Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"We served in the same unit, I was friends with everyone you knew but we didn’t ever get to meet. Not meeting didn’t stop us from becoming brothers and battles! I now live at the Lake and I see your memorial out front of Camden County Court House all the time. Your gone brother but you sure as hell are not forgotten!!! Hooah!!!!! 203rd Combat Engineers (H) , Alpha Co. 3rd platoon 3rd Sqd."
Lance Grant of Lake Ozark, Missouri

"Thinking of Josh again almost 20 years since I last saw him. Back then he knew when and how to have fun and to stand up. A great role model. Miss ya goat."
Garrett Euler of Los Alamos, NM

"I've never met Josh, because he died four years before I was born. But I ask my mom questions and wonder what it would be like to get to know him. Love you Joshua!"
Klsb of Camdenton mo

"Still thinking of you & always missing your smile."
RB of Montreal, MO

"I deployed with Josh. He was an athlete and an all around great guy. I think of him often. He will always be remembered. Gone but never forgotten."
Anna Blackard of Missouri

"hey Josh thinking about working together at kennelworth -good times- and that time you took the wrestlers on a "jog"(5 mile sprint). thanks for your service! We haven't forgot."
lance of camdenton mo usa

"To the family of Spc. Neusche I want to thank you for your sons sacrifice. My husband had the honor of being deployed with your son and we want to let you know he is not forgotten. He will always be a true hero."
Jessica Parker of Lamar, MO

"11 years?! How is that possible. Miss you"
Samantha of webb city, mo

"Joshua,
I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"This past Memorial Day weekend I had the honor of wearing SPC Joshua M Neusche's name on my race bib while I ran in the "I Did The Grid" road race in East Northport, Long Island. Even though I did not know Joshua, I did want to let his family know that he is not forgotten and that I am grateful all he did and sacrificed. Joshua will remain in my thoughts and in my prayers. Thank you again."
J.Tully of Greenlawn, New York

"It's been over 7 years and I still expect you to come home. I miss you so much....I'll love you forever. I know I'll see you one day..."
Becca of KC, MO

"Hi,

I was thinking about Josh today. I know it must be tough for his relatives and friends. Along with Josh, I was also a member of the 203rd. I want you to know his comittment to his job and the fight on terrorism is not forgotten. But not only that, he was a good, hard-workin' guy."
Tim Limkeman of Joplin, MO USA

"To the family of Joshua M. Neusche, I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.May Jesus surrond you with love and courage to face each day.If you need prayer or just to talk,please call my pastor, John Pearell at 770 787 1015."
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga.

"six years, it doesn't seem that long. i still wait for you to come in the door, tell me some story. i miss you and love you. to see that smile again, would make my day, for bear hugs that used to pick me off the floor when you were in trouble. just those memoriese is all i have now. this day will always be a sad day."
mom of montreal, mo usa

"To his friends and family,
I'm sorry for your loss
I really never knew him because I'm a student from Elk Grove High School in California and in my World History class we are researching someone who died fighting on our birthday. And throughout the years, Mr. Neusche was the only one on mine."
Samantha Governor of Elk Grove, California

"hey josh still missing you . lova you loads"
brittany worrall of camdenton mo united states

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Spc. Joshua M. Neusche:
Joshua 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

"Josh and I went to AIT together as crane operators. I served with him in iraq and kuwait during the deployment. He was assigned to the 117th quarry team, and i was HSC 203rd, but he volunteered to go with us. During the time inbetween AIT and the deployment we kept in contact during the drills at Camp Crowder, Neosho, MO. Josh was a good crane operator, and i wish we could have worked together more often. I was in kuwait on a supply run when I heard of his passing, and I only wish I could have spent more time with him."
Spc. Jake Anfinson of Purdy, MO

"Dear Family of Joshua Neusche:

To honor the Missouri 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.

For information,please email us at gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net

Sincerely;
The Artists of Grateful hearts"
J.Gragg of Lee's Summit,Mo.

"I think about you ever day Josh...I love you so much. I wonder if I shine my laser pointer in your window if you'll come outside to hang out with me. I miss you more than you'll ever know. I love you"
Rebecca of Camdenton, Missouri

"Josh was a great American and will be missed by ALL 203rd Houn Dawgs!
Commander C/203rd OIF 2003-2004."
Gerald H Green

"Neusche,
I can still see you, riding behind me in HSC 8 as we crossed the Iraqi border. You were an amazing soldier and a remarkable individual. I was proud to serve with you, and I think of you often."
1LT Elliot Graf of St. Louis, MO

"It is still hard to see that picture everytime but it was you. I still ache in my heart, never did I think that I would have to be here without you. A child is suppose to bury their parents not the other way.I think of you every day, but I still go on, put on a brave face and try to do you honor. I love you and miss you so much."
Mom of Montreal, Mo

"When I met Josh he was a kind young man and he was also a christian and he really cared about a person. I recall one sunday in 2000 he asked when i was coming back to school because I missed three months of school. That right there showed that he cared about his friends that he had. I miss dearly because of his smiling face down the hall ways at camdenton high school."
Jessica of Camdenton, MO

"Josh he was a really good friend of mine espically when I was sick we even went to church and I knew him for 6 and 1/2 years and we went to school. He will be sorely missed and his memory will live on through his friends and family. He was one of the people that really care about other people and I remember one Sunday night he asked when I was coming back to school because I missed about about three months of school."
Jessica of Camdenton, MO

"Josh and I were never very close, though our lives always seemed to bump into each other. He always made me laugh. His death wasn't one of stupidity, or self doing. He died doing what was right. He did what many of us were do scared to do. I hope this though helps his family and friends. Its Jan. of 07 and I still can remember the frist day he came to school after boot camp. He was such a nut! I hope his family has the answers that they deserve. I will always remeber you Josh."
Alexis MacIntyre of Thayer, MO

"It's been crazy without you bro we all miss you! Not a day goes by that we don't think of you! You are a true hero!"
Adam of Osage Beach

"You are still my best friend. I love you and miss you."
Amanda

"Josh was my first love. He always made me laugh, no matter what was going on. I remember meeting him at Camdenton and going through high school with him. I wish that we had spent more time together so that I could have seen his smile just one more time. I know that everyone that knew him wishes that."
Lindsey of Camdenton, MO

"I was Josh's Cross Country Coach and science teacher, mentor for the military...When I learned of his death, I was overseas, deployed as well. I struggled immensely, knowing I was one of the people who pushed him to military service. After time, I've understood his service was because of who he is. He could always make us all laugh. Having coached him and watched him grow through high school was his gift to me. He was truly a good person and my heart goes out to his family and friends. Rest in Peace...and God Bless."
MAJ Amy Anderson of Columbia, Missouri

"I remember the first day I met Josh. It was my freshman year at SMS in August 2002. We had calculus and our intro to college life class together. After a couple weeks of class we started to talk and eventually became good friends. We would always wait for each other after calculus and walk together to our next classes. I looked forward to those walks and also to see Josh's smile. He always had a smile on his face and that's something I will always remember about him. I also remember alot of fun times I had with Josh at SMS. In our intro to college life class, we went to the shooting range, and I remember Josh bet our teacher that he could out-shoot him, and he did. Over Christmas break, I remember a friend and I going to Josh's aunt and uncles house in nixa to see him, and we ended up going to a James Bond movie with him and his cousins. Josh was just the greatest guy. No matter what he was doing, he was always happy and you could tell that he really cared. I will always have a place for Josh in my heart. I am honored to have had to the chance to meet such a wonderful guy. I love and miss you Josh!"
Ashley of Springfield, MO

"Josh
josh was not only my role modle but he was a friend. josh was the only person who could understand me i have a little sis who gets all the attention and josh made me feel good. josh taught
me many of things josh is my hero he taught me how to love and cherish what i have with him and my family. i will miss josh more than you can imagine, and i will always remember all the times we shared from him walking me to school to going to the movies.
I will miss him and love him forever and one day i will see him again. but until i see him again I will just give him and his family praise.
luv u."
Brittany Worrall of camdenton,mo

"Josh, your brother and sister Houn' Dawgs miss you very much. Don't Kick Our Dog!"
MAJ Robert W. Ozee of Springfield, Missouri

"Josh was my cousin and we all miss him very much. He stayed at our house for a little bit while he was at SMS. I don't remember him coming home once without bringing at least one friend with him. While he worked at the video store down the street, we always brought him dinner and the people at the video store still recognize us when we walk in. They all miss him too. I remember one night he and a couple friends were going to go see a movie but it was sold out so they rented Jeepers Creepers and brought it back to our house to watch. I didn't watch the whole thing but now everytime i see it i think of the first time i saw it. I remember another time when they still lived in Springfield when we were out riding bikes around and Josh got lost or something and we couldn't find him but he came back about 2 hours later. I was a little kid then. And then another time we were at Aunt Cindy and Uncle Marks in Springfield and we went down to a creek near the house. We had to climb over a barbed wire fence to get down to it and as Josh was climbing over he cut his hand open really bad and we had to go back up to the house. We've had some fun times. I emailed him a couple of times while he was in Kuwait and he kept saying he wished he had music and books and a T.V. We all miss him a lot now and I can't believe I'll never get to see him walk through the door with 5-10 friends and a movie anymore."
Michael Clarke of Nixa, Mo

"You are my hero.
Good bye Josh"
Nurse of Homburg/Hospital of Homburg/Germany

"St. Charles Democratic Alliance held a Tribute & Memorial to the 20 fallen soldiers from Missouri on 3/19/2005, the 2nd anniversary of the War in Iraq. Four families of the fallen attended the event, and nine families shared messages that were read during the tribute by Connie Greene, sister of fallen soldier Jamie Huggins. The event aired on all four local newscasts (Fox KTVI, KPLR, KSDK, KMOV.) Biographies of each of the fallen soldiers were read while photos of the soldiers were displayed. The event also included Bible readings, songs, keynotes speeches by Rev. Jason Samuel and Viet Nam Veteran Ken Peters, and a fellowship in the church hall immediately following the tribute. Our organization was sensitive to the fact that even though information on Missouri’s fallen soldiers is a matter of open record, we had to go beyond the name, rank and serial number – we needed to share information on the fallen soldiers from the family’s perspective and present a tribute that each of the soldiers would have approved of. This was a day for honoring Missouri’s finest, as well as the sacrifice the families made, and continue to make every day. Special thanks to the Burkhardt, Gottfried, Huggins and Spink families for traveling long distances to Transfiguration Church in Lake St. Louis to participate in this community tribute. (anngastler@charter.net)"
Ann Gastler of St. Charles Democratic Alliance of St. Peters, MO

"I am organizing a 3/19/2005 Tribute & Memorial Service Honoring Missouri's Fallen Soldiers, hosted by St. Charles Democratic Alliance. We plan to have a spiritual memorial tribute planned to honor the 18 fallen Missouri soldiers who died in Iraq. We wanted to let you know your beloved isn't forgotten and invite you to this tribute. If you're not able to be in Lake St. Louis on 3/19/05 but would like to send a message or letter that we could read on behalf of your family, again, we'd be honored. Again, my deepest sympathy and please know that Joshua is in my prayers."
Ann Gastler (anngastler@charter.net) of St. Peters, MO

"I can't imagine losing my son, so with that said I want to tell you what a wonderful gift you gave each of us in this country in your son. I was fortunate enough to receive his name on my fallen hero braclet. Now that I have seen his face tears are in my eyes. As a mother that smile will be forever in my thoughts. God's plan lives on in our thoughts and lives that Josh helped protect. If I can ever do anything for any of his family please let me know. Josh is an angel watching over each of you."
Frances Dixon of Somerset, KY

"josh you were a great guy. Everyone is proud of you! I miss ya man, I will see you later I know it. I know you live in spirit, and I hope to see you one day. I will always rember our times in boot camp together at Ft. Leanord Wood."
Sgt. Holland of Cleveland, ohio

"Upon visiting my brother in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO to see him graduate from basic training, I bought a bracelet inscripted with the name of Josh Neusche. I got online and read his story and was deeply saddened to hear of his loss. I wear this bracelet with pride realizing that your son has more courage than many many people and I'm so thankful that he was willing to give his life for such an amazing cause. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Neushe for giving this world such a brave and great person. So many people that you don't even know are very proud of him. As well as extremely thankful. I will continue to wear the bracelet to keep your son alive in the hearts and mind of the people around me. Thank you, and God bless."
Katherine of Ft. Wayne, Indiana

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"I am truely sorry for the loss of your son=( I would probaly not be able to handle the loss of a child but im only a kid. You were truely blessed with a son brave enough to do this you should be very proud of himbecause of this brave thing he did!If you ever saw a rainbow think of him saying hi to you=)"
a 7th grade student of Barker

"I am truely sorry for the loss of your son=( I would probaly not be able to handle the loss of a child but im only a kid. You were truely blessed with a son brave enough to do this you should be very proud of himbecause of this brave thing he did!If you ever saw a rainbow think of him saying hi to you=)"
a 7th grade student of Barker

"Josh was an extraordinary and unique person. There wasn't a single person who he met that didn't feel like a close friend of his. He had a smile that could light up the room and make you melt at the same time. Josh brought so many good things into my life. He brought happiness, excitment, protection, and most importantly the experience of pure and undying love. Josh, you will forever be in my thoughts and forever live in my heart. I thank you from the depths of my soul for coming into my life and changing it for the better. I also thank you for fighting for what you so desperately believed in. You are my one true hero and I will love you for the rest of my days!"
Layne of Springfield, MO

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

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

"I wouls like to thank all the people who have been so supportive of my family. It is really hard to believe that i will never see my first born again. to hear hay what's ya doing from the son who always had a smile and a laugh waiting for you. he never meet a stranger. i miss you and you will always be in my thoughts and heart. again i thank the united states of america because the support came not only from our little town in mo but all over the u s . to the people who are like family joshuas friends and let me tell there are alot we couldn't have gotten through this without all of you guys & gals remember he loved you all and if the good lord is willing we will see him on the other side."
cindi neusche-mother of montreal ,mo USA

"Thank you Joshua Neusche, 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

"I went to school with Josh at Hickory Hills. I remember sitting next to him in our 3rd grade class, Mrs. Shroyer. I know it has been a long time ago, but when I heard his name I knew it was him. He has been in my thoughts and prayers since then."
Anny Schmidt of Springfield, Missouri

"To Josh's family,
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about Josh. We was such a wonderful person. He always made me laugh. In the short time I knew Josh at SMSU, we became good friends. My day wasn't complete without seeing Newsh, as we all called him. In a way, I don't feel like Josh is gone. Josh is an angel, and he is looking down on all of his family and friends. I will never forget him, and hopefully noone will forget his smile and outgoing personality. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
Ashley of Republic, MO

"Mark and Cindy - I may not have known your son but I have read so many wonderful things about him. I am so very sorry for your loss and most especially the questions that this has left you with. May you find the answers you are searching for and peace for your hearts."
Mary (Martin) Thomas ? marymt@mail.com

"This is my brother he fought and died for his country and he did it for all of us. We all miss him, me most of all. Just remember all the good times you had with him and all the silly dance moves he came up with. i miss him very much and thank all of you for your support of my family"
Jacob Neusche of Montreal Mo

"Just like everyone else Josh was one of my best friends, in fact at times Josh was my only friend. He was the first person I knew at Camdenton. He's the only reason I had any friends in Camdenton. I fell in love with him, he knew it and held it over my head quite a few times. The memory of his infectious grin keeps me smiling when I can not see the positive. My memories with him will follow me forever and I will never ever forget the times we had.
I'll always love you Josh& you will always be in my heart.
Krissy is right we can all be glad that he is watching over us, no one can take better care of us than Josh."
Maggie of Columbia, MO

"To the Family you are in my prayers...May God bless you. I do want to say it was a honor to have him in our military Thanks for serving our country"
Stacey (Proud Army Wife) of Zephyrhills,Florida

"I was in love with Josh since the first day I met him. You never saw him without a smile on his face even in the worst of times. Josh was my first love and my entire life for almost two years. Josh had a way of helping people work through their problems and if he didn't know what to say he was always the first one in line to give you a hug and tell you that it would be alright. Josh was one of the best people that I will ever know almost everything he did was to benefit someone else. He had the best personality of any person that I have ever met. He could always make you laugh. Josh always had a smile on his face but there were times when he had a little different smile and any one who knew him knew that he was up to something. Josh was my first love and I will love him until the day that I die. My heart goes out to his family and friends if anyone needs to talk or needs anything at all just e-mail me at smilelikethesunrise2003@yahoo.com"
Danielle of Lake Ozark, MO

"I knew Josh for about 6 years and I don't think I've met a single person like him since, and I don't think I ever will. I am never going to forget him. I never knew a guy that cared more about his friends than Josh did. I knew he'd always be there for me...and I know he still will. Josh, I will love you forever and a day. I'll see you again someday.
One of "your girls" forever,
Heather"
Heather of Branson, MO

"As I've read everyone's letters on here, I've come to the realization that it is a bit cliche to say Josh was my best friend, but he really was. He was everyone's best friend. That was just Josh. He knew me better than anyone in this whole world. He made you feel like you were the best in the world. Josh was my first love, my best friend, and someone who I owe so much to. We all do. Not only did he do amazing works while he was alive, but he did his most amazing work in his death. He died for the country that he loved and that is just like Josh to do everything to it's fullest. I know he certainly did wonderful things in my life. Before I met him I was just a 15-year-old in my little cocoon, but Josh brightened my life and gave me my wings and made me believe in what a beautiful butterfly I could become. Josh, I am forever grateful for your love and eternal friendship. I know you are watching over all of us now and I know we all consider ourselves lucky to have such a special angel watching over our shoulders. I'll remember, love, and admire you--always and forever. Thanks for the good times, Newsh! Love Ya!
Mark, cindi, and Jake-
Thank you for sharing your son and brother with me. He is so much a huge part of who I have become and I know I am a much better person because of Josh. If there is anything I can ever do for you or your family, don't ever hesitate to call! I owe so much to you guys! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!"
Krissy of Camdenton, MO/USA

"Newsh, was my very best friend, we did everything together. We were like brothers. He gave me more of a reason to be happy in life. I never once saw that kid without a smile. He brightened everyone's faces and days. I know from the bottom of my heart that everyone that knew him is greiving deeply... Newsh has been my best friend for 6 and 1/2 years and I can tell you all that he didn't just die a good friend(brother) to me. In my eyes he died a hero. Newsh... I love you with all my heart....and I'll see ya later buddy"
Trinkle of Osage Beach, MO

"It is with great sorrow I learn of this mans passing. I thank you from the very bottom of my heart for this man and his service to us all.

I echo the sentiments of Kathy Hubbell and urge you to not allow the Army to simply tell you it could not be one of the many vaccines he was ordered to take. I know others who had serious health problems with Anthrax Vaccine.

It is with great hope the cause is found and his memory cherished and honored.

Gods blessing upon his family"
Dave of New York

"Josh is my best friend and he always brought everyone together with his incredible personality. I thank everyone that has supported his family and all his friends. I just pray that a cause is found to set all of us at ease. Newsh, I love you best friend...Always and Forever."
Amanda of Camdenton, MO, US

"To Stephanie, and to the Neusche family,
Our hearts ache for all of you. We currently run the Military Vaccine Education Center at http://www.milvacs.org - a site not associated with the military in any way. We would urge you to read up on the problems associated with the mandatory bioterrorism vaccines and on Gulf War Syndrome. It's difficult to know the answers to these tragic deaths, but it's not difficult to discover that our troops are being subjected to things that have caused a great deal of harm. All best wishes to you, and may time bring back the spirit of those you have lost to comfort you. And may we always remember and revere those who have given so much in the service of our country.

Kathy Hubbell, Military Vaccine Education Center"
Kathy Hubbell of Missoula, Montana, USA

"Josh was one of my best friends and can never be replaced in this life time. Thank you for every thing you have done for me I will miss you forever. R.I.P"
Adam of Camdenton, Mo, USA

"We met Josh during the first semester of our freshman year at SMSU. We had a couple classes together, and became good friends. We will always remember Josh's smile and sense of humor. He always had a way of brightening everyone's day. Josh touched the lives of every person he met, and he will truly be missed. We love and miss you Neusch! Love, Ashley & Amie"
Ashley & Amie of Springfield, MO

"This is Stephanie Tosto again. Here is my email address and phone number if you want to talk and do something about this. We need to do something and there have to be more people who are going through the same. stephi_t98@yahoo.com my phone number 011491759146822"
Stephanie Tosto of APO AE 09034

"To the family of Joshua Neusche. My name is Stephanie Tosto. My husband Sgt Michael tosto died on june 17th in iraq.The cause of death is unknown but when i read an article about your son i was shocked. It was almost like looking at a photocopy. Michael was always healthy. He was never sick and all of the sudden he got ill. The doctor thought it was pneumonia too. If we could get in contact somehow that would be great. I want to fight this because something is happening over there that they are not telling us. I'm so sorry for you loss and i know how you feel about this."
Stephanie Tosto of APO, AE 09034

"I was a friend of Josh Neusche in school...we were in band together and I will always remember his crazy antics and the infectious grin always on his face....rest well Neusch Dog...we will always love you....."
Jessica of Arnold, MO United States of America

"To the family and friends of Spc. Joshua Neusche:
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 Joshua 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. Joshua Neusche:
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 Joshua, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia