Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Jens Schelbert is on my mind today. I found this website and decided to share my memory of him. I met Jens in Ramadi where I was also stationed. Jens was good friends with Sami, my dear friend who was a civilian linguist. Sami and Jens died together and I will forever be grateful for their sacrifice. I will also feel the regret that I had gotten leave and was at the main base the week they were killed. Jens brought Sami to see me at Camp Ar Ramadi a week before they were killed. I still remember eating popcorn on my bunk when someone told me.

Jens was so professional, and super proud of his tank. I will never forget him and the pride he had about finally being a citizen of the United States. A true hero!"
Danah of Colgate, WI

"One of the best Soldiers I ever had the honor of serving with. It's been 10 years and it still feels like yesterday back in Ramadi....part of me will always be back there."
Carl Quinlan of Fort Irwin, CA

"Its been 10 years to the day, and still I remember that day like it was yesterday..... I miss you brother,.... Panther Pride"
Jeremy Snyder of Kenly NC

"Fourty year´s ago Jens was born, May the 8th, a true Tanker who believed in Freedom, Honor and a better world. Let´s not forget him a "Fallen Hero".
Happy Birthday Jens
I love and will never forget you.
R.I.P. My brother"
Chris Schelbert of Erlangen, Germany

"It's 2014 and for some reason I thought about Jens last year(2013). I decided to check Facebook to see if I could reconnect with him. Sadly I found out he was killed in 2005! Here's my story and I'll be brief. I met Jens in 4th grade and he was my friend. I tell you no lie. When everyone would be in class talking or sitting around I would always see Jens drawing. Every single drawing was soldiers, tanks, military related. This was his destiny!"
michael of ohio

"Jens was my friend. He and I used to love to talk about Panzers, and compare our favorite WWII models. He loved being a tanker. I talked to him just the day before I went on leave, and then he was gone. Miss you, buddy. We put your memorial plaque on the tank outside 2-69 AR Battalion HQ. We still leave flowers every year."
Brian Garvey of Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan

"Its been 8 years since we lost you. I still think about you."
Jeremy Snyder of Now in Germany

"You always seemed able to bring a smile to my face. May you rest in peace."
Ryan Parker, MAJ of Sumter, SC

"I miss you today my friend."
Ed Devereaux of Portland, Or

"MY EXHUSBAND WAS ONE OF HIS DEAR FRIENDS THEY SERVED TOGETHER AND UPON HEARIN OF HIS DEATH I REALIZED IT COULDA BEEN MY EXHUSBAND WITH HIM.... HE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED!!!!!"
SGT. KEVIN MAYHEWS WIFE of FORT HOOD, TEXAS

"If you would like to My number is 417-438-1261 This is Christian Davis again Please Call I would love to hear from you."
Christian Davis of Carthage Missouri

"To those who knew Ssg,shelbert as well as I and my father Sgt,Chris Davis I am Chris Davis' son I would like to meet you My father served with your husband in Iraq I used to live in Ft,Benning but My father was killed and I never got a chance to meet you. You are in my prayers."
Christian Davis of Carthage Missouri

"I miss ya buddy."
CPT Bollinger

"September 29, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Jens E. Schelbert:
Jens 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

"SSG Schelbert represented me at my E-5 board in 1997, so hearing of his death was one of the more emotional of the many I have heard. He loved tanks, that's for sure. He could tell the difference between a T-64 and a T-62 from the sound of their engine. The faceless insurgents are lucky they didn't come across him while buttoned up in his rolling thunder."
Brian Bartee of Columbus, GA

"SSG Schelbert,
I never knew you, but we share at least one experience.. That morning was our last in Ramadi. I was on a truck preparing to leave when we got hit, and I didn't know of your death until later. I remember the attack though, and I fully recognize that it could have been me, one of my Marines, or anyone there. God bless your family for the loss they endure, and thank you so much for giving your life for us all. I won't forget. Semper Fi."
RS of Boise, ID

"Dear Mrs Schelbert,
I want you to know that I pray for your peace and ability to cope with the loss of your son. He was my friend. I am a tanker too and from trinidad. Three of us came back together from OIF1 and naturalized on 9 July 03. I am the other soldier in the uniform if you still have the pictures of that day; there is another soldier not in uniform present. He was my friend and I miss him too. A friend who was like my brother. I pray that all is well with you all to include your grand child. Words cannot completely convey the dimension of man Jens is, so I am a person of few words but to say I am glad that we were friends. He enriched my life. ronaldmborel@yahoo.com."
Sgt Ronald Borel of Virginia

"We just found out about Jens Schelbert. We feel very sad and would love to get in touch with his mother Anne Wallace. Please get in touch with us. athena@silvana-net.de

Heide and Athena from Germany"
Athena Armstrong of Germany

"Jens was friendly, caring and funny. I will remember him always as a very dedicated American. I was the retention NCO when he reenlisted back in 2004. I remember that we were having trouble with his paperwork and it was not looking good for him to be able to serve his country. He was however very persistent and finally his dream to continue serving came true. He has given the ultimate sacrifice to his country. He will be missed and remembered by us all. May God Bless him."
Frank Garwood of NJ

"SSG Schelbert, you welcomed me with open arms when I first entered the life of an army wife. Without even knowing me at all you took your time to make me feel comfortable and welcome, just when I needed it the most. Everything you did for me and said to me meant so much more to me than you could ever know. And with all my heart I can never thank you enough. The world lost a great man, and the army lost a great soldier. May you rest in piece."
Kristina Alwine of Fort Benning, GA

"To the family of:Jens E. Schelbert 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"

"I just found out that Jens passed away. So often in the military you lose track and catch up 6 months..a year. I came across letters I had recvd from Jens when he was in Iraq in 2003...which made me think to try to contact him. And has ultimately lead me to find out that he is no longer here. He was a great guy, and a good friend, and I will miss him. He did more for America than most Americans want to do themselves..He was SOO proud of getting his citizenship..I remember talking to him soon after it had happened...I remember finding him on the top of Kelly Hill to meet him for lunch once when I visited Benning...and as long as all of us hold on to his memory..he will always be alive...

Auf Wiedersehen liebe ich Sie mein Freund"
Abbie R of Bloomington, Indiana

"SSG Schelbert,
Not only were you a great Soldier, but you were a great man. I owe so much to your mentorship and patient instruction. Your loss hurt every one of us in the "Speed and Power" Battalion. You have been sorely missed and can never be replaced. You were the most professional NCO I had every worked with and a classic example of what every NCO should aspire to be...see you at the fidler's green."
1LT Rivera, Pedro B of Ft. Benning, GA

"To close friends and family of Jens;

To know Jens was to know one of the Army's truly great soldiers. He wasn't my first NCO, and he wasn't my last NCO. He was, however, the first NCO that ever touched my life in such a manner. Even when I was down-and-out, Jens could make me laugh and smile - or pick me back up and get me back on the road to being a soldier. I am proud to have known so great a man, so great a soldier, and someone who was truly impossible to forget. I have a photograph of him with Darlin', and anyone who wants/needs a copy may e-mail me at centauress29@aol.com"
Laura Brown of Phenix City, AL

"love ya brother. panthers aren't the same without you. we'll never forget."
CPT B of Benning

"my name is Cassidy and i am a volunteer for the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run. We are a group of people that have built a memorial wall in Marsielles Illinois for all the fallen soldiers in Mideast conflicts since Beriut. Your loved one's name will be permenently added to this wall. For any further information visit our website www.ilfreedomrun.org please e-mail me at me1196@aol.com to let me know that you have recived this message. If you decide to come to this memorial on June 19th, 2006, you will recieve VIP seating and treatment for the cermonies that day. ALL OUR WELCOMING TO HONOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS
**Cassidy"
Cassidy of Brookfield/ILL/red,white,blue

"SSG Schelbert, you will always be sorely missed especially by me. I have had a bracelet made with your name upon it and i will never stop wearing it. i wish that there was something more that i could have done to help you but i know that you are in a much better place now and you are looking down on me and guiding me to be a better soldier. i will never forget the lessons you taught me while i worked with you and i will never forget the laughs you gave us all when times were tough. i only hope to become as honorable a soldier as you were. you truely represented the ARMY VALUES and you were the definition of what a soldier is supposed to be. goodbye my brother,... see you at the fiddlers green."
SPC Snyder, Jeremy Q. of A co. 2-69 AR, Ar Ramadi, Iraq

"My deepest condolences to all of you. I was blessed enough to drive SSG Schelbert for 1000 miles over Kuwaiti sand in his "Caddy." When we think of him, we see what he truly was, a man living all his dreams. He would have tanked until the Army threw him out. Few keep the desire to do their job as he did. An effective teacher, a model NCO, a wonderful friend, and a tremendous loss."Cheerful in all weather and never short to task." As we say back home, He's good people! Bis Spater Jens!"
Lucas Beaty of Ardmore, AL

"I'm sorry to discover the sad news of a fellow Schelbert passing in the Iraqi operation. God bless."
The Schelbert's of Graham, Washington

"I am so sorry for you lost. I know it must be hard. My husband is stationed at camp corregidor in Ramadi Iraq with the 101st Airbone Screaming Eagles. God Bless."
Cristy Kirwin of Fort Campbell KY

"We are forever grateful to Staff Sgt. Jens E. Schelbert and his family for their sacrifices for the cause of freedom. Staff Sgt. Schelbert, you will never be forgotten."
Linda Swinford of Auburn, IL

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your
Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the loyal service and sacrifice that was made and
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Our cousin LCPL Michael Smith Jr. gave his life on 4-17-04 fighting for freedom.
Please know that this was not in vain and these American Heros will FOREVER be honored.
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

"Sorry for loss of Staff Sgt Jen E. Schelbert , My son is presently at camp corregidor 101 airbone , my son will carrie the fight , our hearts go out to you and your family we all feel your loss, God Bless Your Family."
Rick Romero of Riverside , Ca , USA

"I am sorry for your loss. my son, also is stationed in Ramadi at camp corregidor. He is with the 101st. my prayer,thoughts, and condolences go out to you and your loved ones. May god bless you, and keep you."
Carolyn Craft of Newport Indiana

"Mrs Shelbert. You may not remember me, but I was a former Tank Commander for Jens, when stationed back in 2-69 in 1995-1998. Jens was a great person and an outstanding Soldier. I am very sad to hear of this tragic event. I will miss him very much. There are no words that i can express for your loss. May God bless you and your entire family."
SFC Nathaniel R Brown of Schweinfurt, Germany

"Jens you will be missed. I remember picking you up as a buck private from the improssessing center in Ft. Bliss and watched you develop as a fine solider...I remember your willingness to learn and your good nature. You will be missed, truly."
Leigh Sampson H Co 2/3 ACR of Green River, WY

"Anna, Jessica, and Mikey-
Jens was the first NCO i had when i arrived on the Hill. I don't need to tell you how good he was at his job. Jens taught me everything there was to know about being an American Soldier first, and a Tanker second. I am proud to have served with him, to have known him, and to call him "Brother". I will see you on The Fiddlers Green, Jens."
Nicodemus Jordan of Santa Cruz, CA

"Anna, Jessica, and Mikey-
Jens was the first NCO i had when i arrived on the Hill. I don't need to tell you how good he was at his job. Jens taught me everything there was to know about being an American Soldier. I was proud to have served with him, to have known him, and to call him "Brother". I will see you on The Fiddlers Green, Jens."
Nicodemus Jordan of Santa Cruz, CA

"Dear Mr. & Mrs. Schelbert.
No words can describe or compare to the loss of such a great soldier, son, brother or a friend. In our hearts we all believed that Jens was one of those to all of us, here in Camp Corregidor.
I only knew your son for a short time, since October of 2004. And yes I do remember the first time I met him, strong, confident and level headed all the qualities of a good soldier and friend.
With many losses already suffered in our Battalion, SSG Schelbert condoled others to ease diversity and pain of their losses. He had qualities, caring, trustworthy, powerful mind and body. I know that stemmed from a good family upbringing. He praised his family life and back ground, always mentioning his family. And growing up in Germany, and getting the opportunity to serve in the US Army.
Sometimes we ask ourselves what we could have differently to change the past in order to change the future; he believed there was nothing he would have changed. The night of the September 30th I and SSG Marney were talking to SSG Schelbert about what we were going to do when we got back., I said, go to teach at an Army school, SSG Marney was getting out taking his family to California, and SSG Schelbert wanted to go to Drill Sergeant School, and teach new soldiers what they needed to know to survive in today’s fight on terrorism. He believed he could save lives.
Again I would like to say in deepest regards that SSG Schelbert will be missed and remembered by all of us. A friend, a brother, he has been to me and others. He will never be forgotten.

Sincerely,

Larry M. Wiegert Jr.
SFC/E-7
US Army
Camp Corregidor, Iraq"
SFC Wiegert, Larry of Camp Corregidor, Iraq

"To the Schelbert family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you for the loss of your JENS. Words cannot ease your pain, but we hope you find some comfort in knowing that JENS is an American Hero.
Jens - You will Never be Forgotten. Gods Speed and may the Angels surround your family as they try to heal. Thank you for your honorable service to our country.
From the family of an American Soldier, stationed at Ft. Campbell with the 101st AVN Regt, now serving in Iraq - 10-20-05"
--Sharon & Craig Erwin of Oregon, United States of America

"SSG Shelbert you will always be remembered and looked up to. You were an OUTSTANDING NCO, always leading your troops and taking care of business! It was an Honor to work hand-to-hand with you at Camp Corregidor in Ramadi and to be your wingman at gunnery in prep. to coming over here to Iraq. RIP brother tanker! Sgt Christy Dealer6 gunn"
Sgt Christy of Ramadi, ANBAR, IRAQ

"TO THE SCHELBERT FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN JENS! YOU ARE A REAL AMERICAN HERO! THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY AND FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON GREGORY. HE LOST HIS LIFE LOST YEAR IN BALAD,IRAQ. PLEASE REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED IN JENS HONOR! SO THE COMMUNITY WILL NEVER EVER FORGET HIS SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY, STATE AND COUNTRY. GOD BLESS!"
leonard t. 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.
Our nations HERO, Jens will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless you ALWAYS.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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