Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Mr Dale Kelly Jr I thank you for your service. we will always be proud of you!
to your family I will pray for you each and every day that you may find comfort among your sorrow"
Ms.Kelly of USA

"Mr Dale Kelly Jr I thank you for your service. we will always be proud of you!
to your family I we pray for you each and every day that you may find comfort among your sorrow"
Ms.Kelly of USA

"To the family of:Dale J. Kelly, 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""

"Dad you were and are a great father and man I appreciate you more than you could ever have known, you are my silent hero and Ithank you for your service not only to our family but our counrty as well. You were the best father i could of ever asked to bring my into manhood. i will be re enlisting to carry on your name and honorable legacy I miss you so much is hurts me to my soul, it has been a lil over six yrs now but notofr me it still feels like just yeasterday you were here. god bless your soul as you watch over us in heaven, my silent hero. "Chidlern, Spouse, SElf" i will never forget all you have taught me. i loveyou alwaysdaddy."
Christopher Dale Kelly of Auburn,Maine

"May 2, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Dale J. Kelly, Jr.:
Dale 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

"here it is 5th of february 2009..here i am again in iraq doing what we did best..being mountaineer soldiers...monday i take a trip from baghdad where im stationed back down to camp adder...its been 3 years SSG....its not gonna feel right being back there with out you there...im going to take time to go to the memorial wall just so i can pay my respects to you and SSG Veverka...missing you alot SSG if it wasnt for you i wouldnt be the soldier i am today...

ASCEND TO VICTORY SSG KELLY...ASCEND TO VICTORY

fellow Bco 172nd INF MTN mountaineer"
SPC Travis Hodsdon of BIAP/Baghdad,IRAQ

"It's been over a year. I will always remember Staff Sgt. Kelly for his professional yet mirthful bearing. He was very much connected to humanity. Staff Sgt. Kelly's direct eye contact showed that. He had a very intelligent and circumspect look to his eyes and a very courteous and friendly manner that put people at ease. Though the war waged "outside the wire", he displayed more centered and deep peace than most. Staff Sgt. Kelly's eyes looked kind and when he spoke with others from his unit he had such a "disarming" smile. While servicing air conditioning systems on military vehicles at Log Base Seitz, Camp Victory, Iraq, in direct support for our nation's finest, both Staff Sgt. Kelly and Staff Sgt. Ververka brought their vehicle into our shop, since they were proactively ensuring that their vehicle was in top level condition. Cooling is crucial in vehicles in the 120's F. ambient (considerably higher inside a vehicle, if air conditioning isn't working) of the summers there and the more intelligent military units and individuals such as Staff Sergeant Kelly prepared ahead. We chatted briefly and Staff Sgt. Kelly spoke mainly of his wife and children. He loved them very deeply and it was easily apparent by seeing and hearing him talk about his family that he thought about his wife and children constantly. Though I met and spoke with Staff Sgt. Kelly just the one time, it hurt deeply to learn of his supreme sacrifice to our nation. When we (civilian contractors) asked our supervisor if we could pay our respects by attending the memorial service of Staff Sgt. Kelly and Staff Sergeant Ververka, we were told we could if we gave up our lunch time. We did. The military unit had such a very dignified and respectful service in honor of Staff Sgt. Kelly and Staff Sgt. Ververka. Three men from their unit each voiced much about these fine men, each stopping occasionally to try to maintain composure but it was very evident they were each choking back tears. Sgt. Kelly and Sgt. Ververka were very highly respected. Quite a few people were standing because there just were not enough seats for so many who came to their memorial service. A wonderful slide show was also presented, honoring both lives with many photos for these two fine patriots.

Nancy, my heart goes out to you. Having immediate family members still there, I know all too well the feelings, fears and hopes, and constant prayers. I wish you peace and healing and for your Dale to have been so deeply at peace, I'm sure he chose well his soulmate. Your children will do well because of your strength and courage and belief in God. Nancy, this might not be appropriate, but thinking of the importance that it would mean to me in the same situation...if you or another family member would benefit from receiving the written tribute given to us at Sgt. Kelly's memorial service at Log Base Seitz, then I will mail it to you. You may contact me at: travel@activatormail.com. But in the "Subject" put anything identifying (such as when or what country your Dale was born, what happened May 20, 2002, or what branch of service your Dale in before 1980)--so I know that it is family contacting me. I will be happy to mail it to you. Blessings to you and your children."
E. Hilpert of Fayetteville, NC

"Mr. Kelly, you were my neighbor, scoutmaster, and family friend. You always had a smile and joke. You led by example and always made time for those who needed you. God must have had bigger plans for you to take you from your loving family. Thanks for your dedication to God and Country. You will be missed but never forgotten. “Always look on the bright side of life”-MP."
Jon MacDonald of Was ME, now NC.

"I won't forget your smile or the fit you threw after carrying the M60 through the rain all night, but you always got it done. I'm sorry I wasn't there. Thank you."
Tim of Washington, DC

"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.
Our nations HERO, Dale will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "

"Thank you Dale Kelly, 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 Staff Sgt. Dale Kelly, 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 Dale 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 Staff Sgt. Dale Kelly, 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 Dale, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia