Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Spc Sampler was a great infantry man that was a great mortar man as well. I can recall the day when I got the call of what happened, to his family stay strong I know he is in a great place."
Sfc Caver James of Chicago,ROTC

"a Church in Atlanta, Peachtree United Methodist, has hung yellow ribbons to honor every soldier killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan war. Those of us attending today's July 4 road race were invited to pick a soldier's name and to pray for him/her. I saw your son's name and located this web site. Please know how much I appreciate the supreme sacrifice your family has made and I am truly grateful. God bless America."
G Nix of Atlanta, GA USA

"To the family of:Sonny G.Sampler
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"2-26-11"

"Sonny was a cool dude. I went to school with him at Blair my junior year. He is a hero."
Richard Lingrel of Fort Myers, FL

"Sonny and I were good friends growing up in Altus, OK. We had several classes and played sports togather for many years. He was a good friend and he will be missed. My condolences to his family. Love n miss yah bud. God Bless!!"
Luis Perez CPL. USMC '00-'04 of Altus, Oklahoma

"July 5, 2008
To the family of Spc. Sonny G. Sampler:
Sonny 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

"Vicki, You and your family are and will always be in our prayers. Words can not replace the loss, but Sonny will always be a Hero forever."
Nancy Eddy, Erin Carver of OKC, OK, Topeka, Kansas

"To Sonny's family I would like to say my husband was one of the Soliders that died with Sonny and all of them will be missed. bubblegum4u04@yahoo.com"
Christine Colvill of North Carolina

"Sonny and I were really good friends. He was a great soldier in our platoon. He made freinds with everybody that met him. I served with him in Kosovo and again in Iraq with the Mortars. I had the honor of being his team leader. We spent hours together on guard duty on the roof of the ING HQ in Samarra. He would always talk about his family and friends and how he couldn't wait to see them again. I'm am glad to have had Sonny as a friend and to have served with him. Our platoon was really tight and he was like a brother. And he will be missed like a brother."
SGT. Owen Fulsome of Schweinfurt, Germany

"Tom (SSG Briskey) told me what happened to sonny shortly after it happened, he emailed it to me in Mosul where i was stationed at. I remember Sonny from the first day I met him, I was the first guy he met from the unit when he got there and I showed him around. I liked him right away, he was honest, hard working, and loyal. I had planned on going to visit him after we both got back. I am always going to miss him, and thinking of him always brings a tear to my eye. I have many more memories that will always be with me. I will miss him greatly. He will always be a very good friend of mine. I want to give my upmost condolences to his family and friends, he is truly one of the best men i have ever known. If you would like to contact me my email is Jason032980@hotmail.com. i would appreciate it if you would send me directions to where he is laid to rest so i can say my goodbye."
Sgt. Jason Gaulke of B. co 1-23 IN Ft. Lewis WA 98433

"I knew Sonny growing up in Altus. He was always a great guy and I can see that he grew up to be a great man. I am proud to know that he was willing to give his life to help others; something many of us aren't brave enough to do. He will be missed and remembered."
Charity Carney of Chickasha, OK

"SPC Sampler, his family and his friends,

I don't have the words to express my feelings. I am proud to say that I served with Sonny, from the time he arrived to the "Blue Spaders" until the time I left Germany. I am proud to be able to say that this "Fine Young Man" was my FRIEND. Sonny, I salute YOU! You will NEVER be forgotten! You are all in our hearts and prayers."
SSG Clint R. Flood and family of Alma, Arkansas

"To the family of Sonny, they will always be in our hearts. There is not a day that I do not think of Joey, and all five of the men. May you find peace. Marlyon Garmback"
marlyon garmback of brookpark.oh.

"I wish to send my deepest sympathies to Sonny's Loved ones, family and friends. My son-in-law Robert died with Sonny on July 8th. We will miss him terribily, but our memories will live on. Our sons were HEROS and will forever be remembered for all their good deeds."
K. Boss of Ontario , Oregon

"My family and I wish to send our deepeset sympathy,our young dear friend Collier died with Sonny on July 8th!We miss him dearly!Sonny was Colliers spotter, he talked of him often. I will always be grateful for the sacrifice Collier and your loved one made for us! God bless all of Sonny's family and friends!Friend of Collier Barcus."
Twoloons 44 @sbcglobal.net of Mchenry IL"

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

"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

"To Sonny'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"

"To the family and friends of Sonny Sampler,
Sonny is an American hero. I thank you on behalf of my family and our country for his sacrifice. I pray that you will have peace and comfort knowing that Sonny died so that others could be free.

God Bless,"
David Brewer of Newalla, Oklahoma

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

"TO THE FAMILY OF SPC.SAMPLER, I HAVE HEARD OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS THE MOST CHARMING AND WONDERFUL THINGS OF SONNY, AND I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF YOUR FAMILIES LOSS, OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALWAYS."
MRS.DESIDERIA NARVAEZ of SAN ANTONIO,TX.USA

"To Sonny'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

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