Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hello my name is Maddox. My father told me the story today since it is Memorial Day 2020 and I wanted to know what happened since he has a picture of Steve and Keith in his army room. It made me so sad it’s the first time I have seen him cry in years and we cried together for minutes about them and the fact that Steve never got to meet his baby girl who is older than me but it leaves me heartbroken knowing that she won’t ever know her dad. My father is now retired Cw4 Scott McBride. Rest in Piece Cw2 Steven Sheppard and Cw4 Keith Mariotti."
Maddox McBride of Fuquay Varina,North Carolina

"Shep,

I remember the day like it was yesterday. There are many nights that I lie awake and think about you and CW4 Mariotti, and there are many others that I try to avoid sleep altogether. You were a kind and gentle soul that couldn't wait to get home and see your daughter after she was born. That day never came but I know that you are smiling down on all of us now. You may have given up your aviator wings that day but you gained a new pair of wings that will never be taken from you. RIP"
SSG Greg Freeman of Ft. Carson, CO

"I was there it was actually June 25 or 26 near Mishada Iraq. We witnessed it and were first to get there, We did everything to help and we failed.They were giving us air cover because my squad was getting hit daily. I have never forgot to this day that day haunts me. I am sorry we could not protect you. Thanks for giving the ultimate for me and my guys. God bless you my brother. and your co-pilot CW Moriotti. YOU ARE THE REAL HEROES!!!"

"It's been 7 years today. I think of you and Keith daily. I will never forget what happened on that day. You are a great American! I wish the best for your family..."
CW4 Scott McBride of Fort RUcker, AL

"Thinking of you today, Steve...Memorial Day 2012. You were the gentlest soul. Only a couple of weeks before that fateful day I recall carrying a six pack of non-alco beer to your hooch in thanks for your perfecting my IHADSS (Apache flight helmet) in the middle of the night for my next day's mission. A small example, never forgotten. God Bless you and your family. -Rob"
LTC Rob Willis of US Army, here and there

"To the family of:Steven E. Shephard
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 have never been good with words. I should have contacted the family but couldn't and still have some troubles cause I think of you every day. You fought and died for your country and happy that you did what you wanted. I am really sorry that you left your wife and a unborn child behind. Steve, you are always in my heart and thoughts. If you have not figured out who I am, I am your cousin, Butch. R.I.P."
Ed Weeks of Graham, Wa/USA

"Hey, I'm Nathan
I heard your story from a teacher of mine at this nice little school In Maize Kansas. An i wanted to show my praise in Honor of saying, Thanks For fighting and dieing for Our Country. Although that isn't the most Favorable way to leave this earth without our loved ones. I wanted to Show You And Your family That Others around the world Might Not personaly know you guys, But You're Honored for your sacrifices and Suffering that your family's gone through. And Many other Individuals. R.I.P Steven E. Shephard.
may we all be thankful for the proud sacrifice of those many Men who've died for our Freedom."
Nathan Calbert of Wichita, KS

"Hello, my name is Lauren and I heard your story from a teacher at my school. I'm very sorry about your loss. I hope everything is going okay for you."
Lauren of Maize, Kansas

"Hello. My name is Serena. I read about you. You seem like you were a GREAT man! Thank you SOOO much for serving our country. Its you guys that give me hope. Thank you!"
Serena McClaren of Wichita Ks,

"Hello,
My name is Kristen. Kristy Custer is the Asistant Principal at our school and she shared your story with us. I am so very sorry for your loss. It sounds like your husband was a great person and that he will be dearly missed. God bless."
Kristen of Wichita, KS

"Dear friends family and loved ones of Steven Shephard,

I just want to say that I support the wife of Steven and his daughter and they must be going through some hard times with out there father and husband. I plan on joining the army when I graduate highschool, I look up to Steven alot. It is very sad what happened too him years ago but all we can do is look forward to the best. Too the family and friends you all have my prayers,

Will S."
William of Wichita

"A true american hero, for the family "I’m very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you."
Tyler of wichita ks

"To the People who new steven. I am sorry for your loss. He will be remebered as a hero of war and will forever be remembered"
Mac Frank of Wichita, Kansas

"I heard about Steven from Kristy. I'm one of her students and I am terribly sorry for what has befallen you and your child. May the brave/great man rest in peace."
Alexander of Maize, Kansas/USA

"Hey I am one of Kristy Custers students and i just wanted to say that i am sorry for your loss and i couldnt imagine how you feel, but i wish you guys the best."
Dylan of Maize Ks

"An invaluable friend during flight school. A leader among leaders.
God bless his family always."
CWO Jayson Kendrick of Russellville, AR

"August 10, 2009
To the family of CWO Steven E. Shephard:
Steven 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

"Seems like the other day you and I were laughing at each other while the TAC officers were “smoking” us in the grass. You were such a great friend and inspiration through WOCS and flight school, and I will definitely miss you. To Steve’s family, I’m so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. He will definitely be missed."
Todd Jacobson of FOB Diamondback, Iraq

"God bless you! You are a hero!"
J. L.

"I am so sorry for your loss i have 3 brothers in the army and on of them was staitiond at Hunter Army Airfeid in Georgia and when he got back he should me their memory dvd and Steven was on it and ever since then I have felt sorrow for you. I am sorry for your loss."

"To Steve´s family,
My English is very bad but I want to say that I remember Steve. Although I never met him. I only have seen his picture of a website for the american soldiers but that was enough. Steve will never be forgotten! Never..."
Jana of Hennef, NRW, Germany

"force for the family"
jesus of Spain Burgos

"To Steve's wife, family and friends,
I remember meeting Steve when he first came to Kansas State Univeristy to flight instruct. He and I became instant friends and spent the better half of a year as flight instructors together at KSU. I remember sharing stories about our students trying to crash us in the airplane. I remeber laughing so hard my side hurt and I couldn't catch my breath at some of his stories. Steve was a great soul. He was always cool, clam and collected. He always made everyone around him feel welcome and comfortable. Being prior service U.S. Air Force we often spoke about my "misadventures" over in Desert Shield/Desert Storm/Operation Provide Comfort and how the USAF changed my life and gave me opprotunities I would've never had if I had never served. Though, I never thought he would join the Army. When I left KSU for my first airline job I figure Steve would coming right behind me. When he called and said he was joining the Army I was very impressed and felt he was making a great choice for himself and his family. Not long after that he called and said he got the AH-64D Longbow...he was so excited and I was excited for him. Then I got an e-mail from Steve in Iraq. He sounded upbeat and happy and was so excited about his baby girl on the way. I truly believe Steve made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I am greatful to Steve and his dedication to duty, honor and country. Steve is a great guy and I miss him already. Thanks Steve."
MSgt Brian Custer, KANG of Cheney, Kansas USA

"Dear Steven's Family and Friends, I wish to extend my sincere condolence on your loss and the whole country's loss of Steven. He is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless all of you, and know that Steven is safe with Him right now."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"To the Family of Steven Shephard,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Steve has made the ultimate sacrafice and will never be forgotten. I will never forget the time I spent with Steve in flight school. I couldn't have asked for a better "Stick Buddy." Steve's great attitude and caring personality will never be forgotten. During Instruments, I always thought he was one step ahead of me because of his prior flight experience, however, he was always there to help me out when I needed it. Steve, thanks for all the memories buddy. I'm gonna miss you. You were a great friend, husband and American. God Bless!"
Scott Shimp of Ft. Carson, CO 3d ACR

"M. - We love you and miss you, you are in my daily thoughts. Steve is a great loss to us all, as well as the world. You were both so special to us as we all braved flight school together, i cannot express how we feel your loss for you. We love you both always."
Melissa and Greg Bates of Ft. Campbell, KY

"Remebered by my husband as a Officer who Thanked soldiers when they saluted him. Steven will be greatly missed. A hero in all of our eyes. Your family is forever in our prayers! God Bless!"
Shannon Rincon of Ft. Bragg, NC

"I knew Steve in high school. He was a very sweet guy and will be missed a great deal. I will always remember his family in my prayers."
Heather Wigley-Buckhalter of Purcell, OK USA

"steven you are remembered today. for you have not given your life in vain. you had a calling in life. an the military was your calling! you have not given your life in vain. you are a hero and much more. without people as yourself. we as AMERICAN"S could not enjoy our liberty and freedom. God Bless!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"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

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

"To Steven'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 soldier's bravery and sacrifice. Our boys are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"Our hearts and prayers are with Steve's wife and all of the families in this nightmare you are going threw. Steve was a talented and caring guy who won't ever be forgotton. Our love to you , Meleah."
The Hendrickson's (Kelly & Paul) of Fort Drum, Ny.

"Thank you Steven Shephard, 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 Chief Warrant Officer Steven Shephard:
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 Steven 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 Chief Warrant Officer Steven Shephard:
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 Steven, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia