Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"William Latham and I have been friends for many of year from Jr High to High School. We have done many things together as we were younger. We were in varsity football and also was a part of the military explorers we loads of fun I could always he had a passion for the military.Later after graduation I learned that he joined just before I myself joined the army. I learned of Wills passing and it shattered my world there is not a day that passes by that I don't think about him. I send my sincerest sympathy to his wife and children. Will Latham you are a hero my friend. Rest easy, Mission Accomplished I will see you again when my mission is finished."
Richard Rhoads of Valdosta, Ga. United States

"Update from his wife. The children are doing fine. The two oldest ones are in college now. His daughter Patricia has a AA in Business and is going for her BA. Travis is doing well. He is working at a furniture company during breaks while going to school. Jeremy is now working as a lifeguard and getting his high school diploma. I am dong well going to school to be a medical coder. Thank you for all your thought"

"To an infantryman lost in a Calvary world, SSG Latham you will always live on through memories and stories. I will forever tell my kids about you and your talk to me down on the bus to PLDC. Your more than welcomed at Fidler's Green brother and you are at peace, bless your close ones who still suffer with your loss."
SGT R of US

"SSG Latham,

I'm about to retire and it seems like yesterday the bird was flying into Ramadi to lift you off! It seems like yesterday that I spoke at your memorial service with LTC Green. I miss you brother! I still see your kids sitting in the front row, and how I wished at the time I could've taken your place. I love ya man, I have a dip if you ever need one."
Robert Skinner of El Paso, Texas

"S/Sgt. Latham,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Brave Rifles!"

"”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 the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,000 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!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
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"
Project Compassion Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"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 E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"words can never fully express the actions of a hero. All that could be said about Will was that he in words, thoughts, and actions embodied a hero every day. I met Will originally in Fort, Carson, then it seemed that our careers would shadow one another, I ran into him again in Buedigen, Germany and then once again in Fort Carson, after the Sept 11th attacks. I got out of the service for a while, but it was dedication, commitment, and the stregth of brotherhood shared by only a few, the qualities demonstrated by SSG. Latham, that brought me back into active duty. To Will my brother in arms your selfless service, heroic actions, the good times we shared, and the highest sacrifice made will always keep you in our thoughts and our hearts. To Wills' family, my most sincere condolences and the the sense of pride to say I was in the presence of a hero.

You will never be forgotten.
Braves Rifles and Blackhawks forever"
2LT Carlos Reyes of Fort Campbell, KY

"I have since been far removed from Eagle for years but I still carry the memories of my brothers I have left behind. I cannot be there with you as I would like to be but my heart, soul and spirit will always ride with you all."
Edward Mills of New Orleans, LA

"I served with SSG Latham in Germany also for 3 yrs he was awesome. I remember his orange bmw he bought he used to give me rides to formations at times. He always had a positive attitude and big smile. I remember eating at his house and visiting with his wife and children along with community cookouts and just talking about going stateside finally. I found out about his death by accident by looking in the fallen heroes memorial I was in complete shock,it broke my heart.He is a true hero and always will be in my and my family thoughts.To the Latham family your daddy is a great man and is a great soldier,he is surely missed. I'm sure he is looking down on you kids everyday and is very proud of you all.This will be my second tour coming up and what keeps me strong is SSG Latham dedication,and the price he paid.Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Love
Canepa family,Clint,Kristian,Antonio,Kia."
clint of 7617 19th lane se apt#201 lacey wa 98503

"I served with SSG Latham in Germany also for 3 yrs he was awesome. I remember his orange bmw he bought he used to give me rides to formations at times. He always had a positive attitude and big smile. I remember eating at his house and visiting with his wife and children along with community cookouts and just talking about going stateside finally. I found out about his death by accident by looking in the fallen heroes memorial I was in complete shock,it broke my heart.He is a true heroe and always will be in my and my family thoughts.To the Latham family your daddy is a great man and is a great soldier,he is surely missed. I'm sure he is looking down on you kids everyday and is very proud of you all.This will be my second tour coming up and what keeps me strong is SSG Latham dedication,and the price he paid.Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Love
Canepa family,Clint,Kristian,Antonio,Kia."
clint of 7617 19th lane se apt#201 lacey wa 98503

"To the family of:William T. Latham 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"

"dear latham family
i have just recently found out about williams death. i served with him when we were both in 1/12th inf together and when we deployed to kuwait he was one of the best nco's i have ever served with. he will surely be missed"
SSG Montey Blain of FT Hood TX

"February 8, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. William T. Latham:
William 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

"William,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Brave Rifles"(3rd ACR Motto)"

"SSG Latham I served with this brother in arms in buedingen germany when i was a young private I learned alot from him he was an awesome person a friend a brother and will be missed dearly I leave this with saying "FREEDOM was his Gift to us" LOve ya brother see you at Fiddlers Green"
SSG Nash,Chauncy of Ft.Jackson, SC

"TJ: As you and your sisters grow up, remember that your father was a good man and that he was serving the country because that's what he believed in.

I will always remember Will for his quick wit and sense of humor - he was a good person to be around.

So even though your father is no longer with us, I hope you have plenty of opportunities to spend some time with your grandparents and your aunts, so they can tell you lots of stories about your father. He was a good man and he is missed. May you grow up to be a strong young man and make him proud of you."
David & Elizabeth Roddy of Las Vegas, NV

"my dad was asome but i never thought that i would never see him again.he was a great man and die protecting what he love.he was a great dad andever time i thinck of him i cry. i love you dad."
Travis Latham of washington,seatle U.S

"I was his gunner and that man taught me everything I know about the 25mm. and he was a great BC to me and Norm and a great man I miss you dearly"
Vincent Cistrunk of cleveland Ohio

"Melissa and family, I am so very sorry for the loss of SSG William Latham. The military lost a great soldier. I will personally miss SSG Latham's stories, he always had good one's.
I first met SSG Latham and family at Ft. Carson, Colorado. Will was in 1/12 with my husband at the time. Then we all met up again in Buedingen, Gemany 1/1 Cav. I miss you guys, and I will forever miss SSG Latham. Thank you SSG Latham for your sacrifice, for our freedom!"
Jennifer Zabel "Duckworth" of Placerville, Ca.

"Ssg Latham, Where do I begin? It's been three years and I still think of you. I was stunned and sad the day you were injured. You were such a great leader and friend. Thank you for making me laugh at my first gunnery. I thought I was going to throw up from laughing so hard. You will always be in my memories. I know you're in a better place and watching over all your buddies. Thank you for all the good times. I will never forget you. Rest in Peace."
Damon Krause of Reno, NV

"I went to school in Kingman with Will, and we were friends when we were very little. I remember he always wanted to play "ARMY" and "TANKS"...I never understood why. Even from play time as kids digging in the dirt with little army men seemed so silly but now I would give anything to play "ARMY". On Mother's Day 2004 I was in CA at Santa Monica Pier. Upon approaching the beach I notice that there were hundreds of white crosses lining the beach. A display of fallen soldiers on lists was overlooking the crosses. There were buckets of fresh flowers sitting on the sand. I found Will's name wrote it on a piece of paper, grabbed the most beautiful flower I could find and walked out on the beach. Hundreds of crosses surrounded me without any names on them. I found the perfect one. I rubber banned Will's name and flower to the cross. I felt good that there was one less cross without a name on it. I miss you Will. I think about you everyday and your family and the good times we shared as kids. I kick myself for not being closer to you and your family. But I was truly blessed for knowing you...You will always be my favorite doughboy!!"
Tracee Weintraub of Kingman, AZ

"Although it has been a few years now, I still often think of SSG William Latham...My acting Platoon Sergeant, The Senior Scout, The Soldier, The Leader, The Story Teller, The Teammate, The Man.
It will forever be an honor for me to have served with him, to have lead his platoon before the war, and to have shared his good humor and company. Will was my acting Platoon SGT for 8 months before I was pulled to be an XO. 8 of the most rewarding months I served in the Army. A great platoon of characters, comedians; and hard working, dedicated, inspiring soldiers. Always the professional, there was nothing that I couldn't count on William to do. Both myself and the platoon as a whole learned a great deal from him.
I will always remember with a smile the stories he would bug us with about his adventures in Panama, Somalia, and the cherished time he spent in the 101st Pathfinders...what I wouldn't give to hear him tell those stories now. I regret that I left to be the XO of another Troop and was not with him and others in Eagle in those last days…on the same token it would have been hard to have been there when he left us.
My heart goes out to his family and the many, many, many friends he left behind.
Until we meet again my friend...Recon the route and find a good OP, we are not far behind. Brave Rifles and God Bless. RED ONE, OUT-"
David K. Piersma, CPT, AR of 1-14 CAV, 3rd SBCT, 2ID, Fort Lewis, WA, U.S.A.

"I went to school with Will at Kingman High. We were also members of the Military explorers group in Kingman. He really enjoyed the Explorers. Will was a great person and my prayers go out to his family."
Doug Douillard of Fort Collins, CO

"To my fellow senior scout of E Troop. I wear your name on my wrist as my strength for the future. Sorry that I wasn't there with you. See ya at the Fiddler's Green."
SSG Marc Agostinelli of Littleton, Colorado

"I remember meeting SSG Latham when I was assigned to my first duty station at Budingen, Germany 1/1 CAV. I had gate guard with him and I can remember him telling me about the promotion system and all the things I need to do to get promoted. I took all his words to heart; I had never meet a NCO like that before. Thank you SSG Latham and Rest In Peace. Brave Rifles"
SGT(P) AGUILAR, GREG of Texas

"To the friends and family of the late William T. Latham.

I have had the great pleasure of knowing and working with a great soldier, Sergeant William T. Latham. He worked for me while assigned to Sabre Squadron, 2/3 ACR, Fort Carson, CO. He was someone that I could always depend on to get the job done, he was a great soldier, leader as well as a friend. I know that he is greatly missed by all. I certainly missed his laughter, sense of humor and just having him around. William, you have made the ultimate sacrifice doing what you always told me you loved doing. I pray that you continue to watch over your friends and family from up there as you have always done in this world. My prayers will always be with you and yours. You will be greatly missed! SABRE6D out!"
SFC Robert J. Warner, (Retired) U.S Army, Sabre1N of Colorado Spring , CO

"I was in a platoon with SSG Latham.1/12 infantry 4th ID scouts before the war. He was good, one of the best soldiers that I ever served with. I am sorry that he didn't make it home."
kenneth leo brakke of mpls, mn

"Will went to school with both of my children in Kingman. Of course, they all grew up with Will joining the military. I also worked with Will's Mother, Brenda, for a number of years. I just wanted you all to know that Will and his family--mom, dad, sisters, wife and children--are always in our thoughts and prayers. We share your heart ache. Our love to all of you, his family."
The Pattillo Family of Kingman, Mohave County, Arizona, U.S.A.

"well done to all our soldiers that fought we wont forget you."
amy of dudley

"SSG LATHAM WAS MY BRADLEY COMMANDER THE WHOLE TIME HE WAS AT FORT CARSON. THIS MAN WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST MEN I HAD EVER MET AND SERVED WITH. I SERVED WITH HIM FOR 2 YEARS WITH EAGLE TROOP. HE WAS LIKE MY BIG BROTHER, ALMOST LIKE A DAD. I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT SSG LATHAM WAS A GREAT MAN AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM."
SGT CRAIG HARMAN of FT. CARSON, CO

"Missy, Patricia, Travis & Jeremy,

I never thought that my "little big brother" would not come home from the conflict in the Middle East. The ride from Colorado Springs to Denver International to pick up Will and bring him home was eerie. It didn't hit me that Will would never call me brat again until I saw the funeral detail pull the coffin out of the plane. My heart dropped to the ground and I was numb with loss. I watched my big sister give all of her love and respect to the man who owned her heart. Her salute to her husband was everything that Will would have wanted her to be. Strong and in charge of his family. The next day, I sat in the church and listened to my youngest nephew cry for his daddy. I watched as a flag was folded and given to a family of four that would never be whole again. The pain and loss will always be there. But know that each of you had a very special place in Will's heart. His better half, his little girl, the man of the house and the helper of the house. Daddy will always be watching over you. Know that we are always here for any of you at any time. I love you all."
Sandy Schultz (sister of Melissa) of Seattle, WA

"I am Melissa William's wife. I just wanted to thank every one who wrote. It has been very hard on my children. We are doing a lot better now. I still have a hard time knowing he is not coming home. People say time heals all wounds. I don't think so. I am a very grateful for everyone who has sent things and for my friends. Without the other widows from Ft. Carson I would not be where I am today. For all of you who have gone and come back and those who have not thank you."
Melissa of colorado springs

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"My heart goes out to the family and friends of this wounderful man. SSG Latham was my Bradley Comander at Ft. Carson before I was sent to Korea. He was a great leader and friend."
SSG GRINNELL, CORY of US ARMY

"I am sorry to hear about your family member I know the pain you are going though. It must be hard to deal with it but you probably are as tough as him."
7tth grade student of Barker Middle School

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

"To William's famliy: Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. I read your William's name at a rememberance vigil in Denver...you are in my prayers."
Oren Briese of Castle Rock, Colorado

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

"Melissa I wanted to take the time to let you know again that anything you need you know I am here. I know the pain that you go through everyday and I am sorry. We will be ok in time I know you dont want to hear that from me again but I do believe it. Again anytime I am here."
Melissa Givens of Fountain Colorado Usa

"I am proud to say I knew Will and his family while he was growing up in Kingman. The world should know what a wonderful person he was, with a tremendous sense of humor, in addition to his dedication to duty. Thank you, Will, for your sacrifice. And may God send His comforting blessings to Will's family."
Molly Lane of Prescott, Arizona

"Thank you William Latham, 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

"Yesterday, December 14, I, my wife and her daughter went to Ft. Loagan National Cemetary to visit the grave of my wife's son LCPL Thomas Slocum, who was KIA in Iraq March 23rd. We found that William's grave was not too far from Thomas' grave and another soldier, Daniel Romero, who was lost in Afganistan last year. Everytime we visit Tommy we have put fresh flowers his and Daniel's grave. We will now be placing fresh flowers on Williams grave everytime we visit Ft. Loagan. We hope that William's family is doing well and if there is anything we can do for you, contact us at stanldo@msn.com."
Stan and Terry Cooper and Ann Slocum of Thornton, Colorado

"Sid,
Just wanted to leave you a little message to make sure you know that we have not forgotten about Will and the sacrifices that he, as well as your entire family have made for me, OUR family, and our country! Will is in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts every minute of every day and that's where he will remain along with our other fallen heroes forever! I am here for you, my family is here for you, and our country is here for you....and on the bad days Jack Daniels is here for you! Keep your head up and remember that soldiers never die they just go to heaven to regroup!"
Billy Young of Tampa, FL

"To the wonderful Latham Family:
Your son, your brother, your husband and your daddy is now guarding the streets of heaven, waiting one day to be reunited with you. Will is not only your hero, but he is America's hero and we will carry his memory and loyalty in our hearts forever.
Peace be with you,
Congressman Bill Young, Beverly, Billy, Pat, Robbie and Cindy - your Washington Family."
The Youngs of Washington, D.C.

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Latham. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time. Our deepest Thank You for the sacrifice this brave soldier made for all our freedom. We understand your pain and sorrow and loss as we make a regular trip to Fort Logan to visit another soldier who gave all for our freedoms. I placed a flag today at Sgt. Latham"s grave. Rest in Peace brave soldier. Rest in peace"
Proud American of Denver, Colorado

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. William Latham:
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 William 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. William Latham:
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 William, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia