Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It's strange how you find things on the internet sometimes. I was just searching for information about Firebase Hornbeck, Kirkuk, Iraq and stumbled across this site and I'm glad I did. I never knew MSG Hornbeck but I knew others that did. What I can say is that his legacy and his memory is lives with me, even today. You see, My ODA was the last team to be assigned to FB Hornbeck in Iraq in 2011. At that time we (the Army) was in transition to leave Iraq. Our job, was to keep pressure on the enemy and at the same time conduct a safe transition of power back to the Iraqi government. The days of serious fighting was over but we were still engaged. We spent many nights going out on missions. FB Hornbeck was not only our team house, it was our home. As you walked into our front door and into hallway we had a large photo of Kelly with his name painted on the wall, unfortunately several other framed pictures of fellow Green Berets that had fallen over there were placed next to him. The story I would like to impress upon his family is that every time our team went out on a mission Kelly and the others would get "knuckle bumped" on our way out the door by the team. It was a sign of respect and in our own little way to honor him and the others. Kelly was one of us and he will never be forgotten."
Bryant of Mobile, Al

"He was a classmate in the 9th, and possibly the 10th, grade (1981-1983) at Wagner High School, Clark Air Base, the Philippines. I remember he and his brother, Kurt, as a couple of cool and really nice guys. May they both have entered into their rest and the Lord keep them."
Vincent Childs of Milton, Florida

"I'll always remember you Drill Sergeant. You,DS Blossom and DS Burns made me. RIP
Aco. 1-38 FT Benning GA. 1996
SFC R. Ortiz"
R. Ortiz of Charlotte,NC

"Master Sgt. Kelly Hornbeck will be remembered and honored this evening, April 28, 2016 at the City of College Station, Texas City Council Meeting. Thank you for your service and sacrifice on behalf of this great Nation."
Ben Roper of College Station, Texas

"I was absolutely floored when I heard this news. Drill Sergeant Hornbeck (that's who he was to me) was the fiercest, most professional soldier I ever had the privilege to serve with. In 1996, FT Benning, GA I was a young 17 yr old recruit. DS Hornbeck was an inspiring and intimidating presence, already SF qualified with a host of other specialties. I was in awe of what a real soldier looked like when they grew up. DS Hornbeck was stern, but never cruel. He gave all of us new soldiers something to aspire to. I am deeply saddened by the passing of this mountain of a man. He will always be remembered."
Kris Panozzo of Chicago, IL

"Dear Hornbeck Family,
I apologize for this late post, but had only located this site today and just wanted to pass on my condolences to his family. I was lucky enough to have served alongside Kelly as a Drill Sergeant while we were stationed in the 1/38th Infantry, at Ft. Benning GA. He was a strong and dedicated NCO that brought out the best in everyone he came into contact with. I remembered he was one of the first NCOs from SF community to be selected to perform Drill Sergeant Duties. MSG Hornbeck was a true Warrior and will be missed, but never forgotten by the Soldiers and Leaders he served with. My thoughts and prayers will be always be with your family."
Rene Suarez SGM (R) of Ft. Benning GA

"I am Kayleen Gonzalez I play softball for a orginization named Texas Bombers. We support fallen heros like Master Sgt. Kelly Hornbeck. As we travel across the nation each girl gets to honor a soldiers on the back of their jersey. I am currently doing a report on Sgt. Kelly and Im learning so much about him and how he died for our country. He is truly a brave hero and I couldn't be anymore lucky to honor a guy like him."
Kayleen Gonzalez of Rowlett,Texas

""Hard to believe its been a decade. We were definitely in a hellhole but you would not think it, with Kelly's upbeat attitude. Not a day goes by that I don't think about that place. God Bless You Kelly and your family."
SSG Reno of Fayetteville, NC, US"

"I KNEW KELLY WHEN WE LIVED IN THE Philippines. IN THE 7TH GRADE WE WOULD SPEND OUR LUNCHES TOGETHER.

I LOOKED FOR HIM A FEW YEARS AGO THAT IS WHEN ANOTHER FRIEND FROM THE PI TOLD ME WHAT HAD HAPPEN.

WHAT A ROLLER COSTER OF EMOTIONS I HAD.

I'M GREATFUL FOR THE TIME I HAD WITH HIM."
CASSIE BENEFIELD(HILDEBRANDT) of PARKER AZ.

"It's taken me roughly 8 plus years to write this but I think it's time. Kelly was my roommate in 1990 during Airborne School in Georgia. Wow! What a great soldier. Fearless and professional. After 22 years of military service I finally retired in 2007. I never met a man in all those years who was 10 feet tall or bullet proof, Kelly was as close to being the perfect soldier as anyone I had ever met. I will never forget him coming off a CIA bird in Panama in 1994 at Howard Airforce Base. He walked up behind me a whispered my name and scared the living hell out of me. He was the best Soldier the United States Army ever produced and that is as simple as I can put it. He was made for the Army and that is something you don't see everyday. I remember him telling me once ( at 3 am ), dont you just love this *? I was absolutely miserable and tired and he said to me, get up! Grandma and Grandpa's across this great nation are counting on you. So I got up and I truly believed from that point forward that God had sent his best to planet earth to keep us all motivated. The best of the best. Ironically, I was in the William and Mary bookstore when I picked up a book and read about Kelly being Killed In Action in Iraq. What a loss. My own father was killed in Vietnam and he I would talk about that from time to time. He wanted to know the who, what, where, when, and why of my fathers mission? Those conversations went on for hours it seemed like at the time.....but
he always showed respect to me when the topic came up, something I will never forget. War is war and its just a damn shame he is not here today. I hope whoever reads this knows what a really good man this guy truly was. God bless you kelly."
Troy Harworth of River Falls WI

"It has been many years now after Kelly's death. I can not believe time has gone by so fast. We are still fighting the same fight, but the human condition evolves, it is never finished: we just influence it's shape. That is why men like Kelly Hornbeck; our very best,are out there every day defending our country. MSG Kelly Hornbeck was the best NCO I have ever met and I was so lucky to have served with and learned from him. That applies to all of 092 who Kelly led and I am honored to have served with. But, Kelly was the MAN! He OWNED what he knew and KNEW what he OWNED.
When things get tough, I always (and I know others do too who served with:) think???? What would Kelly do?
There is always the answer!
Kelly's LEADERSHIP will always live in the U.S. ARMY as long as we lucky people who knew him pass on what we have learned from this great Soldier: the message that he delivered to us! HONOR, PRIDE, PROFFESSIONALISM, DEDICATION, TRADITION and LINIAGE!!! That is the U.S.ARMY!!! NCO's passing everything they know to the next generation! ...The mission is never complete, 24/7 we drive on: God Bless Chief and Ken as well.

Kelly was as hard as they come, but was in modern terms "user friendly" in his teachings. He was and in our memory the best Soldier, Leader, Mentor that the U.S. Army has ever produced. LEADERSHIP LIVES ON!!!"
Richard Curit of Honolulu, HI, USA

"He said, "call me Kelly". I had the honor of serving with him during several operations in the city of Samara, Iraq. Off the clock-a great guy to be around. On the job-a consumate professional who exemplified the work ethic of a Non-commisioned officer. He was a soldier's soldier and will forever be.
Kelly, you are missed!"
Sgt. Tyrone Douthit of Ft. Campbell(Afghanistan)

"To the family of:Kelly L. Hornbeck
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""

"MSG Hornbeck was my drill instructor, they always say you never forget their names. To the family, your father waws one of the few people who was a great teacher and less of a screamer. I believe he was one of the most unforgetable person in my military carreer. I'm sorry for your loss.

SFC Court

Fort Benning GA
1/38 - 1996"
Mitch of Washington DC

"To the Hornbecks,
I am a Military Police SSG on active duty status in the Army currently stationed in Arizona. I was in Iraq during OIF II. I was ordering a memorial bracelet for a fallen MP and I received a bracelet back engraved with the name of MSG Hornbeck. I have been wearing it since 2004 and have it on as I write this. Whenever anyone asks me about what the bracelet means I tell them about MSG Hornbeck and how he honorably served his country as a Special Forces Soldier and gave the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq for this great country.
I wish MSG Hornbeck's family all the best and wish I could tell them one day in person the effect he has had on me in his passing while actually never having known this great American hero. God Bless."
Stephen Clark of Fort Huachuca, AZ/USA

"Kelly was a roommate of mine when we served together in TOG. He was the best soldier I knew back then and is a true hero. You are missed Kelly!"
Craig Charest of Salem, NH

"I am one of Kelly's daughters. I just now found this site. I thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Reading what you all who knew and worked with my dad remembered about him is really touching. Thank you again."
Tyler Hornbeck of Raeford, NC

"MSG Hornbeck was my Drill Sergeant back in 1996. He was and still is the definition of a NCO. Extremely confident, and had a presence about him that would make you want to pay attention no matter how tired you were. I myself am a Drill Sergeant now, and often think back to Basic Training. His method of teaching Soldiers was not something that you can be taught. He just had it. You would idolize him, you acted like him, you wanted to be him. I will never forget DS Hornbeck, and he will live on forever. I take what he taught me, and instill it to this very day. He will never know the impact he had on me, but the privates I teach to this very day, are learning because of him."
Chris OBrien of FT Knox, KY

"You were in both mine & Meghann's thoughts on the 18th for the 6th anniverdary of your passing...You are still thought of so often and missed..."
charlene daly of fayetteville, nc

"I don't know you Kelly, and yet, I feel a strong connection to you because you gave your life for my freedom.
Thanks"
Beky of Runnells, IA

"I played football with Kelly at Tarleton State University in 1985. He was a friend to all. I learned of his death and military career shortly after his passing. I am very proud of what Kelly accomplished, his bravery and his leadership which will live on in all the soldiers he trained or saw him serve. God Bless the Kelly and the Hornbeck family"
Eric Crawford of Stephenville, Texas

"For those of you who never knew Kelly I would like to sum up to the best of ability what a great friend he was to so many. He was a friend and a brother I never had so my words may seem biased but they are the truth. Kelly was a man that could accomplish anything he wanted and for him a professional soldier was only the beginning. There’s no doubt in my mind that Kelly could have been an Officer and even a General if he had chosen this path. He had the ability to address any audience he spoke to regardless of rank. He was a mixture of John Wayne and Socrates but would profusely deny the later and even throw in a few adjectives to prove you wrong. He hated the accolades and would run from the spot light. He would never leave a fallen comrade nor would he shun his responsibilities for personal gain. Not that everything came easy for Kelly; but, he was one of those rare individuals who could accomplish the most difficult tasks under the most strenuous conditions. There is no doubt that he is a hero but Kelly was more -- a lot more. He was a Father, a Son, a Leader and a Warrior. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for you and I by giving his life fighting for the freedoms that we take for granted. His accomplishments are a proof of his character. The recognition he receives from his family, friends the 10th SFG is a testimony that he continues to influence those who love him so much.
Your Brother in Christ.

God of our fathers, known of old--
Lord of our far-flung battle line--
Beneath whose awful hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine--
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget--lest we forget!"

"January 10, 2009
To the family of Master Sgt. Kelly L. Hornbeck:
Kelly 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

"Every year I think of this man especially when I am training new recruits eager to learn the ways of soldiering. I will gladly be wearing his bracelet in honor of his commitment to his family, friends, peers, and fellow countrymen. I would very much like to make contact with you again to echo this in person. Your son has had more impact on the lives of Americans and those that have worn and continue to wear our nation's uniform than any public servant could ever hope. He was a big man in life and even bigger in spirit. Thank you for having the proper mindset to raise such wonderful sons. I am a new father of sorts and have a three year old son. MSG Kelly Hornbeck's character has provided me with a myriad of examples to raise a young man who knows the value of selfless service to his community, his family, and his country. God Bless you !"
Mason West of DeSoto, Texas/USA

"To Jeff and Camille, and Kelly's family, We have just spent some time reading the entries on this amazing website -- time of remembering and honoring and praying. Kelly always had big feet, even as a very young child. He left some big footprints to follow and to live up to. His memory lives on in our grateful hearts. God, bless his loved ones with Your comfort and peace."
Larry and Becky Burrow of Riverside, CA

"MSG Hornbeck,

I arrived in Samarra just after you fell. I heard many stories about you and I cannot help but feel such respect for you and the example you set for all around you. If it is anything, they named that #!$&ed hall after you when it became the TOC. For your sacrifice, I think we should have taken the golden mosque in the middle of Samarra and named that one after you instead, so great was your sacrifice. As long as I draw breath, for the tales I heard of MSG Hornbeck and the times I spent going up to "Hornbeck Hall" in the middle of the night because some Lt. needed an intelligence report I will certainly never forget you, a man I never met. Rest in peace, MSG. We'll take it from here."
Sgt. Mike (special ops) of new york

"I didn't know the military Kelly. I knew the teenager. What a sweetheart. He'd give you the shirt off his back. I knew Kurt as well. I would like Kelly's parents and daughters to know that I am proud to have know him. I have his Memorial heroes bracelet and I wear it proudly."
cindy (dees) heffley of Rhome, Texas

"I did not know Sgt Hornbeck personally, but worked with his father in Euless, TX in 1999 or 2000 and remember Mr Hornbeck spoke so proudly of his son. Even though I also live in Fort Worth, TX I have not had the courage to write to Mr & Mrs Hornbeck with condolences even after 4 years have passed. I am proud of all of our military personnel in Iraq."
Jacquelyn (Jacki) Solis of Fort Worth, TX

"kelly was a great nco more-so the best i have ever seen or had the privlege to work with he was my DI at benning in 1996. HE DID SO MUCH FOR SO MANY WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING. HE ALSO LOVED THIS S&^% AS HE SO OFTEN PUT IT. NOTHING BUT RESPECT! SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS."
BRADLEY L ORMSBEE of SAULT SAINTE MARIE MICHIGAN

"To Kelly's Family: I served with Kelly in the Old Guard, at the beginning of both of our careers. One of my fondest memories is of riding in the back of a truck with him during a field exercise; it was cold and raining and there was no cover - everyone was miserable - except Kelly. He smiled and said, 'I love this #$%&!'...everyone broke out laughing and it refocused everyone's attention on something other than being miserable (and I know that was his intent). I hadn't seen him for many years but I saw him last night in a dream. He was smiling and wearing General's rank; when I asked him about that, he said, 'that's what they gave me here', smiled and shrugged. In this dream, his spirit was leaving out on one of my convoys heading north into Iraq...he told me that he rode along to watch over the Soldiers. After many months in country, I'm fortunate to have not lost one yet. I thanked him and waved goodbye. Kelly lives on through all of our thoughts and memories..."
Bill of Kuwait/Iraq

"To the Parents and Daughters of MSG Kelly Hornbeck,
I am sorry it has taken me so long to leave a message on this site. Soon after I learned that he had been killed, I wrote a letter to his parents expressing my condolences. I was unable to get to Ft Bragg when they honored him at the Special Forces Memorial, an event I will regret missing for the rest of my life. I had the privilege of starting my Army Career with Kelly. We slept across from each other for the 13 weeks of OSUT at Ft Benning. During our time together you could feel the leadership that he exuberated even as privates that didn’t know anything. We kept in touch as he went to the “Old Guard” and I went to the 24th ID at Ft Stewart. Once he went to the Special Forces that’s when we lost contact. He was a great friend and I will cherish the memories I have of our special but short time together. I will think of him always and hold a special place for him on Memorial Day. Please if there is ever anything I can do contact me at softballguy35@yahoo.com.
SFC James Clapham"
SFC Clapham of Columbus GA

"To the Family of MSGT Hornbeck,

I wanted to express my deepest regret and sorrow at your loss. MSGT Hornbeck was my drill sergeant in 1996 in Ft Benning. He was tough, scary, and eventually the greatest NCO that I knew. I was 10 ft away from him when he busted both his ankles on our final FX and it took 5 of us to pull him out of that emplacement but he still tried to walk it off. To us raw recruits he was a god. But he never, ever treated us with nothing but professionalism and his own brand of Army humor. He was the greatest soldier that I ever had the honor of being around and I treasure the memories of that time in my life. MSGT Hornbeck touched so many lives in so many ways, he will never be forgotten. I will honor him for as long as I live. God Bless You, his family. Know that even all the way in San Francisco, MSGT Hornbeck's memory lives on."
Nghiem Nguyen of San Francisco, CA

"To the Hornbeck Family:

I had the honor of serving the with Kelly in Iraq. He was one of the bravest and strongest men I have ever met. He was our source of stength and gave us all courage. When Kelly was around I always felt like nothing bad could happen to us. His death was a ground shaking experience for all of us. Every member of the 10th special forces group in Iraq and all of it's 10th mountain attachments observed a moment of silence for him and said a prayer. Everyone who ever knew Kelly cried when they heard the news.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
Patrick Henderson of Mobile, Alabama

"Dear Hornbeck Family,I never knew or had the honor of meeting MSGT kelly L. Hornbeck, but his Dad is my 1st. cousin I lost contact when Kellfamily moved away, but Kellys family and I where reunited but not till 2007 I then found out about Kelly and this website. All I can say is I sat at my computer and read all the great things about Kellys life it was AWESOME, I cried through all of the letters and for everyone sorrow as well as my own for not having the HONER of knowing such a GREAT FALLEN HERO my prayers and thoughts are for all who knew him and his family----THANK YOU KELLY you will never be forgotten your 2nd cousin . gloria GOD BLESS"
gloria jean smith of Hillsboro,Ohio U.S.A

"It surprises me greatly when i can come on this site and read about people who knew my dad. Thank you so much."
His daughter Jake M.

"restin peace MSGT.HORNBECK, I HONOR YOUR GREAT COURAGE AND WEEP WITH YOUR FAMILY.THEY ARE ALL PROUD YOU AS I AM WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING YOU IN PERSON.------FROM A FELLOW SOLDIER AND PRIOR RECON SCOUT WITH 1-5 INF IN IRAQ. SCOUT OUT!!"
SSG. MANUEL RICK of GERMANY

"Hey ya'll My name is Jacqueline McCall and Kelly was my father I know most of these messenges were sent long ago but I just found this site, I want to say thanks for your prayers they really helped."
jacqueline

""To the family of MSG Kelly Hornbeck"
I had the honor and privelidge of working with Kelly in samarra at the safe house. I was one of about 12 soldiers attached to the team from the 10th MTN division. Kelly was a great leader, he was everything you could imagine of a special forces team sargeant. He made us feel like we were part of the team. He was one of the toughest and bravest men I can say I had the honor of knowing. Upon getting attacked countless times we were asked to pull out of the city along with the other US forces that were in the city, Kelly waived that option and chose to stick it out in the city and not give up. He was a great leader and inspiration to us all. He will be greatly missed. Godspeed Kelly!"
Spc. Brandon Powell of Ft. Bliss, TX

"**************FOUND-PLEASE READ********
I just returned home from a family vacation to Panama City Beach, Fl. While there my husband and children were collecting shells at the beach and came across a metal bracelet with "MSG KELLY L HORNBECK CMPY C 3RD BATT 10TH SF GR 1/18/04 IRAQ FORT WORTH TX DOOM ON YOU ODA 092" inscribed on it. If this belongs to a family member or friend I would like to return it to you. Please contact me at pauladtaylor@yahoo.com
Me and my family would like to also thank the family of Kelly Hornbeck, we are sorry for your loss and are grateful every day for our freedom."
Paula Taylor of Dallas, Ga USA

"To the family of Msgt Hornbeck~
This evening my family sponsored a flag that was assigned to your Son/Father. His flag was in place at the Soldier's Healing Field Flag Memorial here in Lynchurg, VA. If you want to read about the events you can go to http://www.wset.com/news/stories/0706/341782.html
I was born on Ft McClellan in Alabama. I enlsited in the USAF. My Brother in law is in the 101st Special Forces Unit in KY. My youngest son is in a local Young Marines program...I tell you all of that to say that I am honored to have sponosred your sons' flag-being a military loving family. Sponoring a flag was a mere token of my humbled thank you. He paid the ultimate sacrifice and to you I am greatful. All though the time has passed I am sure it is still painstaking to think about him without a somber note. Wondering things about him if he were with you now. He was a great man from what I have read. I know you must be very proud of him and the job he did. Please know his flag will be honored...God bless you!
Feel free to contact me if you are interested at my3men@msn.com"
Heather Smith of Lynchburg, VA/USA

"To the family of MSG Kelly Hornbeck,
MSG Hornbeck was my drill instructor at Ft. Benning, GA and created the standard for which a soldier is be measured against in my mind. He always took the time to teach his soldiers what was going to keep them alive in combat, not just what was in the book. Because of his help I acheived my dream of becoming part of the 75th Ranger Regiment. I was lucky enough to thank him in person a few years later because before I left basic he made sure I had his number in case I was ever in Bragg so we could have a beers. I learned of his death while I was in country from a few other SF guys I ran into at FOB Warhorse. His loss takes a part of me that will always represent the best that the Military and Special Operations can produce. I will always thank God that MSG Hornbeck was part of my life, for his lessons helped keep myself and my men safe under fire. May he rest in peace. "To us and those like us.... Damn few left." -RLTW"
SGT Walter Nau of Ft. Lewis, WA

"I am sorry for your loss. I salute you, MSGT Hornbeck!"
Angela Turman of Fort Worth, Texas

"MSG Hornbeck was my drill instructor at Fort Benning. He taught me everything I know about the Infantry, the Army, and selfless service. God Bless Hornbeck and his family. HOOAH!"
SPC Jay VandeBerg of Antioch, IL

"I SEREVED WITH KELLY IN SAMARRA JUST BEFORE HE WAS TAKEN. HE WAS EVERYTHING THAT ANY PERSON WOULD IMAGINE A SPECIAL FORCES SOLDIER TO BE. HE WAS A TRUE AMERICAN HERO. WE SUFFERED A GREAT LOSS IN LOSING HIM. I WILL FOREVER PAY MY RESPECTS TO HIS MEMORY AND HIS FAMILY."
Ryan Harris of Tampa Fl

"It was terrible to learn of Kelly's death on the local news. I was a friend of Kurt's at TCU and knew Kelly only through Kurt's anecdotes. I know that your sons are together now and mourn with you for them. I honored Kurt by becoming a teacher of history and literature and I now I wish to honor Kelly. My prayers are with your family."
David Mabry of Arlington, TX

"Thank you very much. You are an inspiration for the rest of us."
J. Meninzor of Clearwater, FL

"Kelly was my first true love. The military was his....I always thought that I would see him again. I am sorry for his little girls and Mom and Dad. I know they are proud of him. I am too."
Jeannette (Lindsay) Ray of Houston, Tx

"A true soldier and patriot! Our colors will always fly at half staff every January 16th -18th. Florida and Georgia will never forget your name as we dislay it with pride, respect and honor everyday! Your service, achievement and sacrifice will never be forgotten."
The Harts of Jacksonville, FL

"RIP and thank´s for your efforts for the freedom in this world."
Pelle Mouvitz of Gothenburg Sweden

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hornbeck,

I am an Honors student at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas. As a class project, we are constructing a permanent memorial on our campus to commemorate all of the fallen American servicemen and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is not a political statement, but rather a way for us to honor those who have lost their lives in this war. In addition, each of us is researching the lives of three of the fallen, and writing a brief eulogy to present in class. I would like to tell my classmates about Master Sgt. Kelly L.Hornbeck, your son. If you would like to help me with this project, I would appreciate any thoughts you could supply about Kelly, particularly any poignant stories, anecdotes and what you would like the world to know about him. This project allows us to learn about the people behind the names on the memorial and so your help would be greatly appreciated.

We will dedicate this memorial on Veteran's Day , November 11, with a special ceremony. I would like to invite you to attend if you wish. In addition, I would be happy to give you a picture and/or a rubbing of Kelly from our memorial.

If you have any questions or want to verify my status as a student, please feel free to contact the instructor in charge of this project:
Laura Matysek Wood, Ph.D., Professor of History and Government, Social Sciences Department Chair at 817-515-7280 or laura.wood@tccd.edu.
You can reach me at 817-378-9350 or 817-706-4434. Or you can e-mail me at Lisita18@aol.com

I would like to extend my sincere condolences on your loss. My classmates and I hope to honor his/her sacrifice with our memorial and thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Marie Llumbert"
Elizabeth Marie Llumbert of Fort Worth, Texas, USA

"Dear Hornbeck Family & Friends,
It is with great sorrow that I write this note. Kelly was a wonderful person and a loyal friend who will be missed. I had the honor of knowing Kelly many years ago at Clark AFB in the Philippines where we were neighbors and went to school together. Although we lost touch over the years, the news of his death was not less impactful.

I have learned much of Kelly's life recently, and am sad to not have kept in touch and shared in his accomplishments and success. As I anticipated many years ago, he would leave the world a safer, happier, and enriched place for us and future generations to enjoy. Thank you, dear Kelly.

Farewell great soldier, friend, son, father and hero. We are all at a loss without your presence."
David V. of Clayton, California

"Hornbeck Family, You do not know me but my son Santiago was with Kelly when he was wounded. My prayers are with you everyday. Mrs Hornbeck, Santiago told me that your class sent letters to all of them and he appreciated the letters very much. I pray for you and your family everyday. I know how proud you are of your son. I thank you for his sacrific for our freedom, and Your sacrific. May God bring peace to your hearts and comfort you when the days seem dark. God Bless and Love you all"
Christine Castioni of Rio Rancho, NM

"I arrived to the Guns Platoon when Kelly Hornbeck was a Sgt. Recon would occasionaly take us out to use a FO's. Hornbeck would always give me a good ribbing about doing something stupid. But he would always back it up with showing me how to do it right. I remember the few times I was around him. His life is a great loss. To his family; I wish I could do something to take your pain, he was a great man."
William Jaudon "Jordan" of Houston, TX

"To Kelly's Family, I have a big plan to honor Kelly each Memorial Day. It will cost you nothing but your blessing. Please e-mail me at sooptuptroop@comcast.net"
Matthew Rovnan of Levittown, PA

"To Kelly's wife and children, you have my deepest sympathy and my sincere gratitude. Your soldier was my friend while I served as a drill sergeant in Ft. Benning. I'm sure he will be missed by many people. He is my hero and I will honor him in my own way on Memorial Day every year."
Matthew Rovnan of Levittown, PA

"My respects to the family of an oustanding Soldier and friend. I was stationed with Kelly in the Old Guard. He introduced me to my wife and on 9 May 04 we celebrated our 14th anniversary. He was a true friend. Always one to help with anything. I just found out today on 28 May 04. I am currently stationed in Korea. To his children: Your father was a great soldier, one whom all soldiers aspire to be like. The world has lost a true asset. Kelly..til we meet again my friend..."Scouts Out" ... Rest In Peace."
SFC Michael Montgomery of Oak Grove, Ky

"We want you to know that we are there for your family, Ms. Hornbeck. It is nice to see you put on a brave face every day and teach us."
Ms. Hornbecks' class of Fort Worth, Tx

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

"To the family of Kelly Hornbeck,
I had the pleasure of getting to know Kelly in mid-December at his teamhouse in Samarra. He was a wonderful guy, and I'm sorry that such a thing came to pass. Your loss was felt very deeply by us, and we continue to mourn his passing. Godspeed, Kelly."
John of Florida

"I want to wish your family peace in the coming months and years. We who also serve and have served in Special Forces, know the caliber of man that your son and loved one was. He is at peace and we salute him!
Letsroll, TonyJ"
Anthony M. Jones of Kirkush (KMTB) Iraq

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

"Dear Mr. & Mrs. Hornbeck,
I'm sad to hear of what happened to Kelly on the 16th Jan. I just found out last night.(15th Feb)
It would be a lie to say that Kelly and Myself were close. We haven't seen each other for 10 years, until last March in Shannon, Ireland. Even then our reunion was breif.
Kelly was of the highest caliber, and unique in his approach to helping soldiers. With the welfare of the soldiers came first.
I first met Kelly in September of 1988. I was a raw, green, reqruit & Kelly had been at the Old Guard awile.
We both had come from Texas,& had just both gotten into Recon Plt. Under SFC. Hill.
We were both on the Shanandoha River Mission & Bn EXEVALS for 89, & 90. In Oct. of 1990 my father was killed on my family's Farm. Kelly and SGT. Isom were waiting for me with 1SG Williams to inform me of the Red Cross Message. Kelly was a true friend during that time of my life.
I want you both to know that it was a true gift to know Kelly and it is my honor to have served with such a fine man. I will truely miss him.
Currently I'm serving with the 607th MP BN,(Reserves)out of Grand Prarie, TX. We have been with OIF 1 since the start last March. We should be home in the next few weeks.
I'm trying to contact all the old RECON soldiers to inform them of our loss. Once a RECON soldier, always RECON Soldier.
I would consider it a real honor if you would join me and my wife for dinner some day soon."
SGT. T.W. Youngs of McKinney, TX

"REST IN PEACE BRAVE WARRIOR"
THE TAYLORS, USMC of NC

"To the family of Kelly L. Hornbeck, please accept my condolences for you loss. I lost my nephew, Sgt. Ryan C. Young,on Dec. 2nd the very same way. I fell your pain and I hope you find some peace in knowing that Kelly will never be forgotten for his unselfish act of giving his life so we can have freedom. I pray that Jesus will hold you in His arms. Please know you are not alone. Thank you Kelly, you will never be forgotten!"
Maureen Ledet of San Angelo, Texas

"To The Family of Master Sgt. Hornbeck:
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of this great hero. He will be with you always and what he's given to the rest of us will NEVER be forgotten. God Bless!!"
Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To the Hornbeck Family,
Please accept our condolences for the loss of your loved one. My family and I just lost my brother Capt. Ernesto Blanco-Caldas on 12/28/2003. I feel you pain and sorrow. Our loved ones are now angels and soldiers for the Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, now and always."
Carmen Pendergraff of San Antonio, TX

"May you find comfort in knowing how many people share your sadness and loss. Thanks to Kelly for fighting for our country. He is a TRUE HERO! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless your family! We Will NEVER FORGET!""
The Grogan Family (USMC) of Lakeland, TN

"Thank you to all who have sent their condolences to the family & friends of MSG Kelly Hornbeck. He was our friend. My husband had the honor of serving with him in DC as a Member of the Old Guard. He will be missed. I will share this website with his parents and his children so they may all see how many people grieve with them and how proud America is to have soldiers such as Kelly ready to defend their freedom."
Lynne Woodson of Clarksville, TN

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