Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"15 years has passed since you left this world Alan. I miss you everyday!!!"
Aseel of Texas

"Damn Giff.
I just heard about you today. I still have the book you loaned me when you were my recruiter back in Sonora. I always thought about looking you up and getting the book back to you. I guess you dont need it now. I will pass it on to my son and tell him what a good dude you were. I will never forget you brother. Rest easy Giff"
Vaughn Warriner of California

"Yet another year, RIP Alan! You are missed everyday. The impact you had on everyone you met is amazing."
David Anderson Cyclone 6 Ancient of Texas

"10 years and I'm still wishing for another meal at Saltwater Cowboys with you Brother! You are missed, and will never be forgotten."
Mark Macy

"9 years brother! Seems like yesterday...

You would be proud of the Cyclones today. Many are doing great things as civilians while others still fight in the Army. We are still one...we are still family...part of all us is still left there in Al Dora, route Corvette. We all have shed a tear or two. See you on the Green, that Fiddler's Green."
Cyclone 6 Ancient

"Missed but never forgotten. It has been a long time. We will meet again."
Sam Ruby of Inverness, Florida

"Another year...you are missed everyday. Your loss is still heavy on everyone who knew you."
Cyclone 6 Ancient, David Anderson of Ft. Hood

"On this day eight years ago the Army and The world lost three great men. You guys and your families are always on my mind. Gone but NEVER forgotten"
Robert Drnek of Butler, PA

"I knew this American Hero when he was a young Private. It was my honor and privilege. Scouts Out, Alan."
James Figueroa of Las Vegas, NV

"Every year I do a Hero WOD for you. never forgotten and will never forget. Miss you"
Aseel "Leesa" of winchester,Va

"To the friends/family of 1sg Gifford.
It has been a long time, but tf 4/64 will never forget 1sg Gifford.
In honor of 1sg Gifford, I am dedicating the Turf Field in our gym facility to him. It will be known as Gifford Field.
The dedication ceremony will be held Friday May 31st, 2013 at
8420 Gashouse Pike ste Z
Frederick MD
A plaque with 1sg Gifford's picture and bio will be displayed in our facility with a battle cross.
The write up will be added to our website (soldierfit.com) soon.

God Bless you and your family 1sg. You are never forgotten.

SSG Holmes
A Co 4/64 4thBCT 3ID
"TUSKERS!""
SSG D Holmes of Frederick, MD

"A great unit and a great leader, it just wasn't the same without you brother, I think about you, Beth and Mitchell daily, you would be proud of them both. god bless."
Larry Morgan 1SG USA retired of Greentown, Ohio

"Hey 1SG just stopped by to say hello and we still think of you. When we all get there we will raise a toast one more. Save the A1 until we get there."
Andrew W of Garden Grove CA

"You Have My deepest Sympathy"
karon of irving tx

"Alan,
Time flyes brother! Seven years ago today. I keep running into our Soldiers and we always talk about you. I miss you and wish things had been different. I will never forget."
David Anderson of Ft. Hood

"My name is Victoria and today I ran in the 11th anual Jeff Combs race, a 5k race in honor of the 9/11 attacks and the fallen heroes. I ran with my high school soccer team, and we each recieved a ribbon that had a name on it, and I recieved Sgt. Alan Gifford, I ran in honor of you Sgt. Gifford. Thank you for you're service you're not forgotten, and to the family and friends of Sgt. Alan Gifford, stay strong."
Victoria Curtin of Abington, Massachussetts

"We miss you Alan, thank you for your service."
Wally Cox of New Orleans, LA

"1sgt Alan Gifford was one of a kind guy he was my 1sgt in Charlie Cco 4-64 Ar. He was a great man and will always be a great man in my eyes. 1sgt Gifford took great care of his Soldiers. He let his Soldiers learn from thier mistakes he guided them on the right path once they learned from there mistakes and did the time for the crime. He will be trully missed. I remember the day like it was yesterday it is burned into my mind forever. Rest in peace my brother. Cyclones tear it up Tuskers"
SFC Don Don Martin of Pooler, Ga

"Alan,
Five years have gone by...I am once again in Iraq. This is the final chapter here and your sacrifice will never be forgotten. I miss you."
MAJ A (Cyclone 6 Ancient) of Kirkuk, Iraq

"Alan, we are better people for having known you. I can still hear you laugh. It has been a long time brother, since A Troop 1/17 Cav. To your family, know that Alan is not forgotten. His picture hangs on my wall under a memorial flag. My heart goes out to you. May God comfort you and bless you."
Larry Asher of Galva, KS

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry at times. I understand, in theory only, that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take your families and friends pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Miss you 1SG you where the best a young soldier could ask for."
SGT D of FICA

"BBQs in the swamp. Workin out on the bench in the back of the company area on rainy days. I came to you for your wisdom during my hours of need. I reget being pulled 1 month prior to that deployment often. Your sacrifice burns in my mind brother.
Cyclone 5 2004"
Dan Van Kirk of San Diego, CA

"1SG. I did not know you for long. I was outprocessing out of the company when you took over. I only knew you for a few months, but you were kind and understanding. You truly cared about your soldiers. I appreciate all that you did for me and my family. You will be missed."
Bryan Sage of Vidalia, GA

"Another year...tomorrow is the day that is burned in my mind forever! I still miss you Alan!"
MAJ A

"Alan,
I miss you everyday brother! I see you enjoying the ocean on a fishing boat in Florida, not a care in the world! I will never forget you. God speed!"
Cyclone 6 Ancient of Ft. leavenworth

"Re: 1SG Alan N Gifford

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.

"hey 1sg. we all miss you. you were such a fun guy and i think about you all the time. my toasts are always to you and your family. sgt marek ive been thinkin bout you too brother. one love."
SSG Holmes of Ft Stewart, GA

"I am having a difficult time today 1SG. I am trying to figure out when these new technologies for Artifical limbs will become reality & infection free. IF you could, I know you'd tell them "Get up & help this soldier with his problems". GOD BLESS you in ways he can."
SSG Marek of Satellite Beach Fl.

"I am sorry for not getting to this sooner, as you are now one of my "GUARDIAN ANGELS". I think of you so often, & have talked to Matt & David. I will have to leave anotther message more in depth later."
SSG Marek of Satellite Beach Fl.

"August 3, 2008
To the family of 1st. Sgt. Alan N. Gifford:
Alan 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 of:Alan N. Gifford I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief. He died a hero defending freedom and we are so grateful for anyone defending our freedom.
Know that I am praying for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding for you and that one day we will all meet in Heaven where we will rest in the arms of Jesus.
If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with please call my Pastor at Gateway Community Church, Reverand John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd Covington Ga. 30016 Phone 770- 787- 1015 (fax)770-787-8215.Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew"

"My long time battle buddy, my "Wingman" in Desert Storm. I'll always treasure those good times we had at Bragg as high speed E-5s. We'll linkup again as we had on and off throughout the years"
AB

"TO THE FAMILY OF 1SG GIFFORD-
ALL OF US IN 4-64 REMEMBER 1SG GIFFORD FOR BEING THE BEST 1SG IN THE BN. IT DIDN'T MATTER IF YOU MET HIM FOR JUST 5 MIN OR PASSED HIM DURING PT, HE WAS ALWAYS THE SAME, A SMILE AND A JOY TO BE AROUND. HE KNEW AND RESPECTED HIM. HE WAS VERY HIGHLY THOUGHT OF AND HE WON'T BE FORGOTTEN. HE WAS NOT ONE TO ACCEPT MEDIOCRE. HE WAS THERE WITH HIS TROOPS TO THE END. EVEN NOW WE THINK OF YOU 1SG-THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DONE. WE ALL LOST SOMETHING BUT SOME OF US LOST SOMETHING THAT IN TURN, ENABLED SO MANY OTHERS TO COME HOME.. REST EASY.

WITH RESPECT-
SSG C. D CO / 4-64 CAB"
SSG C. of FT CARSON, CO

"I REMEMBER GIFF VERY WELL, HE WAS MY SECTION SGT MOST OF THE TIME I WAS AT A TROOP 1-17 CAV 82ND ABN AND PUT ME IN THE TC HATCH OF MY OWN TRUCK FOR THE FIRST TIME. ITS WEIRD, I WAS ON MY WAY TO A SCHOOL DOWN IN TEXAS FOR THE GUARD AND WAS READING THE TIMES AND SAW THE NOTICE IN THE FALLEN SECTION. IT FELT LIKE YOU WERE KICKED IN THE STOMACH.

I HAD THE CHANCE TO TAKE THE DALE CARNEGIE LEADERSHIP COURSE LAST YEAR AND THEY TALK A LOT ABOUT MENTORING AND ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS THAT I REALIZED WAS HOW MUCH OF MY LEADERSHIP STYLE IS BASED ON WHAT I LEARNED FROM HIM. DO YOU REMEMBER GUNNERY AT FORT AP HILL? GIFF WAS AT SF Q COURSE, BUT BEFORE HE LEFT HE TOLD ME THAT I WOULD BE TAKING THE SECTION DOWN THE SSQC LANE. I AUTOMATICALLY STARTED CRAPPING MY PANTS AND HE SAID "WHATS THE WORSE THAT CAN HAPPEN? YOU MISSING THE FRIGGIN TARGET?"

SOME OF THE BEST THINGS I REMEMBER ABOUT BRAGG WAS BURNING STEAKS AT HIS HOUSE ON THE WEEKENDS AND ME AND JORGE ECHEVERRIA SHOWING UP AT HIS PLACE FOR THE FLORIDA STATE VS. TEXAS AM BOWL GAME WEARING AGGIE JERSEYS AND WATCHING HIM HIT THE ROOF. HE WAS ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT HAD THE GIFT OF DEALING WITH PEOPLE WELL AND I KNOW THAT HE SHOWED THAT TO HIS SOLDIERS AS HE DID ME.

I LIKE TO THINK THAT THERE IS A SPECIAL CHAIR IN FIDDLERS GREEN AND HE'S SITTING IN IT."
SSG MATT CHRISTENSEN of SIOUX CITY, IA

"Alan was one of my dearest friends, my heart goes out to Beth and Mitchell, I'm sorry that he will grow up with out knowing what an amazing father he had. I knew Giffy for a long time. He is a true american, and a brave soul. I will never forget that phone call. He will always be in my heart."
Kayla of Gardnerville, NV

"I knew you when you were SSG Gifford Delta Trp 4th Platoon Trolls! I let everyone know from the 509th Airborne what happened. We all will miss you. Our hearts go out to your family. Scouts out..."
Thomas Udy paratrooper509@gmail.com of Hillsboro, Oregon

""Giff", I just heard, sorry it took so long to get here. I am really going to miss my old scout buddy. To Alans family, feel free to contact for any reason, coxd32@aol.com. Take care Giff, I'll see you at the fiddlers green."
Derek Cox of Fort Knox, KY

"I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. May God's love and peace be with you now and always."
Siobhan Stephens of Grove Oak, AL

"I will miss you 1SGT. you will not be forgotten"
John Vernon of Reno,nv

"May god bless and watch over the family of Alan Gifford. Mark Jr always spoke very highly of Alan. He will be missed by so many."
Kathy Hutchins of Fyffe Alabama

"There are no words to describe how lucky my family and I were to know such a great guy. Our sincerest condolences go out to Beth and Mitchell."
The Macy Family of Port Orange, FL

"God bless you and family. We will never forget you or your cause to this great nation."
Sean Robertson of Tallahassee, FL USA

"My deepest sympathy to your wife, son and family, you will be missed deeply. It was an honor to have known you for so many years. May god bless you and your family. You did really good "Giff"."
Michael Yates of Spring Hill, Florida

"1sg i will miss you. You will never be forgotten. You respected everyone in our company and you were always open to talk and joke. You meant a lot to the soldiers. You will always be in my heart"
Kieran of Baghdad, Iraq

"I led a large number of officers and enlisted Air Force in a heartfelt ceremony honoring you as your remains were loaded onto a C-130 for transport home. We thanked God for your life and service. We prayed for all those who mourn your loss. It was a deeply sincere moment for all involved.
- God's grace to you and yours"
Cody Broussard, Chaplain USAF of Sather Air Base, Baghdad

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

"To the Gifford Family, I wish to offer to you my deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your Alan is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and God Bless Alan."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"I am truly sorry for your loss. May God give you the strength and courage to face the days ahead.

Michele Carter
Sister of CPL Gary Walters
KIA in Baghdad, 24 April 2005"

"Thank you Alan Gifford, 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 1st Sgt. Alan Gifford:
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 Alan 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 1st Sgt. Alan Gifford:
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 Alan, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia