Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"12 years later and it still feels like yesterday. Fla Ga connect, we were battles as soon as we found out where each other was from. I love you and miss u my brother"
Edrick McNeal of Miami Fla

"To the Strange family, my name is Joshua Charles Wells, I had the privilige of calling Will a good freind and serving with him. I think of him on a daily basis and I know for a fact that I am not the only one. I was recently given a picture of his mother and I beleive his sister holding pictures of him after that horrible patrol. I would love to be able to speak with his family. If anyone knows how I can get a hold of them please call me DAY or NIGHT. My phone number is 254-368-4216. Thank you in advance for any information."
Josh Wells of Huntsville Alabama

"Just thinking about you... Love you bro...I just actually was in class and had a discussion, so this is how I brought you up.. I still smile and its still hard, but I know your there.. Memories never fade, I remember like it was yesterday, but it was 8 years ago.."
Steven Ellis of Atlanta, GA.

"Hey Bro 8 Years later and I still think about you, I miss you, I love you and I still hurt and cry for you, thank you for being a friend, a brother, a soldier, and a hero, forever in our hearts Love you."
Steven Ellis of atlanta

"Thank you William for your sacrifice."
Tammy Rozenberg of San Diego, CA

"William R. Strange, You arrived in the unit just prior to us rolling out. On the day of your death I was totally in shock because at that moment I realized that we were truly in the battle. May you RIP my Sapper Brother and I Salute You on this day and everyday William R. Strange...."
1SG Hill, T of Killeen, TX

"You were my brother. I miss you every day. I will never forget the day when we came to respond and saw you laying there lifeless. That was not you. I knew you from boot on. The old man like you all called me in boot misses you. I will never forget you ever. You are why this is the best country ever. Thank you my brother."
David Kelley of Poplar bluff mo

"April 20, 2009
To the family of Pfc. William R. Strange:
William 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 the family of William Rah-Rah Strange i just want you all to know that he is not forgotten i think about him all the time. He was a good friend to me when he joined the army. We were in the same platoon we talked everyday in Iraq. We were clowning and cracking jokes that morning before we went out on mission. I never thought for a moment that that would be the last time we talked. He will forever be a brother to me."
SSG Lameric James of FortHood/Killeen, Tx

"Mrs. Strange - It has been some time now, but if feels like yesterday when A Co 91st left. My husband was the 2nd Plt Leader at the time of deployment. I still have your son in my thought daily as he was the first casualty for our company, I will never forget the pain the entire company and spouses felt that day. I know you talked with the FRG leader several times over the events and a blanket was sent to you. I just wanted you to know, it was sent from me. Now here we are again facing our second deployment, this time as a 1SG and I must say it does not get easier. My continued thought and prayers are with you and your family!"
Christy Sparger, wife of 1SG Sammy Sparger of Fort Hood, TX

"To the family of:William R. Strange 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"

"Strange my engineer brother i miss you so much. Words can't express the heartache we feel.Your gone but never forgotten much love RAH-RAH."
Isreal Rodriguez (izzyrod7@yahoo.com) of FT. Hood, TX

"To honor the Georgia soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, the professional portrait artists of the Atlanta Fine Arts League are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family. These 16 X 20” original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families’ loss. Please visit our website www.atlantafineartsleague.org or email us at AtlantaFineArtsLeague@Yahoo.com for further information. –The Atlanta Fine Arts League"
Geraldine Zaki of Lawrenceville, GA

"PFC Strange, wow. I didn't know you. I had never seen you before in my life before that day on April 2nd. Yet your face and memory will always be with me. You didn't know me. You had never seen me before that day either. But I will forever remember your face from that day. I don't know if you know who I am or not, but my platoon was on patrol that day and we came up right after it happened. We were asked for assistance from your people and we gave all we had. I held your head and your hand when you were loaded in the helicopter and I never saw you again. I can never tell you the impact you have made on me. I always wanted to contact your family, but I didn't because I was afraid to. I wanted to tell your mom that someone was with you all the way. I wanted to tell your family that we did the best we could and I am sorry that we couldn't do more. I didn't want to upset your family and I didn't want to have to explain to your mom that I couldn't save you. But I tried. I did the best I could and I am sorry it wasn't enough. Your family became mine, and I couldn't bring myself to face them as though I let them down. If any of his family is reading this, please forward my message to his parents. If they want to I can be reached at jposton@swgprotect.com. Thanks."
Jason L. Poston of Dallas, Texas

"Our condolences on the loss of your loved one. My family and I want you to know that his death is not forgotten, we appreciate the sacrifice he made so that we may have freedom here at home. May God bless you and comfort you and yours."
Ann Strange Woodall of Port Neches, TX, USA

"IT'S BEEN ALMOST TWO YEARS TO DAY THAT YOU WERE CALLED BACK HOME. IT SEEMS LIKE IT WAS JUST YESTERDAY WHEN I HAD TO TELL MOM ABOUT YOUR UNTIMELY FATE. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO DEARLY. I WISH I COULD JUST TOUCH YOU ONE LAST TIME. THANKS LIL BROTHER FOR ALL YOU ENDURED ON BEHALF OF ME AND EVERYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.THANKS TO ALL THE FAMILIES WHO SHOWED SUCH GREAT SUPPORT ,MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY."
TAWANNA L. BURKE of METTER,GA,USA

"Hey buddy. You will always be in my heart. I miss talking with you about all the big plans and all. I will never forget you. You good buddy from basic"
david kelley of poplar bluff missouri

"RIP RAH
YOUR HOME GURL"
DESIRRE AKA D-RAY of ADRIAN, GA

""RAH-RAH",
YOU WERE ONE OF THE KINDEST, MOST BRAVEST MAN THAT I HAD EVER MET. YOU FILLED OUR DAYS WITH HAPPINESS & JOY. I REMEMBRED YOU SAYING, "I JOINED..ITS GIVING ME SOMETHING THAT I CAN BETTER MY LIFE WITH." THIS OPPURTNUITY GAVE YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR SOUL & YOUR FAMILY, ESPECIALLY MS. LILLIE. I LOVE YOU RAH, ALWAYS WILL!"
Lisa F. Morris of Adrian, Georgia

"First and foremost I want to thank God for continuing to watch over all of us and the families that have lost love ones. I am William big brother and I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for your support. I'm in the Marine Corps currently stationed in Japan. But I just wanted everyone to know that with me being a big brother and losing a brother hurts. Rah Rah is my hero and I'm glad that I was someone that he always look up to. Your memory and the type of person that you were will never be forgotten not as long as I'm alive. You made me proud and I will always love you. I will try to do the things that you would have wanted done. So your memory and your life lives through me. I know that you are looking down upon all of us as we will always be looking up to you for your sacrifice. Take care my Hero and I love you and miss you. Your Big Brother!!! One Luv"
Burke Family of Okinawa Japan

"My daughter is in the 1st Cav, having recently returned from Iraq. Her job was the unenviable task of writing caualty reports, with William's being the first one she did. She has never forgotten your name and she, her 3 sisters, mother, and myself all wear hero bracelets bearing your name. Thank you for seving your country so bravely. You will live as long as we remember...."
Linn Hoopes of Pella, Iowa

"May God bless the family of this young man. Though I never met him a cousin of mine served with him and was close to him. I deeply appreciate his sacrifice and I am terribly sorry for his loss."
Evan

"My name is SPC Betty Woods. I am currently on my second deployment. I want to say thank you all for never forgetting the soldiers. I send my prayers to the Strange family. You made the biggest sacrafice that anyone can make. To me, you all are heros. To everyone out there that supports the troops, and especially to the family members of soldiers, you are OUR HEROS. I just want to say from a soldier to you thank you for your support. I am so sorry that your son was taken so early in life. I never knew him, but just like many other soldiers that passed to early, I will pray for him. I as a soldier, will continue to do my mission in memory of ALL our fallen comrades. Thank you for your time and GOD BLESS your family."
SPC Betty Woods of Ft. Hood, TX

"Rah-Rah
Im sorry i didnt get the chance to know you better. I remember though everyday we would pass each other in Iraq and you would always be the first to say hi. That has always stuck in my head since you have passed. You are a true hero and Im glad that i had the opportunity to serve along side of you. I know that you and "Big A" are looking over us. God bless you and your family. ONE LOVE"
SPC Dephillips (dmx17801@yahoo.com) of Sunbury,PA

""Rah-Rah"

Will an i had arrived to A. Co. 91st En Bn Only Days apart. Us both being the outcasts is how i met Will. Shortly after I was lucky enough to move directly across from Will in the B's. From that point on Will an i had became close. I remember we would sit in my room an talk an he'd tell me about back home an talk about his family and girl friend all the time. As we got closer to our deployment we talked about the future and how he was gonna become famous for somethin and he said he would never forget us!..Well with in days of departure Strange came up to me an said im only 18 i don't know if i can do this, i didnt know what to say because i realized he was right he is young i told him not to worry we only had a year of it an that we could get out an return to home for good! We left for iraq an from that point on we wouldnt talk for days being in seperate platoons and our conflicting schedules an lack of sleep we had a rare chance to talk to each other. April 2nd had came and Will was right he bacame famous he was the world's biggest hero the nations biggest hero an for that alone he is the most famous person i would ever want to meet and i will never forget William R. Strange I just wish i would have got his autograph! May god be with you!"
Lyle Wilson of Fort Hood, Texas

"I wear a bracelet from HeroBracelets.org engraved with your family member, Pfc. William R. Strange. I wear this bracelet with solemn pride and am honored to help remember him and his sacrifice."
Jeremy Jackson of Kennesaw, GA

"Thank you William, too be so young and so brave protecting the freedom that we all cherish. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"I knew William all throughout our Basic training and AIT. He was a really good guy, and i'm proud to have known him. My Prayers are wuth him and his family"
Brad Bentley of boise, Idaho

"Dear Strange Family. I did not know your son but I have known several soldiers from the 91st Engr. BN. Today a soldier walked in with a KIA memorial bracelet with your sons name on it and I told the soldier I would buy if from him. The soldier knew that I wanted it very bad so he gave it to me. I am in the National Guard and activated going to Iraq. I was in First Cav and deployed to Kuwait shortly ofter 9/11. I volunteered for this deployment so I just like your son can do my part for freedom. I will take you son's name to battle with me. GOD BLESS"
Sgt Jason Coates of Ft. Hood, TX

"I went to Basic Training with PFC Strange, I slept only feet from him for a while and went 3 hard, long and meaningful months with him leading us soldiers. Rest in peace Strange, you were a great person, and will be remembered. F co. 35th Engineer Battalion, falcons forever."
PFC Mastin, Steven of Fort Riley, Kansas

"To the family of PFC WIlliam Rod-Rod Strange, the time that I spent with you after I escorted him home to Adrian, Ga will never be forgotten, nor the respect that I have for your son, as well as the family. May Rod-Rod rest in peace, and God bless his soul."
SSG Timiroff L. McCain of FT Hood ,Texas

"My name is Alexis Strange, and my husband's name is ALSO WIlliam R. Strange. He is a specialist stationed at Camp Udairi, Kuwait.
I thank Pfc. Strange for his valor and bravery. When I heard that a "Strange" was killed, my heart sank. I just sat down and cried for the loss of yet another American hero. William, you are my hero and we as a nation will never forget you. God bless you."
Alexis Strange of Richmond, VA

"To the Strange family,
I am so sorry to hear of the death of your son. I didn't know him, but he shared my great grandfather's name so perhaps on some line we were related. My prayers are with you."
Leslie Hines of Va. Beach, VA

"Please except my sympathy for the loss of your brave son who gave his life so that my family and other fellow Americans can live in a free country.
My family and I want to say thank you and may God give your family comfort and peace to ease your grief. We are all proud and thankful of the sacrifices your son and other courageous Americans are doing for God and their country. God bless all the soldiers and the families who have lost loved ones. Thank You!"
James, Betty and Brian Mullican of Macon, Georgia

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

"my name is barbara thomas, the wife of sgt thomas of a-co-91st engineer, and i wish to express my deepest condolences to the family. I know pfc strange as a very bright young man who loved what he did. He will never be forgotten in not only our (The Thomas family) and the family of the 91st engineer's. please remember that he served forb our country and that is what he lived and died for. we are all proud of him."
barbara thomas of fort hood

"my name is barbara thomas, the wife of sgt thomas of a-co-91st engineer, and i wish to express my deepest condolences to the family. I know pfc strange as a very bright young man who loved what he did. He will never be forgotten in not only our (The Thomas family) and the family of the 91st engineer's. please remember that he served forb our country and that is what he lived and died for. we are all proud of him."
barbara thomas of fort hood

"To the Strange family;
I deeply send my condolences with you and your loss. I was discharged from 91st engineers battalion in December 2004. Your son was a great person with a great nature heart. He along with many soldiers from 91st engineers were taught to give 110% in all that we attempted. Mr/Ms strange, from my perspective, your son gave his all even when he was not feeling well. By this, he demonstrated leadership amongst his peers. I and all soldiers from 91st-20th engineers will miss him. My deepest regards- SPC. WILLIS, JAMES(veteran)"
James Willis of Sacramento, CA

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

"On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincere condolences to you. We share the same loss...the same pain. Our prayers go out to you and we thank you and your brave son for making the ultimate sacrifice.

From the Family of Capt. Ernesto Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/03"
Gloria Caldas of San Antonio, TX

"My tears join yours, in the loss of our hero, William R. Strange. I am so sorry. I am praying for the safety of the rest of the troops from Fort Hood."
Sharon Stanger of Idaho Falls, Idaho USA

"To William's Family:
I am so sorry for the loss of yet another American Hero. We lost our Joce on March 13th in the same way you lost your William. My heart aches for you and your entire family. Please know that he will NOT be FORGOTTEN. He and Joce and the many others who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country will always remain HEROES! Although the loss seems unreal at times I take comfort in knowing that Joce and William and all the other brave soldiers who have lost their lives are looking down upon us smiling. God Bless you all.

To William:
Thank you for being so brave and for fighting for us all. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS A HERO!!!!!"
Melissa Carrasquillo of Goldsboro, NC

"May you abide with God out of reach of your enemies forever."
Anthony Peckham of Colquitt County, Georgia, USA

"I cannot tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your son. He died doing a brave and courageous thing. I pray for your family during this difficult time."
Catherine of South Carolina

"i am sorry about the lose of this soldier. i honor him greatly."
bran of georgia

"I am deeply sorry for your loss of William. My nephew died in December the same way and my prayers are with yoou and your family. Thank you William for dying for our freedom. You will never be forgotten"
Maureen Ledet of San Angelo, Texas

"RIP"
The Taylors USMC of NC

"To William's Family:
There aren't words to express how truly sorry we are for your loss. May God bless you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To William's family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. This is a very difficult time in our world and your son did an honorable thing by standing up to fight. I am sure he was a man of character and because of this, the world is now a safer place."
mark reif of winchester, VA

"Thank you William Strange, 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 Pfc. William Strange:
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 William 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. William Strange:
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 William, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia