Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"My son Brandon Dunn served with SSG McMahan. We live right at 25 miles from SSG McMahan's resting place. In remembrance and to honor him, Brandon runs/walks from home to there to pay tribute to SSG McMahan and those who gave all. I think of his parents and children often and continue to pray for them. Thank you SSG for you service and sacrifice."
Vickie Hood of Newport, Tennessee

"Another year has gone by and still is very emotional to remember our fallen comrade. SSG Don S. McMahan was a true leader and among the best. He will never be forgotten, thank you for all you mentorship and knowledge you imposed on me. I carried my career with those very thought values and leadership. Rest in Peace. Never forgotten."
SFC Cantero, Enriaue of Fort Hood, Texas

"I remember Ssgt. Mcmahan on our patrols in BIAP when I would sit behind him and would pat him on the shoulder and tell him " sgt mcmahan wake up". I most of told him about 20 times but that was my job on our patrols to keep him up so that he could stay on point. It didn't bother me at all that I had to pat him on the shoulder and keep him awake. One of the most memorable things I can also remember was when I had extra duty for an article 15. I had to report to him for 14 days every day at 18.00. He never stressed me about my extra duty and when I was done he would tell me to go to my bunk and if I was needed he would call me. Not once did that happen because he didn't want to put more stress on his soldiers more than we already had. A great NCO and soldier."
Ramon Moreno of Rincon,Puerto Rico

"He was a good man. We miss you."
Andy lowery of South Carolina

"I served with SSG McMahan in Ft. Bragg and in Iraq. Not a day goes by he doesn't cross my mind."
Wayne Thomaaon

"Never forgotten."
SFC Eppes of Fort Sill, OK

"Never forgotten."
SFC Eppes of Fort Sill, OK

"To SSG Mcmahan: it was honor and privileged to have served under you. That they is still not forgotten. 09 April 2004. I carry a .50 cal expended round that I fired on that day. I still remember asking you for a ciggaret in balad and you broke a new pack. Who would have knowned the sequence of events that would follow. On the radio a message came through, I didn't want to believe it...I...like others were in denial until I came face to face with you gone, laying on that bed and medics explaining...I through a bottle against the truck next to mine still in denial of what transpired. I, forever will, carry your name up high and will never let you die..."
SFC Cantero ( PFC Cantero then) of Columbia, SC.

"To the family of SSG. McMahon. SSG McMahon and I were stationed together in S. Korea B btry 6-37 FA before his COT to Germany. On many occasions he and I would hang out in the ville with a couple of beers, or just shoot the breeze while we were in the field. He was a good man and a great friend."
Travis Link of Orlando, Fl

"Thanks to everyone who sent messages honoring my son Don Steven McMahan. Thanks for the kind words and prayers to everyone who served with him and remember his friendly smile and caring nature. He left behind 3 beautiful children - Seth (his oldest son) is 16 today. I think of him every day and miss him so much. Feel free to contact me if you served with steve or went to school with him. God bless and thanks again.
donmcmahan@comcast.net"
don mcmahan of Fairview, Tn

"To the family of Don McMahan: My son Shaun Holman served with your son Don in Iraq. He said many times he was his best friend while he was over there and they would take turns getting chow for each other every night. He will never forget him and neither will we as care packages were sent to him and the personal letters of thanks were received talking about his love for his family and what they meant to him. Today, 8/30/09, 5 years later our family walked in his memory at The Run/Walk for the Fallen in Lexington, KY. He was also honored on 7/4/09 in our 4th of July parade. His memory and service remains in our hearts. Praying that is a blessing!! Our son is serving in Afghanistan right now and I know he would love to have Don beside him."
Alicia Holman of Lexington, KY

"SSG McMahan was my Team Leader and Chief for most of my tour in Iraq. We patrolled the streets daily together and stayed in the same "Huck'A'Buck Inn" on BIAP, and down the hall at FOB Falcon (FOB Farrin Huggins). I spent many days on patrol discussing gun legislation or the collection he had back home in TN. Some days he would talk about his kids back home and how much he loved them. He would hang out with us lower enlisted in our rooms or drink coffee with us in the morning. He had a quiet demeanor about him and I respected him in all ways possible. He was a great soldier and an amazing NCO, friend, father, and husband.
I still remember the song "American Soldier" by Toby Kieth being played for him as we lined up to salute his boots/tags. He will forever be in my thoughts and prayers, and will always be missed. I saw the qualities in him that it takes to be a man and a father. I have a tattoo on my right arm in his honor, the quote across it reads: "Those who stand for nothing, will for fall for anything" - Alexander Hamiliton. SSG McMahan stood for everything I know to be full of honor and integrity. God bless him and his family forever."
Matt Lashley of Phoenix, Arizona

"April 16, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Don S. McMahan:
Don 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

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of GOD.
Matthew 5:9

I am proud to say that I served with SSG McMahan. His attitude, professionalism, patriotism, and mostly his sacrifice will have motivated me for the past 6 years and will continue to motivate me until I can see him again. GOD speed!"
Seth Hotchkiss of St. Regis, MT

"My son served with and drove for Sgt McMahan in Iraq. I remember how my son would call and tell me about McMahan and how the Iraqi kids loved him. He was a true hero. I am so thankful every day that my son came home from the war safe and am so sad for the families whos sons and daughters, husbands and dads didn't.
I have Shelba, Evan, Seth and Sarah Elizabeth's names written in the front of my Bible so I will never forget to pray for them and remember the sacrifice their husband and father made to help make this world a better place. I remember the day my son found out that Sgt McMahan had a daughter named Sarah Elizabeth as that is what he named his daughter also. I believe it was on this website. I saw that he also left a message. Thank you McMahan family for raising such a wonderful man. I know he was because my son said he was. He has a tribute to Sgt McMahan on the back window of his pickup and I know he is proud to have served with him. God bless you and all the soldiers who serve and the families who wait."
Nancy Savory of Canute, Ok

"TO THE MCMAHN FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. DEEPLY SADDEN THE NEWS OF DON. HE HAS NOT DIED IN VAIN! DON AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY HEART AND PRAYS. HE HAS NOT DIED IN VAIN! DON WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN! HE WAS A BROTHER TO ,OUR SON AS GREGORY FELT OF DON. BOTH HAD NOT KNOWN ONE ANOTHER. ALTHOUGH BOTH UNDERSTOOD BROTHERHOOD MEANT MILITARY FAMILY. TO ALWAYS WATCH AND PROTECT OVER ONE ANOTHER. TODAY BOTH ERE TOGETHER. HEALING TRUELY, IS DIFFUCULT. TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME. BE SUPPORTIVE TOWARD ONE ANOTHER WITH GREAT UNDERSTANDING. FOR WE ALL LOVED DON IN OUR OWN WAYS. REFLECT ON THE VERY FOND MEMORIES YOU EACH SHARED TOGETHER WITH DON. hE IS STILL VERY MUCH WITH YOU MIN YOUR HEARTS. WE NEVER GET OVER OUR LOVE ONE'S. I DIDN'T KNOWN DON! STILL HE WAS MY SON'S MILITARY BROTHER. AN YOU LOST AND PAIN IN MINE!***************FOURTH OF JULY IN GATLINBURG TENNESSE WILL HAVE A MIDNIGHT PARADE AND FIREWORKS. I WILL BE ATTENDING ALONG WITH OTHER FALLEN FAMILIES. FATHER OF FALLEN SOLDIER US ARMY SGT GREGORY L. WAHL KIA BALAD, IRAQ 05-03-04. GOD BLESS!"
leonard_wahl@hotmail.com of Spring Texas

"Steve was my roommate and Fellow Section Chief in Iraq. He was one of my closest friends and I think about him everyday! Im working on a tattoo to memorialize ytou forever, brother!"
Fergie of Wilmington, NC

"I'm very sorry about your friend, father and hunsban"
James

"SSG. McMAHAN WAS MY SECTION CHEIF FOR A SHORT WHILE. I WAS HIS DRIVER FOR THE LAST THE MONTHS OF HIS LIFE. I LEARNED A LOT FROM HIM. I WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE WAY HE TREATED PEOPLE. NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT HIM. MY KID'S WILL KNOW WHAT A HEROE HE WAS. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HIS FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYERS."
MARVIN EARL of ERIC OKLA. USA

"Your loved one was remembered on 27 May 2005 in Bicentennial Memorial Chapel General Protestant Worship Service in Fort Gordon, GA. His life and your sacrifice are not forgotten. Thank you. We are praying for you.
Chaplain (Major) Alva Ray Bennett"

"I served in Iraq, and was working at the hospital that Don passed away at. Not a single day goes by that I do not stop and think of him and how much his death truly affected me. He will never be forgotten, and I will carry his memory with me forever."
SGT Bobbi D. Jackson of Toledo, OH

"To tje family of Don S. McMahan, I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero defending freedom. May you have 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 talk to or someone to pray with you please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church Rev John B. Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015, your friend in Christ Jesus"
Polly Ballew of Covington Ga. U S A

"SSG McMahan was a Section Chief in my platoon while we served in Korea. He lived in the room across the hall. The one thing I will always remember is he always had a smile on his face. I was sad to learn of his passing and I say Rest in Peace my friend."
Travis Link of Orlando Florida

"My heart goes out to Don's family. I went to high school with him.(When he was known as Steve) He was such a kind person. I'm so greatful for all he did for our country and my families freedom. He made the ultimate sacrifice. He is a true hero."
Stephanie (Irwin) Adcox of Fairview, Tn USA

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

"To The Family of Don McMahan: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. He is a hero, whose bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. A salute to a fallen soldier- THANK YOU, DON! May you rest peacefully in Heaven."
Tina Rexroad, sister-in-law of Peter Enos, who was also KIA 0n 4/09/04 of WV

"Don was a true hero. He was so very brave with so much courage. He is very sadely missed from this world. May God comfort his family. May God Bless Wanda
wandarogers2000@yahoo.com"
Wanda of Manchester,Tenn USA

"Rest in Peace Hero
Thank you for your courage and protecting our country"
The Taylors USMC of NC

"To Don's Family:
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your family member. May God bless you and help you through this difficult time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To Don's Family:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincere condolences to you. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

From the family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

"Dear Don,
Thank you for standing up to the awful and cowardous terrorists of Iraq. The enemy knows no decency and by standing up to him you exhibited timeless bravery. I and the rest of America are eternally grateful you. Godspeed."
mark reif of winchester, VA

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

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