Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Gone, never forgotten. We miss you, LT."
S-Train

"There are no words that I can type down to express the emotions that I feel everyday when you cross my mind. I am so thankful for the honor to have have served by your side and proud to call you brother. I don't think there will ever be enough words to express my feelings. All I can say is thank you and see you when my time comes Sir. Deeds Not Words."
Eric Rivera of San Antonio TX

"We never stop thinking about you Lieutenant. I remember when your Mom brought you in the office and you and I had a chat about the military. In a few words it was so clear that you would be a great leader. We will never, never forget you and your sacrifice for our freedom. Respectfully....."
Mike Jewett, LCDR, MSC, USN (Ret)

"A million times we've missed you,
A million times we've cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place,
No one could ever fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day GOD called you home.

We miss you Robbie"
Author (Unknown) of America

"Thinking of the Seidel Family today. Much love to all of you!
Sherry Grenchik"
Sherry Grenchik of Fairfield, PA

"Rob, you are not forgotten. My love to your family."
Mary Ralya of Brenham, TX

"I can't believe its coming up on 5 years already. You are truely missed sir. "Deeds not Words""
Kollin Berg of Philadelphia, PA

"Hey Robbie,

I just wanted to say that you have played such a huge role in my life. Not a day goes by where I don't think about you and say a prayer, and whenever I get the chance I stop by your grave to say hello. They played the song "When I get where I'm going" by Brad Paisley at your funeral and I always tear up hearing it, thinking about that hot Memorial Day when my family attended your funeral. You're the definition of an American Hero and we all love you so much! Oneday I'll finally meet you on the golden streets of heaven <3"
Marian Grenchik of Fairfield, Pa, USA

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go,
Some people move our souls to dance.
They awaken us to new understandings,
With the passing whisper of their life,
Their hope and their dreams.
Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon.
They stay in our lives for awhile,
Leave their footprints on our souls,
Their smile in our hearts,
And we are never, EVER the same."
Author: Unknown of America

"my name is spc jake stack i was under lt. seidel command with 2-22 infantry fort drum , ny he was the best platoon leader you could ask for and the best guy you wanna be around"
jake stack of denver colorado

"As I am cloaked by the darkness of the soft desert sky,
I feel a strange likeness between my father and I.
For I am the father of 30 young men,
Related only by the blood that we shed.
And they look up to me, to lead them through the fight.
For we know not what awaits us this cold desert night.
But I vow to protect them and bring them all home,
So may I find strength in the courage they have shown.
And like my father, I ask the Lord as I pray –
Watch over my boys if today is my day.

Everyday I look in the mirror I see your poem branded on my side. I think of you, Cournoyer, and Allen. My life fell apart after you guys left us in this world. I could never grasp the reality of having to serve under someone besides you. I tried, but it wasnt the same and i knew it never would be the same. I wish i could have made time stand still to keep our old platoon together. 1st platoon bravo company 2-22 of 2005-2006 was my true family. Never forgotten"
Lago of CA

"Re: 1LT Robert Augustine Seidel III

Hello,
I represent PRAYER SHAWLS 4 FALLEN SOLDIERS (PS4FS), an organization that since October 2007 has sent over 3,100 prayer shawls to military families who have lost a loved one. We are an organization of over 240 groups from all over the country. We make every effort to reach families even when post cards are returned after they have moved. Would you kindly send me a contact email/address so that we may send a loving hand-made prayer shawl to the family? Thank you!

Cozette Haggerty, Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers
Email: ps4fs@charter.net
Website Address: http://webpages.charter.net/ps4fs/shawls"
Cozette Haggerty of Wilbraham, MA

"My son, Ryan, was Rob's roommate and a fellow platoon leader. Ryan had just returned from a patrol when Rob when out on his last. Ryan took his platoon out to bring Rob and his companions back. Ryan shared Rob's loss with his family, and we have prayed for the Seidels ever since. Rob and his sacrifice is not forgotten and never will be."
Bill Wilde of Granger, IN, USA

"hey buddy. i miss you so much. i still think about all the good times we have shared, there arnt enough minutes in the day to think about all of them. i still rember that day like it was yesterday, it haunts my nightmares. i wanted to go on a shooting rampage when it happend and catch tha S.O.B that put that IED in that road. but people that are much wiser than i told me that i should not think like that, but you were like a "father" to us all in 1st platoon B Co 2-22, im still workin on a son so i can give him the name robert nick-allen breeden in yous guys memory. i love you man and i will never forget you."
SGT Breeden, David of Fort Drum, NY

"Sir, you and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers. I make it a point to show fellow soldiers the poem you wrote about being in command of men; they always tear up and leave with a new sense of pride and mission. Even gone you are still leading the way. Climb to Glory Sir. SSG Z"
Paul Zertuche of ICU Burn Ward, FT SAM HOUSTON BAMC

"My son played baseball with Robbie, when they were kids. I remember Robbie very well. I remember Robbie as a boy and know that he grew into a wonderful youn man and deicated Soldier who loved his country.
My son, Timothy Bostian II was in Special Forces training when he learned of Robbie's death. He is now a Green Beret in the Army and is currently serving in Afghanistan. I still remeber our conversation when he learned of Robbie's death. Robbie's parent's are on my mind and in my heart on this Memorial Day. My heart goes out to them. May God Bless them and give them the courage and strength to get through each and every day. Robbie was a wonderful person and a brave and dedicated Soldier. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us and he will never be forgotten."
Roxanne Bostian of Jacksonville, FL/USA

"May 20, 2009
To the family of 1st Lt. Robert A. Seidel, III:
Robert 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 My Family.. Sadly another year is here and Rob is so on my mind, as so are you Sandy,Bob and Steve.. I pray all the time for you and the rest of our family. Words can't not explain what Rob was and how he has touched us all.. I miss him very much. God Bless him and you for being so supportive while he served.
Love you"
Lisa Souza of Tiverton RI

"Hi Robbie, it's Missy, your babysitter. I've been thinking about you and I'm glad I found this web page. I saw your mom and dad a couple of months ago and they are doing well. I saw Stevie a while back, he was with Josh, he's doing well also. I have to say you are one missed kid! I've gone through a quite a few emotions since hearing of this tragedy. Everything from anger to pride. The only time it makes any sense to me is when I ask myself..."If he knew what was going to happen would it have changed his mind about fighting for his country?" My guess is a resounding NO! That is what gives me that overwelming sense of pride Robbie. I am so proud of you. You and Stevie were the best little kids I ever took care of. Who knew that one day you would be taking care of millions. We thank you and love you!

PS - I still have the bracelet you and Stevie gave me for my high school graduation."
Missy of Emmitsburg, MD

"To the family of:Robert A. Seidel 111 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"

"Bushmaster 16,

I think about you daily.

May I never forget your sacrifice.

Bushmaster 6"
Bushmaster 6 of Fort Drum, NY

"Your loss is shared by many..please know you are not alone.
With deepest sympathy and prayers."
Lorena Lanmon of Elgin, Texas

"As I have the same name as this honorable soldier, I feel some sort of connection to him. May God bless all those who have fought and died in honorable service to this country."
Robert Seidel of Florence, AZ

"I was listening to npr a week ago and heard a name from 30 yrs ago Robert Seidel. I am a 1979 graduate of the Mount.I heard you speak of your loss and I am so sorry for you and your family. He sounded like a wonderful son ,who I am sure blessed you with many loving memories."
Peggy Carle of Navesink NJ

"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, Robert will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS.
May we never forget: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! "

"My heart pours out to this and every fallen soldiers family. As we have just gotten over the Memorial Holiday it leaves me still thinking about those that are dying defending the freedoms we so greatly take for granted here in this country.
I am so greatful and may God bless you for your sacrafice."
Juanita Lawson-Crowder of Somerset KY USA

"I am sorry for your loss, and thank you for this supreme sacrificee. Words cannot express my sorrow that so many military families are facing out of the spotlight. You loved one will never be forgotten. My father served in VietNam,and died years later due to complications of injuries from his service. He is with us. God bless you"
Kay Nelson of Bethesda, MD

"To the parents and brother of 1st Lt. Robert Seidel III,

Our son was serving with your son in Iraq as fellow 1st Lieutenants and platoon leaders of Bravo company from the 10th Mountain Division 2-22 Infantry Battalion of Fort Drum. They were in the convoy together when this happened and our son went to see if there was anything he could do for his friend and fellow army leader. When we heard from our son of the loss of Robert we were all deeply saddened. I know that our son, 1st. LT Christopher Buscaglia respected your son and his committment to his platoon and his country. Please know that you and your family and friends will conrinue to be in our thoughts and prayers in the days to come. May God bless your son for his acts of heroism and deep love and committment to his men and his country. As a mother of a young man serving in Iraq, you have my most heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy in this time of great sorrow."
Denic Minderman of Lockport New York

"I was watching the news, and I seen Robbie flash up...I felt my heart sink. I knew Robbie a long time, we grew up together at school, and at St. Joes church. I remember in confirmation class, he was always so funny. We also worked at Mt. St. Mary's College as young teens growing up. Robbie was a great friend, a great person, a great soldier. He will be greatly missed. He may be gone from this world, but never from our hearts."
Amanda of eburg. MD.

"To the family of Lt. Seidel, your loved one was killed with ours May 18, 2006. My baby brother was LTC Daniel Holland. We are devastated by his death and want you to know that we are truly saddened by the loss of your Robert. They are both heroes. May they rest in peace. And God bless you and help you in your time of such sorrow and pain, Mary Ralya"
Mary Ralya of Brenham, TX

""Memorial Day" 2006
"ROBERT A. SEIDEL"
"I WILL NEVER FORGET"
Proud Army mom of:
"Pfc Adam Lee Thomas"
1-87 Ft. Drum
KIA: Afghanistan 08-31-03
Ellen Thomas
Ellenethomas@comcast.net"
Ellen Thomas of Burbank, IL

"Even though it has been years since I've seen Robbie, I can remember his great smile. We used be neighbors when we were kids and he was always a great, fun loving guy. My sympathys to his family. We will miss you greatly!!!!!"
Melissa D of Emmitsburg, MD

"Robbie I can't believe this happened. I read all the articles in the paper and cut out copies for myself and I see how everyone mentions your sense of humor and I'll say that was one of your best qualities. You did have such a great sense of humor and a great smile. I know during classes in school how you'd make a boring lab experiment into a fun loving time. You were a wonderful friend and confidant and I know although we may have lost contact over the years, you still considered me a friend, as I did you. When I saw your picture in the paper, my heart sunk. I didn't know what to do or think or even how to react at that point. I remembered that smirk that you would show off often and I'm going to miss you and your smile and most importantly, your friendship."
A friend of Thurmont, MD

"Thank you Robert Seidel III, 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 1st Lt. Robert Seidel III:
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 Robert 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 1st Lt. Robert Seidel III:
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 Robert, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia