Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Richard… What I remember most about our time in 1st ID DISCOM (BRO) was the overwhelming smile you carried and your example of getting the mission compete. A true Warrior in stature who loved Soldiering and motivated the spirit throughout our DISCOM formation! You were the example of readiness to fight our countries battles, protect the men and women to left and right, and be-forward in getting the day’s work started to completion. You were a remarkable example of LEADERSHIP for young CPT Phillips, and I will never forget your example and how hard you fought. Know that I share, with many whose lives you touched, your loss and pray for your family who will continue to carry your absence in their lives. We all Pray God holds and keeps them as you look over them ALL. On behalf of myself, my family, our peers, and a GRATEFUL NATION… YOU ARE MISSED."
Bashiri Phillips of Frederick, MD, Frederick

"SFC Richard Gottfried was a good friend. I was 1ID DISCOM unit Office Automation Administrator and he would always make me laugh when I would stop by his office. As with others of the unit, I also have a Challenge coin holder he completed and gave to me right before he left for Iraq. I think of him when I ever I look at my coins. I was given a framed picture of Richard, which was given to me by one of the NCO’s of his section, which I proudly displayed in my office."
Kevin Sherman, 1SGT USA Retired of Vilseck, Bayern, Germany

"I think about SFC Gottfried all year, but sharing now. Thinking about you Bro. Rest in heaven and be at peace! Love you Bro! 💝"
Larry Keys of Warren Michigan

"As Memorial Day approaches, I find myself thinking about SFC Gottfried. His leadership, professionalism and commitment to his fellow Soldiers will never be forgotten."
Sean Thomas, MD. COL(retired) US Army of South Carolina.

"We would like contract with a family member to get a quality photo to added to our Missouri Memorial.
Rick.Andrews100@Yahoo.com
MissouriMilitary.org"
Rick Andrews of St Louis, MO

"To my friend. I miss you."
SFC Jacob Hanson of Kitzingen, GE

"It is August 28, 2015 and I was brought to tears driving to work today thinking of Richard and the sacrifices he has made so that others may prosper. I have a wooden coin display case in my office that Richard hand made for me while we were serving together in the 1st Infantry Division, DMMC, Kitzingen, GE. I have had a plaque mounted on the case with Richard’s information as my way of honoring his sacrifice. I miss him! (Jeffrey A. Carraux, 1SG (ret)."
Jeffrey A. Carraux of Chester, VA 23831

"SFC Richard S Gottfried is my brother. I know much time has passed and most people that knew him have retired. I am looking for anyone that was with him in the last days of his life before he passed. I can be contacted by email: anniela.l.gottfried.civ@ mail.mil"
Anniela L Gottfried of Fort Leonard Wood Missouri USA

"Since his loss in 2004, my fond memories of SFC Gottfried have and will continue to be a constant reminder of the great men and women of the Armed Forces who lay everything on the line for our country. I also served with SFC Gottfried while assigned with the 1st Infantry Division in Germany and deployed with him to Iraq. As young junior noncommissioned officer back then, I vividly remember SFC Gottfried as an effective instructor and caring mentor who always had a never ending supply of advice in the form of life lessons when needed! This Memorial Day, I would like to say my heartfelt thank you to his family family and the people new him! He is missed and will always be remembered! Master Sergeant Louie M. Jimenez"
MSG Louie M Jimenez of Fort Belvoir, Virginia

"I want to thank all of the people who have written lasting heart felt words about my brother. The Lord richly blessed Steve. Not many days pass when I don't think of him and look back fondly into the past. He was a soldiers' soldier, a man of his word, and a great brother. I miss him greatly and I know others do as well.

John Gottfried 970-286-8107"
John Gottfried

"I may not have known you personally but I will never forget you, Richard."
Virgilio Angeles, SFC, USA, Ret of 1st BN, 17th FAR, Fort Sill, OK

"I served with SFC Gottfried in 1st INF DISCOM until 2003. I was devastated the day I heard of his passing. I still think fondly of him and try to keep his memory alive. Richard was a professional soldier and a loyal friend. When I PCS's to Missouri it was Richard who talked me into it. I have since retired and live here today. I visit his final resting place to pay my respect to a man that truly believed "the needs of the many out way the needs of the few or the one". Richard you will always be missed."
Ray Lasher, SFC Retired of Fort Leonard Wood MO

""I'm trying to locate the family members of SFC Richard S. Gottfried. I am SFC Homer J. Cage currently serving as the Water Training Division Noncommissioned Officer-in Charge. Reason for the request is I/we are trying to dedicate a classroom after him. Please forward all information to the following address:
SFC Homer J. Cage
Bldg 11300 Petroleum & Water Department
Water Training Division
1241 Grant Avenue
Ft. Lee, Virginia 23801-1801"
SFC Homer J. cage of Ft. Lee, VA

"I'm trying to locate the family members of SFC Richard S. Gottfried. I served in the 1ST Infanty Division in Kitzingen, GE (2004 - 2006), however, he had already passed when I arrived in theatre. The unit has relocated to Fort Riley, and we are trying to send the family a memorial picture. Please forward all information to the following address:
SFC Paula A. Miller
Bldg 8614, Sustainment Drive
Fort Riley, KS 66442
You may also call at 785 320-5954
Your help is greatly appreciated!"
SFC Paula Miller of Fort Riley, KS

"I was in Iraq with him, in the same unit. His loss hit all the soldiers in the unit and today (May 11, 2012) I still think of him and his family."
Anthony Harbison, SFC (Retired) of Louisville, KY

"To the family of:Richard S. Gottfried
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""

"Most kind and selfless man i've ever met."
Denis Stepanenko of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur

"To the Gottried family and 1ID HHC DISCOM family, it has been six years since we lost SFC Richard S. Gottried. He will always be in our hearts, and never will be forgotten."
SFC Robert Hackett Jr. (RET) of Aberdeen, Maryland (USA)

"Just wanted to let you know I have not forgotten you. It has been six years since the day you left us. Take care, my dear friend. March 2004 RIP Richard S. Gottfried."
Donald Sparks of Korea

"January 29, 2009
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Richard S. Gottfried:
Richard 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

"Steve I truly miss you. You were always there for me when I needed someone to talk to. I still think of the days we spent on the range just talking about the families and how the kids have all grown up. There was never a better man than you. The day you convoyed through Taji and I got to go out and see the old Company it was great to see you and give you a hug I wish every second of everyday I could have spent more time just hanging out and talking to you and I am sorry I could not be by your side during your time of need. Mary, Ashley and Eric there has been so many letter I wrote but could never finish for lack of words and knowledge of what to say. Your husband and father was a great man that no one could ever measure up to. I miss him and he is never forgotten"
Donald Sparks of Fort lewis WA

"Those who worked with him can never forget the memory of SFC Richard S. Gottfried. I had the privilege to work with him between Jun 01 until 04 in Iraq. He is always willing to share his knowledge and vast experience to mentor and develop young NCOs, Officers, and his peers. This was my experience and memory of him. From our deployment to Kosovo, Turkey, then Iraq – he will always share his knowledge to make sure our mission is successful. This is what he was doing the day he was taken from us. I am sure he his still looking over us for our safety. I want to thank the Gottfried family for all that you have done for the Army and the Nation! Freedom is never free!

Vr
Major Ben Kaffo
1st ID DISCOM
Movement Control Officer: Jun 01 – Jun 03
Cdr B Co (DS Maint), 601st ASB: Jun 03 – Oct 04 (Iraq)"
MAJ Ben Kaffo of Kansas

"Dear Family of Richard Gottfried:

To honor the Missouri soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, the professional artists of the "Grateful Hearts project" are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family.

These 16'x20" original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrificies made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families loss.

For more information, please email us at gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net

Sincerely;
The Artist of Grateful Hearts"
J.Gragg of Lee's Summit,Mo.

"I served for only a few months with SFC Gottfried and he was the first person to actually help me while I was in the unit. About 2-3 days before he passed he had helped me paint an office, and I know how small that sounds but it meant alot to me and I respected and looked up to him for everything he had helped me with. I only knew him for 3 months but miss him just as much."
SPC West, Steven of Tallil, Iraq

"SFC Gottfried was a great man and will be missed by all. I remember when he would come down to 701st and do CIP inspections on the POL and Water platoons. You will be truly missed.

CPT Rankin"
CPT Rankin of Ft Drum, NY

"SFC Richard Gottfried was the personification of what a Non-Commissioned Officer should be. I had the pleasure of working with him for three years at Ft. Knox, KY. We evaluated Reserve and National Guard units. He taught me more than any other soldier during my 12 year career. I only recently found out he was killed in action. He will be greatly missed by all"
CPT Keith Sherman of Hebron, KY

"Its has been almost 5 years since I have ETS from the United States Army. I served with 1ID HHC Discom.It is now March 20,2007 and I have just learned about SFC Gottfried's passing on. I feel
numb to the world.It is amazing how much of an impact one individual can have on a person(s).SFC Gottfried's field knowledge had no end ,it was amazing what he knew and also taught.
He was an outstanding mentor and soldier.SFC Gottfried will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and Richard will always be in prayer."
Damian J Charron of Cape Girardeau, Missouri,USA

"To everyone that knows him,
I was a water purification specialist with the 701st MSB. Although I only had the priveledge of meeting him a few times while in the field, his dedication and attention to detail were surpassed by no man. He taught us many things. Most of all to better ourselves and always strive to do your best. It was a sad day when I was I arrived in Iraq to find that he had passed on. We who served with him and those members of his family wherever we now may be, will always have some piece of him with us. He looks down apon us from a better place. God bless all who know him."
Sgt. Caskey of Al Asad Iraq

"Once again, Thank You to all of you who have posted messages. Feel free to contact us. ERIC GOTTFRIED epgottjc@aol.com"
eric gottfried of jefferson city, mo

"SFC Gottfried was the consumate professional in his field. I had the honor of serving with him in both Kitzingen Germany and in Iraq. An outstanding NCO and great man, he is missed by all and is a true American hero. His dedication to our Army and our nation will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
CPT Tim Ruckman of Fort Lee, VA, USA

"God bless you. I have kept you in my prayers since that day in Iraq. I was there in Iraq when SFC Gottfried was making his way up to FOB Spiecher. All gave some, some gave all!!!!"
Ken Follis of San Antonio TX

"SGT Zaugg, I am Ashley, the daughter of SFC Gottfried. We have been praying that we would be able to talk to someone who was with my dad when he died. Please, please, please contact us at ashleyfleming@charter.net. Thank you"
Ashley Fleming of St. Louis, Missouri

"I was with the convoy when SFC Gottfried was killed. I had only known him a day. I was impressed by his desire to serve his country and do the right thing. His knowledge in his field was exceptional and extremely helpful. May God bless you."
SGT Russell Zaugg of Sandy, Oregon

"To the family and friends of Richard S. Gottfried. SFC Gottfried was a friend and co-worker of mine in Kitzingen Germany since 2001. I've never meet a more caring and professional leader than SFC Gottfried. He would help anyone with anything that he could. SFC Gottfried was a part of the DMMC, 1st Infantry family and we miss him very much! I pray that all of you are at peace knowing that Richard is in heaven right now looking down and smiling over us. I pray each day for the family to have the inner strength to continue on with his legacy and be encouraged that he has served his family and nation proudly! I hope to meet you all when you come to Germany in May 05 for Richard's dedication ceremony. "Best wishes to everyone and God bless.""
SFC Christopher R. Council of HHC DISCOM, 1ID, Kitzingen Germany

"St. Charles Democratic Alliance held a Tribute & Memorial to the 20 fallen soldiers from Missouri on 3/19/2005, the 2nd anniversary of the War in Iraq. Four families of the fallen attended the event, and nine families shared messages that were read during the tribute by Connie Greene, sister of fallen soldier Jamie Huggins. The event aired on all four local newscasts (Fox KTVI, KPLR, KSDK, KMOV.) Biographies of each of the fallen soldiers were read while photos of the soldiers were displayed. The event also included Bible readings, songs, keynotes speeches by Rev. Jason Samuel and Viet Nam Veteran Ken Peters, and a fellowship in the church hall immediately following the tribute. Our organization was sensitive to the fact that even though information on Missouri’s fallen soldiers is a matter of open record, we had to go beyond the name, rank and serial number – we needed to share information on the fallen soldiers from the family’s perspective and present a tribute that each of the soldiers would have approved of. This was a day for honoring Missouri’s finest, as well as the sacrifice the families made, and continue to make every day. Special thanks to the Burkhardt, Gottfried, Huggins and Spink families for traveling long distances to Transfiguration Church in Lake St. Louis to participate in this community tribute. (anngastler@charter.net)"
Ann Gastler of St. Charles Democratic Alliance of St. Peters, MO

"I am organizing a 3/19/2005 Tribute & Memorial Service Honoring Missouri's Fallen Soldiers, hosted by St. Charles Democratic Alliance. We plan to have a spiritual memorial tribute planned to honor the 18 fallen Missouri soldiers who died in Iraq. We wanted to let you know your beloved isn't forgotten and invite you to this tribute. If you're not able to be in Lake St. Louis on 3/19/05 but would like to send a message or letter that we could read on behalf of your family, again, we'd be honored. Again, my deepest sympathy and please know that Richard is in my prayers"
Ann Gastler (anngastler@charter.net) of St. Peters, MO

"To the Family of SFC Richard Gottfried. I worked with SFC Gottfried several times reference petroleum support for 1ID while I was stationed in Bamberg. I found him to be one of the most professional soldier I have ever met. I was deeply saddened to find out he had died in Iraq. His memory will be with me forever."
Del Miltenberger of Madison, AL

"The city of Thorton CO held a 'Healing Fields' event, displaying a flag in memory of those who lost their lives in 9/11 or while serving in Afganistan or Iraq. Since I grew up in nearby Osage Beach MO, I was honored to obtain the flag honoring Sgt First Class Richard Gottfried. His family will be in our thoughts every time we fly this special flag."
Anton Mayer of Westminster CO

"To: A True hero and his family from an army spouse Mrs.carol Vicente we are currently stationed in germany my husband Rodney Vicente is from the same unit Mr. Gottfried was 701st MSB out of kitzingen germany we are deeply sadden by his loss it took the whole kitzingen community by suprise to have lost one of our own may god bless you and thank you for letting your father who is every ones hero serve our nation. if you are trying to get a hold of some one just e-mail me ill do my best. E-mail carolgirls2004@yahoo.com Mrs. Vicente"
Carol Vicente of Kitzingen, Germany

"To the family and friends of Richard, thank you for being strong and committed. I to am a military service member from Jefferson City and it's very upsetting to have a loss so close to home. This country will never forget the sacrifices made by Richard and his family. May God bless this great country of ours."
Michael Malone, MSG of Jefferson City, MO

"I would like to thank everyone for the messages you have left. Richard Gottfried is my father. He is always been my hero, all our faimlies hero. To Rod and others who served with my dad feel free to contact me. I always enjoy meeting those who serve this nation. Thank everyone for your prayers and support.
eric gottfried"
eric gottfried of jefferson city, mo

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

"SFC Gottfried and I served together at Fort Knox while assigned to the Readiness Group Knox as the Water Purification Assistor. He was a great guy to work with. He is sadly missed."
Rod of Fort Knox KY

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

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