Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To Stephens Children,
I wanted to write a little message to all of you..I didn’t know the man in person but I’ve heard so many good stories about him from his battle.He is still to this day missed badly by his friend.i feel as though I do know him and know him well today is November 26th of 2017.Stephen sees everything and everyone now.I know that he loved each of you and talked of you often I was told.I have read these messages and take in consideration that all information from that day may not be correct but all in all know that he cherished and loved each of you.Im the girlfriend of KRB. If any of you are reading this I know he would love to hear from you.he is willing to talk and tell you stories of your father or just to chat.please reach out to him.He knew him well..You know who he is so contact him on FB.He was His Best Friend after all.I have nothing but the upmost respect for him.He was a hero in many many ways and he’s missed so so much .I hope this helped a little bit."
Kimberly Manuel of Texarkana Tx USA.

"He was a great Soldier and friend.there is not a day that goes by I dont think about him.I was sopost to be on that Mission with him.I was out on another and did not make it back in time to go.I should have been there with him.He is a true hero.I will never for get all he did for me.I will honour his name all ways."
Chad Roberts of Chatsworth ga

"Today marks 10 years since April 4 2005. I was there with Sgt Kennedy. I didn't know him as well as some of the boys. I did consider him a friend. I think of him often and am grateful for his sacrafice. I offer my condolences to his family. He is role model of the highest order and a true hero. It was the most tense day I've had in 46 years. Rest in peace your bravery and selfless actions will resonate here on earth until till we all meet again Sarg."
Michael French of Whitwell,Tennessee/USA

"I didn't know Mr. Stephen C. Kennedy.I never served with him nor was I ever in the military.But I'm sure those that served with him were very proud.As I was going through my things I found my HERO BRACELET with his name,rank and home town.I'm sure his family is very proud of him and everything he gave for his country. He will NEVER be forgotten..."
Edwin York of Rochester, NY / USA

"I also knew Stephen not as well as most I meet him at Ft.Irwin for the first time and in passing before we deployed to Camp Shelby MS. I knew him well enough to know he loved his family and his duty,s as a leader and as a human.I was gonna be on the same mission with him but was delayed by an IED and didn't make it back to Calwdwell in time to go with him. In my book a great guy."
SSG. James Sauls 278RCT of Winfield,TN.

"I didn't know SFC. Kennedy personally, however I was over there with him and he was a legand and a hero and because of the sacrafice he made, I re-enlisted into Active Army and I try to serve my country the way he did, as a Hero!!!"
AJ of Fort Stewart, Ga

"To Stevens family
I wanted you all to know I was with Steve everyday from the day we deployed to the day we fought along side each other that faithful night. I want to make sure that you knew that when he was hit he was doing what we all knew he would do for any of us. A member of the ING had been hit and fell above us outside the waddie we were hold up in. Without any delay he leaped out and pulled him into the waddie. Then he screamed out im hit. He was still talking to us when we put him on the medvac chopper. We found out the next day when we returned to the fob that the wound was to great. From the bottom of my heart i can tell you he is and always will be my hero and gaurdian angel."
Mark Gault of Oak Ridge Tn

"I wanted to contact the family and children of Steve. I was with him the night before that mission. We had left the DFAC (chow hall) and talked about, of all things, "Finding Nemo". We laughed about how our kids loved that movie. We continued to talk until he had to split off to attend his mission brief.
The next day, my unit was spun up to respond to Steve's unit being in contact with several insurgents. We arrived and surrounded the area until the next morning. We had heard of multiple U.S. personnel that had been killed, but it wasn't until the morning of the 6th that I was told by a fellow commander that Steve had been one of the fallen.
I have worn his bracelet since, and his loss continues to affect me to this day. He was a great and extremely funny guy. He welcomed me into the unit the day I arrived at Camp Shelby, MS as a brother. I remember a funny bit where he, and a few other troops, abducted my coffee mug and took hostage photos of my mug being blindfolded. Please contact me at jaysoncummins@ymail.com or at Facebook. I would really love to talk to his family more."
Jayson Cummins of Baghdad, Iraq

"Uncle stephen. You are my hero. I cry every single time I think about you. I'm crying right now. I miss you so much. I remember visiting you on easter with dad and you made a monkey egg for me morgan or logan to find and whoever found it got a dollar. (Thanks for telling me where it was). I will always love and miss you. You still mean everything to us and we will NEVER forget you. I love you uncle stephen."
chelsea gillis of norfolk va

"I am truly sorry for your loss. I served on a different Mett Team at FOB Caldwell with Steve and Sgt Dills. I pray that God would grant your family peace. SSG Kennedy is a true american hero and all who served with him are better men for having known him."
Mitch Chastain of Cleveland, TN

"Stephen had many friends in the 278th. I considered him to be a good friend of mine. I think about often and miss him very much. He talked about his family alot over the years. I am proud to say that I new him and proudly served with him in Iraq. At FOB Caldwell we had a walkway named for him and I have pictures of him as well as the Kennedy Lane marker and will attach them soon. I'm sure that he would be proud of all his children. keep up the good work in his name. Be aware that he had many friends and was a great all around guy. He is missed dearly."
Sgt. Don A. Hudgins (Huggybear) of Benton, TN

"Well he was my father and i still miss him because i wish he would see me in high school finally."
Logan Andrew Kennedy of Piqua,OH

"April 1, 2009
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Stephen C. Kennedy:
Stephen 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 am a member of an organization called "Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers" Since October of 2007 we have sent out over 2,900 prayer shawls to families of fallen soldiers. This group of over 235 knitting groups throughout the country are trying to contact all the families of fallen soldiers. If you or a member of your family would lke a prayer shawl in memory of Stephen, please contact me at barbconway@comcast.net of 774 487-8618.
Sincerely, Barbara Conway"
Barbara Conway of Cape Cod MA

"I served with SFC Kennedy on the day of April,4 2005 and I was ther when he was KIA I thank of him everyday I served with the 278TH 1ST Squadron Apache troop from Cleveland,TN he was like a brother to me I am SGT Jonathan Davis of Cleveland,TN I thank of him everyday of my life he was a good friend and buddy please contact me at (423)790-5156 about a braclet with kennedy name on it please"
Jonathan Davis of Cleveland,TN

"My son served in the 278th the same time as your Stephen. Each day he awakes and thinks of that day and how such a fine man was lost forever. He wears a 'memorial bracelet' in Steve's memory.
Today, I am ordering a flag for my son and requesting that it be flown over the nation's capitol in honor of Stephen on April 4, 2008. To you, his children and family, our heartfelt sympathy will be with you always. Your Hero will never be forgotten.Thank you for your service and your sacrifice which was the ultimate a family can give while supporting their loved one and their country. God bless you always!"
Rebecca Thomas of Soddy-Daisy, TN

"To the family of:Stephen C Kennedy 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"

"FOURTH OF JULY IN GATLINBURG TENNESSEE MIDNIGHT PARADE AND FIREWORKS. I ALONG WITH OTHER FALLEN FAMILIES WILL BE ATTENDING. TO ENETER A FLOAT TO HONOUR OUR FALLEN AND TO "SUPPORT OUR TROOPS"! STEPHEN THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY AND FOR BEING A MOILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. AS HE FELT TOWARD YOU. TODAY GREGORY AND YOU ARE TOGETHER RESTING. YOU ARE AN AMERICAN HERO! THAT HAS NOT DIED IN VAIN! HEALING IS A VERY SLOW PROCESS. sTEPHEN LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH. AN HE KNEW HOW MUCH ALL LOVED HIM. BE SUPPORTIVE TOWARD ONE ANOTHER WITH UNDERSTANDING. REFLECT ON THE VERY FOND MEMORIES YOU EACH SHARED WITH STEPHEN. HE IS WITH YOU ALL IN YOUR HEARTS. Father of fallen soldier Sgt. gregory L. Wahl KIA Balad, Iraq 05-03-04"
leonard_wahl@hotmail.com of Spring Texas

"I will always remeber Stephen Kennedy personaly because I knew him personaly. I will always remember his little treats he would share with my brother and me when we went to work with my dad because they worked together. I will always remember the last time i saw him-he was with his wife and his kids. He had the biggest smile I've ever seen on anybody. And I will always remember the day I heard the news-the look on my dads face after just losing a friend and seeing the tears in my dads eyes as they filled my own when we saw his picture on all the news channels because they made it all real-even though we didnt want it to be. Kennedy will always be my hero and his family is always in my prayers. I will never forget him."
Shiron Gunderman of kington, tn

"SFC Kennedy was a great and friendly person. He always made time to talk to everyone and would even stop you to make you talk when you were in a hurry. SFC Kennedy and I talked for hours on end in my office about computers. Definately a great loss to us all."
1/278th RCT Spc Brian Parker of Cumberland Gap, Tn

"To everyone who left a message on this page, on behalf of my two younger brothers, my sister, myself, and everyone else who knew my father. WE THANK YOU, for the support you have given us with each message and prayer."
Stephen G. Kennedy of Chehalis, WA

"We are a class of 6-8th graders and we want to tell you that you will be in our hearts and on our mindss this Veteran's Day. Your sacrifice will be remembered, and honored."
Madison School of Madison Tenn.

"To the family of Sgt. Kennedy: My brother SSG Christopher Dill was killed in the attack which took you beloved husband, father, son and brother. I am so proud of both of them for the honor and courage that they demonstrated. I pray that the memories of Stephen and the good times that you shared help you through the most difficult moments, and may our heros rest in peace."
Merrilee Dill of Galloway, Ohio

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

"To The Kennedy family I would like you to know you are all in my prayers.I just returned from Iraq in January and it was SFC Kennedy and the soldiers from the 278th that replaced my Brigade. When I saw he was in Balad Ruiz it hit home with me. I made serval trips through Balad Ruiz and we lost a soldier in that town as well. I pray God will comfort you in this time of loss and that you may know that you are not alone. I think I can speak for the soldiers and familys of the Old Hickory Brigade (30th BCT) Your Loved one is a true American hero,his sacrafice as well as yours will never be forgotten. May God Bless you and the Volunteers."
Spc. James M. Hudgins Combat Medic of New Port Richey Fla.

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

""To Stephen's family and friends, we are thinking of you during this difficult time. We will never forget that he gave the ultimate sacrifice for our wonderful country. Our prayers are with you.""
42nd ID Rear Detachment of Fort Drum, NY

"TO THE KENNEDY FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY YOUR LOST OF STEPHEN. HE IS AN AMERICAN HERO! AN HE HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF MANY. FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, HIS MILITARY FAMILY, THOSE IN HIS COMMUNITY AND HIS FAMILY. HE HAS NOT DIED IN VAIN. FOR HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR PROTECTING US AGAINST TERRORISM AND GIVEN IRAQ A NEW LIFE. ALTHOUGH, OUR SON'S HAD NOT KNOWN ONE ANOTHER. BOTH ALL THE SAME BROTHERS. ONE'S THAT HAD EACH OTHERS BACK IN IRAQ. WE LSOT OUR SON ELEVEN MONTHS. SO WE UNDERSTAND YOUR LOST. AN sTEPHEN WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYS. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"TO THE KENNEDY FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY YOUR LOST OF STEPHEN. HE IS AN AMERICAN HERO! AN HE HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF MANY. FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, HIS MILITARY FAMILY, THOSE IN HIS COMMUNITY AND HIS FAMILY. HE HAS NOT DIED IN VAIN. FOR HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR PROTECTING US AGAINST TERRORISM AND GIVEN IRAQ A NEW LIFE. ALTHOUGH, OUR SON'S HAD NOT KNOWN ONE ANOTHER. BOTH ALL THE SAME BROTHERS. ONE'S THAT HAD EACH OTHERS BACK IN IRAQ. WE LSOT OUR SON ELEVEN MONTHS. SO WE UNDERSTAND YOUR LOST. AN sTEPHEN WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYS. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"STEPHEN C. KENNEDY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE, DEDICATION AND SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. I CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO THANK YOU ENOUGH. IT IS MY PRAYER THAT YOU ARE AT PEACE AND WITH THE LORD, AND I KNOW THAT YOU ARE. I WILL ALSO PRAY FOR YOUR LOVED ONES IN THIS TIME OF SADNESS. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR COURAGE AND BRAVERY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY."
RHONDA CEPEDA, MARINE SISTER of HOUSTON, TX

"To the Kennedy family. My deepest condolences. Stephen was a brave man who died for the precious gift of Freedom. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. We honor his Bravery, Valor, and Courage and want you to know we will always honor him. He was a Hero. Please know that you are not alone, there are many of us who also know the loss you are going through.
God Bless Stephen and His family"
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays and family of Massillon, Ohio

"Thank you Stephen Kennedy, 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 Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Kennedy:
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 Stephen 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 Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Kennedy:
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 Stephen, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia