Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Miss you every day thank about you always i hope your partying up there.I drank a few for you this weekend.WISH YOU WHERE STILL HERE ALWAYS MISS YOU!!! Here to me here's to you best friends will always be if we ever disagree f__k you here's to me!Is what Aaron George Sissle would said to me if he was here today. Love always Troy"
Troy Regennitter of Clarence iowa

"When people say it will become easier they are wrong. The pain remains. I miss you some much that there are days I am not sure I can go on...I LOVE you!"
Mom of iowa

"Your photo is on my desk and I see it everyday. We think of you often and love you very much
Wayne Lea Chris and Sean Sissel
Broomfield Colorado"
Wayne Sissel of Broomfield Colorado

"Another baby boy born who is named (middle name) after you. Nicki loved you my son!"
Mom of Tipton,Iowa

"I have a bracelet with Aaron's name on it. purchased it as a donation. I will send it to you if you want? Ive had it for a long time.got it from herobraclets.com"
lorraine of houston

"Miss you and think of you everyday!!

Love Dad and Cindy"
Cindy Sissel of Tipon, Iowa

"miss you everyday bud!
you are my hero!"
Kelly Jannings of Wilton, Iowa

"Aaron, it was an honor to serve with you. I think about you often! I was glad to find this memorial that honors you and your great service to our wonderful country. As Bret said, I also remember your sense of humor and respectful nature. I always looked forward to work when we were scheduled together. Thank you for time and your sacrifice. Blessings to you and your family."
Jeremy Sale of Des Moines, Iowa

"I will always remember the long nights on the gate at Dodge. We would talk about life,the guard, and your new girlfriend. I think about you and your sense of humor, your laugh always cracked me up. I'm sorry I wasn't there, but I know we'll meet again. Love Ya Man"
Bret Bellis of Des Moines, IA

"Another year goes and you are still there. Can't help but remember the days of old. They hurt. I hope that the family is doing ok. Serving with you was one of the best memories I have. Love and respect to your family. I miss you man."
Chad Flory of Ely, IA 52227 USA

"Hey George. Sorry it took me so long to write you. Lots of thoughts and lots of days ought to sum it up. Anyway i just wanted to say that i had a blast knowing you and your family. I still remember the night at McCoys when Joe, Corey, and i promised your mom you would make it back safe. I took for granted the time i had left to know you. Sorry brother. I will check in on you from time to time and make sure your still shining down on us...... "Haulin Assets""
Brandon Taylor of Saint Joseph, MO

"November 21, 2008
To the family of Spc. Aaron J. Sissel:
Aaron 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

"Another Memorial Day is coming...I miss you no less than the graduation/memorial day you left us. How were we to know that you would never come back?
Love you and miss you forever!"
Mom of Coralville, Iowa

"Gramps and Gram sure do miss you Aaron. We get pics of your little Princes often. Thank you for giving your life for us."
Love, Gramps & Gram of Mesa, AZ USA

"Always with me Aaron. Miss you"
Mark of Nash Vegas

"I met Aaron when he was a teenager, and I watched him grow into a man...proud to serve his country and sure of his invicibility. As the mother of two sons myself I can only imagine the pain of his loss, and the pride you must feel. I'm better at putting my thoughts on paper, and the following poem was written when I heard the news about Aaron. It's my tribute to him, to his family, and all our Armed Forces. God bless them all.
Marie Pacha
ASimpleSilence@aol.com

My Country Tis of Thee

I was young when my dad taught me how to say the pledge,
And I watched as he saluted the flag hanging from the ledge.

I listened as he taught me for all the things she stood.
He said that I must guard her. I told him that I would.

My country tis of thee.

When I grew a little older we got a little out of touch.
With all the things he taught me I sometimes forgot too much.

But I remembered still my promise that I would stand proud

and I would guard.
So I went to a war that wasn't, and it was ugly…it was hard.

I watched the bodies of my comrades falling to the ground.
In the background of the insanity I can still hear the sound.

My country tis of thee,
sweet land of liberty.

I came home and started a little family of my own.
Fostered the seed my dad had sown in the son I saw full grown.

I taught him he should guard with pride this land in which we live.
And my brave young son went to war and gave all that he could give.

My son has done his duty, and as they lay him in the ground.
I salute the flag that covers him, and I can still hear the sound.

My country tis of thee
sweet land of liberty
of thee I sing.

And now, it is my grandson whose hand I hold in mine.

And try to teach the values that our fathers left behind.

We stand today saluting as Old Glory is blown by God’s own breeze,

and we remember all the soldiers lost that we might stand here free.

As we raise our hands to honor her, we can still hear the sound.

It echoes through the canyons, across the skies, and to the ground.

My country tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died!
Land of the Pilgrim's pride!
From every mountain side
let freedom ring!



© 2004 Marie Pacha, revised June 26, 2006"
Marie Pacha of Crofton, MD USA

"There's a typo I think. Wasn't the comapany based in Centerville."
Sissel of Davenport, Iowa

"When we were in school together, you made me laugh on the days i just wanted to curl up and die, thank you, miss you, see you again some day"
Tyhera Thomas of Nodaway, MO

"It's been a long time Aaron. I've missed you a bunch. I think about those days often, and the war still rings in my head, if I want it to or not. The last thing I remember was making that video for my parents and family and I ran into you in the hall. I asked if you had anything to say to the people back home. It's not fair man! It's not fair! I know that everyone misses you. You're alway in my thoughts. The nightmare still hangs over me like a storm. The things we went through. My prayers go out to the family and friends of the 2133rd TC. To my brothers and sisters in combat. God bless you Aaron!
(cf7669@hotmail.com)"
Chad (Sgt Flory of Stanwood, IA / Kenosha, WI

"To the family of:Aaron J. Sissel 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"

"To the family, We lost our soldier, Coty West of the 1st Calvary on November 29th, 2006. May they meet in another place and once more be comrades in arms. Let your Aaron know that a good man is coming. , The West Family"
Bill West of Berea, Ky

"Aaron, Can't say i ever really knew you, but you were one of the guys that alot of us younger guys at THS looked up to and still look up to. you are a true hero. Thanks"
TM3 Graves of USN, Pearl Harbor, HI

"Hi Aaron. See you some time in the future! (I'm at my school)"
Brandon Sissel of Davenport, Iowa

"There isn't one day I go without thinking about you Aaron."
Brandon Sissel of Davenport, Iowa

"He was a good cousin."
Brandon Sissel of Davenport, Iowa

"This would have been your 25th birthday...I Love YOu and miss you!
Always in my thoughts and heart!"
Mom of Coralville, Iowa

"Aaron, As I am preparing to go back over to Iraq, I have been thinking of you everyday. I am still fighting for what we believed in. You and your family are an inspiration to everyone. We all love you and miss you dearly."
April Bird of Letts, IA

"Aaron - Stopped by your grave last Saturday to spend some time. I think of you often. I will always remember our last conversation on that final day. I honor you daily. Never Fogotten!"
Major Rich Appel "Coach" of Chilton, WI

"Aaron, I will miss you always... 2 years hasn't changed anything. I love you and know that little Ms. Tru Aaron Sissel-Lemburg knows her Uncle Aaron. As Kenny Chesney so wonderfully put it...I wonder who you'd be today...but I know I will see you again 'someday'. Alway is my heart and thoughts!"
Mom

"I'm sorry I can't be with your family
for your memorial on May 29th. I thought of you often as my youngest just got back from Iraq. While he was over there you and he were always in my prayers."
K. (Schwitzer) Curran (cousin) of Elmhurst, Il.

"To the family of Aaron J. Sissel:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"YOU ARE A TURE HERO!
YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS EVERY DAY"
DARROLL , KATHY , JESSICA , ASHLEY SISSEL of NORTH BEND NEBRASKA

"Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.

Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.

Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.

Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.

Rest in peace Big guy.
101st AirBorne"
Don Bartling of Iowa City IA

"I never got to meet you but I will alway love you like I have known you forever. I love you uncle Aaron"
Tru Aaron Sissel-Lemburg of Tipton, Iowa

"As it gets closer to Christmas it gets much harder. Last year I was in shock and this year really bites! I miss you so much... Tru Aaron Sissel-Lemberg has decided not to be born yet and we were so anticipating her arrival before Christmas, but I am sure you know that.
God! I miss you!"
MOM

""To the Loved Ones of Aaron J. Sissel,

My heart goes out to you for your loss.
You might have heard of the "Faces of the Fallen" painting project at the College of Marin (CA) that was shown on ABC News. The class painted the portraits of our fallen heroes and I had the good fortune to paint Aaron's portrait.
Though I never knew Aaron, I feel as if I got to know him a bit through this experience : I, too, feel saddenned by his absence on this earth. For now the actual painting will travel with the exhibit, but if you'd like to have a digital photograph of the painting, I'd be more than happy to email you a copy. Sending love and warm thoughts in a most difficult time. (Please feel free to contact me at the following email address: tstsark@aol.com)""
Tami of San Francisco, California

"I think of you everyday Aaron. I love you."
Mark Sissel of Franklin, TN

"It's been a year today and we still miss you now more than ever. Not a day passes that I don't think of you. I Love You George!"
W.L. Mom and Dad of Iowa

"Dear family,
I am an eigth grade student in Tenn. My name is Andy and I am sorry that you died. How did you die? How are your kids? How is your family? Where did you go to school? What was it like to be a soldier?"
Andy W. of william.gant@mnps.org

"You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers and will never be forgotten you have left your family and friends with so many wonderful memorys no one can ever take away."
Ernie and Kay of Tipton, Iowa

"I never got to meet Aaron or his family, but I wish I did. When T.C.B. Demo Team came to Tipton we were so excited to meet Jo, but the only problem was she wasn't home!! Anyways NOBODY in the state of Iowa can forget those 15 brave souls who gave up their life for us. May they rest in peace and god bless their families and friends"
Ana Farrier T.C.B. Demo of Washington, Iowa

"It has been 6 months ago today since we lost you, and a year ago this weekend since we last saw you alive. I miss you more everyday...I would love to hear your voice and see your smile one more time. I LOVE YOU!!!"
MOM

"Your sacrafice has sewn the seeds that will forever reap rewards.
God bless you & your family"
Mark Carlson of Ashton Iowa USA (Vet 1sr Gulf War)

"Aaron, I'm grateful for everyday that I got to know you and I'm so proud to say that I know you. You've touched us all in a way that no one will ever forget."
Katie Foley of Iowa City, IA

"Aaron, I just realized I had conversations with you during high school. Is that possible? Did you go to the Evangelical Free Church in Iowa City? Maybe it's from something else. If anyone knows, please write me at american_number_one@yahoo.com because it's been so long but I recognize this man!"
Chad Brown of Des Moines, IA

"Heaven will be a much nicer place with you being a part of it.
You will be missed greatly."
Randy Derynck of Clarence Iowa USA

"Aaron,"
I consider it a great honor to have ever known you. You will forever be a great hero that we will never forget."
Adrienne Mesick of Moline, IL

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

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

"Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. You were always there for me when I needed you most and I thank you for that! You were brave, you were strong, but most of all you were caring. You were a friend to everyone and an enemy to no one. Forever you will live in my heart. Thank you for 22yrs of friendship. Miss you much, Love you lots... Happy Birthday (02/14/04)"
Jenny Wiskus of Tipton, IA

"Not a day goes by that we don't think of Aaron.To Jo,Shanna,Kurt,and Cindy are hearts go out to you.Aaron is indeed a hero,he gave his all! God's Blessings."
The Lukemyres of Tipton,Iowa

"You always were brave from little on up. Keep smiling down on us Aaron. And we will keep smiling up. I love u."
nae of Tipton

"Spc. Sissel:
Thank your for giving yourself so that those of us at home can live freely and safely. There are not enough 'thank yous' for a gift such as this. Rest in peace soldier."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To my cousin and friend, I love you and miss you dearly."
Katie Braddock of Cedar Falls, IA

"I will miss you for all the days of my life...until we meet again..."
Mom of Tipton, Iowa

"Aaron was a wonderful loving guy who is deeply missed by all friends and family all over the world.
You will always be in our hearts.
Thank you for being "Our Hero"
You were our hero before you left but now you are truely "America's Hero""
Stacey Carmack of Tipton , Iowa

"Thank you Jo and Shanna for your outstanding son and brother. He will be in yours and my heart forever for the sacrifice he made for all of us so that we may continue to have our freedom."
Joanne of Rochester, Iowa

"To the family and friends of Aaron, you have our heartfelt sympathies. Aaron is indeed a hero to all of us.
To Aaron's parents, you are heroes as well. You raised a wonderful young man. Not only is our small community proud of Aaron, his friends and fellow soldiers, but all of America as well.
God bless all of you."
Don and Jayne Mundell of Atalissa, Iowa, USA

"George, you will never be forgotten. You will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives you touched forever. We will miss you and love you always."
Corey Kelli and Blaise Thumma of Tipton, Iowa

"Aaron will always be a HERO to me and my family, he is and will always be like a little brother to me! He will never be forgotton and loved always"
Hoss and Mindy Hodgden of Tipton Iowa

"Thank you Aaron Sissel, 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

"MY BROTHER MY HERO"
Shanna of Tipton

"We are so sorry for your lose and know that God will be looking over you in your time of need. You are in our prayers."
Mary Dodge of Independence, Missouri

"Aaron your sacrifice will not be forgotten by me. Thank you for your service because it was appreciated by me."
Paige of Shelby Ohio USA

"We are thinking of you, And wishing you
Hope in the mist of Sorrow
Comfort in the mist of Pain
With Heartfelt Sympathy"
Mark & Mary Williams of Pt St John, Fl

"The nation morns the loss of Aaron. May the warm embrace of God's love comfort those in need...Aaron has gone home & is in the presence of the Lord. Aaron will continue to watch over family and county until we all meet again."
Tina Mares& family (HTK)Marine_mom2 of Tucson, AZ/USA

"The nation morns the loss of Aaron. May the warm embrace of God's love comfort those in need...Aaron has gone home & is in the presence of the Lord. Aaron will continue to watch over family and county until we all meet again."
Tina Mares& family (HTK)Marine_mom2 of Tucson, AZ/USA

"To the Family and Loved Ones of Spc. Sissel, please accept our heartfelt and deepest condolonces on the loss of your HERO. May God Bless Aaron's soul and your family while you go through this tragic event in your lives. May the memories of your Aaron brighten your heart and soul and know that the Sacrifices and Bravery that he gave of himself have made a difference to all of us here in the USA. Your Aaron was and ALWAYS WILL BE A HERO to us and he will remain in our thoughts and prayers always. God Bless You. Thank you, Aaron for giving of yourself so that we all may remain free and safe. With Heavy Hearts and Love....Heidi and Monica Narr - Pittsburgh, PA"
Heidi and Monica Narr of Pittsburgh, PA

"My deepest condolences to the family, and all loved ones of Aaron J. Sissel. My heart aches for you, and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that the deep hurt you feel can be in some part eased by the feeling of great pride for Aaron’s valor and deep sense of patriotism.Aaron you have made the ultimate sacrifice, and did so bravely and without hesitation. Thank you so very much for defending my freedom. It means so much to me, to the people of NYC and to the entire nation. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice in the service of the country that I love so very much. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Most Sincerely, Pat"
Pat Shoukry of New York, N.Y. USA

"Our family would like to express our sympathy to Aaron's family and friends and the community of Tipton. I went to school with Aaron and he was a very nice person. Thank you Aaron for serving our country."
Derek and Rachel Lenz of Lone Tree, Iowa

"To the family and friends of Spc. Aaron Sissel:
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 Aaron 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. Aaron Sissel:
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 Aaron, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia