Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hartman, I just came across your page, seeing your name and some of the other soldiers names we knew..and god damnit I miss you brother. Even now, with all the time that has passed, lives changing all the time... I still feel your presence. You were loved, brother, you were loved."
Ray B of Southport, NC , USA

"Love you Hartman, you're in my father and I's prayers <3 I know he's honored to have served with such a wonderful man. 8 Years later and I still miss you like crazy"
Alicia Perry of Rhode Island

"this is a lie... i am jon hartman"
Jon Hartman

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry at times. I understand, in theory only, that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take your families and friends pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"We will always remember, and we miss him a lot. Prayers go out to his family and friends and the soldiers he worked with, stay safe."
the herreras of Savannah, Ga/USA

"Hey Jon i still miss you so much, and sometimes i wish you could be here just like back then when we were together. You´ll be in my Heart till i see you again.
I still love you
Jasmin"
Jasmin Obrumans of Friedberg / Germany

"Rest easy brother, I will see you when I get there."
Rick Lowe of Ashton Illinois

"We miss you Jonathan and we keep Judy in our prayers."
The Lampkins of Suffolk VA

"April 15, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Jonathan N. Hartman:
Jonathan 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

"HEY MAN REMEMBER THE DAY OF THE BOARD HOW SCARED WE BOTH WERE CAUSE LOPEZ WE TOSSED OUT AGAIN. I REMEMBER THE DAY WE WERE SO CALLED SLEEPING OUT IN SECTOR SSG COTTLE WAS SAYING HOW MESSED UP WE WERE... WELL MAN MEOMORIES LIKE THAT KEEP ME SANE OR WHEN YOU BUMPED INTO ME AND I PUSHED YOU BACK AT CAMP DELTA ALL YOU SAID WAS WHATS UP JEW... AND I SAID NOT MUCH NAZI. IT WAS ALWAYS THE INSIDE JOKE MAN. NO ONE EVER KNEW WHAT IT MENT AND GUESS WHAT THEY NEVER WILL. REST EASY MAN I WILL SEE YOU SOMEDAY."
MR Victor N Blas (formaly know as BLAS) of EAST Los Angeles, CA

"To the family of Jonathan Hartman,
On 25 November 2008 at 11:00 AM the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment and the 2d Cavalry Association will gather in Vilseck, Germany, to commemorate a monument to our fallen brothers from Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Jonathan Hartman will be honored on that day. His name will be engraved on the face of a permanent black marble monument along with his fallen comrades. The monument will be located in a park of 50 trees which will form a living memorial to these fine young Soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation.
On that date and at that ceremony we will also honor the families of these Soldiers. We truly hope that the families can participate in the ceremony. It is the wish of the 2d Cavalry Association and the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment to place a personalized flag case and flag for each of these fallen heroes in the hands of a family member.
We are requesting that these families contact us via email at deddygetty1@comcast.net to learn more about the ceremony and how they can participate.
Toujours Pret!
Dave Gettman
2d Cavalry Association"
"Tacoma Dave" of Washington

"To the family of:Jonathan N. Hartman 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"

"its now 3years and almost 4 month and i still miss you and sometimes i still can hear you laughing. We had so many good times and i will always remember you as a good friend.It hurts so bad nobodys ever gonna imagine. Love Jasmin"
Jasmin Obrumans of Nidda Germany

"I REMEBER YOU BUDDY AND I WAS IN THE CONVOY WITH YOU BATTLECATS B24. YOU WERE FRIEND AND I MISS YOU. I KNOW WHERE YOU ARE AND I KNOW YOU ARE SAFE
PEACE BE WITH YOU AND I HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE. IT WAS GOOD TO CALL YOU FRIEND"
SSG SCRIVENS, CHRISTOPHER of GRAFFENWHOER, GERMANY

"4 years since Jon's loss and even though the pain may slightly fade, the good memories remain. Your humor and upbeat attitude are still missed. Your life and actions were a positive influence on us all and we are better people for knowing you."
Roger Maynulet (Aggressor 6) of Las Vegas, NV

"Jon it seems like yesterday when we were sitting outside in aggressor ranch and i was teaching you how to play guitar. you were a natural! i never got the chance to know you outside of war but from what i did learn is that you were a great person. i will miss you dearly and i send your family my regards. we will meet again my friend."
SGT Marion Johnson A co. 2nd PLT AGRESSORS BABY!! of EL PASO,TX

"Jon,

It has been almost four years since I learned of your death. You are one of the Soliders I thouhgt would make a career of the Army and use all that you learned to better other Soliders. You a severly missed by all. Wendy and I wish you continued Gods Speed.

Aggressors!
Iron Dukes"
MAJ Chuck Prevatte

"I still miss you, Jon...and I still love you so much.
I'm so lonely without you.
I think of you every day.... Time will never change that.

All my Love-Crystal"
Crystal Ekhart of Silverdale, Wa.

"To Aggressor 66Gulf, SGT Jon Hartman

To a great friend and a very kind person indeed. I will always remember the great times we had either in Germany or Iraq. I can always remember Jon for his loveable traits for his great love of the Count Chocula cereal he loved. Jon I will always remember that great day I handed over the reigns of 66G to you from myself and I'll never forget the day we lost you and knowing it could of been me in that position. I will never forget you Jon and all the good times we had. To the family of Jon, I send my sincere sympathies for the loss of a great soldier and a great friend, thank you for bringing a great person into this world and my blessings will always be with you.

Aggressor Red 2
SSG Yager, Jeffrey"
SSG Jeff Yager of Schwienfurt, Germany

"To out Fallen bro, Rest easy man and see you at the green."
victor blas of East L.A. CA

"I just learned of Jon Hartman by chance I guess you could say, more than 3 years since he was killed in Iraq. I am grateful that I have gotten to know what an amazing person he was! It gives me the opportunity to say "Thank You" to a fallen hero who gave ALL he had for you and me. The words Thank You are hardly adequate to express the gratitude that I feel to Jon and his family for what they have sacrificed for us all. I have posted a picture of Jon in my business and hope it inspires others to take a moment to pause and reflect, to say a prayer, to show respect, to say "Thank you" to those who continue to put themselves in harm's way for you and me.
Jon, you may be gone but will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved you or by those of us who were never that fortunate. My prayers and thoughts go out to your friends and family."
Paula Cranford of Poulsbo, WA

"To the family of SGT Jon Hartman. Please contact me. I am the new commander of SGT Hartman's old unit, and we are deactivating. My email is vasky22 at yahoo.com."
Steve Wasilausky of Friedberg, Germany

"It's been three years, and it still isn't any easier...
Still miss you Jon."
Drea

"I trained with Jon at Fort Knox, with the 1-81. He made the experience so much better with his humor and smile. We both loved being in the Army and found a brotherhood neither of us knew we lacked. Being assinged to different parts of Germany Jon to 1AD and myself to 1ID, our duty rotations made spending time rare. Those few days we were able to smile and laugh are very precious to me. It does not surprise me to find out that Jon was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor device. He believed in what he was doing and will forever be remembered in my life. Jon Hartman, you are not forgotten. "Absent friends" is a toast I use to remember the ones not with us. It is my belief that wherever his spirit is he hears this and is cheered by the good times his life inspired. You will never be forgotten."
Werner D. Horn of Manchester, NH

"To the family of Sgt. Hartman,

Honestly I don't know what to say. I served with Jonathan, both in Germany, and in Iraq. I wish that I had located this page much earlier, and for that I am sorry. Jon was a great NCO and friend. I was with a different platoon in Iraq, so we didn't get to talk as much while we were deployed, and that’s a shame, when back at Ray Barracks, he would come over the house every now and again, my daughter and him would play together, he would eat my food, and drink my beer, or whatever liquor I had at the house, watch some TV or just BS. We had some good times. I will never forget him, the time we spent together, or that horrible day in Iraq. I left Al-Kut the day before he did, and regret not being in that convoy. There is not a day that goes by that I do not remember or honor him, or his sacrifice. There is not a day that goes by that I am not pained by his loss, or your loss of him. Every year on the 17th of April my wife, Tatiana, and I light a candle for him.

When we got back to Germany, his friends got together, and went to his favorite bar, ordered Irish Car Bombs (his favorite drink) one for each of us including him, with his drink in the center of the table, we gave him one last salute, and drank our Car Bombs. His stayed on the table until we left, pained and heartbroken that he was not there with us

To a good friend, man, and soldier:
I salute you

"Iron Dukes"
Spc Michael Perry of Fort Knox, Ky

"It's been over two years since I had to send the most difficult letter I ever had to write home to Jonathan's mother but I hope she knows that my thoughts and prayers still go out to her and her family. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her son. A true warrior and friend."
Roger Maynulet of Las Vegas, NV

"On this memorial day - 2006. I have Jon in my heart. He was a good friend to my son SFC Rob Cottle and a good friend to me. Jon was always there with a comforting word and a laugh. I know that Rob is thinking of him today as I am. Jon, I know you're looking down today on your buddies and using all the pull you have to keep them safe. I know that you are living the promise of your favorite Psalm - the 23rd, and you give us all hope."
Becky Howard of Wilmington, NC

"I still dont know what to say, i miss you Jon and you were one of my best friends ever. I should have known some things befor you left to irak. Theres so much i wanted to tell you. Its sad that it never happened that you met my husband and my doughter. I still Love you and think about you all the time."
Jasmin Obrumans of Wölfersheim near Friedberg

"I was a combat engineer stationed in Freidberg, Germany (Ray Barracks) with A co., 23rd Engineers, 1st Aromored Division. The engineers and tankers never really meshed together, yet we had a profound respect for each other as combat soldiers. I never met Sgt. Hartman, but I know that he was a great man. Sgt. Hartman voluntarily and honorably defended the free world as we know it. He will never be appreciated by most for what he has sacraficed. This old soldier thinks about those who have fallen every day. There is a special place in heavan for Sgt. Hartman. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May god speed the 1st Armored Division and God Bless America."
Marty Brothers of Buffalo, New York

"I was a combat engineer stationed in Freidberg, Germany (Ray Barracks) with A co., 23rd Engineers, 1st Aromored Division. The engineers and tankers never really meshed together, yet we had a profound respect for each other as combat soldiers. I never met Sgt. Hartman, but I know that he was a great man. Sgt. Hartman voluntarily and honorably defended the free world as we know it. He will never be appreciated by most for what he has sacraficed. This old soldier thinks about those who have fallen every day. There is a special place in heavan for Sgt. Hartman. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May god speed the 1st Armored Division and God Bless America."
Marty Brothers of Buffalo, New York

"I met then SPC Hartman during my first few days with the unit. We were in the PGT when i asked him why his 1AD patch was silver colored instead of green. He honestly replied that it was the 25th year edition from the late 1960's and early 1970's, and though they were hard to find and expensive, they were authorized to wear on the uniform. I went away the naive LT fully believing him. The truth was that it had just been washed that many times the coloring had changed. He fixed me about an hour later and we laughed about it until the day he died. Hartman was a good man, who always had a smile and something funny to say to me no matter what the situation, be it Germany or Iraq. The world is certainly less without him. Though not technically one of my soldiers, he was my friend and will be forever missed."
Aggressor Red 1: Troy Gordon of Boca Raton, Florida

"I wanted to leave this message to the family, my husband is 1LT Robert Henderson, and he was killed the same day in the same ambush, and if you would like to talk about it with me, you can email me anytime. My email is lisa.henderson@earthlink.net"
Lisa Henderson of Bowling Green, KY

"Risking your life to save others. We will never forget your sacrifice."
Aldin Ademovic of Graz, Austria

"/Salute to a fallen Hero!

May you rest in peace and we will never forget your sacrifice!"
Craig Scheipers of Tewksbury, Massachusetts

"It will be one year on sunday, but you are still NOT forgotten."

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

"Jon, I am so glad that you were in Germany to be a friend to Chad when he got there. He always spoke highly of you. I enjoyed your letters always filled with your special sense of humor. I'll never eat Count Chocula cereal again without thinking of you. God bless his family."
Kerrie Wagner of Maumee, Ohio

"I miss you Jonathan! I remember hanging out all the time at the apts. I tried for so long to find you and i wish i would have. I want to say you always had a speacial place in my heart. You will never be forgotten. I will miss you dear friend."
Heather B of Portsmouth Va

"I am honored to have been given the opportunity to be able to know such a wonderful person as Jon. Although we were never able meet face to face, I'm so thankful that my husband SGT Chad Wagner was able to be his roommate in Germany, without that, knowing Jon would never have been possible. I'll never forget all the phonecalls we made to each other when Chad left for Iraq.....I was so worried and he always reassured me that Chad would be fine and he always knew how to put a smile on my face. Anytime I missed his calls and he'd leave a message, I'd play them over and over because he always said something hilarious. All of the funny letters that he would write me while he was in Baghdad, I still have them all and will keep them for our son to read. Jonathan was so excited about our son being born, and Chad couldn't wait for Jon to see him and hold him. I know that Jon's spirit was with us when he came into this world on April 27, and our son now has a part of Jon that will always be with him. We named our baby Cayden Jon, and we will make sure that when he grows up he knows what a wonderful person he was named after. I am deeply saddened that Jon and I were never given the opportunity to meet in person, but I am thankful that God allowed us to know each other the way we did. Sometimes people we love are taken away from us all too quickly, but we can be comforted knowing that Jon is in heaven watching over us. We may not be able to have him with us physically but we will always have him with us in our hearts and our memories. Thank you for being the wonderful person you were and thanks for being the greatest best friend to my husband, you were truly one of a kind. We love you Jon and you will always be missed but never forgotten."
Kim Wagner of Ft. Knox, Kentucky

"I am proud to have had a soldier and NCO like SGT Hartman. One of the proudest moments in my career was a hot day in Baghdad when i got to pin SGT on him. He was one of the best soldier's in the platoon. He had a passion for reading and aviation. He once told me that he came in the Army to be a pilot. He put together a packet and passed the flight exam but never got around to turning it in. I think he loved being a Tanker too. He was dependable, loyal, self-less, and a friend to all with whom he served with. He was one of my most trusted NCO's and friend. There is a void in the platoon and my heart that will not be filled. We shared many good times together out in the field, in combat, on the range, and sharing a beer in Germany. My favorite stories to tell about my life in the Army have Hartman in them. I'll miss you Hartman."
SSG Robert Cottle of Friedburg, Germany

"I am Jon's cousin ...I would like to thank all of you who have taken time to honor the memory of our loved one...He was truely one of a kind. I would also like to send my love and support to those of you who still have family over seas...May God Bless you!"
Andrea funk of shelbyville,TN

"Jon,

What can I say about you. We were stationed together in Freidberg, Germany when I was with the DUKES, 2/37th AR. I remember when you were a clerk working in the Orderly Room and how you hated working for a certain 1SG.
Even being out of your MOS, you took the bull by the horns and did an outstanding job in a field you knew nothing about. Well, I moved on to another battalion and you got your wish and got back in to a tank. We saw each other briefly, here and there when I was in Baghdad and I was so proud of you that you finally made your Sergeant.
Congratulations on the promotion.

This sucks but I guess it is true that only the good die young. You were one of the good guys and will be truly missed by all that loved and knew you.
God bless you. I wish this didn't happen to you for I know you went too soon. You were full of life and rearing to take on the world.

Watch over us and our friends still in Iraq. Try to keep them safe from all harm and if one should be killed, be there with open arms to greet them and in-process them into Heaven, just as you did when you were a Orderly Room Clerk for Co A, 2/37th AR. Take care.

May your family and friends find joy in this time of sorrow in the many memories that they shared with you. Your Soldier was a hero and always will be. God Bless you."
SFC Peter Johnson of Ft Huachuca, AZ

"To Jonathan's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send you our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

From the family of Capt. Ernesto Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

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

"I don't even know you or your wonderful mother. From reading the paper and listening to the news I can tell that she instilled in you wonderful traits of wisdom, responsibility, duty to country, and a love of God. Your personal relationship with Jesus Christ was evident in the last conversation that you had with her. My heart aches for your mother now that you have passed on. My heart is rejoicing for you now in Heaven. I am proud of you and other brave soldiers like you that are on the front lines. Thank you for your sacrifice. You make me proud to be an American."
C. Tickell of Jacksonville, FL

"Rest in Peace Brave Soldier.
The Taylors USMC, North Carolina"

"To Jonathan's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"My deepest condolences on your loss. My heart breaks for you as I know your pain. My husband PFC Shawn Pahnke,1-37 1AD Friedburg Germany was killed June 17,2003, IRAQ. I pray that your memories of Jonathan bring you comfort. Know that he is never truely gone from your lives, for he is just around the corner waiting to see you again. God Bless you and your family."
Elisha Pahnke of Shelbyville,IN

"Thank you Jonathan Hartman, 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 Sgt. Jonathan Hartman:
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 Jonathan 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. Jonathan Hartman:
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 Jonathan, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia