Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hard to believe its been ten years! Still remember you like yesterday! Love ya bro"
Aaron marshalek of Vass NC

"To the family of:Matthew A. Kimmell
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""

"To Matthew's family: My son Dwayne served with Matthew in Iraq, and Matthew is one of four named in the dedication page of the book (although we may have listed the wrong middle initial) we published in 2009; "A Soldier's Questions, His Pastor's Answers." If you would contact me I would like to send you a copy mendoncg at wcoil dot com. P. O. Box 6 45862"
Pastor Dean Bruce of Mendon, Ohio

"I have read the messages posted here about Matt. I consider myself blessed because I got to work with Matt when he was a Sheriff's Deputy between his stints in the Army. There have been many times I have told people that I pray my daughters end up meeting and marrying a man like him. He was a very rare breed. His life and actions stood for what is right in life."
Mark Harrison of Evansville, In

"I knew Matt well, we served together in 3/75. He was an inspiration and a true friend. My wife and and I were just telling our son about him the other day, during a discussion about moral charachter and the fact that there are few left like Matt today. We were looking him up and found this page. He will be missed."
LT Whittaker of Fort Bragg

"September 30, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Kimmell:
Matthew 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

"Matt was my first TML at 3/75. He always set the right example both on and off duty. His warrior spirit was contagious. I still remember the night Matt was throwing up and suffering from heat exhaustion from the Georgia heat and the long movement we were conducting. He wouldnt give up his machine gun to anyone and didnt fall back one step during movement. That was the type of guy Matt was. He would always give his fellow Rangers 100% and then some."
3/75 Ranger of Columbus, Ga

"I'm proud of you cousin. Wish I had known you better."

"I was thinking about Matt today, and realized I missed the second anniversary of his death. Although I must admit I did not know Matt that well, I did work with him at the Sheriff Department. I remember his last night at work, when we said goodbye to him. I was so proud to have known him, and was in awe of his love for the country, and the fact he was going back to the Special Forces. Matt, thank you for your service to our country. It is to bad that with you dying, it made me remember that life is so short. You died a noble death, and I am grateful to you. I only wish I had gotten to know you better."
Tim Sloat of Evansville, Indiana

"To Mylissa what an honor to work on your quilt. Soon my dear you will be receiving your quilt and I truly hope that it reflect your beloved. The love that you both had for one another was one of a kind. Even in the pictures as you looked at each other you could feel that love through those pictures. God bless you my dear and i know he is gone now and in heaven but what you had can not be taken away. your husband was a true heroe a man of honor and courage. We thank you for loving a hero for standing by his side to make sure he did his job one of the most important job of ever protecting freedom. Please help me spread the word to those that do not know about this project so they also can recieved a quilt to honor their love one. God bless you and I pray that God continue to give you strength. For those that wish to contact me give them my email which is debeniel@ncn.net and website which is www.freedomquilts.net Take care and keep in touch my dear."
Betty Nielsen of Fonda, Ia

"dear kimmell family,
i was in mugdadiya with ssg. kimmell he was a great man and did great things for his country. i pray for your family daily, ssg. kimmell is a true american hero."
spc. baldridge of eugene, oregon

"I served with SSG Kimmell in 95/96 while assigned to the 3rd Ranger Bn. I remember that he was truly a wonderful person. May God bless him and his family. RLTW"
Jon M. of Virginia

"I am so sorry words cannot even express. There were so many days during this deployment that I heard such wonderful things about Matt. He touched so many lives. All gave some and Matt gave all. Mylissa, your strength and faith are an example for all to follow. I know Chris is going to one day tell our children all about his dear friend, Matt. He is always going to live on. We are always going to be there for you. We love you."
Melissa Mueller of Fort Campbell, KY USA

"To the Kimmell family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of saddness. There are no words that can express our feelings for the sacrfice that Matthew has given, but please know that he will NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

We too have a son stationed at Fort Campbell and is currently serving in Iraq with the 101st Avn Div. I know that he sends his heartfelt condolences to your family as well.

I found this poem that was written for another Fallen Hero, and thought it might give you some comfort. It was written by Laurel Olmsted of Oregon.

I Sleep

Underneath the sod I sleep
I hear your voice
I see you weep
You whisper thoughts
You want to share
I wish I could tell you
My spirit is not there
I soar with angels in the sky
You need not be sad
You need not cry
I feel no pain
I hurt no more
I smell the rain
I fight no war
You touch the stone
You long for me
I wish that you could see
My spirit is not there
I walk with you
From dawn to dusk
And hold you tight
When life’s too much
I am in your heart
I still live
My body rests
For now in peace
Until the day
God takes it up
Dry your tears
And look for me
In the rainbow
On the wind
My spirit is now free

© Laurel A. Olmsted 6/29/05"
The Olmsted Family of Baker Ctiy, Oregon

God Bless You,"
Sharon & Craig Erwin of Oregon, United States of America

"The members of Carolina Memorial Honor Guard will always remember his sacrifice.
Mr & Mrs Kimmell, thank you for providing a great son for our nation.
God Bless you!"
Shawn Downs of http://www.carolinamemorial.org

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

"TO THE KIMMELL FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. DEEPLY SADDEN OF THE NEWS OF MATTHEW. SO MUCH SIMILAR WITH MATTHEW AND OUR SON. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH MATTHEW AS WITH OUR SON GREGORY. WORDS ARE VERY DIFFUCULT TO EXPRESS THAT ARE COMFORTING. FOR I REALIZE WE ALL DEAL WITH OUR LOST VERY DIFFERNTLY. MATTHEW YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN. YOU ARE A HERO! YOU ARE SOMEONES SOMEONE AND SOMEONE TO OUR FAMILY. I REALIZE GREGORY AND YOU HADN;T KNOWN ONE ANOTHER. STILL YOU HAD A COMMON BOND MILITARY BROTHERS. TO WATCH OVER ONE ANOTHER. YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN MATTHEW. TO YOUR FAMILY REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED IN MATTHEWS HONOR. SO YOUR COMMUNITY REMEMBERES MATTHEW SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY, STATE, AND COUNTRY. IT IS THE LEAST HIS COMMUNITY CAN DO FOR HIM. GOD BLESS!"
leonard t. wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

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