Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Joseph,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death 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 C. of El Paso, Texas

"My heart and prayers go out to the Suell family and friends. 9yrs later the pain still runs deep, I don't think time will ever heal the pain. He was a great person and friend and forever will be missed. I was told to never question God... but I have to know why him."
Vincent Mitchell of Jacksonville, Florida

"Today another soldier lost his life at the wrong time when it happened i thought of you again so many years later. I remember the day we were all rapping outside of the tents i'n camp Virgina and how we laughed because of the stupid rhymes we came up with i miss you bro i know your keeping me safe from up there everyday"
SSG Martin 5-3FA Brother of FL

"i wish we could hav had d oppunity to be together on this side a little longer/god had to really show favor toward your mother when u left/she loves u so much [shes a great woman of god n i love her so very much`]n always will/u will never b missed r forgotten, it is a great honor n previledge for me to b able to call u my son/u r missed so greatly/u may b gone but your love still abides."
clifford r duirden of lufkin tx/angelina

"SPC Suell, you were my neighbor and friend in Korea. I was shocked and devastated when I heard of your death. You were such a good man and Soldier. I still think about you all these years later! Just know that in 2010 you are not forgotten! You left that kind of lasting impression, I will always remember your laughter and knocking on my door just to say hello! God Bless your children! I will always call you brother!"
SSG Susan Clifford of Surprise, AZ

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,000 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"I miss my little brother so much......"
Kilmberly of Houston,TX

"One day were playing basketball and the next he is gone. Joseph everday that goes by i think of you. Keep your head up. Ill see you in Heaven"
SFC Lawrence Loven (Ret) of Decatur Texas

"WHAT UP JOE. PIMP AND I WERE JUST TALKING ABOUT YOU AND HOW YOU ALWAYS FOUND A WAY TO BRING LAUGHTER TO ANY KIND OF SITUATION, I STILL REMEMBER BEING IN COACH JORDANS HEALTH CLASS AND YOU MOCKING HIM THE ENTIRE TIME AND I WOULD LEAVE OUT OF THAT CLASS WITH A HEADACHE AND MY FACE HURTING FROM LAUGHING SO HARD! THANKS FOR THE GREAT MEMORIES AND JUST BEING YOU. I SALUTE YOU SOLDIER AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY."
Juvarie (Luck) Hoyle of Houston, Texas

"February 2, 2008
To the family of Spc. Joseph D. Suell:
Joseph 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

"Joseph,
I first would like to express to you how proud I am of you. When you first came to Basic Training and realized I was from Lufkin too, I saw you work very hard to make your family proud. From you telling me of your wife and family, to the things you wanted to do in the Army, I was proud of you. I remember meeting your mom and wife at your graduation, that was a proud day for us all. When you left Ft Knox, little did I know that we would meet again in Korea, outside of Camp Casey during a field exersice. This is when I found out we had the same MOS(92F). I looked for you for some time and when I heard about you, it hurt. We all hurt.
I want you to know that I am still very proud of you. For all the love you had for your family and your chosen profession. You are a hero above measure and I am glad to see you honored in this way. May God keep you in his care until we meet again. REST EASY.
Your friend and Drill Sergeant

PS.Your uncle and I have been friends for some time now and I am sure we will toast to you some day real soon."
1SG (Retired) Kenneth E.Thomas of Fayetteville NC

"Joseph,
I would 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.

"Celleritas Et Accuratio"
(Speed And Accuracy)
3rd FA Motto"

"To my Cousin Joseph, It pains me to have recently discovered that you are no longer with us physically. Even though i was one of the "California Crew" I now often think of the times when the family would get together in Lufkin. Thanks for being a heroe to America, the world, and to me. Give Big Mama, Big Daddy, and Uncle Bo a hug for me and tell my dad that I'm making him proud every day. You'll never be forgotten."
Donovan Shepherd of Las Vegas, Nevada

"I served with Joseph in Korea and remember him as one of the most upbeat soldiers in the Company. He was absolutely hilarious and could always be counted on, both personally and professionally. He has been and always will be remembered."
(former) SGT Ryan Piechowiak of Cleveland, Ohio

"JUNE 16, 2003 IS A DAY THAT I RELIVE ALMOST EVERYDAY. SUELL CAME INTO MY ROOM MOMENTS BEFORE WE DISCOVERED WHAT HAPPENED. SUELL WAS A GREAT MAN WHO TOUGHT ME SO MANY THINGS. IF THERE IS ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED PLEASE CONTACT ME AT moogiesbuddah@yahoo.com. SUELL I LOVE YOU REST IN PEACE!"
RYAN MCGOY of NORMAN OK USA

"To the family of:Joseph D. Suell 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 belong to a group at http// www.geocities.com/homeofthebraveteam

Many times the investigation the military does is not complete, sometimes not accurate. If you need information, please visit our site.

Our heart goes out to you and your family. Most of us have lost a loved one in the miltary, some from suicide - according to the military. Because we couldn't get answers and accountability from the military, we came together to help each other.

We are available to you if you need us at any time. We know your grief, we have been there.

Regards,

Janet Stearns"
Janet Stearns of Fremont, Ohio/Sandusky

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"Dear Joseph
As a fellow soldier and your uncle I am sorry I didn't get to talk to you while you were down range,that is my fault for not keeping in touch, I would of broke my back to make sure you had everything you needed, if I had only known you were down there, even more I wish I was down there with you at that time so we could communicate and keep each other safe but now you are in the best hands in the safest place and in the best and most peaceful place there is. Thank you for serving our country, thanks for being the best soldier, thanks for being the best Husband you could be to my neice and the best father you could be to your kids.Take care soldier!!!!! God bless your family and all the families of all soldiers and the soldiers currently deployed and the ones that have paid the ultimate sacrifice."
SFC Delton Roberts of Ft Bragg, NC

"You will always be here int he hearts of your family and friends. I remember a lot of fun, good times with you as a teenager. We had a lot of fun together. I love you boy. I know you are in a better place. I will keep you and your family in my prayers."
Wendell Deason of Houston, Tx.

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

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

"You'll be remembered always. God Bless!"
Spc. Sean Ureta of California

"my hero sgt joseph d suell you will be truely miss your always be in heart my son your angels my grandchildren will be love and taken care of as long as i have breath in my body i will find out what happen my baby will notgive up god will fix it rest in peace mama will find the answser love you joseph your mother"
rena mathis

"To the family and friends of Joseph D. Suell my heart goes out to you and you will remain in my prayers. And rest assured that ALL the men and women serving our country deserve to be honored as heros no matter if or how they perish. They all serve our Country the USA and are Honored by their people. They are doing what some of us never have the chance to do and some couldnt do. Thank you Joseph Suell for serving our country and you will always be honored by this Proud American Military Wife."
Dana Husley Proud Military Wife of Biloxi, MS

"To: Rebecca Suel and Rena Mathis

I read the article in todays Washington Post about your husband/son, Joseph, and would like to offer my deepest sympathy to you, Josephs children, family and friends.

I know that there are people in this world and in your hometown that have nothing better to do than to speculate, conclude and judge. And they can go to great lengths to do so, even at the expense of others feelings. I want you to know that there are also allot of us who pass on these judgements and feel in our hearts your pain and sacrafice.

How you handle or persue the circumstances surrounding Josephs death is your business and no one elses. I would just like you to know that however he left this earth, he has touched the lives of people that he never met.

My friends and I talked about Joseph and this story, and would like you to know that even though we don't agree with this war, we respect all of the men and women who serve in our armed forces. And we will always respect an honor the memory of your son.

It touched me to read that Mrs. Mathis wanted honor for her son. To Mrs. Mathis I would just say that regardless of the outcome, your son has honor in my heart, the hearts of my friends and I'm certain the hearts of thousands of Americans across the country.

Godspeed to Joseph and my God bring you peace.

Respectfully"
Jim Bookout of Bloomington, IL

"May God bless your beautiful soul. My condolences to your family. Your death, and the deaths of beautiful people like yourself, was the chief reason for why I had protested this war. May your soul rest in peace."
Bill Beckwith of Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

"Thank you Joseph Suell, 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

"A Message to the Family: May God bless and keep every one of you. I pray that Jesus will wrap each of you in His arms and give you the peace and reassurance that Army Spc Suell is with Him. Each day I try to remind myself that God is building an Army, as well. He needs the most courageous and most well prepared soldiers for His ranks. I cry for your loss, but I cheer for Army Spc Suell that he was chosen by the Lord Jesus to enter the fight with Him.May God Richly Bless and Keep You All,"
Karen Olson of Bay Minette, Alabama

"A Message to the Family: I know of your pain and sorrow and hope that peace may fall upon you. And that from that peace you may gain Confidence and hope. And with that hope you might exert your energies as a positive influence in all those around you. In such ways our loved ones are never forgotten, but always remembered. God Bless you All."
CW2 Matthew Von Trapp of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

"Dear Suell Family,
I write with sorrow that my former soldier, and more importantly your loved one, has passed away. SPC Suell was one of my hard working Support Platoon soldiers in 1-13 Armor at Fort Riley. In fact, he was one of my hardest workers. He never complained about how long the drive was and how little sleep we got. I'll never forget him. Thank you for giving him to serve in this great Army."
CPT Nathan Hurt of Fort Knox, KY

"joseph,you may be gone but never forgotten. I think about you all the time, and i will always miss your goofy laugh and good advice. Not a day goes by that i don't wonder why you were taken away from so many people who loved you so much, but god makes no mistakes and he chooses us as he needs us, so i just have to stop and think that god needed you more than we did here on earth. who knows maybe he needed a good basketball player, a good rapper, a good joker, or maybe he just needed a good person with a good head on their shoulders and that is how i will always remember you. Armanei' always reminds me of you everyday when we see a flag, an airplane, or a soldier she always points and says "hey mama there goes my uncle joseph"to joseph's family, i love all you and i will keep you in my prayers, and i hope your days of sorrow will turn into happier ones. keep in touch. Armanei' and i will always love you no matter what."
joneshia l. cranford & armanei' e'lyse shepherd of lufkin,texas

"hey Joe, remember all those times in Ft Riley when I would take your rap cd's out and put my metal ones in??? God Bless You and your family...they should be proud of you!!! SPC Rob"
chad robinson of arkansas

"Joseph,
Thank you for being there for me through all that I have been through as a child. You were always my mentor in basketball. One day I hope to play again in memory of you. As the days go by I call to check on Auntie Rene because I love her and I know that you would want me to. I am still trying to bring the family back together like you said in the letter you wrote me. I couldn't believe you went to the army I always thought you would be some where playing basketball. I dis-agreed on your dicision about going but, I sucked it up, knowing that you always know what you were doing in life. Now you are in heaven with Nanna,Papa,Uncle Bo, and Uncle Edward. Playing basketball all day I bet. It must be nice! I know that one day I will see you again when heaven's gates open for me. Until then I love you big head!
GOD BLESS THOSE WHO ARE STILL IN IRAQ AND THIER FAMILY!"
Tangela, your little cousin of Lufkin, TX GOD BLESS AMERICA!

"To the family of Joseph. He was a wonderful person, and he will be missed by all. God knew how much he could bear, and He took him on to a better place where he will worry no more. May God's grace be with you in your time of bereavement."
The Rhoads Family of Lufkin, Tx

"Joseph,You are a Hero! But an Angel now! God bless You and God bless Your Family!!"
Sandra and Franklin Campbell of Fort Sill,OK

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