Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Charles,
On today, the 13th anniversary of your death you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"10 years ago tomorrow, I rushed to the Baghdad hospital, too late to see you alive. RIP my friend and thanks for what you did for this great country!"
Ted Spain of Aiken, SC

"You will never be forgotten."
yolanda wilson (bell) of atlanta georgia

"09/01/2011
Although it's almost been eight years I still carry you with me every day. Gone but never forgotten. I love you friend."
Kyndreshia Stroman of Spring Lake, NC

"Although I did not know this man I am sure he was a good soldier and i hope his memory will live on through his family"
Richard Thorn of Bell,Florida

"6/9/10
I didn't personally know anyone who was killed fighting to defend our country. But 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 the grieving 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

"He was a really good friend and I will never forget him."
SSG Saunders, David of Philadelphia, Pa

"September 29, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Charles M. Sims:
Charles 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

"PFC SIMS WAS GREAT FREIND, AND AN OUTSTANDING SOLDIER. IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR AND A PRIVALDGE SERVING WITH HIM. HE WAS ALWAYS WILLING TO HAVE A LAUGH AND HORSE AROUND WITH THE FELLAS. AS THE REST OF 1ST PLT, I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT SORROWFUL DAY. EVERYTIME I HEAR "ROLL CALL", I THINK OF PFC SIMS, AND THE REST OF OUR BROTHERS THAT PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE. MAY THEY NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!! HOOAH SIMS!!!!. YOUR BROTHER SPC WILLIAMS."
SPC MICAELE WILLIAMS(549TH MP CO) of PALMDALE, CA, USA

"He was a great friend and soldier. I think everyone remembers some humorous thing he did. I remember going on the long, hot missions with him and knowing he had my back. He will always be missed and remembered."
Kevin Kersch of Al Kindi, Iraq

"PFC Sims was a great soldier, i had one the greatest honors serving in the same company same platoon and same squad. He really knew how to much us laugh when we drug down. His motivation was high. He will be missed, and i hope god puts this young warrior close to him to watch over us all."
Jeffrey Boak of Sevierville, TN

"PFC SIMS WAS MY GUNNER FOR THE KICK OFF. I THINK OF HIM EVERYDAY. IN MY MIND HE IS STILL RIDING SHOT GUN. I FEEL SORT OF RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE I WASN'T THERE TO PULL HIM OUT. BUT I KNOW THERE WAS A REASON. WE WERE SUPPOSE TO BBQ WHEN WE GOT BACK SO I BBQ EVERY DAY AND I HAVE ALMOST EVERYDAY SINCE WE GOT BACK IN HIS HONOR. I LOOK INTO THE HEAVENS AND KNOW THAT HE SMELLS IT AND WISHES HE COULD BE HERE GOD KNOWS I WISH HE WAS HERE. HE WAS A TOP NOTCH KID MAYBE A LITTLE CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER BUT THATS WHAT MADE HIM TOUGH. Mrs Hester I hope you read this in good health and it was great talking to you a few years back. I know the health problems atop this incident did not help but you are in my prayers. I MISS HIM DEARLY AND I WISH SO MANY TIMES I COULD BRING HIM BACK. FORGIVE ME!"
SSG ROBERT JOHNSON of HOHENFELS GERMANY

"Sims was my crutch in Iraq. I had a hard time adjusting to the Army lifestyle, especially while we were there. He found out we were both from Miami, and offered to help get me acclimated. We were close ever since. I remember the day he passed, Charles and I had just finished cracking some jokes amongst ourselves, and we agreed to meet up later for chow. A half hour later, we were rushing him to the hospital. I miss you, bro. I got you in my heart always. To your family, we never met, but your son saved my life. If it weren't for him, I would've never made it."
(Formerly SPC) Jaime L. Alvarez of Miami, Florida

"To the family of:Charles M. Sims 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"

"Herobracelets.org sent me a bracelet with Pfc. Sims name and info in 2004. I have proudly worn it constantly and remember him at daily Mass. Pfc. Sims sacrificed his life for all of us. Thank you to him and his family."
Leola Barry of Key West, Fl.

"i miss him so much and think about him all the time. coming back to the states was the hardest so many plans all gone. its harder being over here again and knowing that he should have been with us over here. i miss his great smile and hugs. I MISS YOU SIMS :( you will always have a place in my heart for the day you left this world and went to a much better place. we all love you and miss you from the old 1st platoon. always here for ya."
jess of fort stewart, georgia

"I remember when you were first assigned to me as one of my squad members before we went into Baghdad. I still remember that greeting we always greeted each other with such as "Mr. Sims" and you would reply with "Mr. Carlson". As trivial as that sounds it still reminds me of you and you will always have a place in my heart and the hearts of the many MP's that knew you."
SSG Charlie Carlson, III (formerly 2nd Squad Leader, 1st Platoon "Night Stalkers", 549th MP Company. Presently marketing consultant in civilian life). of Daytona Beach, FL

""Big Country",

You were my best soldier when I was a young "Butter-Bar" platoon leader. The last day I was in Iraq was the last day that I saw you and I carry you in my ruck-sack every day of my life. Your life has taught me how precious life truly is and it has made me become a better person and leader. We will see eachother again. "Rock of the Marne""
1LT Wesley Bradshaw, Platoon Leader "Night Stalkers" of Fort Sill, OK

"To the family of Charles Sims,
Sims was a wonderful soldier and I looked up to him alot. He got alot of us though those hellish days of basic training. If anyone could get us motivated it was him. I'll never forget Sims."
Spc. Capers of 241st MP Co.

"I just received Pfc. Sims' bracelet from www.herobracelets.org. I will wear his name on my wrist with pride and always remember his brave service to our great America! Thank you. Love and condolences to his loved ones."
Christina of Jacksonville, Fl

"I didn't know Charles but he is greatly missed, I lost my brother-in law in November 2003.We love you and you are deeply missed."
Antoinette Brooks of Stone Mountain, Georgia

"To the family of the fallen, thank you. Your lost loved one is not forgotten, your pain, is felt!"
H C Brimmer of St Rose, LA

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

"To The Family of Charles Sims, My deepest sympathy goes out to you. My fondest memories of Charles Sims were our fun and yet serious times in JROTC. The days I had to work side by side with him and sometimes even answer to him because he was the highest ranking official in the program and I was the third highest. He was very intelligent and carried out orders efficiently. We will never forget him."
ansonia chatfield of hollywood, 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, Charles, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He was so very young. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Charles Sims, 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: My prayers go out to you. I know what you're going through. My nephew, Sgt. Orenthial Smith 21 of South Carolina was killed in Iraq in June. God has taken the young, but as my niece stated it, he has taken the best. Pfc. Sims will always be remembered as a HERO fighting for his country. For in suffering and sorrow, if we go to God, he will turn our tears to smiles. Even though it's dark at this time, remember the sun will shine. Take comfort in knowing that your love one is resting with God. Remember all that he gave. He went to a foreign country to fight so that others might have a better life. This young man sacrificed all. His memories will forever be with you. I ask that you continue in prayer with me for our soldiers.I leave this with you: A Message of Consolation On the wings of death and sorrow God sends us new hope for tomorrow, And in his mercy and His grace He gives us strength to bravely face The lonely days that stretch ahead And to know our loved ones is not dead But only sleeping out of sight, And we'll meet in that land where there is no night. God Bless"
Betty Thompson of Hollywood, Fl

"The Washington Post wrote a description of Pfc. Sims' death on its website which I felt was inappropriate. I complained. The Post immediately changed the description. My act wasn't much, but as trivial as it may be I hope his family sees it as my small part in honoring his name and thanking him for making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Thank you, soldier."
Neil Singh of Phoenix, Arizona, USA

""Military Police Corps Regimental Prayer
By Chaplain Michael Yarman

Heavenly Father - We approach You today because You have called us to be a people of prayer.

We praise You because You are our Creator, our Redeemer and our Provider.

We acknowledge our great need for You as we fulfill our mission as soldiers.

We have been called to serve our nation as Military Police and we are proud of the honored heritage of the Regiment and our motto: Of the Troops and For the Troops.

Whether we are fighting an enemy, securing as area, patrolling the streets, or helping someone in distress, help us, O Lord, to always be men and women of integrity who can be counted on to do the right thing.

Give us the strength to stand for what is right and to oppose those who would do harm to our nation and the people we serve.

May we always be truthful in Word, Deed and Signature, and bring honor through our service to the memory of those in the Regiment who gave the supreme sacrifice for their country.

Guide us now, Father, by giving us wisdom and knowledge from on high, that as Military Police we will always be prepared to Assist, Protect and Defend.""
CPT Glidewell

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Charles Sims:
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 Charles 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 Pfc. Charles Sims:
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 Charles, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia