Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I never got the privilege of meeting Nainoa, but I do know what an amazing leader and friend he was. My brother, who served with Nainoa, has told me many stories about him. I know how much my brother respected Nainoa, and that tells me just what kind of man he was. Nainoa, you will never be forgotten, rest in peace."
Liz of Spokane, WA

"On August 26, 2006, we will dedicate a memorial stone at Punchbowl and our program will list your name as one of our fallen heros whose sacrifice gives us the duty and the priviledge to carry on your legacy of freedom and liberty. Mahalo from Oahu Chapter 858, Vietnam Veterans of America."
Luis Parker of Ewa Beach, HI

"To Nainoa's family and friends, more than a year has passed, and I still cry for Nainoa. Nainoa was an incredible person and friend. He has joined other friends of ours who have gone before us. I pray for them and the rest of us often. I truly believe that they are in the arms of angels. I just wanted to say in one forum or another that they are not, nor will they ever be, forgotten. A piece of my heart will be with each of you all until we can be together again."
kale of Waikane, HI/ Fort Bragg NC

"It has been over a year since the death of my dear friend and yet it still pains me intensely to even think of this tragedy. I will never forget Nainoa. A person like this only comes along once in a lifetime and having known him made all the difference in the world to me."
Suesan

"It's been one year today. My son was beside Nainoa last year. I just want any who come here to know that Nainoa is not forgotten. This day will always be a day of remembrance for our family."
JJ of Buckley, WA

"Ordinary Americans - simple workaday folks - We don't forget the Heros. The High & Mighty may care only about the next election, but we don't forget the Heros.."
Anonymous of Columbia, MD

"I prayed for you and you are never out of my thoughts as I too, have a loved one over in Iraq fighting for our safety and country. I can't imagine how Emily can go on and start dating a few months of your passing!!!! Now, I hear she's engaged to another soldier! Rest in peace my friend and I know that you had done your DUTY to our Country and we will NEVER forget you!"
A loving MILITARY wife & Aunt of a soldier in Iraq of USA and proud of IT!

"Nainoa was the epitome of the natural leader. He was a good mentor, a person you knew genuinely cared, someone that you would follow into danger. He balanced his seriousness about the job with his sense of humor, something evident even during our days as cadets back at UH ROTC.

Having both come from the Kamehameha Schools, Nainoa was a great inspiration to me. Having him as a peer and a fellow kanaka maoli was something rare in this profession, and I will always be glad to have had the opprotunity to have known him.

Nainoa is missed, and not forgotten. I hope that I can be even half of the officer and gentleman that he was.

E Ku Kanaka!"
1LT Ryan Mento of Dongducheon, Korea

"Emily,
As Nainoa's 3/21 "Outlaws" return from their Tour of Duty in Mosul, Nainoa and you again become more focused in my thoughts and prayers. The stories I've heard from the soldiers who were close to Nainoa continue to remind me of how much your husband was respected and loved by his platoon. My son, Chris ("Nug") returned to Ft. Lewis Sept 23rd. I firmly believe your husband was/is watching over him and others as a Guardian Angel. Chris took a head shot from a sniper during an ambush 2 weeks before he returned home. The bullet miraculously ricocheted off his helmet and he only received a moderate concussion! I hope you are doing as well as can be expected, and perhaps we'll see you at the Lancer Brigade Memorial Dedication Ceremony."
Richard Naganuma of Anaheim, California

"To the family of Nainoa K. Hoe, I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom.May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God.Prayfully we weill 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 at Gateway Community Church: Rev John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington, Ga. phone 770-787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington ,Ga

"To Emily:
We think of you often and share your sorrow. I wish I could have met your lovely husband but know he was so lucky to meet and fall in love with you. I wish you the best always. We are honoring your sacrifice this weekend and honoring Nainoa.
Carma and Don Corcoran"
carma/don Corcoran of portland, OR

"To the family of Nainoa,
I recently attended the commissioning ceremony of my nephew, Army Second Lt Ryan Morrison. While there I learned about your tragic loss from my brother, who served with Allen in Viet Nam. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Nainoa, I still feel deep sadness and loss for you. His name and his great sacrifice for our country was remembered and honored at our family gathering, and we will continue to remember and appreciate this brave young soldier. My prayers are with you."
Karen Coleman of Tonasket, WA

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry I am for the loss of LT Hoe. The army has lost one of it's finest young officers. His sacrifice was not in vain. Both of our fathers are close friends and served together in Vietnam. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends, as well as the men he so bravely led."
2LT Ryan Morrison of Boise, ID

"I served with Nainoa Hoe while participating in the ROTC program at UH. He was one of the most squared away soldiers, very determined, and showed utmost fairness and equality in all he accomplished. He and 1LT Jeremy Wolfe were both taken from our UH ROTC family and are missed immensley. My thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with his wife and family."
1LT Crystal Lauver of Overland Park, Kansas

"I went to basic training at Fort Jackson, SC with Nainoa from January - March 2000. He was voted soldier of the cycle. He went on to the Reserves and most of the rest of us went on to Active Duty. I always wondered what happened to Hoe and tried to locate him when I was stationed at Fort Shafter, HI. I was shocked when a friend who was in basic with us called me and told me the bad news and we remembered what a great soldier and an overall great guy he was. I might have known him for only a short time, but he will definitely be missed.."
(Former SGT) Scotty McDaniel of Alexandria, VA

"To The Hoe Ohana
My deepest condolences to your entire family. The loss of a son is so great and my heart goes out to you all. I also recently lost a son Kyle K. Fernandez in Afghanistan on Oct.14th '04 I truly know your pain,your loss,your grief and your saddness because that is also my heartache. I will always remember these precious ones as young men that bravely fought for their country with no fear and it is because of these men we all can live as free Americans. You and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers-Sincerely Nyla Fernandez mother of Spc. Kyle K. Fernandez (nylafern@yahoo.com)"
nyla fernandez of Waianae,HI.

"The news of Nainoa's death saddened me intensely. He was a wonderful person in life and he touched many people along the way. May there be peace in the hearts of his family and all who were close to him. He was destined for greatness, as we all knew this, and his legacy will live on. We will meet again my friend and until then you will remain in my heart."

"My heart goes out to Nainoa's family and friends. Nainoa was very special and I will always remember him."

"Emily, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You and Nainoa will be together again in heaven one day. My husband is stationed here in Hawaii and there were some amazing stories on the news here about him. I know he was a wonderful man and is with God now watching over you."
Sara Maisel, Armywifey523 of Honolulu, HI

"Emily my heart and sould goes out to you and to your family. May you be strong. God Bless you and Nainoa he is now in gods mighty hands and one day you and him will be reunited......"
Marina aka NuArMyWiFe of Santa Ana, CA

"I am a student at the Kamehameha Schools and I attended the service at the Chapel on Tuesday. But just as Kahu Kekoa has said we don't say bye to Nainoa we say See you later...and yes we will see him later. Be strong and God Bless."
Kahala Rowe of Waimanalo, Hawaii-Kamehameha Schools Class of 2008

"My thoughts and prayers are with your family Nakoa. Drill Sargent Bond, Bao, and Miles all send their condolences. Good luck and stay safe."
PFC Matt Erickson of Ft. Benning GA

"My heart goes out to Emily, Nainoa's family, friends, peers, and his soldiers. He was a great leader, surfing buddy, workout partner, classmate, and most importantly a great friend. We'll all miss him and will continue to pray for his family and all the rest of us over seas or going over in the near future."
1Lt Jack Burbank of Ft. Polk, LA

"E homai ka ike mai luna mai e,
No na mea huna no'eau na mele e,
E homai,
E homai,
E homai e,
Malama kou po'e ke koa Hawai'i.
Malama kou 'ohana like na ali'i Hawai'i.
Mai poina makou."
Kualu of Ke Ao

"To the family and loved ones of Nainoa Hoe,
I send my deepest condolences to you in this time of grievance. I knew Nainoa from UH Army ROTC. He was a leader amongst leaders. He was looked up to by many of his peers and I have no doubt in my mind that his suboridnates looked up to him with full confidence and respect. We, the UH Army ROTC family has lost 2 other great leaders (Wolfe and Henderson)within the past 2 years. It is sad to say, the Army lost the best of the best. Your son, brother, husband and friend has made a dynamic impact on the lives of the people he touched. Nainoa Hoe will surely be missed.
With deepest sympathy,"
1LT Nani Bowman of Honolulu, HI / FT Campbell, KY

"No words can express the pain felt. Rest in peace my brother."
Mike of NJ

"Emily and Hoe Family:
My name is 1LT Vic J. Underwood, and I am stationed at Schofield Barracks, HI. Nainoa was a good friend of mine, and I am deeply saddened for you and our ROTC OHANA. If there is anything you need contact me, and I will make it happen. 808-674-0452 or 808-284-0289. 1LT Vic J. Underwood"
1LT Vic J. Underwood of Schofield Barracks, HI

"Nainoa, we will never forget!! You will forever live on in all of our hearts and minds. You gave selfishly and sacrificed greatly. Emily, you are strong and graceful woman. Your strength in the face of such loss stands as a testament to your love of Nainoa. He would be proud and I'm sure he is looking down over you now. Pain will never touch him now for he soars with the angels in Heaven."
Amanda (aka: Peper) of St. Louis, MO

"To the Hoe family,
Our prayers are with you. Nainoa was a wonderful human being. There were many great memories at UH ROTC. God Bless you always. Wahiawa Seventh Day Adventist Church will be praying for you."
Owen and Maddy Roberts of Mililani, HI

"Nainoa,
From the 4th platoon of the “five eyed goats” to the 5th platoon at Benning you were always a great friend. You helped me through the hard times more times than you ever knew and for that I am forever grateful. You were a great soldier and an even better friend. I will check in on your family for you when I get to Hawaii. God bless you my friend, you gave in good cause."
Krauser of Baghdad Iraq

"To Emily & Nainoa's Family:
You family is in my thoughts and prayers. I to lost my husband in Iraq on Oct. 30. Emily, you will get through this. You are strong. You know how to get in touch with me if you ever need to talk. He is with the Lord now. He will never be forgotten. A true American Hero!
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Forever Fox's Lady
Casie Fox (SC)
Proud USMC wife of
L.Cpl. Travis Fox
KIA Oct.30 2004 Iraq"

"I also read about 1st LT Hoe in the Washington Post today. Tears in my coffee, and thinking of the family and platoon he left behind. You can't buy the kind of loyalty that the Marines he led showed him. May you rest in peace brave Marine, and keep riding that wave.
Mahalo.
Semper Fi"
Amy of Burke, VA

"To the Family and Friends of 1st Lt. Nainoa Hoe,

I read Lt. Hoe's story in the Washington Post and was so deeply touched. He sounded like an amazing son, husband, brother and leader. I lost a very dear friend in September to this war and know that there are no words to ease the pain right now. I hope you know that there are many of us that read of your loved one and mourn for the loss and what could have been. May God bless you and keep you."
Rebecca of Washington, DC

"I pray God will be with the family Friends and Nainoa's Wife during this time. I am so sorry you have to go through all this pain. God Bless You, and know that your Husband, Son,Brother,Friend was a true Hero...And I thank him for his gift to me and everyone in the US for protecting us."
Betty of Chesapeake, Va

"Nainoa,
I remember you, Jake, Krauser, and me sitting around the tables at various chain restaurants along Exit 10 in Columbus. Every Friday night we would gather and make fun of Jake. I always appreciated your wit and gift for understatement. I appreciated your friendship. I pray for Emily and your family, may the Lord comfort them and may they know peace. I love you as a brother in arms."
Gill Price of Korea

"To Nainoa'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