Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I am Jonathan's (Elmer's son) girlfriend. Jonathan and I have had many conversations about dad and we both pray to him and to our loving God every day. Even though I never knew him, I see the impact his death had on Jonathan everyday. I love Elmer because I love his son. The service he did for our country will never be forgotten. I am grateful to be able to be a part of Jonathan's life and to be able to know his family as well, and one day his father in heaven. And to Elmer, I cant wait to see the bag of quarters you are saving for our Jon. I love you."
Elizabeth Blair of Greensboro, NC

"I didnt even know this page exsisted. To read all the warm thoughtful messages was breathtaking. Elmer is my uncle. We share a birthday, as well as many memories. I remember right before he deployed he called our family on the phone. I talked to him breifly asking him why he was going back. I didnt understand. He was not active duty. He actually tried and tried to go, until he was approved. But when I asked him why he wanted to go, I will never forget his responce...If it's not me then it will be a young kid...he then explained he lived his life, Jonathon was well taken care of. And that he would rather die there then a "young kid" who still hadnt lived life to the fullest. I could never be more proud of him. I proudly drive around with a tribute to him on my car. As well as him in my heart.I miss you Uncle Elmer, I miss calling each other wishing each a happy birthday. I love you"
April Salmon of Vallejo, Ca. USA

"April 15, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Elmer C. Krause:
Elmer 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

""The Fallen Soldier Memorail Award( FSMA ), was established in 2005 after the deaths of our dear brothers and fellow classmates , 1st. Lt. Michael Vega and Sgt. Elmer Krause . The purpose of this award is to keep the memory of Mike and Elmer concious in the minds of future vallejo graduates and to provide financial assistance for deserving graduates from Vallejo High School. For more information, please go to http://vallejohigh81.x10hosting.com/index_files/Page6712.html.
Thankyou,
Vallejo High FSMA Committee.""
Vallejo High c/o 81 of Vallejo Ca.

"No picture of you is needed. Each day starts with a memory of a moment. Each day a different thought. Between this thought and the realization that you are no longer here, smiles and tears are traded. I miss you little brother.
***
Thank God for your life & thank you for your service. You make me proud"
Jim Krause of Fairfield Ca.

"Poem:
A million times weve needed you a million times weve cried if love alone could have saved you,you never would have died in life we loved you dearly in death we love you still in our hearts you hold a place no one else could ever fill it broke our hearts to lose you but you didnt go alone part of us went with you the day god called you home!
~In Loving Memory Of Elmer C. Krause~"
anonmous of asheboro,nc

"i am elmer krauses sons ex-girlfriend and he talks bout his dad all the time he was a great person and everyone one misses him and thanks him for fightin for us"
samantha butler of Asheboro,NC

"ELMER

AS TIME PASSES
DAYS,NIGHTS,MONTHS AND YEARS. THANK YOU
BROTHER ,GOD HEARS OUR PRAYERS FOR YOU.
STAND TALL YOU ARE ONE OF HIS SOLDIERS
NOW. IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR TO SERVE WITH YOU. MY FAMILY WILL " NEVER FORGET YOU"
GOD BLESS"
PALE RIDER 724TH of GALESBURG ,IL

"I was distantly related to Elmer through marriage to his sister's sister-in-law. I only met him a few times, but had great respect for him instantly. His loss was a great shock. I have a high respect not only for his service to our country, but also for for the family he left behind. Thank you Elmer, for a job well done, and the greatest possible sacrifice for those you left behind. Your efforts will never be forgotten."
Craig Sharp of Monroe, NC

"There isn't a day that I don't think about all the fallen heroes this nation has and the ultimate sacrifices some of them make. Please know I speak for millions of Americans who keep Elmer and all those like him in our prayers EVERY DAY. God Bless Elmer, his family and all our soldiers."
Jackie1922@yahoo.com of Bethpage New York

"Dear Elmer,

This will be our fourth anniversary you have been in the presents of the Lord God Almighty. We miss you very much and you’re often thought about when I’m flying across Baghdad and through out Iraq. We continue to fight the war on Terrorism and help the Iraqi Security Forces develop self-sustaining capabilities. I’m doing all I can to set the best example for my family, fellow Soldiers and friends while serving in 07-09. God has blessed me in many ways and has been my guide to help me through the difficult days. Praise God we will meet again to share eternity with the Lord Jesus and all that believe in Him. I haven’t seen Jonathan in two years; I think he will turn 13 this year. My door will always remain open for him if he wants to ever talk or ask me any questions. And the same goes for any family member that needs someone to talk too. The Troops back at the 424th Trans feel the same if anyone needs us, please give us a call.

Love,

MSG Jay Kitts"
MSG Jay Kitts of LSA Anaconda, Iraq 2008

"February 17, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Elmer C. Krause:
Elmer 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

"For the family, I hope that the pain of their loss is only overshadowed by the knowledge of the joy of Elmer's life. It has been a while now, but rest assured that he will not be forgotten, allies also stand by after life has expired. I wish the family all the best."
Lt.Col. England of H.M. Forces

"If you are able,
save them a place
inside of you
and save one backward glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can
no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.
Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.
And in that time
when men decide and feel safe
to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.
Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam. America has been built on the blood of Heros and Brave men of Honor. A fellow Veteran thanks this American Hero for his Bravery, His Service to Country, and for the Ultimate Sacrifice he has made.Thank you for our cherished Freedoms your sacrifice has protected. May you rest well in Gods loving embrace Brave Solider, and may God bring peace to your family and loved ones."
William Darby Taylor of Bonita Springs Florida

"I don't know if anyone reads this page anymore, but that's ok. I just want to say that Elmer was such a special person, we had many good laughs -- we laughed so hard sometimes that we couldn't breathe. I miss him, still... 11/15/06"
Becky Oraboni of Vallejo, CA

"Elmer was one of my mechanic in the airframe shop. I was his division senior chief petty officer. Elmer was a big "lovable teddy bear" I was sad to hear of his death. We were assigned to Patrol Squadron Fifty in the U.S. Navy"
Chester L. Jones of phoenix, arizona

"The Krause Family:
Vallejo High School is having a fundraiser @ Chevy's in Vallejo, Thursday, Oct. 26 from 5-9. Please contact Rebecca Diggs if you need more information @ 554-2896. Don't forget to tell the server you are there for the Elmer Krause Memorial Scholarship fundraiser vallejo High School. We have flyers to give to friends and family. If you would like flyers please call me.
Thanks,
Becky Gomez ( Rebecca Diggs) class of 81."
Rebecca Diggs of Vallejo, Ca. USA

"To the Krause Family:
The Vallejo High School Class of 1981 has started a memorial scholarship in memory of Elmer and Mike Vega both classmates at the same time. We know that we can never repay the sacrafice Elmer made. We hope that this scholarship will honor him for many years. If you have any questiions please contact Phil Saroyan at Vallejo High School."
Rebecca Diggs of Vallejo, Ca.

"To the Krause Family:
The Vallejo High School Class of 1981 has started a memorial scholarship in memory of Elmer and Mike Vega both classmates at the same time. We know that we can never repay the sacrafice Elmer made. We hope that this scholarship will honor him for many years. If you have any questiions please contact Phil Saroyan at Vallejo High School."
Rebecca Diggs of Vallejo, Ca.

"Elmer, you would have made a son-in-law that would have been loved and honored. In the short time I knew you, I came to think of you as part of my family. I miss you and ask God to comfort your son and your family."
Ethel Phelps of Winston-Salem, NC,

"Elmer....I will always love you and NEVER forget that you loved me too....I miss you everyday...."
Sharon Badgett of North Carolina

"ELMER AN AMERICAN WITH A UNIQUE NAME
MY TRIBUTE TO SGT. ELMER CHARLES KRAUSE
OUR FAMILIES TRUE AMERICAN HERO
IT'S NEAR MEMORIAL DAY 2005
WE ALL WISH YOU WERE STILL ALIVE
AT YOUR LAST MOMENTS YOU WERE STRONG AND BRAVE
OUR COUNTRY'S FREEDOM AND ANOTHER'S YOU TRIED TO SAVE
WE MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH
AND WISH YOU WERE HERE TO HUG AND TOUCH
SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY WHEN YOU CAME TO SEE SAN FRANCISCO
JONATHAN WAS A BABY WHEN YOUR NIECES PLAYED WITH FLOUR AND CRISCO
YOUR HAIR WAS A FIERY SOFT RED
THERE WAS SO MUCH LEFT UNSAID
JONATHAN LIKE YOU MUST LIVE LIFE WITHOUT HIS FATHER
EVEN IN ENEMY FIRE YOUR STRENGTH DID NOT COWER
YOUR HEART WAS FULL OF AMERICAN PRIDE
LITTLE DID WE KNOW YOU WERE ENDING LIFE'S RIDE
AS A TODDLER ON A BIG WHEEL YOU WERE A DARE DEVIL
LIVING THE WILDER SIDE OF LIFE YOU LIKED TO REVEL
FROM THROWING SPITBALLS AT A PRO WRESTLERS MATCH
TO PROTECTING OUR MOTHER WITH THE CAPITAL STREET BACK DOOR LATCH
IN OUR HEARTS THERE STILL IS PAIN
OUR LIVES WILL NEVER BE THE SAME
I MISS WATCHING MOVIES WITH YOU EATING POPCORN
THANK GOD BIG BROTHER THAT YOU WERE BORN
WE STILL TALK TO YOUR BEST FRIENDS KATIE AND BECKY
TO BE SUCH GOOD FRIENDS YOU WERE VERY LUCKY
THEY TALK FONDLY OF ESCAPADES IN VALLEJO AT NIGHT
BUT NOW WE WISH YOU WEREN'T OUT OF SIGHT
NO MORE FIREWORKS CELEBRATIONS
YOU GAVE YOUR LIFE FOR OUR NATION
NO MORE ICECREAM, CEREAL, PEANUT BUTTER WHIPPED CREAM AND CHOCOLATE SAUCE
NO ONE CAN MEASURE OUR GREAT LOSS
I WANT PEOPLE TO REMEMBER YOUR NAME
YOU CAME THROUGHT OUR LIFE LIKE A FIREY FLAME
ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS WAS MACARONI AND CHEESE
YOU WERE ALWAYS EAGER TO PLEASE
EVER FAITHFUL EVER TRUE
ELMER WE SURE TO MISS YOU
YOU MUST HAVE HAD GREAT PRIDE IN HEARING YOURSELF CALLED SIR
HOW COULD SUCH A TERRIBLE TRADEGY OCCUR
I WILL REMEMBER SGT. ELMER CHARLES KRAUSE
THE FATHER BROTHER FRIEND SHENANIGAN PRANKSTER COMEDIAN AND TRUE RED HAIRED FRECKLED FACED, BROAD SMILED KRAUSE FORE HEADED BRAVE COURAGEOUS AMERICAN SOLDIER THAT
I AM PROUD TO CALL MY BROTHER
PLEASE REMEMBER THE THE NAME SGT ELMER C. KRAUSE
NAVY/ARMY VALLEJO/NORTH CAROLINA BORN APRIL 25, 63 DIED APRIL 9 2004
A UNIQUE NAME FOR AN HONORABLE MAN WHO GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRAFICE ON APRIL 9TH GOOD FRIDAY 2004 IN IRAQ"
DEB B of FAIRFIELD

"To the family of Elmer C. Krause,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus.If you need someone to pray with you or someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church.Rev John B Pearrell,11677 Brown Bridge Road Covington Ga. 30016 phone-770-787-1015"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga. U S A

"I THINK OF ELMER AND HIS SON AND FAMILY EVERY DAY AND PRAY THEY WILL BE COMFORTED THAT HE WAS A VERY BRAVE MAN.I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THEM IN PRAYER."
BONNIE ARNOLD of GALAX, VA.

"All my love & prayers go out to the Krause family! <3

God Bless You All

-*my love & prayers go out to all of the families who have lost loved ones or have loved ones fighting for us..stay strong!*-"
Krista of Wilmington, NC *USA*

"Elmer...its still hard to believe that your gone..you are still in our memorys and thoughts..We miss you very much and we are so proud of the work that you have done..WE LOVE AND MISS YOU ELMER.."
DEB B of FAIRFIELD

"Much luv to the Krause family. <3
Gone but NEVER forgotten."
Lauren B of Michigan

"to my best friend elmer, my hart goes out to you and your family,and Becky I will always miss you, you were always strong and brave to me ever since we were little kids,and you turned out to be the kindiest person I ever knew,"
katie Hudson Elizalda of Cisco TX

"Elmer was a brave, kind and gentle man. He will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

My heart goes out to his family and especially, his son."
Becky of Vallejo, CA

"Thank you for the loving tribute to Elmer. He leaves behind his beloved son, Jonathan Krause, age 9. He continues to love his Daddy and speaks of him every single day. We will keep his memory alive by volunteering our time and resources to other military families that are experiencing the same pain and sorrow. With God's grace and comfort we will make it through this dark hour. Keep our family in your prayers. Words can not express our gratitude."
Suzette (Krause) Winkler of Asheboro, NC

"To Sgt Krause's family, I am sure there are no words that adequately comfort you during this time. Hopefully, you believe that Sgt. Krause was doing what he felt was his path in life. Hopefully, his memory will live on and the fact that he is a "Hero" to all of us Vets everywhere will be of some comfort. He does have a rather large family out here and we appreciate the sacrifice he has made and that you made also.

Regrets"
Dimitri M. Belmont of Raleigh, NC

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