Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Never Forgotten ! (2015)
From your friend..Sgt Thompson, David R.
Iron Hawk Troop 3/3 ACR"
David R. Thompson of Pueblo, CO

""You will always live in my heart !!
" I will never forget you!" (2014)
SGT Thompson,David R.
IRON HAWK 3/3 ACR""

"DS Phelps... I had the honor to be trained by you in 2001. Death Dealers 3rd PLT 2-81! I have many great memories of yourself and DS Williams. Sone of the stories you shared with me were awesome! I was proud that I was following in your footsteps through the Excellence In Armor program. I remember you urged me to go active Army... I finally did. Well you know that because we saw each other in Fort Carson. I can't explain the impact you had in life as a soldier and most importantly as a man. I was 17 when I arrived in Knox... I'm 31 now and one thing I remembered and learned from you was your love for your family. I have a son nos and a daughter.. I talk about them just like you would when we would be in your officer cleaning our boots eating the candies you confiscated from other dumb privates like myself. Thank you so much Sargeant! To the family of Sargeant Phelps... You're husband and father loved you guys very much as you must already know. Feel free to contact me to hear my stories about him they were great ones... You will be missed. eric.hernandez@trin.net"
SGT Eric Hernandez of Fort Worth, TX

"I served with Christopher in Fort Knox, KY, when we were both Drill Sergeants. I remember when he was a Drill Sergeant Candidate. We called them "Turtles", the explanation of which is another story entirely. I remember how eager he was to learn the job, like a sponge he was. I knew he would be a great Drill Sergeant, and when he took over my Platoon, D/3/2-81, I knew it would be in great hands. I left in 2002. Who would have guessed that it would be the last time I would see my friend. Time stands still for no one. I wish it could have slowed a little. When I found out about Christopher's passing, I was saddened and in total disbelief. A great soul, a great man, taken from us too early. I miss you my friend. Although our time together was short, it was a time I will never forget and will cherish until the day comes when we meet again. Rest in peace, Battle. I miss you."
SFC (ret) Encarnacion Rodriguez, III of Germany

"May 24, 2011
Christopher, I still have the honor of your having your bracelet to touch every day through out the year. It is next to me at my desk and I have the pleasure of talking to you each day. I put it on today and will wear it over the next several days and especially on Monday the 29th of May to honor you by showing it off to all those whom I will come in contact with. I will be saluting you at the service on Monday at the Vietnam Memorial Park in St. Lucie,Florida and as I stand up when they announce the Army veterans I will stand as tall as I can and call your name. God Bless you especially and all those who stand up of freedom. Trust me, you will never be forgotten. Love to you and your family."
Charles W. Schloemer of Palm Beach, Florida

"I was in basic in 2001 and remember you as the DS for 3rd plt D 2/81. I was in second which was right across the hall. You used to work closely with our DS and i still hum the cadences i learned from you on those early morning runs. I will never for get DS Phelps!

SPC Howard"
Patrick of Youngstown ohio

"TODAY IS NOVEMBER 11, 2009 AND IS VETERANS DAY. I HAVE THE HONOR OF WEARING YOUR BRACLET TODAY GIVEN TO ME BY A SPECIAL PERSON THIS MORNING WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY OFFICE. YOUR BRACLET WILL BE HUNG ON MY BULLITIN BOARD NEXT TO MY DESK AND I PROMISE TO TOUCH IT EVERY DAY IN YOUR HONOR AND WILL WEAR IT ON EACH AND EVERY VETERANS DAY FOREVER. I SERVED IN THE ARMY AND AM PROUD TO SAY THAT WE DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. GOD BLESS YOU AND PLEASE REMEMBER YOU ARE LOVED AND FOREVER IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS."
CHARLES W. SCHLOEMER of WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA USA

"You will always live in my heart !!
SGT Thompson,David R.
IRON HAWK 3/3 ACR"
David R.Thompson of Pueblo, CO (USA)

"June 23, 2009
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Christopher W. Phelps:
Christopher 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

"for some reason i decided to google your name to see if i could find any news...i just can't believe what i found out...you were my drill sergeant back in 01 in think...and i looked up to you...you had this real cool way of dealing with us privates...i remember the one time i fouled up and called you private phelps...you dropped me for some push-ups...i remember you sharing some stories with us of your days in desert storm...still can't believe this...God Bless You and your family"
J. Bucci of NJ

"To all the wonderful people who have left encouraging and heart-felt messages here, THANK YOU! I recently discovered this site and it warmed my lost soul to know that so many people care about our loved one. Again, thank you.........from Bobbi and kids"
Bobbi Phelps of Rineyville KY

"i remember playing soccer with all your kids and my dad talking about how great of a friend and soldier you were
we will always remember you."
Darren Johnson of wichita ks

"To the family of Christopher Phelps:
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Christopher, my thoughts and prayers are with you guys. I lost my brother-in-law, Spc. Ronnie D. Williams (a.k.a Iron Will to his brothers serving in Iraq with him) on July 17, 2005. So I can relate to the pain and anger. He was stationed @ Ft. Carson with the 3RD Squad. and 3rd ACR, so him and Chris may have been side by side. I have alot of pictures of him and his buddies, if you would like to see if n e of them are Chris please e-mail me @ twcountrygirl26@aol.com I would b more than happy to give you copies. Again my heart goes out to u guys, and just know that they died a HERO, and they are in a better place now."
Theresa Williams- proud sis-n-law of Spc. Ronnie Williams of Erlanger,Ky.

": To the family of:Christopher W. Phelps 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 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"

"I will always remember Drill Sgt. Phelps as a tough but fair Drill, but more importantly I remember him as a model NCO and a hero. Thank you for everything you did for us 3rd PLT 2-81 AR BN AUG2002 - NOV2002.
God Bless you Drill Sgt"
Sgt. Maxey of Glasgow, Ky.

"Drill Sergeant Phelps (as I will always know you by), I was deeply saddened today as I learned of your death. I am proud to say that I am who I am today partly because of you. I mean I am almost in tears now writing this because I thought I would never see someone as strong as you, someone as squared away as you on this page. Drill Sergeant THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!"
SPC KRISTOFER BEASLEY of FORT BENNING, GA

"To Christoper's Family and Friends, I would like to extend my sincere condolences on your loss of Christoper. Christoper is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and know that Christoper is safe with God right now."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Remembering Chris from our Male High days, I was so sad to hear of your loss. Please know that my family holds yours in our thoughts and prayers."
Steve Brockwell of Erie, PA

"I remember all the times I would stay the night at Rae's and you would always joke around with us. Say stuff like "Your still over here". I miss those days. Thank you for sacrificing yourself to protect us over here. You will definately be remembered greatly and missed deeply. Mom (Bobby), Rae, Jey, Tey, Christian, and family you all are in our prayers. We miss you!! It's very sad to know that he's gone, but he's in a much better place. We are so proud of you for fighting for your country! Our gratitude is beyond imaginable and your bravery is unexplainable and words can't begin to describe it. I guess this is what comes with the war. But I'm so sorry! and Rae if u read this, call me ASAP because I can't get ahold of you! I miss you all and love you all so much!! TAKE CARE! God bless you all!"
Brittany Aurelio of Indianapolis, Indiana

"Chris my dear friend I will miss you very much. All of the laughs we shared, the stories we told and the dreams we talked about.

I know you died fighting for your country and doing what you felt was your duty and for that I am proud of you.

May your wife, children, brothers and sisters be comforted in their time of need because their loss is heavy but may they have joy in knowing that you are in a better place.

Gone but never forgotten"
Kevin N. Wigginton of Louisville, Kentucky

"Two weeks ago we lost our dear nephew, Lance Corporal Dustin Birch in Iraq. In the New Testament there are the parables of the Lost Coin, the Lost Sheep and the Lost Son (the prodigal). I believe these writings were included to bring comfort to those who have lost someone/something in their lives also. To assure all that everything lost - everyone lost, including your Christopher - will be found once again. In Luke the Savior tells us that He "came to save that which was lost." May these words bring comfort to you - along with the knowledge that all of our prayers - and gratitude for your family's sacrifice are lasting. “These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we attain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article
as freedom should not be highly rated.”

THE AMERICAN CRISIS
by Thomas Paine, published December 19, 1776"
Drake & Paulette Kirkham of Salt Lake City, Utah

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
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

"We are so sorry - You are a hero -and always will be! Thank you for your service to our country!"
Karen of WYO

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

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