Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Spc. Darius T. Jennings

22, of Cordova, South Carolina.
Jennings was onboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter when it went down in Al Fallujah, Iraq. The cause of the crash is unknown at this time and an investigation is underway. Jennings was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado. Died on November 2, 2003.

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"Man it’s been over 20 yrs and I can’t tell you how much I loved/love this dude I was in Grim Troop he was with them Infantry Howbat boys but man what a wonderful group … Me and my boy Strict from Bama we’d party together and that’s when I got to know Darius and our love for music especially Jay Z , Nas Lox etc had me admiring him . Dude was always smiling dude talked about his life and ready to go home and full of life . Wish I said more to him the day I saw him before his flight to go home but he just gave me a smile and promised to bring back music bc that’s what healed us out there . Much love to his family and friends . Dude is legend hope to see him again I hate the war but love the people I met in it ."
Royzell Cooper Coop of New Jersey, Sparta but GA boy forever

"I new he had got married before he deployed, he had the cans and streamers and Just Married in the back Window of his car."
Walker L Jennings of Walnut Grove, CA USA.

"Hey Dad, It’s me your Son Rayshon Walker of 19 years I love you man and I miss you even tho we ain’t get to meet but I will always meet you in the other side of life till meet . Keep looking down at me I love you"
Rayshon Walker of Bethany College, West Viringa

"Hey brother. It has taken me a very long time to understand why things happen. What I have come to understand though is that there are no words that will ever fill the void of losing a brother. Since the day you left I have lost many other brothers on the field of battle so much to the point that it never hurts less. I have held friends while dying for them not to fear but know that their brother is right by his side. I will continue to serve alongside our brothers to protect the nation we love. I love you bro"
Rashawn Q.

"Everyday is Memorial Day. You know I still think about you, miss and love you...nothing will ever change the fact that you chose me to be your wife. It doesn't matter what people say or think, no one knows what we shared. And the love for you hasn't changed from that 19 year old girl that I was and the 32 year woman that I am now. I hope you're proud of the life I've made...you helped me get here."
Ari of GA

"Coming up on 11 years and I still think about you, RIP brother..."
Adrian Barrera of Crown Point, IN

"I will never forget you as long as I live I have something that reminds me of you everyday I know you are looking down from heaven....always missed and never forgotten"
Rae Walker of Brownsville pa

"I will never forget you Darius sometime I Think it could have been me. i had just got off a flight before you got on that day."
willie allen AKA SGT Allen of Dallas tx

"D.J.
It's great to have a buddy like you always smiling.Thanks for all the advice. Miss you Bro!

God Bless."
Julius Tolentino (Ret.) of Queens, NYC

"Darius,
Well it has been almost 7 years since we lost you. I still wonder how it would have been different if during all them long talks you, me and Graham had that I didn't talk you into to going. It kills me everyday and I hurt inside. Darius you are truly missed and I am always proud to know that you always had my back sitting behind me on that cot in the HUMVEE with your SAW. I am proud to call you a friend and will never forget you."
Mark Olson, SFC(Ret) of Lawton, OK.

"Jennings,
I remember when we were seating in my truck talking about future plans. You always had bright ideas of what you wanted to do. I remember when I was wounded you were one of the first soldiers to check on me. Thanks I will never forget you, I think of you everyday. Love you and I will see you again Gunny Brown"
Kevin Brown of Lawton,OK

"In time all wounds will heal, and time is what is needed in the case of Darius no longer with us. I have served with many, but not many that always had I a smile for every day. Jennings was the one to keep you laughing even in a war zone!!! I remember the time that he had asked me "Smoke get me in your platoon" I still struggle with that wondering if I had done that would you still be here with us? I know that God has a reason for everything I just ask for understanding, because I still don't."
AKA "Smoke" Horton of Colorado Springs

"Darrius,
I often find myself thinking about that final week you and I had together in Al Asad. Boy did you talk my head off! But I was soo excited to hear about your dreams and plans of a new beginning. I was also honored that you cared if I thought your ideas were good ones. Thank you for the pictures. I remember trying to give them to you before you left and you simply said to me, 'Hold on to 'em for me." You're a special soul Darius. You are greatly missed yet I know you are in a better place."
Shatekia Mitchell of Orangeburg, SC

"Looks it 2010 and a still remember as if your left us just yesterday. I had that converstion with you before I left on R&R and you was excited to leave to see the family said a brief goodbye to you when I came back. Miss you fellow CAV soldier you memory I will have forever"
SSG Hadlock of Maryland

""To the family of Darius T. Jennings ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"Jennings, I will never forget where I was when I found out you were on that helicopter that got shot down. I was fortunate enough to be present for the birth of my first son. I was at the Baghdad airport(BIAP) that day. I did not know you were on that chopper until I got to my wifes house in Texas and saw your picture on Fox news. I cried. I still remember you coming to my room while we were at Fort Carson and asking me if the boots you got went with your outfit. I will miss you. You are an OUTSTANDING Soldier. I am honored to have served with you at Fort Carson in HWB! BRAVE RIFLES!"
SSG Michael D'Amato of 101ST Airborne

"Darius, Man I've been trying to grasp the fact that u are gone for the last six years. From the first day we meet and became roomates in June of 2001 at Fort Jackson we became brothers. And then we went on to Ft. Carson where we became even closer. You were and still are a big insperation to me. From the first day we meet you told me you was a moma's boy and that you loved fast cars. Bro, we talked like two days before you got on the plan and you said you was going to spend time with your wife and family and you was gonna do somethings to your car. We laughed and joked the night away no knowing that was the last time we would ever talk. I know you are watching over us all. I love you br and you are greatly missed. Brave Rifles"
Jeremey Oliphant of savannah, Ga

"Darius its 2009 now and it still feels like it was just yesterday that you left us man. I think about you all the time man,esspecially when I see war movies. Its 0541hours and im still wide awake. I can't shake it man.It hurt me so much that you are gone. I love you man. BLOOD AND STEEL!!! www.j_johnson0707@yahoo.com june25 2009"
SPC.JOHNSON of Savannah,Georgia

"DARIUS, IT'S ALMOST SIX YEARS, AND I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU! WHEN I WAS IN HWB 2/3 ACR I REMEMBER YOU BEING A GOOD FRIEND. THANKS FOR GETTING ME BACK ON POST WHEN I WAS BLACKED OUT DRUNK. I WAS'NT THE BEST SOLDIER AND I WAS ALWAYS DEPRESSED! YOU TALKED WITH ME MANY TIMES AND MADE ME LAUGH! I WAS IN ANOTHER UNIT IN IRAQ WHEN I READ THE TERRIBLE NEWS OF YOU AND 16 OTHERS PASSING. I THINK ALL ANYONE WANTED TO DO IN IRAQ WAS GO HOME! YOU ARE MY HERO DARIUS JENNINGS AND I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU! I WILL LIVE MY LIFE IN HONOR OF THOSE WHO LIVE NO MORE, REMEMBERING THEIR STRENGTH AND SACRIFICE! MEMORIAL DAY 2009 YOU ARE IN MY HEART! I PRAY ONE DAY I SEE YOU AGAIN! GOD BLESS !"
PV2 ADRIAN MELENDEZ of SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

"God speed to all in HWB present , past and future. Some Gave All !"
SSG. Mahaffey (ret) of North Carolina

"ELAINE, I WAS IN THE LIBRARY SITTING THINKING AND WONDERING HOW LIFE IS TREATING YOU? THE SCRIPTURE THAT CAME TO MIND IS ALWAYS LIFT YOUR EYES TO THE HILLS WHICH COMETH OUR HELP.FOR HE KNOWS JUST HOW MUCH WE CAN BEAR."
EVELYN ALLEN of MOTHER OF FALLEN SOLDIER SGT. JONATHAN B. SHIELDS

"November 11th 2008.
Here it is 5 years and 9 days later and I know that EVERYONE that knew Jennings is missing him. He made HWB 2/3 ACR a better place to be. Not that Anyone of us really wanted to be there in Iraq, But, he was definately one who made it a more pleasant place to be. Whether it was playing Madden 02' (J-E-T-S Jets! Jets! Jets!) or out in the dirt playing like we were in Madden 02' Jennings was always there and there for others. Thank you Jennings for everything you did and EVERYONE else in HWB 2/3 ACR for making it possible for myself and many others to make it home safely. Happy Veterans Day All! dalang0170@hotmail.com"
D. Alan Graham of Denver, Colorado

"It has been five years and everyday I carry those Soldiers with me in my heart. God bless you today."
Josh Peters of Indianapolis, IN

"November 2, 2008
To the family of Spc. Darius T. Jennings:
Darius 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

"Damn brother, it's been some years now since you left us, but I promise you your memory remains with all of us. We miss you brother. I'll see you again with time and we'll joke around again about Smoke James chewing my * out."
SPC Roger Enget of Minneapolis, MN

"To my brother, you will always be in my prayer. You always been a brother through basic and in the unit. I will miss you and one day I will see you again my brother. BLOOD AND STEEL!!"
Spc. Jeremy B Johnson of Savannah,Georgia

"Jennings, you were a great friend and a even greater person in general. You will never be forgotten and I will see you again one day."
Jehu Hargett of DC

"My sister n law PFC Karina Lau was also in that crash and my prayers go out to your family. We are coming up on the 4th year and it still seems to get to us all/ I hope you find peace and dont ever let anyone say its been so long the pain doesnt go away and I pray for all the familys and the familys who are still involved in the service/
Casnoopy80@yahoo.com"
Mary Lau of Murrieta, CA

"Today is memorial day 2007 and I am proud and to say that I knew Darius. As his teacher at CIS I got to know him pretty well. He was a great kid with a big smile and an even bigger heart. I will never forget you Darius you will live forever in my heart and I will honor your memory by telling my students about you and the sacrifices you have made."
Douglas Brown of Alexandria Va.

"Darius Jennings... Those of us that knew him the name just about sums it up. You were a great friend. My wife and I have been at it for months. We just couldnt agree. The first was the hardest. the last was a givin. The middle took all of 2 minutes. Miles Jennings Smith is due next month. I wanted a name with character and strength. We can only hope that he grows to be the kind of man that you were darius. A TRUE FRIEND. We have not forgotten you. It seems everytime we tell stories of the old days. Your name is there. I wont pretend that i knew you best. But i am glad that you were a part of my life. I miss ya man. Ill see ya some day. until then. Rest In Peace."
SGT. David, Smith of MN

"I miss you soo much down here but it gives me peace knowing you are in a better place. Much Love and RIP"
Jennifer Haigler of Huntsville, AL

"Darius...
Man I can explain to you or your family the loss of you has taken on me and my inner soul... I miss you soooo bad. I am out of touch with my family and yours. This war took away the good ones!
One day we will laugh, joke and go through the good times and bad times. I remember being in the mess hall looking at the 3ACR flag as the names of the dead were written in. There was no more room on the flag. I never thought you would be there. On that Flag. D...rest in peace and you will never be forgotten."
Q of London, UK

"i am jermaine its very important for natasha espinoza call me at 972--248----8483 she emled me during xmas of 05 i was detained please find her for me eml mail her my number"
jermaine of dallas

"i am jermaine its very important for natasha espinoza call me at 972--248----8483"
jermaine of dallas

"Hey J, you were like a brother to us all, and you will never be forgoten! I still where a dog tag with your picture on it around my neck everyday, and show it to every new person I meet. And tell them what a great person you were, and how no matter what the situation you always made the best of it not just for yourself but all those around you. Ill be thinking of you this 4th of July, and my prayers will be with your family. We all miss you, and I know your looking down on the rest of us and helping us along the way."
Steve Wade of L.A. Ca, USA

"TO MY BROTHER
I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT YOUR GONE IT SEEM LIKE A DREAM TO ME. I REALLY MISS YOU SO MUCH, BUT I PROMISE YOU ONE THING I WILL LOOK OUT FOR YOUR MOM AND SISTER. I KNOW IN MY HEART I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN ONE DAY. LOVE U DOG.
BOYS FOREVER"
SGT NORALUS of COLORADOSPRINGS,CO

"TO MY SON.
THE TIME HAS NOT YEY COME FOR ME TO BURIED YOU YET, BECAUSE THE WAR IS NOT OVER. BECAUSE YOU WOULD NEVER LEAVE, YOU SOLDIER,FRIENDS,FAMILY,ESPECIALLY YOUR MOM WITH OUT SAYING BYE BYE.THE SOLDIER FROM THE 3ACR KNOW ME AS MOMA J. I LOVE THOSE GUYS JUST LIKE JENNINGS, HE HAS SAID MOMA YOU WILL TAKE ANY MOM KIDS AND I DO, THEY KNOW WHO THEY ARE.UNTIL THE WAR IS OVER I WILL NOT BURIED JENNINGS BECAUSE HE IS STILL THERE FIGHTING. WHEN bush END WAR, I WILL NEED MY SON AN THEIR FFAMILIES, MORE THAN EVER. THAT IS WHEN I WILL LAY THE WREATH, UNTIL THEN KEEP FIGHTING JENNINGS AND STAY FOCUS, I BE WAITING FOR YOU CALLED
LOVE MOM"
ELAINE JOHNSON of COPE,S.C. ORANGEBURG

"Jennings, I will NEVER forget the last conversation we had together. You weren't sure if you wanted to go on R&R. I remember telling you to go and that it would do you some good to get away. I will always wonder if my advice was bad advice. I will always remember you as a smiling, joking, happy person. I KNOW you are in a better place watching out for your buddies. Rest in Peace."
Damon Krause of Reno, NV

"To Darius from your cousin....you'll always be missed!!"
SSgt Kalvin Smith of Kaneohe Bay, Hi

"DEAR DARIUS,
THERE ISN'T A DAY GOES BY THAT I DONT THINK OF YOU AND CRY. YOU WERE A BETTER FREIEND TO MR THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW, I REMEMBER THE HEART FELT TALKS WE HAD IN OUR ROOM AT THE MEK COMPOND. YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE MY HEART, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE APART OF ME. I'M PROUD THAT I WAS ABLE TO CALL YOU "FRIEND". AND TO MRS JENNINGS I WANT YOU TO KNOW JUST HOW MUCH OF A TRUE FRIEND YOUR SONS WAS TO ME. IF I NEEDED IT HE WOULD HAVE GIVING ME THE SHORT OFF HIS BACK, AND FOR THAT I WILL ALWAYS LOVE HIM. HE WAS A GOOD SOUL THAT WAS TAKEN WAY BEFORE HIS TIME. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY MYSELF, HIS BROTHERS IN ARMS AND HIS UNIT HWB 2/3 ACR. IN CLOSING I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND IN MY THOGHTS EVERYDAY. I CAN TRUELY SAY KNOWING YOUR SON THAT I LOVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AS MY OWN. PEACE BE WITH YOU IN YOUR REMAINING DAYS AND NEVER FORGET THE SMILE HE ALWAYS HAD, I KNOW IT MADE MY DAYS A LITTLE BIGHTER.
LOVE WILLIAM P. JORDAN"
WILLIAM JORDAN of COLORADO SRPINGS, COLORADO

"DEAR DARIUS,
THEREISN'T A DAY GOES BY THAT I DONT THINK OPF YOU AND CRY. YOU WERE A BETTER FREIEND TO MR THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW, I REMEMBER THE HEART FELT TALKS WE HAD IN OUR ROOM AT THE MEK COMPOND. YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE MY HEART, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE APART OF ME. I'M PROUD THAT I WAS ABLE TO CALL YOU "FRIEND". AND TO MRS JENNINGS I WANT YOU TO KNO JUST HOW MUCH OF A TRUE FRIEND YOUR SONS WAS TO ME. IF I NEEDED IT HE WOULD HAVE GIVING ME THE SHORT OFF HIS BACK, AND FOR THAT I WILL ALWAYS LOVE HIM. HE WAS A GOOD SOUL THAT WAS TAKEN WAT BEFOR E HIS TIME. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY MYSELF AND HIS UNIT HWB 2/3 ACR. IN CLOSING I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND IN MY THOGHTS EVERYDAY. I CAN TRUELY SAY BE KNOWING YOUR SON THAT I LOVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AS WE. PEACE BE WITH YOU IN YOUR REMAINING DAYS AND NEVR FORGET THE SMILE HE AWAYS HAD, I KNOW IT MADEMY DAYS A LITTLE BIGHTER.
LOVE WILLIAM P. JORDAN"
WILLIAM JORDAN of COLORADO SRPINGS, COLORADO

"RIP JENNINGS. YOU CROSS MY MIND ALMOST EVRYDAY THAT GOES BY. I CAN SEE YOUR SMILE AND SEE YOU LAUGHING RIGHT NOW. I MISS YOU MY BROTHER. YOUR MOMMA STAYS IN MY PRAYERS."
SPC. DARRELL FAIRE JR. of JACKSON,MO/UNITED STATES

"To the Jennings Family, words cannot express my condolences for you all. I thought about "Darius" yesterday, when I heard a caller on the Michael Baisden radio show and she mentioned her son had passed away in a Chinook helicopter incident and the soldier was from Orangeburg, SC. I immediately thought about Darius, because my sister, at one time, dated Darius and I had the pleasure of meeting that nice younge man several years back in St. George, SC. Take Care and May God Bless you all."
Tony Sims of Clinton, MD

"I ordered a herobracelet to help support families of those left behind and show my support for US troops overseas. My bracelet bears the name of just one hero,Darius, but I wear it with pride and tell his story when people ask about it. I continue to pray for his family and fellow soldiers daily. God bless their efforts.

nowhereman777@yahoo.com"
Glen Bailey of Canada

"RIP Jennings. HE always had something funny and bright to say. I was in the same battary as JEnnings. They are back over there now. Jennings is lookin upon all yall.....,,,,,SGT.MAC"
SGT of NJ

"To the Jennings family:
I am now a cadet at West Point, but I served with 3rd ACR in their initial deployment to Iraq. I was not ever really close to Darius, but I definitely remember his great sense of humor and good-heartedness. Since we were in the same platoon, we always laughed and joked together pulling pranks on other soldiers in the platoon. I'm terribly sorry about everything that happened, and not a day goes by that I don't think about him and the other fallen soldiers. Please remember to keep your heads up and look back on the wonderful memories you do have. All of us (the cav soldiers of 3rd ACR) are more than willing to help out in any way. God bless you all."
Robert Davis of West Point

"To the Jennings family: I feel your loss in so many ways. Darius was a classmate of mine. His presence produced great joy in his surroundings. He will be sadly missed. I'm committed to serving my country to the best of ability to represent for my boy in his abscence! You will be missed Darius, but not forgotten! Love, DN Haynes Yakia Q. U.S. Navy."
Yakia Haynes of Bethesda, MD,USA

"To Darius' Mom,
Be strong and know that Darius would want his mom to be happy. I am a mom of a young daughter whom still cries today when she thinks about Darius (she's in school now and writing an article on her fallen comrades). Just last night, she called me and she was crying. I did not know Darius but, to hear it from her, he was a wonderful young man. I'm not going to say he died for a good cause, not our cause anyway. My baby girl is back, life altered forever but none the less, back. I'm never going to be convinced that this is for a great cause, supposedly our cause. Some words are too strong to say but just know that our prayers are with you and yours.
I admire you for speaking up, you are right, bush (yes, with a small b) does not give a fly about our children. Oh but never would he send one of his i am sure. I pray that we get some type of resolution very soon. I try not to be angry but it's hard, when i see my child going through headaches, flashbacks and pain, i wish bush could feel what we feel, go through what we've been through."
Natasha Espinoza's mom of Dallas, Texas

"Darius, I didn't know you that well, but I knew you were a good man. I am proud to have served with you my brother. I pray that your family will be comforted with your loss and that no one forgets why us soldiers are there."
Scott

"To Darius' Mother
It was a pleasure talking to you in Augusta on Sunday 9/26. I share in your pain, because my son Julius is still in that hell hole. He's with the marines bulk fuel. We are a military family bound together for life. And even in the mist of this struggle GOD IS Still IN CHARGE. We'll pray for you as you pray for us. GOD BLESS.
My e-mail is reids4life@yahoo.com"
Catherine Reid of Charlotte, NC/USA

"I was in Basic Training with Jennings. He was one of my first good friends there. We would always talk about Colorado since he went there and I am from there. I am truely heartbroken. To Spc. Jennings family, I am so sorry for your loss. He will not be forgotten."
SGT. Coster, Nicholas of Ft. Lewis, WA

"Jennings and I were in the same unit serving in Iraq. He was a great friend and an enemy to no man. I, as well as my fellow soldiers, feel a great loss. I send my deepest sympathy to his family."
Spc. Roger Enget of Ft. Carson, CO

"To the family of Daruis....I would like to give you my deepest sympathy....I shared an English IV class with him in Ms. Boyd class our senoir year in high school....Daruis was a very nice individual....he truly made his presence known....I will have your family in my prayers"
Shayla Riley of Orangeburg, S.C. USA

"Darius was a true hero. He will be sadely missed. He was so very brave with alot of courage. May God comfort his family. May God Bless Wanda
wandarogers2000@yahoo.com"
Wanda Rogers of Manchester,Tenn USA

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

"My son is currently surving in Fallujah with the Marines. This is his 2nd tour of duty and I pray he will again come home safely. My heart aches for you and your family in the loss of Darius.
I pray that God will give you strength in the future to cope with this terrible loss. Thank you for raising a son that was willing to die for us and our freedom."
Kay Wilson of Seneca, S. C. USA

"To the family of Darius Jennings: We pray that our heavenly father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pide that must be yours to have laid so costly a scarifice upon the alter of freedom."
Lt. Brian G. Onieal of Jersey City Police Dept., NJ USA

"To Spc Jennings' Family:
Though we are strangers, we want you to know how sorry we are your Darius was taken from you. He is our hero. We will never forget. You are in our hearts."
Carol & Larry Miller of Tampa, Florida (2/24/04)

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

"Light a candle for your soldier.

http://www.militarychapel.org/guestbook/guestbook.html"

"I lost my older brother, Steven Conover, in that same attack. I am so sorry for you loss. They are all true heros. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless"
Corrie Simpson of Wilmington, Ohio USA

"My condolensces to your family. You are a brave soldier who died for freeedom. You will never be forgotten."
Marlena of Killeen, TX

"Thank you Darius Jennings, 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

"FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO SAY R.I.P. DARIUS AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY. MY NAME IS PVT MARTINEZ, CARLOS AND I WAS ONE OF DARIUS'S BEST FRIENDS ALONG WITH SSGT HARDING, CARL WE USED TO HANG OUT ALMOST EVERYDAY IN COLORADO SPRINGS. WE USED GO EVERYWERE, I FIRST SAW DARIUS IN IRAQ AT AL ASAD AIRBASE 3RD ACR'S BASE. ME AND HIM GOT THERE AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME, SSGT HARDING WAS ALREADY THERE, SO WE ALL LINKED UP AND HUNG OUT WITH EACH ALL DAY EVERYDAY. WE WOULD TALK ABOUT HOW BAD WE WANTED TO GO HOME, WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT MUSIC. ME AND HIM USED TO SING THE LYRICS TO JOE BUDDEN(RAPPER), THEN WE WOULD GET DOWN ON SOME MADDEN 2004. DARIUS WAS ALWAYS A HAPPY GUY, I CAN'T REMEMBER HIM EVER BEING MAD. I REMEMBER WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT HE WAS IN THAT HELICOPTER, I WENT BACK TO THE TENT AND BALLED MY EYES OUT, I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE HE'S GONE... DARIUS WE LOVE YOU MAN . WE'LL SEE YOU WHEN WE GET THERE .."
CARLOS MARTINEZ of AL ALSAD AIRBASE, IRAQ

"To the family of Spc Darius T. Jennings, my name is Jane Bright and I lost my son, Sgt. Evan Ashcraft on July 24 near Mosul, Iraq. To Darius's mother, I know your pain and I am with you. I reach out to you at this time to comfort you as only a mother can. I know there are no words to express the loss, but please know that I pray for you, your family and your dear son. Our sons will always be alive in our hearts. Please contact me if you are able. jbright94@earthlink.net"
Jane Bright of West Hills, CA

"To the family and friends of Spc. Darius Jennings:
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 Darius for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Spc. Darius Jennings:
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 Darius, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on