Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army Cpl. Andrew J. Kemple

23, of Cambridge, Minnesota.
Kemple died in Tikrit, Iraq, when his HMMWV came under small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Died on February 12, 2006.

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"11/2/21 - To the Family and Friends of Andrew, this year for Veteran's Day I will be giving my brother, Logan Diveley, the gift of a Flag of Valor flying in honor of his lost brother. I hope this message brings you peace that although Andrew is gone, he will never be forgotten. John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."
Laurin Sharp of Dewey, OK

"Drew I'm not gonna lie. I miss you. You took me under your wing and showed me the ropes around base when I was brand new to the unit. I didn't know anyone and you introduced me to Doc Trevino, Torrie, and the gang. We went out on the town and you really gave me a feel of the place. When I got caught drinking under age and was forced to give NCOs a class on alcoholism and drunk driving you got me out of there and we partied until sunrise. By the way, I finally got that girl I told you about and kept using your phone to call. She's my wife now. I told you it wasn't a pipe dream. We have a little boy.
When I was down, you drug me kicking and screaming out that hole. When I was shy, you pulled me out of my shell. When I couldn't walk unnassisted or without crutches you kept me in good spirits and helped me through the toughest parts of that whole debacle. In large part I owe you a debt of gratitude for my recovery. You kept saying it's mind over matter. I didn't understand what you meant back then but I do now. You were a bit wiser than you liked to let on. You were the closest thing I had to family there. There will never be another like you and I hope to God that mother*%$@er who shot you was burned, beaten, raped and skinned alive. You didn't deserve that brother. I'll see you again. One way or another. My condolences to the family."
PFC Snyder

"I miss you. I am older now and have a family of my own and often think about how I think we would have been close now like we were when we were kids. I hope to see you again one day."

"Just a simple love you and thinking of you! ❤️"
Alicia

"I think about you often. Kev and I still reminisce and tell our favorite memories of you every time we hear dmx. I talk about you often w/ your nephews too; Zae remembers you but Jay was too little. Which makes it all the more important to keep your memory alive. So much has changed since you left us; I finally had my little girl! Well, shes not so little anymore. I also had two more sons. I wish you could be here to meet them and help guide and mentor them. I miss my brother so much!!! I was going through pics the other day and was smiling fondly at the pics of you and Kev moving us in to the CA house, lol!!! 120 steps to our front door!... who would believe it if we didn't have proof!?!? :) I should quit rambling; I just want you to know I miss you terribly! I love you and can't wait til I see you again."
Amy of Minneapolis, MN U.S.

"Drew. It's been a little more then six years and ill tell u what bro, it doesn't get any easier. I miss u brother. I know u and Ben r both up there watching down on us. Tell Ben not a day goes by that I'm not thinking if him either. See u brothers when I get there."
Mike

"I was thinking about you today. i miss your smile and laugh. ill see you agian one day. xo"
heather of hopkinsville ky

"I am thinking of you today! Thank you for your brave fight! I cannot wait to see you again... God bless!"
Nicole Skowronek of Isanti Minnesota

"February 2, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Andrew J. Kemple:
Andrew 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

"Dru, we are coming up on three years now. The world hasn't changed too much except that it is dimmer since you are not here. I really miss you and think of you often. You are a hero and I am a better person because of your presence in my life. I have come to know God and his mercy... you were right... love matters."
Tony Tong of Cambridge, MN

"3 days away from 2 years. I don't know what to say, but I miss you man. Forever in my heart. It's just not the same."
James Hamilton of San Antonio, TX

"Drew, its been awhile, but one day well be hanging out again. I remember us driving all night every couple of weekends to go hang out with my hometown buddies in cleveland.It was kinda weird being back at the barracks without running down to ur room to go find something to do cuz i was bored, or trying to hook you up with my friend amber so you would get away from trifling girl, lol. I miss you man..."
Matthew Stutes Former PV2 of Cleveland TN

"Drew, it's going on 2 years now. Still I remember your humor, personality, and face like it was yesterday. I remember you, me, David, and Wayne spending Christmas at my house. The Christmas before your last deployment. We didn't have the traditional Christmas. It was also your first time trying Korean food. We jammed out, watched The Nightmare Before Christmas, and got hammered off Killians. I remember deployment day. I remember what I promised you. You were such a great friend to me. And I'll never forget you. 2 weeks ago, I went to my first Irish Pub here in Tx. For years I was so scared to go in there due to your death. I gave up a great job that's in Minnesota because I am scared. Now I know that's not what you would want me to do but I feel like I wont be able to. I miss you so much buddy. I'll see you when I get there. Know, that I still look up to you. Love you my great friend."
Hana Kim of San Antonio, Texas

"You will never be forgotten. I love you and your a great man. Thanks for everything bud! :)"
Nicole O of Cambrigde MN

"To the family of:Andrew J Kemple 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 cant belive you have been gone for nearly a year. there isnt a day that goes by that my entire family dosnt think of you and your contagious smile. I love you so much you will forever be in my heart! P.S. I got your name tatooed on my arm ( i know your smiling down right now saying "Oh mis!" R.I.P. buddy I will see you someday again!"
Missy B of Cambridge

"Thank-you Rakkasan and Godspeed."

"Drew I'm sorry about the misunderstanding prior to leave before deployment, I just hope you meant it when you said you had forgiven me. Damnit if only I had gone with you guys maybe this wouldn't have happened. You have my utmost respect and I pray that you made it to heaven."
James Snyder former PV2 of MO, United States

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

"Thank you Andrew Kemple, 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 Cpl. Andrew Kemple:
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 Andrew 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 Cpl. Andrew Kemple:
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 Andrew, 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