Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Never to be forgotten."
ALBERT ALLEN KAFFENBERGER, Sr. of Lakewood, Colorado USA

"Dear sweet family (including Stacey),
I am knee deep reading your stories in the "Invisible Front" and cannot put the book down. I am so touched by your suffering and unfathomable sacrifice. It is an honor and a privilege to thank you for your service Gen. Graham and a thankful and mournful condolence for the loss of such beautiful boys."
Allison K. Poteet (USAF veteran) of Gonzales, TX

"Carol, Melanie and I are touched by your kind and heartfelt words! Thank each of you for taking the time to post words, memories here that we will cherish forever. Jeff and Kevin died fighting different battles. Our hearts will ache forever but knowing so many are with us is a comfort. Thank You all.
'Land of the Free..Because of the Brave!'"
Mark Graham of Fort Bragg, North Carolina

"To the family of:Jeffrey C. Graham
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""

"General and Mrs Graham, thank you for sharing your life and memories of your son's with us here at Forces Command. Because of your willingness to share your experiences, we are even more aware of issues and individual problems that affect our love ones and soldiers lives every day in a horrific manner."
CSM Winston R. Canady, US Army Ret. of Fort McPherson, GA

"Four years ago a friend of mine returning from a visit with her boyfriend at Fort Bragg, brought me back a memorial bracelet. The bracelet I have worn every day for the past four years bears the name Jeffrey C Graham, from Kentucky. Just after I received this bracelet I read an article in Cosmopolitan magazine about Jeffrey's wife and it touched me to hear his story and made me very proud to wear a memorial bracelet with his name on it."
Bethany of Maine

"February 2, 2009
To the family of 2nd Lt. Jeffrey C. Graham:
Jeffrey 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

"LT Graham's Family
Im sorry I havent written sooner I just found this site. I met the LT when he and I were reporting in to FT. Riley at the same time. He was staying at a local motel, and I had invited him over for dinner. He had met my family and made a big impact on them. He and I deployed together to Iraq, and he had become someone I would call a friend. I took over the 1-34 Mortar PLT and he took over a platoon over in C Co. I saw him several times, including the moring of his death. I had just invited to my house for a cook out when we got home. I will never forget no matter how bad things got over there, he was always sure of himself, and motivated. He was an inspiration to his men and all who knew him."
SFC Anderson, John of Girard PA

"Thank you for your service to this country-God Bless America"
Ed Mahoney of Syracuse, New York

"Lt. Graham was the best officer and person I knew. I won't forget his smile. The short time I served under him before he was taken away has changed my life, his platoon and his medic loved him."
Anuar Valdez of San Antonio Texas

"It is all the more poignant for me to acknowledge that one of our fallen heroes bears my own name. I regret so deeply that your family had to make this sacrifice. It is of historic proportions. I do not know what this war really means yet. I have my suspicions and my grave doubts about its usefulness. But I so admire the strength of those whom are making the sacrifices, those who survive and those who give so much of themselves in life and blood. My vow is to harness all I have to work for a just peace, to strive to make the loss of your own dear ones more meaningful. His memory serves to bring us together, to unite us in a common quest for individual and human freedom, to protect the grandeur of our constitution and the illustrious idealism of those who gave us that gift."
Jeffrey Graham of Santa Monica, CA, USA

"to: Ms. Stacey
i might not be anyone important..nor do i know any of you. I'm a 16 year old student on an airforce base in japan. I worry about all those in the war right now..but most of all i wanted to say that I'm truely sorry for your loss...i read the article..in the cosmopalitain magazine..and it touched me..it made me think of what tihs war is doing...i know it must have been hard on you....I know..this because as i read the artical...i felt my heart break..slowly piece by piece with each letter till i got to the end...after reading it...i wanted to find a way to say that i feel your pain..and theres many others out there who do too...so remember your not alone...and that people will always be there to help you"
Chris Castillo of Yokota airbase, japan

"Dear Mr. & Mrs. Graham and Melanie,
I'm so sorry for the loss of Kevin and Jeff. They were two of the greatest men I've ever known. I'm proud to have known them both. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you!"
Ali Barg of Arlington, VA

"Dear Mark, Carol, and Stacey,
I was an acquaintance of Jeff and Kevin in HS (class '98). I just found out today of their passing through a friend. I can not tell you how sorry I am as I send my condolences. Stacey, you are so young, with quite a future ahead of you, so take everyday as it comes, because he will always be beside you, loving you.
God Bless."
Angela Nardolillo of Nutley, NJ

"Dear Mark, Carol, and Stacey,
I was an acquaintance of Jeff and Kevin in HS (class '98). I just found out today of their passing through a friend. I can not tell you how sorry I am as I send my condolences. Stacey, you are so young, with quite a future ahead of you, so take everday as it comes, because he will always be beside you, loving you.
God Bless."
Angela Nardolillo of Nutley, NJ

"Lest we forget any of them. Any of them!"
Anonymous of Baltimore, MD

"Dear Mark, Carol, and Stacey,

I read the story from cosom magazine and it touched me very deeply. I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers and thoughts everyday. I just want you all to know that Jeffery is watching over all of you. May God Bless You All."
Peggy Schoof of Three Oaks, Michigan

"We had the honor of serving with the Graham's here at Fort Sill, OK. In honor of the memory of their son we have named our newborn son, "Jeffery Graham Beemer." May his memory never grow dim and may our country never forget, that freedom is not free. This is the land of the free, because of the brave."
The beemers of Fort Sill, Oklahoma USA

"Mark, Carol, and Melanie,
I have just returned to Osan and learned of your losses. My prayers are with you."
Linda Concepcion of Osan Air Base, South Korea

"Carol, Mark and Melanie, and Stacey: This is Jen (Hunzeker) Makin. I wanted to say how sad that I am about the loss of your two sons. I loved those boys and I know how much grief you must be continuing to go through. I pray for your family every night. God bless you and the example you are to the military community and to the world. Jeff and Kevin will never be forgotten ..."
Jen (Hunzeker) Makin of Saratoga Springs, UT

"Mr. and Mrs. Graham and Melanie,
I was in touch with Melanie just after your loss of Jeff and my deepest sympathy is with you for your loss of both Jeff and Kevin. I was recently in Germany visiting our old friends from when we all lived in Baumholder and I drove by where we all used to live and it brought back so many memories that I shared with all of you. I hope that you are all well and I want you to know that my entire family prays and is thinking about you all still. Love, Carley"
Carley Sundstrom of Richmond, Virginia

"To the Graham Family:
I graduated from high school with Jeff and I only saw him a few times shortly after that. I remember that he played golf, and I teased him for that, I played football. Had I known he joined the Army, I would have teased him for that too(sorry Col Graham, I joined the Marines). Jeff was an awesome, positive, and cheerful person. He always knew and did the right thing. I was in Iraq when Jeff left us and I did not find out until after I returned. I am so very sorry for your loss. God bless you and the families of all of my buddies that didnt get to come home. I have a picture of us and a couple of our other high school buddies just before we went to a concert, if you would like a copy just email me at sixrdr@yahoo.com."
PM of San Diego, CA

"To the family of Jeff Graham: I just wanted you to know that I still think of Jeff often. He was a dear friend of mine going through ROTC and Pershing Rifles together. What a wonderful person and a wonderful life he lived. You're still missed, my friend."
1LT Nathan Alfano, USAF of LRAFB, AR

"Jeff was such an inspiration to all of us in ROTC at the University of KY. We all truly miss him. My heart bleeds for the family. I pray that God will someday heal their hearts.
God Bless you Jeff!"
Anitra Taylor of Lexington, KY

"Mark, Carol, Melanie and Stacey-
I just wanted to let you know since Jason is stationed here in D.C. we went to the "Faces of the Fallen" memorial and had a chance to see Jeff's face. It is perfect. We went ahead and laid down a small UK sticker and some flowers, and just wanted to let you know that even here in D.C. there are people still remembering..."
Kristy Nakayama of Alexandria, VA

"To the Graham Family & Stacey Martinez,

Jeff was our fraternity brother in the University of Kentucky Pershing Rifles. He left a deep impact on our members, and his loss is deeply felt. He threw great parties, was a strong leader, and was the comic relief of the group. If there is anything that we can do for you, let us know. It would be an honor to assist you in the memory of Jeff."
Matthew and Stacy Baber, UK Pershing Rifles of Lexington KY, USA

"Stacey,I just finnished reading the devastating news from a magazine. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the pain you feel inside. Its like I know you and Jeff now by reading the article. I could not stop crying. I hurt for you terribly. I leave for the airforce in March 2005, and you and Jeff will remain in my heart forever. You have no idea how much of an impact you have on me now. I will become a stronger person because of you. I hope you and your families remain well, and dont ever lose hope. GodBless you all, Crystal Wormuth- Black Lake NY (email)zemzi01@yahoo.com"
Crystal Wormuth of Hammond, NY USA

"I knew Jeff from high school in Lawton, Oklahoma. I remember that he always had a smile on his face and he had a great sense of humor. I am so sorry for the loss his family has suffered. I thank Jeff for the service he provided our country."
JP of Lawton, OK

"Dear Mark, Carol, Melanie and Stacey. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to know not only Jeff but also his brother Kevin. They were close friends of mine growing up in Germany and I feel nothing but pride for knowing that even though we had lost touch, we were still brothers in arms. My heart goes out to you…"
CPT Nicholas A. Long of Fort Hood, Texas

"To the Graham Family & Stacey Martinez,
I would like to take a moment to express my most deepest sorrow and pain for your loss. My husband and I saw the article in a famous magazine and felt the pit of our stomachs begin to turn as we read an all too familiar story. To Mr. & Mrs. Graham & family, your son was a brave and heroic man, but nothing could ever replace the vivid memories of him. To Stacie, I have only traveled the shorter road that you have walked down when my own fiance, a Sgt. in the Army, left for a year deployment. I cannot imagine the struggles you have faced and the memories you relive. You will see him again in a more sacred place...We continue to keep all of you in our minds, hearts, and prayers. God Bless You & Keep You All..."
David McKenna Sgt. Army Reserves & Christina McKenna of Leominster, MA

"Dear Mark, Carol, Melanie, and Stacie. We just learned of your loss of both Jeff and Kevin, and can’t tell you how deeply moved and sorry we are. We remember Jeff, Kevin, and Melanie as smiling, laughing kids in Germany, playing with our kids and enjoying life. While there are no words to soften such times, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and that both your fine boys will live on in our hearts and memories. Jeff and Missy"
Jeff and Missy Long of Helena, MT

"My name is Lindsey, and I knew Jeff when both of our families were stationed in Augsburg, Germany. We were both kids then, but I remember him to be happy, kind and always laughing. I am truly saddened to learn of his passing. Stacey, Mark, Carol, and Melanie will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come. No words can describe how sorry I am for your loss."
Lindsey Beerbower (Long) of Fort Lee, Virginia

"Dear Jeff's family and loved ones,
I just read Stacey's treasured letters in a major magazine and cried for your loss. I feel like I am carrying a piece of Jeff with me now, though I have never met him. From this day on I am going to live life a little fuller for Jeff in appreciation of the ultimate sacrfice he made for me, everyone of us, and our country.
Jeff and all of his loved ones, you forever will be in my prayers.
Thank you Jeffrey C. Graham, a true hero."
Denise Shadler of Oldsmar, FL

"My name is Kayla, and I am 17 years old. I have an Iraqi KIA memorial bracelet in Jefferys memory and would like his family to know that he will never be forgotten. As long as I'm here I will wear it and he will be remembered. I'm terribly sorry for your loss, he sounds like a wonderful man, and I am honored to wear his bracelet. Thank you Jeffery for serving our country and defending our freedom. I hope to follow in your footsteps very soon. :)"
Kayla J. of Annapolis, Maryland

"I am very sorry for your loss. I read an editoral in the newspaper which I work for, from a 1st Lt. Tyler J. Burke and in it he said to look Jeffrey up on here. I thank him for his strength and his sacrafice to help make our country safer. He is in my prayers."
Stephanie Gibson of Springfield, Vermont

"I read about the quilt given to Jeffrey's fiancee, Stacey, in our local paper, The Free Lance Star, and was very touched. I'm very sorry for your loss and I'm thankful to Jeffrey for serving our country so honorably."
A.S. of Fredericksburg, VA

"My friend and hero Jeff Graham, I miss you buddy...I'm glad to have had the chance to know you and work with you. I think of you pretty much every day, I will never forget your infectious smile and positive attitude. So many good memories that I'll cherish forever... I think of your family and pray that time will help ease their pain. (Keep your chin up Stacy)"
1LT Tyler Burke of 1-1 CAV, Germany

"No greater love hath a man than to give his life for his friends. You gave your all for us and our country."
R. Graham of Mississippi

"I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to have known Jeff. He touched so many lives in so many ways. His service to his country and fellow soldiers and his selfless sacrifice will not be forgotten. The Graham family and Stacey will always be in my prayers."
CPT Nina Johnson of Mannheim, Germany

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Graham and Melanie,
You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. I was unaware that Jeff was in Iraq, which makes the news of his passing even more difficult to comprehend. He will be missed by all who knew him, but will leave us with happy memories that we can hold on to forever. May you find strength in this time of grief. Sending all my love."
Becca Ronquest of Bloomington, Indiana

"My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff and his family. I knew Jeff briefly from a school in the past. He was a good man, and will be missed greatly."
1LT Blain Holmes of Las Vegas, NV

"Jeff Graham gave his life to help all americans keep our way of life. I solute you Jeff Graham and mourn your passing."
Mick Kaffenberger of Carson City NV

"I have now read the other messages and know that this Jeff was our friend in Stafford. I hope his family sees this an knows how we treasured you. Rosie is heartbroken. Love to all of you."
Pam Rabon of Florence, SC 29501

"I have just heard of the death of Jeffrey Graham. Would like to know if he was the son of Carol Graham. My prayers are with all the families of our fallen and still fighting men. My son is a US Army Ranger. We lived in Stafford, VA and knew a wonderful young man named Jeffrey Graham. I would like to contact his mother Carol."
Pam Rabon of Florence, SC. 29501

"The Sisters of Alpha Delta Pi at the University of Kentucky honor the lives of Jeffrey and Kevin Graham. You will always be with us. To Melanie, Mark, Carol, and Stacy- we pray for you everyday and love you all. "We live for each other""
Lindsay George of Lexington, Kentucky USA

"I was looking through Army Times and I came across Jeff's name in the list of Fallen Heroes. Jeff was in my platoon during ROTC Advance Camp training in Ft. Lewis, WA. I remember him as one of the nicest and funniest guys in our platoon. I will always remember him that way and he will be sorely missed. Jeff and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers."
2LT Laura E. Martin of Fort Irwin, CA

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

"I found Jeffrey's name while viewing some of the Faces of the Fallen on the Washington Post's website. His profile particularly drew my attention because of his hometown of Elizabethtown, KY (I reside in Lexington). I would like to thank Jeffrey C. Graham for his bravery and service to his country."
Jeff of Lexington, KY

"Mr. and Mrs. Graham, I pray for you everyday. Keep your chin up Melanie, you know those boys will never leave your side. Jeff and Kevin both have created many memories for me which I will cherish always. God Bless you, remember your friends in Virginia are thinking of you."
Laura Bachmann of Woodbridge, VA

"To a fallen friend, a hero, and a brother in arms,
Jeff, from now until eternity, the sounds of your happy heart will resound within me. I only wish that I was by your side, fighting next to you, watching over your shoulder, and keeping you safe. Serving by your side was an honor, and I can only hope that you will remain with me. My heart goes out to your loved ones. To Stacy, I cannot even imagine your pain, and I pray for you. To your parents, your son was a man I respected more than any other peer . . . you should be proud. And to you, my friend, I shall live my life to the fullest, in hopes of sharing a taste of it with you. " For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the protected never know." Semper fidelis."
2ndLt Anthony Bariletti, USMCR of Twentynine Palms, CA

"Mr. and Mrs. Graham and family! My heart goes out to you! I am saddened by your loss as I feel as if I have too lost a family member! My family's prayers are with you."
Ashley Harris of Osan Korea

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

"God Bless You Brave Solider. Thank you for your duty to our country. May God be with your family."
The Taylors USMC of NC

"To the Family of Jeffrey Graham: You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jeffrey is a true American Hero and will always be remembered that way. God Bless you."
Dayna Kinner of Westerville, OH

"UK AROTC will always have a place in our hearts for 2LT Jeff Graham. His love for family, friends, his country and UK basketball will keep us remembering his smile."
linda of UK AROTC

"I am deeply saddened by your loss. My nephew was also at Fort Riley. We lost him on Dec 2nd. Our prayers are with you and your family. Jeffrey will never be forgotten for his gift of freedom for all of us. Thank you Jeffrey."
Maureen Ledet of San Angelo, Texas

"Thank you Jeffrey, and to all of our soldiers who voluntarily put your lives on the line all in the name of freedom. I am an Army mom, I worry all of the time about "the call". I pray for each and every soldier every day, through out the day. I also, pray for all of you other mom's, dad's, sister's, brother's, husband's, and wives. Thank you for your sacrifice, and your selfless service to your country. God must be having the party of all parties up there in heaven. Till we meet on the other side...God Bless you Jeffrey"
The Family of SPC Mitchell R. Warriner-Hansen of Hillsboro, Oregon

"Please excuse our typo, we meant no disrespect to Jeffrey."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To Jeffrey's Family:
There are no words that can express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you and your family as Joshua watches over you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Jeffrey Graham, 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 2nd Lt. Jeffrey Graham:
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 Jeffrey 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 2nd Lt. Jeffrey Graham:
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 Jeffrey, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia