss you dearly. Trying to move on, but just cant seem to be happy with anything other than that beautiful little girl I now have. Please remember, I love you!"
April Freeman of Savannah, GA

"Ben, I cant believe its almost 5 years now. I wish I could talk to you, kiss your lips, hold your hand...just anything. My beloved husband, I will never forget you, you will always hold the key to my heart! With all my love,
April Freeman"
of Savannah, GA

"August 31, 2008
To the family of Pvt. Benjamin L. Freeman:
Benjamin 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

"Hi, i am very touched by this tribute & saddened by ur loss of a very great person....My name is Benjamin l Freeman, i live in Australia i am a very famous sports person... my e-mail is viper628@bigpond.com i don't know y but i was drawn to this website somehow...fate???"
Benjamin l Freeman of Brisbane Australia

"Benjamin,
I would 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.

"Brave Rifles"(3rd ACR Motto)"

"Dear family of Benjamin Freeman,
To honor the Georgia soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, the professional artists of the Atlanta Fine Arts League are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family. These 16 x 20 original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families' loss. Please visit our website www.atlantafineartsleague.org or email us at AtlantaFineArtsLeague@Yahoo.com for further information. - The Atlanta Fine Arts League"
Leah Hopkins Henry of Atlanta, GA

"Im not gonna lie that when I found out I cried like a baby.
I did not believe what had happened and all of these memories just came rushing into my mind of my of the times we spent toghter.
I remember your first tattoo and how proud I was to see my brother putting ink on you...and then you went back to him like a million times...hurt didnt it!?
I remember feeling so alienated in school and how you pulled me through that just being a close friend to me when those were in short supply...I really wish you could see how music has turned for me...we were soooo into music and I know that you would have been there when my band headlined metalfest...can you believe it!!??..that was such a big deal to me and I know you were on stage in spirit agging the crowd on...I was sooo scared....I remember so many crucial memories and I never really told you the impact you had on me man and Im sorry that I never got to say goodbye.
We were so close and I feel so angry some days, its as if I am seing red that this happened and my heart seeks revenge, but I know whats done is done and your always in my heart.
Rest in peace."
Joshua Smith of Valdosta Ga.

"Ben man...seems like yesterday we were back at Charlie 2/81 Armor Battalion, then we were graduating, then we were in Colorado... Iraq came so quick didn't it??? How do such good men end up in such places...doing such ugly things? I don't know, I know you were alive Ben! You were always a free spirit, always smiling... I will remember you that way, and I know you still look down on us and smile from time to time. We're trying to get this thing done. Anyways, you will never be forgotten Ben! I'll see you on "high ground" ...until then, I'll be at peace because you're one of those heroes that I've known in this world."
McKENZIE, Gary Jr. of OIF III

"The last thing he ever told me was that i was a good man and i will never foget the how good that makes me feel and is probably the most prminate memory from my tour."
Walker Jennings of Rio Vista califonia

"The ulimate sacrifice that you gave for us, Ben, is a hard one to bear. We miss you dearly each day as we live. You were only in our lives a short period of time but will be in our hearts forever. April lost her only true love when she lost you. YOU ARE OUR HERO..now and forever. I always have remembered..God always picks the very best flowers and he got the greatest one.
We love you and miss you!
Susan and Owen(April's mom and dad)"
Owen and Susan Kingsley of Allenhurst Ga USA

"Smyrna Baptist Church would like to give you you a a quilt of honor in memory of your loved one lost in the war. This is our way of remembering our soldiers that gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. I can be reached by email at hart_l@bellsouth.net or phone at 478-552-5095. Thank you and you are in our prayers."
Cheryl Hart of Tennille,GA

"Dear April Freeman - I have wanted to tell you that nearly every day I wear a button which has your husband's name on it, in honor of his service in Iraq. It is a round black button, with "Benjamin L. Freeman, Valdosta GA, 10-13-03" in white letters. My husband and I are peace activists which means we support our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we want the war to end. We attend rallies about the war, and a woman who also attends made buttons with the names of soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. I chose one at random and it was Benjamin's. Many people ask me what it is and I explain about him and you and the war. I hope you are doing well. You are in my thoughts. Cordially -"
Kris Cheatum of Kansas City MO

"Brave Rifles...Scouts out."
Paul Brian Michalak of Byron,MN U.S.

"While looking at this site for a friends nephew, I saw the name of Benjamin Freeman. This was the name of my great grandfather. I wanted to express my condolences to Benjamin's family. A hero he is, indeed, for his ultimate sacrifice. May God keep you all in His care.

"My times are in your hands" Psalm 31:15"
Jodie of Marion, IN

"Thank you for your honored service and sacrifice for our country. I pray for your family and wish them God's comfort."
Brent Brown of Orlando, Fl

"We, too are very sorry for the loss you all, family & friends have suffered, our son ( Walker), to this day is affected/saddened by your death, Be @ Rest Ben, the pain is over now, Hugs & Peace, The Jennings Family"
Earl-Kathy of Rio Vista, CA, USA

"I didn't know you personally Ben but I served right alongside you in the 2nd squadron. May god keep you and comfort your loved ones. You will be missed my brother."
Scott Fischer

"Hey buddy,
I was one of the medics on the scene...we tried, we really did knowing you were gone before we pulled you out. I'm so sorry that we weren't there sooner. God bless you!"

"ben was my only boy cousin on the bulloch side, he was a friend, not just family, and i really enjoyed the time i spent with him, which was limited in his last years. ben was moslty misunderstood in his ealier years, but he was one on the smartest people i ever met, and taught ME, who was years older than him about computers, this kid was a genius. i miss the hell out of him iand want still to hang out with him, we had some fun together. we miss you ben.
Neal
Mimi
Papa"
Neal Carnes of valdumpster

"i only met you once or twice. we actually went to a movie together with craig. i remember thinking that you were a pretty cool guy and i liked your tattoos. i will always keep you in mind. thank you for all you dedication."
maria of colorado springs

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

"Hi my name is Walaka Plos. My husband is in the United States Marines. I am so sorry for your lose. My husband served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, luckily for both my son and I he came home to us. I didn't know Benjamin, but my heart goes out to you and your family...also to all the other families who lost loved ones as they defended our country. "God just bring all of our boys and girls home!""
Walaka Hood/Plos of Valdosta, Ga

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

"thank you for your sacrifice, your selflessness to protect the freedoms of others, is a testament to the will of this great nation, the sacrifices of the families left behind, who grieve for your loss are a testament to the courage we have. When these world events happen anyone can sit back and watch it on a tv screen, it takes a real hero to say "I'll Help, I'll do my part, I'll take responsibilty for other's actions." Your sacrifices shall not be forgotten.....thank you"
Patrick Allen Trimble of Belpre, Ohio

"Benjamin Freeman was my grandson which I loved very much. I'm heartbroken loosing him. He was my pride and joy,and one of my reasons for living.
I pray that he will rest in peace and thank him for his ultimate sacrifice.
I also want to thank everybody who wrote a message on his behalf.
God bless all the soldier in the war zone and the one at home who might be called upon in the future.
I love you Ben, Your Mema."
Johanna Freeman of Valdosta, GA 31602

"The night is so black those times I'm alone.

The road is too long, I wish you'd come home.

When the sun rises, I look for you still.

And then I remember, and remember I will. -----Unknown Poet

Rest in peace Benjamin Lee. I love you and miss you with such a deep pain. Watch over your mother who grieves you endlessly. Above all, know how proud I am of your achievements and the young man you were."
Aunt Sharmon of Valdosta, GA

"To my friend Benny Freeman, Me and the rest of 2nd platoon will never forget you. You will always be our brother.
See you in Fiddler's Green....

PFC Robert M. Moreno
Killer Troop
3/3 ACR
Brave Rifles!"
PFC Robert Moreno of Ft. Carson, CO, USA

"Thank you Benjamin Freeman, 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

"pv2 freeman was a friend and a fellow soldier and i am very proud to have had the honor to serve with him in the 3rd acr.ieeeeeeeaaaaahhhhhhh"
pvt northrup of ft.carson co USA

"I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE. SO SAD THAT THE WORLD HAS SO MUCH HATRED AND OUR FUTURE OF YOUNG KIDS IS SHORTENED. YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS."
BEVERLY ARNOLD of CYNTHIANA,KY

"To the family and friends of Pvt. Benjamin Freeman:
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 Benjamin 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 Pvt. Benjamin Freeman:
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 Benjamin, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia