Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"SFC Parson,

I wish there was more we could've done when your patrol rolled in, the Docs, PAs, Nurses, and Medics on FOB Rusty did everything we could to give you a fighting chance, and when you flew away on that bird to the 86th, we knew we had done everything in our power to give you that fighting chance. Rest peacefully in the hands of God."
"Medo" (LT Sorano) of FT Belvoir, VA

"Simply one of the very best leaders I ever met in my 25 years of service. I can only echo the same sentiments as my brothers Amos, Drake, Guthrie, and Rapson. All of us had the honor of serving with Lonnie at Ft. Polk. As you can see by their comments, Lonnie was more than respected. He was loved and appreciated by all who served with him. Save a seat for us Lonnie. Some day we'll all be refilling our canteens with you at Fiddlers Green."
SFC (Ret) Bobby R. Carney of Monroe, LA

"I was fresh out of basic training and showed up to Fort Stewart on Jan 02, 2003. On my first encounter with SFC Parson, I ended up doing 80 push-ups because I had forgotten how to report to an NCO. lol I was assigned to his track and we left for Kuwait about a month later. I cannot tell you the countless times that his training and ability to make decisions under pressure saved our lives!! I will never forget him."
David Watkins of Enid, OK

"Remembering you this Memorial Day, SFC Parsons. I served with you in the early 90s with I TRP 3/2 ACR. You were truly respected by your men. You led with dignity and care for those around you. RIP at Fiddlers Green and one day we will meet again"
William T(Tango) Amos of Milton, Florida

"SFC. Parson I do not know you. I however did run in your honor at the 6th annual warrior walk in Lakeland,FL. Thank you for serving our great country and allowing us to have our freedoms."
Starr Haley of Lakeland, Florida

"I was his gunner when we went to Haiti in1995 he will be remembered by his fellow scouts always ready"
ferlin guthrie of buffalo mo usa

"SGT Parsons was a great leader Prime example of what an NCO should be. He taught me a lot about life and what a leader is. See you in Fiddlers Green brother"
Timothy Rapson

"I wasn't your best soldier when we served at ft.polk or ft.lewis.However, you tried to make one of me. Because of that I cant repay the time given to me, and an example of what an Nco is to be. rest in peace."
ssg jason cranman of vero beach, florida

"I served with SGT Parsons in I Troop 3-2 ACR in Fort Polk La. Rest is peace SGT Paraons. Remembering you this memorial day."
Rob Drake of Webster NY

"Mrs. Parson,
I want you know that I could not bring myself to speak to you when we got back. I had no idea what to say or how to face you. Lonnie had a huge impact on me and my career. His death shook my foundations. I wish I could have had the courage to face you and be a better friend, I am sorry for that. Lonnie was my Mentor and my Friend. I think of him often, Im not just saying that whimsically. At least once a week he pops into my head. He will be remembered for the rest of my life."
SFC Tutini of Ft. Meade, MD

"Just want you to know that Lonnie is NOT forgotten, especially on this Holiest of days for our fallen brothers and sisters. I miss you everyday Lonnie!"
Charly Urban of Birmingham,AL

"For the family of Lonnie,
Please forgive me if I cannot put into words properly, the emotional sadness I feel for you. I did not know Lonnie in this life, but was the C-130 cargo aircraft crew member which flew the casket of Lonnie out of Iraq in 2005. Be assured that every aspect of dignity was given when transporting an American hero, and as this was one of my first time's encountering a casualty of two nations at war, this was very memorable. I often wondered if it would be appropriate to contact the family of the fallen, as my family lives right down the road from you in Roswell, but I have not had the fortitude to do so before now. May every blessing be bestowed upon you and your family and the sacrifice made by those that did not return in support of America not be in vain."
Scott Bailey of Colorado Springs, Colorado

"My heart goes out to Lonnies family. I have been searching for Lonnie for some time. I served with him in I troop 3/2 ACR in Amberg, Germany (Pond Barracks). I am deeply saddened to find out he is no longer with us."
Robert Tucker of Hokes Bluff, Alabama

""Hello First giving condolences to you and your family. My name is Patricia Roberts and I am the mother of the first soldier to die for Ga. (Spc.Jamaal Addison) Please contact me concerning a event on April 18, at Lakeside H.S. 404-509-1001"
Patricia Roberts of Lithonia, Ga"
Patricia Roberts of Lithonia, Ga

"Still think about you everyday...I always think about the last time I saw you that morning in your bradley...nothing but smiles.

R.I.P. Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie J. Parson"
-SGT. Conway, Joshua of Syracuse, NY

""Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers" is an organization of over 235 knitting groups throughout our country. Since October of 2007, over 2,900 prayer shawls have been sent to the families of our fallen soldiers. If you or a member of your family would like to receive a hand knit prayer shawl, please contact me at barbconway@comcast.net or 774 487-8618.
Sincerely, Barbara"
Barbara Conway of Cape Cod MA

"To the family of:Lonnie J. Parson 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 family of SFC Parson. I recieved my Hero Bracelet yesterday and it was his name that was inscribed upon it. Please know I will proudly wear the bracelet to honor the sacrifice he made for me and all Americans. I also viewed his picture on the DoD website so that I will remember the face that goes with the name. I, and anyone who sees the bracelet, will not forget him. Nor will I forget the sacrifice made by you, his family.
God bless SFC Parson, may God bless you, and God bless America."
Charles Bredwell of Austin, Texas

"August 20, 2008
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie J. Parson:
Lonnie 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

"Belated as this message is, I am proud to have served with Lonnie at 1-4 Cav. He was a great mentor and inspired me to be an even better NCO and leader. Words can not express the feelings that I felt upon reading of Lonnie's death although late as it might be. I feel honored to have served with him. Yours family's thoughts and prayers are with the country.

Sincerely
David, Sherry, Alexis and Jonathan Farrell"
David Farrell of Tracy, California

"I'll see you at Fiddlers Green SFC. Parson."
SPC. Wilson, Michael of Nashville, TN

"Lonnie, my cousin, my HERO! Gone but NEVER EVER forgotten. You are always in our thoughts and in our hearts. We miss you! I never got to tell you how much I respected you, admired you, and loved you. You made the ultimate sacrifice. You ARE my HERO! Thank you! I'll see you in Heaven one day. Until then, please remain our Guardian Angel!"
Michele (Brown) Snyder of Wetumpka, AL

"Lonnie was my cousin but he was more like a big brother to me, he taught me things i will never forget. He was a kind hearted person. He is still missed today. 11/23/07"
Rocky Langham of Bay Minette Al USA

"Lonnie was my cousin he was more like a big brother too me he is missed very much still today. Gone but never forgotten...."
Rocky Langham of Bay Minette Al USA

"I am the wife of SPC Bresler. He served with Mr. Parson in the deployment. As of 5/7/07, Spc Bresler is now back in Kuwait soon to be Iraq. Mr. Parson was killed on my husbands birthday and admires him dearly. He wears the metal memorial with Lonnie's name on his wrist frequently. He will not be forgotten. I am sorry for your loss, and now I live in the fear you once felt."
Chandra Bresler of Fort Stewart, Georgia/USA

"Lonnie was an incredible man let alone an outstanding soldier and my cousin. My prayers and my love to Michelle, Lance and Paige. Lonnie you will never be forgotten."
Kala of Florida

"Hi, I am SFC Dilcher, I served with Lonnie in Korea, I was in ANCOC when I heard the news of his ultimate sacrifice for his country. I will always remember him as a man who always had a smile on his face. We had alot of good times in Korea and he will never be forgotton. See ya at Fiddler's Green my friend"
SFC Matthew DIlcher of Ft Carson Colorado

"To honor the Georgia soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, the professional portrait artists of the Atlanta Fine Arts League are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family. These 16 X 20” original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families’ loss. Please visit our website www.atlantafineartsleague.org or email us at AtlantaFineArtsLeague@Yahoo.com for further information."
–The Atlanta Fine Arts League of Georgia

"Lonnie, I'll see you at Fiddlers Green my friend."
Luke Devlin (formerly Apache Red one) of Boston MA

"Hi, my name is Kala. I was Lonnie's cousin. We only met once, but I still feel the pain that his family is. Nothing can ease that pain. May the Lord be with the Parson family."
Kala of _____

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your
Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the loyal service and sacrifice that was made and
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Our cousin LCPL Michael Smith Jr. gave his life on 4-17-04 fighting for freedom.
Please know that this was not in vain and these American Heros will FOREVER be honored.
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 family and friends of Lonnie Parson. Our deepest sympathy to you all. Our hearts are heavy to hear of your loss. With sincere repects we honor Lonnie, his commitment and courage, his service to America. WE will never forget."
Vigil Family of Wheatridge CO

"To the Parson Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Your Lonnie is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and God Bless Lonnie."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Rest well, cavalryman..."
Bobby "Fitz" of Cincinnati, OH

"To the Family of Sfc. Parson, Words cannot ease the pain that you are feeling right now. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family, our prayers are with you. My son Joshua has great respect for your husband, he was lucky enough to have actually served under Lonnie in 2003 during the invasion of Baghdad. I know our men over there will always remember your husband and what a great leader he was to them. God Bless you and your family!"
The Family of Sgt. Joshua Conway, 3-7 Cav, 2nd Brigade, 3ID, Ft. Stewart, GA of Central Square, NY, USA

"To the Parson's Family: Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. My husband was stationed with Lonnie in Baghdad and had the wonderful opportunity of working beside him for a short time. I pray that you find comfort in knowing that Lonnie was a good soldier, a great leader, and an amazing friend to many. Although I know your children would rather have their father, I hope they know what an amazing legacy your husband left them. He was a hero many times over and a source of inspiration to many young soldiers coming up through the ranks. It's not very often you come accross soldiers of Lonnie's calibar. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers and that we are here for you...anytime...anything...anywhere."
Melissa Mabrey of Fort Stewart, Georgia

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

"I am truly sorry for your loss. May God give you the comfort and strength to face the days ahead.

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

"My family offers sympathy to SFC Parson's family. We suffer our own heartfelt bereavement for the loss of SFC Parson. My husband told me this, only today..."one of the guys was a good friend of mine. We talked about Harleys alot. He bought one the last time we were here. He was an E-7 and one of the best guys you could know."

During this time of sorrow my thoughts go to the words of President Abraham Lincoln. One hundred and forty years later, his words convey my husband's and my own feelings more appropriately that we can offer with our own original thoughts.

"I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.""
Dawn Borden of Richmond Hill, GA

"TO THE PARSON FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY! WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE LOST OF LONNIE. OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH LONNIE AND YOUR FAMILY. LONNIE YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN! YOU ARE REMEMEBERED TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER! LONNIE THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY AND ALONG SIDE OUR SON. YOU ARE UNITED WITH HIM. AN MY TEARS FOR MY SON ARE WITH YOU LONNIE AND ALL OUR FALLEN. IT IS CERTAINLY, DIFFUCULT TO LOSE SOMEONE YOU LOVE VERY DEARLY! I NEVER WORRIED ABOUT HIM FOR I KNEW HE HAD SO MANY BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S WATCHING HIS BACK AS HE DID FOR YOU ALL. LONNIE YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. THOSE HEARTS YOU TOUCHED LONG WILL REMEBER THOSE VERY PRECOIUS MOMENTS; YOU SHARED TOGETHER! LONNIE OF ALL THE MILLIONS OF AMERICAN'S. YOU ANSWERED A CALLING VERY FEW DO! SO YOU ARE MORE THEN A HERO! YOU ARE THE VERY ELITE OF AMERICANS! SERVING YOUR COUNTRY RISKING IT ALL FOR ALL AMERICAN'S. I PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TODAY. TO YOUR FAMILY! REACH OUT TO YOUR POLITICAL LEADERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY. ASK THEM TO NAME A STREET AFTER LONNIE. WAR MEMORIAL COME YEARS AFTER A CONFLICT AND OR WAR. LONNIE DESERVE'S TO BE HONORED YESTERDAY. WE NEED TO KEEP ALL OUR FALLEN IN THE MEMORY OF ALL AMERICANS. SO THAT LONNIE, GREGORY AND ALL OUR FALLEN ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Thank you Lonnie Parson, 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. 1st Class Lonnie Parson:
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 Lonnie 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. 1st Class Lonnie Parson:
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 Lonnie, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia