Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It’s been almost 17 years my friend. It seems like yesterday my heart broke when you left us. Remembering talking to you the day before about what’s was going on in life not knowing the next day you would be gone. You were a great friend and I miss you! I wish I could hear your voice one more time but God needed you more. You are our angel in heaven! Rest easy brother the GATORS miss you!"
Niki Miranda of Dallas, Texas

"I don't have a lot to say, but this man was a true leader, and a person who commanded respect on a very human level. I remember SSG Bryan Lewis as a kind person who would make sure that his soldiers were taken care of, and it was not beneath him to show that he cared. If people could have the level of empathy that he showed, the world would be a better place."
Evan Ferguson

"Bryan you were and awesome person even as I shed tears right now I know that God is always in control. You were one of the kindest persons one could know. You were an awesome cousin and I promise you bro I will always look after you family. I love you man and my thoughts will always be with you."
Stephen Sheppard of Seattle

"6 years today!!!! I love you and I miss you. Rest in Peace my Big Brother."
Shellie Brown of Baton Rouge, LA

"It's been six years since Lew was taken from us making the ultimate sacrifice - not a day goes by that I don't think about him. My love goes out to his friends and family.

Fallen, but not forgotten!"
SSG Matthew H. Wolford of Bagram, Afghanistan

"Thankyou for your service. You made the ultimate sacrifice like over 1 million fellow Americans have by dying for our land. I will never forget you. Spc. Timonen 258mp co"
Cody Timonen of Portland, OR

"As I sit here and cry thinking about you, I just want to say that I LOVE YOU! You will be in my thoughts and heart, forever. GATORS!"
Anisha Steverson of Houston, TX

"Bryan was a very special person to me he was not only my friend he was family. He was my lil girls God father. Not a day goes by that i dont think about him or miss him. The last picture i have was of him holding my lil girl and he was just so happy he got to be there for her birth and that he got to see his god daughter. It hurts to know she wont ever get to meet him and he wont get to see her grow up . I loved my bryan and he will always be missed and he will always have a special place in my heart. I love you SGT Bryan A Lewis and you will always be remembered.."
Jonjewel Gunn of Leesville, La

"i was stationed with SSg Lewis in hanau, germany and he was a great friend to me, drove me to the airport for my final flight out of germany...miss you and thank you for everything!"
kelly mason gaynor of chesnee, south carolina

"To have a love that you can see every day is what I want my girls to find also in such a special way. To feel loved when he looks at you, this is what I wish for you and all you’re many wishes and dreams to come true. For your mother finally found that love old folks speak of where you don’t have to worry about of nothing at all you know he’s there to catch you when you fall. Are even about having bad dreams, he’s there lying beside the one you love holding you tight. To have another to care more for you more then there self and not having them tell you this because you feel it every time he smiles, it just makes you warm and tingle with love and joy every time you think of him…that’s love. Even with his junky self you just can’t help but to love him (they say) till death, but love like these so true and rare I’ll love you forever; I’ll meet you up there."
Deniece

"God Bless you and your family Brian. You are in my prayers everyday, not just Memorial Day. It seems like just yesterday we were room dawgs in Iraq. See you on the other side! God Bless"
Frank of Fort Bragg, NC

"Bryan,
Not a day goes by that you are not remembered. I miss you so much and I wish that I had time to tell you all the things that I was thinking back then. I miss the laughs we shared and the advice you offered. Jewell and I miss you so much. YOU are LOVED and will be in my heart forever."
LaTrice Harris of Charlotte, NC

"I shed a tear thinking about you, today. Oh, how I miss you sooooo much!! I love you more than I could ever dream of explaining. There is none like you. Zion says he loves you, too!!"
Anisha Steverson of Houston, TX/USA

"March 13, 2010- I was with Bryan 4 years ago today and wanted to take a minute to remember him on the anniversary of his passing. He was a good friend to us all and we are in debt to his sacrifice. We all miss you buddy and I wish the best for your family."
Nathaniel Van Loan of Roseville, CA

"Never shall I forget you. I love you and miss you, so much! I think about you all the time and I never knew I could miss a person as much as I miss you..."
Anisha Steverson of Houston, TX/USA

"To the Family of Bryan, My Name is Wayne Armstrong I was in the sister Company of Bryan's. Bryan was a good Friend to everyone and the world lost a Great Man."
Wayne Armstrong of Parker, Co

"Jan. 8, 2010
It's 2010!! It's a new year Bryan. You are still missed now more than ever. Things have not been the same since you've been gone. You are still missed so much. I think about you all of the time. I really miss my big brother. You would be suprised at how much your nephews are like you. They have your kind and gentle spirit. I am so proud. You may be gone, but you are definitely not forgotton. We love you and will never forget you. I love you Bryan Anthony!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Shellie Lewis Brown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

"It's 2010!! It's a new year Bryan. You are still missed now more than ever. Things have not been the same since you've been gone. You are still missed so much. I think about you all of the time. I really miss my big brother. You would be suprised at how much your nephews are like you. They have your kind and gentle spirit. I am so proud. You may be gone, but you are definitely not forgotton. We love you and will never forget you. I love you Bryan Anthony!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Shellie Lewis Brown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

""Its has been three years since your death and I constantly think about you. You will always be in my heart and mind. I think about all the the precious moments we shared together. You and SSG Huey was my big brothers and I knew I could count on you. Whenever I had a question or needed some help with something; I knew you had my back. I miss you so much and I will always keep you in my memories."
Exstrella Smith (SSG ) of Jackson, MS

"February 22, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Lewis:
Bryan 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

"Here I sit in Iraq once again, and I startred to think of you Brian. Before we left the last time my wife to you to make sure you brought me home to her safe. I truely think you are the reason I made it home safe and sound. Before I left this time I was talking with friends and family, when I noticed my hero bracelet with your name was not on my wrist. Thank god a friend sped to my house and got it for me. To this day I tell every soldier I am in contact about you, and what a good NCO and person you were. I wear your bracelet on my right wrist every day, and at least once a day I think of you. Only the best and the brightest are ripped from our ranks, and you were the greatest of all of them. To Brians family, there are no words that I can say to make this better. But always know if you need anything, the soldiers of the 258th will always be there for you. I miss you old friend. You will never be forgotten."
SGT Rey O. Zuniga of FOB Slayer, Iraq

"Bryan, a hero, a friend. I am so thankful to have served with him so many years ago at good ol Fort Polk. It was honor to have met him, and have been a part of his life, even for such a short time. i'll never forget him peeking his head in the traffic office with a HUGE smile on his face, every time! God Bless you, and you are missed so very, very much."
Jennie Faust (SPC Hebert) of Lake Charles, LA

"This is just a small message to say that I love and miss you Bryan. There is not a day that I don't think about you and wish that I could just talk to you. It makes me so proud to read the messages of all those you knew you and are keeping you in their hearts. Bryan was one of a kind. I thank God for him. I will keep his memory alive and strive to be like him. He set such a shinning example of how we should be towards one another. Always and Forever I love You Bryan."
Shellie Lewis Brown of Baton Rouge, LA/USA

"Bryan,
There is a hole in the hearts of the Zuniga Family now that you are gone. We miss you more and more each day that passes, the only thing that makes us happy is to know that you are in a better place now and we had you in our lives at some point. You are the kind of friend that could never be replaced. You were an amazing man with a great heart. I wish we had spent more time together but I know that the time we had was blessed. REMEMBER YOU ALWAYS!
Love,
Brooke, Rey, and the Kids! (Zuniga Family)"
Brooke Zuniga of Fort Polk, LA

"I know I wasn't as close to Bryan as others, but I knew him well. I had deployed with him to Cuba and served with him at Polk. He was an amazing man. There was a time in my life a few years ago when I was hurt very badly and Lew was the only one I trusted, he made me feel so much better and helped me through everything. I am so thankful for having him in my life. He was the type of person that thought of himself last, it showed and he was well known and respected because of it.

Bryan, i wanted to speak at your service on post but I had no idea where to begin. You can't sum up someones accomplishments and their worth with words. Especially not yours, even now, I struggle to try and express what you mean to me. You are special. A hero. A friend. You are one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. the Zuniga's and I talk about you often and we keep your memory alive. They love you so much. I do too. I will never ever forget you."
Stacey Ranew of Ft. Polk LA

"Bryan,

It's been 2 years and a day since I had to say goodbye to you. Let me tell you that it's been hard. Bryan you are missed. Life without you just isn't the same. I truly thank God for you. You meant so much to so many people, especially me. I'm so proud of you. I read entries from people who knew and loved you and I'm so glad that they got to share such a special person. I'm going to continue to keep you alive in my heart and let your life be an example of how we all should try to live. That is with love and respect for everyone you meet. I love you big brother and I will see you again."
Shellie Lewis Brown of Baton Rouge, LA/USA

"There are so few men in the world that have the time to help you. Not Brian though, he was one in a million. He would stop whatever he was doing to help at any given moment. The love I have for Brian is the most painful kind. He was a true friend that words can not define, and he is to this day my hero. Through all of the bad mouthing he recieved from those who did not understand his style of leadership. He simply endured. He is the best man abd soldier I have ever been graced with knowing. I will always hold you in my heart Brian, and I will make sure that you are never forgoten. I wish I could have told you how much you meant to me, and to thank you for what you did for me. Rest in peace old friend, I tuely miss you."
SGT Rey O Zuniga of Fort polk. LA

"With the greatest regret I write this message. Just out of curiosity I entered my name-also bryan lewis-into a google search just to see what I would find. As destiny would have it this page appeared.
Besides the name I felt an instant connection with this soldier because I am a 2Lt in the North Carolina National Guard preparing for deployment to Iraq. I can not tell you how that makes me feel. However, I hope to do well in Iraq and show bravery and courge as this soldier did.
My greatest sympathy goes out to the parents of this young man. They should be proud. My best to the rest of his family. May god keep you all."
Bryan Lewis of Durham, NC

"SSG Lewis,
I miss you sooo much, and til this day it is still hard to believe. Since day one at Fort Polk, you have always been there for me and had my back. You taught me more than I can begin to say about my responsibilities as a soldier and alot of things about life, in general. You were always there to listen to me and build me up where others may have tried to tear me down. As Mack(Bernie Mack's lil cousin, as you called her) said, I am lost without you. It is like I am in a daze or a dream begging someone to wake me up and tell me that this is not so. All I can do is sit back and remember all of our good times and all of the talks that we had. Just know that you hold a special place in my heart, both now and forever. SELFLESS SERVICE is what I like to call you and STRENGTH is what you had. I only wish, now, that I could have spent a little more time with you after I left, Bro, that way I could have told you how much of a friend you were to me and how much I appreciated you, but I am sure you knew it already. My heart goes out to your family and I feel as though you were a part of mine. I hope to meet you again, one day on the better side where there will be nothing but peace and no more WAR. I will wear your name around my neck until the end. REST IN PEACE, BIG SARGE. I LOVE YOU with everything within me. I refuse to say goodbye, so SEE YOU LATER, LEW. Zion says you are his HERO and you are mine too.
258th MP COMPANY for life.
GGGGGAAAAATTTTOOOORRRRSSSS!"
SPC Steverson, Anisha N. of Houston, TX

"Thank You!. To all of you who serve our country, I say "Thanks". To the Lewis Family-God Bless You."
M.H.Wolford Sr. of Stockton, CA. USA

"To the family of:Bryan A. Lewis 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"

"SSgt. Lewis it has been nearly a year since god called you back to him. I will carry you forever in my heart, mind, and soul. You my brother shall never be forgotten."
Spc. Dave "Switch" Rodehaver

"It's kinda hard to talk about a topic like this or even think about it when it deals with someone i knew. Lew ( SSG LEWIS) and i were just getting to know each other in iraq. We became pretty close and the one thing that i will allways remember and teach to others is to never leave your soldiers behind. Even when he was injured on that day and our team was tryng to help him, all he worried about was getting back to his truck and takeing care of his joes. That memory and selfless service is what kept me going untill the day we got back home. I will never for get a Squad Leader like SSG Lewis. I'll try and follow in those same foot steps."
SPC AYALA, Enrique of Fort Polk, LA /USA

"Well, how do you begin when writing a message of such magnitude. I guess by starting with, SSG LEWIS was a great friend and an even better mentor. Most of us knew him as "Lew" or "Lewda". It's been a little over 2 months since our unit returned from Baghdad, and I still think of Lew everyday. I want to send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends, we are all at such a loss. But I do know that we have been blessed to have had him in our lives. I will never forget our fallen hero, and he will always be in my heart. I'll see you on the flip side Lew!"
SGT Matthew H. Wolford of Fort Polk, LA USA

"I was Bryans roomate here in Iraq. Ive known him since I was a Private, he was my squad leader, and ever since then I have based my Army career and my leadership style on his. He was never hard on any of his soldiers unless he had to be. He led by mentorship and caring for his soldiers not by fear and intimidation like most Non Comissioned Officers do. He did not have the "I am the BOSS" mentality and that is why he was so respected. He knew his job forward and backward and when it came to Techncal Manuals and Field Manuals he could probably recite every one of them. This is what he was born to do. He was born to lead soldiers in and out of Combat. Bryan death was hard on all of us, I just want to say to his Family that you are lucky to have a son like him. You raised him well in every sense. He was the most respectful person I knew, and he got the respect that he deserved in return. I will miss him greatly and I know he is up there with his own Squad of angels watching down over his soldiers that he left behind. I love you Bryan and thank you for everything you have taught me..."
SGT Jock, Joshua P of Baghdad, Iraq FOB Rustamiyah

"BRYAN WAS AN EXTENDED FAMILY MEMBER VERY FRIENDLY SOMEONE YOU WOULD WANT TO KNOW
ALTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW HIM AS WELL AS I SHOULD HE WAS A SWEET PERSON HE WAS ALWAYS FRIENDLY AND RESPECTABLE EASY TO TALK TO HE WILL BE MISSED DEARLY
MRS.D.LEWIS-MR.LEWIS-SHELLIE-SHALYN-SHAWN-AND FAB YOU HAVE MY SYMPATHY.
MUCH LOVE Mrs.Netra"
Mrs.Netra of METAIRIE, LA

"The the family and friends of SSG Bryan Lewis:
I met him in 2003 when I first got to Ft. Polk. We served in 258th MP CO together. He was a wonderful man. Not only was he my sqd leader, but he was my friend. He was there for me when times were hard, and always told me not to give up. He is one of the reasons why I am still here today. It hurts and it will always hurt having him gone. But until the bitter end he still cared for others even though he was hurt. He always placed others above himself. He is a hero, and must always be rememebered as one. I am sorry you lost a son, a brother, and a father. I know ur pain cuz I lost a good friend..All of us here at rusty miss him soooo much. And to you bryan: Williams..stevenson..and I are lost without you. The clique will never be the same without you.. I love you bryan and I am sorry i didnt get a chance to tell you the last time i saw u in rustamiyah..I wish i could have told u more than anything. Life over here in iraq seems like a dream without you. goodbye my friend"
Spc, Blossom Mack of Pompano Bch, FL

"I am Brenda Tanner and I represent Quilts of Honor in Deepstep, Ga. We are trying to reach all the families from Georgia that have lost loved ones in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Please contact us if your family would like to receive a quilt. My e-mail is johnnytanner@bellsouth.net and my phone is 478-552-6388. Thank you so much, we are so sorry for your loss and this is just a small way that we can let you know how much we love and appreciate the sacrifice that Bryan made. You are in our prayers at this time."
Brenda Tanner of Deepstep, Georgia

"SSG Bryan A Lewis
I'm Bryan's sister and I miss him dearly. It's been over 2 months since his death and I'm missing him more and more everyday. I do want to say how proud of him I am. My brother is a hero. Not just to my family but to all that enjoy the freedom we have here in the US. I love you Bryan and I will never forget you. I will continue to pray for all the soldiers that are still fighting for us and their families. I pray for their safe return home. I want to also pray for the families that are like mine who have lost a loved one in this war. Just as I think of Bryan, I'm sharing your pain. Let's just pray for one another and ask God for the strength to carry on.
Bryan was a great brother. I could not have asked for a greater person to be in my life. I will miss you big brother. I love you, your nephews love you- we all love you. Until we meet again...."
Shellie Lewis Brown of Baton Rouge, LA/USA

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

""MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES AND REGARDS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY OF SSG LEWIS. I SERVED WITH THIS SOLDIER AND WANT TO SAY WHAT AN HONOR AND PRIVLEDGE IT WAS TO SERVE WITH HIM. NOT ONLY WAS HE A GREAT SOLDIER, HE WAS A GREAT MAN! 'THERE IS NO GREATER LOVE THAN TO LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE FOR A FRIEND'. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW.""
SSG LEA CHAPMAN of LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS

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