Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Morton had brought/escorted patients to the combat support hospital before and saved their lives. I assumed he was a combat medic as he acted like one.

I remember him as always having a positive attitude and a smile when he visited the combat support hospital. He couldn't wait to refit and go back into the "suck."

Eventually Morton was evacuated to us and we gave him the best treatment and attention we had to give which is what he gave to all of his soldiers. I was with him when he gave his best and left us. He did so with dignity as he did all else in combat.

Morton saved lives and is an American Hero.

SSG Armstrong
strongarma@gmail.com"
SSG Anthony Armstrong of San Antonio, TX 78216

"To the family of Sgt. Benjamin Morton: I want to convey my deepest sympathy for the loss of Ben and his wife. It is an unimaginable loss. After reading all the comments on this page, I can tell he was a wonderful person. This does not surprise me because, while I did not know him, I was a childhood friend of his father Allen. We attended grade school together in Rexford. I found out about Ben when I was visiting the traveling memorial for the fallen heroes in Augusta and when I saw the name and home town, I did some searching. My wish for Allen and his entire family is GOD's LOVE, comfort and peace. You will be in my prayers always."
Gina Kear of El Dorado, KS

"Hey Ben!

I've been thinking about you a lot lately and just wanted to let you know how much I love you. You're and always will be the best cousin ever. Love you and miss you always. One day, I look forward to seeing your beautiful smile."
Cousin of AZ

"I have been thinking about you a lot, especially with today being Veteran's Day. Thank you so much for everything you did to help keep us free. I wish you were still here. Sometimes I wonder if you realize the impact you had on my life. You were amazing, one of a kind. Thank you!"
Lacie Bailey of Dodge City, KS

"I miss you brother, thinking of you everyday."
David Ross, 1/24 Recon of Plymouth Ma.

"August 18, 2010 Benjamin Schweers was born at 1538. So much time and a pain still exists. I am now convinced time does not heal anything your soul just becomes numb to the constant pain. I will make sure that my son knows his namesakes virtues. For you I still fight and will continue fighting. Honor is more than a word now it is a lifestyle. A brother-in-arms is closer than a wife because we do not part at death it only strengthens the bond. Knowing that you are where I must someday go and look forward to the meeting knowing that you are there. I will not meet you yet my friend, not yet."
SFC Jason Schweers of 6th Ranger Training Battalion

"I miss you sooooooooo much dude. I guess that says it all."
Tom---RECON-24INF. of Yelm, WA...U.S.A.

"Hey Big Bro! Miss you so much and wish you were here. I miss getting to talk to you about things. I love you so much. Miss your smiling face so much and that crooked smile of yours. LOVE YA!!"
Lil Sis of Wright, Ks

"May 20, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Benjamin C. Morton:
Benjamin 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

"My Heart is with you all during this time."
SSG Danny Peckham of Fort Lewis, WA.

"Dear Family of Benjamin Morton:
To honor the Kansas soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families,the professional portrait artists of the Grateful Hearts Project are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family.

These 16"x20" original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrificies made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families loss.
Please email us at gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Sincerely;
The Artists of Grateful Hearts"
J.Gragg of Lee's Summit,Mo.

"To the family of:Benjamin C. Morton 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"

"To the Morton family, I found this website by luck or by blessing. I knew Ben through many youth rally's and TECs. I was very surprised to learn that the day my daughter was born was the one year anniversary of this untimely death. I will always remember how caring, honest and loving Ben was and will always keep him in my heart and prayers. I will never forget the long bus trip to the youth rally in Kansas City in which Ben and I played endless number of card games and the visits he made to see me my years in college. Ben was a great friend and a great man and I truely think of him as a guardian angel watching over me and my two younger brothers who are now serving in Iraq and I pray for you and your family and for all of those who are serving for our freedom and our country. Thank you for raising a great young man and a great hero for all of us to look up to and respect for all he and his family have given up for us. Thank you so much."
Nicole Stremel Stevens of Great Bend, KS

"Ben,
We miss you I am bringing my family to see you soon. I keep yours and Adams Picture on my mantle to remind myself to live each day to the fullest and too cherish every moment. I am extremely proud of you two and am glad you all take the time to watch over me. You will never be forgotten"
Mitch of Kansas City, MO USA

"Hello Ben,
I just wanted to let you know that I think of you often and miss you dearly. I miss your laugh and your great sense of humor. You always knew how to make me smile! :) I love you so much sweetie!"
Maryrose of Phoenix, AZ

"To the Family of SGT Benjamin Morton,
I am very sorry for the loss of your son. I had the honor and previlege of serving with him in Korea as his Section Leader, Ben was with out a doubt the best Soldier in the Unit. I am very sorry for your loss. God Bless you"
SFC Ken Reynolds of Ft. Bragg, NC.

""It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." Gen. George S. Patton.
I am devastated by your loss. I have been drawn to tears of anger and anguish by contemplating the ultimate sacrifice you and your hero have endured. I thank you and the eternal memory of your son; may God grant you peace at heart."
Mark of Dallas, Texas

"I am Pfc. Nils Thompson's cousin. He was in Deuce Four and died in August. Elaina wrote my family a message before she passed away, giving us her sympathy. She was very kind. I am sorry for the loss of your son and his wife. Please stay strong, and know that I am praying for you.
"Come unto me, ye who are weary and overburdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28"
M.C. of SI, NY

"My brother Jake is going out with Sarah Morton. (Ben's younger sister) I feel a deep grantitude towards Ben Morton. I never got to met the guy but he sounds like a very good and proud man. I honor Ben with all my heart. May his soul RIP."
Ike Sumpter of Downs,KS

"To the Morton family:
Thank you for raising a hero. None of us intend to do that and yet, it seems, fate has a way of putting us in that position. My son is also serving in Iraq. I pray I will be able to be as brave as you if I am put in your position. I work with Kristi and so we deal with fallen soldiers on a daily basis. God Bless You all!"
Becky Saddler of Kensington, KS

""We answer to a higher moral calling on the path that requires us to take and give life. It is this dedication to ideals greater than self, that gives us strength. It is the nurturing of our families that gives us courage.
Love is the opposite of fear-it is the bond that is reinforced when we look in the eyes of another SBCT soldier that drives us. My teammate is more important than I am.
The enemy we face in Mosul is as tough as the land they inhabit.
This adversaries, our intelligence confirms, fear and respect us. They have learned to carefully choose their fights because as "THE TIP OF THE SWORD" we answer the bell every time.
When you see the endless urban terrain. The night sky filled with more stars then you have ever seen-when the altitude takes your breath away and the cold and heat hit the extreme ends of the spectrum-you cannot help being captured by the raw strength of this place.
This is a great loss. This man was a future high-impact leader of the Army, but I take refuge in the thought that there is no better place a warrior's spirit can be released then the streets of Mosul.
In his last moments, the only thoughts were of him leading Uus into the fight. I can say that any one wearing a tropical lightning patch would gladly have taken the place of this man, even with full knowledge of what was to come.
This was my brother-in-arms, that I served with in Mosul.
He was a good man.
This loss will not go unanswered.

I am always humbled in the presence of Warriors."


Served in Mosul (Nov '04 - June '05
1st Sqd [A Team], 1st Plt, A Company
1/24th Inf Reg, SBCT
25th Inf Div

FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!!!"
CPL Lopez, Alex Q. of Mission, TX

"To Mr.&Mrs. Morton, To Mr.&Mrs. Salinas
I want to thank you for your cards. I am in shock to hear about the loss of your Daughter, My prayers for both families, my God put his hand upon you and give you comfort to heal the pain.
I wounder if I did everthing I could?
GOD BLESS YOU ALL"
SFC Vasquez, Rene of Mosul, Iraq

"I am a fifth generation Kansan from Dodge City. I read today of the death of Elaina Morton, and my heart is torn even further than from the knowledge of the death of her brave husband Benjamin.

When I see these young people making such sacrafices for our country, their hearts pure and loving of our nation, I feel so proud of them but also so angry at their loss. I do not understand why the children of our leaders are not with them in uniform. But then it is only our very best that serve us this fully.

I pray for the families of these two beautiful young hearts, and I try to think of them together in heaven. May God keep you close to him and may you feel his presence and love at this most difficult of times."
Sherril Nell Babcock of Glendale, California

"It's been almost 3 months, and I still find myself looking for and at pictures of us at Youth Rallys, TEC's- I still think about you almost everyday- and I know now that you are with us all- watching over us and making sure we don't forget the little things about you. I miss you so much. Take care of Eliana- your family and keep an eye on all of us. You are my HERO-"
Janae (Stucky) Melvin of Las Vegas

"Ben was loved by all that he came in contact with! He is truly missed, but we can be rest assured that he watches over us from above! I am honored and blessed to have known such a great friend."
Jessica (Penka) Schneider of Topeka, KS

"Ben is my best friend, I always admired him even in basic together and especially when we were in Korea together. I always considered him one of the best men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I just tried to be like him. This is proof that only the best are taken early.
A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.
God I miss ya."
SSG Jason Schweers of Fort Bragg, NC

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

"Ben was a great friend, cousin, brother, and husband. He loved to play cards. He is a hero that no one will forget. We love you Ben."
Victoria of Wichita, Ks

"Ben was a great friend, cousin, brother, and husband. He is a hero that no one will forget. He was an awesome cheater when he played cards. He is my idol. We love you Ben."
Victoria of Wichita, Ks

"Thank you for your thoughts & prayers. My husband has joined the many fallen soldiers in heaven to watch over us. We must always remember their sacrifice and continue to support our troops. We love you Ben & miss you everyday. Watch over your brothers and sisters who are still in harms way & bring them home safe. You still make us proud! Love you always & forever."
Elaina Morton of Merriam, KS

"6/3/05 To the Morton family,
We know your profound sorrow and wish that we could offer you some solace in these difficult times. Freedom is not free - your son is truly a hero and has given his life for all of us - many who take their freedom for granted so much of the time. Benjamin's bravery and willingness to serve will never be forgotten. Please know that there are so many of us now who share a kinship - those who have lost sons and daughters in war - and you are in our prayers every day. May God give you strength and blessings.
John 15:13 Greater love than this no one has, that one lay down his life for his friends."
Webster and Ruth Reed (Father and stepmom of Jonathan Ray Reed who died in Iraq on January 28, 2005) of Krotz Springs, Louisiana

""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.""
The family of LCpl. Branden Ramey, KIA 11/8/04 Iraq of Madera, CA

"To Ben's Family:
Ben Morton was a wonderful son, brother, husband, soldier, and friend. He was loved by everyone who knew him, and he will be greatly missed. It's hard knowing that he's not going to be around anymore to talk to or joke around with. Yet, as hard as it is for his friends to accept, I know it's even harder for you. Please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Voya con Dios, mi amigo. You will always be a hero in my eyes."
Mandy Powell of Wright, Kansas

"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

"TO THE MORTON FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. BENJAMIN HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, THOSE IN HIS COMMUNITY, HIS MILITARY FAMILY OF BROTHERS' AND SISTER'S. AN HIS LOVING FAMILY. BENJAMIN IS A PROFESSIONAL SOLDIER AND A TRUE HERO! I WILL STAND BEFORE MY SON, HE LOST HIS LIFE LAST MAY. AN PRAY FOR ALL OUR FALLEN AND BENJAMIN. NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To Benjamin's Family,

Thank you for your sacrifices. May you find peace in times of sorrow. Benjamin will always be a "hero" to many.

My brother, Spc. Edgar P. Daclan, Jr., was also taken from us on Sept. 10, 2004 in Balad, Iraq.

Benjamin, you will always be loved and remembered. Thank you."
Iris Daclan of Annapolis, MD

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

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