Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I still think of Dusty every now n then. He was my best friend when we were kids when I lived in Riverton. I wish I'd been there to pay my respects. We lived next door to each other and were always outside doing something, playing army, hunting for critters, having bb gun fights, or sneaking over the fence jumping on the mats at the football field. We always talked about being soldiers. We lost touch after I moved away but reconnected while he was deployed and I was still state side. I was deployed a few months after he was killed. I was proud to have known him, he was a good friend."
Seth Wilson of Miami, OK

"I am so sorry..I wish it would have been me instead of you my friend. I live with the regret everyday, I have never forgiven myself."
ryan of washington

"To the family of:Dustin L.Kreider
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""

"Dustin was a great uncle and i will never forget him"
Brody Houston of Baxter springs ks

"I did not know Your Dustin.. I was just on the internet, in a 'worried' parent mood. Its 3am, I can not sleep with my worry..
My Son's name is 'Dustin' also and he is 19. Hes not into drugs, he doesnt get in trouble, but He isnt 'functioning' well, due to a deppression.. Hes a good hearted very likeable boy.. (I was so deep in thought that I did something silly. I typed in 'I Pray Dustin will'; and hit the search button) That is how I came to this memorial of your Dustin,,, 19 at the time he gave his 'life' for us all! My Dustin also grew up in Kansas most of his life..
My Heart Cries for Your loss of Dustin.
As Parents there could be no greater loss. So I could NOT leave this site without a "THANK YOU" to him. it is an honest Thank You,, but one surely with saddness. 'He is among the Angels' now, for certain.. My condolences and Prayers that your pain of his loss is somehow bearable with holding onto the Love, memories and "Pride"... For Your Son gave ALL; (for us all) There are no words strong enough, to express My sympathy.. God Bless and "Angels" be with You.. God Bless Dustins Soul."
Lynn Hill of Tulsa Ok

"March 15, 2009
To the family of Pvt. Dustin L. Kreider:
Dustin 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

"Dear Family of Dustin Kreider:
To honor the Kansas soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, the professional portrait artists of the Grateful Hearts Project are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family.

These 16'x20" original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrificies made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families loss.

Please email us at gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Sincerely;
The artists of Grateful Hearts"
J.Gragg of Lee's Summit,Mo.

"dustin im so sorry we didnt know..i will never forget or forgive myself"
r of washington

"I never met you Dustin in person but I came to love you by talking with your mother Kim we had a memorial for you and we were honored to share a part of your life."
sandra wright of Indianapolis, In

"Dusty was always like a brother to me we always had a great time no matter what we did. I always saw Dusty as my best friend because he was the best friend a person could have. I will always miss you and never forget the good times we had and the trouble we got into. I LOVE YOU LIKE A BROTHER."
Michael Potter of Riverton KS

"Dustin was my brother pretty much my whole life. His death made it very hard on me. I think about him everyday.
I love you Dustin!"
John Legore of Lebanon, Missouri

"I am not good at typing so i let my daughter Jessica type this for me....I watched you grow up for many years Dustin when Kim and Joe were together...you were always somethin else kid and I enjoyed every minute of you annoying me even if you didn't know it...Kim you are in my prayers always you have been through alot and you didn't deserve this but he always stood by you and loved you and that means alot from a son...rest in peace kid you'll always be in my heart"
Delbert Foss (Old Edsel) of Joplin Mo.

"my mom used to babysit dusty when he was a small child, he was always one 2 make you laugh, then when he grew up and worked at pizza hut in baxter springs kansas he used to drop in on me and we would hang out together sometimes, I always thought of him like a little brother, we were only 5 years in age difference, it still hurts that I was out of state and unable to attend his funeral....I loved ya kiddo....Rest in peace"
Jessica (Foss) Sajid of Baxter Springs Kansas

"Dusty was the kind of person who could make everyone laugh and smile. He always had something funny to say. I went to school with him pretty much my whole life and all the memories I have of him are good ones. He was one of a kind. Thank you, Dusty. We all miss you and love you very much."
Laura of Riverton, Kansas

"I didnt know Kreider well, but i was in his unit while we were in iraq. I was standing next to him when he was wounded and that will bother me for the rest of my life. Thanks to this mistake i will now dedicate my like to helping young people and thier familys ."
SPC. of Los Angeles

"My heartfelt sympathy to the Kreider family in the loss of Dustin. I did not know Dustin, but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a fine young man and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Dustin you will not be forgotten. Mom & Dad I support you.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~"
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith of Springfield, VA

"Dustin (Dusty as we all knew him) was a great person to be around. He was always there for everyone. I know that his mother Kim has gone through a great loss and Dusty is someone who can never be replaced and he will always be missed. We all know that he is looking down on us and being are gardean angel. We Miss You Dusty and don't you ever forget that."
???? of Joplin Mo

"Dustin God bless you , you were my brother for ten years we were very close i looked up to you when i was yong and still do . you will always be in my heart . I feel bad because i did't see you for many years before your dealth . I remember 3 months before you went up to heaven that you came to Riverton High school in your army outfit and i try to catch you to say hello but you had allready left. I will always remember are time as best buddies and are childhood together. Ilove you dustin, your step sister"
Jennifer LeGore of missouri

"DUSTIN WAS MY LITTLE BROTHER. THE LAST TIME WE SPOKE WAS AT OUR GRANDFATHERS FUNERAL. I TOLD HIM I WAS PROUND OF HIM FOR JOINING THE MILITARY AS I HAD DONE AND TO ENJOY IT, BECAUSE HE WOULD GET TO DO AND SEE SO MANY THINGS.LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT WOULD BE THAT LAST TIME I WOULD SEE OR SPEAK TO HIM ALIVE. DUE TO FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES AND LIVING IN MASSACHUSETTS I DID NOT HAVE THE RELATIONSHIP I SHOULD HAVE HAD WITH HIM. THAT IS MY DEEPEST REGRET AND HEARTACHE. I WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH THAT GUILT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. I JUST HOPE AND PRAY TO GOD THAT SOMEWHERE IN THE AFTERLIFE DUSTIN KNOWS THAT I LOVE HIM AND THAT THERE IS NOT A DAY THAT GOES BY THAT I DON'T THINK OF HIM. HE WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART. I LOVE YOU DUSTIN."
RONDA of FITCHBURG , MA

"we have many memories together and i am greatful for the ones i have. it took a long time for me to realize that you were actually gone, i never could bring myself to face the facts. i want you to know that you were the greatest person i have ever met in my life, you were my first love. You respected me and my feelings, you were there for me through all of my problems and i appreciate everything you have done for me. all i have now are the memories and i hope you hear me everynight in my prayers. I love you, and i will forever."
tisha of baxter springs, ks

"I honor your service. I pray that you family will have the strength to face life without you in it. You are a hero."
Pete Daniels of Independence, KS

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

"Dustin was like a brother to me, he was always there for me when i needed him. He was always willing to help anyone that he could, he will be missed greatly by everyone."
Shayla of Baxter Springs KS

"To the grieving family of Dustin Kreider, I too have a loved one fighting in Samarra. I only have nightmares about what has become reality for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you try to go on. Please put your faith in God and know that Dustin is with him. God Bless."
Anonymous of Ohio

"To Dustin's Family:
There are no words that can express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Dustin was like my son for 10 years of my life. He was precious and a very loving young man. I'm pleased to have raised and knew him. He will be missed by us all."
Joe LeGore of Baxter Springs, Ks.

"Knowing dusty for the time i did and being with him the last few weeks he was home, i will never forget the good times. Loving him was the easiest thing to do but letting go was the hardest. No matter what, there will always be a place in my heart for him.I knowe that one day i will be with him again, until then i will just have the memories."
ashley of Galena ks

"My brother. My best friend. My Hero. I love you Dustin. Miss you forever"
John LeGore of Baxter Springs

"REST IN PEACE BRAVE WARRIOR
May God Bless your family and friends"
The Taylors USMC of NC

"Dustin- You were a brother to me and a son to many. God Bless you Dustin! We will never FORGET YOU!"
of Baxter Springs, KS

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones
in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Dustin, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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