Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Thank you very much for your service. It is an honor to know you. I think of you often. You are loved and respected by all you encountered. May God always bless your family."
Pete Johnson of New Braunfels, Texas

"Captain Sims was my husband's Commander. They were together that faithful day while clearing buildings in Falujah. I'll never forget when word trickled back to families stationed in Vilseck, Germany. My husband remembers him fondly."
Kim

"To the family and friends of Cpt Sean Sims, I’m so very sorry for your loss almost 15 yrs later. I found his story while watching an episode of MTV’s “True Life” where a friend of his was coping with P.T.S.D. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to lose someone who literally gave their life while they’re defending our country. I just hope that you find solitude in the fact that he saved so many of his comrades and will always be remembered for it."
Rachel of Mt. Holly, NJ

"Memorial Day 2016:
Sean- Thank you for your service and sacrifice. NEVER FORGOTTEN."
Rick Taylor '93 of USA

"Ten years.

A terrible and sad loss, but a privilege to have known Sean- he was a stalwart, humble and genuine man. RIP my friend."
Mike Hastings of Charleston, SC

"Rest in peace CPT Sims. We will meet again on fidlers Green.."
Tim McHale SFC (RET) of Afghanistan

"RIP Sean Sims ."
Enda Sims of Limerick City , Ireland

"Gone but never forgotten. Everytime I think about the Bde's OIFII rotation I recall the day Sean was KIA. He was a great officer and his dedication is not forgotten. I am proud to say I knew the good Cpt!"
CW4R Michael Hendrickson of Sterling Heights, Mi

"Thinking of you and your family today, Sean. They don't make 'em like you often, amigo. See you on the high ground. Gig 'em."
MAJ Todd Clark of Ft Drum, NY

"It was my privilege to serve with Sean during our brief time together in Infantry Officer Basic Course. He was a quiet leader who took his profession seriously. As a result of his hard work and dedication, Sean distinguished himself as our platoon honor graduate. This is a great accomplishment in any platoon but ours was stacked with several recent graduates from Officer Candidate School with a great deal of Infantry experience. Despite being new to the Army, Sean excelled beyond our experience because of who he was and his work ethic. I will always remember his easy smile and calm demeanor. Sean, rest in eternal peace brother and may God poor his greatest blessings on your family. You are not forgotten.
With profound respect and gratitude, I will be thinking of you and your family this Memorial Day."
Tim Weststrate of Kalamazoo, Michigan

"To the family of CPT Sean Sims,

I read of the courage and leadership of Captain Sims in the book, House to House. He seemed like a good man who only wanted to take care of his troops. I too am an Iraq War Veteran and I grieve in my heart at the loss of your loved one, a fellow brother in arms. May he rest in peace and his legacy live on forever.

2LT, U.S. Army"
Mike Jaeger of Nashville, TN

"I can't believe it has been 5 years already. Rest well, old friend. I still think of you often, from the old t-ball and soccer days as little kids, to the high school days."
Josh Young of Richardson, TX

"On this, and every Veteran's Day for the last 5, I have felt the loss of you and our fallen brothers. It is still hard to believe that you are gone. CPT Sims, it was a pleasure and and honor to serve with you, Sir. You will not be forgotten. Ramrods now and forever."
SGT Douglas Bert, A Co, 2/2 IN of Moline, IL

"Sean was a great friend to me and all the CPTs in the Duke Brigade. As the BDE S4, He easily balanced the myriad of tasks with ease. I was always in his office picking his brain. I remember all the Battalion Commanders fighting over him. They all wanted him to command their companies. Sean you are missed. When I pinned on Major in 2006 I couldn't help but think about you."
MAJ Elliott Rogers of El Paso, TX, USA

"I had the honor of serving with cpt. sims. spc. claypool, i was in 1st plt. terminators. he was the best commander i have Ever had the opportunity to work with. best wishes to your family. RAMRODS SIR!"
patrick of kent,wa/usa

"November 16, 2008
To the family of Capt. Sean P. Sims:
Sean 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

"I was lucky enough to have worked with Sean at Grafenwoehr Range Control and we attended the same church in Grafenwoehr and Vilseck. It was a pleasure working with Sean on many range projects and upgrades and knew he would be a excellent commander and leader. I was at his memorial service in Vilseck and to this day keep Heidi and their son in my prayers and have always checked on the web sites and read the messages left by others. God Bless Sean and all the others who have put their life on the line and may they rest in peace knowing that they are not forgotten."
Mike Clark of Huntsville, Alabama

"I had the best leadership serving under CPT Simms in OIF II and Fallujah. I was in his engineer platoon. The engineers will never forget such a leader. The best Commander I have ever served under. Thanks for all you taught us Sir!!! GOD BLESS!"
Joshua Rimer of Fort Carson, Colorado, United States

"I think about Vilseck everyday. I think about Cpt. Sims, LT. Iwan, Spc Hayes & I miss you, & I wish I was back in Vilseck. The way it used to be. Thanks Captain"
Peter of Milwaukee

"I knew Sean when we were both new Lieutenants. There was a lot of competition for the top spot in IOBC. Sean didn't show off or promote himself in any way... but one day we turned around and he's in the lead. This was in a group including several already tabbed OCS grads whose methods of one-upping each other were anything but understated! Sean just quietly excelled past them.

Sean you were a good soldier and are missed.

Thank you for your sacrifice."
of Michigan

"To the family of CPT Sean P. Sims, I send you greetings and hope and pray that your mourning is no longer and recovery for your lost is continuous. For he is and was a great man and commander. Although, he wasn't actually my commander but I'd follow him into battle if it had to be done again."
SFC Robinson, Darryl "ROAD-DAWG 3" HHC 2-2 INF of FT LEE, VA

"We eat, sleep and live in freedom thanks to you. Continue to watch over us, as you did so proudly for our country."
Lamonde of El Paso

"I knew the Sims from a distance. We were all stationed in vilseck at the same time. When 2-2 Inf. was deployed, I had the pleasure of meeting many of the wives and families of the deployed soldiers. The Sims were one of these families. I felt like I had one huge family. When someone died in 2-2 Inf. I felt like I lost a loved one. Captain Sims was one of those loved ones. I wish he was here for me to formally thank him for his service, but i know he will be reading this. Thank you Captain Sims for all your hard work. I miss you and will never forget you."
Ian Newell son of LTC. Peter A. Newell commander of 2-2 INF. 2003-2005 of Hohenfels, Germany

"We all miss you Capt Sims. I hope that your family is doing well and knows that you were loved by all of your men"
Spc Robert Bray of San Marcos Ca

"Happy Birthday Sean,
We love you and miss you.
May family"
May family of Beaumont, TX

"Just a note to let you know that we have not forgotten and will never forget the heroism of Sean and your entire family. You are true Americans...the kind of people who make America strong and great. Never underestimate the American spirit. You are forever in our prayers and hearts."
GODstxgirl of Texas, USA

"Sean Sims is a true American hero. We owe him and his family a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. We keep the Sims family in our daily prayers. GOD Bless and keep you always."

"Captain Sims was my favorite Company commander. His lead from the front style and his dedication to the heart of the mission was a great example for all of us at Alpha. He was a great American. My deepest condolences to his son and wife. To CPT Sims son, your Father is an American Hero."
SGT John Sabo of Norristown, PA

"I do not know how to start, I was there when the call came over the radio, I have had a very hard time forgetting it. Sir, you were an outstanding leader that led by example. You were a true leader of men that demanded respect, not by your rank, but by your actions! Your leadership was always fair and inspirational, it is a true loss to the Country that we have lost you, you had the stuff that heros are made of. I cherish the time I was able to spend with you, and I wish your family peace and healing, god bless."
Ramrod 18N

"Heidi and son, I think of you often and hold you and Sean close in our thoughts and prayers. His heroism and valor left a heritage for your little one that very few fathers ever attain. We have heard remarkable stories about his leadership and unbelievable care for his men. Please know that we love you all. We will never ever forget Sean. May our GOD whose peace passes all understanding comfort you."
James & Jeanne May of Beaumont, TX, USA Jmay216@gt.rr.com

"To the family of: Sean P Sims I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Chirst,"
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga.U S A

"To the Family of CPT Sean Patrick Sims, 32, Iraqi Freedom "Forever Remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. I had the honor of wearing the specially made dog tag for Sean at the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run held in Joliet and Marsailles, IL. There is a memorial wall erected on the banks of the Illinois River in Marsailles honoring all those who gave their lives from the US Military in the Middle East Conflicts from 1980 forward so that we can live in this free country. God Bless Our Troops and God Bless All of You for the sacrifice put forward by Sean, my hero. I would like to make this very special dog tag available to the family, it was part of my heart during the past month since the time I put it on the day of the ride. Now I would like to pass it on to the family of CPT Sims Sean Patrick "Forever Remembered" My Email is dspsstop@aol.com the memorial ride web site is www.ilfreedomrun.org it is the only memorial of its kind in the US in memory of our troops in the Middle East.
God Bless Your Family
God Bless American
God Bless Sean"
Deb Pater of Carol Stream, IL

"To Sean's family: I am truly sorry your son died in Iraq. It should not have happened to you and should not have happenned to any of the other brave soldiers and iraqis all those miles away.
Sean, you were a brave man. Let's hope your family can be as strong now you are gone."
Nick of England

"It was an honor to sing at the funeral for such a noble soldier. I hope that, at the end of my own life, I will be able to have such a virtuous legacy. Truly a saintly soldier. May he rest in peace."
Richard Rychetsky (Brazos Valley Schola Cantorum) of College Station, TX

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

"To the family of CPT Sean Sims,

We are so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please know your Aggie family is grieving with you. We will never forget Sean and what he did for our country."
Brian & Joanna Dietzman of College Station, Texas

"To the family of CPT Sims,
I had the great honor of serving under your husband and son when he was the XO for A-3/187 at Ft. Campbell. His example as a leader made a great impact on me as a soldier and as a person. I cannot imagine the pain and grief you must feel but know that your husband and son made an positive impact on everyone that served under him. His example as a leader and soldier will be one for me and others to follow. I will not forget him. Again, I am truly sorry for your loss."
SFC Nathan T. Starns of Hattiesburg, MS

"To Col (Ret) Tom Sims and Family. I have never read a more eloquent and heart felt obituary - from a soldier father about his soldier son. From the heart of this old soldier and a grateful nation, thank you."
Col (Ret) Joe Tedeschi of 14 Rancocas Lane, Medford, NJ 08055

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

"I wish to express my sympathy to Capt. Sims' family and my gratitude to a man who served our country with courage and honor. Your Aggie family mourns the loss of yet another of former student. Thank you for your brave sacrifice."
Holly Terry, Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2002 of College Station, TX

"To Sean'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 as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' sons.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To Sean'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 for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"TO THE SIMS FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY.WE ARE DEEPLY, SADDEN BY THE NEWS OF SEAN. AN OUR FAMILY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU. YOUR LOST IS MORE PERSONAL. SINCE, OUR SON'S ASSIGNED TO VESLICK, GERMANY AND IN IRAQ. AN NOW BOTH ARE TOGETHER ONCE AGAIN. IF NEITHER KNEW EACH OTHER, BOTH DO NOW! SEAN IS THE ELITE OF AMERICANS! sEAN HAS TOUCHED MANY MANY LIVES. FROM FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, HIS MILITARY FAMILY AND OF COUSRE HIS FAMILY. GOD BLESS!"
leonard wahl of valley stream ny

"Thank you Sean 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 of Capt. Sean 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 Sean 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 Capt. Sean 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 Sean, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia