Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I went to basic training with David. We were in JROTC at the same time. I was at Hardaway and he at Jorden. I just found out about his death. He was an incredible guy, we competed in Basic togeather, he was the model soldier. I admire him for his service to our country. I pray for his family as they continue life. I salute him and his family. May God bless them all."
Chris Whitaker of Buford, GA, USA

"Deedy, not a Valentine's Day will go by without thoughts of you and your family and the Deedy, not a Valentine's Day will go by without thoughts of you and your family and the suapreem sacrifice you've all made."
Sunny Sidley of Ft Bragg, NC

"My condolences on the loss of your husband, David Salie. I met him in January and we started talking via the internet after he and I rotated north into Iraq. He is sorely missed by all."
SFC (ret.) Mark Bailey of Tikrit, Iraq

"Hey Deede I know that David's memory will live on forever in our hearts and souls. We will miss him dearly and all his kooky ways. We love you deede."
The Book Family: Randyl, Pua, and Ayla-Marie of Honolulu, HI

"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

"I was there the day this great soldier was taken from us. I never met him before that day since I was in the unit that was leaving. I remember what a big loss it was to his platoon. You could see they cared so much for him. I still think about that day a lot and it is one of the few moments in my life that I remember totally. What I did, and how I reacted. I remember everything. I pulled on his door so hard but there was nothing I could do. I was sure I could save him but he had already passed away before I got there. I got an Arcom for my actions that day and I would rather give it back and for this to never had happened. It still makes me sad even to this day. I am sorry for your loss and please accept my deepest sympathies."
SSG J Brownlie of Bamberg, Germany

"I was there the day this great soldier was taken from us. I never met him before that day since I was in the unit that was leaving. I remember what a big loss it was to his platoon. You could see they cared so much for him. I still think about that day a lot and it is one of the few moments in my life that I remember totally. What I did, and how I reacted. I remember everything. I pulled on his door so hard but there was nothing I could do. I was sure I could save him but he had already passed away before I got there. I got an Arcom for my actions that day and I would rather give it back and for this to never had happened. It still makes me sad even to this day."
SSG J Brownlie of Bamberg, Germany

"To the family of David S. Salie tahnk you for allowing me to make you a personalize quilt and also quilts for the children. What a true honor that was for me. I hope we continue to keep in contact for as wonderful as your husband was to care for all of us I can see he left behind a treasurer for a family. Your husband understood what Freedom was all about and that is why he served his country that is why he defended it even with his own life for the sake of making sure his family and country was safe. He's a man of courage, strength, love and honor. God bless you with a true man. May you always know that you will always be in my prayers and may we are so honor to know someone as awesome as you also. God bless Deanna."
Betty Nielsen (Freedom Quilts Inc) of Fonda, IA

"To The Salie Family
Sfc Changed Our Life forever when we started bayonet company 2/69 he was the first platoon seargant he was a father to many of the new soldiers my daughther Cameron To School With Lucas She Always Asks About Mr Salie He Was A Giant Of A Man that will Always Be with Us R.I.P Big Muldoon"
SGT David Pisanelli of Ft Benning, Ga U.S.A

"Dear Salie family. word cannot express how sorry i am for your loss. i worked with SFC Salie in Ft. Wainwright. he was one of the best men and soldiers i ever had the privlege of serving with."
Sgt Schaaf, Zachary of Ft. Riley, Kansas

"Hey Uncle Jim and Aunt Peggy i just wanted to say i am very grateful for your son my cousin who gave the ultimate sacrifice and he is my hero"
Your nephew Cody Umfress of Cuba, Missouri

"Dear Salie family, I am so sorry for everything and I really hope the best for you guys. I used to work with SFC Salie sometime ago in Hawaii. I respected alot and I know he is in a great place. thank you for giving me the time to write."
SSG Berry, Tyrone of Ft. Benning GA.

"To the family of:David J. Salie 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 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga

"I am good friends with SFC Salie's brother Brian and I had the opportunity to meet David in 1996 in Atlanta. David was one of the most impressive military professaionals one will ever meet. His manner, his bearing, and his knowledge were of the highest order and I could say that I would have been proud to go to combat with him. To Brian, Patricia, Mrs. Salie, and all David's children, I wish to offer to you my heartfelt condolences in the wake of David's death. As I prepare to return to the war in the coming months, I pledge to you that I will remember his sacrifice. I hope that I make him proud as he looks down upon me."
John Wilson of Hohenfels, Germany

"Deedy,
Again, I want to Thank you for you ultimate sacrifice and Thanks to David for fighting for our Freedoms. You are a very special family and he is watching over you now, God Bless you all."
Cheryl of Gerry, NY

"I live in TN and just saw the special on Dateline NBC about this brave HERO!! David Salie was an amazing man and soldier.. He will always be remembered...we will not ever FORGET... Thanks Sgt Salie for your bravery, courage and sacrifice..
God Bless this wonderful family and thanks for sharing your story with us..
You will be in my thoughts and prayers!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"After 9/11, I tried, but the Army told me that I was too old to join. I tried to find ways around the age parameters...to no avail.

To Mrs. Salie...I would've gone to Afghanistan...to Iraq. I would've gone in your husband's place. Please know that for the sacrifice he made to allow me and my family to live free, I would've gone in HIS place.

Instead all I can do - all my family can do - is offer you our prayers for you and your kids, as well as offer our grateful thanks for your husband's service.

Blessings to you and your family. Godspeed to your husband David."
Joel Kiekbusch of Rosemount, MN

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

"Thanks for all the kind words. David was a wonderful man and an even better husband and father. Our children, Chyna, Luke and Hunter, miss their father desperatly......however, they know their father died doing what he loved and for a cause he believed in. My greatest joy now is that I have with me now the people that David loved most in this world, our children. Chyna, Luke and Hunter will always be my final link to David and I will do just as he asked me in the video he left me........ "Hold our kids tight for me and make sure they know who their Daddy was and what he stood for".........I'll do just that, honey...."
Deanna Salie of Mississippi

"Smyrna Baptist Church, Deepstep, Ga. would like to present your family with a memorial quilt in memory of your loved one who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. This is a small token to show our appreciation and heartfelt love at this time. Please contact me at johnnytanner@bellsouth.net or call me collect at 478-552-6388 Thank you so much. In christian love,"
Brenda Tanner, Clerk of Sandersville, Ga.

"To all- David was a great soldier. Children left behind must also be remembered. They must carry on in the father's name. Also remember there are more than just the children in the home. David had four children, Haley, Chyna, Luke and Hunter. Please remember they need our love an support through their times of need."
Mellisa of Columbus, GA

"Deedy and Children, Not sure if there are any words I can express how you must be feeling, or even how We are feeling. Sadness,Pain you name It I'm sure It's ran through your mind. Dave,Was one of a kind, Think we all know that. Deedy, your husband, I'm so glad I got to know, Even with his White chicken legs. I love you girl, Chyna,Luke and Hunter, Know that your Daddy will alway's ALWAY'S be with you and is very proud of you. Keep your head held high and know that your Daddy was a Hero!"
Melissa Lee & Family of Millsap,Texas

"David was the son of my cousin, Tricia. Hearing of his death has left me still in shock, especially knowing of his wife and family. As a family, we may have all drifted apart with the passing of the years, but our hearts always reach out to our loved ones no matter what. Here is a time that I wish...I could have been with David (and Brian) more. Life is so short. David will always be part of my spiritual family now; I can feel his presence. I'll do whatever it takes to make up for lost time."
FRANCES MUSELLA of PEMBROKE PINES, FL/USA

"First of all, I want to thank you Mrs. Salie for appearing on Fox News on 21 March with your daughter Chyna. I never knew your husband but because you were on the news, I feel like I got to know him just a little. He is a hero whoe gave his life for his men. He died for all of us and no greater sacrifice can ever be made. I had tears in my eyes at the end of that news program and I can tell you I rarely cry for anything. Please know that I am ever faithful to the men and women in the armed services. God bless each and every one of them. God bless Sgt. Salie and God bless you, Mrs Salie and your family!"
Brian Chapman of Shelton, CT

"Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of David. Our country was blessed with men of great valor, strength and courage. I pray that you will find strength and courage also in the hard days ahead. Please know that his sacrifice will never be forgotten. God bless you and your family."
The Edward Todd Family of Springfield, GA USA

"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

"Over the past two weeks I've scoured the internet for articles on David, and have come to realize that in his wife he found a person as strong in conviction as he is. As an American, thank you for that..it's something that we don't see often enough. My heart aches for you and your children. David was a wonderful person, I knew him from High School. I will be part of the many that keep his memory alive. God Bless you."
Michele (Scalise) Macaulay of Benton, Louisiana

"Our condolences to the family of David J. Salie. May he rest in peace. He's now safe and in good hands. "Let the pain and the sorrow be washed away in the waves of HIS mercy." We understand your pain, as we lost a son, Branden, on November 8, 2004. It's very hard to deal with, accept and go on. But we all are strong and we can do it. These soldiers have done so much to help others, you have to be so proud of them. I am."
Sandy of Madera, CA

"To the Family and Friends of Sgt. First Class David J. Salie my hearfelt prayers are with you all. My son deployed with Sgt. Salie to Iraq and was able to play his guitar at his memorial service. He told me that your son/husband was a good man and that he will be missed but not forgotten. May the angels bring you peace and comfort."
The Martinez Family of Katy, Texas

"To the Family and Friends of David J. Salie. May the memories you have of your loved one be a source of comfort to you at this time. Our heartfelt prayers are continuing for the family. We have a son who is also attached to the 1/15th and is currently serving in Iraq, he too has you in his prayers. Thank you for raising a fine young man who knew the true meaning of courage, fortitude and FREEDOM. You are in our prayers, The Sibert Family"
Kathleen Sibert of Torrance, California

"To Mrs. and Sgt. David J. Salie and Children, friends and family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you in this time of extreme grief. Your Soldier is the extreme Hero. I read an article about you all and I understand just a bit about him. Be proud, he was a Patriot, Freedom Fighter, Great Soldier and I know he will be missed. Please accept my sympathy in honoring your Hero. He will not be forgotten, he will be in my prayers by name every day, as well as you all."
Barbara Christ of Hamilton, Montana

"Deedy & Kids,
Please Always know that you're in our thoughts & Prayers,David was a HERO & Always will be in our hearts forever. Just know we're Always here for you & that You can call us anytime!!We Love You...Your Friends, Tiffany & Damien Tranter"
Tranter Family of Ft.Hood,Tx.

"David Salie is a HERO. He died protecting our freedom. We hope he gets to meet our son, Leonard W Adams, who died at Camp Bucca on January 24, 2005. We send our condolences to his family. We know what they are going through. You have to keep the faith and take one day at the time and believe in our maker.
God bless."
Bob & Shirley Adams of Raleigh, NC

"Sgt Salie. U were the first one to tell me that I was swimming in a sea of crap and I have a cherrio as a life preserver. But Land was near. U always wanted me to improve myself by getting rid of the excess baggage in my life. U helped me get my life in order and for that I will forever be in your debt. Sgt Salie, ur death will not go in Vain. U were not only my platoon sgt, U were my family. Thank u Sgt.Salit"
JAMES L FOREMAN of Ft.Benning Georiga

"My heart aches for the hardy laughter and wonderful smile that David always had. He was one of the most positive people I ever knew in high school and I will miss him. When I saw the name on the news my heart skipped a beat because I was thinking back to when we were in classes together at Jordan. I am so very deeply sorry for your loss. May God hold and keep him in the
palm of his hand."
Loxie Jones (maiden name Ritchie) of Columbus, GA

"MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. WE WILL REMMBER YOU ALL IN OUR PRAYERS."
KAREN SCHMITZ of FT.BENNING,GA,U.S.A.

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

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