Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Just now getting to my field of solace to cope with the horror of war & what happened to you & several other brothers & sisters we served with... this shouldn't be the case. We should be laughing about the wild quirks of parenthood, family/RV camping or maybe still getting beat on the street by our skateboards but instead YOU gave the ultimate sacrifice in order to convey freedom for our most precious country & all it's inhabitants. Of all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, creed etc - sorry it's taken this long but sometimes that's just the way it is. Godspeed & semper paratus, bud 🇺🇸"
Colby B of Nowhere, KY

"I can’t believe it’s been 14 years since you passed. You made such an impression on my life. You could always make me laugh. I will never forget you. You are always in my heart."
Shawna Keel Howell of Corbin, KY

"It's been 12 years today, still miss you buddy"
Rodney Wright of Little Rock, Arkansas

"I've been thinking about you lately and then realized that your birthday was just a few days ago. I miss your silly face. And one day I will learn to do a kick flip...just for you. Hopefully I won't fall on my face like I was always afraid I would. I love you kid. You're always in my heart. Happy Birthday"
Jamie Lynn of NC

"Joe, today makes eight years that we lost you. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and remember your smiling face. I miss and love you. Can't wait to see you again."
Jessica Hamilton

"i was going through some old photos about a week ago and when i got to the bottom of the stack there you were just smiling away. i miss you"
april of paintsville, ky

"God knows I still miss you"
me of paintsville

"tackett i served with you the first tour in iraq you was 1st sgt driver you were such a layed back awesome guy i am so sorry what happen to you. kimberly allen i am so sorry about john please email me and let me know what happen beachlife32@hotmail.com"
jeff taylor of palatka fl

"Hey Man just thinking about you"
J.R. Wright of Little Rock, Arkansas

"Tackett,
John "Big Country" never could forget what happened that day. I hope he found some peace with it now that he is gone. I hope you both are up there sharing stories."
Kimberly Allen of Dallas, TX

"You are still in my heart Joe. May you rest in Peace brother."
Anthony Fraley of Boons Camp, KY USA

"I lost my chance in high school, now ill never have a chance. i miss you Joe everyday"
Lynn of paintsville ky

"I'm wearing a bracelet for Joe to remeber his sacrifice to keep us safe."
Semantha Tackett of Cicero, Indiana

"Hey Joe. Someone asked me today about my KIA bracelet and it made my heart heavy to think about it. I miss you."
George Sarah of Tucson, AZ

"Thinking of Joseph and his surviving family. We Tacketts of Illinois send our reguards and love to you all."
Susan Tackitt(ett) of Marion, Illinois

"I'm thinking about you today, Bro. I still blame myself for what happened. I know it wasn't my fault...but...I should have been keeping a better eye on him. I'm sorry.

I'll never forget you Tackett."
Adam Mattis of Baltimore, MD

"June 23, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Joseph M. Tackett:
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

"Theres never a day that goes by when your not on my mind joe. I miss and love you so much. Its almost been 5 years i thnk tht you have been gone and every time the 23rd of june comes around your all i think about. I wish things would have workd out differently but thy didnt. I jus wantd to let u know i miss an love u so much i cnt wait to meet up in heaven with u someday."
Macaylea Tackett of Catawba Oh

"Theres never a day that goes by when your not on my mind joe. I miss and love you so much. Its almost been 5 years i thnk tht you have been gone and every time the 23rd of june comes around your all i think about. I wish things would have workd out differently but thy didnt. I jus wantd to let u know i miss an love u so much i cnt wait to meet up in heaven with u someday."
Macaylea Tackett of Catawba Oh

"joe you were such a kool kat always.... i remember the times we spent in ur dad and moms front yard running our go-garts.... i miss those days and when i read about ur service i am proud to have known you... thank you and you are missed dearly by everybody who knew you"
waylon hyde and family of sacramento california

"joe if you can see this we all miss and love you and i know you are in with god. rest in piece"
courtney tackett of you cousin for ever

"There is a big chance we are related. My father was on a battleship in WWII. His name was Donald Tackitt(ett). When he went in his name was spelled with an ett and when he came out it was itt. Anyway when I read about Joseph it made me cry. When I found out we may be related it made me feel proud. The message I got from this was someone didn't do their job. The job consisted of having a safe invironment in a hostile area and a slacker who didn't do his job all but distroyed a family. He just didn't know what a strong family the Tacketts are when it comes to Military Families.
Guess the hightest rank I know of is Major General but the butt kicker is a Green Beret Master Sarg. Last I heard he was doing his 6th tour. He's with the 5th Special Force Group Airborne out of Fort Campbell. Do you know about our heritage of Fort Builders? Fort Tackett also known as Coal Fort in WV was attacked and destroyed by indians and the survivors were taken to the Detroit area as prisoners by the Indians. My ancestor was James who was a son of John who was the son of Lewis Tacquette and now Tackett with variations of spellings."
Susan Tackitt of Marion, IL USA

"Cousin, should I say Brother. I just happened across this page, and I felt I should write a few words, as I'm feeling compelled to, to let people know of the person, years after your passing, that you were, and that you still are. You see, Joseph Tackett may have died from this planet, but, my friends, he still Lives on. Joe had a knack for doing things to the extreme, becoming legendary in Status. I remember many times throughout life that I have heard stories, and then come to find out "Well, that was my Cousin Joe wasn't it?!"

Joe skated here, he wasn't the best in the world, but man, I bet he had the best Pansy in the world, a trick that either he invented, or, one that he did so well, and it being named such, many people didn't daaaare to attempt it. Or the times he'd take his old beat up Chevette, to the local cruising spot, and go around, listening to the Violent Femmes "Blister in the Sun" cranked blasting through some subs.

Or the times he'd take his car places Trucks wouldn't dare go, just because it was small enough to fit between the ruts in the road. And we'd go and have a blast doing just general goofing off stuff.

Joe, if you can see this, if you can read this, I want to thank you first and foremost for being my friend. With some of the hard times in my life, you were there for me, when I perceived no one else to be, you were there for me. You Understood me. And I understood you. I hope that I was just as good to you as you were to me.

Second, I want to thank you for being my Brother. You seemed to have a knack for doing many things a few weeks/months before me. Being Born, graduating school, being born again..... I remember the day of your Baptism vividly. I had given God thought ever since the hearing of your Salvation. And I thought. What have I been doing with my life? Why this? What good is it unless I was to give my life, to God. And then with the watching of you being baptized, I knew what I had to do. and I gave my life to God, on that Wonderful Day in May. You had tested the waters for me bro, and then I was able to jump headlong into it.

I remember the concerts we attended, Born For Eternity, THE Thelma Show. Going and being on Buddhas Radio show... So many Memories dude, and they are just as clear as yesterday.

Bro, I hope you are at the Right Hand of God right now, reading this, and seeing limitless joy. Thank you for leading me on the right path. Its hard telling where I'd be, what my life would be, what purpose I'd have in my life. What I'd have Become. I hope the lives you touched go on to touch other lives, pay it forward. I hope the ripple in the water you created will go on, and create mighty waves for all of mankind, and we can all look back, and know it was You. Joseph, I miss you, and your Mother Kathy... I hope everything is better than I can Imagine... Till we meet again..."
Anthony Fraley of Boons Camp, KY

"Its been almost three years buddy...I'll never forget that night."
Adam Mattis of Savannah, GA

"To the family of Joey Tackett i was sorry to hear of such a tragedy. i will always remember him and the day i came to his cook out at his home his mother did a good job fixing everthing. all was nice, i today am very saddened to hear about joeys mother passing, my thoughts and prayers, are with the entire family, this is kathys aunt Bebe pack, you all are in my prayers."
BEBE PACK

"I put Tacket on the ambulance. I will never forget that day, or him, ever. My heart breaks for his family."
Josiah "DOC" O'Neil of Denver

"I was a good friend of joe's in high school and after. I would like to have pics of anything of joe and if you all would please send them to me I would appreciate it a great deal. I am curently serving in the military about to go to the same place he is and I would like to have pics of my good friend to have to remind me of what could happen to me and my fellow american soldiers, I dont know what happened exactly. but any pics would be greatly appreciated. my email is Access68@msn.com please please email me pics of him and his burial ect ect... any pic is greatly appreciated."
Casey Obryan of Paintsville Kentucky

"To the family of:Joseph M. Tackett 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"

"Anyone wishing to see Pics that were taken of Josephs memorial plot at Ft. Stewart, I was able to take some pics there a few weeks ago, and will be happy to show them to anyone interested. Please feel free to email me, put in the subject Joseph Tackett, and then make a note that you wish to have pics sent to you."
Darla & Jeff Davis of Rincon, GA

"Joe, My husband and I only knew you for a brief few months. But, I will never forget the stories you have told us. You made everyone new years eve laugh so hard, I thought I was going to die from laughing so hard. I wrote your mom an email telling her of that story. You will never be forgotten. To the family of Joe, our thoughts and prayers are with you. My husband and I both served our time in the military, and if it wasn't for medical problems we would be right back in. Look over your family and friends Joe. You will never be forgotten."
Darla & Jeff Davis of Rincon, GA, USA

"To joe,bro it's been over year since that tragic night and not every day that goes by that something reminds me of the things that we did or say. Either in prep for mission or just b.s. in the maintains bay waiting for the trucks to get done. WE All MISS YOU BRO!!! 7TH PLT (outlaws) A 1-76FA PS I hope you are still slamen them red bulls."
Sgt Shawn Nield of Lawnton, ok

"I went to middle school and high school with joe. I considered joe one of my good buddies and was very sorry to hear about his passing. As a classmate and a friend he was a very friendly and all around great guy with a great personality. His humor and wonderful charchter will truly be missed. Rest in peace buddy"
A old friend of joe of paintsville ky

"Mr and Mrs. Tackett. I grew up with Joey and I was a visitor quit often at your house. Even though joey was a few years older than me. We were stil friends, matter a fact he got me into skateboarding. As well as riding gocarts. Myself and Joey would race our gocarts around the bottom below your house all the time. I am very sad for your lose. And I am very proud to say that Joey was apart of my life and will always be."
Waylon Hyde of Sacramento California

"To the Tackett family, I'm so very sorry for the loss of Joe. I hope time eases your pain and you find comfort in the knowledge you will one day see Joe again. I went to basic training and AIT with Joe and he seemed like an all-around great guy. Thanks for your service to this great nation and although I served with you for a very short time, it's an honor to have served with you brother! God bless"
Derek Wilkie of Belcourt, North Dakota

"joe was a great friend. i will never forget him and will forever be grateful for his friendship. i miss ya joe"
spc. chris schaeffer of chariton, ia usa

"On behalf of the entire Johney Tackett family, I wish to express our sincerest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this most difficult time."
Tina Keesee of Knoxville, TN/US

"I hope that you are able to find comfort and strength that can only come from God. I am very sorry for your loss.

Michele Carter
Sister of CPL Gary Walters
KIA in Baghdad, 24 April 2005"

"To the Family and Friends of Joseph, I am sorry to hear of your loss and the country's loss of this fine young man. He is a true American Hero who will always be honored and remembered. May God Bless all of you, and know that Joseph is safe with Him now."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"To the family of Joe Tackett:
In kindergarten he was simply Joey Tackett, and a wonderful friend. In third grade he was the kid Ms. Nellie (Johnson) Bowen accidentally pulled the chair out from under. My freshman year, he sat behind me and Jess Hamiliton and we talked about Nirvana, passed notes, and rolled our eyes about school. I am proud to have known Joe Tackett. He represented our country, and the small, close-knit community that we came from. I only wish I could have been there to have said goodbye. Please accept my sympathies and know that your son is very well remembered."
Brandi (Maynard) Cline of Cartersville, GA formerly Boones Camp, Ky

"I'll miss you, Joe."
Joni of Kentucky

"Joe, in high school was probably the only guy you could just talk to. He was sweet and kind. And he was dedicated to our country. I will forever miss him."
Amy (Williams) Stambaugh of johnson county kentucky USA

"Joe was a guy of many laughs. He always had an opinion, something to say, and a great big smile on his face. We sat together every day in Psychology class senior year of high school. It's so hard when tragedy strikes close to home, but even harder when it was someone who was so outgoing and loved. I am so proud to have known Joe. He served his country well, and I hate that we have lose yet another brave soldier. His is deeply missed. I hope to see him again some day."
Princess (Witten) Lyons of Paintsville, KY

"Two weeks ago we lost our dear nephew, Lance Corporal Dustin Birch in Iraq. In the New Testament there are the parables of the Lost Coin, the Lost Sheep and the Lost Son (the prodigal). I believe these writings were included to bring comfort to those who have lost someone/something in their lives also. To assure all that everything lost - everyone lost, including your Joseph - will be found once again. In Luke the Savior tells us that He "came to save that which was lost." May these words bring comfort to you - along with the knowledge that all of our prayers - and gratitude for your family's sacrifice are lasting. “These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we attain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article
as freedom should not be highly rated.”

THE AMERICAN CRISIS
by Thomas Paine, published December 19, 1776"
Kirkham's of Salt Lake City, Utah

"Sgt. Joseph M. Tackett our thoughts are with you and your family.God Bless you for your sacrafice for our freedoms. You will be missed by many and loved by all. We will always remember you as a fun,dedicated and caring person. God Bless your family in their grief."
Roman Family of Prestonsburg, KY

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"To the family of Sgt. Joseph M. Tackett: I am deeply saddened to read of your loss. My heart grieves with you. My son, Spc. Dustin C. Fisher served with the same unit. He was KIA on May 24th of this year. I was praying that this unit would not suffer any further losses. It breaks my heart to realize so many people are experiencing the same loss as I am. May God watch over you and see you through this, lean on him."
Brenda G. Fisher of Van Buren, Arkansas

"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 ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"You are our hero. Thank you for protecting us.

The family of SSG. William J. Brooks(KIA, May 03, 2005 Baghdad,Iraq)"
Brenda of Birmingham

"JOSEPH THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR GREAT COUNTRY. THIS WAS YOUR CALLING IN LIFE. AN YOU HAVE DONE YOUR JOB. YOU ARE A HERO! AN YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY, FOREVER, AND NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. WE LOST OUR SON LAST YEAR. AN THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL HE SERVED ALONG YOU. AN I REALIZE NEITHER OF YOU KNEW ONE ANOTHER. ARMY BROTHER;S WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER AND EACH OTHERS UNITS AND THOSE IN DIFFERENT BRACHES. THE REASON THE AMERICAN SOLDIER IS RESPECTED IN THIS WORLD. 911, IT HAPPENED, I SAW IT HAPPEN, I VIST IT REGUARLY, A REMINDER THAT OUR SOLDIER'S HAVE MAD AMERICA ALOT SAFER SINCE THAT DAY. JOSEPH YOU ARE A TRUE HERO! AN YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY MANY PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE. THOSE THAT YOU TOUCHED REMEMBER THOSE SPECIAL TIME'S WITH YOU. THOSE PRECIOUS MOMENT LAST FOREVER. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Thank you Joseph Tackett, 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 Sgt. Joseph Tackett:
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 Sgt. Joseph Tackett:
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