Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Will, I miss you buddy."
Schack of Clarksville, TN

"I was in the same class of about 8 guys with Will in Ft. Eustis, VA. We were close friends, and I was shocked when I heard of his passing. Will was just an awesome guy. The whole class was a really tight group, and Will was loved by all of us. He had a sharp, sarcastic sense of humor and knew more Simpsons quotes than anyone I've ever met. A memory of Will pops up for me every once in a while, and it makes me incredibly sad that he is no longer with us. He was a loyal friend during a tough passage in my life, and I will never forget that. My condolences to the Gardner family."
Josh Bruhn of Duluth, MN

"In rememberance and honor of James Gardner on the 7th anniversary of his passing. Regardless of how he may have passed, we will forever be grateful for the service and sacrifice he made for this country. He fought because I could not fight and will always remember that."
Rosemary of Massachusetts

"Will,we miss you.You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Thank You for Your Service to Our Country. May the Lord Have Mercy on your soul and May you rest in peace for eternity."
J. Gardner of Louisville, Ky.

"my search was for james w gardner who is my husband he is 55 yrs old and a prior military man who advidly displays the mia and rememberance for those we have lost in the spirited fight for freedom and justice.never to allow a day to go by with out remembering them, today it took on a different feeling God bless your loved ones who will forever greive your departure ,my prayer is for you to inherit the mansion so well deserved by our lords side
pamela k gardner"
pamela k gardner of prosperity ,wv 25909

"To Paul Andrews, this is Sam Gardner, Will's brother i am thankful for the words you have shared and would grately appreciate if you could contact me and share what you knwo about my brother. I know he was a hero but would love to hear what you knew of him. my email is sam.gardner@wku.edu"

"I think it's time everyone knew the truth. I was Gardner's room mate in FOB Speicher and worked with him at FOB Sykes. I remember the day he died and how hard it hit me. I won't get into details about his death (that's between him and God now), but I remember only a few soldiers, including myself, mourned his loss in the desert. Crew chiefs and Armament dogs largely blew it off, something that infuriates me to this day.

James left too soon and did not deserve the fate he recieved. My condolences goes to his family in Glasgow, KY whom I have never met but feel for every time I think of Gardner. I keep thinking of those photos he had of him with his family vacationing in Key West, and how happy he looked.

SPC Gardner was not my closest pal out there. But damnit, I respected him until the end. He had a lot of guts going to Iraq in the first place and putting up with the long hours, hard work and constant stupidity that we did. He served exceptionally well and never backed down or chickened out. You could tell his family did an awesome job of raising their little boy into a remarkable man. Gardner, i'll meet up with you in Valhalla one day. Keep your head up."
Paul Andrews of Rosendale, NY

"Re: SPC James W Gardner

Hello,
I represent PRAYER SHAWLS 4 FALLEN SOLDIERS (PS4FS), an organization that since October 2007 has sent over 2,800 prayer shawls to military families who have lost a loved one. We are an organization of over 240 groups from all over the country. We make every effort to reach families even when post cards are returned after they have moved. Would you kindly send me a contact email/address so that we may send a loving hand-made prayer shawl to the family? Thank you!

Cozette Haggerty, Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers
Email: ps4fs@charter.net
Website Address: http://webpages.charter.net/ps4fs/shawls"
Cozette Haggerty of Wilbraham, Mass.

"January 12, 2009
To the family of Spc. James W. Gardner:
James 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

"To the family & friends of SPC James W. Gardner, I am truly sorry for the loss of your dear James. I just now came across news of his sacrifice as I was researching how to put togther an FRG newsletter. In times of reflection, when considering the choices we make in life, and the directions those choices take us, it is with great pride that I think of Service Members such as your James. To choose selflessly, and at such a young age, to serve the needs of fellow countrymen in the struggle to protect our freedom, is a great and awesome responsibility not taken on lightly. My hope and prayer for you is that when people recall memories of him, that they focus on the way that James chose to serve and live his life rather than the way that he died. To you surviving family members who have to deal with his sacrifice and his absence on a daily basis, please know that there are many others like me who keep you in our thoughts and prayers, who are thankful for volunteers like James, and who value our protected freedom so greatly. We owe you a debt that cannot be repaid. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for all that you and James have given to all of us."
Debby Melk of New Berlin, WI

"Sincere condolences to the family."
James W Gardner of Carnoustie Scotland

"Its an honor to share the Gardner name with one who died in service to our country and on behalf of all of us. James will forever be in my heart and prayers..."
Janet Gardner Kemp of Columbus Ga

"To the family of:James W. Gardner 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"

"I am very thankful for the impact you made in my life. Even in the very short time of knowing you, you left an impression which will last a lifetime. Thank you for believing Will. You are in my prayers as is your family and loved ones.

James W. (Will) Gardner - "Don't sell yourself short.""
Liza Sheen of Atlanta, GA. USA

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

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