Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"On Saturday I wore SGT Stephen's name on my bib for the Cpl Christopher G. Scherer Memorial "I Did The Grid" Run/Walk. Every step I ran honored Stephen's heroism and ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces of the United States of America. At the completion of the run I rang the bell in his memory. Team Chris wants you to know how much we all appreciate and remember our Fallen. "We don't know them all, but we owe them all.""
Natalie Radino of Blue Point, NY

"2011, our family laid a wreath at the base of the tree on Warrior's Walk. He died the day my Grandson was born, so Nathanael had the honor of placing it."
Geane Wilkinson of Ft. Stewart, GA

"I served with Steven in 2005 with the 3RD ACR. He was in 1st Squadron (TIGER) and I was a SGT in 4TH Squadron (LONGKNIFE). Two men, two Soldiers with different missions. He was combat arms, I was combat support. Steven along with his wife and daughter lived a few doors down from me and my family. I was close with Steven. Oh yeah we drank together on weekends. I miss him dearly. A few days before Steven died I ran into him at the chow hall at BIAP. We sat and talked about many different things. You know, family, friends, war and our jobs. As we got up to leave the chow hall he told me that he was going home to see his new born baby girl. That made me so happy. I said, GREAT, COOL! As we went our separate ways I had no idea this would be the last time I would see him alive. I told him stay save. He replied, “Jeff be careful you have a wife and three children at home". At the time I thought nothing of it. But it burnt deep in my heart. Today as a 1LT serving with the 101st Airborne I serve as an Infantryman in combat arms. I took what I learned from Steven and apply it now. Though I do have a wife and kids war and combat are a means to an end. Steven died as a hero. That being said there won’t be a greater honor than to see him again One day at that place we in the CAV world call the FIDDLERS GREEN. BRAVE RIFLES!"
1LT Jeffrey Delong of FOB Andar AFGHAN

"I to served with Stephen during OIF I. I have never met anyone with his work ethic, genorsity and sense of family. I am saddened beyond belief to learn of his passing and hope that god is kind to his family and friends. There is a special place in heaven for HERO's!"
Will Smith of Cincinnati, Ohio

""I guess I'm a little late one this posting. I was Steven's best friend and I was there when he left this world. I spoke at both memorials, and his family became my own. Steven, past, present and future and has influenced every discision I have made. It has been five years now, and I have never once forgotten about our late night discussions, arguements, and true brother hood. I loved you like you were my own family! You and your family taught me everything I knew about families and how they are supposed to be. I remember taking your kids trick-or-treating on Ft. Carson. I have my own son now, and I understand what you were telling me all along. If we dont have family, we dont have nothing! And how in order to learn life's lessons we have to hit rock bottom first! These things and many more have made lasting impressions on my heart. I think of you everyday man! We had some big plans eh? I only drink your favorites bro, Jack and Budwiser! LOL Its still not the same without you! Forever and for always man I will miss you until we meet soon! To the whole Saxton nation, I am so sorry it went the way it did! I would give anything to give him back to you. I often dream of false hopes of a super natual power that could in fact do so! If you read this let me know if anything is EVER NEEDED. He kept me alive, happy, sane, and above all else SAFE. I just got out of the military. But contact me at anytime. mishumaker@msn.com or 509-701-1921"
Michael Shumaker of Spokane, WA

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Stephen was my uncle. he had a beautiful family. the saddest part of this whole thing though is that when he was coming home to his his newborn baby girl,... he was killed. he never saw her but i know that my uncle is looking down on his family. thank you for the blessings. RIP Stephen"
Breanna of Menifee, CA

"April 28, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Stephen P. Saxton:
Stephen 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

"To the family of:Stephen P. Saxton I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief. He died a hero defending freedom and we are so grateful for anyone defending our freedom.
Know that I am praying for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding for you and that one day we will all meet in Heaven where we will rest in the arms of Jesus.
If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with please call my Pastor at Gateway Community Church, Reverand John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd Covington Ga. 30016 Phone 770- 787- 1015 (fax)770-787-8215.Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew"

"Steve was a friend of mine in high school. I was deeply saddened by the news of his death. Our 10 year reunion will not be the same without him. In his honor a memorial fund to be used for scholarships has been set up at Pacific Western Bank. He was a wonderful person. God Bless him and all the other men and women serving our country."
Samantha Youmans of Tucson, AZ

"I was on duty in the TOC when the messages came in. I don't even know what to type. Crushed is a word that comes to mind. I never got the chance to know him well, but I wish I had. I was struck by his trememdous potential - how much he had accomplished in so short a time. I have left the Army, but I will continue to be a Cav soldier. I offer my support and condolence to the Saxton family. I can only hope that his sacrifice and commitment will be remembered and used as an example for Good. "May the Lord Bless him and Keep him, and shine his countenance upon him". If there is anything I can do - frank_chad_hoeppel@yahoo.com"
Frank Hoeppel of Silver Spring, MD

"To Stephen Saxton's family, my name is Darrel Saxton from Mississippi, I am serving overseas in Afghanistan as a Police Mentor stationed and working with the military. I am so sorry for your loss, and I do not know if we are kin to one another or not, but just hearing Stephens name and what he sacrificed for our country makes me proud to be a Saxton. I will continue to carry on over hear in this messed up country to hopefully make a difference so his death is not in vain. God Bless you and I hope your pain will ease one day."
Darrel Saxton of Afghanistan

"From one Stephen Saxton to another Stephen Saxton..I never knew you and can only imagine what a good person you must have been to choose to assist those in need. Please know that I appreciate your service and sacrifice that you have given for others like myself. Knowing that a person with the same name has made the ultimate sacrifice for others freedoms will stay with me forever. To the family and loved ones of Stephen--I can only imagine the feeling of loss that you have and wish you the best."
Stephen C. Saxton of Arkport, New York

"Hello my Name is Staff Sargeant Juan Reyes. I served with Saxton in iraq for a year he was one of my best soldiers. i knew i could depend on him for anything. he was well liked and well respected. iam deeply sorry for the lost of your son and our brother in arms. he will live for ever in our hearts and mind. My prayers are with you and your family. Sargeant Saxton was a warrior and iam proud to have served along with him."
Juan Reyes of El Paso Tx,

"He will be remembered because I am a veteran of Vietman and I am a Saxton from Oklahoma. I also served at Fort Carson as a 2nd Lt in a Mech Inf."
lsaxton of Okla. city, OK

"Stephen will always be remembered as a wonderful individual. I am grateful to know him while we were in middle school and high school. My deepest sympathies to his family."
Carolina Sandoval of San Diego, CA

"RIP in BRAVE WARRIOR..."
HM2 Johnson of Camp Pendleton, Ca

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

"Stephen I don't know what to say...when I found out about your passing my eyes filled with tears and my heart felt like it would never beat again...I know you are in a better place now but its hard to accept that I will never get to see you nor will i ever get to feel your touch..but you will be watching over me. Thank you for the memories and all you've done for our country and I will never forget you Stephen!! I love you"
Marissa Cuervo of Orange, California

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From the family of LCpl Branden P. Ramey, KIA 11/8/04"
Sandy of CA

"Brave Rifles..."
Paul Brian Michalak of Byron,MN U.S.

"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

"To the Saxton family unfortuanitly I know what you are going through, my son was killed in Al Ramadi March 4th. My prayers are with you, they say it will get better with time? Hope so, God Bless"
John Twyman of Vista, Ca

"To the family and friends of Stephen,
I wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. I lost my baby brother in Iraq back in Feb. of this year. I know the pain and emptiness this brings. I hope you can take comfort in the fact that MANY MANY others can share your loss, even if only indirectly, as we all feel the loss of our American Heroes. Stephen will forever be remember as a hero, and I thank you for giving him to our nation and our world. May he rest in peace knowing he will never be forgotten. Heroes never really die. He will be missed and y'all will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you again and God Bless you all. If you would like to email, my address is celestialhoney2004@yahoo.com"
Jo Giles of Bakersfield, CA

"TO THE SAXTON FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. STEPHEN HAS NOT GIVEN HIS LIFE IN VAIN. OF ALL THE FALLEN SOLDIER'S; STEPHEN'S HAS TOUCHED ME MORE THEN MOST. WE LOST OUR SON A YEAR TO DATE. AN MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH STEPHEN AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY. SYEPHEN HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. FROM THOSE IN HIS COMMUNITY, NEIGHBOR'S, FRIENDS, HIS MILITARY BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S, AND HIS OWN LOVING FAMILY. STEHPEN WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. FOR HE WAS A PROFESSIONAL SODIER AND HERO! THAT PROTECTED ALL AMERICAN'S FROM TERRORISM. AN GIVEN IRAQIAN'S A NEW BEGINNING. THE TYPE OF PERSON STEPHEN BECAME WAS MY HIS LOVING FAMILY. I AM SO THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL THAT STEPHEN SERVED ALONG SIDE OUR SON. AN I REALIZE BOTH HAD NOT KNOWN ONE ANOTHER. STILL BOTH HAD BEEN BROTHERS SERVING IN OUR ARMED FORCES. WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER'S BACK. STEPHEN AND GREGORY ARE TRUELY, THE ELITE OF AMERICANS ALONG WITH THE OTHER FALLEN SOLDIER'S. ALL THIS IS VERY DIFFUCULT ON OUR FAMILIES. STEPHEN, MY PRAYS ARE WITH YOU."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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

"To the family and Friends of Sgt. Stephan P Saxton.
Your soldier will be remembered.He is an American Hero to all. We have just recently lost a family member on 04/03/05 in Iraq. We send you our condolences. Be brave and remember all the good times that you shared together.We are greatful for men and women like him that pay the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom..May God Bless him and your family"
of Moreno Valley,ca

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