Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I have Sgt.Patrick Tainsh herobraclet if any family member would like it please get in touch with me"
Teri Milstead of Dripping Springs TX USA

"On this Memorial Day, the sacrifice of Sgt. Patrick Tainsh is heavy on my mind. Condolences to his family, especially Deb and Dave Tainsh."
mary alice rich of dallas, tx

"To everyone that cares. To everyone that remembers him.
I met Tainsh at boot camp. We both became
Soldiers and Scouts together. Then we both were stationed at 2nd acr, Ft.polk he went
To E-troop and i went to A-troop. I was in najaf
when i heard of his passing. Another soldier that
was part of our bootcamp troop showed
Me a picture of him that was posted in the army times. I remember him as being the 2nd oldest
oldest man in the bootcamp troop. Despite that
He never complained or gave up. I will
never forget you."
Justin Masenthin of Moriarty, New Mexico, USA

"Deb and SGM Tainsh, 01 Nov 11
I remember meeting you at Dragoon Field in honor of Patrick once the rest of the unit came home. I want to again relay my symapthy almost 8 years later.

I miss Patrick. I was his platoon leader for the first half of the year we spent over there. Not just that, Patrick was my gunner on my truck. As a leader, he was able to run things from the truck if I was dismounted. He was able to clearly communicate with higher, and was a trusted soldier, scout, and person. I named one of my sons middle name after Patrick and will never forget him.

We are all proud of Patrick, but I want to share that he was very proud to be your son. I know alot of the details of his life before the Army, and one thing was clear of the pride he had in what he did, was that he knew you were proud of him. I still have a backpack from him after you sent him a new one. It is something I keep as a reminder of Patrick and the impact he has on my life.

Patrick - Miss you buddy!"
Chris Wells "LT" of Hood River, Oregon

"I am a DoD employee, working at Fort Stewart, GA. I teach the children of our soldiers. It's one thing I can do for them.

I just finished reading "Heart of A Hawk". Some passages moved me to tears. Thanks for writing it, Mrs. Tainsh."
Larry of Richmond Hill, GA

"hey man I know you wont read this but i know your up looking down. i think about about you i regret so much but one of the biggest things i regret is not being a better friend to you we bumped heads a lot but always cuz you wanted to make sure the right thing was done you are a great man and a great soldier i miss you man scouts out till we meet again in fiddlers green Eagle trooper"
Jesus Cansino of deltona FL US

"Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice, brother. I salute you. Rest in peace and may God be with you. Your death was not for nothing. My thoughts and prayers with you and your family."
Felix Balakirskiy of Baltimore, MD

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I will always remember the good times I miss you man"
MSG Fulford

"Thank you soo much Patrick!! I just cann't say those words enough. You mean so much to my family!!! I know your parents and siblings are soo proud of you, as am I and the rest of the country. It is because of you that I have my daddy to hug and the see whenever I want, thank you for that. You mean soo much to us!!
P.S. My father is SGM Maggard, previously 1SG Maggard"
Gina Maggard of Fort Jackson, South Carolina

"Remebering the good times we had back at Polk."
SSG Patrick Joseph of Fort Belvoir

"Thank you Sgt Tainsh!
I am leaving this message for all who have sacrificed loved ones for our Republic.
Michael Morgan son of Kenny Morgan USAF Nephew of PFC LLOYD E MORGAN
5th Marine Regiment
H CO 3 BN
1st Marine Division
Marines
Hostile, Died (KIA)
Date Of Loss: March 26, 1953
KNIGHTSTOWN, IN Private First Class Morgan was a member of the 1st Marine Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in Korea on March 26, 1953. H/3/5 per Jim Ratliff"
Mike Morgan of Pendleton IN USA

"Patrick Tainish... you took a higher road to become a hero.
You are among the ranks of Pat Tillman, who became a hero in the process of diverting from a path of fame and fortune.
Both of you were risk takers who chose to devote you life to the salvation of our freedom.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice."
A Loving Mother of Cameron Park, CA

"God Bless the family of Patrick Tainsh who showed him the way to live - proud, free, and brave. You are in my prayers and I am grateful for Patrick's sevice to my country."
Tami of Jacksonville, Florida/US

"February 7, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Patrick S. Tainsh:
Patrick 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 Sgt. Patrick Tainsh,
I am truly sorry for your loss. I read his letter in NEWSWEEK and felt called to try to honor his memory through a composition for cello and piano, LETTERS FROM THE FALLEN. I wish this piece could bring him back to you, but it is only a humble attempt to honor him. Would it be ok with you if I sent you the recording?
Respectfully,
Mary Alice Rich
richwit@sbcglobal.net"
Mary Alice Rich of Dallas, TX

"I can only thank you, man. You were the first Eagle Trooper I met when I got to Louisiana, and you didn't leave me on my own. My own soldiers now have heard on several occasions about the night you were taken from us, and your image only betters their actions. We will continue working hard in your memory."
SGT Zechariah Johnson of Fort Lewis, Washington

"To Patrick Tainsh:

I will never forget your endless dedication and contributions to your nation but most of all i will never forget your dedication to your brothers in E 2/2 ACR.

To Patrick Tainshs' family:
I will never comprehend your loss or understand your pain. I know that when i go into battle again Patrick will be there manning a gun and i know he will always have my back. Thank you for allowing me to know him and thank you for your sacrifice."
SPC Edward Hall of E 2/2 ACR

"To Dave and Deb,
On 25 November 2008 at 11:00 AM the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment and the 2d Cavalry Association will gather in Vilseck, Germany, to commemorate a monument to our fallen brothers from Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT. Patrick Tainsh will be honored on that day. His name will be engraved on the face of a permanent black marble monument along with his fallen comrades. The monument will be located in a park of 50 trees which will form a living memorial to these fine young Soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation.
On that date and at that ceremony we will also honor the families of these Soldiers. We truly hope that the families can participate in the ceremony. It is the wish of the 2d Cavalry Association and the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment to place a personalized flag case and flag for each of these fallen heroes in the hands of a family member.
We are requesting that these families contact us via email at deddygetty1@comcast.net to learn more about the ceremony and how they can participate.
Toujours Pret!
Dave Gettman
2d Cavalry Association"
"Tacoma Dave" of Washington

"I was honored to run in the memory of Patrick Tainsh today 8/24/08, in the "Run for the Fallen" in Huntsville Alabama. I greatly appreciate the sacrifice he made for us!!"
Gena of Athens, Alabama

"Tainsh, I was struck hard when Michealoski told me you passed on. You where a true Scout never giving up on your platoon like you did. I always remember being in A 5-15 together and going to Polk. Wait for us at Fiddlers Green so we can have that drink and laugh at old times...."
SFC Leal, Felipe Jr of Fort Campbell, KY

"Pat was a friend of mine for many years. I know he died making his father proud, which was one of his biggest achievements as he had his struggles prior to the Army. He was loved as a friend and will always be remembered here in Southern California as a funny, caring person. I know I can speak for many of his friends when I say we will cherish the good memories of Pat forever."
Dylan Baker of Carlsbad CA

"Although I never met SGT Tainsh, I served in 3rd Squadron Howitzer Battery, Killer Troop as a FIST team member. I am VERY proud of all the Dragoons I served beside. I wear my 2ACR combat patch proudly today as I recruit new members for our Army. Toujours Pret!"
SGT Sanders of Shreveport, LA

"Hey man, I know it's been a couple of years, but I still think about you and all my other brothers. Not a day goes buy that I don't remember the good times in Eagle Troop. I regret the mistakes that I made. It only caused me a lifetime of heartache. I only wish that I could have been there for you guys on your deployment. I am now tring to re-enlist. I no longer make those kind of mistakes, I hold a very good job as a HVAC Tech. I also have a loving girlfriend, that I know you would like, with 1 2yr. old boy named Steven, and 1 in the oven. But I know that I belong in the military and I hope that is where I end up. I am so sorry if I let you down man, I should have been there. I would have been there if I hadn't messed up. But I promise you man, nothing like that will ever happen again. Until the day we meet again.
I love you and my prayers go out to your family."
Pvt. Kim (Steven Kim) of Baltimore, MD

"You are an inspiration to this wonderful nation. You are a role model and a good man who defended freedom and this country."
Al of LA,CA

"From Tainsh family in Scotland - same name so way down the line we must be connected. Family is family no matter how far apart. Condolences"
Chris of Clackmannanshire

"2/22/07
To Deborah, mother of Patrick...we also lost a son in Iraq, in 2003, SSGT. Christopher Cutchall....I read your letter on Tanker Brothers. Well done....I totally agree that we must win this fight, if for no other reason than our sons and daughters must not have fought and died in vain. Our so-called elected officials voted to send them and now do not have the guts to back them. Shame on them....same scenerio as Nam. Will we never learn. Just wanted to say once again...WELL DONE.
As my son would have said...SCOUTS OUT!!"
Paul Cutchall of McConnellsburg, Pa.

"To the family of:Patrick S. Tainsh 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"

"sorry you loss life in the battle sever this The American child"
Matthew perry of DeRidder

"As a former member of the 2nd ACR, I offer my condolences to the family of SGT Tainsh. I now run a foundation devoted to helping the families of fallen cavalrymen. If the family of SGT Tainsh would like to contact me in order to set up a scholarship etc., my e-mail is scott_c_pierce@yahoo.com and our foundation website is www.2nddragoons.org"
Scott C. Pierce of Raleigh, NC

"To the Family and friends of Sgt. Patrick S. Tainsh,
My wife, daughter and I attended a candlelight vigil for our fallen soldiers. I was humbled to read Sgt. Tainsh's name. I want my daughter to understand that this is "the land of the free because of the brave." God Bless You All."
Ben Stetson of Sunnyvale, CA

"Patrick, I NEW YOU WHEN YOU WERE PFC TAINSH AND YOU ALWAYS ASKED WHEN EAGLE TROOP WOULD HAVE A WAIVER FOR U TO GET SPECIALIST, WELL U RECIEVED THAT WAIVER AND GOT PROMOTED TO SGT. U DESERVED IT AND ARE CONSTANTLY IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. IM GLAD TO HAVE KNOW YOU AS A FRIEND AND YOU ARE A HERO AND A TRUE FRIEND. YOUR FRIEND ALWAYS SSG. HILL."
SSG. Danny RV Hill of Ft, Knox, Ky 40121

"Sgt. Tainsh,
We had issues at times. Not all the memories are good ones. I knew you since OUST at Knox. I remember how frustrated you would get when we all sat in Carsons room playing Playstation and everyone would kick your butt! :) You were a good man. You did what you thought was right. You went down fighting the night in February. I'll see you in Fiddlers green."
Spc. Nicholas McGraw of Germany

"Pat,
I know it has been a while since we lost you that fatal night. I just want to take this time and thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice. I want you to know that you have impacted my life more than anyone else. You taught me how to live, breathe, and sleep CAV. It was an honor being your wingman. It has taken me a while to forgive myself for not being there that night. I sat there in the TOC feeling absolutely helpless, but I did get those Apache's there pretty quick. I want to say thanks for being my friend and teaching me how to be a Cavalary soldier at heart. I'm back over here in Iraq, and every time I leave the wire everything you taught me protects me and all the guys with me. I'll miss you and always think of you."
SGT JOHNNIE OWENS of BALAD, IRAQ

"To Pat, you were always the guy that we could all turn to when we got down, any problems or fears that we faced, you would find some way to make them seem not so bad. Thanks for being there for me man, and thanks for being such a brave soldier and protecting the freedoms that so many take for granted you will be missed and never forgotten"
SSG Benjamin McGuire of Ft. Polk LA. USA

"Sgt. Tainsh,
Your Memory will always be with me. I can remember how we used to talk, and I would listen to you. I always knew that you were a fine soldier. You were never one to back down from a tough task. You were always optimistic in all situations. Most importantly you put the welfare of others before yourself,,,ALWAYS.I know that you are lookoing down on me right now smiling. All I can say is that I am so grateful for the sacrifice that you put forth. I trust that you are happy where you are now, and until we meet again...... Thankyou sgt."
Jason Glover of Tallahassee, Fl.

"Patrick Tainish was absolutly an outstanding soldier. I want people to know that he truly died a hero. The night he was killed, he had been fatally wounded in the neck. However that didn't stop him from going black on 240 ammo and firing almost everything else. Only when he knew the insurgents were gone, and only then did he finally drop down and tell the commander that he was hit. He always put everyone first. He was a great soldier, leader, and a friend. I'll miss you man."
SGT John Thoma of E-TRP 2/2 ACR Fort Polk

"To SGM and Mrs Tainsh,
In all the times we have met, I have not said this but I feel as though now is the time. Although I did not know SGT Tainsh personally I had the awesome honor to serve his memory; through the Memorial Ceremony we had at Fort Polk, to the Ceremony there in Columbus, to the award ceremony on Dragoon Field. I stand humbled and thankful to know this hero through you and his friends here in Eagle Troop.
Even though I never met him - SGT Patrick S. Tainsh will always leave a deep impression on my soul as a soldier, officer, and human being. Blessings and Peace to you. Please know as I wear the 2 ACR combat patch on my shoulder I will be reminded of those who gave their lives - a living memory to last a life time. Next time I go to see my boys I will call. Again, Blessings and Peace be to you all."
LT Carter of Fort Polk, LA

"pat, it was a long hard road for all of us in eagle troop. although you didn't make it back with the rest of us, we are all very proud to have served with you.i will never forget you surfer boy. "EAGLES""
SGT. Chris Kruppa of fort polk, la

"My husband just left for Iraq 5 days ago. I am so proud of all of our soldiers. My prayers are with you and your family, Patrick. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. May God continue to lift your family up in spirit with the knowledge that you will be together again in His perfect time... what a reunion will that be! God bless."
Erin and PFC Issac Barnhart 1/509th of Fort Polk, LA

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

"Patrick S. Tainsh, Thanks for everything you have done for our country. We will all miss you!

To Patricks family,
I send my deepest sympathy to all. I am from Fort Polk Louiiana. I met Patrick one time at a lunch that was held for friends and family of soldiers. He is a a hero and he is loking down on all of you! We love ya'll!"
Jamie of Rosepine, Louisiana

"SGT Tainsh,
I know you will never read this, but I wanted to say goodbye to a great soldier. I will never forget your sense of humor, your work ethic, and how much you enjoyed being a soldier. I am proud to have served with you during my 18 month stay as FSO for Eagle Troop. Eagle 1, Out!"
CPT Anthony Tanner of Camp Stanley, Korea

"Please excuse our typo, meant no disrespect to Patrick."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Rest in Peace Brave Solider. You are the bright shining star in the sky we see everynight when we look up to heaven."
The Taylors USMC of NC

"To Patrick's Family:
There are no words that can express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you and your family as Joshua watches over you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Rest in Peace Brave Warrior. May God Bless your family and friends. We'll always think of you when we see those beautiful shining stars at night."
The Taylors, USMC of NC

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

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