Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Kyle, around 12 years after you lost your life trying to give others freedom, Topeka West High School, your graduation school has built a building in honor of your name called the "Kyle G Thomas" leadership education training center.
This veterans Day in 2024,i have thought and decided I ought to leave you a message thanking you for your bravery, your name will forever be remembered in at Topeka West as the JRotc building and in a memorial in the building. Rest in peace, and may God bless your soul.

To Kyle's family, thank you for raising a brave young mana man who fought to free the people of oppression, may God bless your souls as I hope he blesses Kyle's.

🇺🇸"
Topeka West high school AJRotc Cadet of Topeka Kansas

"Thinking of you again...I remember!"
Anthony Mitchell

"Kyle, we would both be in our 30's now and more mature. Although i have my beautiful family I still think of you and how I can make you proud... I travel as much as possible, I don't waste, I encourage the arts and strangely enough I keep safe the blanket your grandmother made. and hope to return it to your loving family when they are ready.
Your friend always ...... Mama and Sterling"

"I am still with the memory of when you were brought into the aid station that night. I know we did everything, and you fought to stay. I am so sorry we couldn't keep you here. You will forever be with me."
Jonathan of Canton, OH

"Kyle,
Today marks ten years since you left us, and not one day has passed that I don't think about you. You will never be forgotten! With love, your brother, Uri Nieves"

"Never forgotten...Sky Soldiers!"
Gronke

"RIP Brother. You are never forgotten. My prayers to you and your family."
Armand Artinian Jr. - Fellow Sky Soldier. of Severn, Maryland

"It is the 9th anniversary of you departure I will never forget that night it has haunted me many nights. I watched from the OP bsing with a great friend, and from our position on the building in the giant traffic circle we saw everything that happened and couldn't do a damn thing about it. You will always be missed and never forgotten."
James Tyson of Orange, Virginia

"we were so in love. So much that I cannot forget till this day.... he would want people to know."

"Hey Kyle, I love and miss you, just wanted you to know the day you died has now become my wedding anniversary. I've been with my wife for 6 years. I wanted to honor you with marrying my wife on this day. We got married on the pacific ocean on the beach. I miss you dude, not a.day goes by that I don't dream or think about you. Your never forgotten.


Any able company soldiers I serve with in Iraq, feel free to hit me up, I've been wondering how the boys have been."
urizajidnieves@yahoo.com of sacramento ca usa

"Seven years behind us. We miss you like crazy. I remain thankful for your love, honor and sense of duty; your faith in God and your pride in being from the great state of Kansas."
Deborah Thomas of Topeka, Kansas

"Still think about Kyle as well as all the other brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us and the world. You will never be forgotten Kyle, and will always be remembered as a great funny gifted person, my prayers for u and your family."
Natalie of Ohio

"To My best friend in the world. I met Kyle Thomas in Basic Training where we became best buds. We then went through Airborne school together and hung out all of the time. We rode a bus back to Indiana together and he got dropped off as I finished my trip up to Northern Indiana. I was suppossed to attend his weddind but had deconflicted plans with my family. We flew to Italy together and stayed in a hotel room together for a few weeks while investigated italy's finest food and wine. Like I said we were best buds. We were in seperate battallions. Kyle went to the 503rd and i went to the 508th. It was extremely devistating to me so I fought hard and finished the mission. I never had a chance to meet his Famu=ily Although, I would love to take make contact with them. I continued the Fight in Kyle's name and am currently in Special Forces hammering the enemy during back to back ddeployments. I love you brother and I miss you I know I will see you again some day. Love one of your many best friends. Blue
SFC Jaron Blue Butler USA SF I will always remember you and out of the continuing friends and fallen green berets that I lose. For some reason you always stand out in my heart. I wish you could meet my little girl and wife. If the family reads this-- know that I am always always thinking of you boy. Much love call anytime if you want to talk. I am thinking of some type of article to remember him by forever. I just had neck surgery from my last deployment to Afghanistan so I am limited in my actions and proud to be able to find this website and I hope and pray that the wife and family reads this some day. Jaron.butler@us.army.mil Love, Blue"
Blue of Fayetteville NC

"Memorial Day just passed and Kyle as well as others were in our prayers and will always be remembered with love and gratitude."
Natalie of Ohio

"I was in the area when Kyle’s patrol got hit. I remember it so vividly, I’m not one for emotion because I don’t like breaking down, but everyday that goes by, I remember Kyle and his dedicated service to his country and love for his wife. KGT is forever with me and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Your son, your brother, your husband, your friend is what defines American Patriotism. God Bless."
of Tampa, FL

"25 Sep 2008
Its the 5 year anniversary and I'm in Iraq for it this time my prayers are with you and your family, I still think about you and miss you"
SSG Chad Henman of Baghdad IQ

"August 22, 2008
To the family of Spc. Kyle G. Thomas:
Kyle 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

"Thomas,
I think of you all the time. I remember everyday what a great man you are. I’ll never forget the good times we had while you were in our squad. How you and Lopez helped me rigged my ruck before the jump and the time you filled a fighting position full of pots and flowers trying to make the best out of every scenario finally, how we all would sit in the safe house and sing about our e-tools. Years have passed and you will never be forgotten. I am grateful and honored to have served with you.

“Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid. He is the hero, he is everything. He must be a complete man and a common man and yet an unusual man. He must be, to use a rather weathered phrase, a man of honor, by instinct, by inevitability, without thought of it, and certainly without saying it. He must be the best man in his world and a good enough man for any world.”"
SSG Adrian Abarca of Miami,FL

"Dear Family of Kyle Thomas:
To honor the Kansas soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families,the professional portrait artists of Grateful Hearts Project are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family.

these 16"x20" original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrificies made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families loss.
Please email us at gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Sincerely;
The Artists of Grateful Hearts"
J. Gragg of Lee's Summit,Mo.

"Not much more needs to be said; I am honored to have known Kyle, if only for a short while. I don't have the words, so I will borrow ~
Your son, has paid a soldier's debt;
He only lived but till he was a man;
The which no sooner had his prowess confirm'd
In the unshrinking station where he fought,
But like a man he died.
Your cause of sorrow
Must not be measured by his worth, for then
It hath no end.

To every former Able Paratrooper on this board, blue skies and fair winds to you all. Wherever you may be-stay safe and thank you for your service."
MAJ Michael Hastings of Taji, Iraq

"Four years later I still think about you daily. I talk with my wife about you all the time. I miss you man. You will live on in my heart forever. Happy Veteran's Day to you and to all.
talonawdguy@yahoo.com I would really like to share stories of my time spent around Kyle with his family and friends"
Matt Shannon of Cincinnati, Oh

"Kyle.... today, just like as in the years past, I layed out a pint of Guinness for you and lowered my flag. I'll never forget that day 4 years ago. That morning, we sat around smoking Camel non-filters my dad had sent and you made us coffee once again. Then after talking about the wives and drinking our coffee, we went inside and watched Family Guy all day until you guys had to go out on patrol. Dont ever think for one instant that our boys dont remember you and the good times we had, like singing songs in the government building and on the back of the HMMVV... I'll never forget. This morning, at work in the middle of the woods, I cranked up some Jimmy Hendrix, sat back and enjoyed another smoke for you.
Raymond, Deborah.... if you want, please do so, email me. I still have many photos of our crazy adventures in Iraq of our old team before Kyle moved to Weapons Squad.
Some of us will never forget, not because of what happened, but because he was a wonderful soul and those are the ones we love to remember and celebrate.

mr.michael.long@gmail.com
9-25-07"
Sgt. Michael Long (discharged) of Pagosa Springs, CO

"Thank you for your service to our country! You are a true hero! God bless you and your family."
Robin H. of Sidney Ohio

"God Bless."
Michelle of Spring, TX

"It's been four years now and I still think of you everyday I miss you man."
SGT Chad Henman of Fort Hood TX

"To my brother and his family,
It is hard to believe that it has been four years now since that dreaded night. It seems like just yesterday and at the same times feels like an eternity. I was acting as Platoon Sergeant the night you went out. I rememebr the explosion. I remember having to organise the Platoon for an attack, then running to the company CP only to find out you had been killed. I remember how hard your squad leader took it and ensuring he knew there was nothing he could have done. Then there was the devistation in your brothers' hearts, how can I ease that? I remember taking a few days to finally break down myself..it was in front of the chaplain and so not like me..you know... "Hard Ranger" and all. But to this day I get choked up thinking about you. I have tattooed Death and Honor Chinese characters to my body with the date of your passing. I see them in the mirror everyday. I am here reading these tributes and again I am choked up. I have to walk 46 ranger students up the Georgia mountains in an hour and all I can think about is their ability to bring everyone home. I definitely have not passed that feeling I get inside. I have also not forgotten the good times. I remember smoking the hooka at the safe house, everyone telling stories. I rememeber that time at the safe house in Penninsula strike..when we were sparring with ground combatives and out of nowhere, you pull some ballerina crap on me and almost win the match..and I was a combatives instructor! I remember the laughs and how much you adored your wife. We would both talk about our love for our wives. It was good to see a man care so much. I don't know Kyle... will any of us ever forget you? I do not think that is possible. You may slip from our minds from time to time, but you will never be forgotten. Cheers to you mate! I hope to meet again in that far away land we call heaven. Sky Soldiers!
If Kyle's family ever want to talk feel free to get ahold of me at keith.marceau@us.army.mil"
SFC Marceau, Keith of Dahlonega, Ga

"Kyle,
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.

"Airborne All The Way!"

"To the family of:Kyle G. Thomas 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 of Kyle Thomas, my name is Matt Shannon I was in the same squad with Kyle and was also along side him the night he was killed by cowards. He always gave me hair cuts while we were there and I looked up to him a lot. I didn't feel that many of the guys over there cared for me too much, but Kyle was always quick to sit down and talk to me when I would get down. To this day I think about him nonstop his unfortunate death made me realize how important family really is. To Kyle- I miss you bud sorry I let you and the other guys down but as I said you made me realize that family was important, so I had to make a tough decision, maybe the wrong decision in some eyes, but who is to judge but the man upstairs love you man keep watching over us."
Matt Shannon of Cincinnati, Oh

"Our thoughts & prayers are with Kyles wife & family. My husband Ron Brady did a tour in Iraq with Kyle. He was there in Kirkuk the night of the accident. He also heard the explosion from the safe house and saw Kyle after the accident. He has spoken many times of Kyle and is greatly saddened by his loss. God Bless his family."
Misty Brady of Ohio

"I miss you and if you can see me i hope i'm making you proud."
michele adams of statesville NC

"A PARATROOPER NEVER DIES, THEY JUST SLIP AWAY...MAY YOU REST IN PEACE WITH THOSE WHO HAVE COME BEFORE YOU...GO WITH GOD BROTHER...NO WIND ON THE DZ!"
Spencer Parsons of Manhattan, Ks

"I also am a friend of kyle we served together in Iraq I also watched him go out on his final patrol mad because a cat snuck in the house and ate his sandwich that his was saving. I loved kyle and will always remember him. Especially when I make salsa he loved it when I made him some."
Sgt Martinez ( Marty) of Ft. Bragg, NC

"While Kyle was in Evansville, I danced with him. Kyle touch my life in so many ways. He gave me strength when I was afraid, made me laugh when I needed it the most, and many more things than I could possibly begin to discribe. Last year I gave birth to a son, and when I was trying to come up with a name it was easy. My son and Kyle have the same middle name. It was the best way for me to honor his memory. He was a very brave man and I hope my son will be as brave as he was! I will always keep him close to my heart...ALWAYS! My heart also goes out to his wife...Cari and Kyle's family. God bless you all!"
Erin (Thomas) Perkins of Evansville

"To the Family and Friends of Trooper Thomas, I am a person who doesn't usually take actions such as this, a man of action and few words. But, I find myself compelled to leave a note after all this time and countless instances of visiting this site. I am comrade in arms of your son in a sister service and I endured many patrols with him on hot, searing angst filled days there in Iraq. I remember vividly his squad leader, a stand up G.I. and his other squad members. For some reason your son had a special quality and stood out, the words unknown, the reasons lost. He carried himself in a professional, subdued manner, confident yet, quiet. Of course the action that stands out in my mind is his gesture of faith and love to his spouse by carriyng their picture in his kevlar. I still have the memorial service flier stowed away amongst my valuables, I was there, standing, praying, dwelling, saluting your son for his presence, his sacrifice, the tradition and honor he represented. He is gone physically but, not forgotten still on the minds of countless people he touched in some way. Words can't pay enough tribute. God bless you, his family, his brethren soldiers that served close to him. May his memory live on for generations passed on by all of us in fond and revered remembrance..."
TSgt Cox, USAF SF

"i was there and guided his homecoming c-130 onto the ramp at Kirkuk AB, Iraq. i am in the air force and am proud to have been there to aid in sending a fellow brother in arms home in dignity. i hope that his family will know that he was sent home with honors. God bless him and his family."
MSgt Jonathan O. Ablang of Spangdahlem AB, Geramny

"To the Thomas family: I remember Kyle fondly from our 4-H days and get-togethers in Manhattan. I am still saddened by his loss, 2 years later, but am so glad to know he still had a strong heart for God."
Shannah (Alloway) Hayley of Dallas, Texas

"My son, Chad, was driving the Humvee when Kyle was killed. He still remembers him fondly and wears the bracelet - Always. I know he considered Kyle a good friend and hurts deeply for his loss. Thank you Kyle for being a friend to my son. And thank you for your sacrifice. To Kyle's family; my God grant you peace and comfort."
Sheila Steely of Magnolia Texas

"To All United states Marine Corps Army Men and Woman.You Make me A proud American I Thank You with All of My appreciaition for risking your life for me."
Jerry Samuels of Charlestown In 47111

"To the Family My e-mail Adress is swan-vet@woh.rr.com. If you ever want to talk or have any questions. I knew Kyle very well."
Spc Swan Joshua of Dayton, Ohio

"To the Family of Kyle, And to His wife,who I got to meet on her trip to see kyle, I would like to say that not a day goes by that i dont think of kyle, as i look to the bracelet on my wrist. I served in Able Company 3rd platoon with kyle And we were in the same squad in Iraq, He was and still is a brother to me and to all that were blessed with his presence. On the night kyle passed I watched him walk out of our house and step into the humvee to get redy for his patrol, I was on guard at the house And heard the explosion, first thought was kyles patrol. As I looked around me I saw his Closest friends standing, waiting, Reynolds, fern, stocking myself, I never thought I could witness a day as this, our lives fell apart our morale, gone, a brother fallen, tears. Black socks and burkenstock's Tie dye Shirts, Beauty and the beast. My love goes out to the Family, Kyles wife, Hes in a better place and His war is over, RIP MY BROTHER, YOU SHALL NOT BE FORGOTTEN, YOUR IN MY HEART.. SWAN"
Spc Joshua Swan of Dayton, Ohio

"My name is SSG Callaway. I had the honor of meeting Kyle while I was his recruiter. I was glad to put him in the Army as well as getting to know him. I pray for the family and send my best. Shortly after this incident I went to Iraq to do a tour as well. David.r.Callaway@us.army.mil"
SSG Callaway of Ft.Riley,KS

"I came to this site through www.herobracelets.org

I made a donation to the site and several weeks later received a commemorative hero bracelet. It arrived in the mail on 02/07/05, and bears the following inscription:

"Spc Kyle G. Thomas
Topeka, KS Army 9/23/03"

Imagine my surprise at the coincidence of that date since Sept. 23rd is also my birthdate. (What are the odds of that?!) As I was celebrating my birth, Kyle's family & friends were mourning his death.

My deepest sympathies go out to Kyle's family, his friends and Army colleagues.

Please know that Kyle's name is remembered by someone unknown even to him!

iamredlady21@yahoo.com"
Nancy Wheeler of Crockett, California

"" Kyle was one of my soldies when I served in Able company. I left Able two weeks before that horroriable night. When I heard the news that someone in Able had been wounded, I stayed next to the radio for any peice of cross traffic. When I finally heard that Kyle had been killed, I just started to cry. I have not be able to stop. I spent many nights on gaurd ontop of the Turkman bluiding with Kyle and we spent many hours just talking about our lives. I now know that my life is forever changed because I knew his.
I day does not go by and a day will not go by that I do not look down at the barclett on my wrist with his name on it and shed a tear and crack a smile. And to Kyle: You do not have to be a SGT to be my friend, you always were, and hey do you have everything tied down up there too?""
SGT Robert Colliton of Battle 2-503rd ABN

"I am now the executive officer of Able Company, 2-503 and was a platoon leader in 2nd Platoon Able company during that night last September. I just want you to know that Kyle is remembered almost every day in the company, and will never be forgotten. We are getting ready to go on yet another deployment and he will certainly be forgotten, but he forever live on through the men of Able Company."
1LT Justin E Daubert of Vicenza, Italy

"Thank you,

We will ember you always!

SPC KLOPP
1-508th INF
SPC KLOPP"

"ITS REALY SAD WHIN OUR SOLDERS DIE IN IRAQ IT MAKES ME FILL WIERD WHIN I HERE WHIN THEY DIE LOVE U GUYS ALOT AND I WILL KEEP U IN MY PRAYS GOD BLESS U GUYS"
DAVID of EL DORADO KANSAS

"My name is Debbie Drexler. My son Jeremy Drexler is buried by your son Kyle. I speak to him everytime I visit my son. I ask Kyle to watch over Jeremy and keep him laughing. I don't know if you know that you can request quilts, angels, cross-stitch pictures and other stuff in Kyle's memory. Family member can ask for it. Michael Reagan draws incrediable portraits of our sons. It is free and he can be found attached to this web-site. He is so awesome!! Contact him if you wish. I live in Topeka too. I know you are hurting alot. I am too."
Debbie Drexler of Berryton KS. (Topeka)

"Thank you for serving for us all. Your sacrifice went above and beyond the call and you are a hero. May God bless your family as they try to live with a loss beyond understanding."
Pete Daniels of Independence, KS

"To the family of Kyle Thomas:
I was deployed to Kirkuk and was standing post on the base perimeter when I heard the events of that night unfold. I also witnessed events several hours after, that still haunt me to this day. Please know that Kyle lives on through my nephew.
My sister, unaware of the events of that night, finally decided on a name for her unborn son,,,,Kyle R. Thomas. Although I did not meet Kyle, the events of that night will be forever with me and I truly believe that one life was taken and another was born. My nephew took 10 years to get here and is never taken for granted. God Bless you and your family."
Kristen of Virginia, USA

"hey im really sad about what happiend"
chantel of RI ,mass, usa

"hey im reaaly sad about what happiend"
chantel of RI ,mass, usa

"Outstanding service. I was one of those deployed to Kirkuk that you were helping to protect. Many thanks! Your final roll call was my first witnessed and will always be remembered!"
TSgt Anthony Mitchell of Ramstein, Germany

"Sir I am proud of your valour. Thank you for your sacrifice. Your honor is bliss. God Bless your family."
Katherine Hoffmann of Dallas, Tx

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

"Last night, my friend of seven years was wimpering in his sleep as he tossed and turned, suffering another nightmare about the day Thomas died. SPC Philip Wallis told me so many stories about Thomas - the good times and about the incident that took his life. God bless his family; and for all the men there that day - I pray for them, because Thomas's death will always be with them, even as they sleep."
PFC Ashley Massey of Wuerzburg, Germany

"Dear friends and fammily of Kyle,
I would just like to let you that we are still thinking of you. Your beloved Kyle was so dearly loved by all at EDT (where he danced). The day that we found out about Kyle, was the day that we all matured greatly (we are all under 16). He was like a brother too us. He would always joke around with us and treat us like we were special.

I personally got to experience his great Risk (the game) ability. He was so nice to me and even helped me out! He was always like that to everyone.

I also remember all of the New Year's parties that we'd go to. He and my dad would always watch Scary Movie. However, he would always find time to play with the kids. I know that he would have been a great father.

I would like to say a special message to his wife, Cari. Cari, even though you are no longer with us at EDT we still think of you. We pray for you every day. We are so very sad that you only spent a couple of weeks together as man and wife, but we know that even those couple of weeks meant so much to each of you. Our Nutcracker this year was dedicated to him. Every time before we went on stage we would say "This one is for Kyle". I would just like you to know that!

God be with you! Thank you Kyle for all that you did for me, and all other Americans. You will always be in our hearts."
Beth (from Dancers at EDT) of Evansville IN

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

"To Spc. Thomas' Family:
Though we are strangers, we want you to know how sorry we are your Kyle was taken from you. There is no doubt his thoughts were of you as he served with the Army in Iraq. We will never forget. You are in our hearts. (1/27/04)"
Carol & Larry Miller of Tampa, Florida

"To the loved ones of Kyle Thomas:

My heart goes out to you in this incredibly difficult time. G-d bless you, bless Kyle, and bless the United States.

Thank you.


"No matter what a man's frailties otherwise may be, if he be willing to risk death, and still more if he suffer it heroically in the service he has chosen, the fact consecrates him forever."

~ William James"
Hampton Stevens of Kansas City, MO

"Thank you Kyle Thomas, 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

"I came to know Kyle sveral years ago in Dayton Ohio as he and my daughter wee angaged. Kyle was a special light in this world, one who would light up a room when he entered. Our families prayers and love are with him and his family always"
natalie Ridener of Dayton, Ohio

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