Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I had the honor today Justin to meet your momma. My heart breaks for your mom and the pain she endures everyday. As the sister of a Fallen Marine who died by suicide, the pain never goes away no matter how long it’s been. Your family and your siblings are always in my prayers and hearts."
Jody Ranisate of Bagley Minnesota

"Hey Justin, not a day goes by when you are not in my thoughts. I still remember the last time I saw you. It was years ago now. We all came in to your mom's for Christmas and I remembered you then being the same as when you were 16. Just the other day Zeke and I were reminiscing when we talked you into chewing a whole pack of gum and blowing the biggest bubble I have ever seen to this day. I remembered when he and I poped it. It covered your entire face and you ended up missing your eyelashes and eyebrows. And our games of dart gun tag and hide n seek. You were always good at that game.

11 years we have been without you, but it seems just like it was yesterday... I know the kind of man you would have been, the kind of man you already were.

You are forever in our thoughts and I will see you again on the other side.

All my love, cousin."
Shannon of Fort Wayne, IN

"Justin, in a few short days it will be 10years since you were so cruelly taken from us. Sitting here I'm remembering so many things and thinking of all the stories your mom and Jay have told about you growing up. My heart breaks for your parents and brother because I know the pain they have felt every day for the last 10 years has not diminished. I know their pain has not lessened but has intensified. Always wondering what great things you would have accomplished. I miss you and even though I hadn't seen you in years I love you. Keep lookin out for all those you love. Until we meet again I love you"
Amy Girolamo of Queen Creek, AZ

"I knew Justin briefly when he lived in Freehold. He was a good kid that came from a good family. Rest in peace!"

"Trying to find the parents of Justin Schmidt:
My name is Dawn Kucera and I am with the Home of the Brave Quilt Project. It is our goal to make and present a quilt to the family of every service member who dies in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The contact information I have for Justin's parents is old and neither one has panned out.
I am looking for his mother, Lenore Roberts, used to live in Minnesota, and his father, Victor Schmidt, who used to live in Lake Lure, NC. Other family members (as seen in messages below) are his brother Jason, who used to live in Bradenton, and a cousin, Heather Young of Apache Junction AZ.

If anyone reading this can help me get in touch with any family member, so I can locate Justin's parents, I would be most grateful.
You can e-mail me at dawnkucera@mac.com or call me at 828-696-0524
Thank you so much. Dawn"
Dawn Kucera of Hendersonville NC

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry at times. I understand, in theory only, that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take your families and friends 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
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott Edward Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"To the family of Justin. My brother James Becktrand was in Justins unit when Justin was taken from you and James was taken from us. We think of Jim always along with Justin and the other 6 soldiers, Ryan C., Norman, Jeffrey, Jeremy, Esau and Ryan R.We always smile knowing that the 8 of these amazing men are around us 24/7 for their job of protecting us has now gone from the war but to eternity. God Bless your family.."
Lucy Mejia of Anaheim, Ca/USA

"God Bless you and everything you did. You truly are a hero! Your mother is a wonderful woman, and she is full of stories about you growing up. Whenever she mentions your name, her eyes light up and all I can see in her face is the pride she has for you. Thank you for serving this country!"
Jesica Huffman of Grand Forks, ND

"hey bro, your missed everyday. i wonder at times what kind of man you'd have become if the scurge of the earth hadn't taken you from all of us. i know your in a better place, still kickin * and taken names. love you man and miss you more than words can say!"
Your Bro Jason R. Schmidt of Bradenton, FL, USA

"April 20, 2009
To the family of Spc. Justin B. Schmidt:
Justin 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

"Hard to believe you've been gone nearly 5 years. I visit you offen in DC. It makes me happy to see that others leave stones/flowers for you. You're in Section 60, which is all Iraqi fallen. I miss you terribly and I'm certain at this point I will never get over it. One day I plan to travel to Iraq, stand in the intersection where that bastard took your young life and hopefully get some kind of closure. I miss you."
Uncle D of Largo, Florida

"Hey Babe, it´s been over 4 years now.Still thinking of you and still love you.I will always love you, because you were the man i wanted to marry.You always in my heart. LOVE YOU BABE!!!!!"
Stephanie of Berlin, Germany

"Schmidt hey I'm not sure why I'm writing on here but I still think about what happened. It troubles me and I always think about you guys and what you would be doing today. I just hope that I'm not dissapointing to all of you"
Jason Hayden of St.Louis MO.

"Justin;
I grieve for YOU and for all the fallen service people. Your life was cut so short and your dreams and aspirations taken away. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering your family and friends went through because they lost such a fine young man.

I salute you Justin"
James P. Lilly MSG, USA(RET) of Pensacola, FL

"I toured Arlington Cemetery with a group, we went to DC for my husband's Navy reunion. I wanted to see the graves of Iraq soldiers, and I did stop at Justin's grave. So even though I don't know you all, I wanted to say my prayers are with you. I lost my mother in a crime many years ago and I know the memory never goes away, but I hope time will heal your pain."
Suzanne of Jacksonville, FL

"Hey buddy, it's been a while eh? We all really miss you, here's hoping that you are with God. May one damn I have the privledge of spending a moment with you again.

Goodbye, for now."
Josh McCaul

"justin B Schmidt was a wonderful man and cousin. Me and Justin use to do alot of things together i mean we use to go for ice cream and watch movies and we went and took pictures together as a family and i was always glad that he was their and now he isn't. I love justin and i wish you were here."
heather renee young of apache junction, AZ

"Im writing here again to tell you that i would like to spend one minute of each day where you find it the hardest to move on. I want you to know that every day at the time i will stop myself and hold all of you in prayer
if you could send me an email at stallionsownz@yahoo.com informing me of that moment in your day, i would be most appreciative
also keep in your mind that every new year brings new things and that i understand the grieving process takes a long time. my prayers go to your family and friends and i hope my prayers find their destination.

Have Faith
“Man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air, but only for one second without hope”
--Karen Raven"
Sean Feverston of Ohio, USA

"To the family of:Justin B. Schmidt 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"

"You made a difference, Justin. Thank you for making this world a better place.

May God bless your family and friends... my prayers are with them."
Katrina of Queensbury, NY

"My name is Sean Gilfillan and I was the FDO in Justin Schmidt's platoon when we left to Iraq. He was a great soldier and was destined to be a great leader in the Army. He led by example and was extremely motivated and professional when there was a job to be done. Justin always made all of us laugh and had a smile on his face even during the worst of times. I just viewed his tribute video on youtube.com and it makes me realize that we are losing the greatest members of our society every single day. These are the ones who volunteer to put their lives on the line. These are the strongest, bravest, most dedicated members of our society...and each day we lose 1 or 2 of them on average. It is a shame.

To Justin's family: Thank you so much for bringing Justin up with the morals and values he embodied. You did a great job.

To Justin's Wife-to-be: I am deeply sorry for your loss.

and to all those who knew Justin...live on and embody the same characteristics that made him who he was...

Justin, thank you for letting me into your life and allowing me to learn from you in your death...you will be missed..."
Sean Gilfillan of Providence, RI

"Schmidt!! I remember you were the cool soldier in our room in Baghdad with the inflatable mattress, living like a King! Always striving to be the best out there, you were definitely a leader and a warrior! It hurt when I heard from Ferguson what had happened. Serving our country is an honor, so be proud of what you accomplished HERO!"
Sevie Sarabia (SGT) of Laredo, TX

"dear aunt lenore
it is heather how are you and all i want to say is that i love you and justin and jason i miss you all and i will talk to you later bye love your neice heather renee young"
heather young of apache junction AZ

"To his family,
Justin is the kind of person we never really forget. he used to play online games with us and every year around this time we realize how much we miss him. On the behalf of our friends, I would like to make a point to say that Justin's outreach and legacy went farther than his hometown. the person who took it the hardest that we know lives in canada and he made a tribute video for him. as for me I write. and I write for Justin because he was an extraordinary man. I apologize if this takes up too much space.
God Bless.

Tribute to Justin
A Reflection and rememberance on 9/11

It’s been five years since the towers fell,
3 years since you signed up for hell,
Their foundations shook,
So you shook yours,
Adapted to adversity like and man would,
But you made a choice not many men could,
You left your home,
Your beloved wife,
You took a ship to continue the fight,
You fought with valor,
Risking life,
Yet no one but God could bring you out of the strife.

Not even your wife…

Your mother wrote you a letter,
Justin,
But a reply was not returned,
Instead you came back a broken vessel of an honorable man,
Gauged not on how high you could fly,
But measured on how hard you would try.
But Justin,
Pal,
I knew you not as well as most,
But if there is one thing you Taught Me that you can boast,
Justin,
Memories forever live.
Legends never die.
--From your pal,
Sean Feverston

Dedicated to the life and memory of
SPC. Justin B. Schmidt, And to his family so that they may rejoice in the good times he shared with them. May God bless them and console them.
And May God Bless America.
9/11/2006"
Sean Feverston of Columbus Ohio, USA

"Dear justin
it is your cousin heather young all i wanted to say was that i love you and i miss you so much bye."
Heather Young of apache junction,AZ

"justin bryan schmidt was a great cousin and a very great to talk to i wish that he was able to spend graduation with us in person now it has to be in spirit."
heather of apache junction, AZ

"Justin, when your brother first told me what happened, I was in shock and I didn't want to believe it. Unfournatley, what happened really did and I hope you rest in peace. However, I still remember the last conversation we had, you really believed in what you were doing. I could never do what you did, and I would just like to say, as a friend who was as close as a brother, I'm proud of you. You inspired many people in your life to do the right thing, you helped me out a lot, thankyou Justin."
Joshua McCaul of Toronto, Ontario

"Justin, it's mom once again. It's been two years now and it feels as though it was only yesterday. We just returned from visting with you and attending "A Time of Remembrance", the pride and honor I felt for you and all of our fallen was overwhelming. I miss you everyday and say a prayer that you will be waiting for me when my time comes. I LOVE YOU."
Lenore Roberts of Bagley, MN

"Two years now brother....still in my mind...everyday....thinking of you down here...watchin us from up there...memory's gonna be always in my heart. Thanks again."
SGT Francisco of Vermillion SD

"Dear Justin,
Since day one at basic you made it a point to become a leader. From being our leader in basic to striving to be the best section in 4-27, you always showed the way. I always looked up to your leadership that you brought to Charlie Battery. You will never be forgotten in my heart and mind. Look down on us from heaven and know that you did it with purpose and great heart. To you and your family I send my love with the greatest respect and honor. I was very proud to know Justin and extremely proud to serve with him for 2 years."
Kevin Thomas Section 1, C-Btry 4-27, "shot 11" of South Shore, KY/USA

"Dear loved ones of Spc. Schmidt,
My name is Alicia Reed, my husband PFC Ryan Reed died in Iraq on the same day as your loved one and I would just like to say that I am very sorry and I understand the struggle and heartbreak you have endured. I would more than anything like to say that he is a hero, and will be remembered by many people. I am thankful for his sacrafice each day.
Bless you all."
Alicia Reed of Colorado Springs, CO

"Szczere kondolencje.We never forget."
Robert of ŒWIDWIN, POLAND

"Hey Babe, it´s been almost two years now and all I do every day is thinking about you. Thinking about the great time we had and thinking what would we do now if you would be alive. It is still very hard for all of us and I know you somewhere in heaven and I know you take care of your family and me, because I can feel you that you by my side. Your my guardian angel. I just want to let you know that I try my best to make you and myself happy but without you-- that´s hard. I know you wanna see me happy. Babe, I try.

Babe I love you from the bottom of my heart for ever and ever.

Kisses to you, In big LOVE your Babe Stephanie"
Stephanie of Oberhausen, Germany

"I met u and Stephanie through my ex-boyfriend Black (Hart).We used to hang out a lot together and shared good and bad times.I just couldn`t believe it when the message reached me from Iraq.I was totally shocked.It took me a long time till I realized what really had happened.
I will always remember u."
Jazzy of Wiesbaden,Germany

"Jason and Family,
There isn't a time that goes by when I don't stop and think about Justin. His funny sense of humor, positive outlook on life, and how loyal he was to you as a brother and son. Even though I am not in Bradenton now, I find myself thinking about the last times we all hung out at Carol's house. Sometimes I catch myself smiling at a joke he told, or his crazy dancing. I feel proud to spread the words about Justin, and Derek, and all the honor and respect they should be given as a "soldier" of "our" country. I feel blessed to be a teacher, spreading the messages to all of my students about how they served for us to give us this freedom. With Veterans day approaching, I have been discussing with them the importance of making a choice to serve. Also the importance of remembering those that are active and veterans. I will share stories of Derek and Justin and hope that someday, even after I have passed, my students will continue to spread the messages of these fine young men and women. I wish you all the best, and know that Justin is waiting with the Lord to welcome you home. He will tell you how proud he is of "you" for honoring him and spreading the messages to others about his life."
Alison, alison.swisher@polk-fl.net of Lakeland, FL

"I WENT TO BASIC WITH YOUR SON. I WANT TO SAY HOW SORRY I AM FOR YOUR LOSS. I WILL KEEP YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS. I ONLY KNEW HIM FOR A SHORT TIME, HE WAS A GREAT SOLDIER AND YOU COULD TELL HE LOVE SERVING HIS COUNTRY."
SGT. STANIKMAS of FT. BRAGG

"I forgot to add my e-mail address for you Aunt Lenore, so I thought while I had the time I would do that for you.
doomedkittycat07@yahoo.com"
Shannon of Ft. Wayne, IN

"Dear Aunt Lenore,
It is a sad thing to have to lose such a good person such as Justin. I miss him all the time and remember when Zak and I were still young and you and the boys were staying with us and we were playing dart-gun tag and the time when Zak and I dared Justin to eat an entire pack of bubble gum and when he blew a bubble, we poped it and made it cover his entire face. I think of him all the time and I remember how much he meant to all of us and how special of a person he was and still is in many ways.
With All Love, Your niece,
Shannon"
Shannon of Ft. Wayne, IN

"I was reading these memorials to our fallen soldiers and I was reading Justins, and I noticed he died on 4/29/2004. My nephew Pfc Charles Steven Cooper died in April 29th 2005 in Baghdad, he was only 19 years old. He has a memorial also on FacesofValor. I cannot do enough for him. I thought it ironic that I picked Justins memorial to read. I want to express my deepest condolences to you, I know it has been a year for you, but I am sure it feels like yesterday. These young men are true heros and they will never be forgottten. Thank you for you sacrifice and know that I carry all of them in my heart forever.
God Bless You...."
Cheryl of Gerry, NY

"Dear Justin's Family,
It has been over a year now since Justin's death.As a mother, I thought if I gave it some time, maybe I would find some words of comfort for you.But I realize now that "saying I am so sorry for your loss never gets any easier to say no matter how long it has been.And I do not know if there are any words that may give you comfort when a family has lost a son, brother,grandchild,nephew or cousin. But I have to believe that Justin is with God and that when it is our turn to leave this crazy mixed up place called Earth and return to "Our Father" we will infact see him again and he will be able to share all of the stories he was going to tell us when he arrived home from the battlefield in Iraq. I have so many fond memories of Justin that I will carry in my heart forever. You do not need me to tell you how proud of him you must be, you already know that. I do not think a day goes by that I don't think of Justin and all the others who gave their lives so that maybe some day the people of Iraq would welcome peace and be able to enjoyo the many freedoms we Americans take for granite here. Justin came to a fork in the road and choose the Army. I can still remember the day I found out and how proud and determined he was to prepare himself for Basic Training.He graduated from Basic Training at Fort Sill and we all met to attend the graduation of Justin (an Honor Graduate)and my oldest son Derek. Justin had a large circle of friends,a beautiful smile and a personality that was warm,outgoing and contagious.Though he would not be able to use those qualities as he was preparing himself to be the best that he could be in the Army, it was his determination,strength,his will and his courage that would make him a soldier and part of the "Army Family".The second phase of his life would take him to Germany with the 1st Arm. Division. We all thought it would be great that the two of them might end up together there, but the Division's they were assigned to,would station them on the opposite sides of Germany. But they did end up in Iraq together for a period of time, only in different locations. When Justin's tour was extended, he was not thinking about himself, he was concerned about how stressful it might be on his family and Fiance Stephanie. His marriage was delayed until he would return to Germany. That never happened, and even though we knew how dangerous conditions had been and were in Iraq, no one ever thought Justin would not return home. Though Justin was taken away,no one can ever take away all the memories we have.This has been a great loss for my son's Derek and Matt and myself, and our lives have been changed forever too.Jusin is now at peace, and was laid to rest with his fellow soldier brothers in Arlington Cemetery. And he is probably up in heaven sharing those "war stories" with many other vets who can understand where he was and what he endured. I hope that God will grant you peace and the strength to go on, and always know that our hearts and prayers are with you forever. God Bless You. Love Carol"
Carol McKinney, Son of Sgt. Derek McKinney, 1st Infantry Division Bamburg Germany, and Matthew McKinney of Bradenton FL USA

"Thank you, family of Justin, for his life. He is remembered by people who like me, won't forget, although you do not know us. This Memorial Day, he is in my family's prayers."
sandra mcfarland of nokomis, fl

"Your loved one was remembered on 27 May 2005 in Bicentennial Memorial Chapel General Protestant Worship Service in Fort Gordon, GA. His life and your sacrifice are not forgotten. Thank you. We are praying for you.
Chaplain (Major) Alva Ray Bennett"

"I will never forget the sacrifices you made."
Ryan Beggy RBeggy@yahoo.com of Bradenton, FL

"HEY JUSTIN, BE EASY AND ROLL HARD. REMEMBER NO SHOES ALLOWED"
CHARLIE"REMY" MCMILLAN of TAJI, IRAQ

"Justins family,
I too got Justins name from herobracelets.org and i wear it so proudly. I am so sorry for the loss that you have had to go through,just remember that I wear his braclet proudly and pray for your family everyday."
Jenna of Westfield,In

"THANK YOU JUSTIN B. SCHMIDT. MY SON WAS A SCOUT FOR THE 2-2,1ST. I.D. I'M SURE WHEN YOU AND J.C.(MY SON WHO WAS KILLED IN ACTION 11-12-04,BATTLE FOR FALLUJA,IRAQ)GOT TO THE PEARLY GATES THE FIRST SGT. STANDING WITH ST. PETER STEPPED FORWARD AND SAID "SOLDIERS FIRST,SOLDIERS FIRST, YOU'VE PAID YOUR PRICE IN HELL." I WAS GIVEN THESE WORDS OF COMFORT FROM A VIETNAM VET FRIEND OF MINE AND FOUND SOME COMFORT KNOWING OUR HEROES ARE FIRST. THANK YOU. SGT.J.C. MATTESON'S FATHER"
JAMES MATTESON of CELORON,N.Y.

"To Justin's Family: I purchased a bracelet from www.herobracelets.org and was given a bracelet at random with Justin's name. I am so sorry for your loss, there are not words to describe... Thank you, Justin for your service to your country... you will be my personal hero as I wear your name on my wrist - I will not forget you and all the others."
Krissi www.krissi-web.com of Largo, Florida

"Justin - You are a hero for our country and your sacrifice will never be forgotton.

Jason - My heart goes out to you. My brother James is currently serving in Iraq and I hope I never experience the pain of losing a brother that way. I pray that God gives you and your family strength in knowing that Justin is a hero and that you will see him again someday."
Jami Rill (maiden- Jami White) --childhood friend from Bradenton, FL, currently of Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska

"Thank You! You have touched people in a way that some cannot do in a complete lifetime. Your actions will never be forgoten. You are a true American Hero!"
Stephen of Sarasota, FL

"DEAR JUSTIN;STEFFI N FAMILY!
I MET JUSTIN 2 YEARS AGO CUZ I WAS DATING HIS FRIEND,JUSTIN U WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY MIND N HEART;U HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A WONDERFUL PERSON FULL OF LIFE;U REALLY BELIEVED IN WHAT U WAS FIGHTING FOR WE STILL ASK OURSELVES WHY YOU BUT I KNOW UR IN A BETTER PLACE UR WITH DA LORD NOW WATCHING OVER US;I NEVER GOT DA CHANCE " SAY BYE SO WE ALL MISS U N LOVE U;REST IN PEACE"
nina of kTOWN;germany

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

"To Justin's Mom from Ryan Campbell's Mom. If our tears could only bring them home again. If we could hold them in our arms again. I tried to contact you a few weeks ago by telephone, but your obstinant sheriff refused to relay my message. This is a terrible wilderness we wander in."
Mary Ann MacCombie of Atlanta, GA

"Dear Justin,
It is so sad to think that someone so fun and full of life could be taken so early. As I sat at your memorial service I thought about all of the good times and fun memories I have of you. (Example: when I tried to wax your eyebrows, canoeing down The Peace River, wrestling in your grandparents pool, drinking Yager at your apartment, etc...) Such good times, filled with lots of laughs.
And that day, while I grieved with your family & friends, all I could think was that you really wouldn't want us to sit around and cry for you...but you'd probably rather have us out at the causeway, riding jet skis and celebrating your life.
Even though our families are no longer close, my thoughts & prayers go out to Jay, Vic, John, Jan, Lenore & and the rest of the family.
You are a HERO and your memory will live forever in the hearts of the people who knew you.
Thank you for your bravery and for upholding the right to freedom!
I'll see you again someday...."
Candace Fountain (Ex-Step Sister) of Bradenton, Florida

"To Justin's family and his fiance:
I feel your pain too since my husband, James L. Beckstrand was with Justin that day. Thanks for your kind words about him. They are true heroes, and will not be forgotten."
Marilena Beckstrand

"Hey Baby. Its me your future wife. I wanted to say thank you for all the beautiful times we had together. I will always love you and you will always be in my heart and no one can replace you. You are my one and only, forever!!! Love and miss you so much. In big love and 1000 of kisses your schnuckelchen!!!!!!!"
Stephanie of Trier, Germany

"Justin, it's mom; I had to write to let you know how much joy and love you brought to my life in such a short time and how proud I am to be your mother. I looked forward to our meeting in Berlin where I would be able to hold you in my arms and shower you with kisses. I'll have to wait now, but know that we love and miss you so very much and are so very, very proud of you and all that you did for your country while keeping us smiling. Your laughter and huge smile will be forever in my heart for all eternity. I LOVE YOU JUSTIN. As always your #1 Fan MOM"
Proud Mother of Spc. Justin B. Schmidt, Lenore C. Roberts of Bagley, MN

"Justin:
Man you are one of my best friends, no matter what happened you were there for me........thanks. You may be gone, but will never be forgotten. Myself and fellow Americans would like to thank you for your effort to protect our freedom. I will miss you man, RIP and we all love you...........
TO Justin's Family:
I'm sorry for the loss of Justin, he was an honorable man and a great friend. I'll always be here for you guys, take care and we love you guys!!!"
Matt McKinney....friend of Spc. Justin B. Schmidt, brother of Spc. Derek M. McKinney(also serving in Iraq) of Bradenton,FL

"I'm truly saddened by your loss, though i did not know your son. I was there on site once it happened, it makes you feel like you knew him. I was completely shocked. Everyday i think of those soldiers that made the ultimate sacrifice, and then i think of you. Even though we maybe be strangers you're in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless mfrancis@usd.edu"
Spc. Mark Francisco of Estelline SD

"To Justin'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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.

Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX"
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com

"Know that Justin will not be forgoten, his sacrifice and yours lives on in my heart and the hearts of many others. Thank you Justin for your bravery and for protecting our freedoms."
Shannon L Deese of MCAS New River, NC

"To the family of Justin, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Justin will always be remembered for the great sacrifice he has made for our country. Sincerely, Lori Jefferson"
Lori Jefferson of Sarasota Fl.

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

"To Justin'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 Justin Schmidt, 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. Justin Schmidt:
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 Justin 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. Justin Schmidt:
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 Justin, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia