Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Aaron and I returned from Bosnia 1998, we spent several night shifts together in a small guard outpost in Baumholder GE, talking, laughing, and dreaming about what was next for us and our Army career. I say your name out loud and keep our memories alive. I think about your family and how old your children are now. I guess I just miss my friend."
Andrew J Eichelberger of Lancaster Pa

"It’s unbelievable that it has been 15 years. So many songs I hear that I think “Aaron played it better”. You would be 62 today. Crazy"
Stephen Scherer of Austin Texas

"He was a natural leader and mentor, Senior leadership would say he was "to nice". I agree to disagree! He loved his soldiers and peers alike. I was a fellow Master Gunner in his Battalion. His musical talent and his genuine humble candor was something to admire. I truly miss you Aaron and there is never a day that goes past without your memory and thoughts. Till we meet again on the fiddlers green brother..."
David Lampman of Wesley Chapel, Fl

"10 years ago this month we lost you. You are not forgotten."
Stephen Scherer of Austin Texas

"Aaron you are always missed. I enjoyed our tea times together in Rabea and talking about our families. You always had time for others in finding ways to make them feel comfortable when confused and happy from your family stories. You are and always will be a positive part of my life dear brother:)
John"
John Dallas of Bay City, Mich

"Gave Tebow orphans $40 today dedicated to you, SFOR9 PSG, good carpenter, better musician, even better person."
Hendy of California City CA

"I just learned today of Aaron's passing. I was stationed with Aaron in Germany and served in Desert Storm with him.We used to sing together and when I was the music director at the chapel he would come and do the "special music" with me from time to time. Very talented and good hearted man. Even though I have not seen or heard from him in years it still hurts."
SFC David T. Bish (Ret) of North East, MD

"You prayed for me and my family while you were alive, and I was happy to return the favor. I know your prayers for me and my family continue still, as do my prayers for you and yours. God Bless you, Aaron."
Dan of Schofield Barracks, HI

"Brother, I miss you. You were probably the first musician I met when I arrived in Germany and you let me go on stage for Devil Went Down to Georgia with me on he Harmonica and you playing that fine Guitar! After that, whenever you sat in on my band or me with you that became our signature Jam. I have highest regard and respect of you Aaron. I wish I knew you better but I am proud I knew as well and to know you were such a hero to your soldiers, your friends and above all, your Family. I know you are up there looking down on your soldiers giving them comfort with your music. God took you home but he allowed you to make your mark on this earth. Your life was honorable Brother. Rest In Peace and continue to sing and play your music. Loretta and I miss you."
arte munoz (harpman) of Mannheim Germany

"We miss you so much and speak of you often. Thank you for your friendship. Can't wait to play music with you again someday."
Friedberg musician of USA

"Aaron,
My great friend and brother in Christ. I think of you often. You had such an incredible impact on all who knew you. You are truly the finest man I have known. An exceptional example for so many, certainly for me. You will always be alive in my memories. You were a bright light in my life at a difficult time. I always enjoyed talking about our families, sharing pictures and stories. What a fantastic guitar player and singer, I'm sure you are still hammering out some great tunes. I certainly appreciated keeping the beats for you in our band and I still listen to the recordings and sometimes watch the videos. Although the time we spent together in Bosnia and briefly following was short, it left a lifetime of memories and I will never forget you Brother. Thanks for your friendship and for the impact you had on this world."
MAJ Jack Duby of Fairfax, VA/USA

"Dear 1SG Jagger,
I served with you in 2005-2006 in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Rabia. I was the medic for the BTT team that voulenteered to go on missions with your men due to a shortage of medics. On my final mission with 1AD our vehicle was struck by an IED, everyone came out alright and we continued mission. I left Rabia shortly after this attack to go leave in late July and came back to learn of your passing. You had put me up for the Combat Medical Badge for the actions of that IED attack, but due to your passing all correspondence was lost. I am writing you today, July 4th 2011, to let you know that I have received my CMB for my actions in Afghanistan and to let you know that I dedicated this honor to you during the ceremony. I have not forgotten nor will I ever forget your service and sacrifice for our country and incredible First Sergeant that you were. God be with you.
SGT Bradley Storck"
SGT Bradley J. Storck of North Liberty, IA

"god bless you brother ....i didnt know you in person ,but im a desert storm veteran and was in your area in 91...god speed RIP ."
RICHARD F. ONEILL JR. of SCITUATE RHODE ISLAND.

"thank all of you who put down these messages in honor of my uncle Aaron
let us not my uncle or any who have
died protecting freedom"
JJ Jagger of Rossvile,Georgia

"it's me your nephew
we your family have not forgotten nor will we ever forget i will make sure of that
love you Aaron
I will see you again someday in heaven"
JJ Jagger of Rossvile,Georgia

"I will never for get the nights when you would play and guys would gather around and sing, you see the thing is it was a little light in a sad and dark place. You would let me borrow your guitar if you were out on a mission and I had a little down time. There are the times that a person remembers. Times in life that if you were not there it is hard to explain the feeling of being normal if only for a few songs. We fought in Baghdad, then moved down to Karbala. That was a fight indeed .The next time I saw you was in Graf and you had become the First Sgt. How awsome was that. Then the second round to Iraq . No music that time. I was in the north in Telfar I am not sure but I think you were in the south . I will never forget the day I was told of your passing . I couldnt grasp it or understand it. I think of you often Top. You were a great learder of men . Thank you for your music and the times of peace in a unpeaceful place. ...... Bandit Infantry ."

"aaron would come to my house to jam every now and then,my wife was stationed in germany 1985-1990.he was a great person and a great musician.he will be missed...."
howard gardephe of greenwich,ny usa

"I want to send you this email today because I need to tell this story. In 1990, I was assigned to 4/34 Armor Battalion in Mainz, Germany along with John Heuer. John and I had volunteered to go to Desert Storm together and we arrived in Mainz that fall. John went to Delta Company and I went to Alpha Company. We were busy getting ready to go to war and in the first few days of January, 1991, we departed for Kuwait. During this time, we both came to know a Staff Sergeant Jagger who was also in Delta Company. He was a good Soldier and a great musician. He would play his guitar while out in the desert and cheer up all of us. I remember one instance, when the ground war was over, the Army had hired a band to come out and play for us somewhere out in the middle of the desert. Well, I had never heard of these guys but they started to play for us. We all thought they were pretty good, but then SSG Jagger asked if he could play a song with them. He immediately started playing and he never stopped. He played most of the afternoon and he was so good that the hired lead guitarist never got up the rest of the set. SSG Jagger was all smiles as the music flowed from him.
As the days in the desert came to a close, we all went back to Lee Barracks in Mainz, Germany. John and SSG Jagger had become good friends. We had many “Welcome Home” parties and celebrations. SSG Jagger had a band he played with called Silverado. He played with his band at a lot of these welcome home parties. At one of these parties, I met the most important person in my life, Claudia. We started dating and going to all the Silverado concerts we could find. John even ran the lights for the show. We all became like groupies. We had a great time Claudia and I became closer. One day, SSG Jagger asked if I would tell him what I thought of a new song he had written. I listened to that song and I thought it was spectacular. I told him it was a guaranteed hit. Claudia liked it too. Not maybe more than a week later, Claudia and I and the crew, were up in a club in Giessen, Germany, listening to Silverado play. The next song came up and SSG Jagger said “I dedicate this song to David and Claudia”. It was the song that we had liked so much. It was a special night for us.
Well, time did move on, We all moved from Germany. SSG Jagger and John had formed a great friendship. Claudia and I got married. We kept in touch but we never did get back together until the year 2003. I was in Hohenfels, Germany and freshly promoted to First Sergeant and wanted to stay in Germany. I asked to move to Friedberg Germany and the Army said yes. As we arrived in Friedberg, we were greeted by First Sergeant Jagger. Boy were we surprised! We were even stationed in the same battalion together. He was the First Sergeant of Cobra company and I was the First Sergeant of the Bulldogs. We had many talks together. He would ask my advice on issues and I would ask his. When we deployed back to Iraq at the beginning of the year, he would come over to my command post just to say “hi”. We would go eat together or just drink coffee. One day he showed up at my command post because he had heard that I had some extra weight lifting equipment. He wanted to get it so his Soldiers would be taken care of. He always cared for his Soldiers.
On Sat, August 12th, 2006, I attended the memorial ceremony for First Sergeant Aaron Jagger. He was killed in action on Wed, 9 August, 2006. I feel a very deep loss and sadness. Aaron was a good Christian and a great father to his 5 daughters. His gift of music will never be silenced and his love for life will never be extinguished. He believed in all he was doing here and gave his life for his country. Today, a piece of my life left me. Those days, back in Mainz , having fun together and the fun we had with all our friends, watching Silverado play, and the smile on Aaron’s face when he played his music. The other friends we met because of Aaron and of course, dancing with Claudia to all of his music. Oh, and by the way, the name of the song that he dedicated to Claudia and I was called ” Forever and a day”. So now brother, rest in peace and I will remember you- forever and a day."
SGM D Baade of 25th ID Schofiels Barracks, HI

"Sandy, it's been sometime and I pray you and the girls are well. We think of Aaron often, of how he would stop everything he was doing to encourage Briana (although not much
was needed lol) to sing while he
played guitar for her. She loved that about him!
Bre was nine years old then. She even wanted, and started guitar lessons because of the special time Aaron took with her. Anyway, I just wanted you to know how great an impact Aaron made on even the littlest of people in even short amounts of time. God bless you all and take care!"
Donna, Briana, Makena Scott of Alabama now, freidberg Germany 2006

"Oh my! What a shock to hear of Aaron's passing. I was just doing a search for folks that I knew in the military, but NEVER expected to find this.
I know he was doing what he loved....that and playing his guitar. I knew Aaron in Germany back during Desert Shield/Storm, 1988--1992. I was a K9 cop at Ramstein AB, and used to go see my friends whenever Aaron and his band played. Good times every one!
The world will miss you Aaron Jagger! You were (are) a great person!
Thanks!
K9Claudia"
Claudia Marbury of Grants Pass, OR/USA

"Aaron,
It always was a blessing to see your face In Baghdad, in Friedberg, and in Ramadi. I miss you."
Robert Gutkowski of Charlottesville, VA

"Hey, top, I know it has been a while, but that one time you seen me in church and then days latter in the mess hall......well, you sat with me because I was by myself and you thought I was needing some guidance.

You remember, Ramadi's chow hall. Well, Top, I think about you often and wish I could trade places with you so you could be with your family.

Three years latter, wow. I know you are in Abraham's arms and strumming that guitar. Thank you."
Jim G. of Manitou Springs, CO

"Hey, top, I know it has been a while, but that one time you seen me in church and then days latter in the mess hall......well, you sat with me because I was by myself and you thought I was needing some guidance.

You remember, Ramadi's chow hall. Well, Top, I think about you often and wish I could trade places with you so you could be with your family.

Three years latter, wow. I know you are in Abraham's arms and strumming that guitar. Thank you."
Jim G. of Manitou Springs, CO

"This is an honor to speak on a man who really made me a better man. 1SG would always give me the greatest compliment on my performances even though it was weeks after. I don't know if he did it because he forgot or he knew his kind words made me appreciate much more. Great Job 1SG Jagger you have made me smile once more..."
SGT(P) Eller, Marcus of Fort Bragg, NC

"Aaron, today I honor you, but every day I think of you. I especially think of you every time I'm with the worship team in front of the congregation. I know that at those times we are doing the exact same thing... you are just doing it in person. Thank you for being such an awesome friend and example. It's an honor to have served beside you in uniform and on stage."
Will Armstrong of Fort Wayne, IN

"I worked with Aarron at Butler Range Iraq in 2003 and 2004. He was one of the two 1st AD Master Gunners at the time. He made a difference and will be remembered by those that he touched. He sure could play the guitar at the church services. All the best to his family.
LTC (Ret) M. H. Jagoe, IV"
M. H. Jagoe, IV of Lovettsville, Virginia USA

"To the family of:Aaron D. Jagger 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"

"July 3, 2008
To the family of 1st Sgt. Aaron D. Jagger:
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

"To Our Friend Aaron:
Man you made the awesome cappuccinos, loved your baking and the good wood work on the things you made for your Sandy..Guess what yep.. We still got the bunk bed haha.
I'm glad the kids and I got to get to know what a kind hearted father you are to your twin's and Kirsten / a true husband to Sandy "/ a good friend
My dearest Sandy, All I have our good memories of us all in Germany, We greatly appreciated your family for all you have done for us until we left "ty for the lift to the airport". You ...The way you were there for us to help others is what a lot of us needed in Germany and the FRG meetings remember them lol.
Your family our in our Prayers always,, Ms .Virginia Rivera and Kids.."
Ms Virginia Rivera of Fort knox ,KY

"He ment alot to me and I wont ever forget him. I thought he ment more to me than I thought most people did but we all lost him and I still hold my tears back so people can look up to me for it but when I grow old my father wont be able to walk me down the isle.
With all the love of a daughter."
Kelly Rosalind Jagger

"Aaron was a lead by example guy and easy to get along with. During SFOR9 with the Guard he really impressed me with his work ethic and engaging demeanor, he really was easy to talk to and fun to be around. He had common sense when it came to things Army. I was shocked when I read of his death, even more so as he was so full of life. I always thought we would build something together at the end of his career, he was very good carpenter,when he returned from active duty. Our condolences go out to Sandy and the family."
Daniel Hendy Sr. of Cleveland, TN

"Aaron, youll always be remembered. we miss you..."
David of Litchfield, Michigan

"Today, as always and everyday. I will never forget you, "Forever and a day""
David of El Paso

"Sandy, I just found out. I am so sorry for your loss. I don't even know what to say. I admired you and Aaron for the unmeasurable love between you and the way you parented your children-- envied it, even. I remember when we first met your family and how we would sit around at Carrie's and watch Aaron play his guitar and how he captured everyone's attention with his beautiful voice. I can't imagine the pain you and the girls have gone, and are still going through. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry."
Amy McLaughlin of Fort Hood, TX

"Once upon a time as his gunner, we had our little differences, but with his passing, it all seems so petty now. I wish his family peace in knowing that he died loving what he did. I will miss him."
SSG Holmes, Thomas of 2/3 ACR, FT Hood

"Aaron,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OIF, but also for your service in Desert Storm as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Courage Conquers"(37th Armor Motto)"

"Aaron was a good friend to many families. We will miss him terribly. He was an amazing musician, carpenter, and baker. He was a fine soldier and leader who daily showed his love for his God, his family and his country. Thank you for this memorial."
a good friend of Friedberg, Germany

"Thank you Aaron Jagger, 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 1st Sgt. Aaron Jagger:
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 1st Sgt. Aaron Jagger:
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