Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Thanks for your guidance when I was a junior warrant."
CPT Darin C, Lesefka (Ret) of Pittsburgh, PA

"Eric, today is veteran’s day. As I reflect on this day, I offer my thoughts and prayers to you and to your family. Thank you for your sacrifice, loyalty, honor, and integrity. You were truly one of the best Warrant Officers and Aviators that I had the pleasure of knowing. I miss the times that we spent flying together, teaching students, working out, and having a good laugh over a beer at the end of the week. Your loss will not be forgotten. I’m proud to call you my friend. You will always be an inspiration to those of us that had the privilege of knowing you. I lift my glass to you today Eric, just as we did in the Army. Cheers brother, you are missed, and never forgotten."
CW4 Dale Farr of Gig Harbor, WA, USA

"Thank you for your sacrifice. You were a positive influence and mentor without ever knowing it."
Etienne Fonteneau of Hartsville, SC/USA

"Thinking of you and your legacy today- my dear friend and mentor. Always in our hearts. STORM."
Jennifer Walker (Ahl) of Phoenix, Az

"My brother in heaven. I love you. Not one day of my life goes by with out loving you. DPG"
of 23188

"Hi Lt. I was thinking about you and the boys today. It is Memorial Day. Have you know that I'm becoming an old man. Can you believed! I even have gray hair. Have a nice home a wonderful wife and two dogs. I'm living the dream. I tell as many people I can about you and the rest. Doing my best over here to keep your memory alive. I do struggle at times knowing that so many people didn't get to know you and the rest of my longtime gone friends. I hope I lived my life in a way that would make you all proud. I'm trying to fulfill your guys dreams. I owe you that much. Well, we should chat more later. Hooah!"
Frank Aponte, MSG, USA (Ret) of Orlando, FL

"Erik, I sit here and read all the wonderful things about you and think of all the times we had together. I remember your face when you were returning to Fort Devens from a mission. One of the Generals at the base thought it would be funny if I drove the Limousine out on the airfield to meet you and your crew. He let me listen to you through the headphones....."What the heck is that on the airfield? As you got closer you started laughing and said, That's my girlfriend Linda coming to pick us up. I was so excited to see you I could barely contain myself. Everytime you came home was like a new beginning. How I Wish You'd Come Home Again.....I miss you more than you'll ever know and can't wait to see you when you come to pick me up in the Black Hawk to join you in heaven.

Until then, I love you as much as I did when you were here.

Love Linda Trotto.......April 27, 2014"
Linda Trotto of Shrewsbury/ Webster, Ma.

"To my fallen brothers I miss you all. I will always remember the good times we had in Bosnia and the Bahamas"
Sgt Bilbrough. Trapper of Maryland

"You know I think about this all the time. I wrote the article in Knowledge magazine Vol. 5 November 11th, Snow white flight. That was the day Eric Halvorsen, Ed Baker, and I flew in a white out for 2.4 hours, Bosnia 1997. Such a great guy and pilot. Of course the editors messed a few things up. It was April 21, the day before my birthday."
Brian Blanton of Fort Benning, GA (still lol)

"As I reflect back today in history I would like to acknowledge our fallen comrades of Aircraft 557 during Operation Iraqi Freedom,Karbala Gap, Iraq. From the past and current members of 2nd Battalion 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter AAF, GA your memories will always be shared by all. As you read this note, I will reflect back and forth from the past to the present.



I salute you all!



CW4 Eric Halvorsen CW2 Scott Jamar SGT Michael Pedersen

CW3 Eric Smith CPT. James Adamouski SPC Matthew Boule





CPT. James Adamouski



I will always remember the serious talk we had about marriage at NTC in Victorville, CA. You know I was feeling down about how members in the chain of command was talking so negative about my wife and I. You told me to get married and the hell with what everyone else in the battalion thought of us. You said being married and working in the same company wouldn't be that bad as they were trying to make it.



When we went to Iraq together they separated my wife and I. She stayed in Kuwait and I took the journey to Iraq. I remember when SPC McKain said, "Hey Hartley, how about you send letters through me to send to your wife". That started a trend and I was writting 4 to 6 pages a day. You would always ask if I wanted to fly down to Kuwait during your pickup runs. I finally got clearance from the Commander to fly from Iraq to Kuwait to see my wife on April 1, 2003. I spoke to you when I arrived in Kuwait on the flightline and everyone giggled then pointed to the clam shell hanger that my wife was in. Everyone said, "Don't miss your flight because we have a full house going back tonight." I said, " I understand." After flying for 4 hours I was able to spend a priceless 45 minutes with my wife and I can remember the moment as if it was 5 minutes ago. When I kissed my wife and then we started to taxi down the runway all I could think about is the fact that God will see us through the tough times we were facing.



As I arrived back at our FOB (Forward Operation Base) I knew that I only had the chance to get maybe four hours of sleep because the convoy was rolling at 0545. COL Fergusion broke the official news to the Battalion that you all didn't make it back in last night. As the 1SG called roll for his commander, it was silence, as he called for his crew chiefs; there was silence, as he called for his pilots, once again there was nothing spoken. A cold chill was amongst everyone. COL Fergusion concluded with saying, "We must stay focused on our mission and acknowledge the sacricifices these men have given our country." We had a prayer, a moment of silence, and then we went on to our trucks.



I bring this story up today to reflect back on how people can make an influence on our lives. I proposed to my wife in the desert at NTC only a day after my talk with CPT Adamouski concerning marriage. Today I couldn't be any happier to be with my beautiful wife Lashonda, my beautiful daughter Kamiesha, and my handsome son Chris III. I can say that we are a blessed family.



SPC Matthew Boule



Matthew you were always so full of energy and eager to fly. You loved your job so much and that made you noticable amongst all your fellow class mates that arrived at Hunter AAF, GA with you. I can remember many parties that we all attended together. Everyone in our Company was very close to each other as if we knew each other for years. Your memories will always remain with us.



CW4 Eric Halvorsen



Mr. Halvorsen we were on a professional level at all times. I remember when you stayed in Preston Grove Apartments with us in Georgetown. You would always speak but mainly stayed to yourself. We always respected that and we would always thank you for the praises that you would make to PC(production control) on how well avionics was maintaining the aircraft.



CW2 Scott Jamar and CW3 Eric Smith



I can say that you all never sweated the small stuff. You knew things had to be done and you would give SGT Carter and SSG Bartley heads up so we could get the job done.



SGT Michael Pedersen



Your house party in 2002 was the first house party that my wife and attended together. Everyone was there and no one got into any trouble that night either. We all had so much team cohesion during and after work. I remember when you moved out of your house located outside the Montgomery Gate and moved in with SPC Stewart off of Abercorn. I remember when I introduced you to my parents, my sister, and cousins during my 22nd birthday party at the Hunter Club. My wife surprised me that night, I didn't know she rented the whole club out for me. I was so surpised at how many people supported my birthday. Thanks Mike for all the great memories. They will live on forever."
Chris Hartley, Jr. of Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

"Remembering each of you "Storm 6" and you families on this the eve of the anniversary."
Lila Lipscomb, Mother Sgt. Michael Pedersen of Columbus, Ohio

"God bless our brave and heroic soldiers who, voluntarily make the decsion to go out there and put there life on the line for us, for our beloved nation. There is no honor or sacrifice higher then what they do for our freedoms for which will never be forgotten. These men and women are truely remarkable. May God continue to bless them, there families and the U.S.A."
U.S.A Patriot of Minneapolis, MN U.S.A

""Hand, Salute; Ready, Two"

Erik, thanks for your service and sacrifice to our Country!"
Chris Piper of Brookfield, WI

"GREAT PILOT, would go where others wouldn't! Missed by all! Spent a lot of time with him in the 498th! God bless Erik"
SFC (RET) Charles Perry of Lillington, NC, USA

"My dear friend Erik, not a day gos by that I don't think about you. You were such a good friend, person, and aviator."
Edwin Montufar of Homestead, FL

"You have become a son to me and a true brother to my son. I prayed this morning for each of you lost that horrible day. The 7th anniversary and our love for each of you stays strong. A moment of silence was given in honor of you Erik, my Michael, Scott, Eric, Jimmy and Matt. Bless your families."
Lila Lipscomb, Mother of Sgt. Michael Pedersen of Flint, MI - USA

"Erik- I often visit Ft Stewart, and as I drive by the memorial, memories come to life. We spent a lot of time together TDY in the 498th. Played quite a bit of tennis, and tore up a golf course or two. From time to time my kids and I watch old videos of the mini-"airshows" we'd put on at their elementary schools in Cordele and Columbus. You were my choice to fly with during those missions because you could make the Hawk do things I could never figure out, and the hundreds of schoolkids were always so excited to meet the guys that made those machines so acrobatic. It was always so fun...even if not 100% authorized...but who would know? Until we showed up on the 6:00 local news once! (ouch) Anyway, you are and always were a good friend- always there to lend a hand, whether for Jeremy, Tommy, Chris, Binky, Aponte, Hernandez, Kevin or me...the list of lives you touched goes on. It was a pleasure, Erik...see you on my "Go-Around"."
Nick Rud, CWO, Ret. of Savannah, GA

"It's been 6 years Erik and me and Mcgilvra still talk about you and the guys all the time. (C 2-3 Camp Eagle, BZ)"
Riley of Miami, FL

"Today is the 6th anniversary. I lower my flag to 1/2 staff for 6 days, one for Erik, Eric, Jim, Scott, Mike and our Mat. I'll never forget your guys sacrifice."
Ron Arteno of Auberry, Ca

"Erik and I served together in the 498th at Benning. He was my section leader and was a fine leader. I miss the fun that we had on our TDY's down to Eglin or up at Dahlonega. Our deployment to Bosnia was made much easier with the fun and pranks that we pulled on each other. I was in Croatia at his base camp for a week to fill in for another pilot and as I was lifting the flap of the tent up in the morning, there he was with another guy named Binky (Brian Wilkins) showing me their backsides in all their glory. Erik, I enjoyed the times that we flew together and the things that you taught me. Thanks"
CW2 Thomas Schultz of St. Petersburg, FL

"I'll see you in heaven"
Dyane of So Cal

"August 15th 2007
Better late than never. I knew Erik, as I was his brother-in-law in his formative years, when he was finishing high school in Bennington, VT and then later in his college years in Hartford CT. Although this seems like an eternity ago, I remember him not only as an intelligent young man, but one who also possessed adept practical skills, who would later use these considerable talents with distinction in a fine military career. I had often marvelled at his supreme courage in his career choice of flying helicopters, for some of us would shirk from the very thought of going anywhere near a chopper, let alone fly one. Thanks, Erik for the memories of years ago when we played tennis on a court in Bennington, and whilst you were still at school, making the best pizzas in town at the local pizzeria.

We shall all share his loss, but none more so than his parents, Dorothy and Halvor, as well as his sisters, Karen, Ingrid and Brenda who should all be justly proud of a true American hero."
Jon Arvesen of Camberley, United Kingdom

"My Name is SFC Robert Robinson I am with the 705th MP BN, Camp Bucca Iraq. I am also proudly born and raised in Bennington Vermont. Erik was a Leader of Men, a Soldiers leader and a true example of a Patriot. The loss will always be felt by us. The Soldiers !"
SFC Robert Robinson of Camp Bucca Iraq

"July 4, 2007
To the family of Erik A. Halvorsen. Erik 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

"I can't believe its been 4 years. There isn't a day that goes by that u and the crew haven't been thought of. Several of the IP's in Flight School are teaching many of the Techniques that you taught them. Especially the most important one, be ready for the unexpected. The loss of u and the crew of 557 affects many of the pilots and crewchiefs that you flew with through out your career. I feel very fortunate to have flown with u and hope to take those lessons and use them for the rest of my career. To your family, This crew will never be forgotten and are extremely missed. RIP crew of 557"
(SGT) CW2 Timothy S. of Clarksville, Tn

"I miss you Erik!!"
Kel of Savannah

"Today, we lower our Flag to half staff...the 4th anniversary...for 6 days for you and the crew of 557.
We knew your Crew Chief Mat Boule."
Ron Arteno of Auberry, California

"CW4 Halvorsen,
Sir, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OIF, but also for your service in Desert Storm and Bosnia as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"Just thought I'd say hi again. Today is Veterans Day, and The Halvorsen Family are in my thoughts."
Jeremy Hutson of New York, NY

"God Bless you for your service, may you rest in peace, in all God's glory"
Diane Fowler of Yorba Linda, CA

"I only just recently came accross this site so I offer my apologies. I served in IRAQ in 2003 with the Australian Army as Warrant officer Class 2 Intelligence.
I read some of the memorials and I would like to add mine to that of others. Although time is passing quickly, myseklf and many of my comrades remember those who have fallen for our individual country. As a former Vietnam and Iraq Vet and with the family name of Halvorsen my prayers go with Eric Halvorsens family and he like so many will be remebered. Peter Halvorsen
Melbourne Australia.
Formerly WO2 Australian Intelligence Corps."
Pete Halvorsen of Melbourne Australia

"3 years - you will never be forgotten Erik, you live in our hearts and are with us every day. Your hometown has not forgotten-Memorial Day '06 and we placed wreaths for you and all the fallen of many wars. Love always, Mom. And many thanks to all who contributed to Erik on this message page."
Dorothy Halvorsen, Your Mom of Beninngton, VT

"Erik, I never met you. Your mother participated in a memorial art project; artists were given a photograph of a soldier lost in Iraq, and were asked to make a portrait in our own medium. Your photograph came with a short memoir from her. I spent weeks looking into your eyes, and what I saw was intelligence, independence, and integrity. A copy of the portrait I made is posted where I see it many times a day. I look for your name on memorials. This connection with you and your mother has made the war real for me. Yours is the individual life, and death, that I can ponder and hold in my heart."
Katherine Anne Stansbury of Portland, Oregon, USA

"Dottie, I think of you and of Erik often. Please know that you are in our hearts."
Sarah Page and Bob Wescott of formally of Bennington

"To the family and friends of Erik Halvorsen...My name is Robin. My son, Nathan, is also Eric Smith's son. We met Dorothy and Ingrid in Washington DC at the dedication of the Faces Of The Fallen Memorial in March 2005. I wish I'd chosen to be in touch with you right after that. There is still so much to know about these 6 brave men, who at that one moment in time, tied our families together...forever. I'm so sorry for my delays in condolences. I know you understand what grief can do to you. Nathan not only grieves the death of his father; but of a father he never got to meet. He will never have memories of a loving father. I've spent the past 3 years trying to bring Eric to life for his sake. (We're making our third trip to DC in May - this is where Nathan can see/talk to his daddy.) In doing so, I have realized that we have a great desire to know more about the men and women with whom he spent those last months. I have kept the families of these 6 men in my daily prayers and have decided to try to contact all of you on my son's behalf...to learn more about his father and those other 5 brave soldiers. You can contact me at jamnmom@cox.net. Again, please accept my most sincere sympathies. May God Bless you all!!!"
Robin of Topeka, KS

"no one saw the eagle hunting high up in the sky,but it looked down and thought it saw the prey upon the ground.and it's attack was swift and sure and in the twinkle of a star four soldiers lay dying in a field near kandahar.if there is no explantation then perhaps it's meant to be,God's army needed four good men and thats thier destiny.but as for me i'll grieve for thee and in my sadness hide and remember where i was the night four soldiers died.."
frank dalton of canada

"P.S. Pilot error...my a*s. He was by far, the BEST pilot I ever flew with. He could put the wheels of that bird on a quarter if he had to...goggles on at that. If anyone would like to correspond with me regarding this, I would like to obtain more information. FLTMED24@yahoo.com"
Jeremy Hutson of New York, NY

"Today, I did something I have hesitated to do for a long time. Scan the list of casualties from the war. Today I realized why I hadn't. Erik and I flew together in the 498th AA. He and I were very close friends. When I decided to leave the Army for college, he came down to Salem Mass to see me...to see if "i landed a job bartending". He thought that was the greatest thing ever. Erik...I have thought about you for years and I will continue to remember the great, great times we had...remember... what happens in the cockpit stays in the cockpit. God Bless the Halvorsen family, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. It was an honor serving with such a good man and officer."
Jeremy Hutson of New York, NY

"Erik,
I know you're watching over me as you always have. I can't tell you how much i wish you'd fly over my house in the black hawk to tell me that you're on your way home.
When i was in Bennington, VT to say my final goodbyes to you, I was at your moms with ingrid, karen and brenda and of course your mom. we were sitting at the kitchen table sharing some stories of you and i had just finished telling them how you'd fly over my house and circle the yard so i'd know you were home safe. the windows used to shake from the vibration of the black hawk.

Ironically, as we were talking about this, i heard a chopper and your mom, ingrid, karen, and brenda ran out to the back porch and it was a black hawk that was circling the house. all of us cried and waved good-bye wishing it was you.........It was such an omen for me because it made me believe that you would never leave my heart and that you'd always watch over me.
I will never stop loving you, you are the most wonderful, genuine man i've ever known and i thank god that i had the privelage to have you in my life for as long as i did.
You, your mom, ingrid, karen and
brenda have all made the ultimate sacrifice by losing such a great man.

i love you Erik
i will never forget even one
second that we had together.

love linda xxx000
i miss you so much........"
linda trotto of shrewsbury, ma 01545

"I was showing my friend Diana what a real Hero looks like. Erik and I served together in the 498th at Fort Benning. Lt put me down on some pretty tight spots. Erik was the best Hawk pilot, and friend I have ever known. I do believe to this day that he lives IN ALL OF US. I hope when my time is near and that Blackhawk comes to pick me up I do look to the left seat and I recognized that smile behind that face shield; until then LIVE ON LT."
SFC Aponte (Ret.) of Orlando , Florida

"Two and one-half years, and your mom and sisters miss you terribly! Not a day goes by without thoughts of you; your pictures are with us all the time, in all our homes, in our cars, in our wallets, in our hearts. Our lives are changed; we miss you so. Thanks to all who wrote comforting messages. Dorothy Halvorsen-Erik's mom."
Dorothy Halvorsen of Bennington, VT

"very sorry"
John of los angeles

"God bless you.
Erik is my hero.
May God give you peace and comfort. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I love ya'll"
Sharon Register of Franklin,TN

"Sir,
There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of my fallen "STORM" brothers. You will be in my heart forever, and you will never be forgotten. I'll never forget that night the black carribean water turned white. I still owe you one..."
(SGT) CW2 Steve Conway of Clarksville, TN

"Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice Erik. I am humbled to share the same last name with a hero."
Peter Halvorsen of Los Angeles, CA USA

"Also my condolences to Dot Halvorsen, who made English class back in 1982 a pretty good place to be. My thoughts are with you. Seeing this site definitely brings back a lot of memories. Playing soccer with Coach Vigsnes...

Again my sympathies are with you and yours.

I hope you find out as much as possible about the incident."
DR of Bennington, Vermont

"A final salute from a fellow Mount Anthony Fighting Patriot!"
DR of Bennington, Vermont

"To the friends and family of Erik A. Halvorsen:
I would like to express my sympathy for your loss. It hurts so much to know how many of us have had to make this painful journey. My husband died June 4, 2004 in Iraq. I pray for all the families of the fallen soldiers and for our military who is still in Iraq. Erik's courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

"We will forever honor you CW4 Erik A. Halvorsen! We are humbled by the sacrifice that you and your family have made for us and our country! God bless your soul!"
SSG Nathan Henderson and Michelle Henderson of Essex Junction, VT USA

"Low Flight"

Dedicated to Erik A. Halvorsen


Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth,

And Hovered out of Ground Effect on Semi-Ridgid Blades.

Earthward I've Auto'ed, and met the Rising Brush of Non-Paved Terrain;

And done a thousand things you would never care to.

Skidded and Dropped and Flared Low in the Heat Soaked Roar.

Confined there, I've chased the Earthbound Traffic

And Lost the race due to Insignificant Headwinds.

Forward and up a Little in Ground Effect,

I've Topped the Admirals hedge with drooping turns,

Where never SkyHawk nor even Tomcat Flew.

Shaking and Pulling Collective, I've Lumberd

The Low untresspassed Halls of Victor Airways;

Put out my Hand, and Touched a Tree.

Today Erik you Fly with Angels. Thank you for your Dedication and Sacrifice. "Godspeed Chief..."
Dennis B. Dray MAJ (R) ARNG of Tucson, AZ

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

"To Remember Them..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.

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 (USMC) of Lakeland, TN

"Warrant Officer Halvorsen, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"I was only beginning to know Mr. Halvorsen when our family, 2/3 Avn Bn lost him. He was a ray of sunshine, and a pleasure to get to know. Mr. H, you will not ever be forgotten."
Dawne Kwiatkowski of Savannah, Ga USA

"Thank you Erik Halvorsen, 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

"The "Mighty six", I know you are flying high in Heaven with the others, Tell Michael we love him and miss him, I continue to hold your family and the others in our prayers! Until we meet in our Fathers home, Peace! From the Family of Sgt. Michael Pedersen."
Lila Lipscomb of Flint, Michigan USA

"I miss you Erik!
Mrs. Halvorsen, Brenda, & Ingrid;
My thoughts and prayers are with you this holiday season!"
Love, Kel of Savannah, GA

"I have movies and pictures from Iraq and Kuwait from soldiers who served with Erik. Contact me at artenort@netptc.net and I would be honored to forward them to you. We share your loss."
Ron Arteno of Auberry, California

"Erik was one of the best pilots I have ever know. He was a great soldier and a great friend. I will miss him dearly."
Jim Compton of Savannah, GA USA

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrifice will nerver be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"To the family and friends of CWO Erik Halvorsen:
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 Erik 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 CWO Erik Halvorsen:
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 Erik, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"God Bless you and your family.
Thank you for your service to our country."
Joe and Flo Cook of Savannah, GA, USA

"Thank you for protecting the freedom of this great Nation. We shall never forget you. Rest in peace."
The Taylors, USMC of NC