Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"We are driving through Madras on our way back to Portland. I just want to say hello and tell you that I remember. I never met Thomas, but still, I remember. Sending peace and love."
Virginia Flynn of Portland

"Tom was my best friend here in Arizona. The times we had together will never be forgotten. I still have dreams about him and I know he's always near. He was supposed to be the best man in my wedding in April of 2007, I was devastated. We put a picture of him on a stand where the best man would have stood. I love you Tom."
Kenny Thornton of Phoenix, AZ

"The never ending lasting tribute of Tommy Tucker after attending the services of this fallen soldier I have carried out random acts of kindness in memory of this young man.I always mention Tommy and let them knowof the song Chain of Love by Clay Walker."
Aleesha Riley of Midland Texas

"I would like to thank all who have left messages. Today is February 12th 2015. I just found these awesome and heart felt lines. I also like many who at the time cried. It has been a very good day.
Thank you"
Wes tucker of Madras oregon

"To my Friend and Squadmate
I miss you buddy. I am sorry. One day I will go up there to see you."
Nick of Easley SC

"Mr Tucker,

Hope your grandson brought down an elk with the bow I sent you.

Lex Laughlin"
Lex Laughlin of Las Vegas

"PFC Tucker, just wanted to let you know that I still remember and I always will. First Strike Bulldogs!!"
SFC Fuller, Leslie W. of Ft. Campbell, KY

"I know you can't read this Tucker but I just wanted to let you know not a day goes by that you aren't remembered in our home. Nick and Seth miss you terribly. Seth took your death pretty hard but Mel has held him together. We want to take the boys to Oregon so they can finally say goodbye to you. I want to thank you for the sacrifice you made for our country, your brothers and selfish as it may be, for me. I will always think of you as Nick's guardian angel and will always love you for sending him home safely to his family. I'm just sorry that meant you're family had to lose you. You are a true hero, Thomas, and I will never let anyone forget that. Thank you and remember, we love you and miss you soldier."
Jenna of Ft. Campbell, KY

"I didn't know your son, but I want to thank you for raising such a fine young man. We have taken for granted what we have which has been paid for by the ultimate sacrifice by our military.
We spend so much money on pop stars, actors, and false hero's, your son and all men and women of the armed services are the true hero's. God Bless you and your family!"
Dale Charles of Louisivlle KY

"I think of my brother PFC Tommy Tucker every day. I see him in my son's faces. Tommy was my hero before he was a hero to this great nation, he died proudly and will never be forgotten!! I love you Tommy and miss you so much that hurts at times. I am looking forward to the day that I will get to see you again."
Tayva Tucker of Madras, Oregon

"I think of the fallen heroes very often-most of them were my age (I am born 1987)"
famous german arist Patrick M.Burke of Munich

"We still think about Tom all the time. With Love and Prayers, Jan and Jamie"
Jan and Jamie Fox of Redmond, Or.

"To the Tucker Family, my name is spc John Endsley, I was at Check point 9 as it was called the day you lost your son, Your sons unit came to relieve us. I struggle with my memories, dreams, and thoughts. I have often thought of that day, I have felt these many years that I have failed you, so I write this in tears, Im sorry. Im sorry we didnt find him in time, Im sorry we failed him and your family. Im sorry for your loss, and that it wasnt me. I hope that one day we can talk, I know it must be hard for you. Please take care,

jwendsley@hotmail.com 817-770-1492"
John Endsley of Fort Worth Tx USA

"Not a day goes by that I don't think about the loss of Thomas L. Tucker. I'm an American that breathes the air of freedom. Thomas L. Tucker has given me that Freedom. He is a hero. He will forever be remembered for his bravery. I know he rests in Heaven..watching us in peace..total, absolute peace. Thank you Sir."
Cynthia Dillenbeck of Scarsdale, NY USA

"My grandson served wih Pfc. Tucker and Pfc Menchaca. He has thir names taooed on his right arm and said that ould never come. I think of them every day"
Alma Cody of Vicco, Ky

"June 16, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker:
Thomas 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

"Wes, Meg and Tayva,
Today is Memorial Day, 2009. I pray for you and your family. I feel honored that our family got to know him, and all of you. I still remember the good times that we shared; and I cry for the loss of his life. I am so proud of Tom; He is not forgotten, and neither are you. I pray that Jesus will wrap his arms around you today, as he loves you all so deeply."
Victoria (Glenda) Bower-Shawgo of Bremerton, WA

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's!!!"
Dara Knight of St. Paul, MN

"To the Tucker Family,
Today I chose to remember PFC Thomas L. Tucker in the Run for The Fallen. I wore his name on my chest and my thoughts were of him as I ran. I wanted you to know that even though he is gone he is long from forgotten."
TSgt Jennifer M. Blackmarr of Lackland AFB, TX

"To the family of:Thomas L.Tucker 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"

"Love you tuck your family is in our prayers and you are in our hearts, heard Garth the other day and thought about you."
Sarah Scheller of Hickory, NC

"June 5, 2008

As we rapidly approach the second aniversary of Tom's ultimate sacrifice to our country, I find myself a thousand miles from Madras and Warm Springs, the towns I once called home. From my new home in Juneau, Alaska, I wish to say that I remember playing in the high school band with Tom. I remember joking with him occasionally between classes.

I can still remember the feel of the shock and pain I felt the night that another MHS classmate of ours called to tell me that Tom was missing. I remeber very vividly driving from Warm Springs to Redmond the day of his funeral. I remember every moment, nearly every word, song, and tear that was shead during his funeral.

I remember being somewhere around the two mile mark in the processional from Redmond to Madras.

I remember, and in that rememberance, tell those that I meet in my new city, and new state, of a high school buddy I once knew who gave all he had for his country. I remember, and in remembering, can help those whose families are touched by similar circumstances to greive.

As my younger cousins, friends and aquaintences look at the option of joining up themselves, I don't discourage them, or encourage them, rather I tell them of my friends who came back changed by war, and I tell them of my friend who didn't come back.

Tom will never be forgotten, and I will always honor his memory."
Sarah Ribeiro, MHS Class of 2001 of Juneau, Alaska

"Dear Private Tucker,
Not a day goes by without thinking of you and Menchaca and Babineau. I say prayers everyday. You are in a far, far better place than we are with the way things are going. Thank you for your service to our country."
Dara Knight of Somewhere Out There

"Growing up, our families spent a lot of time together. I have so many fond memories of Tom, along with some not so fond ones! He was just like one of my brothers for the longest time. When I heard, I was crushed. My oldest brother, Jayson, is in the Navy now, and is always being sent out on a moments notice...and I am scared every time for him. My family prays for yours constantly.

Thank you."
Cherie Bower of Bend, OR

"I came across this page as I was looking at a meorial page for Staff SGT Matt Maupin.. and I wanted to leave my thoughts and prayers for your family we are from Oregon and have been in the military since 2004 . My husband unit has 2 missing soldiers out of Ft Drum New York and when I read about your son I was brought to tears thinking about how your family has gone threw alot and also thinking about my husbands brothers who are still missing. Please know your sons sacfice will never be forgotten and his name will forever be rememberd as a Hero !"
Mary Cruise of Ft Lewis Washington

"I didn't know Tom Tucker personally,but im from the same town of Madras,a quite little town that continues to grow. I was ready to enlist in the army when i was 17 and i was to go to basic in june of 2007, instead i recieved a scholorship to WentWorth Military academy to become an army officer. I remember reading the headlines of a Madras man captured in Iraq and then it was confirmed. Again i didnt know Tom at all but he was from the same home town. I knew his mother who worked at my highschool and was one of nicest ladies i ever met. i was in jrotc and did the color guard for his memorial held at friendship park in Madras. Tom is my inspriation for bieng in the army and doing the best i can be, so when i lead my men on the battlefield i can be prepared and make sure my men return safely. Every chance i get to go home and visit his grave site i just stop and pray and thank him for what he did in Iraq. He will never be forgotten and the town of Madras thanks Tom for everything he has done and I personally will never forget his ultimate sacrafice for his country. i strive to be do my best and i always remember Tom pay my respect to our TRUE hometown HERO."
Billy Joe Ledford II of Madras, Oregon/United States of America-Currently in Lexington Missouri working on my commission

"My brother Seth served with Tucker the three of us had some real good times before they headed out. Seth loved him like a brother, till this day he can not even talk about him he gets too upset. Our family loved Tom. Campbell was a short drive so my parents and I would run up there on the weekends and take them out, it was an honor to be in Tucker's presence. I send our families love to yours"
Sarah Scheller of HIckory, North Carolina

"It's been one year since you were lost to all. My family and I think of you and your family often. You will always be in our prayers. You won't be forgotten, PFC. Tucker."
Michelle of Minnesota

"Ich denke sehr oft an die vielen gefallenen und verletzte GIs. vor allem denke ich an die beiden, die Unvorstellbares durchmachen mussten.Ich denke auch an die Angehörigen.
Sie hätten meine Söhne sein können.
Ich bin sehr sehr traurig."
Gudrun Burke of 86934 Reichling, Am Löschberg 6, Bavaria-Germany

"I had class with Tom when we were in High School and remember him by his sense of humor and being a cool guy. We had some laughs, I still have a sketch book with a drawing that he helped draw out when we were on our way to a tournament, I think in Eugene. His sense of humor still makes me chuckle when I think about it.

I am so sorry for your loss. Tom's an honorable hero, he was protecting OUR COUNTRY. My heart saddens every time that I drive by your house, I can't even comprehend how painful it is to lose your loved one. I pray for your family's comfort from this tragedy. You have the entire community's and country's support and commemoration for the strength and courage you expressed through this awful time. He'll be missed. God Bless You All. You're in my thoughts and Prayers."
Krisanne Billy of Madras, OR

"To the family of PFC Tucker:
After emailing a prayer and a trubute to a friend about another fallen hero in our country's war against terror, I recieved a response from her telling me about your son, brother, and grandson, Thomas. My friend who lives in St. Louis is a friend of his grandmother through the Nieman Pic foundation. My husband, children, grandchildren, and myself will hold you all in our prayers daily.
We are grateful to Thomas and his fellow soldiers for the freedoms we enjoy, and will never forget them. God bless you, and God bless America."
Mary Jo and Dave Kirsten of Atlantic Beach, FL

"I am sorry for your loss. I do not have any relatives fighting for our country, but I am a mother/sister, and understand the love you had for your son/brother. I am not sure what appropriate words to use, if there are any, to let you know that my heart aches for you, and your family. God Bless you! My prayers are w/you."
Charlene of Tahlequah, OK

"To the family of PFC Tucker.
From the day your son was captured, you and he were in our prayers. We were shocked and outraged when we learned of the final outcome..Two weeks ago we traveled through your town. When we realized we were in the home-town of PFC Tucker, my wife and I both wept in silence. We wish only wish there was something we could do to help ease your loss. Your son's sacrifice and service to his country will not be forgotten. God bless and comfort you.
From a "three blue-star" family"
Frank and Janet Candlish of Oroville, California, USA

"This message is to The PFC.Thomas Tucker family from The SGT. Wesley Tucker Family. My name is Kim Tucker i am the mother of another fallen angel. My son Wes was KIA on 10-13-2005 just 13 before he was to return home from a 1 yr deployment in Iraq. I want you all to know i know your pain. My son was such a good boy as i am sure Thomas was too. I thank you. There are no words to ease the pain i know. if you ever want to e-mail fourtuckers@twlakes.net I will try to help or i will just listen (read). Again i want to thank you .With love and Respect."
Kim Tucker of Hilham Tn

"Dear sirs and madam ,
I have thought of Thomas every night and have the highest regard for him and his courage
I know it will stay with me .
My respects.
Scott Richings"
Scott Richings of London , England

"Dearest Mother, June 20th, 2006

I do not know you, but we have a common bond, we both are mothers of sons.

I want you to know that the moment I heard of your son’s capture, I prayed for him. As the days wore on I didn’t forget him. I prayed for him many times. A prayer for him was the last thing to pass across my lips before bed on June 19th. Clasped hand in hand my husband and I asked for your son’s release and mercy towards him while in the hands of a merciless enemy. I woke to the news your son was in the hands of his Creator.

Today, June 20th, I’m grieving for you. I have wept all morning thinking on your loss. I am so very sorry. I have no words of comfort. I doubt there are any. I am in agony for you and yet my own pain doubtlessly would not scratch the surface of the burden you carry.

Your son is a hero: a real hero. Young men are often pedestaled “heroes” by our culture simply because they can toss a ball through a hoop or jump over a bar. A true hero is a man who exhibits exceptional courage while facing danger and the enemy. A hero doesn’t run from, but rather, towards the threat. A hero, if required, will give his all to see his enemy defeated. Your son is a hero. He will be so noted in history books read hundreds of years from today.

I grieve with you. I thank you for raising your son to be a man. I salute and credit your soldier for the rest, rising from manhood into a hero.

My the Lord give you His peace which passes all understanding,

Titus 2:13, The Holy Bible"
Jennifer Bollinger of Nampa, Idaho

"To the Tucker Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Please know that I pray for your healing and peace of mind. Our country is proud of PFC Tucker's service."
Annette Cunningham of Charlotte, NC

"Wes,Meg and Tayva,
I have shared in your grief since the first day I saw the JCSO Deputy outside your home. I am your neighbor on Ruby St just a few blocks away off of Culver Hwy. I cried for Tom and for you and I will always always remember the service he did for our country. I will also remember you, the parents of a brave and wonderful son and sister to Tom. I come from a military and Law Enforcement and Firefighter family and I know what It means to give of your family for the better of the community and country. We are forever in your dept and you and Tom are forever in our thoughts and hearts. I attended the memorial and graveside service and it was truly truly a wonderful tribute to Tom and your family and the lives you have had together. If you ever need anything you will know how to find us."
Tina Stanfill of Madras, Oregon

"I can understand the pain you are going through right now, My brother, SPC Jonathan Kephart was killed in Baghdad 2 years ago, and there is still not a day that goes by that we do not grieve his loss. We are so proud of our soldiers, our heroes, and the ultimate sacrifice they have given. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time, and I pray you will find the peace you need to go on. If you would like to contact me, I will enclose my email address. May God bless you and be close to you!
JamesandAnna@aol.com
Lovingly,"
Anna Rose of Burns Harbor, IN

"I can only say I truly feel your pain. My grandson Jeremiah was killed the day before your Thomas and I have been told they traveled back from Iraq together. I grieve with you and your family. Words do not come easy, but tears do. I pray for you and all the other grieving families that we will find peace again. They were so brave. They are truly heroes."
Ruth Warnock, Jeremiah's nana of Ramona, CA

"To the loved ones of Thomas Tucker- our thoughts and prayers are with you at this terrible time. The loss of Thomas will never be forgotten. He is a true hero. Thomas-Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.Be at peace with your fellow hero's."
Briana of Woodbury, Ct

"To PFC Tucker family, we send you our caring and loving thoughts for what you are going through. the pain is deep and hurts much. He was an American Hero and we are proud of him. His life will stand for FREEDOM. Freedom isn't free the price is high. Those of us who have given know what that price is. L Cpl Juston Thacker USMC was sent with 2 other Marines into the mountains of Afghanistan, where they encountered the enemy setting IEDs for a US convoy, three men no match for several insurgents, so we understand how you feel. May God heal the wounds you have. Many are praying for you. The proud grandparents of L Cpl Juston Thacker, 6/24/04 Naray Afghanistan. we may be contacted at justontthacker@sunlitsurf.com please feel free to let us know if we can be of help."
Tom & Dixie Sisk of Princeton, WV

"To the sister of PFC Thomas L Tucker:
I know that your family is going through one of the hardest times they may have to go through. I know this because my family went through the same thing 2 years ago. I lost my brother, Cpl Ron Payne. He was the first Marine killed in combat in Afghanistan. He was my only sibling. There are no words to describe loosing a sibling. Loosing a brother. I hope that maybe I can lend you any kind of support you may be in need of. Please feel free to get in contact with me any time! My prayers are with you and your family! You are now apart of a sisterhood that even though we did not choose to be here we will support each other because few will understand where we have come from."
Rachel Ascione (RaeRie81@gmail.com) of Winter Haven, FL

"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.
Our nations HERO, Thomas will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you -- and will remain with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! "

"Dear Wes, Meg, and Tayva,

Our whole family is so saddened by Tom's loss. Meredith remembers him as a delightful, lively, good-natured 8th grade student in her junior high class. Dick pictures him as a cute grade- schooler, and though they were in different grades, Dan thought of Tom as a buddy during and after high school.

We hope that your pride in Tom and the heartfelt sympathy and support of your community can be some comfort to you in your pain.

We are all grieving with you.

In sympathy,

The Junge Family"
Meredith Junge of Madras, Oregon

"My heart is broken for the loss of such an American hero, where in every part of his young life he brought honor to community and family. Our hearts go out to you, the family and friends that are left to suffer the longing only this kind of sorrow knows. He laid down his life for the freedom of others, there is no higher calling or sacrifice. To the Tucker family from the Kirkpatrick family of Bend, Oregon, and from many relatives across the country, I send our prayers. May God help you through this and when the song of grace is sung, I pray your hearts will be lifted to the Lord's comfort."
Ruth Chapel of Lebanon, Oregon

"There are not words that can convey the depth of my appreciation for Tom's service and sacrifice for us. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. My prayers are with you. God bless you."
Lisa Stewart Hinman of Junction City, OR

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