Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Almost 18 years now….still remember getting the call from Woody. Love ya buddy still miss ya and think of you often."
Bryan E of Okc

"January 17, 2015 we will b doing a WOD at Crossfit 1525 in Houston Texas in honor of Aaron. Crossfit gyms across the U.S. recognizes fallen soldiers and tomorrow will b for Aaron."
kelly gaspard of Houston Texas USA

"It's coming up on 10 years and it seems like yesterday we were all goofing around. My step - son is now stationed at Ft Campbell and it has brought back memories of fun and loss. Miss you my friend."
Chris of Falls Church, VA

"We lost you on this day exactly nine years ago. Still hurts like it happened yesterday. We miss you my brother. Aaron served his country and his fellow Green Berets in a way that few other men ever will. Gayla, I hope that one day Erin, Shelby, and Zachary can fully understand how special he was.

Ross, Glenda and Daniel you are also my heroes. Your grace and faith embody the very best our nation has to offer.

De Oppresso Liber"
Bob Kelley of Middleton, WI

"Missing you man,"
Bryan E of Okc

"Miss you brother...seems like yesterday we were all goofing around and laughing about the kids.

All my best to Gayla and the kids. I hope all is well and never forget the laughter and good times...he made a huge impact with all he touched at home and on deployment.

Be proud to have known such a tremendous man, husband and father!"
SFC Chris "Bunky" Gaines of Herndon VA

"Eight years buddy, I haven't forgotten you."
Travis J of Clarksville, TN

"SSG Holleyman from your former supply sergeant at C 1/5th SFG (A), for those dates that we spent together in Iraq and for the few ping-pong games we played, we'll miss a great Soldier, NCO, green beret but overall a great human being! R.I.P! ~SFC Santiago~ Airborne"
SFC Santiago of Beaumont, TX

"Aaron I think about you often and as that day approaches when things changed, especially for you and your family.

It's the fourth of July and I can't help but miss your friendship. I am sorry I wasn't there to take care of you like you took care of all of us. I only hope that one day we can all get together for another great time. We miss you terribly! Take care my brother!"
Chris of Ft Campbell of Herndon, Virginia

"I think about the brothers of ODA 531 everyday. Often I find myself up late at night, like right now, thinking about them, where they are and praying that they are doing fine. I most often think about Aaron. He was a true friend, loved by all who served with him. I have many good memories of him. In one the darkest moments of my life Aaron was able to calm me and assure me that I was going to be ok. I'll never forget that and I'll never forget him. I will live my life to honor my brother. I miss you brother."
Joseph Briscoe of San Antonio, TX

"Thinking about you bro...."
Bryan E of Okc,Ok

"Aaron you and I only knew eachother for a short period of time. However we managed to squeeze in some good laughs and very "serious" discussions. Thank you for your dedication and sacrafice for the good ol' U.S.A."
Stephanie Johnson Wright of Minot ND

"I found this site while doing some research, reading the entries brought back a flood of memories. Most are good and would do it all over again just to ensure I could meet the same people along the way. I was blessed to work among heroes every day. Brother………… I think of you every day. My life has been enriched because of friends like you. Till we meet again.
“Chief”"
Todd Sonnek of Shevlin, MN

"My Son-N-Law SSG.Aaron Holleyman will never B forgotten. This yr. marks the 6th yr. of your passing~_~, Gayla & the Children Love & Miss U dearly. Your littleones remember your handsome face & they touch your picture & kiss your face & tell me & their mom that they Love U & Miss U alot & they all want U to come back~_~, The 2 Stepchildren-Thorne,now 20 yrs. old & Cheyenne-14 yrs. old is still taking it hard. They Miss U terribly,they still cry W / they think of something that ya'll would do together & Cook together. Cheyenne won't eat certain foods that other's cook because,Cheyenne would say, Daddy Aaron would cook this & it was Good ! This past Thanksgiving she wouldn't hardly eat because,Daddy Aaron & Mom would fix Thanksgiving dinner together & it was Goooood ! She wished & prayed for her Daddy Aaron to come knocking on the door. ~_~, Thorne cried wishing he had his Dad Aaron here to go running W / him & rock climbing like they use to do @ the Rock Climbing Place. Just to were they could talk together now that he's older now. Christmas is coming up & They R all Saddened,Wishing & Hoping that Aaron would come Home but, they know he's not. My heart goes out still to My daughter-Gayla & the Children,Love U all & Thank U every servicemen & women who R still giving your sacrafice for me & my family & Grandchildren,Love U & God Bless<3"
Linda Williams of Hope Mills,North Carolina

"Aaron not many days have passed when I have not thought about the times we shared as team leaders. You were a great friend, Jimmy and I talk about you often, we miss you brother! I will never forget helping you change the brakes on your wifes car. I had never been to your house before that and I asked if you had invited every kid in the neighborhood over, you laughed and said they are all mine. Or the time that I met up with you at Jimmy's house right after you earned your Green Beret. I had not seen you as happy and proud as you were that day! I won't ever forget the tear filled conversation I had with Jimmy when he told me the news. We love and miss you brother!"
MSG Woodrow (Woody) W. Wilson III of Monrovia, Liberia

"Aaron, the 5th anniversary of your going home has just passed and September 11th remembrance is coming. I am serving in Iraq now and it feels right. In so doing I feel those of us here are continuing the mission that you and so many others started and sacrificed for.

So, today I thought I would add the words and feelings that your father spoke (in part) for you and all of us at your memorial service:

Hear again the words of my brother, Ross. These are a portion of the tribute he paid to his son, Aaron …

“The sacrifice has been made, but the sacrifice cannot be measured simply in terms of death - because everyone dies - but it must be measured in terms of life ... because there are those here today and many far off who have already and still are sacrificing precious time with their loved ones - more prosperous careers - the quality of their health - the comfort of home.

And, heroes cannot be identified exclusively by the sacrifice of life - because thousands, even millions in our world today are sacrificing their lives on alters serving false gods - false causes - false hopes - and false dreams - and their efforts will never be sanctified by their devotions to sacrifice.

Our commitment to the cause of freedom cannot rise and fall based simply on the probability of success - as a people and a nation - who have been blessed beyond measure, with human power and opportunity unparalleled in the history of the world - we are tasked with doing what is right simply because it is right - regardless of how we assess the outcome - and sometimes we find ourselves in the most difficult position of helping those who so desperately need our help - but may not know it or want it. We can risk our lives to secure freedom for ourselves and others - or we can sacrifice our honor and shrink back - and it may well be at the peril of our freedoms and the future of our children.

I love this great country, but my hope is built on something far greater and more lasting than this country. I have a living hope and His name is Jesus!

… but I will lift up the cross of Jesus ...

"If Jesus is lifted up all men will be drawn to him that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life"

- [Ross Holleyman, Father & Patriot]

I love you still,

Uncle Tim"
Tim Holleyman of Taji, Iraq

"Aaron was a best friend of mine in High School.I lost contact with him when he went to serve our country.I have tried to find him for the last several years only to learn today that he was lost in service five years ago.I am very saddened by this news and hope the best to his family I wished I could have known.You will be missed dearly Aaron,my best wishes to your family and thank you for keeping this country safe.I remember to this day 14 years later all you ever wanted to do was to serve our great country.I will never forget you."
John Turney of Phoenix,AZ

"Four years have passed since we lost Aaron, but his memory lives on in the hearts of his brothers at 5th GRP. Aaron was a great friend and a great SF solider. Your not forgotten brother. De Oppresso Liber!
Joe Kent"
joe kent of Ft.Campbell KY

"Aaron started out as a pesky but lovable kid in school, and seemed to keep the lovable part as he got older. He was always quick to defend the underdog in anything we did. I never saw him again once he left Clinton, but i thought of him often. He always said he wanted a house full of kids, and from Gaylas entry, he got that wish. I moved to Ft CAmpbell a few months ago, and happened to be at the Gold Star ceremony. Hearing his name caught me off guard, but because of that, I was able to see his tree. (very touching!) I wish the best for all of his family, and wish that I had gotten a chance to see Daddy Holleyman at the ceremony, but that man is a fast walker!!!!!"
Sarah Carver of Clarksville, TN/Clinton, MS

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Aaron N. Holleyman:
Aaron 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

"We had the best day ever the day before. Anyone that was there understands that. Anyone that was there understands the impact that day had on us from then to the day we see you again. What a time it was. What a day that was. We love you like crazy brother. Bad Medicine has a new meaning after that trip. See you when I get there. A-team brother."
Aaron May of Ft. Rucker, AL.

"Never forget you and Joe giving me hell in the arms room brother...miss ya bro"
Victor "Marty" Martinez of Ft Campbell, Ky

"For Gayla you dont know me but i served with aaron in iraq for a few short months and got to know him and considered him my friend, I regret never taking the opportunity to tattoo your husband as i had the other members of our camp and he had specifically asked for somthing to add the childrens names to his idea at the time. i look for his memorial often and hope that you and the childern are well, i am deeply saddened by your loss of a good man. of whom i called friend, SSG Daniel J. Vanwinkle 10th MTN DIV (POLARBEARS)"
SSG Daniel J VanWinkle of 1-19 in itb ft benning, Ga

"You are on my mind everyday, but especially today. You are missed so much by so many. God bless you and your family."
Jo Baldwin of Clarksville, TN/Schenectady, NY

"Aaron, it is memorial day, and you are not forgotten. JOSH"
Josh of Ft. Campbell

"It's hard to believe that it's been almost two yrs since your passing, and sometimes it's hard for us...other times it's harder. The kids miss you so much Aaron. I know that Shelby, and Zach are too young to really remember, but they recognize your picture. They know who you are. Erin always asks me where you are, and what heaven is like. I don't know what to tell her sometimes. She asks me how you died, and if you can see her sleeping, eating, playing, etc...She says she can't wait to go to sleep, because you talk to her in her dreams. That comforts me, because I know that you are talking to her. Thank you for watching out for her. She loves you so very much. Thorne, and Cheyenne miss you too. Thorne is still bothered by all that has happened. He still considers you his father, even though you were his stepfather...you were the closet thing he had to a real father. He's in the ROTC, and wants to join the Army when he graduates. Cheyenne feels the same way about you. You were there ever since she was 9 months old. Zachary looks so much like you. I don't know what else to say. I wish I could talk to you face to face. You were my best friend. I love you. The kids love you. You are sorely missed."
Gayla of Hope Mills,NC

"Aaron,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Green Berets All The Way!""

"On the eve of Aaron's birthday, I find myself thinking of the fond memories I shared with him and the other team members of ODA 531. It has been more than a year now since Aaron was killed. Although it still isn't any easier today than it was then, I find comfort knowing that Aaron is resting in a far better place. He is still loved and missed by his family and friends. He gave more to mankind in his short time on earth than most give in two lifetimes. Aaron, my brother, you are missed, but never forgotten. Till we meet again - De Oppresso Liber!"
David P. Diamond of Fort Bragg, NC

"I will never forget Aaron or what he did for this country. He will always remain in my thoughts and prayers. I wish his family all the best, because they deserve it. This was the ultimate sacrafice, and because of people like Aaron Holleyman, I am proud to be an American.
Thank you Aaron for all you've done.

kmarks81@hotmail.com"
Kristi Marks of Great Falls, MT

"My name is Gayla, and I remember when three dress greens came to my home last year. They told me that my husband...Aaron N Holleyman had been killed in Iraq. I was in such shock...such disbelief. I wept so hard, and for so long. He had been my lover, my husband, and my best friend for almost 7 years. He was the stepfather of my two oldest children...Thorne-14, and Cheyenne now 9. He was killed the day before her birthday, so remembering him this year has been so hard for her. We also had three beautiful chldren together....Erin Michelle-6, Shelby-3, and Zachary-2. I remember the last time we saw him, and the last time I heard his voice. He had called me in Iraq...two weeks before his death. When I hung up the phone that day, I knew that I would never hear from him again, but of course I dismissed that feeling....only to have it realized. I loved him dearly, and he will always be remembered....never forgotten...my fallen soldier. I love you Aaron."
Gayla of Fayetteville,NC

"It was a year ago today that we conducted the mission that would forever change our lives. Aaron was a great friend and fellow soldier who I felt it as an honor to serve beside. I have missed Aaron this past year, and will contiue to miss him until I see him again.
To Aaron, watch over us as we contiue in our quest of war to bring peace. We love and miss you brother."
Travis Johnson of ODA 531 Iraq

"Aaron was a friend and comrade. I watched him save the lives of two of our teammates. I wish we could have returned the favor. He was a dedicated father and a friend to the oppressed. May God richly bless him, his children, and his family. His parents, Ross and Glenda, are First Class Americans. My family will never forget the sacrifice that Aaron made. We will remember Aaron not as he died, but as he lived."
Josh of Ft Campbell

"Aaron you will be missed. I have had the pleasure of meeting your parents on several occasions and you were truly blessed to have such a patiotic family. I know that something I taught you in the Medical Course helped many people you came in contact with. This was a trajedy and you are a great hero.
My condolences to all,
Pete, Donna, Brianne, Sara and Nicholas Schichtel"
Peter Schichtel of Clarksville, TN 37042

"p"
p of p

"To my hero, I thank you for all you have done. I thank you for our memories and friendship. You were a great man and will never be forgotten. Till we meet again, Love Always"
Courtenay Hisaw of Atlanta, GA

"Aaron was a kind person. I'm glad to have met him. I'm keeping him and his family in my prayers."
Judy of Fayetteville, NC

"Aaron was a kind person. I glad to have met him. I'm keeping him and his family in my prayers."
Judy of Fayetteville, NC

"To Aaron: You will be GREATLY missed. You were not only a GREAT soldier, but a GREAT Friend as well. You were always there when needed. You will never be forgotten!
To Aaron's Family: Our Prayers are with all of you. Aaron will never be forgotten in our hearts and mind. I pray all will remember how he was as a soldier and friend. He was a soldiers soldier and most of all a friend to us. Please take care and our prayers are always with you all."
Troy and Ruby Ellis of 96th Civil Affairs, Fort Bragg, NC

"I am deeply sorry for the loss of your family member. I did not know SSG Aaron N. Holleyman but he is the man who saved my father's life after he was hit by a rocket. He is a great American Hero that will never be forgotten. I just want to say thank you for your family member's honorable duty to the country and my father."
Kerianna and Meaghan Kammer of El Paso, Tx

"MY HERO": Although I did not know Aaron Holleyman personally...I cannot begin to express my sorrow in his and his families loss. I have heard only great things about him and wish I had had the opportunity to know him personally. It takes a true and pure souled person to do what Aaron did for us...for us all here in the United States. He could have come home when injured previously...but he continued to do what a TRUE HERO does and that is to protect his country. Aarons death has put a great burden on my heart and not a day goes by that I don't think of him and his great sacrifice...and not a day goes by that I don't pray for his family. My children had the privilege of having Aarons father as a teacher and I met him and his wife at Aarons funeral...I feel for them, I pray for them and I thank them for the gift of their son....MY HERO! I Love you Aaron...and one day we will meet..."
Lisa Medina of Carthage, MS, USA

"Please know that we remember this young man, Aaron. This boy that left Montana to become a man and from everything we can remember and know about him he made an impression that can never be erased. Condolences to the family of Aaron Holleyman. A fellow Glasgow Montanan."
Leah Erickson of Glasgow

""To a Fallen Hero, may he rest in peace.
May God give the family strength and courage at this most difficult time.
Our prayers are with you and everybody else still serving in Iraq."
The family of Christopher Norton, 5th SF Group of Clarksville TN"

"Dear Aaron's family, At my Synagogue during the Jewish New Year, each congregant received a name of a Fallen Hero. I received Aaron's name. I wanted to let you know that we all prayed for him and for him to rest in Peace. I pray for you also."
Joyce Ben-Kiki of Newington, Ct.

"Sergeant Holleyman, 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, Aaron, a fellow Montanan, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To the family of Aaron,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Aaron is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"To Aaron'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 soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

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

"To Aaron'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

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

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