Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Steve
How time flies by, hard to believe that you have been gone this long, 19 years. Feels like it was yesterday. Fallen but not forgotten"
Brian Jones of Asprovalta, Greece

"I Barely knew you, but yet you treated us with kindness and respect in the 504th MP BN. That was a rough Deployment in 2005. Rest easy Reynolds."
Ben Fiock of Tennessee

"A hero never really dies until their name is spoken for the last time. Its been a minute, Still seems like it was yesterday we sat around shooting the breeze, You became a topic of discussion now that we are doing 272nd MP Company reunions now, last one was in Gatlinberg, next one, this year in 2023 will be in branson..."
Brian Jones of Huntsville, Alabama

"Steve
another year has passed by and again it still seems like yesterday was the day that I was told of your passing. It was a casual day and I was shooting the breeze with some folks we both knew. The subject of those that had been taken too early came up and when your name was said all the memories came back in that instant. We may not have been the closest of friends but the ability to count you among my small list matters most to me. Ill be stateside soon enough and will stop in again for a chat with you."
Brian Jones of Kaiserslaturn Germany

"Hey Steve,
Did you know that more than 4,000 shells had been fired during the 33 hours of fighting at Ft Sumtner? Yeah, you probably do. Happy Vets day Bud"
Steve of Indianapolis

"The time for remembering the ones that have gone ahead is upon us again. Today adds a bit more to the realization that you are no longer among us. I live in Germany now and pass places you frequented. I prefer to remember you in the frame of what was instead of what is. Peace eternally be upon you"
Brian Jones of Germany

"About one week prior to this deployment, Steve called me and asked if he could come stay with me for the weekend. He had told me that he would be in on Friday. He never made it. That Sunday, he caled to apologize for not making it. I cut him off immediatley, and said "so, how are the nieces doing"? He responded, "So, I guess you already know".

I knew Steve very well, as we served together in Germany from 94-97. As such, I knew that his family was always in his thoughts, and that if he was a no show, its because he wanted to spend time with family. That is the type of guy that he was.

I love him and miss him, as I am sure most people that knew him do. He was a fine soldier, and I know that means a lot to most of the people that may read this. However, I will remeber him most for being an exceptional friend.

Your last words to me were over the phone, and they were "I wish you could be with me on this one". Highly unlikely that I would have made any difference for you. But since those are the words you chose, I have to say, I owe you a thumping when we meet on the other side.

For his family, if nothing else, know that your son is very much cared for, and albeit a small number, had a very quantifiable impact on people's lives.

Miss you bro"
Gabe Johnson of Waldorf, MD

"Never FOrgoten Steve"
SSG Ryan Criss of Palmdale Ca

"I served with Steve as a young Sergeant in the 170th MP Company. He was my squad leader and my friend. My wife and I talk about you often Steve, and your picture hangs on my wall. They made a memorial at Fort Lewis and your name is on it. We are planning on visiting it soon. Hey buddy, I am not too far behind you. We will meet up at the rally point and decide where to go next. I'll see you then.

Sean M. Sanborn
SSG, USA
Military Police"
Sean Sanborn of Coquille, Oregon

"I served with Steven in Germany 94-97. I think about Steven a lot. He was a really fun guy that could make me forget about all the crap going on around me. Steven Gabe and I played many a game with him over those three years I was in Germany. I count him among the few friends I had that will always be close to my heart, no matter the distance, even in death. I hope you can take heart in how much he meant to so many."
Herb Piercy (US Military Police Corp, 1992-1997) of Knoxville, TN

"To The family of Steven Though I know it probably doesn't make it easier for those left behind, your son was a hero Steven was a friend of my sons, Jason Shradnick in Germany. My son is very selective who he calls friend but Steven was special and he was my sons friend. My daughter just came back from Afghanistan with the Navy and Jason was in the Army for 20 years so I know you always hope for the best but prepare for the worst. I am so sorry that you saw the worst. Thank you Steven and thank you to your family for sacrifising for us your most precious gift, your child."
lorraine shradnick of lock haven,pa. USA

"To The family of Steven Though I know it probably doesn't make it easier for those left behind, your son was a hero Steven was a friend of my sons, Jason Shradnick in Germany. My son is very selective who he calls friend but Steven was special and he was my sons friend. My daughter just came back from Afghanistan with the Navy and Jason was in the Army for 20 years so I know you always hope for the best but prepare for the worst. I am so sorry that you saw the worst. Thank you Steven and thank you to your family for sacrifising for us your most precious gift, your child."
lorraine shradnick of lock haven,pa. USA

"To the family of:Steven C. Reynolds
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""

"Like so many others here I was stationed with Steve in Germany. He was a good man and a good friend. He was, however, a terrible Dungeon Master. I'm sorry, but someone had to say it.

I was deeply saddened to hear of his loss a couple years ago. He is sorely missed."
Dan Luedke of Beaverton, OR

"Thinking of you today."
Steve Hannon of Indianapolis

"To the family of Steven C. Reynolds:
My husband and I were friends with Steven when we lived in Mannheim, Germany. Steven spent many holidays with us (Christmas and Easter dinners), as well as lots of Friday night pizza/movie parties, bowling, ice skating, fests, and we took lots of trips together. We were all just young kids at the time, 21-22 years old. That is how I remember him. He was a fun loving guy, a loyal friend, and an honorable soldier. We were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of his death. May God Bless your family for Steven's sacrifice.

Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert H. Piercy IV"
Amanda Piercy of Knoxville, TN

"It doesn't get any easier as the years go by. It's been three years, and while I can go day to day thinking of you and Delgado and not burst into tears, today is a whole different story. I miss you two so much it hurts. I'm overcome by so many emotions thinking of you two.

I'm so sorry that I couldn't protect you. I'm so sorry. I love you and I miss you."
SPC Strock of Jacksonville, FL

"November 21, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Steven C. Reynolds:
Steven 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

"Strock:

Never doubt yourself. You know as well as I that you did your job and did it well. You are here as a testament to your training and strength. There was nothing to see, it was under the road, no way to predict or react. It was a fateful day but remember the good times, and the good people we served with. Remember our company lost five heroes that deployment. We are all here to remember their names and to never forget. scott.smith1@us.army.mil"
SSG Scott Smith of Iron Mountain, MI

"Having never personally meeting you does not stop me from knowing the man, hero and friend that you were to many. It saddens me to know that I will never have the opportunity to shake your hand, hug you and thank you ever so much for being who you were and are to my daughter, and more importantly, to our country. A hero in our hearts forever!!!"
Sandi Ogden (Marissa Strock's mother) of Silver Spring, MD

"I found out what my first words where to my mom when I learned I was missing my left leg. "It's all my fault." I don't know if I just didn't react quick enough, or if I reacted in a way that made it so you and Delgado couldn't react to it, but I'll live with it forever. I really don't want to think for a second that I caused the death of my family, and I'm not sure I do... if only I could have reacted faster, or differently. I love you, you and the rest of 2nd platoon don't really realize how much you saved me."
Marissa Strock of Silver Spring, MD

"I tried to be a good soldier SSG. I did, I think I was turning around for the better... but I don't know if I let my guard down for a split second or if there was just no way for me to see it. I have the pictures of the blast and I can't believe I'm still here instead of floating on a cloud with you and Delgado. I miss you both incredibly and it hurts to think that I'll never see you again. To never know whether or not I could have done something to stop you from dying kills me. I'll never know if you died in pain. But if I have my way and mark my words I'll make them pay. I love you."
Marissa Strock of Washington, D.C.

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

"Losing Steven is very diffucult. Still Steven is with you. One only needs to reflect. On the very precious memorable moments shared together with steven. An you will realize he is in your heart. Steven thank you for serving along side our son. Gregory and you are together brother's on a new mission. Steven loved his family very much; as he knew you all loved him. Steven was an unselfish individual. Considering the very few that serve our country. We could not do without soldiers like Steven. he has not did in vain! An American Hero! Steven is someone's someone and someone to our family. I can only hope and pray he is to every American. Foe he has made America alot safer since 911. Protecting our liberities and freedom's. Steven one day the people of Iraq will live in peace. Steven you and your family are in my prays. Father of US Army Sgt. Gregory L. Wahl KIA Balad, Iraq 05-03-04"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To the Reynolds Family, I wish to extend to you my deepest condolences. Your Steven is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and God Bless you Steven."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not here to see,
if the sun should rise to find your eyes are filled with tears for me;
I hope you will not cry the way you might that day,
just thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me and you know that I love you,
and each time that you'd think of me, please know I'd miss you too;

If tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand.
The angel said my place was ready, in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye
for all my life, I'd always thought, that I would never die.
I have so much to live for, so much left yet to do,
it seems almost impossible, that I'd be leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
the thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
But then I walked through heaven's gates, and felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you,
today your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day's the same, there's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.
though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand and live in peace with me?"

So if tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me, I'll be there in your heart.
Author David M. Romano

Gone – but not forgotten.
Thank you for sharing your loved one with us,
and for the sacrifice made by you and your family on our behalf.
Patricia - Proud mom of Lcpl Alex. Currently serving in Iraq"
Patricia of Bishop

"Steven,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"Hey there SSG Reynolds. Thanks for always being there for me and being such a great NCO. Thanks for helping me sweep the building at the mount site at Ft. Lewis. I will miss you and I hope to see you again sometime soon."

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