Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I served with Odie and you are in my thoughts this weekend."
KB of Springfield, VA

"”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 1,660 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 - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"December 13, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Maj. Robert D. O'Dell:
Robert 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

"Thinking of you, your family and your service to our country on this Veteran's Day 2008."
The Clemente Family of Manassas, VA

"I was assinged to a unit in the Mosul area at the beginning of 05' I'm currently back in iraq again, I had heard about this when i got in Mosul. Don't know if i have any relation or not but keep holding strong. "remember""
SPC O'Dell, Kenneth of Grundy, Va

"SGM O'Dell,

I had the privilege of meeting your wife and children briefly this past weekend in DC during the TAPS camp. Specifically, I got to know Olivia as we made our way from the Capitol lawn (along with your wife, boys and other TAPS families) to safety before a strong thunderstorm hit the site of the Memorial Day concert.

I could see that Mrs. O'Dell had her hands full trying to move all three of your kids along in the crowd, so one of the TAPS moms and I pitched in to help. I offered to carry Olivia to shelter and worked to keep her calm with the rain, wind and dust that was hitting us. While making our way to safety Olivia "formally" introduced me to herself and your family and smiled at me as I joked with her and asked her questions to make her think about things other than the storm and the people running for cover. Such a sweet smile and such a bright and personable girl for all of 4 1/2.

She held on tight, much as my own 4 year old son does when he's scared or looking for comfort, as I ran her to a safe spot with the rest of your family. After waiting a few minutes, I took her on a piggy-back ride to the safety of our bus while she asked me questions about the storm and said things like "I hope the rain doesn't get my heart wet".

As I thought about it later, it saddened me greatly to know that she'd not have the ability to cling to you that way again, nor could she flash that special smile at you when you'd answered one of those "Daddy, why is the sky blue?" type of questions.

However, thinking about it more made me realize how fortunate I was have spent that short period of time with your family, how blessed you are to have a spouse in Mrs. O'Dell who cares so much for your children and is continuing the great parenting you started together, and how I believe that there are others - many, many others - who will be there for Mrs. O'Dell and your children when the need arises to protect them from any "storm" that should come their way.

Thank you for the sacrifices you made to defend our country. While I never had an opportunity to meet you, I think I got to know a part of you through my discussions with Olivia this weekend and was glad I had the opportunity to do so."

"cynthia, connor, josh, and olivia....
there is not a day better than today (memorial day)to tell you that robert lives in our hearts. i can hear him laughing...and i can see him smiling...he was loved by many and is missed by even more. he will forever be with us- we love you."
c.c. of va

"Your are a hero. You gave your life for us to live. I hope that we meet in Heaven. May God give grace, comfort and the will to live to those who remain"
Tim O'Dell of Williamsburg, VA

"To the family of:Robert D. O'Dell 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. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga

"To the Odell family. My condolances."
SFC Robert J Dell of FT Irwin, California

"To the family of Robert O'Dell,

I send my condolences and my prayers for your family. I know that you have been looking to speak with me about your husband and I gladly will honor your request."
SPC Rachel Moore of Wurzburg, Germany

"Sergeant Major O'Dell, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Robert O'Dell your courage and sacrifice will always be remembered and honored by your fellow citizens and soldiers. May God be with your family in their time of need."
The Horab's of Manassas, VA

"Cynthia,

I thought this poem would help you.

Please know we are thinking of you and Robert every minute of every day.

THE MASTER WEAVER

Our lives are but fine weavings, that God and we prepare, each life becomes a fabric planned, and fashioned in his care..

We may not always see, just how the weavings intertwine, but we must trust the Master's hand, and follow His design.

For He can view the pattern, upon the upper side, while we must look from underneath, and trust in Him to guide.

Sometimes a strand of sorrow, is added to His plan, and though it's difficult for us, we still must understand.

That it's He who flies the shuttle, it's He who knows what's best, so we must weave in patience, and leave to Him the rest...

Not till the loom is silent, and shuttles cease to fly, shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needed, in the Weaver's skillful hand, as the threads of gold and silver, in the pattern He has planned.

Cynthia, we are proud of Robert's sacrifice for our country.

God Bless you and the children.

Your neighbors,
"Roy, Elaine, Adam and Jacob"
The Wright Family of Manassas, VA

"Dear Cynthia and family, I wish I had words that will bring you comfort but like so many who want to send you kindness but I and my family are at a loss for words. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and we are not far if you need anything."
The Mahaney Family of Manassas, VA

"He was a brave hero who will never be forgotten. The memories he has left behind brings joy to my heart because I knew what kind of man he was. May God be with my uncle, I will always miss you."
Forrest Taylor of Apple Valley, Ca

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

"We can not begin to express our sorrow for Cynthia, the children and family. Knowing what Robert has sacrificed for our country is extrodinary and we will forever remember him for his courageous work. We are honored to have called the O'Dell's neighbors and friends. We are here for them in any way they need us. God Bless."
The Williams' Family of Manassas, Va

"There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"We'll miss you Odie!"

"My former neighbor and friend lost his life this week. I feel so deeply for his family left behind. Robert was so friendly and kind to me and it was a pleasure to know him. I will think of his family every day as will my wife. We are there for them in any way we are needed."
The Riddles of Dumfries, VA.

"My heartfelt condolences to the family of CSM O'Dell. My husband was also a SGM and he died on 7 Nov 03 in Iraq. Today is the beginning of a long hard road. I pray for you as you make this journey. I pray that you are comforted when you most need it and that you have the love of family and friends to sustain you. God Bless you."
Donna Gilmore of Stafford, Virginia

"Our gratitude and condolences to the family of Sgt. Maj. Robert D. O'Dell. Our family cannot comprehend your loss, but we share a small measure of your grief on this sad Christmas morning and offer great thanks to Robert for his selflessness. As Walt Whitman's requiem for Abraham Lincoln states: "This dust was once the Man. Gentle, plain, just and resolute -- under whose cautious hand, Against the foulest crime in history known in any land or age. Was saved the Union of These States.""
Walter of Yonkers, NY, USA

"Thank you Robert O'Dell, 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. Maj. Robert O'Dell:
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 Robert 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. Maj. Robert O'Dell:
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 Robert, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia