Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"For some reason I clicked on this site today that I have listed in my favorites . I probably have not looked at it since shortly after his funeral , certainly God has something to do with it .It has been twelve years already .I will be sure to say a prayer today ."
Gregory J. Messmer of Canal Winchester Ohio

"Messmer, it does seem hard to realize that it has now been a little over 9 years since that horrible day. I still wish I had chosen to get to know you better then, being in a different squad, but it still strikes me that you were quiet, tough and principled. I met your aunt last Memorial Day and hope to meet more of your family today. God bless you, brother."
Matthew Canter of Newark, OH

"Nick its been 9 years today, still in my prayers and we all miss you bud. Still cant eat mandarin oranges without thinking about how we used to nail can after can. RIP brother"
Michael Frischknecht of Brooklyn, NY

""BIG MER" not a day goes by that I don't think about you and all the plans we had for after deployment.My best friend was sitting beside me when his life was taken to soon.. and I lost a piece of my heart that will never be replaced.Nick..love you bro!!"
Matt Harmon of Chase City,VA

"I just found this page for Nick. I knew Nick all through high school and used to eat lunch with him frequently, my junior and senior year. He was a really funny guy and we had a lot of fun in classes goofing off. I am really sad and still feel bad about not attending the funeral 6 years ago. Thanks for your service bro and making high school fun. Rest in peace buddy!"
Mike of Columbus, Ohio

"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 1,600 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"
Project Compassion of Manti, Utah USA

"My family and I were in Mass yesterday Sun., May 3, 2009 at Saint Matthew's in Gahanna and our celebrant, Father Ogurchuck, said the Mass was dedicated to Nic. From what I could tell many of Nic's family were there. His brothers strike a remarkable resemblance. They are such wonderful people to remember their beloved son, which tells us their son's sacrifice will not be forgotten. The congregation is lifting up the Messmer family. May God continue to watch over them."
Doug of Westerville

"May 4, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Nicolas E. Messmer:
Nicolas 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

"To my big Bro,
Nick we are all missing you so much here and it will never be the same without you. I love you Nick
your bro Dustin"
Dustin Messmer of Baltimore MD

"To the family of:Nicolas E. Messmer 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"

"BIG MER was my solider and i will always keep you in my thoughts."
SGT. MORRIS of las vegas

"MAN I MISS YOU BUDDY. I HAVE 1 REQUEST MY FRIEND LOOK OVER ME AS I GO BACK OVER AGIAN. LAST TIME I FELT YOUR PRESENTS OVER ME EVER DAY AND EVERY MISSION. GOING HOME THIS WEEKEND AND HOPE TO SEE YOUR DAD AND FAMILY. ILL HAVE A BEER FOR YOU."
CPL. SCHOTT, ERIC A. of GAHANNA, FORT DRUM 10TH MT DIVISON

"To the family and friends of Nicolas Messmer:

It was an honor and a privlage to serve with Nick if only for a short while he was a great man and i shall never forget him i still pray for him over 2 years later i still remember the last time i saw Nick it was that fateful morning as Nick myself along with others went to breakfast be for the patrols started for the day i will never forget his smiling face and all around great attitude toward every situation with great love WE WILL NEVER FORGET
From One CURRAHEE to another We miss you Brother"
Spc. Woolly Thomas of Iraq 2nd PLT Baker CO 2nd BCT 2nd ID

"To the Murphy and Messmer Family
We deeply appriciate the sacrifice Nick made. He was a wonderful guy who never really got to turn into a man because of the heartless people who carlessly and thoughtlessly cut his happy life short, but after hearing about and witnessing his sacrifice we believe he is more of a man even in death than half of the people of this city...no this country..no this world. Yes that's it exaclty. He did not die in vain and he will always be remembered as the sweet heart who sacrificed it all for not only his country but for his family and most of all his beloved fiance Mary. We know that God has accepted Nick with open arms without a single thought of hesitation. We know that he is watching over us all now. The murphy's and messmer's are all in our prayers and we wish you the best in your lives."
Ray Ray 13 and Kay Kay 13 of Gahanna, Ohio

"Hey its been almost a year and i am startin to cope with nick dying. i really feel for mary and her family and i do feel very sorry for them but they have my love and always will."
A Caring Kid of Gahanna

"To The Messmer Family,
Nicks sacrifice will not be in vain. Everyday we are out here working its guys like Nick that make the rest of us realize the sacrifices that must be made. Its the memories of Nick and every other fallen soldier that make us realize that we will not and cannot back down or ever give up. May God bless your family, evey soldier out there and May God Bless America."
Mike H. of Shaw AFB, SC ('01 Gahanna Alumni)

"To the Messmer Family: The time we shared was short but has not been forgotten. Becky and I have such fond memories of holidays and gatherings at your house with the entire family. We were very, very saddend to hear about Nicolas thou we do not know your pain. Our youngest brother Stephen has joined the Army and will be deployed to Iraq in 9 weeks. He will be serving in the Airborne Infantry Unit as a Scout. We are proud of him as I'm sure you are for Nicolas. Good luck to you and your family, we wish you the best."
Stefany Hofmann (Wilson) of Pickerington, OH

"Nick I just wanted to tell you that i miss you and all the crazy times we had together...when we were younger and use to sneak out. I miss the old group. But i just wanted to say your my hero and always will be. There is not a day that goes by that i dont think of you. I wish you could be here and we all miss you"
Kendra Hardrick of Centerburg, Ohio

"Nick~
Just wanted to say thanks for everything you did for us over there. I know Mary really misses you and the few times I have seen her recently, she talked about you and how happy you made her. I am sorry for ever doubting you two and your relationship, I now understand how in love you two were. I know we never really got the chance to know one another but we will have another chance when we meet again in Heaven. You and Mary never met an end and I know you haven't left her...you'll be seeing each other again where your love will continue. God brought you here to make something of yourself and you did just that by working so hard for our country, Nick. I really miss the good ol' days and seeing how happy you made Mary. I am praying for you, Mary, and your family and I hope you are watching over all of us to keep us safe. I don't know what else to say except...I'll be seeing you... SEE YA WHEN I GET THERE NICK!"
Molly of Gahanna, Ohio

"I am a friend of Lori and Danny Messmer, and would like to express my deepest sympathies to the entire Messmer family on the loss of Nicolas E. Messmer.
"The spirit looks upon the dust/That fastened it so long/ With indignation/ As a Bird Defrauded of its song. " - Emily Dickenson"
Jane Stein of Columbus, OH

"nick~
i miss seeing your smile and those big dimples you had. you were such a fun loving guy,you were always crazy. i will never forget you and the wonderful memories i got to share with you. to the messmer family, your son was such a wonderful person and i feel so lucky to have had the chance to know him."
kelli of gahanna

"I love you Nick. Mary and I along with your family will never forget you God I wish I could say more right now but it is so hard to put my feelings in this message. I LOVE YOU and always will!"
Rachel of Gahanna, Ohio

"Nick, Your family loves and misses you. Mary your fiance and I also Miss you. God i wish you were here! I love you Nick!!!!!!!!!!!"
Rachel of Gahanna, Ohio

"Nick, I miss you and love you for what you did for your country and you are honored for that. I know Mary misses you and the rest of the family. I saw your new house your family baught. they made a room just to honor you. i read the mothers day note you gave to your mom before you died and I cry all the Time. All my love and your fiances love, Rachel (Marys little cousin)"
Rachel of Gahanna, Ohio

"in loving memory of nick. a deticated son, friend, fiance, solgier, brother and all around person. i didnt know you all that well but from what i met the few times at gahanna lincoln high school you were the most loving and friendly person i had ever met god bless you nick for all that you did for our country. we will all miss you!! thank you so much!"
of ohio

"nick~> i will never forget that loving smile you always had on your face and the love we saw you and mary share for each other. we are all so proud of you and will miss you"
sarah of gahanna ohio

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

"There are no words to take away your pain or reduce your suffering, I know. But I did want to tell you that Nicolas was a brave soldier and good friend. His loss will be mourned by all who were touched by his special presence, and his memory will live on forever. May God bless you and replace each pain with a beautiful memory of love shared and time spent together."
Genny W. of Boonton Twsp., NJ

"I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish I could take the pain away with words but I know that isn't possible. My heart goes out to you & I hope you may find peace and comfort in one another."
Kim of Shakopee,MN USA

"On the loss of your precious son my sympathy and deepest compassion are with you. At this time when your heart is hurting so badly I trust God will comfort you and give you some peace as you endure this pain. With heartfelt prayers,"
Maria Daehn of Germany

"No one knows your pain. Know that we are grateful for your sons service to this country. He is truly a hero."
C Hiler of Covington VA

"I am so sorry what happen to your dear
and loving son Nicolas. He was a brave and loving hero. May God give you peace
and comfort you. He was a good soldier.
He is up in Heaven with God and i know that he is looking down on you and all of us to keep protecting us. He will
allways be with you. May God keep you in his loving arm's. May God Bless You
Wanda"
Wanda Rogers of Manchester, Tenn USA

"From Melbourne Australia,

I am so saddened to hear this...many thanks for protecting our Freedom, won't be forgotten"
Lara of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Nick was a great American hero. He served his country with honor and pride."
The Bolyard Family of Chillicothe, OH USA

"THE MESSMER FAMILY: Our deepest thoughts are with you and your family as you greive over the loss of such a great brave American HERO. We are so sorry to hear that Nicolas was KIA and we are so very proud of him to this day. To my family he IS a true, great hero and inspiration to all young men and women. We know no words or nothing can take the place of Nicolas but we are keeping your whole family in our prayers. If you need anything, anything at all please let us know. Take care and God bless each of you. StarSupport Military Group ~ cwgrl@military.com"
Serena & Shawn Read Family of Tahlequah, OK

"Dear Messmer Family~ We offer our condolences for the loss of your wonderful son, Nicholas. We honor your son's memory, his military service and the ultimate sacrifice he paid with his life for this great country of ours. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family. May God bless you and send His healing peace now and forever."
Patricia A. Gunn of Cincinnati, OH, USA

"I am deeply sorry for the loss of this brave young hero."
Mary Ann Janicki of Gorham, NH

"My prayers are with you as you lay this hero to rest. May your days get easier and your nights be peaceful. Thank YOU for giving the ultimate sacrifice. May God be with you and the family."
Charlotte Jones of East Troy Wisconsin USA

"To the Messmer Family, You have my deepest sympathy. Your son is my hero. What a great loss for everyone. God Bless you and may he watch over you."
Barb of Saegertown, Pa

"My prayers are with you. This brave young man was serving with my nephew, Matthew. I don't know how to thank these brave people for risking/giving their life for our saftey. Thank you seems....so small for a life. So Instead I will say a prayer and ask God to Bless all our Military and their famlies. God Bless you all. I know you are very proud of Nick, Matthew said he was a top rated soldier, a good friend, and he loved his family very much."
Becky of Blackstone, VA USA

"My deepest condolences to the family and all loved ones of Pfc. Nicholas E. Messmer. My heart aches for you, and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that the deep hurt you feel can be in some part eased by the feeling of great pride for Nicholas’ valor and deep sense of patriotism.

Nicholas, you have made the ultimate sacrifice and did so willingly and without hesitation. Thank you so very much for defending my freedom. It means so much to me, to the people of NYC and to the entire nation. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice in the service of the country that I love so very much. You will always be remembered as an American hero by my family.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Most Sincerely,
Pat Shoukry - NYC (6 Miles From Ground Zero)"
Pat Shoukry of New York, NY...USA

"Nick was a wonderful young man and soldier. Loved by all. My heart goes out to you. I pray that time will ease your pain."
Francine Thomas of Boones Mill VA

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From the family of LCpl Branden P. Ramey, KIA 11/8/04"
Sandy of CA

"My sympathies go out to you and your family, I am so sorry for your loss."
Bonnie Buckley of Merrimac, MA

"We are all so proud of your son; our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate his life today."
Shauna Hershberger (Mayo) of Sunbury, OH

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

"Thank You Nicolas. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for protecting our country and sadly paying thee ultimate price. Thank you and we will miss you."
Katie of Gahanna, 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

"Our hearts go out to the Messmer family,for we are deeply saddened for your loss.Nick was not just a soldier to us he was a good friend,he will for ever be missed and be in our hearts, Nick will never be forgot and will always be loved by our family..May god be with you all.You are in are hearts and prayers."
The Stokes Family of Gahanna Ohio

"TO THE MESSMER FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH NICOLAS AND YOUR FAMILY. NICHOLAS THANK YOU, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, NEVER."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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