Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Coming back to Fort Stewart after so many years. This year will be the hardest. I remember the message you wanted me to give before your passing. You will never be forgotten Sir. Hard days ahead. NEVER FORGOTTEN!"
SSG Marsolais of Fort Stewart, Ga

"I was Lt (Jenna) Kaylor's driver. The night when learned of the sacrifice paid, was the moment that the war became real for me. As her driver I was suppose to be her protection and yet we were all so vulnerable. I met Lt Jeffery Kaylor a couple weeks earlier in Kuwait. He is the kind of man I hope to become, that I hope my sons will become."
John Cummings of Savannah GA

"Sadly, my only encounter with 1LT Kaylor was after he passed.

I was on a dusty road in the middle of Iraq receiving supplies from eight Chinook helicopters. We were receiving much needed food and ammunition. I was asked to coordiate any supplies and equipment that needed retrograded back to the rear area. While on the ground waiting for the helicopters a unit brought the remains of this brave soldier, 1LT Kaylor. His remains were draped with an American flag.

As we supervised the downloading and then uploading of the helicopters..I found myself standing on the ramp of one CH47 with my battle buddy staring inside at the empty helicoter with the exception of the remains of 1LT Kaylor. Amidst all the noise, dust, confusion and chaos...the scene was very silent. My buddy said that, 'he was now in a better place'.

My minds eye took a picture that I will never forget. I think about him everyday as I continue to serve.

I am very proud that we did it right for this brave warrior. Godspeed"
COL Tim Whalen of Columbus, Ohio

"I think about Lt Kaylor often, and recently went through some of my old pictures to post on facebook. This lead me to this search and finding this site. I pass on stories from those 10 months often and remember how LT Kaylor shined during our trip north. Warrior 26 wont be forgotten. He was my platoon leader, but he led our whole battalion. The more I got to know him as a person and not as a soldier, the more I got to see how much fun he was to be around and why people liked him so much. I will never forget his sacrifice."
Bill Reasinger of Clearfield, Pa

"φ.φ.κ.α. brother you will always be a hero not only for ΠΚΑ, but a hero for the United States of America."
Ryan Day of Albuquerque, NM/USA

"RIP LT KAYLOR.....We all shared many fun times at camp Pennsylvania and Virginia. What a crazy tent!!!!

Phoenix 94 (Q-37)"
CW4 Earl Battley of FT. Hood TX

"It will six years this April when you were taken from us. For the last six years I have thought of how our lives would be with you still here. The weddings that took place with you in memory with a candle, the children born with out an uncle Ffej. Every day I think of you my brother and every day I wish that you were here with us. I know that you gave your life for what you believed in and I know that you served with honor. I know that you told me that you would be back sooner than later, to play basketball with all of the boys again. I still go and sit where we play, to hear the days of our youth and innocence. I miss you more than words can express and I wish that you were here to share in all our memories growing up. I know that you are looking over us and I feel you every day. I miss and love you. I hope that one day we will meet again and continue our friendship that was cut too short."
Sean Nichols of Haymarket, VA

"January 6, 2008
To the family of 1st Lt. Jeffrey J. Kaylor:
Jeffrey 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

"Jeff- I was looking through some old pictures last night and found some of our fishing trip to Arkansas during OBC. It hit me hard to see your smiling face. I'll never forget Raj falling in the river. My condolences to Jeff's wife, who I briefly met, and to his family."
CPT Benjamin Duncan of Fort Lewis, WA

"I just wanted to express my regret for your loss to the Kaylor family. I served with 1LT Kaylor when I was a PFC in 1/39FA. He was a great leader and man. Again I'm sorry. W26, you will always be missed!"
SSG Davis, Joshua of Baghdad, Iraq

"Sometimes I forget how recent your loss was to us, especially your family. I was there with you in Iraq and your in my thoughts now here at Hood. I hope you are just as happy now as you were when I knew you."
Kenneth Berry of Ft Hood, TX

"Lt. Kaylor,
Sir, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Celerita In Conficiendo"
(Speed In Action)
39th FA Motto"

"Another fallen hero and a brother in arms I am sorry for your loss and he'll never be forgotten"
Spc Karl J Kaylor of Santa Rosa ,CA/Sonoma

"R.I.P. brother."
Brian K. (VTCC Foxtrot '02) of Florida

"My own anger regarding this war has led me to come across your tragic story. Connecting the dots with further web search I find we, Roxanne, knew each other in our youth in Louisville KY. I will reach out to you more personally as this forum, for me anyway, is not one for verbose blogging against the war when, especially so personalized by a common link in our youth and during Vietnam. I will call so don't be surprised/shocked!"
Rick Frederick of Chicago, IL

"Jeff, you will always be on our minds for your contributions to this country and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. We honor your service and hope to share your story with everyone we meet.

phi phi kappa alpha"
Ben Anderson and the brothers of Epsilon Chapter

"W26 you will always be missed
W9"
Ardell Boatwright of Alexandria, VA

"Jeffrey Kaylor was one of my very best friends. I think about him everyday and I know he is looking down on all of us; his family, friends, and service men and women. Ffej, I love you and miss you! God Bless you and the ultimate sacrafice you made for others. I know I'll see you again someday."
Natalie Nencioni of The United States of America

"Jeffrey Kaylor was one of my very best friends. I think about him everyday and I know he is looking down on all of us; his family, friends, and service men and women. Ffej, I love you and miss you! God Bless you and the ultimate sacrafice you made for others. I know I'll see you again someday."
Natalie Nencioni of The United States of America

"LT. Kaylor...I will never forget that day. It has been over three years and still that day can be remembered as if I were there now. The hardest thing I did while in Iraq was standing at attention and trying so hard to keep my bearing. Listening to taps reminds me of C batteries hardships and loss. You are not forgotten!"
C Btry SPC of The greatest country on Earth

"Jeff,
In a world of uncertainties, one thing is absolute; your memory is as strong today as it was 3 years ago. I'm grateful to have spent time with you through some great years in our lives. Next year is our 10 year reunion, can you believe that!?! I’ll tackle Jared for you. Rest well my friend."
J. Bishop of Hilton Head...for now

"Thank you so much. You will not be forgotten. You are a true hero. Our prayers are with you always."
Alicia Dodgion & PVT Dodgion, Jon of Ft. Bliss, Tx

"Jeff,

You are an honorable man. We respect you and can only hope to aspire to the man that you are. You have made this world a much better place, and for that we thank you!"
Ashton L Wilson of Blacksburg, VA

"A MAN his duty ,he never questioned
for you ,his family,yours,GOD bless him.
REMEMBER,ALWAYS;WE STAND PROUD,NEVER ALONE 1ST LT LEWIS SPEC OPS VNV CHRISTIAN"
lewis of nc28516

"Jenna, I just found out that former soldiers that I served with that were seriously hurt in in Iraq this past week. Immediatly I thought of you and your family. I pray that you are doing well! God bless you and your husband...."
Jeffrey Crysler of Basehor, KS

"I have never meet you, however through the reports and stories that I have read & heard, the world lost a good man and you will be missed for a long time. My heart goes out to your family, God Bless you!"
Hank Kaylor of Nokesvile, VA

"To the Wife and family of Jeff Kaylor. I wanted to say i am sorry for your loss. I have always told my mother that I chose to be in the military and that I support this war. (she does not) tonight I finally Got a glimpse of what my mother would go through if I were killed, and i have a new understanding of her point of view."
Robert of Bristow, VA

"Jeff was my boyhood friend, a great person whom I will never forget. May God Bless and watch over his family."
Eric Hahn of San Diego, Cailfornia

"Dear Mr and Mrs Kaylor,

We have just watched the documentary on Detroit public television. We were so touched that we had to find you on the net. We really feel for you, our hearts go out to you. We grieve your loss and hope that in some way you will find closure on the matter of your son's/husband's loss."
mark/family of vancouver/bc/canada

"It is November 13, 2005. I just saw "Families at War" on my local PBS. I want to tell Mrs. Kaylor that I am so sorry. I haven't lost a child to this war. I can never feel her loss. But I am crying for her son tonight. And all the other sons and daughters who gave their lives for their country when their country commanded them to go somewhere and die somewhere we never had to be. They are God Blessed patriots - all of them. Mrs. Kaylor - never doubt your convictions. You are honoring your son in every way - by trying to prevent the deaths of his military comrades. I wish I could somehow contact you directly because I really wish I could give you a hug."
Yana Hylton of Bellingham, WA

"Dear Kaylor family,
I could not sleep last night and turned on the television to distract me for a minute or two. I watched "A Family At War" and I was moved to tears. Anger. Pride. Hope. Awestruck at the emotions that your family shared with me. I am a middle school teacher and former serviceman. I served along side of men like Lt. Kaylor and learned much about life from them as I followed their lead.Our class is preparing for another Veterans Day and I can assure you that my class will learn about Lt. Kaylor and your family from me. I am at the age where I no longer follow blindly, and I question intent as well as action. I just know that there is a Just God, that I try to do my best, and that I must remember "In all things, give thanks". Many have learned from Lt. Kaylor's life and this knowledge can lead to change. May you turn to God to ease your load, and your hearts are in my prayers."
William Gant of Nashville Tn.

"This message is for Jeffrey's mother. You and your family and Jeffrey's widow are in my thoughts and prayers. I just saw you on Independent Lens and was thankful that you had the courage to question our involvement in Iraq. No WMD's, no link to Bin Laden. We should all be questioning why our young men and women are fighting and dying over there."
Linda of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"LT. Jeff Kaylor, With all honor and respect, I salute you and your family and pray that I may also meet you one day as a servant of the Lord. God Bless you and your family. Rest in Peace, Brother."
Jeffrey Kay (US Army, Retired) of Maryville, TN.

"God loves you and your family. Having lost friends in Viet Nam the pain subsides but never goes away. I don't know you Jeffery but my heart has love for you."
Robert of Raleigh, NC, USA

"LT. Kaylor, Not a day goes bye where I don't think about you. I will always remember that you were a great Platoon Leader and a good friend. To Mr. and Mrs. Kaylor, I just want to wish you all the best, you raised and loved a great son he was dedicated and a true soldier you should be very proud."
SSG Spearin of Tampa, Fl.

"I served with 1LT Kaylor in C Btry and I was with him on that day. He was a great leader and someone that I will never forget. It was a devistating loss to everyone in TF Warrior. To the family of 1LT Kaylor, I'm truely sorry for your loss. May god be with you the rest of your days."
SGT of U.S.A.

"I served with 1LT Kaylor in C Btry and I was with him on that day. He was a great leader and someone that I will never forget. It was a devistating loss to everyone in TF Warrior. To the family of 1LT Kaylor, I'm truely sorry for your loss. May god be with you the rest of your days."
SGT of U.S.A.

"This is for his wife Jenna.

My name is Sgt. Marsolais. I was with the 3rd MP Bn.

I spook to your husband on the 6th of April 2003. He asked me if I knew your location, but sadly I did not. I asked me that if I see you to give you this message. "I love you and I miss you. I'm o.k.". The next day I found out what had happened. I have not stopped thinking about that day. I came back to Ft. Stewart in Aug and was trying to find you to give you his message. But I had no luck. I didn't know him but I will never forget him or his message. I'm so sorry I could not have given you the message sooner. My email address is marsolais@yahoo.com email me if you need anything.

Sgt. Marsolais"
Sgt. Marsolais, Michael of Heidelburg, Germany

"Jeff-
The hallways of Draper Hall at Radford University would not have been the same without you. I never could have imagined a better freshman year with better friends. We all selfishly wanted to keep you at RU, but Tech was where you had your sights set...and then off to the service. I am so proud and honored to have known you, and to have called you friend. I have to laugh when I think back on how my suitemate had such a crush on you. She even told you that her middle name was Diablo since you loved the Lamborghini so much!!! Thank you for all of the memories. You will be missed, friend."
Liane of Roanoke, Virginia

"Jeff,
I knew you for a short time while we were in OBC. I will always remember the smiles, the positive attitude, and the new red Mustang. You are a great soldier and an even better American. My son will always know a face that goes with sacrifice that solider give to this great country. God Bless your wife, mother and the rest of the Kaylor family. It was an Honor."
1LT Trent B. Bunnell Sr. of 5-3 FA, Ft. Sill, OK

"Jeff-
Im honored to have known you. You are my hero and though you are gone, you will never be forgotten. Your light lives on in all of us who knew you. My heart goes out to Jenna and the rest of the Kaylor family. Your loss is shared. Charlie Corps forevermore."
Tracey "Rat Mom" Dolehite of Dallas, Texas

"Ffej,
I love and miss you brother. Save me a seat at the Sharkeys in the sky, because we will drink together again!"
Brian Joyce of Ft. Carson Colorado

"My Husband, My Hero. A wonderful man who left memories with everyone he knew. I am so grateful for every moment he was in my life, and that now, he will be with me eternally. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for, and thought of Jeff and our families. We are very greatful."
Jenna Kaylor of Springfield, VA

"I miss you Ffej... we all do. I lost one of my best friends and one of the more honest men in the world. Not a day goes by that we don't think of you. We will always love and miss our Ffej... our Jeffey Joe... our brother. Everyone that knew Jeff has a special place in their heart for him and his family. He was one of those people that made a difference in people's lives, especially mine and all of our friends. We love and miss you."
Sean Nichols of Clifton, VA

"Thou I did not know you, I would like to say THANK YOU,for your defending of our country. God bless your Family."
Dick Kaylor of Springfield,Illinois

"Jeff, you were an incredible and positive force when I was with you at Tech. I was very proud to have you serve with me in the Army but I am sad that we lost such a young and promising young man. You will always be a part of me and I will never forget you."
MAJ Bob Bradford of Baghdad, Iraq

"I am wearing Lt. Kaylor's KIA bracelet. It is an honor for the cadets at VMI to remember these fallen heroes such as Lt. Kaylor. Their sacrifices on the altar of freedom will be remembered by all."
Phillip Wilkerson of Virginia Military Institute

"A film was made about Jeffrey J. Kaylor, and it was shown today in Denmark where the producer comes from. A big thank you goes from me to the Kaylor family for allowing us to see Jeffrey as they saw him and hear your story. It helps us remember that the dead and wounded we hear about on TV, are very much people and they all have grieving families.
Jeffrey will be foremost in my mind whenever there's a newsreport from Iraq."
Martin Hansen of Denmark

"Jeff was one of my very best friends in High School. My first crush he meant so much to me. I think of him as someone who always wanted to serve his country proud. There was no reason Jeff should have died. He never should have been there. I will never forget though that he died with honor and with the greatest amount of courage. I think of him every day and he will be missed."
Chrissy King of Centreville , VA

"Jeff and I were good friends for a short time at Ft. Benning. He was the kind of guy you wanted on your side. I always hoped I'd run into him again someday. I learned of his death from the Stars and Stripes newspaper while I was in Baghdad. I didn't even know we ended up in the same division. Now I think of him every time I think of the war. My heart goes out to his wife, family, and friends."
1LT Adam Prosser of Ft. Stewart, GA

"I served with Jeff during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I was assigned to the same battery (1-39th fA MLRS). The best LT and leader I ever met."
CPT Angel M Graulau

"Jeff, I miss you, think about your sacrifice and the days we swore we would get Lamborghinis someday. You are truly outstanding, we all are honored to know you. God Bless you.
Semper Fi"
Mike Rowland, USMC of Clifton, VA

"I wear a KIA bracelet everyday in your honor. It was random draw on who I received but I feel honored to have received yours. My brother is in the Corp of Cadets at Va. Tech and it makes me think about all that you have given up for our country. Thank you for what you have done to make it a better place for me and my family. I support you and the rest of our troops with my whole heart."
Erin Pollak of Midlothian, Virginia

"It's been well over a year and it's just as hard to think about it today as it was when I first heard about Jeff's death. I last saw Jeff at Camp Virginia, Kuwait during the build-up of forces in Feb. 03. I knew his battalion was already there when our battalion arrived and I wanted to say hello. He had just been promoted to 1LT and was sewing the new rank to his uniforms. We had been to the same leadership course at Ft Benning, officer basic course at Ft Sill and assigned to MLRS battalions, so I felt a special bond to Jeff. He had a comforting pressence and reassured me that I would quickly adjust to the harsh climate in Kuwait. We shook hands that day and eye to eye we wished eachother good luck. I will never forget that moment and I will never forget Jeff. My deepest sympathy to his wife and family."
1LT Jeffery S. Kudary of Ft Sill, OK

"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. You will not be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in Arizona

"Jeff-
You are missed by those who knew you.
You will always be in our hearts and your family will always remain in our prayers. Thank you Jeff!!"
Amy Peterson -Uribe of Phx, AZ USA

"Jeff,
You were without a doubt the best leader I have ever known. My prayers are with you, your wife and family...

So young they were, so strong and well,
Until the bitter summons fell --
Too young to die.
Yet there on foreign soil they lie,
So pitiful, with glassy eye
And limbs all rumbled anyhow:
Quite finished, now.
On every heart -- lest we forget --
Secure at home -- engrave this debt!

Semper Primus- VTCC,Charlie-01,"
Chris Taylor, 2LT USA of Sterling VA

"I didn't know Jeff, but want to thank him for his service to our country. Thank you and thanks to your family for being so brave!"
Judy of San Francisco, CA

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

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN (4/7/04)

"jeff...
you didn't know me...i just wanted to say thank you for all you did for you country...i am truly greatful...deepest sympathies to your family on this day..."
Breanna Opincariu of Acworth, Ga USA

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

"Jeff,
You are missed in this world and I know you are in your Father's arms. All give some... but you gave all. I miss you."
Melanie of Stafford, VA

"Thank you Jeffrey Kaylor, 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 of Lt. Jeffrey J Kaylor:Within the past year, I met a wonderful and proud lady, Nanette, the mother-in-law of Jeffrey and mother of his wife Jenna. At my first meeting her, she proudly displayed photos of them in uniform, and exhibited her warranted concerns about their safety. As a former USAF 1st Lieutenant in the Viet Nam Era, and knowing that all so often the most dangerous leadership roles fall to junior officers, I had prayed that they would be safe. I was dumbstuck and sickened when Nanette told me of the tragic news.All I now offer is their inclusion in my prayers and for those others who have lost......no-one ever wins in any armed conflict....yet it may always be the only way of ridding the curse of evil from our midst."
Mattiene Moustakas of Syracuse New York

"Jeff was a good friend..always had a smile...always laughed..always happy.
Centreville High 97
VA Tech 01"
Whitney Zivan of San Francisco, CA

"We will always remember you as our bud.Semper Primus- VTCC,Charlie-02"
2Lt John Szczepanski of Eglin AFB, FL

"Jeff,
You will never be forgotten. A true friend. Thank you"
1LT Matthew Kelly of FT. Bragg, NC

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrifice will nerver be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"Jeff,

Thank you for your service and sacrifice to our nation. You are a true American Hero. May God Bless you and rest in peace.

Your fellow Hokie!"
Gary Cribbs of Springfield, VA

"To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Jeffrey Kaylor:
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 Jeffrey 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 Lt. Jeffrey Kaylor:
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 Jeffrey, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"Jeff, you'll always be a friend, a brother, a soldier, an American. I love you buddy."
Phil Rogers of Virginia

"Kaylor Family,
Having known Jeff in High School and College I can say I am very sorry to hear of his death. He was a great man with a great spirit. God Bless."
Steve Reagan of Atlanta, GA USA

"RIP Brave Soldier. Thank you for your sacrifices and protecting the freedom of this great Nation. We will NOT forget you."
The Taylors, USMC of NC

"I hope this message finds someone who knew you, and they gain comfort in knowing how much we appreciate your sacrifice and courage."
Rick Lang of Lexington Park, MD