Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Spc. Kyle A. Griffin

20, of Emerson, New Jersey.
Spc. Griffin was traveling in a three-vehicle convoy during a storm from Mosul to Tikrit (2 HUMMVs, 1 light medium tactical vehicle). A civilian vehicle dodged a pothole causing the HUMMVs to swerve. There was not enough stopping distance between the vehicles causing the LMTV to swerve off the road and turn over, causing the death of Griffin and two other soldiers. The soldiers were assigned to the 519th Military Intelligence Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Died on May 30, 2003.

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"Hi"
AlexPetreuz of IsGRsoEYSryFk

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"To the family of Kyle Griffin,
My name is Brad Willey (Twin Mt., NH). I served in the 1/325 in the 82nd and was wounded in Iraq due to an IED. I went through Pre-Ranger School with your son Kyle at Fort Bragg, N.C. He was an energetic and intelligent young man. Kyle's humor helped everyone deal with the suck during Pre-Ranger. We did a lot of flutter-kicks and push-ups together thanks to our R.I. SSG Riley. I just wanted you to know that your son was an exceptional soldier and is always in my thoughts and prayers. RANGERS Lead the Way!"
Brad Willey of Twin Mountain, NH / USA

"To the family of:Kyle A. Griffin 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"

"Kyle,

I don't even know where to start, I've none you since Kindergarten. Not only where you John's best friend, you were also my little brother! I thank you SO much, for what you did for our country! May 30th was one of saddest days of our family's life, which you where apart of! We love and think of every day!

We Love You!"
Gina of Emerson, NJ

"there are not enough words to help maintain and remember how amazing a person Kyle was; and in some ways he still is. He is missed every day and what he gave for this country, can't be measured. I feel extremely lucky to have known him and be part of his life."
elizabeth vaccaro of paramus, nj

"January 28, 2008
To the family of Spc. Kyle A. Griffin:
Kyle 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

"Kyle,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other two soldiers who were also in that truck with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Airborne All The Way!"

"Sir, Thank you for coming to Iraq and seeing first hand the people and the troops who served with your son. I have heard nothing but goodness about your visit with the KYNG JVB boys and wish I had met you while you were here. If you have time please email me at apachedad@yahoo.com Thanks for your time and the support you show us and mostly your son."
MAJ Allen Hahn of Baghdad

"I was overwhelmed with respect for Mr. Ronald Griffin while viewing his recent interview on C-Span. I would like to communicate directly with Kyle's father. Please email me at john.miller(@)athealth.com"
John L. Miller of Seattle, WA

"It has been almost 3 years since I carried Kyle to Tikrit. Please know that both he and his family are still in my prayers. Soldiers never forget thier own. I have worn his ID bracelet on my wrist for the last 3 years. There it will remain as a reminder to me that no matter how much I give, someone has given more."
SSG Berrios of Egypt

"To the Griffin Family i was in Basic training with Kyle he was my battle buddy.We went to Fort Bragg together.Your son was the most dedicated soldier i ever knew.His strive for perfection was something i always admired so much that i named my son Kyle in his honor.I am currently a Drill sergeant at Fort Jacksonn After three times in Iraq.Please email me at ash4uncw@yahoo.com if there is anything i can do for you Airborne all the way lets go SSG Fox"
SSG Fox,Reggie of Ft Jackson

"3 years has past yet I remember that day like it was only an hour ago. You are not forgotten."
J. Aklan of Dothan, AL

"Mr and Mrs Griffin, thank you so very much for the wonderful piece in The Wall Street Journal. It was so eloquent,and I feel sure that you speak for all of us who wish to honor the sacrifice of our loved ones. We lost our son, Capt Christopher J Kenny on May 3rd 2004, so we share your sorrow.I did not see Senator Nelson's comment in our local paper. I intend to send him a copy of your article in case he missed it. Please know that we will keep you and your family in our prayers."
Jackie and Jim Kenny of Merritt Island Fla.

"Mr. Mrs. Griffin and family,
On behalf of the Cawley family I would like to thank you for the piece you wrote in the Journal. I will never use the memory or passing of my brother to promote a cause he didn't believe in. You bring honor to your son's name and honor to the rest of us who have lost someone in this war. Yours is a true Gold Star family...the 24 karat-gold kind. Love to you and your family from ours. If there's a heaven, I assure you my brother has found his way to Kyle by now and shaken his hand. May the memory of their convictions and the honor with which they served and died live forever. God bless you."
Mike Cawley, brother-Marine SSGT James W. Cawley, KIA serving us all, Iraq, March 29, 2003 of Roy, Utah

"Dear Mr. Griffin,
I read your article in the Wall Street Journal. I can't ever remember being so moved by words. It is not hard for me to see why Kyle was such a great man if he came from your blood. I am very sorry for your loss and hold you in the highest esteem imaginable. I was a Marine infantryman for 2 years in Vietnam. I would have been very proud to have you or Kyle in my squad."
Tom Zangrilli of Berwyn, IL.

"Kyle, You will forever remain in my heart as a true hero. Men and women like you are the reason why our country is the land of the free. You died for our country and our freedom. You have left footprints throughout Emerson, and touched lives across the world. Your bravery and courage was incredible. I am proud to have been your classmate and your friend. I enjoyed your sarcasm and your unique view of the world. Words cannot express the gratitude, and sadness i feel for your family. Gratitude for raising a fine man that stood proud to defend the honor of our country, and sadness for their loss. Your memory will always live on."
Dawn Mondadori - Class of 2000 of Secaucus, NJ

"To SPC Griffin's family:

I knew Kyle having been stationed in the same BDE with him for years. He was a great guy. I remember the last time I spoke to him, we were standing in front of the Soldier Community Bldg between the two barracks buildings. He looked great and so happy. He loved being a soldier and his performance & motivation certainly matched his love.

We all still mourn his loss."
SGT Fiona Kelly of Fort Bragg, NC

"I happened to type my sons name in on the computer and hit search the first thing to come up was this site. My son Kyle W. Griffin is only 13 but this dear soilder with the same first and last name gave his life so that my son and my family can live in freedom. Bless his memory and his greiving family for I am truely greatful to all our soilders."
Nettie Griffin of Anderson SC

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

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

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

"I went to high school with Kyle. My friends and I were kept laughing by Kyle all day. He was a clown on the ouside but very sweet and sincere on the inside. After entering the armed forces, he was changed. He became the man that every family wishes their son will become. We miss him very much and were devestated by the news of his death. However, we know that it was his choice and his love to be where he was, doing what he was doing. We just wanted to say that we love and miss you Kyle and you are in our prayers every night!! PS: We know that even in heaven you are keeping them laughing and just so you know, my hair is finally one color so now you can't joke about it :) xoxo: the girls of Emerson class of 2000"
Stephanie Artuso of Emerson, New Jersey

"Thank you Kyle Griffin, 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 Parents of Spc Griffin.
My heart goes out to you. My name is SPC Berrios and I was the Crewchief on that sad day. I can promise you that your son will never be forgotten. His name is forever imprinted on my mind. I would like you to know that I was Proud to carry your son on my aircraft, and have never seen my crew work harder. Your son was my first Casualty and will forever hold a place in my heart. I would like you both to feel free to contact me at pv2berrios@hotmail.com. Your son was a true hero."
Spc Berrios of 57th Med Co,"

"Each 9/11 I help organize a prayer service at our Church of Saint Therese, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. for those who died during the attacks, in combat as well as those they left behind. Kyle knew my nephew, Mark Calore, while he served in the Army. Kyle and his family have been and will be in my prayers. With deepest sympathy. Christopher Calore"
Christopher Calore of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. USA

"I knew Kyle well in basic training. He always made me laugh. I vividly remember once about half way through basic training, I was getting depressed and homesick. He sat down with me by his wall locker and we talked for almost an hour. He was the person who encouraged me to stay motivated. If it wasn't for Kyle, I wouldn't have made it through basic training. To Kyle's parents, know that your son helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life. I wouldn't be the same person if it weren't for him. I know you are very proud of his sacrifice. I, too, am extremely thankful for his sacrifice. But I am also thankful for your sacrifice. I can never imagine your pain. But you should rest in knowing that your son gave his life doing the best thing he knew how to do: be a soldier. I will never forget his humor. I will never forget his selfless acts. And I will never forget you in my prayers."
Mark R. Calore of Wilkes-Barre, PA

"To the family and friends of Spc. Kyle Griffin:
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 Kyle 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. Kyle Griffin:
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 Kyle, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on