Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I was on this deployment 20 years ago, and I remember Peters vividly. He was one of those guys. Real solid and dependable. He was an OG to me because he was a little older and knew his way around. That particular deployment 150 Air Force guys deployed attached to the 1st Infantry of the Army. It was a wild time over there in 04. We came home w 149. He’ll forever be missed and and in my thoughts and his family in my prayers. “All gave some, some gave all”.. rest easy brother"
SRA T. Boddy of Pennsylvania

"Ssgr Peters, we were stationed together at Little Rock AFB, and deployed together. I remember you sat next to me on the plane out of Little Rock. You comforted me, while I was have an anxiety attack about deploying to a “hot”zone. Its almost 19 years to the day you passed away. Although when I was notified about your passing while in country, i didnt recall his name. Although years later it hit me like a Gut punch. I shouldnt have made it out of that country in one piece myself. You talked about your family and your kids about how you couldnt wait to get home to them. How much you missed them already. You gave me advice and comfort that it would all be okay. We were in Gods hands at that point. To your family I am truely sorry that we lost a great man, father, and brother in arms."
SrA Johnson of Minot, ND

"SSgt Peters, on this day I want to thank you for given all for this county. On this Memorial Day, I want to thank your family for sharing you with us. I wanted to take the time to thank you for all that did for your Country. Your Airman Leadership School Instructor (Little Rock AFB)."
Ineal Knowlton of Weddington, NC

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rasmika chopra of delhi

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Ernest of Singapore

"It's been more than 12-years & I still think of you nearly every day. I tried to be there for your memorial service, but, being in the U.A.E. at the time, the higher-ups simply wouldn't allow me to come home for you...I tried. You always had a joke, a light & a smile. You were taken before your time & the void is still felt. You are missed, my friend."
Randy Ostrander of Binghamton, NY

"Dustin. I miss you so very much. Look at pictures of you growing up and think of all the times you called me to talk and tell me you love me. I think of you more than anyone can ever know. I love you so very much."
Granny

"Much love "bob""
wendy of Shirley ar usa

"To everyone, SSGT Peters truly was someone special. Anyone that ever met him knows this and for those who never had the pleasure of meeting him. I'm sorry. You would have without a doubt liked him. For those who read this and remember our trip to Fort Leonardwood for training before our deployment. I just want to say what a trip! He made it happen. Love him but thank God we had two vehicles.:)
My husband and I first met there in Iraq. He was Army and I Air Force of course. Dustin, whether he knew it or not brought us close just by being the kind of person he was. My husband and I often remember you Peters. Thinking of you makes us smile, laugh and cry because we miss you! There's an emptiness in our hearts because of you. May you rest and live in peace because you deserve it. To Fury, if you read this....you had a great friend and brother. Hope you're doing well."
Esco of GA

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Dustin W. Peters:
Dustin 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

"Dear Family of Dustin Peters:
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 Dustin Peters-- PLEASE KNOW YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS."
Love from all your friends of Bryant, Arkansas

"Dustin,
We miss you and love you so very much, still and always, and are so very proud of you! Your service, dedication, and perseverance through all that you sacrificed for our country, makes us very proud. Thank you for leaving us the gift of your son. He is truly a treasure and the best "little man" anywhere to be found. He loves you so much. His love and pride for you exemplifies the love and honor we feel for all who now serve, for those who have made it home safely like your older cousin, and for your fellow comrades who have lost their lives in this war. You set a very high and honorable example for soldiers to follow in your stead. Your younger cousin chose to enlist because of you. He wanted to make a difference just like you. Thank you for that. For that little boy who once told me, "My daddy is in heaven. He's watching over me and all of the soldiers for us.", I say thank you. We love you."
Trish Long (Dustin's aunt) of Enid, Oklahoma

"Dustin, I still think of you all time. You were full of life and always had a smile. I was your Flight Commander in Little Rock, and your service and dedication was always the best. You were so uplifting and nothing could bother you. You are missed and will aways be in my thoughts. I think of your son often and I know how much you loved your little man, my son is about the same age. Thank God for men like you. May God bless your family."
1LT Ryan Breeze of Arkansas

"I still miss and love you sooo.... Much, your still in my thougths..."
Amber Benning of Bismarck AR

"Happy Birthday"

"You're still in my thoughts every day."

"Dustin it is the year 2006 May 17 th. I do dearly miss you and think of you often. We were stationed together in Little rock Afb and were in the same squadron. I feel a connenction to you dustin do to some of the personal affairs you and I had to endure. I also was in iraq and was there the same time that you met your maker. Not a day goes by that I think of you and the way you could make a person smile. You will always be remembered and never forgotten. When I think of little rock and Iraq I think of you. We both were divorced the same day and only a couple hours apart. I rememember feeling low in my life and you were there to help me thorough. Dustin...you are a true man and loving father. It has been almost two years since we were there. I will do everything I can to remember you. Take care and till we meet in Heaven. God bless you and your family! I miss you man"
Jeff of Bremerton,Wa,USA

"To the family of:Dustin W. Peters 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 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"Dustin Peters, SSgt Dustin Peters, Hero, Solider, Friend....I was there with him, knew him for the majority of the deployment. First time I met him he was the most kind person. He did not know me, but knew my husband. He was always comforting when I was at a loss of words because of worries and what not. Wonderful person, soldier,father, son...the list can go on, but the point is SSgt Peters was a wonderful person inside and out. He cared for those he knew and didn't know. I consider him a friend, and pray that he knew how much he was loved by all and is missed by all....The Peters' family you are in our prayers always, nothing can show how much this man meant to a lot of people, words are just words, actions mean a lot...SSgt Peters it was an HONOR to serve in IRAQ with you, I miss you and so does my husband...you and your family are always in our hearts. You are a true American Hero!"
STL of USA

"Happy Birthday!!"

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Dustin W. Peters,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please use our link and register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Wife of an Air Force veteran and MCQ Member "
Kim Woodard of Richmond, VA

"I was stationed with Dustin on Andersen AFB, Guam. I was an A1C and he was a SrA and I always looked up to him. When we were having a bad day at work he always had a smile to give and could always make you laugh, I only wish that I had been able to know him longer. The AirForce has suffered a great loss with him gone, he was one of those Airman that made you want to stay in longer if you could have him for your supervisor! Not just that though, he was a friend! He is my 2nd friend I have lost in Iraq, and hopefully the last! But his Death is not in Vain, he died serving his country and trying to better others lives! I know mine is better for having known him. My prayers go out to all of Dustins Family. Just know that he is up there watching over you all now!"
Melissa of Mountain Home AFB, Idaho

"Good ole Dustin. Had some great times with this brother. I remember the time he reported to his first duty assignment at Whiteman AFB. Came over with Barry and Scott. All still serving. Hardest worker I have ever had the privilege to train with even when we did get the Duece and/or AT stuck in the mud back in the swamp. I do not grieve my brother's loss yet rejoice it for he made the ultimate sacrifice in something he believed in. That my friends is an honorable gift for GOD, COUNTRY, and SERVICE. I will remember the good times with Dustin and the times he just needed to talk in his little blue truck after work. Always in motion was Dustin than.. and till this day! Thank you SSGT!"
Joe of Yokosuka, Japan

"I give thanks to our Lord and Savior that we in America have such people as Staff Sgt. Dustin W. Peters who will serve their country with honor and are willing to give their life for the freedom of those who are so much less fortunate than us and live in a land where there was a person who would kill his own people just for his own personal joy.

Thanks to men like Sgt. Peters we in America can enjoy our daily freedom and help others in this world have hope.

I pray for blessing from our Father who is in heaven thru Jesus name for many very rich blessing upon Staff Sgt. Dustin W. Peters family and friends."
Bro. Jerry & Linda Smith of Nashville, Ark., Howard County

"Dustin and I came up through tech school and were stationed together at Whiteman. He was one of the best friends that I ever had, and he was one of those guys that I just expected to always be around. I just wish I could have seen him one last time but I find peace knowing that he died doing what he was meant to do."
Barry of Langley AFB, VA

"Dustin-
Please watch over Kenny Jo. She leaves soon to go back to Iraq."
Bethany of Maryland

"I work at Morgan City High School in Morgan City, Louisiana. As part of our annual Veterans Day ceremony yesterday all of the students, teachers, and guests were given a card with the name of a fallen soldier. I received the card with Dustin's name. After several prayers for you, his family, I felt compelled to make a web search on him...to bring a face to the name. I was lead to this site and am humbled by what I found. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers will continue for all of you that knew and loved him.
I will continue to carry his card to remind me of his bravery and his sacrifice."
Amy of Morgan City, LA.

"To the Family of Staff Sgt. Dustin Peters - Sgt. Peters must have been an incredibly special person. I didn't know him personally, but someone I know who served with him in Iraq spoke of him often and very highly. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, especially his young son. My heartfelt thanks to Sgt. Peters for serving his country and the ultimate sacrifice he made for all of us."
Laurie of Connecticut

"I read the fine words of testament to your character and I know you were a person I would have liked. I honor your loss and count you one of my heros. May God help you family and friends to endure your loss."
Pete Daniels of Independence, KS

"Dustin, Little man and I would Like everyone to know just how proud we are of you. Everyday we see your face and hear your voice, To the Militay members that got Dustin's body home safetly to the U.S. Thank you so very much. You are in our hearts and prayers everyday. Thank you to each Militay member and Vet. for making such a sacrafice for a safe country. Heather Peters and Dalton Peters"
Heather Peters

"Happy Birthday Dustin! The pain of you being gone still hurts badly. I miss you so much and think of you daily.
I love you!"
Bethany of Maryland

"I am the sister-in-law of Granny(Shirley) Lehman, Paternal Grandmother of Dustin Peters. She and the family are trying to answer in some way all the cards, letters, emails, phone calls and other responses to your kindness in this time of terrible grief. She has asked me to tell you all that her family is getting by, but August has been full of trying times. She talks to me constantly about all the wonderful things people have done and said and is trying to put together her words of thanks to post. Look for it in the future.

God Bless all of you and pray for our servicemen and women.

My email address:
Polypirkl@aol.com"
Lynette of Mesa, Arizona

"SSgt Dustin W. Peters was the bravest person I have ever had the priveledge of knowing and working with. We were in the convoy together the day he passed. This tragic event has made me realize how precious life is. Peters passing has made me appreciate life to the fullest. Dustin is a true American Hero, and I will never forget about him!! My sincere condolences go out to Dustins family and loved ones. May God Bless his soul!!!"
Jeremy Garcia of Holloman AFB/NM

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

"My name is SSgt Joel Thorpe and I was in Dustin's Company here in Iraq. He was a very courageous and outgoing individual. He kept our heads up and always had us laughing. I played guitar at his memorial ceremony and will never forget him. God Bless his family and friends and God Bless America."
Joel W. Thorpe of Hampton, VA

""Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13"
of USA

"I want to thank everyone again. It has made me respect Dustin all the more to hear how many peoples lives Dustin touched in his short life. I always knew he was a wonderful person and to hear others that feel the same way just makes me miss him even more. Just to know that others knew what a wonderful person he was means the world to us."
Darbie Brown of nashville AR

"To Dustin'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 loved one's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"I had the pleasure to work with Dustin in Saudi mid 2001. The he was the kind of guy that kept everything at ease. If you were having a bad day he would easily make you laugh about it. I remember setting around playing guitar with him and talking about his life as we all did. He made it sound like the fishing in Little Rock was amazing. There is no doubt in my mind that he was a patriot. I remember he made staff sergant while we were over there and he couldn't believe it. There are no words that will make the loss of this young man any easier, but I want to say thanks Dustin. Thanks for being there for all of us and others you worked with."
SSgt Karl B. Salisbury of 41 RQS

"Words cannot express the sadness and complete feeling of shock that I feel. I just learned of Dustin's death yesterday. I served with him on his first tour to Iraq last summer. He was smart, kind, loving, caring, hard working, very talented, a great leader and one of the greatest people I have ever met. Dustin had the kindest heart and the best personality. There wasn't a day that went by that he didn't make me laugh. His smile could light up a room. He kept me going while in Iraq and even after we left. He left Iraq before I did but I remember the day he left all I could do was hug him and cry. It was the worst feeling because I had no idea if we would keep in touch or if I would ever see him again. I knew from the first time I met him that he was a special person but I don't think I realized just how special. Dustin gave me the greatest gift, which was just being able to say that I knew him and the gift of his friendship. He has left a huge mark on my life that no one else will ever be able to fill. I will and do miss him greatly but will never forget him. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. I'm very sorry for your loss. If there is anything at all I can do, please let me know. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. (Thank you and God Bless You Dustin! You are a true hero. I love you.)

Darbie- You don't know me but Dustin talked about you to me. I have some pictures. If you and/or the rest of his family would like them, please let me know. My e-mail address is MissBehaven08@aol.com."
Bethany Gibson of Maryland

"Words cannot express the sadness and complete feeling of shock that I feel. I just learned of Dustin's death yesterday. I served with him on his first tour to Iraq last summer. He was smart, kind, loving, caring, hard working, very talented, a great leader and one of the greatest people I have ever met. Dustin had the kindest heart and the best personality. There wasn't a day that went by that he didn't make me laugh. His smile could light up a room. He kept me going while in Iraq and even after we left. He left Iraq before I did but I remember the day he left all I could do was hug him and cry. It was the worst feeling cause I had no idea if we would keep in touch or if I would ever see him again. I knew from the first time I met him that he was a special person but I don't think I realized just how special. Dustin gave me the greatest gift, which was just being able to say that I knew him and the gift of his friendship. He has left a huge mark on my life that no one else will ever be able to fill. I will and do miss him greatly but will never forget him. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. I'm very sorry for your loss. If there is anything at all I can do, please let me know. My thought and prayer will be with you. (Thank you and God Bless You Dustin! You are a true hero. I love you.)

Darbie- You don't know me but Dustin talked about you to me. I have some pictures. If you and/or the rest of his family would like them, please let me know. My e-mail address is MissBehaven08@aol.com."
Bethany Gibson of Maryland

"Dear Peters Family, Many thought and prayers are coming your way in this time of great sadness and darkness. Our grief is still fresh at the loss of my nephew, PFC Bradley Kritzer, and my heart aches for each of you. I wonder what Brad and Dustin are talking about in heaven tonight? God's bless you and grant you peace."
Laurie Miles of Coalport, PA

"I extend my deepest sympathies to SSG Dustin Peter's extended family. Also my thanks to him for his supreme sacrifice in the name of Freedom. My he rest in peace."
Major Fred Beisser, USAF (Retired) of Parker, CO

"Our thought and prayers are with your family. May you find peace in the memories of Dustin's life. Our son was killed in Kufa, Iraq on May 30, 2004 We will remember our Heros."
lisa and gino of columbus, Ohio

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

"To Dustin's Family:
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

"I want to thank the ones who have left messages for the family. I am his first cousin and Dustin was an wonderful person who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was actually from Mineral Springs, AR, where most of his family still lives. He left behind his mother and father, a sister and a 4 year old son and lots of cousins, aunts and uncles, who loved him dearly. Thank You again for the kind words you have left."
Darbie Brown of nashville AR

"Thank you Dustin Peters, 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 Staff Sgt. Dustin Peters:
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 Dustin 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 Staff Sgt. Dustin Peters:
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 Dustin, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia