Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Never Forgotten. Not Once. Not Ever."
Erik Christensen of Houston, TX

"I am a teacher (and combat veteran) in Poteet TX. Every day we talk about one fallen servicemember. On Sept 15, 2016 we will honor Christopher for his service. Thank you, Chris, for your bravery and your service. I will see you in Valhalla, brother."
Donna Bachler of Poteet, TX

"This Memorial Day weekend, thoughts of Christopher weigh heavily on my mind. I smile as I recall his friendly, magnetic personality. He was truly a friend to everyone he met. I also weep as I recall that fateful night. He oozed courage and confidence. I want it to be known that he would have it no other way than to be in that lead guntruck with SGT Fikes, who was like a big brother to Christopher. These are two of the finest, most honorable human beings I have ever met. I am honored to have worn the same uniform."
1SG Conerly, Richard of Knoxville, TN

"Little brother I don't know where to begin, it is going on 11 yrs since the last time I seen you smile before we rolled out on mission that night. Days go by all the time where you're constantly on my mind. I wish so badly that you could be here with us today, I know your watching over us and I know you were always with me when I continued to go on 3 more deployments after that. I know every year when I go visit you at your grave for your birthday that you are there sitting with me. You were always there to make me laugh when I needed it, you are definitely missed and this world is not the same without you. To Chris's mom if anybody has contact with her I would like to meet up with her again to see how they are doing, my number is 210-552-1292 email address is hschwausch85@Gmail.com I wait for the day that we meet again, I love you and miss you KP."
SGT. Schwausch, Howard of FT Hood,TX

"I don't even know how to start this message. I was one of KP's good friends at fort Polk. We would hang out a lot in the morning before gate guard duty and after. We were in the same unit. Me and KP became friends while we were in rear detail and our unit was in Iraq. He was one of the great soldiers I had the privilege to meet. He was also one of the first soldiers I had the chance to lead. He had the ability to walk into a room and light it up. He always knew how to make me smile no matter how mad or upset I was. He loved music that was one of his favorite things. I remember him telling me that one of his favorite songs was sir mix alot. I remember the day he left fort Polk his mom was there with his sisters and he was in good spirits as always being his usual happy self. I can't tell you how many times I asked him if he was sure he was ready to go, because he didn't have to and he would reassure me and say yes I'm ready I will be fine. I also remember being at the battalion the day the news came in that our battalion had lost a soldier. I felt the wind being sucked out of me and I knew in my heart and gut it was KP. My roommate at the time asked me how I knew and all I could say was I know I just do. The day we lost KP I felt as though something wasn't right it was like a bright light in the world had been blown out. kp was that light and then he was gone. To this day I wish that I would have tried a little harder to talk him out of going, but it was what he wanted. I understand it was his purpose but it still hurts even today. I take his picture out and look at it and talk to him from time to time because I still miss him. Sometimes I still can't believe he's gone. He will always hold a place deep within my heart as my first true best friend. Gone but never forgotten. (Miss you when you're gone)"
Tamisha Watkins of Jacksonville, FL USA

"Chris,
My fellow Texan. I am proud to have known you and honored to have served with you. You will never be forgotten. Someday, I will see you on the high ground my friend."
CPT Troy Arambula of Marion, TX / USA

"Today my daughter Mary Kate decorates a Liberty Bell in preparation for her school's salute to Veterans. The same as last year, your name is on her Bell. We remember you often Christopher. Your photo will always be displayed in our home as a reminder of not only your courage and sacrifice, but as a reminder of all those who continue to serve our country and how precious and fragile life and peace are."
The Williams Family of Cypress, TX, USA

"dear Kilpatrick family
I am 10 years old and I ran in honor of your son today in the melon run in hempsted tx"
cooper of texas

"Mr. Kilpatrick,

Though I never had the honor of meeting or knowing you before you you died 9 years today, your sacrifice has touched my life in a profound and peculiar way. Last year, my wife came across a memorial quilt made in your honor. It contained enough information to allow us to locate your family, and I believe it is now in their possession. I can only hope it has brought them some comfort.

Since then, I have thought of you often. All my life, I have tried to honor men like you, men who selflessly serve (and sometimes die) while in service to their country. But before I became aware of you, all of the Veterans and Memorial days were spent in a somewhat abstract remembrance of an anonymous, faceless mass of men to which I had no real emotional connection. This changed when I became aware of you and your what little bit of your story that I have been able to piece together. Right or wrong, you have now, for me, become the personification of all those men, living and dead, who put themselves in harms way for those back home. I thank you, Sir, for giving that to me.

I will never forget you.

6/20/2014"
Victor C. Cox of Santee, CA

"Mr. Kilpatrick,

Though I never had the honor of meeting or knowing you before you you died 9 years today, your sacrifice has touched my life in a profound and peculiar way. Last year, my wife came across a memorial quilt made in your honor. It contained enough information to allow us to locate your family, and I believe it is now in their possession. I can only hope it has brought them some comfort.

Since then, I have thought of you often. All my life, I have tried to honor men like you, men who selflessly serve (and sometimes die) while in service to their country. But before I became aware of you, all of the Veterans and Memorial days were spent in a somewhat abstract remembrance of an anonymous, faceless mass of men to which I had no real emotional connection. This changed when I became aware of you and your what little bit of your story that I have been able to piece together. Right or wrong, you have now, for me, become the personification of all those men, living and dead, who put themselves in harms way for those back home. I thank you, Sir, for giving that to me.

I will never forget you.

6/20/2014"
Victor C. Cox of Santee, CA

"Kilpatrick,

Remembering you today my friend. Thanks for your friendship. I wish you were here in the flesh to enjoy this weekend, but I know you are here in spirit.

SGT James Fikes, 5/26/2014."
James Fikes of San Antonio, TX

"I don't know what to say today. Every year this day stops me in my tracks. I remember your smile and your friendly disposition. I remember your motivation and drive that inspired everyone around you. You were a good Soldier and a great young man. I often wonder why you went that day and why the rest of us made it home. I now have 3 kids, but I can remember telling you about my 1st born 2 week old son just the day before. You told me you would like to meet him someday. I am sorry you never got the chance.

KP, I still compare my Soldiers to you. I still hold these newbies to your high standard. Every Soldier in my company have heard the name Kilpatrick and knows how well you did your job and how honorably you gave your life for the convoy behind you. It was an HONOR to serve with you and a great privilege to know you for the short time you were with us. RIP KP. You are not forgotten and never will be."
SSG Isham, C. of Fort Carson, CO

"To the Kilpatrick Family your son Christopher has been remembered by me since 2005. He is my inspiration."
ROSS KILPATRICK of CLARENCE TOWN NSW AUSTRALIA

"i still remember you to this day K.P. theres alot i would have done different back then if i could. i wish every night and every time i wake up drentched in sweat that i could have done what i was supposed to and had known what i needed to know so i could have been in that truck and not you. we honor you every chance we get here. thank you for doing you and being true."
SGT GRAVES, JACOB (RETIRED) of ROGERS,AR

"To the family of:Christopher R. Kilpatrick
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 was looking to see if one of my son's friends started a facebook page for him. His name was Christopher Ray Kilpatrick and he died in January 2008. I feel a connection to your family who lost a son of the same name. My son was 26 when he died. My heart is still broken, but God has helped me cope. I pray for you also. Peace & Love."
Linda Musall of Colon, Michigan,

"Kilpatrick,

I am honoring you this Memorial Weekend. It was an honor to serve with you."
James Fikes (SGT) of San Antonio, TX

"PFC Christopher Kilpatrick "Kill P" as the Wolfpack called you it was an honor to be side by side with you in Basic Training at Fort Leonardwood Missouri. I will remember all the memories we had including the time you found me wandering with my sleeping bag and my weapon in my sleeping bag at the last FTX we had in basic training. I will always remember you. My prayers go out to your family and anyone who knew you. God Bless You and we will never forget you.
WOLFPACK!"
SPC Rae Powell (Diettrich) of Missoula Montana

"Kilpatrick,

I am remembering you today. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Kilpatrick family,

Your son will always be remembered.

- James Fikes (SGT) San Antonio 5/31/2010"

"Well of course yall know me i just want you to know that Christopher was an awesome young man, he was the best cousin I ever had I love and miss him always... He is now dancing with the angels"
Rebecca Hatfield of Schulenburg Texas

"My name is michael evans i retired from fort polk in 2006 i served with kp and i along with sgt tully was at the airport and also told his mom that i would bring him home i am truly sorry that i could not keep my word i will never forget about him he was a great american and a fine soldier aand a great friend"
michael evans of woodbridge va

"Kilpatrick Family,

The memory of your son will never leave me. It was an honor to know him and be with him during the last moments of his life. Before we were hit with the IED, I remember him telling me how much he missed his dad and his family. Just before we left the base on the 19th, he finished talking to his dad to wish him a happy father's day. Please know that he was thinking of you all that night and that he was a virtuous soldier. It was an honor having him in my Gun Truck team.
To this day, I regret that I wasn't the one in the gunner's turret that night."
James Fikes (SGT) of San Antonio, TX

"To KP's Mother,
I was the SGT with Kp at the Dallas airport. Who told you I would look out for your son.
I tried very hard to get him in my platoon and keep an eye on him, but he was assigned to another platoon, I have reconciled that God had better plans for Kp than I could comprehend.
I just wanted to say that Kp was one of the most cheerful and inspirational people I have ever been around.
I am truly sorry for your loss
William S Tully"
William Tully of Crawfordville, Fl.

"My thoughts and prayers go to the family of PFC Kilpatrick. I attended Basic Training with your son at Fort Leonardwood. We both took pride in the fact that we were both from the Great State of Texas. He always put a smile on your face, even through the most stressful of days. I will always be grateful for that. I will always keep his family in my prayers, and in my heart. May God Bless your family. You are not Forgotten!

SGT Julian H. Munoz II
115 CSH, B. Co.
Ft. Polk, LA"

"I know you dont know me but I went to BCT and AIT with Christopher....I was going through some old photos and awaiting my first deployment and came upon a picture of us in AIT....I havent stopped thinking about him and even though I only knew him a short time he made an impact on me....And those around"
Spc. Cayla Martin of Clarinda, Iowa

"June 15, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Christopher R. Kilpatrick:
Christopher 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

"My prayers goes out to Christopher Kilpatrick family, I was lucky to serve with him and he was a good friend and he always brought smiles around. You will never be forgotten KP may you Rest In Peace."
Nicholas Prietti of 603rd Transportation Company / Syracuse, NY

"For Christopher R. Kilpatrick

Seasons drift so quickly
Beneath the single sky
A lesson in the making
All things must come to die.

Therein lies the silence
The journey beyond the breath
To flowers in the forest
We've now become in death.

But speak of the glint of the eye
Reflected in Damascus Blade
For those who saw freedom & honour
And in battle their lives they gave.

So take heart men of Scotland
Know your deeds will endure the night
Live on as flowers in the forest
Live on, within God's light.

Christopher was a Kilpatrick, a member of a great clan family. The above is dedicated to his memory."
John Allen Kilpatrick of Tucson, AZ USA

"Hi mrs.Kilpatrick, you may not remember me,but, you cut my hair a few months ago, and i know your sister kris.I hope you dont mind me doin a report on your son but he popped into my head...thank you Jessica Boehm"
Jessica Boehm of Columbus Texas

"Dear the Kilpatrick Family,
I'm saddened by the lost of your son and I will tell you this, I'm going to have a moment of silence on my birthday which is June 19 just for the lost of your son. Also, I'm not sure if I have met him or not but Im sure he wouldnt of been really pleasant to be around. My deepest thoughts to your son. We will miss him."
Michelle Bruno of Beaumont, Texas

"You'll never be forgotten; my deepest respect goes out to the Family and friends of Kilpatrick family."
SSG Walker,603rd TC "Do it Big" of Ft. Polk, LA

"To Christopher's Family:

I am saddened with your recent loss, and feel a 'kinship' to your family, as my last name is also Kilpatrick. To honor Chris' memory, I'm having a metal wristband engraved with his name on it, and I will proudly wear it so all can see how tragic the loss of a young person can be"
Steve Kilpatrick of New England

"To the Kilpatrick Family,
Although i never met your son, it saddens me when soliders are taken away. Soliders so young, with so much to give and so much to live for. Your son gave so much in his short time and he will always be remembed in my heart as a hero. For giving his life so young he deserves more."
Louise of Ireland

"To the family of Chris Kilpatrick... I had the privilage of getting to know Chris through our brief time together in Basic training at Ft. Leonardwood. I cant believe what happened. Chris was everything others say he was, headstrong, a leader, a model for others to follow. He will always be one of the Wolfpack to me. Im so sorry for your loss."
PFC. Hugo VanderWaal of Ft. Bragg North Carolina

"Dear Christopher's Family, I just finished reading all the tributes to your fine son. What a great job you did raising him. Christopher in his short life has become an American Hero. Always be proud of that fact. He will never be forgotten, and will always be honored. May God bless all of you, and know that Christoper is in heaven right now safe and sound."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Christopher was one of a kind. He was always looking out for the other person. Chris never new a stranger he always had a smile on his face. He had a great personality and a loving heart. Which is shown by his senior quote: You May hate the things a person does, but never hate the person... Chris i will miss you always i'll see you on the other side till we meet again.."
Michele Eden of Columbus TX

"Christopher Kilpatrick,
You never be forgotten, YOU ARE NOT GONE,YOU HAVE MOVED ON. OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY FOR THE LOSS OF OUR HOMETOWN HERO."
MONICA,, RONNY SUPAK of COLUMBUS, TEXAS. USA

"We are deeply saddened for you Tracy, and your family. We haven't seen you for 4 years but remember your family well. You are in our prayers."
Paul, Susan & Bri Furman of Houston, TX

"To the family of Pfc. Christopher Kilpatrick,
Our heart goes out to you all. We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a fine young man and brave soldier. We thank him for his bravery and sacrifice he made for us and our country's freedom. Chris is truly a hero and he will NEVER be forgotten. May God Bless you all!"
Susie & Craig Wick of Columbus, TX, USA

"To Tracy and family of Christopher Kilpatrick, We would like to send our deepest sympathy to you and to your family. He will always be remembered in our hearts. He has touched many people with his love and friendship. Remember that we are here as a community to help you get throug this difficult time."
Jennifer of Columbus, Texas

"You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
MercyMe-Homesick

I grew up with Chris but moved away in 7th grade and saw him only occasionally through high school. I'll always remember him as the great guy and wonderful Christian he was."
Stephanie Daley of Abilene,Tx

"Family & Fiends of Christopher Kilpatrick: There are no words.... please accept my heart and tears with those of my son as humble offering. My son was with Christopher at Tal Afar."
Elizabeth DeKoster of Crosslake, MN USA

"Christopher is a hero in all of our eyes. May God grant you the peace to get through this hard time. He will never be forgotten, for he once served as a soldier for us, now he serves as our angel with wings."
Amy & Zack of Columbus, TX, USA

"To the family of Pfc. Christopher Kilpatrick,
We are so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Words can not express how proud we are of Christopher for the sacrifices that he made for our country & for the freedom that we are so blessed to have. We pray that God will see you through this difficult time & to help ease your pain. Thank you Christopher for your bravery! You will always be remembered as our hero! You are in our thoughts & prayers."
Vernon & Ilene Schindler of Columbus, Texas USA

"Tracy and family...my heart and prayers are with you all...Christopher is a hero..."
Sheila Reynolds Hess of Moberly, MO

"To the Kilpatrick family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you enter what is certainly the most difficult time in your lives. Thank you to your son for serving our country so proudly."
Royce and Debbie Dudensing and family of New Ulm, Texas

"I am saddened that we have lost yet another brave Texan. My prayers are with your family during this time."
Michele Carter, sister of CPL Gary Walters KIA 24 Apr 05 of Germany

"I had the honor of meeting Chris at Christmas for a Christmas dinner. My thoughts and prayers go out to his parents and family during this time of grief. I know that God will see you through this."
Bob Brandt of Coral Springs, FL

"CHRIS: YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. FOR THE SACRAFICE FOR OUR COUNTRY. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYERS. GOD BLESS YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND "GOD BLESS AMERICA""
ORVIL 'lou' LEWELLEN of SHERIDAN, TX USA

"We are thankful for your sacrifice. You are in our prayers. God Bless you and all of the men and women in our Armed Forces."
Dave Cameron of Columbus, Texas

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

"To The Family Of PFC Christopher Kilpatrick: It was an honor serving with Kilpatrick, he was a great person who could always put a smile on your face no matter what the situation. There was never a dull moment with him around. My prayers are with you and he will never be forgotten. We'll miss ya KP. Rest In Peace"
Chris Koverman of Troy, Ohio

"You was a close friend...I will never forget the ice fights before convoys or the phone center till 4 am and most of all i will never forget u as a person u where like a brother too me and im glad i got to know u...u will be in my heart and in my thoughts forever i will miss u kp

malibu"
christopher harner of lima,ohio

"Family of KP,
I had the HONOR of serving with your son and it was a Blessing.He always had a smile on his face and was a beautiful person inside and out I am HONORED to say he was a member of our 603rd family and my friend....My prayers are with you always...I will always keep his smile in my heart..."
Spc Hernandez ,Dominque 603rd tc OUTLAWZ 3rd Plt of Iraq

"To the Kilpatrick family:
Thank you so much for giving the country your son, brother and friend. He is a hero and I am so truly grateful to him."
Erin of Brunswick, Ohio

"I encourage anyone who is interested to check out this link - it's a short article that ran in the Houston Chronicle newspaper which gives a little information about Chris, his family and their reaction to what happened.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/3235905"
Luke Manning

"CHRISTOPHER YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN. YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND FOREVER, NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THIS SONG SOMEHOW I THINK REFLECTS, MY EMOTIONS FOR YOUR MOTHER. CHRISTOPHER A BOND YOU HOLD TOGETHER WITH HER. DAD'S ARE DAD'S OUR ROLE IN YOUR LIFE IS VERY DIFFERENT. AN MUST ABOUT YOU IS WHAT? MANY SEE IN YOUR FATHER. MOMMAYOU GAVE LIFE TO ME;TURNTO BABY INTO MAN. MOMMAALL YOUHAD TO OFFER. WAS PROMISE' OF LIFE TIME LOVE.I KNOW THERE IS NO OTHER LOVE; LIKE A MOTHER'S LOVE FOR HER CHILD. I KNOW LOST OF COMPANIES SOMEDAY MUST LEAVE. MUST SAY GOOD-BYE. GOOD-BYE THE LAST TIME I WILL EVER HOLD YOU NEAR. SOMEDAY YOU SAY THAT WORD I WILL CRY. IT WILL BREAK MY HEART TO HEAR YOU SAY GOOD-BYE, MOMMA I ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND ONE DAY WE WILL............... CHRISTOPHER I LOST MY SON LAST YEAR. AN I AM SO THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL GREGORY SERVED ALONG SIDE YOU. MY PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! SOMEONE GAVE ME THIS SONG. TO GIVE TO MY SON'S MOTHER. SO MY TEARS ARE NOT JUST FOR MY SON, FOR YOU CHRISTOPHER AND ALL OUR FALLEN. AN I PRAY OUR FAMILIES WILL HEAL. GOD BLESS!"
leonard wahl of valley stream ny

"To Christopher's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' sons. Our boys are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"I grew up with Christopher for 12 years; we went to the same Baptist church for awhile and graduated from high school together. I am so thankful and amazed to find all these messages of support and sympathy! God bless you all for your concern and please be praying for Chris' family and friends. Our entire community of Columbus will be affected by his death, but perhaps, by God's grace, we will come through this time stronger and closer to God when we understand that Chris is in Heaven right now with his Father because he had a personal belief and relationship with Jesus Christ. I know God has a purpose for Chris' life, it's just a matter of us discerning the good from the bad. Thank you once again and God bless!"
Luke Manning of College Station, TX

"To the family of Christopher Kilpatrick, My family honors your hero. He was a brave man whose Honor, Courage and commitment will always be remembered. We are grateful for Christopher's loyal Service and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
God Bless Christopher and his family.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"To Christopher's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to you his family. God bless all of Christopher's family & Lord help them through this time of sorrow, help make them strong again with memories & for the love of him. He served with pride & honor for us all. May the Lord bring all of them home soon so no one has to suffer this kind of loss anymore, may the world be a better place to live in and in peace for all these young people. I wish I could thank each & every young man & woman such as Christopher for what you did & are doing. You gave your all. God bless."
Melody Conrad of SpringValley, Ill.

"Thank you Christopher Kilpatrick, 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 Pfc. Christopher Kilpatrick:
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 Christopher 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 Pfc. Christopher Kilpatrick:
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 Christopher, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia