Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I was a Contractor with Vertex working with 82nd ASB and knew Nate through our work at ATQ. I remember when Major Pogue broke the news to us and both the sadness at his loss and the determination of his brothers in arms to recover. He was taken too soon and I wish for your continued healing and pray for Gods peace to be visited upon your family."
Seth Baker of Fort Worth, Texas

"SPC Johnson slept right next to me in Iraq and that boy kept me laughing every night. To ease my mind from the tension of the war, sometimes I would listen to music with my headphones on and he would come tap me and say...Hey Sarge you singing loud right now...lol. Today is memorial day, I woke up thinking about those times and Googled your name and found this site. It hurt like hell to have to inventory your items after the crash, but still we carry on with those memories that we shared. In the Army, it's said that as soon as you find a friend you'll be saying good bye. Today I say hello Nate to those memories and to the times we shared. Although I can understand the pain, your family should be proud of you on this day for the lives you've touched and the man you were."
CPT Smith, Quincy of Fort Lee, VA

"Nate I just want you to know you are never forgotten and you will always have a place in my heart. On earth you were a great soul that brought love laughter and peace to anyone’s heart, so I know you are making heaven even more heavenly.
To the family of Nate Johnson, your son is forever in our hearts and our love is always with you. I know he felt the love of a great family and he took that with him. The memories are all we can take with us when we leave this earth and you had filled his life with love and great memories. May God bring peace and love to your hearts always."
Evelyn Cortez of california

"Nate will forever live in my heart and I thank GOD I could call him my friend. He was my driver on our trip from Kuwait up to FOB Ridgeway. And on that trip both of us and our gunner nearly died in a rollover. We were all tired and Nate fell asleep at the wheel. When we woke up the lowboy in front of us was stopped dead still. Nate swerved and we managed to avoid a direct collision but in doing so the generator we were pulling turned over and forced us into a rollover. I remember looking at the ground on the TC's side and thinking this is gonna hurt. By the Grace of GOD we all walked away from that and the vehicle managed to roll back rightside up. Thank you Nate for saving us that day and thank you GOD for sending us an Angel."
Andrew J Lively SSG(ret) of Morrilton, Arkansas

"I remember Spc. Johnson. I actually lived in the same barracks with him. On a couple of times we went out for a beer together with some of the other soldiers in the unit.I remember that he was always an upbeat type of person and especially that he would do anything for a freind in need. I remember on one occasion our group got into a friendly altercation with a rival unit on the base and Johnson was right there in the the thick of it ready to back up his buddies. The same was true of the time we spent in Iraq. He was always there in the thick of it ready to help a freind in need. If you can put all the politics aside it really is a shame that we have to loose the best and the brightest young men in these wars. Spc Johnson set such a high example of what our young men are capable of and by extension what the young men of Iraq and Afghanistan have the potential to acheive. Sure we had a hard job to do but some people are able to do it with a respect and dignity that can transcend difficult sittuations and boundaries. I believe that on some level he helped restore their faith in human kindness. From time to time I have thought about Spc. Johnson. I wish I had know about this site a long time ago. To the family of Spc. Johnson I sincerly wish you all the best. And please know that we all stand together. As long as we remember one of our soldiers they will all live on forever. Patriatism is still alive and well. All the best."
SGT Pint of Currently Bangkok Thailand

"Nate, we miss you bud. I look at the photo of your memorial over in Iraq daily. It sits on my desk with the pictures of my wife and kids. I do this because you were family to me and to everyone who knew you; regardless of our bloodlines. We had good times, we had bad times, but throughout them all, we always knew we could count on you. I thank you for being an awesome person and friend, and wish that others have the ability to know and enjoy someone in their lives as special as you were/are to us. Continue to smile down upon us, but know that you're not forgotten. We love and miss you. May the Lord continue to bless your soul."
Benjami Vazquez of Seattle, WA

"There is never a day I dont think about Nathaniel, I was a part of the team that recovered the aircraft, that was the hardest thing I ever had to do but I knew he would have wanted his army family to recover it. Nat you will never be forgotten"
Ronald Woosley of Huntsville Alabama

"I miss Nathan so much everyday. I remember Nathan because he used to be at my sanctuary all the time. And the last memory I have of him is him being happy with a smile on my face. I miss him everyday."
Banecia Williams

"To the loved ones of Nathaniel Johnson. I served with Johnson in Iraq, we were in the same company. We lived in the same barracks at Fort Bragg even. You should be very proud of him for the honor he displayed while here and the honor that lives on with his memory. I know that it has to be hard for you all year long but especially around this time. I pray that God may comfort your hearts. May God bless you."
D. Williams of Washington, D.C

"January 2, 2009
To the family of Spc. Nathaniel H. Johnson:
Nathaniel 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 a soldier, battle buddy, and most important a friend. Even though we were not the best of friends I had the opportunity to serve with SPC Johnson"Nate". I still remember the countless hours with worked together, supporting a division of helicopters. We came together putting our differences aside to accomplish our duties, by sharing technical knowledge of basic electronic theory for the avionic equipment we worked. Together we accomplished the work that was given, at times overloaded with our command on our tails. To those who never realized the dedication, workmanship, and responsibility of SPC Johnson be thankful for he kept many people(pilots) safe. Lastly, thanks to SPC Vazquez, SPC Watson, PFC Baker, PFC Dejardin, PFC McGowan, SSG Farlic, SSG Avila, and SSG Morgan for all the hard work and support .>>>>>3RD SQUAD(35R) D(AMC) 82D ASB<<<<<"
(SGT)Frank Narro of San Antonio,Texas

"To the family of:Nathaniel H. Johnson 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"

"I would like to say god bless to the family of Nathaniel Johnson he will be missed. I went to school with Nate. I met him my freshmen year because of my sister being in JROTC i to was in JROTC. We became very good friends all the way until he graduated he would still come back to the school to see how i was doing as the battalion commander but what moved me most of Nate was that he never stopped smiling laughing and making others laugh if you was having a bad day you can bet if you get around him your day was going to change for the better. He was a very sweet young man and i know i will miss him as you do. may god bless you but know he has a purpose for him now."
Carmine Moon of Camp Liberty Iraq, but from Augusta, Ga

"To honor the Georgia soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, the professional portrait artists of the Atlanta Fine Arts League are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family. These 16 X 20” original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families’ loss. Please visit our website www.atlantafineartsleague.org or email us at AtlantaFineArtsLeague@Yahoo.com for further information. –The Atlanta Fine Arts League"
Atlanta Fine Arts League

"Nate inspired me alot and he was great leader to me while we were is school togeather i miss him alot,my prayers to the johnson family."
C/CDR Jonathan C Thomas, GHHS, C/O2004 of Augusta GA

"SPC Johnson was in my platoon before his deployment and we had many occasions to relax and enjoy some down time. I have the upmost respect for Nate and his family. People like Nate ensure that we can enjoy our lives as we do. You will not be forgotten. Take Care and God Bless You"
SSG Brewer, Clayton of Ft. Bragg, NC

"First I want to offer my condolences to Nate's family. I remember how I first met Nathaniel. It was my junior year in high school. I was in the cafeteria one day and I see this guy with the exact same shoes as I did. It was funny, because I tried to get shoes that no one else had. So from then on I would always refer to him as the guy that had the same kind of shoes as I did (smiles). Then come to find out him and I were in NJROTC together where I remember him as always being positive and squared away. Now Nathaniel wasn't my best friend or anything, but he was definitely someone that every time I saw him in the hallway or while I was out and about I would speak to him and vice versa. I graduated in 1998, and went off to school and eventually into the U.S. Navy. I was in submarine school when my sister told me the devistating news that Nathaniel was killed in a helicopter crash. To all his family and friends - try not to focus on his death, but how God used him to bless us while he was on this Earth, and also if we live right we will see him again one day. God Bless all of our troops that are serving their country."
FT3 (SS) Andrew Tillman, Jr. of Bremerton, Washington

"I too wear Nate's name around my wrist. I received the braclet as a gift over this past weekend, Memorial Day weekend. I wear the braclet with pride and admiration of all those, especially Nate, who protect and serve our country. God Bless America and Nate Johnson!"
Benjamin Voelker of Philadelphia, PA

"Nate,
You left a lasting impression on the staff and cadets of the NJROTC Unit at Glenn Hills H.S. I consider you my "son" and you are my little brother in Christ. It was a blessing to be a part of your growing into a man of God. I love you and I miss you. Your smile lives on forever."
Chief Lewis. NJROTC. GHHS of Augusta, Ga

"SPC Johnson bunked about 8 cots from me in Iraq. We traveled in different circles but I never forgot his constant smile. Never did I imagine that it would be my solemn duty to go into the outskirts of Fallujah to make sure that we brought him and all the others from that crash site home. That ground is American soil forever. We live everyday ensuring that sacrifices such as Nate's are never forgotten. Never! Sites such as this are so very important and I thank you for letting me share this."
SFC Cline of Fort Bragg, NC

"Nate, was my one and only sibling.I'm his oldest sister Tiffiney D Williams of Augusta Georgia.I was 19 years old and Nate was almost nine when we first met,and from that day forward it was as if I was nine all over again.I was just a big kid with a drivers lincense.I took Nate almost every where with me .We played games together we ,we laughed together sometimes when he got in trouble with mom and dad, I would take the blame. The years past as I watched this little boy turn into a great man .I can't think of any moment when my little brother was not thinking positive.Nate could always find some good in any person ,place ,or thing.He did not complain.I remember Our last conversation together a short time after he told the family he was being shipped over seas .I asked' "are you scared of going to Iraq? He stated, "No Tipp its in God's hands" . Nate was a ture hero .There is not a day that pass that I don't think of him. I love and miss him greatly .My only sibling."
Tiffiney D Williams of Augusta, Georgia

""Nathaniel Johnson was my brother, is my brother. We had been seperated for years because our mother had been unfit to care for us. Almost 15 years had past and I finally found my brother again with the help of my adopted mother. I found him right before I was to get married. I thought this was a blessing. Only days later my mother could not bare to give me the news that he was killed in this point less war. I had already planned for both of my brothers to walk me down the aile, since they were the only blood family I knew I had. To this day I still can't believe that after 15 years the next time I was to see my brother would be at his funeral. I never got a chance to talk to him, or find out about the man my younger brother had become. Hearing it from someone else just isn't the same. All I have to remember my brother are a couple of pictures his father copied for me. There is such a hole in my heart where the joy of having my brother back should be. I would love to hear from people who knew him, its not the same but its all I have.
natishaowens@yahoo.com"
Natisha Owens of Manning, Sc USA"
Natisha Owens of Manning, Sc USA

"Like alot of the other people who have left you a message I too wear your sons name on my braclet. I want you to know I will never forget his sacrafice, and will always wear this heros name proudly."
Roberto Villarreal of D co. 1/58th Hunter Army Airfield, GA

"I wear SPC NATHANIEL JOHNSON'S name on my KIA bracelet with pride. My son is also a member of the great 82nd Airborne and has returned home safely. SPC Johnson is my hero. Much love, many prayers..."
Tia of Houston, TX

"I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Words can’t describe the pain your family must have gone through when you first heard the news. I wear you sons name on my KIA bracelet. I go to a military school in Vermont and he is my inspiration that keeps me going every day. Rest in peace SPC Nathaniel H. Johnson
- Scott Sattler
- Military College of Vermont (Norwich University)"
Scott Sattler of vermont military academy

"TO THE FAMILY OF SPC. JOHNSON I WOULD JUST LIKE TO GIVE MY CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR LOST AND TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I WEAR HIS NAME ON MY KIA BRACELET ON MY WRIST. HE IS A HERO. I MYSELF HAVE FAMILY IN IRAQ AND I PRAY FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL."
VALERIE of SAN ANTONIO, TX USA

"This old paratrooper will never forget the brotherhood of the greatest division in the world. Although I never ran across Johnson, my heart still hurts for my brother. May you rest in peace."
Anthony of Denver, CO

"May you find comfort in the love of the nation! We cry your tears and feel your pain. Finding peace in your heart will help you heal. He died as a father, a husband, a brother, a friend but he died proudly and bravely as an American! God bless you and know that Nathanial is no longer suffering. In time, your heart will mend but know we will never forget!!!"
Dodie of Jacksonville, FL

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

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

"To the Johnson family, I'm the sister of one of the fallen soldiers who was with SPC. 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."
ReginaWeaver USAF of Whiteman AFB MO

"To Spc Johnson's Family:
Though we are strangers, we want you to know how sorry we are your Nathaniel was taken from you. There is no doubt his thoughts were of you as he served in Iraq. 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, Nathaniel, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi B from Montana "

"Since I knew him in high school, Nate was always a No Limit soldier. He worked hard at everything he did. I'm going to miss you."
Stanford Smalls of Augusta GA

"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 Angels now. Rest Easy Soldier. We'll never forget you."
The Taylors/USMC of NC

"Nathaniel, what a tragic day for many, you were so young. The entire world is heartbroken that we have lost a wonderful person. May your family find comfort in knowing that you are with the creator of life and he will guid you on the rest of your journey. My deepest thoughts are with you and your family. May God hold your hand forever."
Reed of Inverness, Florida

"May you find comfort in knowing how many people share your sadness. Thanks to Nathaniel for fighting for our country. HE is 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 Nathaniel Johnson, 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 Spc. Nathaniel Johnson:
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 Nathaniel 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. Nathaniel Johnson:
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 Nathaniel, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia