Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It isn’t what we left behind
that breaks me
it’s what we could’ve built
had we stayed"

"Sometimes I feel your presences around me. I don't know if it is in my head or if your really there. I had a dream about you. When ever I dream about you, you are always leaving and I'm always begging you to stay. Can someone die of a broken heart? It hurts so much. My heart and chest latterly ache for you. Tears run down my eye and my nose gets stuffy. It's almost its as if my brain somehow forgot you died and then my heart reminds it and it starts all over again. The sadness, the grief, the ache that will not go away. My heart will not let go of you no matter how much I try to move on or forget. It won't let you go. I really wish that sometimes I could. I could stop thinking about you, stop missing you, because at the back of my head everyday you are there. I sometimes wonder what the heck is wrong with me. Why can't I move on? Is it because I tried to move on too quickly because I couldn't handle the pain of losing you and now I'm being punished."

"You were my first love and my heart will always ache for you and no amount of time will change that."
Melissa of Moore, OK

"To the family of:Philip A. Johnson,Jr.
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""

"To the Johnson Family...my father is Ret. Major Dennis Dray who left you the message of "Low Flight". My father served his country for 34 + years...and I have now lost him. He spent his life devoted to the military and was the most patriotic person I will ever know! Even after he retired...he always made a point to watch out for every woman and man in the military...to him...they were family. When you hurt...he hurt...when you were frustrated...he was frustrated...when you cried for the anquish to stop...he cried along with you! You didn't know my father...just as I did not know Philip...but I'm sure....Philip was like my dad....would have done anything for his country...felt not only it was his duty but his honor...I hope those who know Philip found comfort in "low flight"...the general at my father's service conducted this reading...as he knew my father would appreciate it...the words...mean so much more to me now then I ever thought they would. God speed...& know that the family of Major Dennis B
Dray has you in their thoughts and prayers."
Tina of Waterloo, Iowa

"To the Johnson Family...my father is Ret. Major Dennis Dray who left you the message of "Low Flight". My father served his country for 34 + years...and I have now lost him. He spent his life devoted to the military and was the most patriotic person I will ever know! Even after he retired...he always made a point to watch out for every woman and man in the military...to him...they were family. When you hurt...he hurt...when you were frustrated...he was frustrated...when you cried for the anquish to stop...he cried along with you! You didn't know my father...just as I did not know Philip...but I'm sure....Philip was like my dad....would have done anything for his country...felt not only it was his duty but his honor...I hope those who know Philip found comfort in "low flight"...the general at my father's service conducted this reading...as he knew my father would appreciate it...the words...mean so much more to me now then I ever thought they would. God speed...& know that the family of Major Dennis B
Dray has you in their thoughts and prayers."
Tina of Waterloo, Iowa

"From a old CW4 named Phillip Johnson also, I can only Thank God for the many hours that I flew and walked back into my family's waiting arms.
Your loved one has paid the greatest price for all of us here in the US.
I have a total of 38 yrs in the military and would do it all over again.
I will never forget the loss you and your loved one has paid to keep us safe.
Please remember he was doing what he loved, I have been in that seat high above this beautiful world and I can tell you he loved it as much as all of us Army Aviators do, he is still flying high.
May God Bless him and your family."
Phillip E. Johnson of St. Louis, MO.

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"January 2, 2009
To the family of CWO Philip A. Johnson, Jr.:
Philip 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

"i myself am a crew member on a medevac chopper and my heart felt prayers go out to you family and those i have lost over there. u all will never be forgotten."
spc. robert strickler of junction city, kansas

"I wear a hero bracelet with Philip's name on it every day. My son is also named Philip Johnson, and I wear the bracelet as a reminder that a family lost their Philip Johnson because he was defending freedom for mine. May God bless you- your Philip was a true hero whose sacrifice will not be forgotten."
Lesley of Montgomery, Alabama

"Missy, Phil, Barbara, Matt, Pete and other Family,

I simply want to let you know how truly honored I am to be a relative of a true American Hero. I'm sad that I never was able to meet Philip, but I can never thank him enough for his service to our country. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet with Phil and Barbara this past weekend and want to send my prayers and thoughts for all of you.

May our good Lord always bless you and keep you in the palm of his hands."
Love, Andy Croke & Family of Corinth, MS

"Melissa and Family,
This is a letter I wrote to the gazette back in Feb 2004. I know that no words can ever mean enough but know that Phil was a great person and is missed by many.

Colorado Springs Gazette Feb 13, 2004

BATTLING BARBARISM

We must fight those who commit atrocities

Since the beginning of the Iraq war I have been vacillating between thinking we were doing the right thing and thinking we were making a terrible mistake. The answer became very clear to me on Feb. 5 during a memorial ceremony for a friend of mine. Phil Johnson was an Army medivac pilot stationed at Fort Carson and a guy I have played soccer with for the last few years.

What we are fighting for and why we are doing the right thing came to me as I watched the four helicopters fly by in the missing man formation. As the tears slowly rolled down my face I realized Johnson's helicopter had been clearly marked with a red cross. Shooting at such a target is akin to attacking a hospital, school or even a school bus. People willing to commit such acts, such atrocities, must be fought.

Yes, we are doing the right thing and we will not fail. The indomitable spirit of the men and women of our armed forces -- epitomized by Johnson and his crewmembers -- is the reason we will not fail. Thank you, Phil, for your service to our country and for your friendship.

Ken Reber"
Ken Reber of thereberman@adelphia.net

"Melissa and Family,

We would like to thank Philip for making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation's freedom and safety. While I did not know him or you personally, it's easy to tell from what I've read about Philip, that he lived an honorable life.

I, as a member of the Metropolitans, ( http://metropolitans.org/index3.html )
would like to honor Philip in an upcoming performance we are giving this October 2005. I DO NOT want anything from you but permission to sing in his honor.

The Metropolitans are so very proud of our military. Each member of our chorus has chosen a fallen hero to honor for this performance and I have chosen Philip. I would like very much to learn more about him and his family

I sincerely regret the awkwardness of using this media, but couldn't find another way of reaching out to you.

I hope that you will contact me so that I can discuss with you our performance and how we plan to honor Philip's memory.

My home email/phone is Awohl@pssd.com or please feel free to call me (904)332-3485

God bless you!"
Andrew Wohl (aka Awohl at Ellsworth AFB - SD) of Jacksonville, FL 32259

"Phillip was a true soldier and served with the Marine Corps and Army. He died doing what he loved to do. Melissa, my family and I miss talking to you. Call us anytime."
TSgt Dick Dalton of Las Vegas, NV

"Melissa,
I am so sorry for your lost. I remember the day that you and Philip got married @ Tinker AFB, OK. You are always in my prayers Melissa, take care and God Bless You"
SSgt Stephanie Johnson of Glendale AZ

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God grant your family comfort and peace in this time of sorrow. May you forever rest in peace. Thank you."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"Warrant Officer Johnson, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Low Flight"

Dedicated to Phillip A. Johnson, Jr.


Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth,

And Hovered out of Ground Effect on Semi-Ridgid Blades.

Earthward I've Auto'ed, and met the Rising Brush of Non-Paved Terrain;

And done a thousand things you would never care to.

Skidded and Dropped and Flared Low in the Heat Soaked Roar.

Confined there, I've chased the Earthbound Traffic

And Lost the race due to Insignificant Headwinds.

Forward and up a Little in Ground Effect,

I've Topped the Admirals hedge with drooping turns,

Where never SkyHawk nor even Tomcat Flew.

Shaking and Pulling Collective, I've Lumberd

The Low untresspassed Halls of Victor Airways;

Put out my Hand, and Touched a Tree.

Today Philip you Fly with Angels. Thank you for your Dedication and Sacrifice. "Godspeed Chief..."
Dennis B. Dray Maj (R) ARNG of Tucson, AZ

"To the Johnson family, I'm the sister of one of the fallen soldiers who was with CWO2 Johnson and I would just like to send you my condolences. He is a hero in my eyes as he payed the utimate price for our freedom."
Regina Weaver USAF of Whiteman AFB MO

"Melissa, I wanted to say that it has been nice meeting you and I am sorry for your loss. If you ever need anything I am here for you. anytime my door is always open."
Melissa Givens of Fountain Colorado USA

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

"Thank you for fighting so that all of us in the U.S. can sleep safely in our beds at night. There is no real way to say thank you for that kind of gift. Rest in Peace."
Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"You are flying with the Angels now. God Bless you and your family. RIP Soldier"
The Taylors/USMC of NC

"Philip, I am at such a loss for words. You dont know me nor do I know your family. You haven fallen with your brothers, and now you are on a beautiful quest with God. I can only say "Thank You" and my prayers are with your entire family. May they find comfort in knowing we care, and we will never forget you and what you have done for our country."
Reed of Inverness, Florida

"Phillip's Family,

Your son is a hero to me. It makes me feel as if what I am doing here at home as so small - the sacrifice he made, even before he died. May our Lord God comfort you in this time."
Matt - Father of 3 of Mobile, AL

"May you find comfort in knowing how many people share your sadness and loss. Thanks Philip for fighting for our country. YOU are a TRUE HERO! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family (USMC) of Lakeland, TN

"Thank you Philip Johnson, Jr., 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 Chief Warrant Officer Philip Johnson, Jr.:
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 Philip 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 Chief Warrant Officer Philip Johnson, Jr.:
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 Philip, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia