Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I would like to thank you for your sacrifice and your family for all y'all have done for this country. You are truly a soldier I will never forget. My brother fought along side you on that night, SPC Richard Arriaga, and was also taken from this cruel world to a better place that night. Your family and you will always be in my prayers. God bless you all."
Lindsey Falcon of Ganado, Texas

"Sgt. Thompson,
I would just like to say thank you to you and the other two soldiers from your unit who were also killed in that attack for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Festina Lente"(Make Haste Slowly)
42nd FA Motto"

"Happy Father's Day. We Love you and miss you. We will never forget how much you love us and we will never stop loving you."
Valerie & Jaykwon Thompson of Texas

"I just wanted to let you know that we still love you and miss you. It may seem strange to others but I have been writing you on here for years so it seems like it's our little place even though it's public. I love you and really miss you. Another Memorials day just passed, father's day is coming up and Jaykwon is about to have another birthday. Sometimes it seems as though the more time that passes the more I think about you. Maybe because I miss being by your side. I miss our unique bond. I love you and Jaykwon loves you."
Valerie Thompson of Killeen, Texas

"Anthony, I love you. I was stronger then I thought I would be but not as strong as I wanted to be. Our son was amazing. He loves you so much and when he spoke about you everyone could tell how much he loves you. Several of your friends came to the ceremony. I enjoyed hearing them talk about you and joke around about the fun you all had. It reminded me of Germany. It felt as though you were their with us. We all love you and miss you so much."
Valerie Thompson of Killeen, Texas

"Hello Anthony,
It's your Big Sis, I am sitting here trying to get it together. I am writing your bio for the dedication ceremony on February 21, 2015. The reserve center in Orangeburg is dedicating their new facilities in your honor. As I sit here typing, your whole life just flash by me. Wow!!!! Wow!! It was not suppose to happen like this. I will finish the bio and make you proud . I love you and miss you dearly. You are always in my heart. Guess what Anthony, your nephew Tony join the Army and was promoted to Specialist today."
Mary Ellen Bell of Macon, Georgia

"I can feel my heart sink. I keep thinking about how hard it's going to be. I know it's not about me, it's about you. That's the problem! I love you and I won't be able to shield the pain. Just know that I will always love you. I know you already know that."
Valerie Thompson

"Hey Val just want you to know I still think of Smokey all the time and have a pic of me and him on one of my shelves. Just wanted to let you know that he is still in my heart."
Shoat of West, tx

"Just sitting and thinking about you as usual. I guess you knew that I would always love you. I'm trying to decide if I should go to Orangeburg or not. It's going to be so emotionally difficult and I don't think I can relive losing you. Everytime i think of going something inside me brakes and i feel so weak and all i think about is your funeral and it's hard, so hard." (August 2014)"
Valerie Thompson

"I love you. I can seriously say that it doesn't matter how much time passes the love remains. I still love you so very much. When I have those bad moments when I think of you and how much I miss you I find comfort in knowing that you know how much I love you. I love you everyday and remember you everyday not just the special occasions, holidays and birthdays. You are the part of me that's missing. When I look at Jaykwon I see you. When I talk to Jaykwon I hear you. Speaking of Jaykwon He is about to get his driving permit. I can't hardly believe how old he is now. Despite his age he loves you and he knows how much you love him. I showed him the letter you wrote about how much you love him. He knows and he will always know."
Valerie Thompson

"I still think about you daily. I miss you so much."
Valerie

"All our Love"
Enrique of lockhart tx

"Where does one start to talk when they have held in the hurt and pain for 10 long years. Yes I know its been 10 years for you see SSG T I have counted each one of them. I have cry each one of them. My doctor have labeled me with PTSD all because I can't get over loosing my best friend. Someone who talked with me, understood me, and was always there for me. T I finally saw a picture of your son today, he reminds me so much of you. Oh how I miss our talks in the field. Ok enough crying for one night, I think I just set myself back again on counseling. To SSG T family, you are not alone in missing such a wonder person."
1sg/Ret. Timothy Biddle of McKinney Texas

"10 years, I can hardly believe it’s been 10 years. Love is so powerful! It truly stands the test of time. I said from the beginning that I will never stop loving you and it’s so true. I miss you so much. I miss my best friend my husband. Jaykwon misses you to. I am happy that he is at an age where he really understands what it means to be in the military, serve your country, to be a good father, and friend. He knows how much I love you and he loves you and asks about you a lot. He reminds me of you so much. I will never forget you; of course, you know that because you know me. I love you and miss you."
Valerie Thompson

"Anthony, its so hard for me to explain why I feel the way I do. Why I am not as strong as others. My heart hurts and I mean really hurt. As I am writing this my eyes are so filled with tears I don’t think I can finish. Some people say I am strong but when is tears a sign of strength. Its hard living without you. I don’t think that people realize that sometimes people really love each other and are really meant to be together. For me, that is you and you are not here. I always feel so alone, I don’t have my best friend, my husband, a part of myself. It’s so difficult to go to memorials, to talk about you, and to be around the rest of the family without you because all I want is you. When I do I feel so weak, so drained, so overwhelmed with emotions, and often so helpless because I don’t want to cry or feel the way I do. Although, I feel so alone without you, I thank you; I thank you for loving me, being my husband and being my best friend. I know that there are a lot of people that do not get a chance to experience real love and I did and I still do. I feel your love still even thou you are not here. I Love You!!!!....."
Valerie Thompson of Killeen, TX

"Anthony, its so hard to believe that it's been almost 10 years since you have been gone. I still love you as if you were here with me all along. I have been through alot but what people do not know or probably wouldn't understand is that you still keep me going. I remember not only the solider but the man. The man that loved me and loved his family. It's still hard to talk about you or go to memorials. Jaykwon is 13 can you believe it. I can't and he is tall like you. He is starting to look more and more like you as he gets older. His favorite team is the New Orleans Saints. I tried to get him to choose the Denver Broncos. I wonder what you would say to him about the Saints. He looking forward to going to college he wants to be a video game designer. I know you would be proud of him. He wants to do wrestling next year so I am going to have to get mentally touch enough to watch our son wrestle. I thank God for my son and I thank God for you."
Valerie Thompson (The wife of an amazing man) of Killeen, Texas

"To the family,fellow Fisters and those who served with SSG Anthony Thompson,there's not a day that I don't second the decision of allowing him to go to the Striker Platoon. I remember interviewing him shortly after being assigned to the BN. He volunteered to go down to Striker PLT because he wanted to be apart of one of the best groups in our Division. I believed he understood the risk because Strikers was frequently out on patrol through out the Brigade's area and so I can't begin to explain how much bravery Anthony displayed after only being assigned for such a short period. My thoughts and prayers will continue to go out to his wife,family and fellow Fisters and I'm very grateful for the sacrifice SSG Thompson and his conrades made on that tragic night.

CSM(ret)Howell 4-42FA"

"avjthompson@yahoo.com is my email address I forgot to put it in the last post.

To anyone that’s trying to get in touch with me or Jaykwon please put Anthony Thompson in the subject box. Since I have had my email address for such a long time I get a lot of junk mail. If you have emailed me before and I did not respond chances are I didn’t see it or though it was spam. Sorry, please email me again. Thanks for all the comments and thanks for remembering such a wonderful man, Anthony O. Thompson."
Valerie Thompson

"What can I say except I still love you. It’s been 8 years; Jaykwon will be a teenager this year. He reminds me so much of you. You would be proud. He still loves football but he is starting to gear more towards wrestling now. I have been looking for a local wrestling program but I haven’t been able to find one. He is excited about going to college. He says that he wants to be a doctor, video game creator and/or a professional wrestler. Well, we will see. He knows that he can do just about anything.
You would be proud of me too. I finished my Master degree in 2010. Wow, it was a lot of work but well worth it. I wish that you could have been their when I walked across the stage. I can picture you smiling at me. Your smiles are priceless. You really knew how to make me feel good without saying a word.
I really wanted to let you know that I love you and that I will always remember you. You will always be with me. I carry your name remember.(LOL) I think that some people think that I have forgotten. Never!! I will always love you. I don’t cry as much as I use to but I still get chocked up when I talk about you. I miss you my BFF (Best Friend Forever). I have been in touch with Manning he calls and check on me and Jaykwon from time to time. Jaykwon and I have both spoken to Marlon a few times over the years as well. Thank you for always being a wonderful husband, friend and father. I LOVE YOU!!!!

Your BFF and wife,
Valerie Thompson

To anyone that’s trying to get in touch with me or Jaykwon please put Anthony Thompson in the subject box. Since I have had my email address for such a long time I get a lot of junk mail. If you have emailed me before and I did not respond chances are I didn’t see it or though it was spam. Sorry, please email me again. Thanks for all the comments and thanks for remembering such a wonderful man, Anthony O. Thompson."
Valerie Thompson

"From Andrea and Bernard House. SGT Anthony Thompson and Val. I remember you from Germany... We served together in 1-6 FA for almost 2 years. We will never forget you SGT Thompson and Val, you will always be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless."
Major Bernard and Andrea House of FT Knox, Kentucky

"Big T....man i'm so glad I found this dedication site. It seems like just yesterday you,me, and mike, were all at your place cooking out, gettin ready to get deployed for the first time, all our wives making fun of us for drinking and clowning....And yes Mrs. thompson, we deserved it! I don't know if you remember me, sgt. francis from HHB Divarty, but your family and hospitality had a lasting impression on me, and I am glad to have had the opportunity to have been given the honor by anthony to meet you all outside of work. He was a GREAT man, which made him a Great Soldier in turn. T, you will never be forgotten bro, and I will always keep you and your family in my prayers. Until I see you again, watch over us."
Francis of Texas

"SGT Thompson, we served together for a while in HHB DIVARTY. We both moved on to other Battalions before the deployment, I still remember getting the news of your passing. I just wanted to let everyone know the SGT Thompson was a stand up guy, a great Soldier and just good to be around. You are never forgotten."
SFC Marcus Rose of US Army

"I am the son of anthony thompson and I am proud that he serves as an soilder."
Jaykwon thompson

"We all miss you anthony. May god bless you and valerie."
andre blake of charlotte nc

"Anthony it has been 6 yrs. Man i miss you. I could talk to you about any and everything. You were my bestfriend. Actually you still are. After you died i asked Connie to come and she did. She really helped me out a lot. Just having her around helped me.
Jaykwon is making all A's and B's. He loves football and video games just like you. He played defensive tackle last year. This year he plays defensive ends and alternating line backer. Well i know a lot more about football now. You would be impressed. I am shocked to. Do you remember when you tried to explian it to me and i would ask the same questions over and over but i got it now. Actually i love football now. I started liking it when we went to the Dallas and 49ers game but i still didnt understand it until Jaykwon started playing.
Jaykwon is bigger than you were when you were in elementary school. Actually he is bigger now than you were when you were in middle school.
I know, stop talking about how little you were in middle school. I know, I know you were still little. lol
Baby that doesnt change the fact that as a man you are strongest man i have ever known. I was reading one of the post and they said you rolled up the biggest guy in the unit. I think it was unit. Thats no surprise to me you were good at everything you did basketball, football, boxing, wrestling and the list goes on and on. I know i am bragging but i cant help it. I am suppose to brag about you, right.
I saw that Rush, Shoat and Manning wrote you. I know they miss you and was just as shooked as i was when i was told what happened. Man we all miss you.
When you died life has not been the same. I miss you everyday. Last month I went to a TAPS meeting for the first time and it very helpful. I was afraid to go because i didnt want to cry but believe it or not i was ok. When i say ok i mean i didnt cry all day just half the day. When i talk about you i cant help it. I just love you so much still. What i have learned is that time makes it a little little easier but the love will always remain. With that being said when turn 100 i will still be crying over you.

Baby I love you,

Valerie Thompson (Wife of my bestfriend Anthony Thompson)"

"Thanks Manning, Shoat, Rush and everyone else. I do remember you guys. You were his friends and he really cared for all you guys. I Know i never talked to much but i was extremely shy the only person I was close to was my husband. Anthony was completely opposite and i loved it. He was always joking and laughing. I still miss him.

I hope everyone is doing well. I know you guys remember little JJ. He is 10. WOW... If you guys want to see pics of him. email me at avjthompson@yahoo."
Valerie Thompson (Ant's Wife) of killeen,texas

"I served with Thompson in HHB DIVARTY, 4ID. He was a great soldier and friend. He will be missed forever."
Travis Oxborrow of Ogden, Utah

"Whats up smoke hope you doing good up in heaven playing football and basketball.Well damn North Carolina won the Title i won a couple of dollars you know im a betting man.Its hard knowing you would be here laughing and joking around it will never be another smoke.I hope your son is ok and val.Well val hope all is well hit me up sometimes 254 -285 -7391 i havent heard from you since 2003 i just want to know how everything is or if you dont feel like talking email me lequettem@yahoo.com Stay safe manning"
Lee Manning of Westbrook maine

"Hey Val, it's Shoat. Just wanted to let you know that I still think about you and Smokey all of the time, especially at this time. I still miss him. Hope you and Little man are doing good."
Matt Shoat of West, Tx.

"Hey Val, not sure if you'll remember me but I just found this site in memory of Anthony and I wanted to leave a comment for ya. I'd just like you to know that after all this time I still think about you guys everyday. I'll never forget when I heard about the whole situation. I still have a heavy heart about his move to the line unit while over there and why in the world he was on a night patrol like 3 or 4 days after getting there. I wouldn't let them call Beth to let her know we were coming home cause I didnt want my family there when I got back. I was so heart broke to see all the soldiers meeting their families knowing your loss. Shortly after returning from Iraq I also was sent to 4-42. I began suffering from PTSD and ended up getting out the Army. I stuck around Fort Hood for about 3 years before returning home to Fairview, West Virginia.

I spent almost 4 of my 5 years in the Army with Anthony. He really took care of me, always had my back no matter what. I'll never forget that and will always have him in my prayers. I hope and pray that you and Jaykwon are doing ok. Take Care..."
Matthew Rush a.k.a. "Killer" of Fairview, West Virginia

"August 22, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Anthony O. Thompson:
Anthony 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

"What up smoke man i still miss you man we played video games all the time in germany.Sometimes we went reds house.I still remember the day i was in iraq i got a email that you was in the big ambush and i had a mission the next i was scared as hell but hey i pull it together then i came back to fort hood they sent me right back to iraq in less than 45 soon as i got back i was out on the first thing smokin i miss you man watch my back fisters for life.Im glad to see your son is doing ok his going to make you proud hey maybe oneday i can go see him play in the pros.Hey val if you need somebody to talk hit me up Manning 2542857391 or email me lequettem@yahoo.com"
manning of westbrook maine

"Anthony, it has been over 4 years and i still miss you everyday. I will never be able to express how much i love you and miss you. For a long time i could not think of you without crying, it was so difficult to pull myself together because i thought of you all the time. I felt so empty without you and in so many ways i still feel the same way. I still can not talk about you for more than a minute or two without crying. even while im writing this its difficult to hold back my emotions. So many people has asked to sit down and talk with them but i can not find the strength. It's so difficult to be strong when i think of you because i still very much love you. Jaykwon is about to turn 9 and he runs like you ). He is big for his age, unlike you because you were so small when you were younger, he has my bad handwriting unfortunately, he is very good a reading and video games. He likes playing, football and basketball like his daddy. His favorite cereal is the same as yours. Jaykwon talks about you often. He really loves you and miss you as well.

Mary and Jay have been wonderful. I really dont know what i would have done without them. Mary helped me in more ways than she will ever know. Jay is a great uncle and a great role model.
I love them,thank them and appreciate them so much. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

WE ALL LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH"
Valerie Thompson of Killeen, Texas

"I did not know Anthony personally, but I have recently purchased an Iraqi Honor Bracelet with his name on it. I have researched what happened to him so that when people ask me about the bracelet I can share his story and tell of his family who is missing him very much. I am a Technical Sergeant in the Air Force, and am proud to have his name on my arm in his memory. I hope you are proud to know that I am carrying on his legacy to people that I meet. Feel free to contact if you would like a photo of the bracelet. His sacrifice will not go unnoticed!!! "
Shawn Darrenkamp, USAF of Mountain Home AFB, ID USA

"To the family of:Anthony O. Thompson 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"

"What up val this Manning well i went to iraq twice been out for a year now i have a son so i had to let the bullshit go i miss smoke alot hearing him talk junk all the time call me sometimes we was wondering how you was doing my number is 254 285-7391 aint nobody heard from i talk to ray who was with smoke that night his still messed up in the head take care Manning"
Manning of Maine

"To the family of my good friend ANTHONY ; I want you to know that i still am here with you . I think of you all everyday. To Jay I. Thompson I am always here for you your like my brother too. I hope all is well, and remember my buddy antman is, was, and always be our hero."
Eric Houser (childhood Friend ) of Orangeburg , South Carolina

"I was Sgt. Thompson’s Gunner on the night of the ambush. I didn’t know Sgt. Thompson all that well; he had just gotten to our unit. He had a high spirits. The thing I remember about him most is when he rolled up the biggest guy in our platoon. I was glad to have him on my team, he fit in perfect. He will forever be in my memories and never be forgotten."
Spc. Cross of Bay City, MI

"What smoke this Manning i will never forget you man you was like a brother to me i know you still got my back bro i remember the days beatin that * in Madden football and you just talkin * to me and reds i know you missed your wife val and your little man i really miss you i was in Iraq when you died it hurt bad but i told val what happen for you i sent everything me and reds talk about you sometimes hearing you say something funny i know you my whole Army life in Germany and fort hood but just remember you in a better places i got out to the army its not fun nomore Smoke just remember you still the man in Madden but Manning will beat that * lol To the Smoke family VaL AND EVERYBODY I KNOW HIM FOR ABOUT 8 AND HALF YEARS FROM GERMANY AND FORT HOOD HE WAS ALWAYS SMILING AND JOKING MY ME LAUGH AND THOUGHT HE WAS THE BEST BALL PLAYER IM SMILIN THINKIN OF HIM HE WAS COOL AS HELL WE HANG TOGETHER ALOT IN GERMANY AND SOMETIMES IN FORT HOOD SO I REALLY KNEW HIM I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU NEITHER VAL GOD BLESS MANNING MAKE YOUR DAD PROUD LITTLE SMOKE my email is lequettem@yahoo.com GOD BLESS"
LEQUETTE MANNING HIS LONGTIME FRIEND of I JUST MOVED TO PORTLAND MAINE BUT Im FROM GA JUST STARTING MY LIFE OVER

"To Everyone;
Thank you for your kind words. My Name is MAry Ellen Bell, I am the oldest sister of Anthony. I watch him grew from his arrival from the hospital. He wasn't just my brother he was like my son (there is a 17years beteen us). He was a bright, intelligent and a very loving person. He was willing to go all out for anyone, he was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back if you wanted. He was a very loving and devoted father, he love his family so much. Everything he did he did for them. Anthony was the baby of 5 siblings. He was always the one trying to protect us. Even to this day I still cry, I misses my brothe so much. My life is not complete, there is something missing. Some thing that give me comfort is when I go to his grave site and talk to him and my mother (she died 5 months earlier on the same day)they are buried side by side her baby is next to her. I am trying so hard to understand war and death. I guess I will never get it. Anthony I miss you so much.

Love

Your big sis Mary"
Mary Ellen Bell of Macon, Georgia

"To Valerie and family. you and Anthony are in my prayers he was a great freind to me and he will never be forgotten. Much love to Anthony and to Valerie and family."
Matt Shoat of Waco, Tx

"Anthony, I love you and will always miss you words can never express how i feel. Everyday i feel lost without you. However, I find comfort in knowing that others understand and acknowledge the sacriface that you have made. Baby, i have always respected and loved the sacrifirces that you have made through out your life. And i would like to take this time to thank everyone who wrote to my beloved husband. He is a hero in every sense. To know him is to love him. He was a people person he loved to smile and make others smile. He was a wonderful husband, a oustanding dad, trusted friend, and a great soldier.

Our son is 5 years old and he understands that his father is a hero. He misses him everyday and i know that he would thank each and everyone of you as well. And knowing my husband as well as i do i would like to thank you all for him i know that he appreciate everyone taking the time out and leaving him a message"
Valerie (beloved wife) & Jaykwon (proud son) of killeen , texas

"I WANT TO SAY TO JAWHAR,VALERIEAND AND FAMILY STAY STRONG AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU."
ERIC HOUSER AND FURMAN(TOOTIS) MINTZ of ORANGEBURG SC

"I am Anthony's brother, and I would like to thank all of you for your kind words. My brother is a hero and will never be forgotten. God Bless"
Jawhar Thompson of Killeen, Texas

"Dear loved ones of Anthony Thompson;

Together with Richard Arrigan and James Wright Anthony was killed in the first 'advanced attack' in the neighborhood of Kirkit in Iraq.

Anthony you died in the first so called 'Military Bloody Day' (a MBD) and therefore your dead is very much apreciated by being a freedom lover.

The first MBD was a small one; the latest and 7th MBD took 8 US soldier heroes in one strike and they to fell to the love of freedom on 29 April 2004.

Anthony, James and Arriga let me tell your loved ones that I salute you. I mean this, I salute you. You did not die in vain."
Reinko Venema of Groningen, Holland

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

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

"My condolences to the family of Anthony O. Thompson, You made the ultimate sacrice for your country and now walks in heaven. God Bless."
Marlena of Killeen, TX

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