Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I was at An Nasyria, giving almost everything I had, when you gave everything you had. You did good kid. Don't worry about us. You go have a good time. We'll see you soon."
blake of camp adder

"After all the years gone by I still remember your love one"
George Miramontez of Weatherford Tx

"S/Sgt. Voelz,
I would just 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."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"Kimmie, I can't believe you have been gone from us earthly for 10 years. I know this is a hard time for your family. I pray you are in a place of peace. I will always remember our horse shows, poor Buck, lol. Ron really enjoyed all the time you and he shared training the horses. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice to our country, we thank you. Reat in peace sweet angel. Ronnie Swigert and Brenda Hurley Pisano."
Brenda of Mechanicsburg, pa

"SSG Voelz, although we never met personally, I knew of you as we prepared to continue providing you care just before you went to rest and it'll always be an honor. I was an operating room tech assigned to the 28th Combat Support Hospital and will never forget you and the way you protected your soldiers. My family and I thank you, your loving husband and your family for the sacrifice you have made. God bless you and them always."
Brenda Applegate of Hughesville, PA

"10 years. I cannot believe it has been that long. I think about you often and I know that we will see each other again. Continue to watch us from up above and laugh at the dumb things that I do in this life! Miss you and love you."
Kelly of Pennsylvania

"10 years later and I still cant forget you sister... I hope your watching over us from where ever you are... I miss you and I wish we could still talk and see each other. I know you would be proud if the little brother I have become."
Chad of Pennsylvania

"Max - I heard your StoryCorps vignette today and found it poignant, strong, and touching on many levels. I served in Mosul, Ramadi, and Fallujah from 2006-2007 and was always so thankful for the EOD teams that cleared our routes. Thank you for the strength you and Kimberly displayed, and thank you for telling your story."
Candace Eckert of Phoenix, AZ

"Thinking of you today Kim. 2 days until your 9 year anniversary. I cannot believe it has been 9 years. You will always be remembered and I hope to see you in the after life."
Kelly Fahnestock of Camp Hill, PA

"I'm thinking of and missing you again today. My love and prayers go out to all the family on this anniversary."
BJ Mauser of Bloomington, MN

"My deepest sympathy and respect to you First Sgt Voelz. I am writing in regards to your story. My class was asked to do an essay on one of the stories of our choosing. The essay is called the Power of voice. I choose your story, because your voice hit me like a Drill Sergent's voice hits you for the first time in basic training. Loud and clear. No mistakes. I can not fathom your loss,and I will not say I can, only someone who has lost a wife, husband or child can. I have not. Understanding the loss of a solider, a friend or family. That I do understand. I am a fellow solider of the US Army, 67th military police of Fort Lewis WA. As soldiers we have this saying which you know better than most of us"Gone but not forgotten" yes this is true. For her memories are kept alive with in you and now us as well. I will do my best to give her memory such weight, that my fellow Peers and Teachers will Remember her name,as a Wife, daughter, friend an Fellow solider.I salute your wife Staff SGT Voelz and You as well First SGT Voelz. All gave some, some gave all. Godspeed."
Quaid, US Army Med Ret 67th MP. of WInter Garden Florida.

"Max, your NPR link was placed on my Facebook wall by a friend as I am a Navy vet. This is what he attached, "wow.. what a sad story.. a moment of silence for a great woman warrior" Please know that you and your wife are not forgotten. You will both be in my thoughts and prayers on Memorial Day. I have placed this American Women Veteran's link on my wall in honor of your wife. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5338214&id=73284480829"
Dawn McGinnis of Portsmouth, VA

"Max, I just heard your story on story corp and it is so moving! Getting the details right when someone dies is so important, Kim sounds like an amazing woman and what a tough and needed job the two of you chose. Thanks and god bless"
Desiree Miller of Brookline, MA

"Max: I want you to know that I HEARD your story this morning on NPR's Story Corps. I am sorry that you lost your wife in Iraq. My heart goes out to you for the loss of your wife, and the loss of your hopes and dreams of the life you planned to live together. My dad was an officer in the Army, WWII, and career thereafter (logistics), and he would inform us that there are a lot of "decision makers" in the military who miss the point completely. That seems to be the case with you and the loss of your wife. I'm sure that it hurts to know that widowers are oft overlooked. But as long as you know the love you have for your wife--that is ALL that matters. Keep speaking up, for you and for her. I heard you loud and clear today. I will remember Kim, by name, this Memorial Day 2011.
I'm sorry you lost your wife."
Tess Foley of Monroe, CT, USA

"I was a medic assigned to the 28th CSH and was working as an instructor at Ibn Sena Hospital. I was there when she was brought in and she was conscious but severely injured. I heard her voice and couldn't get close enought to the table to help. There were just too many people there. The following day, I was teaching across the street from the hospital when a Soldier came over at about 0800. He told me that she had died. With the news I had recieved, I put the class on break. With all the people I saw come into that hospital who were seriously injured or dead, she's the only one I ever cried for. I think it's because I heard her voice. I will never forget you SSG Voelz. May God bless you and your family."
SSG Albert Gasbarra of Ft. Bragg, NC

"I served in the United States Marine Corps. I joined in 1997, after high school. I went to both Trinity and Cumberland Valley. I used to talk to Kim all the time on the Bus to school when we were kids. I fell to my knees that day when I heard we had lost her. I was fortunate to have gotten out of the service in 2001. But many of my firneds stayed in and a good number who did never came home. My condolences go to Chad, Kelly and the rest of the Fahnestock family. Kim, thanks for all the great times, and I will never forget the St Joes' Ski Trip!!"
Nick of PA

"Dear Kim,
I will never forget the wonderful days spent with you and the great BBQs at your house. I think about you often and miss you always. And i wait for the day when i get to see you again. All my love goes to you"
Amanda Puig of Lakewood WA

"I went to EOD school with Kim and she was killed on the day that I got married. The guys did not tell me until after my honeymoon, but I wish they had. I miss her very much and my heart goes out to her wonderful family who was kind enough to take us all in on weekends when we could get away from school while in Maryland. To Kim's family, I have not forgotten you or your hospitality and I wish I could have been there for you. I miss Kim very much and I am so proud of her. The world lost a very special person who can not be replaced. I love you guys and I miss you all. And to Kim, I know that where ever you are, that great big smile is shining down on us all. I love you girl and I miss you more than you know."
Scott Meador of Tyler, TX

"SSG Voelz,
I am honored to have served with you and will never forget your service, and sacrifice."
Teel (former 82d soldier) of Ft. Bragg, NC

"Kimberly,
I checked on you the other day at the Airborne museum as I am now at Ft Bragg again. It seems as though I end up there on my long early morning rides when I cannot sleep. We ensure that our little girl knows about the family that protects her & I tell those that I lead now about the savvy EOD Staff Sergeant that looked out for us in some tight spots.

Thoughts and Memories,

Always,

Jason Seeburger
D27"
1SG Jason Seeburger of Ft Bragg, NC

"I knew Kimberly from Ft Knox, We both went to Sullivan University and I remember she was in one of my IT Classes.. She was an extraordinary woman. I remember the day Kim told the instructor that she would be deploying, A soldier myself at the time I remember talking with her. I remember she was strong and ready, not wavering with the task ahead, but had the pre deployment getters that we all got. I remember talking with her, wishing her well, and telling her what a great soldier and person she was.. I remember the day the news reached me.. I cried, not because I had lost a friend, as kim and I didn’t know each other very well. But from the small amount of time I knew kim, you could just tell she was an extraordinary person. I cried because the world had lost such a great soldier, and extraordinary woman with a great future ahead.

Here it is years later, something brought back that memory.. I remember SSG Volez. But couldn’t remember her first name.. I immediately raced home to look it up.. Kimberly…

Gone but never forgotten…
.
.
.
.
."
Joe of Springfield Oh

"Kim,
You are a true hero, and everything a soldier should be. I have driven by the memorial every day for the last 7 months now, and now that I am getting ready to leave the school I took the time to really stop and read about you. I want you to know that I will never forget you, even though I have not even met you. I have spoken to people who have worked with you, and who went through school with you, and I have heard nothing but good things. I can only hope that I will be half the tech that you were. You truly are missed. Thank you for everything that you have done."
Matt of New Jersey

"December 10, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Kimberly A. Voelz:
Kimberly 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

"I’m really not sure where to begin. My heart goes out to every soldier in the United States. We have seen so many of our brothers and sisters fall. The pain is always there. I do know what these brave men and women do for us is more than anyone could ever explain. As a former soldier myself, I sometimes cant answer the simple question of why we do it. Why we volunteer our lives for people who don’t even know us. I do know this though, it takes a special person. A person of greater magnitude, which most could ever even understand. The answer lies in the deepest part of a soldier’s heart. God bless you and your family.

PW"
PW of Former 3-505 PIR Cco

"To the Family and Friends of Staff Sgt. Kimberly Voelz,
I am the daughter of a retired Marine that served in the Korean War and twice in the Viet Nam War. He was fortunate enough to have survived stepping on a mine in the Korean War. I purchased a bracelet from "herobracelets.org", and am writing to let you know that the name on the bracelet that was sent to me is your beloved Kimberly. I want you to know that I will wear this in her memory and in her honor. I appreciate the sacrifice made by her and so many other soldiers and their families. And although she is no longer with you, she is still being remembered, even by those like myself that did not know her personally. Since I am wearing her bracelet I thought I should learn something about her, and so I have gone to a number of websites to read about her. And so again, although I did not know her personally, I feel like I have gotten to know her though what I have read. I'm sure everyone that knew her was very proud of her and what she accomplished. My heartfelt condolences to all who loved her. May she always be kept alive by those who knew and loved her."
Shirley Campbell of Covington, WA USA

"To the family of Kimberly A. Voelz:
I would like for you to know that I am currently participating in a grass roots project to honor all the female Iraq Coalition Casualties. I have been assigned Kimberly's name to stitch on a piece of fabric which will be incorporated by a friend into the design of a tote bag. This was an idea that was conceived by my friend as a Mother's Day project meant to commemmorate the brave women of the war in Iraq who have lost their lives.
So now, nearly 3 1/2 years after Kimberly died, she is being remembered once again for giving her life for our country."
Heidi Knudsen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"Its good to see all the messages for you. To see how you impacted peoples life. Goodbye Ssg. Voelz
Medic Baghdad. Dec. 14 2003"

"Dear SSG Voelz, I has the sad duty of notifying the Brigade and your detachment when Kim was hit. It was a personal loss for me as she had become a great friend to me while we knew each other, I saw her every morning and she was always eager to run out the door with the guys and do what was needed to take care of us. Every soldier living at that FOB owes their lives to her, as she diligently and daily made sure we were protected against internal threats as well as IEDs. She was our hero.

We will never forget her."
Captain Brian Ellis of Fort Gordon, GA ( S1, 3-505 PIR, Mahmudiyah, July-March 2003)

"Dear SSG Voelz,

I know it has been a long time but like the others lost from the 3-505 family you are not forgotten! I appreciate you looking out for my boys and I of AT-2.

Thank you!

SFC Jason C. Seeburger “CB”"

"Kim, I still can recall all the IED mission we went on in AL FALLUJAH, and how you always made everybody feel at ease and always stayed professional. You, kept our spirits up when we were faced with long days and under very Hazardous conditions.. You are a True American Hero....."
LT. Jeffrey J wallace ACO 489th EN BN of HOT SPRINGS, AR

"To the Voelz family from the wahl family. Deeply sadden of the news of Kimberly. she has not died in vain! She is an American Hero! An a sister to our son. US Army Sgt. Gregory L. Wahl KIA BALAD, Iraq 05-03-04. Sadly, neither knew one another. Kimberly has touched the hearts of so many. All one has to do is reflect. On those precious moments ahred with kimberly. Some many with mix emotions. That you can help to remeber the effect Kimberly played on those in her her. She loved her family deeply. Knew how much everyone loved her. She is still in the hearts of all those that loved her. She has given the Iraqi people HOPE! To one day live in peace. Kimberly was a very unselfish individual. Answering the call to serve your country. Risking everything for everyone. Not many American willing to do that. Kimberly service to our country speaks volume's. Without soldier as Kimberly, American wouldn't be all it is today. She was apart of the fight on terrorism. Making America alot safer since 911. She will not be forgotten not today, tomorrow or ever. Gregory's daughter Alexis still ask many questions. Oddly, about other soldier's. I told her the little I knew of Kimberly. That even women serve our country as your daddy did. An she was his sister. That you need to always remember every soldier is your family. Kimberly is with you daddy watching over us. My heart and prays are with Kimberly and your family."
leonard wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To the family of:Kimberly A. Voelz I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. She died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"Dear friends and family of Kim,
I met Kim and Max in EOD School in 97. I was shocked when I heard about Kim's death while I was stationed in Korea. My heart goes out to Max and Kim's family. Kim was among the best and will surely be missed."
SSG Jack Marcotte of 718th EOD Korea

"I was a good friend and pledge sister of Kelly Fahnestock's during the "college years" of our life. I can't help but express my sincere gratitude to Kelly and her entire family for the sacrifice that her sister Kim and many other fallen heroes have made to ensure the freedom and safety of all who live in this great nation. I strongly support our troops and am thankful for the courage and bravery that our military exhibits each and every day so that we can continue to breathe independence. I apologize that my message is finally being posted almost two years after Kim's passing but want to remind all of you that Kimberly and all of our fallen soldiers will never be forgotten. God Bless them and God Bless America."
Janelle Kanovich of Harrisburg, PA (Now residing in Hoboken, NJ)

"We worked with Kim on many IED calls and she was a fine soldier and a great NCO, my platoon 2plt Cco 307th En Bn, 82nd ABN where deeply hurt when we heard of kims death, I am pround to serve with that callabier of NCO. Tell we meet again Kim"
SSG(ret) Burleson, Brian of Fayetteville, NC

"I can see it so clearly, I often think about that night. As the tears flood my eyes I can hardly write this. I was there that night… I remember seeing her walk up to my HMMWV I pointed out the device and told her what we new. I can so vividly see the explosion. I ran up there as fast as I could….she was so brave. Not a single tear rolled down her face. I raced back to the HMMWV and called in the MEDEVAC. I brought in the bird and we carried by stretcher and loaded her in and watched the bird lift off. I said a prayer for her and few days pass without me thinking of her and the sacrifice she made for our country. CPT David Holden (RET) 10th MTN DIV 1-32 IN"
David of Pensacola,FL

"I just wanted to thank all who write here in my sisters memory. words can not express what it means to me. I am her youngest brother and i think about her almost everyday, i cant believe shes gone and everytime i cant think about it anymore i come here to read what you all have wrote and it brings me to peace. My sister is still alive in all our hearts and everyone that has died over there shall not be forgotten."
chad fahnestock of 1849 w lisburn rd carlisle pa 17013

"your beautiful daughter is featured on the cover of NewsMax. As I write this, tears roll down my cheeks feeling the pain and pride that her family must feel for their daughter. God Bless Kimberly, her family, and the soldiers who fight for the liberty of the United States."
Dr. Caroline Becker of Mobile Al

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these Soliders as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace Kimberly, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest"
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"I was one of the 2 people to help SSG Voelz after the explosion. She was very brave and strong throughout the whole thing. I didn't know her very well but I will never forget what happened on 13DEC2003 nor will I forget her. We miss you Kim!"
SGT BREVARD,RICHARD of B co 3/505 PIR, Ft. Bragg, NC

"Kim, you are truely missed by all of us here in A/489th EN. You performed your job fabulously. I am proud to have provided you security on all those IED missions we went on together. We had a lot of good time there in Fallujah, for as bad as that place was. Max, I am truely sorry that we never got to perform any missions together. I can not even begin to know how you feel. My heartfelt condolences go out to you, Max and the entire Fahnestock family."
MSG Thomas Raymann (Assassin 26) A/489th EN BN of Little Rock, AR

"To the family and friends of Kim:
Although I did not have the opportunity to meet Kim, I heard about her frequently from her sister Kelly. Kelly was a classmate of mine at THS. Like the Army, Trinity HS is also a small family, and I would like to express my deepest condolences to you all. I have had a number of other friends die before their time in Iraq, and they and their families are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless all who serve in Iraq and abroad."
Brendan Barclay of Carlisle, PA/ Hampton, VA

"Thanks for your service to the EOD community. I served with the 43rd EOD at Ft. Knox a long time ago."
Ed Groth of Aberdeen, MD

"I am blessed by the memories of the experiences I've had with Kim. Kimmy was loved by all who knew her, and excelled at all she did. My heart grieves with the family. I'll never forget the great times Kim and I had growing up together. My earliest memories in life are of playing with Mark and Kim. Kim was always so adventurous- be it racing at top speeds down mountains on her bike or jumping off a rock wall into a river- she always needed a little danger. She had the true spirit and courage of a hero. She died to protect me. She died protecting the world from evil. Yet, this is not the end of her story. Hope remains for the days ahead when we will again be with Kim in the resurrection. The central event that distinguishes Christianity gives hope. Resurrection promises our life with her in the future. God strengthens and sustains us during our grieving for Kim just as He promises. My prayers go out to my family as they grieve for Kim as well. I must tell you that we will see her again. If any have any questions about the truth of Christianity I can assure you that evidence and reason support our faith. Because of what God has revealed- I know I'll see Kim again soon. Thanks to all those who continue to pray for the soldiers, for the families of the soldiers, and for our nation. May God bless and protect our nation and all who serve it. Uncle Floyd, Aunt Carol, Mark, Kelly, Chad, and Max- if any of you ever need to talk about spiritual things just call me. You know my number. I love you- BJ"
B.J. Mauser of Milwaukee, WI

"My name is Crystal.I live in the state of New York, which is not very far from Pennsylvania. I am very sorry for the loss of Kimberly. I respect her for defending our country. I am thankful for all of the soldiers defending our country. She and all the other soldiers were and still are great American heros."
Middle School Student of Barker Middle School

"My name is Crystal.I live in the state of New York, which is not very far from Pennsylvania. I am very sorry for the loss of Kimberly. I respect her for defending our country. I am thankful for all of the soldiers defending our country. She and all the other soldiers were and still are great American heros."
Middle School Student of Barker Middle School

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

"TO THE VOELZ AND EOD FAMILY: I WAS IN KIM'S PLDC CLASS AT FT. POLK IN 1999. SHE WAS ALWAYS IN A GOOD MOOD AND SMILING. ONE THING SHE WAS CONSTANTLY DOING WAS EATING THOSE CHERRY "AIRHEADS" TAFFY. WHEN SHE WAS THE CLASS LEADER SHE'D LOOK FUNNY STANDING IN FRONT OF THE FORMATION TALKING. SHE LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE HAD SPRAY PAINTED HER MOUTH RED! SHE WAS ALWAYS MOTIVATED AND HAD A GREAT ATTITUDE. DURING A COMMANDANTS RUN SHE FELL BACK OF THE FORMATION. SOME CLASSMATES WANTED TO KEEP RUNNING AND "LET HER CATCH UP". I TOLD THEM THAT WE ARE A TEAM AND WE TURNED AROUND AND "PICKED HER UP". MOST OF OUR CLASSMATES WOULD NOT EVEN THINK OF DOING THE JOB SHE HAD...AND SHE VOLUNTEERED! SHE WAS AN EXCELLENT PERSON AND THE WORLD IS AT A LOSS BECAUSE OF HER. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HER FAMILY."
SGT JONES of FT. SILL, OK

"Oh Kim! How much you will be missed, not only by your family, but by all those whose lives you touched. To Max and the entire Fahnstock family, our thoughts and prayers are with you."
1SG Scott Rogers

"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, Kimberly, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Reading all the messages from others who have lost loved ones as well / deepens my total gratefulness for the soldiers we are blessed with in the USA! God Bless you. Pat & Sandi B from Montana "

"I know your loss. The day after Christmas,I lost my son in Iraq due to an IED. His name is SSG.Mike Sutter. He was very upset when he heard about Kim and told me he respected her very much.You are in my prayers and I will be writing personally to you soon. Judy Sutter"
Judy Sutter of Tinley Park,Il.60477

"Thank you so much Kimberly Voelz for being such a great soldier/friend!! Also Thank you for giving your life in order to keep our nation free!! Because of you my children have a wonderful future ahead of them!! We are forever grateful!! My thoughts and prayers goes out and will remain with Kimberly Voelz and Her Family/Friends!!"
Kiyoko of Fort Bliss Texas

"Staff Sgt. Voelz:
Thank your for giving yourself so that those of us at home can live freely and safely. There are not enough 'thank yous' for a gift such as this. Rest in peace soldier."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"I was a Team Leader at Kim's first unit when she graduated EOD School. She was a very good soldier and great Team Member. After a few years, I had the pleasure of working of working with her as a peer at both the NTC and the Olympics. She was still a great soldier and had become an outstanding Team Leader. I count myself lucky to have known and worked with her. Kim, you will be missed."
Jake Holland of FTCKY

"I am proud of all the comments received by your site. My daughter was a true hero and I will allways miss her. I will have the memories and she will never be forgotten by me. I am sure all who knew her will never forget her either."
floyd fahnestock of carlisle, pa

"I am sorry to have not met Kim, but had heard of her, our feild is so small we are truly a family. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family, and husband Max. They both have many friends in the feild, and all have been struck hard by the loss.It is a proud way to go, standing in front of danger, keeping the world safe."
SSG Brent Bixler of 62nd EOD Tooele Utah

"I was in England when I heard of an EOD tech fatality and called back to my unit to find out who. It wasn't till I arrived Christmas Day at my home in Washington that I got my emails telling me who. Kim was a couple classes ahead of me in EOD school and she was always smiling when I saw her. I met up with her again for a short course in New Mexico and found she was Finally engaged to Max. She was so happy to talk about it, and from seeing you two at the school house, I'd not thought about if she was going to marry you Max, but when. It is a terrible loss to be with-out one so happy and wonderful as her. Words can never say enough. My heart is with you all!"
Danielle Bond/Rosalez/Keizur of Yakima Firing Center, WA

"To the Fahnestock family and Max,

My deepest and most sincere condolences go out to you. You have lost a wife, a daughter, and a sister. We have lost a great tech, a peer, and a friend. My fondest memory of Kim came during EOD school. We sat on the walkway at the Anchor Inn one afternoon and she told me about horses and her home in PA. I remember the way her eyes lit up while she was talking about those things. It wasn’t long after that, I remember seeing her eyes light up again: It was you, Max.

Mr. and Mrs. Fahnestock, thank you for allowing Kim to bless so many of us."
Brett Green of Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD

"I count myself as one of the lucky to have known Kim. I will always have great memories of her and her happy smile. My heart goes out to Max and the rest of her wonderful family after meeting you all I can see why Kim was such a happy person. She will be sorely missed and thought of often."
Eric Loar of Redstone Arsenal, AL

""To know that what is inconceivable to us really exist, manifesting itself as the highest wisdom, as the most radiant beauty which our dull faculties can comprehend only in their most pirmitive form, this knowledge, this feeling, is at the center of true religiousness."
Lisa of Dallas, Texas

"My Heart and Prayers go out to Kimberly and her family"
Jerry Jernigan of Grapevine, Tx / USA

"God Bless Kimberly, and just know that she and her family are in our prayers."
John Tiller of Dallas, TX

"The members of our unit were fortunate enough to attend the funeral and burial of this fine soldier. It was important to us to show Max and Kim's family our support. EOD is a family and the loss has been felt in our shop. God Bless Kim, Max, and all of her family. The members of the U.S. Army Technical Escort EOD section."
SSG A. White of Edgewood Arsenal, MD

"To the family and friends of this soldier, I'd like to pass on my sincere condolences. I know nothing I can write here can assuage the pain you feel, but I do hope that you will see and feel the gratitude that is deserved to those who give the ultimate sacrifice.
It seems that the news here in Australia constantly reports that soldiers, sailors and airmen are dying in this war, but it always seems remote from us here. Reading about this young lady, makes it all very personal.
God bless Kimberly Voelz and her family."
Pete Heinz of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

"I didn't know Kimberly, but I live in Mechanicsburg and I made a special trip to visit her grave site today. I just wanted you to know."
A Friend and Supporter of Mechanicsburg, PA USA

"To the brother of Kim, Your email address was invalid..so im hoping you will get this here.
Dear Chad,
I am sure you werent expecting a random email but I couldnt resist. I too, am suffering from the loss of my brother. You may have heard his name. Sgt. Timmy Hayslett. He was killed November 15, 2003 due to an IED. (Improvised Explosive Device)He was from Newville. Anyway, I was browsing over some of the sites and I signed the Memorial Wall for you and your family. I know it doesnt sum up everything that I would like to say, but since my brother has passed, it seems as though no matter what anyone says, nothing is right. I saw the funeral on Fox 43 and tears just poured. It was a complete reminder and smack of reality that my brother wasnt coming back. He was supposed to be home on the 15th of January...Just a few short days away. Im writing to tell you that your not alone and though I have no words to help mend your pain, I want you to know that I undersatnd the feelings that you and your family must have and I wanted to offer a hand. If you would ever like to talk, please feel free to email me. I know it doesnt make you feel any better but your sister and my brother were such remarkable heros!!!! They died for this country with such an honor! They are respected throughout the entire world and now they are running freely through heaven having no pain, no heartache, just simple happiness watching over us all. Again, Im sorry to hear of your loss and if you ever need anything, please dont hesitate to ask.

All my sympathy,
Melody Hayslett"
Melody Hayslett of Williamsport Pa

"My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of Kimberly Voelz. My heart mourns for her as well as my own brother Sgt. Timothy Hayslett who lost his life for this war. Every day is a struggle to get through. I still hear his voice and picture his smile every minute. This helps to keep him alive inside of my heart and i encourage you to do the same.Words cant express how you all must feel because I know that I cant describe the way that i feel for the loss of my brother either. My parents have been friends with Kims parents for a long time and I just want you to know that My heart goes out to all of you. I understand your pain and know that when you lay in bed and cry for her, please know of what a hero she is. Her and my brother Timmy are both heros who died for this country. Knowing they are both in heaven watching down upon us is a wonderful feeling. Sometimes I see a sunset and think of how happy they are now. Neither are suffering, and both are in a beautiful place and soon, someday, we all shall be reunited and that day shall be JOYOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Again, my heart goes out for you and I can only hope that someday all of our pain will lighten!!!! All my sympathy,
Melody Haysett"
Melody Hayslett of Williamsport Pa

"I can't believe I had to read of her death in People magazine. I heard on the radio of a remote IED killing a soldier, and thought, ouch that sucks, not imagining for a moment it would be someone I know. I had gone to school with Max and Kim in '97, live 2 hours from them at Knox, and talked to them both before they deployed. All our time together for that year runs through my mind over and over, its almost unreal. The world is a lesser place without her in it. A wonderful person and a masterful tech. My deepest sorrows for you Max, I'll email you mate when I can. I will mourn her absence."
Doman Ruggles of Lexington, KY

"Kim was such a wonderful person, a true hero. We all miss her very much. I pray for her family to remember that she died for a purpose, a cause she believed in. She died in honor. It's more then most of us will ever accomplish.
RIP Kim."
Aaron of Long Beach, CA

"This is a great loss. I read the story of her death. We are thankful that her husband was able to be with her in her last hours. What a sad sad story. We know she is in the most beautiful place of all...heaven....so to her family and friends, smile because one day you will see her again. For now, she is always with you, an angel, always by your side, so never feel alone. Thank you Kim for your sacrifice and for your service to our country. When we look at the sky at night and see the stars shining bright, we'll know it's you looking down on everyone.
Rest in peace....
The Taylors in NC"

"Thank you Kimberly Voelz, 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

"My Kimmy. This was my sister Kim. I am so proud of her and the things she did for us as a country and a family. I will never forget her. I am thanking all that have posted here in memory of her. Please post more for the EOD is now our family... our only remembrance of her. Please Post and keep in touch with us so we can someday... meet our entire family.. the ones kim called friends.. family... brothers and sisters.

Chad Fahnestock
Docfahn@aol.com"
Chad Fahnestock of Carlisle, PA 17013

"I did not know Kim Voelz personally, but news travels fast in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal(EOD) community when a loss such as this occurs. From those around me who knew Kim, I have only heard stories of great respect and admiration, not only as a person, but as an EOD technician as well. It is never easy to lose a tech, but it is devastating to the community to lose a superb tech like Kim Voelz. Although I love my "EOD Crab", it is in times like these that I wish there was no need for the wreath, but it is because of soldiers; sailors; airmen; and Marines, like Kim, that we can look at the wreath on our badge with a feeling of solemn pride - a pride in knowing we were able to serve along side men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice - the forfeiture of their life in attempt to save others. My deepest sympathy to Kim's husband and family. God bless you, our nation, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces."
Branden R. Running, United States Secret Service of Washington DC

"i to lost my son my heart goes out to family and friends my prayers are with you."
Cynthia Mitchell of Lebanon,PA 17042

"We Remember"

"To the family and friends of Kimberly. My heart is sad this day i have great and wonderful memories of Kim and the time i spent with her and Max in EOD school. I never had a greater honor than being by and included in thier friendship. Max and all the family you are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. Kim I salute you as a friend and a hero of our great nation. We will not forget"
SSG Cowley of Egypt

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Kimberly Voelz:
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 Kimberly for the sacrifice she has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Kimberly Voelz:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. She 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 Kimberly, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia