Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I can’t believe it’s been it’s been 17 years. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you and the great times we had serving together. I miss you bud. Till we meet again in Valhalla."
SFC (retired) Christopher Baetz of Canon City, CO

"Never Forgotten ! (2015)
From your friend..Sgt Thompson, David R.
Iron Hawk Troop 3/3 ACR"
David R. Thompson of Pueblo, CO

"I just wanted everyone to know that this young man had an amazing heart,he could light up the room with his smile and laugh! I was one of his NCO's when he initially joined the Army with B co 2/8 Cav,1st Cav Div. He could make the most terrible day go away with his jokes and smile if even for a moment. I knew he would one day be a great NCO because he just cared about the people around him, he geniunely cared and it truly breaks my heart to know he is no longer with us! He made me laugh so many times, i remember one time it was very cold,non stop rain and we were going on less sleep than any man should, it was breaking our morale and spirit! But he walked in out of the rain into the tent and just started imitating everyone from the Cpt to the lowest ranking in the room.He had us all laughing out loud in seconds, heck he even made fun of me to the point i was crying.This is how i'll remember him forever! To his wife and family my deepest condolences for your great loss! I know he is in heaven right now making God and the angels laugh! I hope one day we will meet again my friend!"
GABRIEL A MERCADO of Killeen, Texas

""You will always live in my heart !!
" I will never forget you!" (2014)
SGT Thompson,David R.
IRON HAWK 3/3 ACR""

"Mrs. Freeman, I am Luke Stiglers mom and I know how much he thought of Brian. Some say that time heals wounds; however I tend to disagree; we learn ways to cope. Luke had so much respect for Brian and enjoyed working with him and will never forget him. I prayed for him yesterday. Peace be with you, Love, Cindy McCain"
Cindy McCain of Channahon, IL

""B" You will always be with me.I knew you from before you joined and I know I will see you again oneday in heaven. I love you so much and wish I could just give you a big ol' hug and see your face again but soon I will see your smiling face...You were an amazing friend, husband to Leah and Soldier to our country. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten...All gave some, some gave all."
Krisden of Knoxville,TN USA

"You will always live in my heart!"
SGT Thompson,David R.
IRON HAWK 3/3 ACR"
David R. Thompson of Pueblo, CO (USA)

"November 7, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Brian L. Freeman:
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

"My son, Ssg Dennis E. Whelan, always calls me for my birthday which is November 14th. But in 2005 his grief
was overwhelming for the loss of his
good friend, Brian Freeman. He explained
how he had heard of Brian's death and we
were both heartbroken. I have visited
your son's memorial plaque everytime I
go to stay at my son's house, he is now
stationed in Korea.
My husband and I go to the memorial walk
on July 4th, Memorial Day, and Christmas
Eve to pay our respects. I will be
visiting Fort Stewart and wish to place
a rememberance near Brian's plaque from
my son. Your son is surely missed!!!"
edwina whelan of cape coral, fl. 33991

"To the family of:Brian L. Freeman 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"

"Brian,
I want you to know the respect I have for you. I was there that fateful day when we lost you. I know the life you saved by being the smart NCO that you were. I shared the story with your mother and father when they came to Fort Carson for your Memorial. I know you wouldn't want me to make a big deal out of it... but YOU are a big deal. To Mrs. & Mr Freeman, I enjoyed the short time I was able to spend with you when you came to Fort Carson. Mr. Freeman, I hope you still have that picture hanging up in your bus. Kids these days need people to look up to.. and what better person then Brian... A True Heroe!"
CPT Tom Weitzel of COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO

"Brian was my son-in-law. He was married to our daughter only 19 months before he was killed. My husband and I were visiting Leah and Brian when he received news that he would be reporting to Iraq in August or September. Brian was truly a soldier and loved being a soldier. It was something he was called to do. I miss him terribly as does all his family. I know he is in a better place and I know we will see him again."
Linda of Laurel, MS (USA)

"To Brian's Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers. To Brian, you sir are a true American Hero. Thank you Brian for all you have done in Iraq and in keeping us safe at home. May God bless you Brian and God Bless your family."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"If tears could build a stairway,
And memories were a lane.
I would walk right up to heaven,
To bring you home again.

No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say good-bye.
You were gone before I knew it,
And only God knows why.

My heart still aches in sadness,
And secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you,
No one will ever know.

You and angels around Gods happy throne.
I would have held you closer if I had known
~Unknown Author~
Gone – but not forgotten.
Thank you for sharing your loved one with us,
and for the sacrifice made by you and your family on our behalf.
Proud mom of Lcpl Alex. Currently serving in Iraq"
Patricia of Bishop, CA

"Brian,
I would like to say thank you to you and the three other soldiers from your unit(3/3rd ACR) who were killed in that blast with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Brave Rifles"(3rd ACR Motto)"

"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

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

"Thank you Brian 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

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