Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Joe has been heavy on my heart lately. I remember driving him back from Highland to Derby for his knee surgery and meetinf the family and we stopped by mels apartment in Topeka (I believe I suffered a tbi from ieds..so sorry if it wasn't topeka) I am thankful for the time I spent with Joe and miss him a lot..years later now I pray the family is doing as good as can be expected."
Travis Beer of Omaha,Ne

"I will admit, I didn't know Joe as well as many of the guys leaving messages, but his loss echoed around the battalion for as long as I can remember. 10 years ago today, I still remember the day vividly."
Jon of Washington, DC

"Dear Joe, I miss you brother there isn't a day I don't think of you many of you may or may not know that Joe was injured multiple times and every time he cam back as fast as possible always saying just get me back to my guys a lesser man could have went home and lived off the system one of the first things of many that I grew to respect of Joe. He was a soldier a mans man I served with him in Iraq and am now a firefighter and anytime I get into any crazy situation I think what would Joe do here and the answer is always the same go balls out! To joe's family i can never imagine losing such a great person!! You know when people die everyone will always say o what a great guy he was half the time it's bullshit but not in this case he truly was an amazing soldier and person who I wear a bracelet for everyday"
CPL L of Boston

"I'm so sorry for Spc Jioseph F. Herndon,I just found out last night that my scammer is using his picture and I'm communicating with him for 9 months now with the name Major Billy John Hendon Jones, i am really desperate,dont know what to do."
jaena lopez of Modena Italy

"I knew Joe since middle school. He was always someone I looked up to. I saw him last when I was about to deploy to Iraq as a United States Marine. We remembered each other from wrestling and he was as good a man as I would have expected him to be. The world could sure do with a lot more Joe Herndon's. He will be missed."
Brian of San Jose, CA

"You are a model Soldier, friend, and American to all who knew you, exemplifying professionalism and courage."
PRK of D.C.

"still missed"
ssg. morris of FTLW

"To the family of:Joseph F. Herndon
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""

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Mothers and/or Fathers, of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com. or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and bless you.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Herndon you will never be forgotten. A soldier who placed his peers and subordinates above his own. He never asked for help but he did love to help others. I can say that he influences my decision making today when helping others. You have made me a better person, thank you."
Wolf hound of Columbia

"Herdon you will never be forgotten. A soldier who placed his peers and subordinates above his own. He never asked for help but he did love to help others. I can say that he influences my decision making today when helping others. You have made me a better person, thank you."
Wolf hound of Columbia

"Joe was a quiet man with a desire to serve and save lives. His passion for his career in the army was only surpassed by the people he loved. His life was stopped short, and for that this country will always be indebted to him. He was a friend and an inspiration to me, and I will never forget him. May all who serve, aspire to be like you Joe, we miss you."
Heath Knolla of Wichita, KS

"To the Family of Joe Herndon.
He meant alot to the Men of the 1st Battalion Wolfhounds. Everybody knew him and missed him. We all Considered him a friend and he touched all of our lives. I was very honored to have served with him."
Luke Compton of Nevada, MO

"Joe will be in my memory forever. It is the greatest honor of my life to have known him. Not a day goes by that I do not think of what he sacraficed and how he lived his life. I am honored to have stood shoulder to shoulder with him and serve with him."
Chris Hopes of Atlanta, GA

"I first met Joe when we went to NTC in 2003. I was the FO in his platoon at the time, and i remember what a class act guy he was. I remember going to Vegas for our one night and him and a few others waited for his wife to be to show up. I thought that was pretty awesome. I remember the day Joe was shot like it happened yesterday, i can't believe it has been over 4 years now. I remember him as the living legend after the battle of hawijah. He could be hit, but he could keep on going. I remember going in to Hawijah that day he was killed to look for the sniper. The affect your loss had on the unit was very evident. We lost a great wolfhound and a great soldier that day. Your memory lives on. Rest in peace."
SFC Schilling of FT. Hood, TX

"June 13, 2008
To the family of Spc. Joseph F. Herndon, II:
Joseph 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

"Assistant Commandant USAIS BG Miles spoke today about Joeseph Herndon II in a seminar for future officers in US Army at Ft Benning. I fell compelled to research more on Joseph Herndon II, I am inspired by his example of courage, perseverance and loyalty."
Rodriguez A of Ft Benning

"Assistent Commandant USAIS BG Miles spoke today about Joeseph Herndon II in a seminar for future officers in US Army at Ft Benning. I fell compelled to research more on Joseph Herndon II, I am inspired by his example of courage, perseverance and loyalty."
Rodriguez A of Ft Benning

"JOE WAS A SPECIAL GUY WHO NEVER ASKED FOR ANYTHING IN RETURN BUT GAVE EVERYTHING TO THOSE HE SERVED WITH I HAD THE GEART PLEASURE SERVING WITH HIM IN IRAQ AS A WOLFHOUND. JOE YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN SEE YOU SOME DAY IN THE AFTERLIFE"
SSG ROGERS, JEREMY of FT BENNING

"For a fellow vet and more than a brother in arms. Your sons has given us all a code of honor not only as a falling vet but as hero who has earned the highest respect of he's family and country. For his gift to us may God bless you his family and our nation . For him and others have giving so freely there lives for our freedom!"
Gene Herndon of Chester,Va USA

"Dear Family of Joseph Herndon II:
To honor the Kansas soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families,the professional portrait artists of the Grateful Hearts Project are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family.

These 16"x20" original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrificies made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families loss.
Please email us at gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Sincerely;
The artists of Grateful Hearts"
J.Gragg of Lee's Summit,Mo.

"To Joe's family: I just wanted to tell you that Joe was a good friend of mine and there's not a day that goes by that I don't think about him and the time we shared in Schofield Barracks. Thank you so much for your sacrifice. I'm sorry that such a terrible thing happened to such a nice guy. The times that we spent together as a squad and friends will never be forgotten."
Robert Gattrell of Altoona Pa

"I met PFC Herndon when he broke his leg. He went to my hospital in Balad, Iraq. I talked to him frequently. He was a very nice guy and I enjoyed hearing about some of the things that his unit did while they were in the field. I did not think that he would come back to Iraq after having a broken leg. I hope his family is in a better condition now then 2004. I give my sincere condolonces to them. PFC Herndon was a very good soldier."
SGT Quesenberry of Mannheim, Germany

"it's hard for a new private coming right out of basic to go to a new unit, around new people, in a new state. when i got to schofield, joe was one of the only people to welcome me while everyone else was smoking me. one day he drank a bottle of dip spit for 400 bucks to get his wife a plane ticket to hawaii. in iraq, he was the epitome of an infantry soldier."
SPC Bernard Villa of Oxnard, CA

"To the Family and Friends of Joseph F. Herndon II: My name is Jason Geis and I am a First Sergeant at Ft Irwin, California. I had the honor to serve with SPC Herndon in Iraq as a "Wolfhound. Recently I went to Santa Barbara Beach, CA to see Arlington West, Santa Barbara. It is a Memorial for every fallen Soldier from OIF, laid out like Arlington in D.C. I wear a bracelet in remembrance of Joseph every day since his death. I searched for his white cross and found it. They have a log of every Soldier that has been visited and Joseph had not, so I felt honored to be the first. I wrote a message on his cross and laid flowers there for him and the ultimate sacrifice he has made for our country and our freedom. I greatly appreciate Joseph and hope that his family is well. Every time I get the chance to talk about him in front of Soldiers I do. Sincerely, Jason M. Geis jason.geis@amedd.army.mil"
1SG Jason M. Geis of Ft Irwin / CA / U.S.A.

"I knew Joe when I was going to school in Wichita, KS. I was introduced to the man through a mutual friend. I can honestly say Joe is one of the nicest, kind-hearted people that I've ever met. Joe was no doubt a good soldier and a good husband. My thoughts and prayers are with Joe's family."
Justin "Turk" Turcotte of Copper Mountain, CO

"MEL, I never got the opportunity to meet Joe, but my husband was in Iraq with him when he died. Joe's death impacted Craig very much, and I think there is an empty space in his heart for Joe. There is an empty space in my heart for him, too. We love you and support you in your future. Come back to Hawaii and visit again and again."
PFC Martha Parker of Schofield Barracks, HI 96857

"I remember when I first met Spc Herndon the day that we landed in kuwait. We did'nt really say much to each other the first couple wks, for what reason, i wish i knew. We did'nt really start talking until we gto settled in iraq and our first few weeks os talkin was'nt to nice. I don't know why we did'nt get along too well at the beginning but, that all changed the day we had guard duty together. The whole 4hrs we talked and talked mainly about life, what we planed to do for the future and what we felt about being in iraq. I'll tell you this Spc Joseph Herndon was one of the bravest, motavated, cool * soldiers I ever met and it was an honor to have served with him. I was his medic and we grew really close just as the rest of the platoon did with me. I was not there the day he passed but, sometimes i wish i was. you know when you get that feelin like if you were things would be different? He was my soldier you know? One love Joe. We miss you. To Mrs Herndon i am so sorry for your lost and I prey every night for you and your family to help get you through this. Its gonna be okay I'm sure you know. God bless."
Spc Rapheal Sarvis of Ft. Carson , Co

"I remember when I first met Spc Herndon the day that we landed in kuwait. We did'nt really say much to each other the first couple wks, for what reason, i wish i knew. We did'nt really start talking until we got settled in iraq and our first few weeks of talkin was'nt to nice. I don't know why we did'nt get along too well at the beginning but, that all changed the day we had guard duty together. The whole 4hrs we talked and talked mainly about life, what we planed to do for the future and what we felt about being in iraq. I'll tell you this Spc Joseph Herndon was one of the bravest, motavated, cool * soldiers I ever met and it was an honor to have served with him. I was his medic and we grew really close just as the rest of the platoon did with me. I was not there the day he passed but, sometimes i wish i was. you know when you get that feelin like if you were things would be different? He was my soldier you know? One love Joe. We miss you. To Mrs Herndon i am so sorry for your lost and I prey every night for you and your family to help get you through this. Its gonna be okay I'm sure you know. God bless."
Spc Rapheal Sarvis of Ft. Carson , Co

"I remember when I first met Spc Herndon the day that we landed in kuwait. We did'nt really say much to each other the first couple wks, for what reason, i wish i knew. We did'nt really start talking until we gto settled in iraq and our first few weeks os talkin was'nt to nice. I don't know why we did'nt get along too well at the beginning but, that all changed the day we had guard duty together. The whole 4hrs we talked and talked mainly about life, what we planed to do for the future and what we felt about being in iraq. I'll tell you this Spc Joseph Herndon was one of the bravest, motavated, cool * soldiers I ever met and it was an honor to have served with him. I was his medic and we grew really close just as the rest of the platoon did with me. I was not there the day he passed but, sometimes i wish i was. you know when you get that feelin like if you were things would be different? He was my soldier you know? One love Joe. We miss you. To Mrs Herndon i am so sorry for your lost and I prey every night for you and your family to help get you through this. Its gonna be okay I'm sure you know. God bless."
Spc Rapheal Sarvis of Ft. Carson , Co

"I knew Joe as Pvt Herndon at A co 2-54 in basic training. I remember him as a born leader. There wasn't a tougher man in the world with a softer heart. He always talked about Mel and their plans. Mel, if you see this, I'm sorry for your loss."
SGT Jason Custer of jason.custer@us.army.mil

"When I first arrived out here to Kuwait, I was handed a bracelet with the name of a soldier who was killed in OIF... "Joseph F. Herndon II" I have not removed the bracelet since I received it. It is a constant reminder of why we are out here, and the sacrifices that are made by the wonderful men and women of the US Military. Joe, I never got the opportunity to know you personally, but you will be in my thoughts forever. To his family, I am sorry for your loss. We will never forget our fallen brothers and sisters."
Ashley of USAF, Kuwait

"SPC Herndon was a great guy who could always put a smile on your face no matter what kind of mood you were in. We went on R&R together and had a great time on the way home and back to Iraq despite what we knew we were going back to. I had known Joe for about 2 1/2 years and I do not think i had ever once seen him turn down a chance to help someone who needed it or brighten someones day. You will always be missed but never forgotten Joe."
SPC Nathaniel Johnson of Schofield Barracks, HI 96857

"Even thouigh I did not know Joseph, from reading the entries already made, he know doubt left a very favorable impression on those that knew him. My full hearted sorrow to those he left behind, and a salute to Joseph for the service he performed to his and our county."
Dudley Herndon of Naples, FL

"Even thouigh I did not know Joseph, from reading the entries already made, he know doubt left a very favorable impression on those that knew him. My full hearted sorrow to those he left behind, and a salute to Joseph for the service he performed to his and our county."
Dudley Herndon of Naples, FL

"MEL, Everyday I think of Joe and how much he affected my life. He was a great soldier and true Hero. He gave so much and asked for nothing in return. His memory will always be with me and I know he is watching down on us
at this very moment.Cari and I keep you close to our heart every waking day. We love you!!!"
1LT David Morgan of Fort Benning, Georgia

"I can't imagine how your family stands the pain of your loss. I honor you and your service and the gift you gave all Americans. You are in my prayers."
Pete Daniels of Independence, KS

"My son, Benjamin Sumser, was with Joe on July 29. Ben will live with this for the rest of his life, if he himself survives. He carries one of Joe's dogtags in his wallet. We talk about Joe in my home as though he were our son. We have a picture of him on our wall.
May God bless his family"
Jim of San Mateo, CA

"To Joe, Family, and Friends,
Joe had to be about the biggest insperation to me, namely from football. He would always offer his time and help to me. And for any others that new him ... He did the same for You. He always had this way of brightening your day. My prayers go out to Joe and his family. My first payer was "Lord, please welcome Joe as he struts into Your kingdom with his huge muscles and even bigger heart. And please be with his family through their loss. In Jesus Name. Amen" We will miss him! Always remember how Joe made life so great."
SrA Brandon Coleman of Derby, KS

"I met SPC Herndon on the way back from R&R where we spent three days together talking after meeting in Dallas. SPC Herndon had my undivided attention all three days where he told me account after account of his experiences here in Iraq. I am very sorry to learn of this loss, he did so much for his country. I will never forget this man I knew only a few days. God bless the family of such a great person."
SGT Millikan of Illinois

"You were a great guy, I will never forget you.

ON3"
Scott DeMotte of Lenexa, Kansas

"I am so sorry to learn of Joe's death. My heart and prayers go out to his family. My son is in the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. I pray for the safety of these troops in Iraq every day. God's comfort and peace be with you at this most difficult time."
A Tilly of Michigan

"Spec. Herndon, I want to thank you for defending my freedom while at the same time delivering freedom to people who have never known its wonder. My deepest condolences to your family and friends."
Ken of Denver, CO

"My sincerest condolences to Melanie in the loss of her dear husband, friend and soldier, Joe. My heart aches for your loss."
Sharmyn Calhoun and Family of St. Louis MO

"I was a friend of Joe's at Highland Community College and I am also an Army Reservist. Just wanted to say that Joe was a good man and even better soldier. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. travisbeer@hotmail.com"
Spc. Travis D. Beer of Topeka, Ks

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones
in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Joseph, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge Montana "

"Dear Herndon Family, Our family sends deepest sympathies for the loss of your beloved soldier. My nephew, Pfc Brad Kritzer, was killed May 5th in Baghdad and we grieve with you during this dark time. It is hard to think about the physical pain our loved ones endured but they are safe and their bodies are restored in heaven. I picture all the fallen soldiers together and they will meet us when our lives on earth are over. God's grace and support for each of you."
Laurie Miles, megsnana@hotmail.com of Coalport, PA

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

"To the family of Joseph F. Herndon II;

Our sincerest condolences to your family. Our family has also lost a precious life in the battle for freedom. Joseph is a true American hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time."
The McClain family---azquail@att.net of Tucson, Az.

"To Joseph'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

"To Joseph's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved one's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude.
May G-d provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten.
A grateful citizen and a Proud Marine Mom, (purplelily219@yahoo.com)"
Lily of Wakefield MA

"To the family of Joseph we are so sorry for your loss. We also lost our son in Iraq and know the sadness you are feeling. May you find peace in your many memories of his life."
Lisa and Gino Zimmer of Columbus, Ohio

"Thank you Joseph Herndon II, 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. Joseph Herndon II:
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 Joseph 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. Joseph Herndon II:
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 Joseph, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia