Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I MISS YOU BIG BROTHER EVERYDAY.❤❤❤I LOVE YOU.UR MY HERO!"
Autumn of Youngstown ohio

"It has been 17 years now and we still remember you. Our loss but still hold out with the hope of meeting again in a much better place. Until then, keep the light burning for us. RIP Sgt Kuhns, or Larry to us."
Rita Behr of Grass Valley, Ca.

"For Sgt Larry R Kuhns and Spc. Anthony D. Kinslow - United States Army

A POEM FOR YOU

A poem for Larry and Anthony
A poem I could not find especially for you
So I write one myself
Just for the two of you

Your bravery was for us
You stood so true
Our lives are safe because of you

A soldier's courage is what you gave
Freedom is ours, because of you
We will always remember your faces and names
Because of your courage we lay this claim

We pray, we laugh, we sing, and we cry
Our memories of you, is what we cherish
We will always remember you

A miracle is what we pray for
A double one at that
For what we ask for we can receive
That is what Jesus Christ said
So we believe

Reach for us with open arms
We will fill them with our hearts and souls
For now, we have you in our memories
Until we all come home

Written by Your Adopted family member in 2006. Just for you. Rita Behr"
Rita Behr of Grass Valley, Ca

"I suppose the stern and the cruel ones rule the world. If so, I shall be content to try to live each day within the limits of my conscience and let great plaudits go to those who are willing to pay the price for it. - Monuments Man Robert Posey in a letter to his wife from Southern Germany during WWII. I try to live everyday for you Larry knowing that you paid the price for all of us. Thirteen years it’s been now and I sure hope that I’m doing enough to live honestly in your name."
Todd Reid of Zanesville Ohio

"Today is the day we should remember our fallen and their families. However every day is Memorial Day for me. I think about my brother everyday and I can not express how much I wish he was still here with me. To guide me through life, to protect me, and to tease me like he done my whole life. He was my other half being so close in age and we were always together. He saw me thru my worse days and my best days. I'm so proud of him and I know he chose the army life because he full heartedly believed in protecting our freedoms. In one of his post cards home he quoted "While people sleep peacefully in their beds brave men fight viciously on their behave" I love you Larry! I will honor you for the rest of my life. SGT. Larry Kuhns Jr 6/13/05"
Sarah Kuhns of Austintown, Ohio

"Hey brother.. 11 years now man.. I'm still here and of course still missing my best friend. Saw pics of your daughter and of course she is a beautiful lil girl.. well teenager.. wish she could have know you like i did bro because believe me everything was a lot better with you around... met your sister too a few months back, and she's just like you except much better looking.. until next year brotha, and of course keep those angels in check.. love you man.."
J. McCully of Waxahachie TX

"Another Christmas without you Larry... I miss you so much! I hope your watching over me... I could use my big brother."
Sarah Kuhns of Austintown, Ohio

"This year has marked my brothers death at 10 years. I can not even believe it. It's like living thru it again, it feels fresh all of sudden. Not a day goes by that I haven't thought of him. I miss him so much. We were so close and he always took care of his sisters. I think about how different life would be if he was still here. His daughter is getting so big, she is beautiful and she is the best gift he could have left me. I would love if anyone who served with him contact me. I think it would help me feel close to him. To hear stories or pictures anything. Greensarah84@gmail.com."
Sarah Kuhns-Green of Austintown, Ohio

"It's that time of year again.... I'll never forget you - I can still remember that call from my son Brian telling me what happened.... my heart broke we loss a great person in you. I pray you've found peace and are watching over all of us... thank you <3 love your 2nd mom"
Judy Collingwood of Austintown, Ohio

"As always brother I'm thinking of you and your family... 10 years still feels like yesterday.. love and miss ya bud"
McCully of Texas

"Larry I say your name everyday so I will never forget you. All you wanted was a better life for your family and SSG Campbell and I thought we were helping you at achieve that goal. I'm sorry"
Todd Reid of Zanesville Ohio

"This is your doughter Mackenzie I am 11 years old now and I miss you so much"
Mackenzie kuhns of austintown, ohio, usa

"Larry you are still my roll model even being your step brother my love for you cuts out the step. You were the best brother a kid could have you are in my thoughts every day my daughter knows uncle Larry as if you were still here I still to this day wish I could hang out with you just one more day just to ease this lost part of me that I have god I love you Larry and miss the hell out of you every day I ask god often why you only had a month to go whe
I die you better be there to welcome me to heaven love you brother and still my roll model for life."
Michael l cannon jr of Austintown ohio

"I really miss paintballing with you man. Only the good die young so God must have found you special. HOOAAHHHH"
Joe Wagner of Niles Ohio USA

"I really miss paintballing with man. Only the good die young so God must have found you special. HOOAAHHHH"
Joe Wagner of Niles Ohio USA

"been 9 years man and I still think about you. your loved as always and missed like crazy. Hope your little girl is doing good. love you bro. 5/26/2014"
T.J. McCully of Waxahachie Tx

"thinking of you and the loss to your family.. Miss you!! <3"
Judy Collingwood of youngstown, Ohio

"Hey bud.. another year.. missing and thinking about my brother. Love you bro.."
Spc. T.J. McCully (ret) of Waxahachie, Texas

"Seven years and we still have not forgotten you. We all lost a special spark on that day, seven years ago.
6-13-2012"
David & Rita Behr of Grass Valley, Ca

"5-28-2012 Another memorial day where all I do is miss you and Kilo.. Miss you buddy.. More than you know.. Still where my KIA bracelot.. uncomfortably piece of metal I tell ya, but its all I got of ya man.. I love you bro and I know your here with me in many ways.. I know your lil girl is getting all grown up huh.. Bet shes beautiful.. Take it easy brother.. Even in heaven that camero coudnt beat my mustang.. till next year brother.. you and your family are always in my prays.."
Spc T.J. McCully (Ret) of Waxahachie, Tx

"hey buddy another memorial day goes by and thinking of you and kilo. never forgotten."
David Costanzo of 1MI BN (ae) Wiesbaden

"Hey Larry, I know you can hear and read everything we are all feeling and missing about you, but especially this weekend your in alot of hearts for beingso brave to have given your life for what you believed so strong in... THANK YOU ! We will always love you and miss you - Judy (ya know, your 2nd Mom)<3"
Judy Collingwood of Youngstown, Ohio

"Hey buddy thinking about you today, wish you were here to make me laugh, miss you never forgotten"
Costanzo of Wiesbaden army airfield , Germany

"You crossed my mind today kid... The world is a lesser place without you SGT.. Never Forgotten"
1SG Chad D Wood of Fort Lewis WA USA

"This Memorial Day my husband and I spent some of our time at a Memorial Day event at our local Memorial Park with many others. A couple of hundred it seemed. I thought of Larry and Spc. Kinslow. I do believe we will all meet again. Still it is a loss I wish we had never had. I think he would be surprised that we are still at war in the Middle East. If only wishes and prayers could bring them all back."
Rita Behr of Grass Valley CA

"Hey Seargent Kuhns its been almost six years since that day in the sand box. I think about it all the time and how it wasnt your time to go. I miss you bro and all the laughs we good times we shared. That time we had over their gets played back over and over again in my head and haunts my sleep. You as my best friend and brother made things easier to deal with. I wish you were here Kuhns. I still were your KIA braclet everyday. Havnt taken it off except a couple of operations. I guess im just not ready. I miss you and will never forget you. Hope your little girl is doing great. She should hold her head up high. mccully_jason@yahoo.com"
Spc. Jason McCully 2nd Inf Div. 17th Field Artillery, STRIKER of Waxahachie, Texas

"This past weekend I was attending a regional mountain rescue event. On the long drive there and in the midst of some conversation and tall tales of army days of glory, the face of SGT Kuhns penetrated my mind and remembered for the first time in 10 years some of the good times we shared in the platoon back at 319th. He was a good troop, and it is satisfying to read accounts of how he matured and became a leader in his own right. Nothing can make a soldier more proud to have served together. Rest in Peace, Brother"
SGT Pasto, C/244 ECB of CO

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH / USA

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,550 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Kenna - Project Compassion of Manti, Utah USA

"I was so proud of Larry - we watched the news of the towers together... We prayed for him and he was doing what he'd set out to do.. He is sadly missed, but he will never be forgotten. If his wife or daughter ever need anything, as my son Brian stated we will always be there for them. We might not have gotten to meet before everything happened, but know we are only a ? away for anything to help with those that Larry loved. He called me Mom, as all the boys did - I felt so honored. I loved that the boys were so close and stayed friends, he is with us at every demolition derby or back yard event. Larry kept everyone together, he was very special and will always be in my heart - Love Judy"
Judy Collingwood of Austintown, OH

"larry was a great person we all miss him so much i do things every day and think about things that me him and the rest off us used to do together i hope that his wife and baby girl are doing good if i can help please let me"
Brian Collingwood of Struthers,Ohio

"June 16, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Larry R. Kuhns, Jr.:
Larry 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 served with Larry in Ramadi. I sat with him on the bridge where he performed his last mission for a month before he was killed in action. If any one in his family has any questions about Larry or would like some pics of our tour contact me at aulderson.franklin1@us.army.mil. Larry was a good soldier. He took good care of his men. God bless his family."
Spc Aulderson Franklin of Texas

"SGT Kuhns,
I remember you, we met in the alterations shop back in Korea. We were all changing to the Desert BDUs, headed to Ramadi. I am honored to have known you, to have served beside so honorable a NCO. I remember you this Veteran's Day and every day since we lost you. Godspeed, brother, we'll meet again,
T.Anderson"
Todd Anderson of Monterey, CA

"The last time I saw Larry, he was home between assignments in Iraq, and a big group of us all went out. I remember how proud he was of his service, how much he loved being in the army and serving his country. I remember how much fun we all had that night, and seeing him laughing and just being good 'ol Larry. That's how I will always remember Larry, my cousin, my friend- a great guy with a great smile and a beautiful heart. When I think of him, I think of him as he was that night- happy, smiling, laughing. Larry, your family and friends will never forget and we are all forever in gratitude to you for not only your service, but also for the love and light we all got to experience whenever you were around. Forever loved, forever remembered, forever in our hearts, may God bless you, Larry, our hero."
Jennifer ( hippiechick1980@hotmail.com) of Akron, Ohio

"I JUST READ EVERYONE'S MESSAGES, I CAN NOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH THIS REALLY HELPS TO HEAR OTHER PEOPLE TALK ABOUT MY BROTHER. FOR THE PAST YEAR I REALLY DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH ALL MY BOTTLED UP FEELINGS. THEN TONIGHT I THOUGHT I AM GOING TO LOOK UP ALL THE FALLEN SOLIDER WEB SITES, AND I AM SHOCKED IN HOW MUCH IT HELPS ME TO KNOW OTHER PEOPLE KNOW HOW I FEEL. IT SEEMS LATELY I HAVE BEEN MISSING LARRY MORE THAN ALL YEAR LONG. I JUST REALIZED THAT HE ISNT COMING HOME, I THINK PART OF ME WANTED TO PRETEND HE WAS. I REALIZE NOW HE WONT BE HOME.IT WILL NEVER FEEL REAL TO ME, THE ONLY THING THAT GETS ME THROUGH IS KNOWING ILL SEE HIM AGAIN. SARAH1027@ZOOMINTERNET.NET"
SARAH (KUHNS) GREEN of AUSTINTOWN ,OHIO USA

"I dont know what to say Larry. It's been a year. I never got to know you as a soldier. Your were just my cousin Larry. The same young kid that pierced his tounge and had to eat ice cubes for a couple days. I remember driving around in your old buick regal. When you put on the GT stareing wheel every time you turned the wheel the horn would go off but your drove it anyways. Or when you took me out in your probe and taught me how to drive stick. I remember going to your apt and having my first taste of whiskey. You would come up to burger king and see me on my breaks. Or just sitting around and listing to your stories about Okalahoma and baseball. I remember when you came back from basic training and you walked into my house with your BDU's all starched and boots shined. You were so proud. You took me for a ride in your new truck. You told me about basic training and i told you about football. It was hard to see you in your uniform at the funeral. So many times when i was in Iraq i could of been where you ended up. But to my everlasting regret it was you not me. I dont wear our flag as proud as i use too Larry and I do apoligize for that. I apoligize for not wearing my Class A's to your funeral, like I know you would have to mine. Anger just got the best of me. Im having a hard time dealing with your loss Larry. So much guilt, I wish i was 13 again and you were back living at my house. I wish it was me who had fallen. I've seen a lot of good men fall...just never thought it would hit home. So I'm here writing to you today because i couldnt make it back home to ohio to talk to you. You know how the army is with leave. I think about you all the time Larry...and if you wouldnt mine, i could use your help wearing our flag the way you use to. I love you brother. Your Cousin, Ben (SPC MAGNI)"
Benjamin Magni of Ft. Lewis, WA

"It's hard to believe that it was a year ago today that you left us, Larry. You were such a wonderful young man. I'm so proud to have been your aunt for a short time. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for loving my niece. And thank you for the beautiful grand-niece you left behind. You will always be remembered."
Melissa Gosney of Copley, Ohio

"To the family of:Larry R. Kuhns,Jr. 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 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"Larry its soo hard to believe that your gone it was such a long time ago i seen you last when you sarah and i use to play in the backyards you meant the world to me and i looked up to you. I thank you for everything you did for our country and i hate the fact that you had to go but it was a very honorable way to go so with that i just want to say i am soo proud of you for the man you became and the wonderful father you would have been you are a true hero larry and you will be very missed love you always you and your family will always be in my prayers"
jaime (shugart) depascale of youngstown ohio

""Larry may you rest in peace now". You were such a great friend to Buddy and I. Even though Austin will not remember you because the last time he saw he was only a few months old and he is now a bright 4 year old boy he will cherish the baby book that u bought for him and singed it <3 uncle larry. But Buddy and I will remember u holding him for the last time before u were sent away to fight for our country. My last memory of u was your wedding day and a 1 or 2 phone calls within that time. Buddy will always cherish you and the good times u had,as well as myself.I will tell Austin and his brother and sister what a wonderful man you were or still are and how big of a heart u had and that you will be their guardien angel from above. YOu did good while u were here for your short time. We love you.........
Buddy & Lisa Babuka
Youngstown, Ohio"
Lisa Babuka of Youngstown OH

"Larry was well liked and admired by his fellow soldiers of the 319th Eng co. He had been a member of. He was known as "uncle" Larry. At his young age. This is quite a honor. Godspeed Uncle Larry,Godspeed."
SSgt Richard Fredley of Butler PA

"To Larry's Family, I have just finished reading the tributes to your Larry and with tears in my eyes I offer you my most sincere condolences. Larry is an American hero, and a great man. Larry will always be remembered and always honored. God Bless all of you."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Thank you Larry Kuhns, Jr for trying to make America and the World a safer and better place to live for all of us.
We are proud to be Americans beacuse of people like you, your efforts will not be forgoten, you are a hero, God Bless You Larry !

To the family and freinds of Larry, our prayers and condolences in your loss.
We greive as many Americans do with you at this time and we hope you will find strength in that, and with God knowing that Larry is in a much better place now - God Bless you All."
Ed & Sandra Kuhn of Ringwood NJ USA

"While waiting to hear again from Larry, We discovered the news of his death. We were his adopted family from adoptaplatoon in California. It is a small world. We wish to send our heart felt sympathies to Courtney, MacKensie, and the rest of Larry's family. It was our pleasure to know him. Tootsie rolls and copenhagan longcut were his favorite treats from us. We'll always remember these things, and others, and we hope everyone else remembers good thoughts of him forever. We will always remember him too. God be with you, Sgt. Larry Kuhns Jr."
David & Rita Behr of Grass Valley, Ca.

"Larry was a man of many words and many stories.. While growing up, he had tought me how to walk the tight lines of life and enjoy every minute of it! I had the pleasure to share the same house as Larry for some years, Larry was not only my cousin, but was thought as a brother. Larry you died serving your country, and you made the altimate sacrafice,your life. I know you are proud, and you will always be with each and everyone one of us. My prayers are with you all. Aunt Kelly,Uncle Larry,Courtney,McKenzie,Sarah,Dawn, and Amber... and the rest of our family.. We have done the grieiving it is now time to just look back and Remember... I love you all! Larry Rest In Peace! I love you Bro!"
Michael Magni (Cousin) of Pittsburgh,PA.

"I can't believe that we used to sleep over each other houses, play on the same baseball teams. Celebrating our birthday's together. Now i am typing on how i will remember you. Our lives went on different paths, but we knew that we still held our memories with each other close to our hearts. take it easy CUZ. I am so proud of what you have done with your life."
Nick Melnik (cousin) of columbus ohio

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"For Larry's family...when I think of Larry I remember most of all his shining face, sleeping as a young boy, under his baseball cap with a little dirt smeared on his cheek and as a grown man, so sure of himself. Especially the last time I saw him, I was struck by what a fine man he had become. He was 100% dedicated to duty and service to his country. I saw no fear or wavering in that face. In the years to come we will see all of that conviction in the face of his beautiful daughter... these are the things that make you go on when you feel you can't, for i am sure this is what he would want. I pray God gives all of you the strength to get through this. I am proud to have known you Larry, I am humbled by your sacrifice. Rest in peace in the arms of angels.
Thank You."
Mari Beth Cerech of Campbell, Oh USA

"Larry a brave soldier and my brother you are a hero im so proud of you i know your in a better place now but we will miss you dearly you will always be in my heart and my prayers you are the best brother anyone could ever have. i love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!REST IN PEACE"
Dawn of Struthers, OH

"LARRY REST! YOU ARE A REAL AMERICAN HERO! SO THANKFUL FOR MEN AND WOMEN LIKE YOU. A SOLDIER DOING A JOB YOU ENJOY. YOUR CALLING IN LIFE! AN YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, THOSE IN YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR MILTARY FAMILY OF BROTHER'S, SISTER'S, THOSE IN IRAQ AND YOUR LOVING FAMILY. LARRY THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL YOU SERVED ALONG SIDE OUR SON. WE LOST HIM LAST MAY. STILL YOU BOTH HAD NOT KNOWN EACH OTHER. YET, YOU BOTH WATCHED OVER ONE ANOTHER, EACH OTHERS UNIT AND DID IT WELL! AMERICA IS ALOT SAFER SINCE 911. AN LARRY YOU HELPED MAKE THAT DIFFERENCE. YOU MY FRIEND ARE APART OF HISTORY. THESE ARE WORS FROM THE HEART. AN WORDS CAN'T BRING SOLDIER'S BACK. WE CAN HONOR THEM AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THEM. MY TEARS ARE WITH MY SON AS WITH YOUR LARRY, PARENTS ARE PARENTS AND CHILDREN ARE CHILDREN NO MATTER IN AGE. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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

"Godspeed, Larry. I will always keep you in my heart.

Your AdoptaPlatoon "Platoon Mom" Robin in Ohio"
Robin Schwartz of Worthington Ohio

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