Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Ten years ago, we lost a brave young man. We miss him still."
Wayne Hudson of Tyler, TX

"To the Family of Spc. Nahvi
I was on a work detail with him prior to our deployment we did what all soldiers do talk about everything and anything to pass time. By the time we were done, he felt like a brother. To this day I have dreams of us working together. I can say I am truly honor to have met your son and brother and he will always have a place in my heart"
Frank Sobochan of Midway, GA

"Russell my tazmedic brother just thinking of you brother. You will always be missed. I will fight for all of our veteran brothers and their families in Congress"
Jorge R Puentes of Llano, Ca

"To the family of SPC Navhi. I got attached to Combat 5-7 Cav during all the elections in Iraq. I had been in the same truck as Navhi and the others just a couple of days before they will killed. I was the NCOIC of the female search team. I m currently stationed at the Warrior Transition Bttalion at Fort Knox. We are in the process of trying to name our new buillding at the WTB facility. One of MEDDACs rules is that to name a building after a Soldier is that they be attached to MEDDAC. As a medic SPC Nahvi fits this criteria. I have suggested to the board SPC Nahvi.I need more information though so that I can write a bio to turn in with the recommendation. I know that he was a combat medic. I think i also read that he worked in operating rooms and that there is an award named after him and 3 other soldiers and awarded to the top class member of the Combat EMT class. I need to know what awards he has recieved. If you would be willing to contact me and help me write a bio for him, so that we may have a building named after him in his honor, I would greatly appreciate it. I wish I could do this for all of 5-7 Cav Soldiers that have given the ultimate sacrifice. You can contact me at melissa.d.reynolds@us.army.mil or 912-271-4411."
SGT Melissa Reynolds of Fort Knox, Ky

"SPC Nahvi, you will never be forgotten. Thank you for bringing freedom to so many others through your selfless service."
LTC Robert Ferry of Memphis TN

"I miss you brother...rest in peace."
Jason of Texas

"I was there at the end. I remember Russell well, and think about him all the time. He died in a just cause and was one of the best men I ever met. No words can describe the emotions. Peace be with you and we will never forget. Garry Owen."
CPT Mark Padgett of Leesburg, VA

"SPC Nahvi, you remain the medic to remember each and every Memorial Day. A testament to your parents for raising you right, you're also a testament to our Army for having served the right way. I hope your family's grief lessens with time. Your impact on those who served with you will never diminish. Thank you for the inspiration of your example by action. Godspeed and Gary Owen!"
LTC Robert Ferry of Memphis, Tennessee

"To the Family of SPC Russell Nahvi:
My name is Chris Gonzalez and I was a friend of your son. We attended AIT together and we were also stationed at Fort Stewart together, although in separate units. It was a great honor to have met him and also recieve an award named after him from RTI. One of my fellow medics also gave the ultimate sacrifice during our last deployment, SPC Joshua Anderson, and has also been incorporated as a member of the Nahvi/Katzenberger/Anderson award. My unit will be hosting a military ball and we will be honoring the memory of your son on the 18th of December, 2009. Please know that he will never be forgotten. christopher.gonzalez2@us.army.mil"
SSG Gonzalez, Christopher of Grafenwoehr, Germany

"May God Bless you all. I am so sorry for your loss."
Leila Shipman of Texas

"he will be not forgotten"
hamed nahvi of tabriz/iran

"Hey little brother - I cannot believe I'm going to spend my 3rd Thanksgiving without you around. I still think about you all the time and wish you were here with all of us... I miss you everyday and hope you can hear me talking to you when no one else is around... I love you dearly and miss you all the time..

Love
Amy B"
Amy Baggett of Atlanta

"hey russ. its been 3 years and i cant tell you how sad i still am. im sad because i miss the closest thing i ever had to a big brother. and im more sad because of how much i love your family and i know if its still terrible for me, i know it must be unbearable for them. just so you know, my favorite moment of all time was "karaoke night" that only nina and i remember. i wish people knew you so they could laugh as hard as i do when i tell that story. love and miss you!

nina, sam and nancy-if yall read this anytime soon, i love you and miss you all!"
ronni of lubbock, tx

"I can' believe it has been over three years since you were taken from us all. I think about you all the time and the fun we all had at Benning and Sam. You were a good friend and I'll never forget you."
SGT Phipps, Kenneth of Fort Bliss, TX

"September 27, 2008
To the family of Spc. Russell H. Nahvi:
Russell 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

"I read the memorial on msnbc from Russell's wife. I am truly sorry Nancy for your loss. I am also thankful that I have the freedom I do, because of great men like your husband who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can be free. I shared your words with my 9 year old so he will appreciate what it means to live in America. My father-in-law is a Combat Wounded Vietnam Vet, and we understand and appreciate the great contribution that our servicemen and women give on a daily basis. You and your family will be in our family's prayers this 4th of July, out of respect, and gratitude. May God bless you in your loss."
Steve J. of Roseville, Michigan

"We are missing you so much. There has not been a day that I have not remembered you. You will live in our hearts forever. Mana took your picture to school the other day to talk about you to her friends. You have been missed beyond words."
baharak shams of Arlington Texas

"i find myself in need of your guidance all the time. i miss you so much my heart aches."
your little sister

"I had the honor of working with nahvi i was in red platoon we used to cut up and joke about running amuck through north texas when we got home you will never be forgotten."
SGT. Clinton Little of Denison,TX

"Thank you"
A Grateful American of Boston, MA

"Russell im glad that i got to grow up with you and nina. i remember the time i would stay the night and nina and i would scar ourselves thinking someone was tapping on the window in the middle of the night when really it was the tree moving when the wind blow, ANYWAYS we would go in your room and try to sleep on your bottom bunk and you would tell us to "GO AWAY!" My family and I miss you!"
Erica of fort worth,tx

"I had the privelage of working with Russell at the TMC when he cycled through. I remember him being so kind and soft spoken and there was always a bright smile across his face. Although I did not know him well...I will never forget him. Almost two years after his passing, he is still remembered on Fort Stewart. My prayers are with his family."
Lea-Ann Wadleigh of Hinesville (Fort Stewart), GA

"To my best friend growing up...I am so sorry for your loss. When you called to let me know Russ had been killed in action, the words I wanted to say just would not come. I thought about him and Alisha being the same age and just couldn't grasp what it would mean to lose a child. I regret they were not able to be friends, as we were. I know you are very proud of Russ and his service to our country. I pray often for all the men and women who have been killed in action...and for those still out there fighting that I may live in a free country. Just know, I am thinking of you and your family."
Teressa Hart of Jacksonville, TX/USA

"To the family of:Russell H. Nahvi 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"

"It has been a while since I have visited this site. When I open up the link and start reading all the positive, loving, caring words everyone has wrote about you Russel, it brings a tear to my eyes. I can remember the day on the top of the Aids station when you brought SGT Chandler and I a Gatorade. It was about 130 degrees outside and you still were thoughtful and kind. You stayed up their with us until we were done flying. You had several questions about flight because you and I were both interested in becoming pilots. You would have made an awsome pilot, but now you can fly in a much better place with your angel wings. I love you Russel and I apologize to your family for us losing such a wonderful, smart, caring, brave young man. In loving thoughts of you,"
Chadwick Junkins of Ashland, Me. USA

"I still remember our conversation like it was yestreday. I couldn't believe it when I got back from LSAA and found you were gone. I'll remember you longer than I'll remember the guys in my own unit. You had that kind of impact on me. I wish you could have told them... Much respect,"
Colin G of Highlands Ranch, CO

"One year ago this night we lost a great medic and a wonderful person. I recall our last night and it started funny because you only had fruit on your plate as you rushed out to go on patrol. I said "You on a meat boycott man", aw you thought that was so funny as we laughed at the salad bar.

Same words I left of Jose's page are, I don't have to take time out of a busy day to remember friends.

I hope your family is doing well."
Leonard Brownfield of Fort Stewart

"Dear Nahvi Family,
I'm very sorry for your loss. I knew your son during AIT at Ft Sam and I am honored to have known him. He was a great friend and a great medic. I will never forget him."
SPC Adam Magers of 1141st SAPPER CO Kansas City Missouri

"everything reminds me of you. i have a new boyfriend now, and it breaks my heart that he will never get the chance to meet you. he will never know exactly what i'm talking about when i tell him about your fits of ADD, or the random faces and noises you'd make, or how you could make anyone laugh. i think long and hard about all of this, and i try and handle it the way you would. because ever since i can remember you have always been my hero. i miss you big bro, & i hope you like my tat!"
nina of arlington,tx

"Russ,
I'm so touched by the sweet things people write about you. They are lucky to have known what a truly wonderful and giving person you are. We miss and think about you daily. You are our hero, and we love you."
Jan, Clayton, and Jarrod Cochenour of Rockport Indiana

"You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers daily. We will never forget your bravery and sacrifice. You were a special person that changed the world through your big heart, and dedication to doing good for others. We are glad to have known you. Our hearts and prayers are with you and yours always."
CPT. and Mrs. Phillip Poteet of Texas

"To a great man, friend, fellow Texan, and soldier. You touched my life in more ways than you will ever know. I still don't understand why God only takes the best of us. Maybe it is your just reward for being such a great person. I'll never forget all the times we hung out and all the tough times you helped me through. I'm glad you at least believed in what we were fighting for. You know I did all I could...I'll never forget you Russ."
Spc Paul Harmon of Wichita Falls, TX

"He is missed by many here. He really took care of me and many other injured & sick soldiers on F.O.B. Poliwoda. It is still hare to belive that we were just joking around just 30 minutes prior to that patrol leaving.

I pray for your family to be granted strenght to cope with the loss of you man. You will not be forgoten."
Leonard

"Tomorrow we celebrate the lives of the men and women who gave their lives for their country. We, all of us, are their country. They died for us. They gave their lives for their friends. They gave their lives for people who wish they knew men like Russel Nahvi.

I did know Russ, and have only fond memories, of a child who grew into a man. I hold love in my heart for the parents and sister that must go on without Russ, ask God to give them peace in their life.

Russell you are the hero, and I salute you."
Wayne Hudson of Bullard, TX

"Russ...man, I miss you. I'll see you Monday.

JK Smith
27MAY2006"
JK Smith of Arlington, TX

"Love you, miss you more everyday, picking up the pieces you left us, putting together a puzzle with missing pieces, it's so hard, not yet a year, an eternity in this silent house.
Love always,
Mom"
Nancy of home

"Russell, thank you for the roses. You see I got it.
Love always,
Mom"
Nancy of home

"Russel you are a great man, and I was blessed to have met such a kind gentlemen. We truly will always remember you. May you be in a peaceful place now. God bless you my friend."
Chad Junkins of Ashland, Me. U.S.A.

"SAM & RUSSELL'S MOTHER,
I KNOW YOU ARE HURTING...MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU"
MIKE BIRMINGHAM of TORT WORTH TEX

"To Nancy, Samad and Nina:
We are saddened to hear about the loss of Russell. We remember him as a child who loved the outdoors and was always happy and playful, but now we will remember him in our hearts and minds as a hero. Please know we are thinking of you and praying for you during this time and that we remember your family with fond memories. Mrs. Nicholson told us about Russ in her Christmas card to us."
Dianne Hartley of Madison, MS

"To Russell's family, I hope everyone is feeling better, and i would just like to wish you all Happy Holidays. It may be tough to go thru the season without him, as it has been with Jose Rosario's family, but i guess ..... we should have that drive for a great life that they had, or at least try. My words may fall on deaf ears now, but trust me, i know exactly what you're going through. Take Care, and remember, Always keep him Alive in your Hearts.
Signed,
A Special Person to Jose, and a close family friend."
Helyne Joseph of St. Croix U.S.V.I

"im in charlie company 3rd FSB, presently in balad, iraq. part of my job is to travel around to different areas and stay at the different fobs for sometimes weeks at a time, we do this every month. whenever we go somewhere we stay with the medics, this is how i met Nahvi. i was immediately stricken by how cool a guy he was, extremely polite and down to earth, a good guy. we hung out every time i went to paliwoda to do my job, usually once a month. we talked about all kinds of things, mostly life, sometimes spirituality, sometimes just goofing around. i was looking forward to hanging out with him when we got back. just as a new friend, it really hurt to hear about his death, i cant begin to imagine what it must be like for his family, be strong, he will not be forgotten. im taking it upon myself to gather and give out the metal fallen soldier bracelets to anyone who knew him and wants one in my unit. the last time i talked to him we discussed family, and i remember him saying how important his is to him, and how much he loves them. i use present tense because im sure he's watching over them now. I offer my deepest condolenses to anyone who reads this, because you care enough about his memory to actually read it."
Miguel Ballmer of Fort Stewart, Georgia

"Dear Nahvi family - please accept my condolences for the brave passing of your son, in the line of duty for his beloved and free country, and to bring freedom and liberties to the Iraqi people and to the rest of the people of the middle east.

He will always be remembered as a champion for the aspirations of those who wish to become free and remain free."
Behnam Iranpour of Vancouver, BC, Canada

"Hi Russell,
I hope you lived your life. I wish you had your time. I know I missed you. Every where I go what ever I do, I think about you I wonder if you have been there and done that. Life is so fragile. We all have to go, only lucky ones go before their loved ones. I guest you were the lucky one among us. love you. You always are alive in my heart and memory."
baharak shams of Arlington, Texas/USA

"Russell was definitely a great man. Although we went our seperate ways after AIT, it is still a big surprise to find out about a friend and fellow medic.

I'm sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathies."
SPC Ryan McKinnon of HHC 1-64 AR, 2BCT 3ID, Camp Rustamiyah, Baghdad, Iraq

"" To Russ's family, My prayers are with you at this time of need. Russel was a good soldier and a great man. We were college friends and i can honestly say that being around him he felt like a brother.""
SSG Jimmie Kellum of Arlington, TX

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

"Russell amzing that well over two hundreds millions of Americans living in America today. You are the one of the handful's. That unselfishly, answered the calling to serve your country willingly. Fully, knowning you risk everything for everyone. That in itself tells me the person you become. An that you been raised by not only very loving parents. Given America a man that understands the fight against terrorism in AMERICA and the WORLD. Russell I thank you for serving our great country. That you became a military brother to our son. My tears flowed down my cheek for our son last year. Losing him was very diffucult. An my tears are for you Russell. You are remembered today, tomorrow and always. You are someone's someone and you are someone to the Wahl Family. You have not given your life in VAIN! Russell you are a HERO! An you are so much to those in your community, neighbor's, friends, love one's and your military family of brothers and sister's! Russel to your family PLEASE: REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED IN RUSSELL'S HONOUR. THAT HIS COMMUNITY WILL NEVER EVER FORGTOTEN HIM. GOD BLESS!"
leonard t wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To Russell's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' sons. Our boys are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gloria.caldas@sbcglobal.net"

"I am deeply sorry for your loss and the loss of a great Texan. May God give you the strength and courage to face the days ahead.

Michele Carter
Sister of CPL Gary Walters
KIA in Baghdad on 24 April 2005"

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