Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Not only was Tatijana an exemplary NCO, she was always the mother to our female troops. I have ALWAYS felt responsible for her death, as I am the person that assigned her to her last mission. She comes up quite often in my mind even to this day. She was one hell of an awesome Soldier and I will never allow her memory fade as long as I live. It was my honor to have served with her. I wrote a letter to Gen after her death and it was returned to me, unopened, with a request to never try to make contact again. 19 years have passed and still I grieve."
Barry of Colorado Springs, CO

"There is not a day that I don't think about Tatjana. She was the nicest person that welcomed us when we got to the FOB. I was getting ready to go on R & R when I found out. I could not believe it!! Still to this day after visiting Arlington Cemetery where the Womens Memorial is I just cried. You will always be there with that huge smile on your face. You touched so many lives and will always be there. Miss you!!"
Sgt(R) Natalie (MacLeod) Call of West Townsend, Ma

"I was stationed with then SPC Reed in Dexheim Germany. She worked in the Orderly Room. When I arrived to the unit for the first time she was very nice. She made me feel as if we had known eachother for years having only just met her. At the time I was a newly promoted Sergeant. I completed my 3 year tour and came back to Germany a year later from Korea. I was stationed now in Kaserslautern. As I made my way around the new company area looking around trying to get my footing about me I heard about a couple of Soldiers who were killed on their last deployment. At the time the name didn't ring a bell to me but when I went into the Company Conference Room I noticed now SGT Reeds picture on the wall. I found myself just looking at it and immediatley had thoughts of her daughter. I was wondering how she was doing and how she was dealing with the loss of mother. My heart felt weighed down with sorrow to know that the person who I remembered making me feel as if we had known each other for years was taken away from her friends and Family so soon. SGT Reed will never be forgotten and her memory will live on in all of us how lives she touched. R.I.P."
SSG Askew of San Antonio, TX U.S.A

"I just wanted to somehow make it known that Tatjana is still in my thoughts. I hope that you remember her as well, today, tomorrow, forever. To her daughter: we are here for you, yesterday, today, tomorrow. just reach out to us on here...We won't forget, I won't let you be forgotten"
Britta of World

"I was stationed with Tatjana in Dexheim Germany in 2001. I went to her house for lunch one day and remember her making open faced sandwiches and saying this is how we eat them in Germany. I just loved that. I was so young and far away from home, and she made me feel like everything would be ok. She would just smile and talk with me and its just incredible how one moment, one person, can stay with you for a lifetime. I deployed to Iraq with 101st Airborne division in 2003, and find out about Tatjana when I came back. My heart sank and there are no words to express the sadness I felt. She will never ever be forgotten. Beautiful beautiful person."
Katie Ramby of Fort Bragg, N.C.

"I just found this website today. It says Sgt Reed dies in Samarra, but in fact she came to the 67th CSH in Tikrit and died there. I was one of the doctors when she came in and we spoke. She made such an impression on me and I have thought about her off and on so many times over the years wondering how her children were doing---she spoke of then in the ER. Her last thoughts and words were of them and her soldiers....I don't know if anyone will ever read this. posting as so many years have passed...docpat67@gmail.com"
Patricia Lillis Col (ret) MC USA of Stevens Point, WI

"I hope I have the right soldier. I was a doctor at the clinic in Dexheim Germany' and remember seeing her kids. I also remember in horror seeing her name flash across the screen as a KIA. So terribly sad. Have never forgotten this. Of the several people I know who we're lost she and her kids are the ones I remember the most and think of on memorial day."
Erik Shelstad MD of Montevideo mn

"I REMEMBER SEEING SGT REED WHEN I CAME BACK FROM R AND R.I noticed that she was going on a convoy that (took her life) because I had something for her. I brought her back something from Boston, and was excited to give it to her. Sgt. Reed was the 1st and only person that showed my unit a warm welcome when we got there- we were scared out of our wits, but she somehow managed to let us know that everything was okay and we will get to go home and be safe again. I was already late for work in the motorpool, so I decided not to give it to her because I will see her later during the day... that never came. I was so heart broken to find out that she had passed. She was like me, she was a single mother who was fulfilling her obligation.....it is still tough for me years later. Her memorial in the FOB was not easy to witness- it was the hardest thing to get through because she touched so many lives within that one deployment- everyone has something positive to share about her. She was a wonderful person.... she made you feel at home. Thank you Sgt Reed for giving the ultimate ."
J.Edmeade of Boston, MA

"I lived in the building with the 66th trans in tikrit. I remember her smile. Its many years later now 2012 and i still remember. I will not forget. What you and Dantzler gave for so many."
Barber of Providence RI

"Gen* please contact me, I have had many things I have wanted to tell you but personally, about your mother.. I worked with her during the deployment. I am very sorry I did not go to her memorial service, but it hurt too much, I have always longed to see you. SGT Reed loved you very much, words really can not express it. In case you may not be able to contact me, I will say this, she told me several months before*, "Mason, Life's too short." and then hugged me. She was a very loving person, but yet also very tough and strong. I will have to share some stories with you~one day~ I hope! Also, please don't forget you are part of the 66th TC family. We will never forget!
~With <3 lots of love
~Freedom is not Free~"
alishia.mason@gmail.com of Tampa, Florida, United States of America

"Dear Tatjana
I will always remember how we meet at 1AD in Wiesbaden and the first thing u ask me was" Do you like to have some chocolate? there was this big blue bowl fill with sweet stuff on your desk and thats how we both became friends...chocolate was the magic key:-)) Dann kam der krieg und 1AD machte sich fertig für den Irak..du sagtest zu mir..Dany ich gehe nach Kaiserslautern die müssen nicht runter weil wenn ich gehe komme ich nicht mehr...doch kaiserslautern musste doch in den irak und wir blieben per mail in kontakt..du hattest nur noch 1 tag und deine sachen schon gepackt...doch dann bekam ich keine antwort mehr..du konntest mir nicht mehr schreiben....
Tatjana R*I*P* i miss you
my email dg2630@yahoo.de"
Daniela Grundmann of Mainz/Germany

"To Genevieve and Family,
It's been along time since Tatjana left us, and time has moved on. There isn't a day though were I don't think of you and miss you Genevieve. For everybody who doesn't know, I was Genevieve's guardian during Tatjana's deployment. Up until 22nd July Gene was with us. With yet another new year I wish you Genevieve nothing but the very best. If you would want to email me: itsmetanjac1@yahoo.de
We still miss and love you."
Tanja and Sharon of Kaiserslautern, Germany

"16 June 2010

It has almost been 6 years and as I am preparing to PCS, I think of the many people who have gave all. Tatjana was one of those people; an intense German like most of us are with strong convictions and opinions. I think of you often, Tatjana. I know you are missed by your family but your fellow soldiers as well.

Danke Kameradin, und die Reise beginnt, alles vor dir ist neu."
SFC Jana Tittle of Lorsch, Germany

"I am so glad to see that people are still leaving messages. Even more did it make my day to see that Genevieve my niece finally is finding these great tributes to her mother. It is one thing when family members tell her what a great woman she was and how much she loved her... I just think it means that much more when she reads it from all these strangers. It only seems like yesterday when my sister was ripped out of my life but here it is almost six years. I still cry and talk to her almost every day. I MISS YOU.
Thanks to all of you for speaking so kindly of my sister"
Rebecca Milliner (milliner50@hotmail.com) of Hornell, NY

"I was stationed with SGT Reed in Kaiserslautern (66 Trans) and deployed to Iraq with her in Dec 2003 to 2005. I was on R&R and came back a day after the convoy was hit that took the lives of SGT Reed and SPC Dantzler. I got the news when I returned to Anaconda from a fellow Soldier, I could not believe that SGT Reed was gone. I literally dropped to my knees when I was told and started to cry. They were the first and only loses we had suffered even though we had been thru numerous attacks up to that fatal day. I met her daughter when we got back to Germany while we were visiting her burial site. I felt so sorry for her. Even though she had lost her mom she was so upbeat while visiting with us. 66th Transportation Company had been through alot during that deployment and we have lost a TRUE AND GENUINE SOLDIER IN SGT REED. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN MY FRIEND."
SSG Simmonds, Floyd of 3BCT 101st ABN DIV, Bagram, Afghanistan

"Thank you for your sacrifice. RIP"
Kay of Ky

"Thanks you Genevievé, for posting, it helps some for me."
SSG David Burnett

"Wow, I really want to thank you all so much. I'm speechless and so glad I found this website.
Its always nice to know that my mom was a person that did such good things so that so many people can write about her. again thanks."
Genevievé Reed of Fulda, Hessen, DE

"I served and was in the convoy that day this happened. My gun truck switched places with there humvee.I remember her most in Mosul when we were hauling water at the turkey border.She was a good person and always seem to be in a good mood.I still remember that hot day and the fact that we were not even suppose to be on the road.I did not see her again after i seen there humvee engulfed in flames. I remember more every year about this time and think how blessed i was that day and will never forget the last time i spoke with her in anaconda before we started that nightmare of a convoy back to camp speicher. I will never forget the faces of her fellow solders after it happened and watching the humve airlifted out, and the fact that they made us finish that convoy at night.I know i will remember her every year about this time and will say a prayer for her and her child."
chris of steubenville, ohio, usa

"July 4, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Tatjana Reed:
Tatjana 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

"While stationed in Iraq at FOB Speicher Sgt Redd lived downstairs from me. She was like the mother in her unit, all the young soldiers went to her for comfort and advice. When I went outside to the sitting area, Sgt Reed would stand at the position of parade rest and not speak until spoken to. She was a real proffesional soldier. I attended the services at Speicher for Sgt Reed and Danzler, who was also killed that day. I recall her 1st Sgt choking up when he had to call out her name 3 times. There were many tears and we all felt the loss....she will be missed."
Karen of Maine USA

"(Continued) I would like to write an article about Tatjana. If someone who knew her reads this, and would like to tell me more about her, my email address is lnehrebeczky0001@kctcs.edu. Thank you!"
Lujza Nehrebeczky of Lexington, Kentucky

"Tonight, on August 27, 2007, there was a candlelit vigil in Lexington, KY, in memory of Kentucky soldiers who died in Iraq. I was given Tatjana's name and lit a candle in her memory. I do not know anyone who has died in the war, but now I feel somehow connected with Tatjana. I was grateful that I could find a photo of her and learn a little about her. If her mother or little daughter reads this, please know that I keep you in my thoughts and prayers."
Lujza Nehrebeczky of Lexington, Kentucky

"The night that I I found out you were gone was really rough for me. I wanted to go see you but they never let me. It was an honor to have called you my friend. I will never forget you peeking your head over my door in the mornings telling me to get up so we could go eat. I will never forget your smile nor your laughter. My friend keep smiling down on us and you will always be in my heart. I MISS YOU GIRL."
SGT Carrie Allen-Johnson of Fort Hood, Texas USA

"Genevieve this message is for you:
I don't know if you check this and I haven't seen you in about 5 years, but we are back in Germany and if you ever want or need anything, please call me (0951.209.6965) or email me (rossdella@hotmail.com). We'll be here until October of 2009. I would love to see you again... you were a wonderful child and your mother was a very dear friend of mine. I think about you and your mother often. I hope you are doing well."
Della Ross of Bamberg, Germany

"Genevive,
you may not remember me, but i took care of you once when your mom needed someone to watch you after school in dexheim. tatjana was so nice to me from the moment i met her. she drove my husband (sgt. pete crockett) to the airport in Frankfurt to pick me up. (because we had no car yet and he didn't know how to get to the airport) she showed us around, took me to a bakery (i was very pregnant & hungry) and took us to our apartment. if we ever needed help, she was always there, even if it was something simple like explaining our german phone bill to us. my pete worked with her daily and all she ever talked about was you. our prayers are with you, we are sorry that she was taken from you too soon. if you ever need anything please let us know. your mother will always be remembered and held dear in our hearts. God bless you. (we just got to ft. bliss, so we should be here for a while)"
the crocketts, pete, patty & brynn of ft. bliss, tx

"Yesterday I was at the beauty salon, and my hair dresser, was feeling very sad. Turns out that just the day before, she learned from another customer, that Sgt.Reed had been killed. This is a long time after the fact, but the last time she saw her, was right before she had left for Iraq. She said she was sad to see her go, and was worried about her well being, and Sgt.Reed told her, that she would only be gone a year, and this is her 3rd trip to Iraq, she is coming back.
She never did see her again, but it did not seem strange since Sgt.Reed was now in K-town, it would be quite a drive for her to have her hair done, so my hair dresser just figured she found someone in k-town to do her hair.
This must of been an incredible woman, my hair dresser said everyone loved to see her when she would come in, if they saw her scheduled for an appointment, everyone would be excited about it.
Her sadness touched me, and I feel cheated that I never got to meet, or know this wonderful person.
My prayers are with her family, friends, and all the people who knew her and will miss her."
D.Woods of Wiesbaden

"sorry for your loss, i signed up for oversea truck driving. god bless us all."
billy of somonauk, il . usa

"Mein Beileid gilt allen Amerikanischen Familien die in diesem schrecklichen Krieg
ihre liebsten verloren haben.Dieser verlust ist unbeschreiblich.God save the Familys of fallen Soldiers and their childs."
Bausen of Germany

"To the family of:Tatjana Reed I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. She died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully one day we will meet in Heaven 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

"My condolenses go out to this soldiers family,friends, and everyone in the 66th. I also served in Iraq, with a National Guard unit out of NJ. I was also with the 66th from 98-2000. God Bless."
Anthony Garzo of Franklin Park,New Jersey

"Tatjana Reed your mein Hero i Love you mam"
Brigitte Dykty of Clarksville TN

"While I only got to know SGT Reed a couple of weeks before her death, she was truely a caring and giving person. She was attending a medical class at the post hospital when we me. She wated to refresh her medical skills so that she could help our her company, should anything happen. It was during this time that she volunteered her time to our detachment. Sgt Reed assisted in getting us a truck to pick up our connex box in Balad and went on the convoys with us. She didn't have to, and it wasn't her job, but she wanted to help. In thanks, we invited her to a BBQ at the fire station we worked, and made sure she got the biggest steak! It was only two weeks later when we found out that our new friend had been killed in action. I will always remember her kindness and friendship. Truely, a great person."
SSG Ryan Brayton of 233rd Firefighting Team, Roseville, CA

"I'll never forget the day I met Tatjana. She rode shot gun with me In my truck one day in Iraq and we became close friends after that. That's the type of person she was. She always made friends with everyone she ever met. What hurts the most is the last goodbye I said to her wasn't supposed to be THE last good bye. And it was hard learning about what happened two days after leaving her behind there and comming home. I will never forget her and cherish every day spent with her."
Rahim Baptiste of Statesville, NC

"Tatjana was a good friend of mine. i was and am stationed in kaiserslautern germany in the 66th trans co. she was working as a dispatcher when i got here. she was very friendly and would help anyone with any problem they may have had-which i had a few that she helped me with. i was there the day she lost her life-it is a day that will hold alot of sadness for me for the rest of my life. goodbye Sgt. Reed-your are not forgotten."
CPL. Phillip E. Beatty of kaiserslautern, germany

"I met SGT Reed when I got to the 66 TC. We deployed to Iraq together and she was always willing to go above and beyond the mission. She was a caring, warm hearted person. I was not on the convoy that took her life, but had seen her at LSA Anaconda before she left on that fateful mission. She was a friend and a comrade. She will be missed. I truely hope her daughter will know how much she was loved by her mother. Before being put on the FLA(ambulance) that took her to brassfield for the medevac flight to speicher, she told one of the soldiers administering first aid to be sure and tell her little girl she loved her. I hope she always knows her mother lived for her and that her last thoughts were of her. I will miss you Friend.

SGT Collins, Sheila 66 Transportation Company, K-Town Germany (Shelia.collins@us.army.mil)"
Sheila Collins of Kaiserslaurtern, Germany

"Tatjana was someone that I'd had the pleasure of calling friend years ago. She was a very determined person, even before she joined the Army, and I believed that she would do well when she told me she was enlisting. I will always miss her thoughtfulness, fun-loving nature, kindness, and her determination which made me proud to be her friend. May God allow her the peace that she deserves, and my most sincere condolences to her family. I will never forget her or her sacrifice, ever."
Leary B. Rivas, Jr. of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

"i met Tatjana several years ago on a government contract flight for the military from Fort Campbell KY to Fort Irwin CA. I was working as a Flight attendant for Tower Air at the time. We happened to strike up a conversation and she told me about being from Germany originally and her job as a a truck driver in the army(she really enjoyed it) and showed me a picture of her beautiful little girl(at the time). I can tuly say that she struck me as a kind and freindly person when we talked. I am sure she will be missed very much by those who really knew her as a freind, mother, daughter and most of all...A PROUD SOLDIER IN THE US ARMY. My deepest sympathies to her family loved ones and all who had the privilege to meet and know this fine Soldier."
Wayne Baptiste of Chicopee MA

"I served with her in 66th. I left a month before they got their orders for Iraq and was pissed I couldn't go with them. She was a great person, and a great NCO. My deepest regards to her friends and family"
SGT Strong David of Ft. Bliss, Texas (dave_becca@hotmail.com)

"I was stationed with Tatjana at Ft. Campbell KY. She was a true soldier, positive, inspirational and tough. It was an honor serving with her. I will never forget her."
Niranjan Khalsa of Espanola, NM

"Tatjana Reed was my big sister. She was my hero long before she died. It hurts to know I will never see my sister again but now she is not just a hero to me but to the whole world.
I will always love and miss her"
Rebecca Milliner of Hornell,NY USA

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones
in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Tatjana, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge Montana "

"Tatjana and daughter. We served together in Dexheim Germany. She was great, she showed me where in Germany to find the Art Store, cuz I knew no German or really yet where to go. She was fine soldier, and very helpful always. Me and My family hope that all will be okay and your daughter if she needs anything here is our email. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time with all the condolences. Love always a fellow soldier. jttsand@hotmail.com we can be reached."
SGT Jim Sanders and family of Ft Lewis WA

"I was in PLDC with SGT Reed. She was a true soldier and a great person. My wishes go out to her famliy."
SGT Chris Egan of FT Benning GA

"Tatjana and me met when we were about 10 years old, in Fulda Germany. We were really close friends.
She was the kind of friend to have standing next to you, when you were in trouble. ALWAYS standing up for you. A great friend.
I saw her after she joined the Military and I ask her, why?
She said it is my kind of thing and I love it!
You will be missed so dearly"
Nadja

"I knew Tatjana for seven years. She was going to be my daughters God Mother. We were stationed in Ft. Campbell, KY together and again in Dexheim, Germany. She was an extraordinary person. She was always ready and willing to help when someone needed her. She loved being a soldier. My heart goes out to her daughter and her family. You are in my prayers. She will be missed."
Della Ross of Savannah, GA

"I was aquainted with Sgt. Reed in Dexheim, Germany. She was one of a kind. God bless her and her family."
Laura of Ft. Drum NY/USA

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

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude.
May G-d provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten.
A grateful citizen and a Proud Marine Mom, (purplelily219@yahoo.com)"
Lily of Wakefield MA

"To Tatjana'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

"To Tatjana'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 Tatjana Reed, 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. Tatjana Reed:
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 Tatjana for the sacrifice she 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. Tatjana Reed:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. She 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 Tatjana, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia