Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"SGT Hansen, I want to thank you for being that different type of NCO that treated soldiers with respect. Thank you for helping me become part of a flight team as an outsider. I still remember the day of the "crash", we were all crushed to our soul. Rest in Peace brother."
SSG, USA Retired of JBLM, WA

"November 11, 2019
“Warren and his family lived three houses away from my brother and I. We grew up knowing and hanging out with Warren and his brother in Ripon, WI. I still can hear Warren’s voice, whether he was laughing or crying. I still see Warren, my friend, in young man in the basic training photo. He had a raspy, gravel sound to his voice. He was competitive and still had compassion for others. After a few years Warren and his family moved to Clintonville, and I only saw him a few times after the move. We both joined the military. I currently living in Colorado Springs, CO just a few miles from Ft. Carson where Warren was once stationed. To think Warren was hear at one point in his career, our paths crossed once as kids, 1000 miles away they cross again. Every time I drive on Post I will remember you Warren, and pray for your family. As I read through the memorials, Warren was a son, brother, friend, mentor, leader, hero and servant. I miss his smile and laugh. Warren, thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country! Mrs. Karlson, Matt, family and friends I pray that the Lord brings you peace and understanding through Warren’s sacrifice”. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends” (John 15:13).
In Christ, Steve Reinsch, USAF Retired"

"I love you so much and I miss you! I can't explain the felling I get when I look at your picture. I miss you Uncle Woddy and I will never forget you, ever. I can't wait to see you again and feel your arms wrap around me. I want to see you again and show you the person I have become. I want to be by your side. I want to hear your voice. I want to go back to when you were still here."
Leah Karlson of Clintonville WI

"I have one more thing to say to you SSG. Lately, ive been questioning if I deserve to be here. Do I deserve to still be alive while so many of my brothers and sisters have fallen. Then, here I am, a year and a half out of the Army now, working Security, drawing disabilty from the VA. Here I am, in your hometown, Ive got to come home to Appleton, see my family and friends again, but you couldnt. Realizing why that street just 200 yards from me is named after you, it makes me realize now that i am indeed honored and privledged to still be alive. Your name on that street, being here, in your hometown, finally makes me aware. To SSG Hansens family, I didnt know him, but was honored to serve in the same Army with him. Im sorry for your loss, and may God Bless you all."
John of Appleton

"As a fellow Wisconsin vet, of OIF 1 I just wanted to say rest in peace brother. In my retirement i work as a Security Guard and Im currently at Seagrave which part of the parameter is SGT Warren Hansen Drive. Formerly River ST. I saw the name, looked you up and here you are. Rest easy brother. SSG John Ritcher US Army (ret) of Appleton Wisconsin."
John Ritcher of Appleton WI United States

"As a tribute to our fallen soldiers our boys VFW baseball team each has the name of a soldier and the date they died printed on the back of their jerseys. What a wonderful way for our boys to show respect for your men. My boy wears Warren S. Hansen on his jersey. :)."
Mary of Appleton, Wi

"April 18, 2014
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Warren Hansen,
I had the pleasure of serving with Warren in Germany. He could have the loudest laugh in the room and could prank as good as he got. Warren, however, often spoke about being a soldier with such reverence, you couldn't help but listen and learn. He was a great soldier and a wonderful person.

We miss you Warren."
Chris Irizarry of Sterling, VA

"We will honor your sacrifice again this Memorial Day. You have helped secure our freedom and for that I will be forever greatful."
David Lemmenes of Green Lake, WI

"As I read the messages on here from friends and fellow soldiers I once again realize what a difference you made in others lives. Today is 9 years since the day our lives changed forever, but I can honestly say the Lord has lead me through the storm to the other side. I thank God that I had 36 years of time with you to see you mature and grow into the man God planned for you to be, for that I will be forever thankful, it absolutely humbles me when I read these messages. Until we meet again you are in my heart always. Well done thou good and faithful servant!! Love, Mom"
Beth Karlson of Clintonville, Wi. USA

"Well woody it will be 9 years soon, I miss you so much. I miss your smile when we would laugh about something I miss the way you would tell people the way it was. Your mom is a wonderful lady. Jim is awsom. You an your family are in my prayers. I miss you buddy. Love Bankosh."
Don Bankosh of Crabtree, PA. USA

"Warren-I miss you everyday. I loved you so much. Thank God for the time we had together. It was way to short. In the words of Sarah Connor from "The Terminator" (re: Kyle Reese). "In the short time we spent together, we loved for a lifetime.""
Yvette Hundley of Claremore, OK

"Tomorrow marks seven years since the loss of a good friend.I remember talking to him only a couple of hours before he went on that tragic mission.He had told me that he had told the comander that he no longer wished to be a TI and that he had told his father the same.he said his dad told him not to and to not be afraid to fly....which he of course was not afraid to do ever.it was just that he was tired of not doing maintenance by the book and he wanted no part of it not being done so.None of us had any idea what would happen that night and i just wanted his family to know that he was not out to prove anything or was not upsett with anyone for what had gone on before all this...warren just did his job like he did every day proudly and with honor.I miss him all the time.memories of that night are still clear and strong even after all these years.We lost one hell of a man that day and i give his family my deepest respects.I wish i had posted this years ago but i never really knew what to say and for that i am sorry."
Michael S Galland of Ozark AL

"To the family of:Warren S. Hansen
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""

"Dear Family and Friends of SSG Hansen,

I saw GEN Petraeus on the news just the other day, and it got me thinking about the 101st and about Iraq. Next month will make seven years since Warren died, it is difficult to believe that it has been that long. It has been over five years now since I posted to this site, and it is touching to come back and read more words about this man I knew only briefly. Especially moving were Donald's words about wondering why he survived the war, instead of someone else; I have often felt the same way. I do not know why God has allowed me to come this far, as I am far from perfect and have so many faults. I believe that God's greater purpose would come from those of us who survived dedicating ourselves to the greater purpose of doing good to those around us with our very lives. And as I start my second career in the Army as a Registered Nurse, it is because of those like SSG Hansen who helped me out and encouraged me along the way.

One thing I have learned is that there are a lot of walking wounded in our ranks today, and not all of them have been injured with bullets and bombs; they are just plain weary, broken down, and discouraged. SSG Hansen was the kind of man who would take aside such a weary person and encourage that person...that is the kind of healing ethos that I hope to embody. In fact, it is the same ethos that I notice in many of my comrades, young Nurse Corps Officers who are coming into the Army fresh out of ROTC, knowing full well the secondary trauma to which they will be exposed, yet fully committed to providing comfort and the best care to our nation's troopers. Those young Lieutenants inspire me and make me want to be the best that I can be, just like SGT Hansen inspired me all those years ago.

What I know for sure is that when you take the time to listen to someone, to sit down, ask him about himself, see what his worries are, and his problems...then maybe you can talk to him on a very real level, encourage him, and he'll "read you lickin' chicken."

I know all this because, 7 1/2 years ago, a seasoned NCO took the time to talk to and encourage a young Specialist about his upcoming deployment to Iraq, and somewhere deep inside, that young Specialist remembers is still grateful for the time and encouragement that he showed to me. May God help me to pass that forward to others.

Air Assault!

Jack DisPennett
2LT, AN"
2LT Jack DisPennett of Fort Sam Houston, TX

"November 12, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Warren S. Hansen:
Warren 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 was stationed with warren during O.I.F I. I was in A Co 1st Flight and He was in D Co as a T.I. I miss the way we used to fight about who knew more about the aircraft. I was young and so full of my self but he always took the time to help me along in area's I was unsure of. We were going to switch jobs a few days before that day but at the last minute I got better and told his commander that I was staying in the flight company. I talked to him that day and told him. He was upset but not mad he just oh well I will get to a fight company soon. That was the last time I saw him since we both were flying that day on different missions. I was in one of the first aircraft to arrive at the site with the chain of command. He will be missed he was my friend and brother in arms, I will never forget him."
SSG Navarrete of Savannah, GA

"I was in the PSYCH WARD after I had a head injury in Iraq. I was nuckin' Futts! I think we were both a little crazy on our days aboard that NAVY cargo ship--you know the one the NAVY left us right after we boarded? They weren't coming with us. "That was a 'No Go' from the start. It was funny to see us try and figure out where in the hell we were on that huge ship. I miss you kid. I can tell by SGT Dispennett's sincerity, that you were really god for his survival. You know that I wrote his Bronze Star for Valor. He was like JESUS CHRIST. He was a Saint. If you did one thing right SGT Hansen, you taught my former soldier the good side of WAR. Thanks for being there for him on the ship. Remember when we had that "man overboard" drill on the ship, and I had no clue where Jack was? I told you that I thought I was having a stroke, and that once Jack was found, I was going to throw him overboard my damned self? You just laughed and said that he was probably "praying." If Jack did not have you on that ship, I would have beat him like a kid on crack hitting a pinata blind-folded. Well, it's been a while and I really miss those crazy winter nights of 135 degrees once we arrived in Kuwait. Do me a favor: "Make me laugh this week." God knows I need it. I miss you, and I miss my soldier Jack. Keep looking out for him, now that you have a main-line to Christ. Do you hear me, "Lickin' Chicken?" That's Loud and Clear for you civilians, AND NOTHING ELSE!!!"
Retired Sergeant Meyer of Columbus, OH

"I was stationed with Warren back in the 90’s at fort Bragg with 1/159th. We were both huey guys then. I spent quite a bit of time talking and hashing around old times in Mosul in the weeks leading up to his passing. We helped get money to have a hadji shower installed for him and his TI co-workers there beside his office. I was there as a civilian with 9/101st.

Warren was a really good guy and a great service to his country. My heart goes out to his family and friends for your loss.

General Patton said “It is wrong to mourn for the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”

Thanks to his family for your dedication and support and for raising such a fine man as Warren. A fine soldier!

Rik Bostic
SSG – USA RET"

"Just me again...well I'm thinking about moving up north again! I know I know...but this time for good!! The kids really want to go! I'm kinda scared in some ways too I guess. It has been so long since we have lived up there. I miss not being able to talk to you....you always gave honest advice...maybe it wasn't always what I wanted to hear but it was what you felt!Thaddeus talks of you daily....he misses you very much...as we all do! Sometimes I drive by your apartment and remember the last time I was there picking the kids up from you....well I love you and miss you very much!"
jamie of ky

"My Dear Son,
It has been so long since 11-15-2003 and my heart is still so empty. I know you loved me with all your heart and I loved and still love you with all my heart, but there is a space in me that is so empty.
We stand tall and stand proud as you would want us to do.
Pat Wade from Manawa joined you this last week, he is a friend of Eric Kranik's and Molly Joosten's, they grew up together and Eric was in the Navy with Pat.
There are so many people who treasure the memory of your time with them. You were truly well loved by family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
Dad asked me the other day if I would hole one of his hands when he died, he said you would have the other hand, welcoming him, and making it easier for all of us. Dad is fine and I don't plan on having to hold that hand in death for a long long time.
My son please be at peace and we will try to do the same. No one could have asked for a better son, I am so very proud of you and love you so very much--to the moon and back. I loved you before you were born and ever after. All of my love, Mom"
Beth Karlson of Clintonville, Wi USA

"Sgt Hanson, I have always felt partially responsible for that night and I think about that a lot. If I were to have not been in Flight Ops to answer your question about how many flight hours you were at, maybe things would have been different. I appriciated your compassion out there to take care of soldiers like I did when we were supervising guard duty for what seemed like eternity. I remember sitting there at lunch as normal as always, just glad we all had friends out there, I did not realize that it would be your last meal, but I will never forget it. That night was tragic and hard on us all, but I thank you for all you did for your soldiers and mine. You were truely a good NCO. Take care out there, you will not be forgotten."
Former SGT Jen Clayton 9-101 AVN of Seattle, WA

"It's just me...sitting here thinking of you and all of the memories we've shared! I have to say there is so much to tell you but just not enough space i guess. I miss you more than words can say. I miss not being able to call and talk to you when ever i want but now i just talk to you in a different way! No busy signals ...so that is good i guess. I just wanted to say I love you..I know your in a better place and but what i would do for your big bear hug right now and just to hear your voice....keep your chin up!! as you would always tell me...theres always another day..."
jamie of tn

"November 15, 2006

Dear Woody,

It’s been three years today since your tragic depart from this world, I still can’t believe you are gone. Woody you are here with me. In my mind, body, and soul. As you always will be until the day, that I join you in heaven with our god. I just spoke to your mom the other day, an many times in the past, we have laughed, cried and just talked about you mostly. Woody she misses you so much and everyday she does the same thing that I do. We both pull ourselves up by the bootstraps a drive on cause that’s the determination that you have shown us threw your life. Woody the other day my daughter Cammie said to me Daddy why didn’t I die in Iraq and a lot of your friends did over there. I told her that there is a reason in life for everything that’s happens. The #1 rule is that we don’t question the things that we cannot control. Its up to the Lord he has a master plan for all of us. I told her we should just pray for those, that we have lost and for the families of those who have lost love ones in this war. To keep their sprit alive.

Woody I often think to myself that we who survive combat feel guilty that we made it. Especially when I see my faults, which are many, and yes I do wonder everyday why the Lord chose me to survive. I just hope that my life will be spent doing what is worthwhile. Helping others to the best of my ability. God bless you Woody I will never forget what you have gave up for so many others and myself.

In closing you told me once back in late 1999 while we’re stationed in Egypt, and I quote “ that I should never take anything for granted”.

Well my brother I have lived that way since you grabbed me from falling out of that UH-1H during sling load operations, and in Iraq when you TI off the main rotor head after we discovered that it needed replaced.

Thank You"
Donald C. Bankosh of Crabtree, PA/USA

"To the family of SSgt Warren Hansen this is truly an honor for me to design a quilt to honor your son. I'm hoping that the quilt I design for you will reflect your son in every way so that when you need to reach out to be comfort you can reach out to your quilt and feel all the love that we put into it just for you. If you know of others please have them contact me so I can make sure they are not forgotten you have my email debeniel@ncn.net and my website www.freedomquilts.net please know your son will never be forgotten for everyday that we enjoy our freedom will be a reminder of your son a hero that gave it his all."
Betty Nielsen (Freedom Quilts Inc.) of Fonda, IA

"Dear Family of SSG Hansen, it has been too long that I have waited to express my feelings of regret and grief for the great man this country lost on 15 November 2003. I had served with SSG Hansen for over a year and a half when this tragedy took place. SSG Hansen was a man of character, compassion and integrity and everyone who knew him was the better for it. I know I will never forget him and am constantly reminded of the laughter he brought to our days while deployed. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment. My thoughts are with your family and I hope that knowing yet another person was touched by the greatness of SSG Warren S. Hansen brings little more comfort into your lives."
Sgt Autumn S. Tucker of Follansbee, WV currently stationed in Iraq

"sgt hansen..you rock i will never forget you ...met you in germany at fliegerdump..and seen you again the first time at chow hall on sabre..god bless you"
spc ARNOT of orange park fl

"I knew SGT Hansen from since 1991 in desert shield/storm. He always had away of communicating with me. He always kept in touch with me throughout the years. He was one of the first soldier to e-mail me with congrad with any promotion I receive in my career. It's like he kept a close watch on my career progression. I will NEVER FORGET SGT. HANSEN, WARREN S. My prayers are with his family, may GOD continue to bless you indeed."
SFC Parris of Fort Lewis, WA

"It was an honor conducting a Memorial Run on behalf of you and the other Soldiers who died that day. Thank you for your sacrifice. May god always be with your family. You truly are an American Hero, and we will never forget you."
Amy Hancock of Fort Hood, Texas, USA

"To the Family of SGT Warren Hansen:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 6/20/05, 111 crosses. We would like your permission to put SGT Hansen's name on a cross. We have called our display "Arlington MidWest." It is our expression of mourning for your loss. If you would like us to do this, please email martypres33@yahoo.com.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them." Anonymous"
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"Dear Family of SGT Hansen,

I knew SGT Hansen for only about three weeks, but I wanted to let you know that you have every reason to be proud of him. I was in total shock in December 2003 when I saw his name in the Army Times as killed in action. I thought, "Maybe it's another SGT Hansen." But then I saw his face, and I knew.

We served together for about three weeks in March 2003 while we were both on board a merchant marine ship headed to Kuwait. I will never forget, myself only just a young Specialist at the time, confiding in him my own apprehensiveness about heading to battle in a few weeks, and he did not hesitate to encourage me. "Don't worry about it," he said, "Combat these days is really not as dangerous as it used to be. You're just as likely to die getting into an accident on 41A back at Fort Campbell as you are to die in battle." SGT Hansen was right--although soldiers die every day in Iraq, just as many if not more people die every day from traffic accidents in America. Let us thank God that we don't have as many casualties in Iraq as they had in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. I just wish to God that he would not have been among those unlucky few who have to give all. Sometimes we who are survive combat feel guilty that we made it. Especially when I see my own faults, which are many, I wonder why God chose me to survive. I just hope that my life hereafter will be spent doing what is worthwhile.

SGT Hansen was a stellar NCO, and he had empathy and people skills that are rare in the Army today. While I served with him he even mentored us in those aspects, explaining to us how to try to defuse any potential conflicts with civilians we might encounter. I think that if every soldier had those same people skills that SGT Hansen had, we would have far fewer casualties in Iraq, because we would be winning the hearts and minds of far more Iraqis.

Sometimes, at just the right time, he would throw in a humorous quip just to liven up the monotony. I remember one time I was CQ on that merchant marine ship at about 0200, and I did a radio check with him while he was on guard mount. Instead of the standard reply of "I read you loud and clear," or, "I read you Lima Charlie," he shot back with, "CQ, this is guard force, I read you lickin' chicken." To this day, sometimes I will use that same quip in my own radio checks with my platoon, and I smile and think of SGT Hansen.

SGT Hansen, you are a true Screaming Eagle and an example to us all. I am sorry that I never got to thank you for your mentoring and your concern. Rest in peace, for we who are left will fight till the battle's won. Air Assault!

SGT Jack DisPennett
jack.dispennett@us.army.mil"
SGT Jack DisPennett of Clinton, IN

"To the family of Warren S. Hansen:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"My family and I offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Hansen. May peace and blessings be yours forever.
Our son, Joshua served with him in the 9-101, Charlie Company at Mosul."
Terry L. Neighbours, a.k.a. "armydad9_101" of Lake Helen, FL

"uncle warren i miss and love you. love, thaddeus"
thaddeus of tn

""To My Brother/Friend/Fellow Crew Dog",

I Love You and I will miss you dearly, you are in my thoughts everyday, I always will remember you."
Donald C. Bankosh of Puyallup,WA,USA

"Sergeant Hansen, I know your gone, but you will always have Friends in Clarksville. goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero." I will never forget you.
William of Waukesha"
William L. O'Dom of Waukesha

"I was looking through the names and faces of all the Fallen Heroes and came across Warren’s picture. At first, I could not believe what I was seeing, Warren’s picture, here, on CNN’s casualty page. I had met Warren while serving in the 2-501st Aviation Battalion on Fliegerhorst Kaserne in Germany. Warren was the new Blackhawk Maintenance Team leader working in Maintenance platoon, and you could tell, right away, he was someone who knew his stuff and could get the job done when no one else could.

Warren was an all around natural leader of soldiers, and people. Warren was just a good person all around. The soldiers who worked under him knew this and learned very quickly to respect what he said and follow his guidance when he told them what it was they needed to do too accomplish the mission and what it really took to become soldiers. Not just any soldier, but a soldier that stands tall and takes pride in their missions, appearance and actions on and off duty.

I will never forget Warren; he helped me out one time when I was really down and out. Warren sat with me in the Mod, the club there on Fliegerhorst, Kaserne and held my hand as I broke down over the loss of someone I loved very dearly. Even with his peers and everyone that walked by on that Thursday night, he never flinched or tried to hide the fact that he was sitting in a club full of soldiers holding another guys hand. Warren held on to me for a good 20 or 30 minutes and let me get it all out. He stayed right there and helped me through one of the toughest times of my life. He did not walk away.

Warren never walked away from any responsibility or mission. If there was something that no one else could or wanted to do, Warren stepped up and just did it. Just as I know, he stepped up to do his part in Iraq.

The Army and the world will be less one of the very best now that Warren is gone. However, the one thing I know is what he left behind. Everyone that knew him knows what he has left behind also. I will not forget you Warren, my friend, or what you did for me and how you enlightened everyone with your laughs and all around good humor and outlook. You were one of the best! As you were always so found of saying;

HOOUAH!

God rest you brother!

William (Bill) Cox
(former PC SGT for 2-501st AV BN)"
William E. Cox of 39th Signal BN, Chievres, Belgium

"I got to the unit on 28JAN03 and met Sgt. Hansen and from then on were really good friend's, being from St. Louis he thought i might be a Rams fan but when i told him I was PACKER'S fan, he was very excited. Sgt Hansen will remain in my thoughts and prayers, as will his family. He set the standard of what a soldier shoul be. I know that this soldier will go to great stride's to become a soldier like Warren. May you rest in peace brother."
PFC Dan Sapaw of St. Louis, Mo

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide comfort and peace for your family in their time of need and sorrow. May you rest in Heavenly peace."
a grateful citizen of arizona

"TO MY SON AND ALSO MY HERO. YOU ARE MY FIRST BORN AND THE GRIEF I FEEL IS UNBEARABLE AT TIMES. I KNOW THAT YOU ARE AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD AND ARE AT PEACE. YOU SERVED WITH HONOR AND DEDICATION, YOU FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT AND YOUR FAITH WAS SEEN BY COUNTLESS PEOPLE AND FOR THAT I THANK GOD. YOU ALONG WITH YOUR BROTHERS ARE THE BIGGEST BLESSINGS OF MY LIFE. WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. SOAR WITH THE ANGELS, YOU WILL BE FOREVER IN MY HEART, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, I LOVE YOU, MOM"
BETH KARLSON of CLINTONVILLE, WI

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

"God...Warren...I new him in Germany. I was with D co 2/501st AVN. A true DAWG. I remember the nights at the MOD drinking a beer together or while in the field just talking. He always new what to say to lighten up the conversation. I miss up buddy."
Frank Taft of Monroe, La

"Yesterday, March 15th 2004, I attended an event in Washington DC to honor lives lost in the Iraq war. Each participant in the event was given the name of a person to honor and I was given the name of Warren S. Hansen, 36, US Army. It moved me deeply to hold his name in my hand and speak his name in front of the group. I am saddened even now to recall that Warren's life was taken by the war and very disappointed that we humans have not yet found non-violent ways to resolve our conflicts. I wish for profound peace for all who read this message."
Clark of Washington DC

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

""OUR special chosen words since day one of finding this site last year...have always been......REST IN PEACE BRAVE SOLDIERS/MARINES/WARRIORS We love you and MAY GOD BLESS you each. Your loved ones are in a beautiful place called Heaven now....When you look up to the sky at night and see the brightest star...it's your hero..shining down on you"
The Taylors USMC of NC

"I was truly saddened to learn for Warren’s passing. We were stationed at Ft Bragg together in the mid 1990’s. Being a few “cheesehead”, we always found time to talk about home, our families, the Packers and any other subject that would come up. Warren was a Maintenance Team Leader, and I was working in Production Control. He was a PCNCO’s dream. He always tackled the tough jobs; the ones you knew would require extra effort and a lot of technical expertise. His team was always the first ones in the door and the last ones out, but also the ones with the best attitudes. Warren took good care of those guys and girls, and they repaid him with hard work that was always done to the highest standard.
It was easy to tell that Warren was a man who was brought up to value words like Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. He lived his life being a daily example of each of these. A am proud to call him my friend, and he will live of in the hearts of all those he touched."
SGM Chuck Meehan of Ft Bragg, NC

"What a subject…Our Freedom!
I just about bet that you don’t think about it everyday, do you? What has it cost you, a friend, loved one, or your neighbor? Well, it is costing you a fortune, but not in dollars! Do you know anyone who has lost a loved one in this war? Well, last Saturday in the crash between the two Black Hawks a friend and co-worker of my husband lost his brother. His name is Sgt. Warren S. Hansen, Clintonville, Wisconsin. I owe my freedom to that family and all of the other families that have lost someone. As I read the article I couldn’t hold back the tears for his family and I wish there was something I could do make it better. Guess what? There is something I could do…Cherish the freedom he helped ensure for my children and family by serving our country and making sure that he didn’t give his life for nothing. So the next time that you get ready to criticize the war remember, because our servicemen are over there, you have FREEDOM of speech. But you also need to remember that someone standing next to you could have lost a loved one in this war. How would it make you feel if you were standing in their shoes and had to hear what you are saying? The next time you see one of our servicemen or women, just tell them THANK YOU!"
Saundra Little of Clintonville, WI, USA!

"Thank you Warren Hansen, 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

"I dont know where to begin. I have never meet you nor your family. My family adopted me at random so that is how I picked you, at random. You have died for your country so my two kids can live in freedom. For that I am thankful. I wish I could thank you in person and shake your hand and give you a hug but I cant. I sometimes feel guilty that I am not there fighting and that I am relying on others. I feel guilty that I am here with my family and your not with yours. But in my heart I am thankful for the job you did. Job well done. God Bless Amercia!!!!! May the remaining troops come home safely."
Peter of Illinois

"Warren was a friend of mine. We met in Germany and only spent a few months together. I was always touched by how kind he was. He was such a gentle person. He loved life and he was a pleasure to be around. He made the world a better place. Even though I know he's in a better place now I can't help but feel his loss acutely."
Yvette Hundley of Claremore, OK

"Onward Christian Soldier. God's comfort to your family and friends. We're all so proud to have known you."
Steve Conradt of Clintonville, Wis USA

"I was stationed with Warren in Egypt for most of 2000. I was also stationed with him at Ft Campbell and in Iraq. I was deepley sadened to hear of the loss of a great friend. I lost a total of 7 friends in the accident that claimed Warren's life. To his family I am very sorry your son was taken from you. To his friends, remember the great times we had with Warren. He will not be forgotten."
CW2 Brian Buol of Tall Afar, IRAQ

"i am a sgt in the wisconsin army national guard. this weekend i will be performing services for sgt hansen. although i have never met him, i know that he gave his life for something we all believe in. my best wishes go out to his family and friends. sincerely, sgt david carroll b-btry 1/120th FA"
david carroll of clintonville

"Warren was a friend and a mentor to me. He treated his soldiers compassionately and unselfishly. He helped me through my trials and tribulations while serving with D co 2/501st in Germany. He will always be known as a good crewchief and a great friend. I am speaking for everybody who served with SGT Hansen and I from the Delta Dogs. I give my best to his family and friends. As a member of the United States Army and 159th Medical Evacuation Company, I thank you Warren Hansen, you will never be forgotten."
SGT Dominic J. Gonzales of Baghdad, Iraq

"I was very fortunate to have Warren as my right hand man and manager of our Clintonville High School basketball team. Warren was a great young man and we will miss him dearly. He was a true patriot and loved his country, and I am sure he was very proud to give his life for his country and for democracy. We will miss him, but will never forget him. We attend many athletic events, and from now on whenever we pay respect to our flag during the national anthem we will also be remembering Warren and paying him respect as well."
Carl and Judy Bruggink of Clintonville, WI USA

"It is with great saddness that we have learned of the tragic passing of Warren Hansen. I had the good fortune to know him as a student and a member of our football team. He was most proud of his service to our country. I did not know he was in Iraq and in harms' way. Our family would like to offer our deepest sympathy to his parents. Our prayers and thoughts are with them as we share their sorrow."
Chet and Gail Jurkovac of Englewood, Florida

"I am deeply sorry for the loss of your loved one. My prayers are with you at this sad time."
Beverly Arnold of Cynthiana,KY

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Warren Hansen:
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 Warren 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. Warren Hansen:
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 Warren, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia