Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Dustin was my solider, and even as time has passed his memory never fades, 3 important men are tattooed on my arm, a battle buddy i lost, my grandfather and Dustin Harris..a great man, solider, brother, son, and American"
ssg myrieckes of el paso tx

"In memory of Spc. Dustin J. Harris and his loved ones still with us. I was a newcomer to Ft. Wainwright in 2005. Spc. Harris and myself spent what little time we had before our deployment having as much fun as possible. In the short couple of months we had in Fairbanks we became really close friends. I will never forget the trips around town in Spc. Vantiem's old school car, the night when I was introduced into the F.T.A. club where I had a foot race with Spc. Tipton butt naked through post housing to earn my T-shirt, or the last night before we flew out when we sat at my house drinking that bottle of Crown Royal Spc. Vantiem provided. Dustin had a feeling that something bad was going to happen to him. A natural feeling we all had going into our deployment but we all tried not to think about. That night Dustin stored his personal belongings at my house. On one of the boxes he wrote a short note to his mom and dad in which he said "Not if but when something happens to me please send these things to my parents" and then gave his address. On the afternoon of April 6, 2006 I was in the process of getting ready to head out on the convoy as the gunner for the lead truck, when Dustin approached me and told me that he had a really bad feeling about the mission ahead. He asked me if he could take my spot as gunner. He told me he would rather me stay behind because I had a family to return home to and he wanted me to make it back to them. I told him no but like always, Dustin insisted on being the one in that truck. So I gave in and let him climb up in the gunners spot. Just like any other mission we all prayed for the safe return of our fellow service members. I looked Dustin in the eyes and told him to handle business like always and get back to Marez as soon as possible. I told him dont worry you have nothing to worry about. As I sit here today, just over seven years later, I still remember that day as if it happened yesterday. I still dont know what to say to the fact that he literally gave his life so that mine could continue. Dustin did for me as he would have done for anyone overseas in uniform. For this I'm overly grateful. I just want his parents and friends to know that he was great friend and an even better solider. He served our country with pride and honor. Dustin will never be forgotten as he made the ultimate sacrifice. He died protecting the freedom of his country."
Pfc. Joshua K. Simmons of Dallas, Ga. 30132

"I had the pleasure of meeting Dustin's father in Hamden, CT while on his journey with the WAA motorcaid. I have carried Dustin's photo with me since then. Thank you for your son's service and his ultimate sacrifice. God bless you all."
Joyce Saraceni

"I was privileged to meet Dustin's Grandfather in RI while he was on a trip from ME to VA a few days ago ( Dec. 7th 2010 ) .. traveling a solemn journey to Arlington with Wreaths Across America in their efforts to spread a message and movement to Remember the Fallen, Honor Those Who Serve and Teach our Children the Value of Freedom.
Sir, you do each one every time you hand his image to someone like me or do something so meaningful. It touched my heart that you gave me his picture and, told me of his sacrifice and asked me to look him up.
Dustin, like so many other young men and women gave their lives doing what they believed was right, was and will always be an example of the brave men and women of our armed services, who put themselves in harms way every day. An exceptional young man even before signing up to serve his country.
He IS and will be remembered.
I will keep is picture and his memory in my vest pocket, inside left and always close to my heart."
dee of Woon. RI

"You are still missed. I think about you even now. I know that God has a better plan for you a higher calling some divine purpose we can't see yet. So watch over us bless your name and your family. SPC Nurse *(719)358-1125* always in my prayers."
SPC Nurse of Fort Carson, Colorado

"Harry-O, I'm here in Iraq for the 3rd time and thought to myself 7 days and 4 years will have gone by. Not a day goes by when I don't think about you, and how we played paper-rock-scissor to be gunner. I wish I could take back time. I miss your smile. Jon and I will be having our wedding ceremony 12 June 2010, and all I do is wish you were here for this special moment for both of us. I know you are with us. I'm never going to forget you. You are missed."
YESENIA BROWN of Hollister, CA

"I was at KFC the other night behind a truck that said "Freedom isnt Free" and named Dustin Harris. I was so moved by the message, and have had his name on my mind. Finally had time to look him up today. Thank you to whoever drives that truck, for keeping this young man alive in our hearts. Thank you, Dustin, for your sacrifice."
Michelle of Orrington, ME

"To the family of Spc. Dustin J Harris
I want to let you know he will always be remembered and never be forgoton. I thought on this day that marks three years I would writte to tell you; you are not the only ones thinking of all the great memories he brought to us. God bless Dustin and you. Brandon.delgado1@us.army.mil"
Brandon Delgado of california

"March 28, 2009
To the family of Spc. Dustin J. Harris:
Dustin 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

"Dustin, you and your family were in my thoughts today. I hope everything is going well for your Mom. Gold Star Mothers love our children deeply! Sgt Corey Dan's Mom, Wanda wickedw42@yahoo.com"
Wanda Kilgore of Norway, Maine USA

"DUST WE ALL WALK THROUGH LIFE NOT KNOWING OUR DESTINY. AND HOW I WISH THIS WAS NOT YOUR DESTINY, MOST PEOPLE GO A LIFETIME WITH NO ACCOMPLISHMENTS KNOW THAT YOURS CARRIED YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY.

LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU
TODD MICHELLE AND YOUR LITTLE BUDDY JETT

FLY HIGH PARATROOPER"

"I watched Dustin grow up for our families are very close. Dustin was a smart,energetic boy who grew into a proud young man. He truly believed in what he was doing and it takes special people to do as he did. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him. He is missed so very much. Forever in our hearts."
Sue Miller of Littleton, Maine

"To the family of:Dustin J. Harris 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"

"I didnt know Dustin very well, but he has touched my life in so many ways, as his medic that awefull day I have a closeness to Dustin that only a few people can understand, he was a great soldier, always wanted to be that guy, a perfect role model for other soldiers, I only wish I could have known him better. Dustin, you are my hero, I will never forget you, every day I carry around my gator and I remember you, every time im on a mission I carry it for safety, I know you are watching over each and everyone of us and we will never forget! To Dustins parents, im sorry, im so sorry I couldn't more for your son."
PFC Kimble of Mosul, Iraq 172nd BSB

"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.
Our nations HERO, Dustin will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "

"Thank you Dustin Harris, 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 Spc. Dustin Harris:
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 Dustin 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. Dustin Harris:
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 Dustin, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia