Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army Sgt. Nathaniel Hart, Jr.

29, of Valdosta, Georgia.
Hart died of injuries he received when his vehicle went off the road and rolled over in Tillil, Iraq. Hart was assigned to the 416th Transportation Company, 260th Quartermaster Battalion, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Died on July 28, 2003.

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"My battle buddy from Germany I will always have you in my heart battle!"
SSG MARTINEZ, DENNIS of FORT CAMPBELL, KY

"Sgt Hart was a wonderful leader who went above and beyond to ensure that everybody was okay. Words can never describe how he went above and beyond. This guy will always be remembered by the soldiers he served with. RIH Sgt Hart!!!"
Shannon Lowery 416th Transportation Company Maintenance Platoon of Savannah, Georgia

"I know this is long overdue but there are not many days that go by that I don't think about what happen to SGT Hart and they way he passed away. I will always be linked to him because I was one of the guys involved in that accident. The day prior to the accident I remember he and I were talking about how glad he will be to get back home to take his boys fishing. RIP Nathaniel Hart Jr."
Otis Simmons of Atlanta,Ga

"I know this is long overdue but there are not many days that go by that I don't think about what happen to SGT Hart and they way he passed away. I will always be linked to him because I was one of the guys involved in that accident. The day prior to the accident I remember he and I were talking about how glad he will be to get back home to take his boys fishing. RIP Big SGt"
Otis Simmons of Atlanta,Ga

"Nathaniel,
I don't know if too many days go bye that you and Ryan's memories escape my heart and weigh heavy on my soul. I always stop bye your tree and spend with you and Ryan when I pass through Savannah. I am never forgiven myself for the loss of you both and not being able to bring you home to your families where you belong. I remember how kind heart was towards everyone and how much you loved your family and God. I continue to grieve you both. Your forever company commander"

"Sergeant Hart sorely missed by the Soldiers of 2222nd Transportation Company Arizona. Hart was one of us."
SSG Kimberling John S (Ret) of Phoenix Arizona

"To the Hart family,
I served with Sergeant Hart in the 416th TC in Iraq. I miss Sgt. Hart and Specialist Carlock every day. I am very thankful how they both affected my life in the brief time I knew them"
Vincent Walsh of Tallahassee, FL

"SGT Hart was an amazing man! My heart aches thinking of how his sweet boys will never get to know the amazing person their father was except through stories. I wasn't in his platoon and yet, he took time out to mentor me when others wouldn't. He was everything and NCO should be and I am so grateful that I got a chance to know him. Gone too soon! My thoughts and prayers continue to be with his family."
Deborah "Garrison" Spidel of Charlotte, NC

"Sgt. Hart, My brother, my squad leader, my teacher, my friend. His last name says it all. This man had the biggest heart. To all the hard times, to all the good times thank you for always being at my side and watching my 6. I miss you and think of you often. This Pepsi is for you..."
Joel Rojo of Big Spring, Texas, USA

"Sgt. Hart,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike C. of El Paso, Texas

""To the family of Nathaniel Hart, Jr ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"June 13, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Nathaniel Hart, Jr.:
Nathaniel 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

"About 3 1/2 years ago I was waiting for a haircut, flipping through a People magazine. I turned to one page and my heart literally skipped a beat. I don't think a war really hits you until someone you know or have served with is dead. I was stationed with SGT Hart in Babenhausen, Germany with the 77th Maintenance Company. Although we were in different platoons, I knew him well enough to know that he was a Christian man and a good role model. Although its been almost seven years, it seems like just yesterday that I walked into the motorpool picking up parts and doing services on vehicles with Hart, Copeland, Cox, Grice, Lyngen and Brede. Hats off to you guys, you kept that unit rolling. If anyone deserved to wear that uniform and be a NCO, it was Sergeant Hart. He always kept a smile on his face and a positive attiude, when other young soldiers including myself often did not. The Army lost one of its best, God Bless you and your family Sergeant Hart.

The soldier stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass,
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders,
and said: "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I wept unmanly tears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
(It needn't be real grand,
I've never expected, or had too much),
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod,
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

--Author unknown"
(Former) SPC Bill Gensmer of Inver Grove Heights, MN

"I did not personally know Sgt. Hart. However, this Veterans Day Weekend I participated in the Westchester Veteran's Day 5K Run in Westchester IL. On the back of my bib number was a short bio and photo on Sgt. Hart who I ran for. I run quite often and have participated in numerous races in my life. I can tell you that running for Sgt. Hart was the most meaningful races I have ever ran in. During the run I thought of the sacfrice that Sgt. Hart gave that let's American's enjoy simple joys, like going for a run in your neighborhood. To those of you who are family and friends with Sgt. Hart I will now include him in my prayers."
Bill Danz of Chicago, IL

"To honor the Georgia soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, the professional portrait artists of the Atlanta Fine Arts League are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family. These 16 X 20” original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families’ loss. Please visit our website www.atlantafineartsleague.org or email us at AtlantaFineArtsLeague@Yahoo.com for further information. –The Atlanta Fine Arts League"
Atlanta Fine Arts League

"Sgt Hart was my squad leader when I was station at HAAF GA. I deployed with him in OIF I. Sgt Hart was an easy going person and I enjoyed working with him. He always made sure that hes soldiers were always taken care of, hes the type of NCO that looked out for soldiers. Until this day he remains as one of the best NCO that I ever encountered. You are not forgotten Sgt Hart. God bless you and your family that you left behind. As a remembrance, I wear the Bracelet...."
SSG Abejon of Hawaii

"I work in a retirement community in Lynchburg, Virginia called The Summit. The Lynchburg Exchange Club, of which I am a member, sponsored a Healing Field Flag Memorial July 1-4, 2006 in memory of every fallen soldier in Afghanistan and Iraq since the war began. The Summit sponsored Nathaniel Hart, Jr.'s flag and we still have it. Our community is interested in contacting the family so that we may present them with his flag. Any family member can contact me at (434)582-1503 or 1400 Enterprise Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502. My email address is karan.preston@centrahealth.com. Please contact me."
Karan L. Preston of Lynchburg, VA

"I served with Nathaniel at Ft. Hood & Bliss, but knew him far earlier. We were childhood friends when both our parents were ministers in the "Ministry to the Military" in Europe. Nathaniel was an excellent young man, a loving father, a devoted husband and a professional soldier. I learned of his death in a letter sent by the MTTM to all former center directors, and was totally shocked. Of course you hear of death all the time, but when it hits this close to home, it's something totally different. I just stood there in stunned silence. I just wanted to let the family know they are in my prayers, and I consider it an honor to have known Nathaniel, and to have been his friend."
Aaron K. Deem of Montgomery, AL

"Dear pastor,
I would like to invite you ready for preaching the gosple in Arusha Tanzania especially in the place known as Ngorongoro.My church has prepared the crusade to be conducted in that area.It is in this place where masai tribe believe in big trees,mountains,snakes and rocks.Also we ask you to come to preach so that what God put in you reaches these people.We expect to have large congregation from all of our branches to attend the crusade.
Thanks and we hope to get much more from you as the servant of God who replies humbly.
yours,ACTS 10;38 ISAIYA 41;6
Rev.Baraka Eliud."
BARAKA ELIUD of ARUSHA TANZANIA

"Smyrna Baptist Church in Deepstep, Ga. would like to present your family with a Patriotic Quilt in memory of Nathaniel, who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families and friends. If you are interested, please contact me at 478-552-6388 or
e-mail me at johnnytanner@bellsouth.net"
Brenda Tanner, Clerk Smyrna Baptist Church of Deepstep, Georgia

"I served with SGT Hart in Babenhausen 77th Maint.Co. motorpool. I had a great respect for his work ethic, as well as his belief in God. Also how he valued life, his family, and friends. I can truly say I'm thankful for the personal relationship I had with him. I will always remember him and feel his tragic loss. Me and my families prayers goes out to him as well as his family each and every day."
SSG Charles Lawton of Kaiserslautern, Germany

"I just wanna salute to this soldier's bravery and dedication to our country. In memory of him, along with many other fallen heroes, my school (Plano East Senior High) is wearing wrist bands with names/pictures of them. So now, worn on my wrist is a picture and name of Nathaniel Hart Jr."
Lauren Mauro of Plano, TX, USA

"We Will all miss Nathaniel Hart Jr. Thank you to him for going t there and protecting our country. Between him and all the other soldiers, fallen and alive, we all have our freedom.

P.S. Mrs. Hart and kids, I have Nathaniel Hart's KILLED IN ACTION bracelet.

To contact me, e-mail me at txaggies3456@yahoo.com"
Alan of Houston, Texas

"We Will all miss Nathaniel Hart Jr. Thank you to him for going t there and protecting our country. Between him and all the other soldiers, fallen and alive, we all have our freedom.

P.S. Mrs. Hart and kids, I have Nathaniel Hart's KILLED IN ACTION bracelet.

To contact me, e-mail me at txaggies3456@yahoo.com"
Alan of Houston, Texas

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..7/28/04

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

"Mrs. Hart and Boys,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with your husband for a few years in Babenhausen Germany. He was one of the kindest most genuine men that I have ever known. May God Bless and Keep You as I know He is Keeping your Husband! If you should ever need anything please feel free to contact me! Pastmaster@griceworld.org"
Sid Grice of Dieburg, Germany

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

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

"I want to thank you all for sending your condolence. My husband, Sgt. Nathaniel Hart Jr, was a great soldier, christian, husband and father. Thanks to him, as the rest of the fallen soldiers and those still serving in Iraq, we have freedom.
"Nathaniel, the boys and I will never forget you. We love you for ever." Your wife."
Erika Hart of Midway, Georgia

"To the Hart Family, May God bless each and every one of you for the sacrifice that you all have made for all of us. Neither Nathaniel nor any of the brave soldiers that have fought, those that will fight, or those who are still fighting for our freedom will never be forgotten because they live on in all of our hearts. May GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS."
S.D.McEady of Valdosta, GA

"Thank you Nathaniel Hart, Jr., 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

"Sgt Hart was my squad leader in Germany. I was in shock when I saw his picture in the People Magazine. I can't stop thinking about all the laughs we had and how he fought for my promotion. He was a great man. I send my condolences to his wife and children.
( Never forget who has died for your freedom)"
Heather Holton, Spc USArmy of Seattle, Washington

"Nathaniel - I will always remember you. You were always so kind and sweet. Your Loving Cousin - Toyia AKA Smootie!"
La Toyia of St. Petersburg, Florida,USA

"To Erika and the boys. I have just visited the Church of God web-site on my PC in the UK and have come across the headline of the death of your husband/father. I am not an American, but then I do not have to be as I strangely feel very deeply moved at your loss. Right now I am welling up and wish I had adequate words to express how I feel. Please take courage and know that there is someone miles away from you that is concerned at your pain and loss. Stay strong for each other. May the sweet Holy Spirit of Christ visit you guys and give you a peace that passes all understanding.
Much Christian love and total respect.
God bless always."
Winston Taylor of Gloucester, England

"To the Family you are in my prayers...May God bless you. I do want to say it was a honor to have him in our military Thanks for serving our country"
Stacey (Proud Army Wife) of Zephyrhills,Florida

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Nathaniel Hart, Jr.:
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 Nathaniel 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. Nathaniel Hart, Jr.:
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 Nathaniel, 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