Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I knew Brent from the years I coached wrestling against his brother Bob, and also saw him in Oshkosh when his friends were having a going away party for him before he went into the Service. I delivered pizzas to the party. The year after Brent gave his life for our Country I was driving through Omro and under a brilliant blue sky flags hung on both sides of the road and my memories of Brent and his family, and especially his mother, who I knew well from wrestling came to me so I pulled over and wrote this. I hope I do not offend anyone---I just wanted to say something to help with the grief that I can not imagine. My words are full of only honor for Brent and all others who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us.

Memorial Day

The flags fly low Memorial Day
To honor those that died
But all you think of is your son
How many times you've cried

For he was one that gave his life
So we could all be free
But every day you ask yourself
Why did this have to be?

There must have been a reason
For God to take this fine young man
You do not understand it
Rest assured it's in his plan

But when your days are over
You will go where he has been
The tears you've cried will be erased
You'll understand it then"
Mark Spanbauer of Oshkosh, WI.

"I knew Brent through my older brother, and even though I was young at the time, he always treated me like I was one of his close friends. He always had time to listen, always had time to give me advice, and always had time to throw around a football or baseball, even when he had friends his age to hang out with.

To this day, I struggle to find an all around better person than Brent was. His kindness was legendary, and for the rest of my life, I will remember him.

Its been a little over 10 years since he passed away. Gone, but never forgotten, brother."
Tim of St. Cloud, MN

"Better late than never was the subject line............I just happened upon this site searching for the upcoming Hunt for Heroes this weekend and felt moved to post. I didn't know Brent but have gotten to know his family over the years. I recall the day we learned of Brent's death. His step-sister & my son are friends/classmates and we are honored to be invited to this event this Saturday. I currently serve in the USAF and people thank me for my service yet it's people like Brent that gave the ultimate sacrifice and need to be remembered & thanked.
God Bless you Pam, Bill, Ellie and family"
Maj K of Osh, WI

"Better late than never"
SK of Oshkosh,WI

"You were my first friend when I moved to a new town. You were a great friend as well.. You pushed me to my best in wrestling and track. Aside from that, we could always talk of life issues and I always took your advice to heart, as you always new. I love and miss you man."
Clinton Duhm of Omro, WI, USA

"You're missed brother, but not forgotten. Plt 2135 Golf Co."
Corporal Jonathan Tantiwongse of Chicago, IL

"Brent Vroman...strong,loyal,dedicated, that's how I remember Brent. It was nothing less. He always had a joke for ya to give you a laugh, or a simple smile saying things are "all good". I can't thank you enough for my freedom Brent. I will never forget you bud. You always have a place in my heart. God bless the family of Brent Vroman...he is one of the greatest men I have ever met."
Tony Sanchez of Omro, WI, USA

"I am Chad Coleman grandfather who fell in afgahnistaN Aug, 27th 2010. We were at the wisconsin dedication of the wall for wisc fallen, And picked up badges with you son picture on them and we were really looking for jeremy vrooman also of wisc, I took pictures of pictures of brent and I also have his badges SORRY. wOULD LIKE TO GET THEM TO YOU. Please call me at 1-262 939-7149 O r e-mail me at captdale@execpc.com Dale S Coleman"
Dale Coleman of Muskego Wisc

"To the family of:Brent T. Vroman
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""

"I am honored to have my son resting near yours."
of Oshkosh

"My husband served in Kuwait in 2004 and processed this young mans remains. I now have a flag in my window in honor of him. At the time I did not have children but now I have to boys 3 and almost 1. My breathe is taken away every time I look at the flag and think of the sadness his mother must feel. I am thankful that we have hope in Jesus Christ who takes care of us always. To Brent's mother and family....thank you so much for your son and his life. I didn't know him but i feel honored to have a flag case with his name in it in my home."
Angie of Lynchburg VA

"I lost my three year old son to an unknown illness one month ago today. While my little angel was on earth, he was fascinated by "the tanks" (by Red Arrow Park) and by any military personnel we crossed paths with. The day we buried Henry, there were ladybugs all over, and as I laid my hand on his coffin, one landed on my hand. It was as if Henry was telling me he was right there with me. I was at the cemetary laying a wreath on his and other family members graves a week or so ago and happened upon the grave of your son who is buried near my great-grandparents. The loss of a young adult and/or a soldier will always move me to tears, but I was especially moved by your son's marker which was covered with dozens of glass ladybugs. I think my little guy has a new hero in heaven. My condolences to you both - no matter their age, we should never have to bury our children. Blessings to you all..."
Sarah of Oshkosh, WI

"God Bless all that have served this fine country.
My son is currently serving a sentence at NLCI where there has been a training room dedicated to PFC Brent Vrmoman. My son, Richard too was an enlistment in the armed services, but had stumbled and had made a very childish mistake at 18 yrs. old and found himself there at NLCI. His regrets are many and PFC Brent Vrmoman’s honor of his serving as he did and giving his life for this country has also made a difference in this particular young mans life as well. I can only speak for my son as we have talked about the honor and pride it takes to be someone like PFC Brent Vrmonman. We thank god for all our men and women that had served and are serving. Our family is made up of many military servicemen and one niece and to hear of PFC Brent Vrmonman as we have has made a lasting impression on not only my son, but our entire family. My son pledges his life to the military and will make up for his mistake, if only to help and support the families that have suffered military losses, whatever it is, he will give back to his communities if not allowed to serve. We thank you and we are so very sorry for your losses. Your in our prayers, Margaret (Deterville) Dorn Green Bay, Wisconsin."
margaret of WI

"He is missed and not forgotten. I am a Marine Mom and my son, Joe, was over there with Brent with the 2/24 out of Chicago. I pray to Brent and all of our Marines up there keeping watch - my prayer to them is take care of these guys down here who are still struggling with all they had to deal with over there. Sempre Fi - Brent will never ever be forgotten by me. What a hero!!!"
Mary of Springfiled, IL

"My name is Adam Eberhardy. I am one of the vroman brothers cousins. I just want to thank you for the comments left here and the stories of Brent. I didn't know him as well as I wanted to due to what I gather was a pointless family argument. But i would kike to hear more stories so that i can get a better picture of who he was as a man and Marine. My e-mail address is aeberhardy@hotmail.com Please tell me the stories and memories you have of Brent. Thank you.

And to all the Marines past and present I have to say that there is no words of thanks and gratitude in any language that I can use to express how thankful and proud I am of you, so if this is appropriate for me as a civilian to use I'll just say Semper Fi"
Adam Eberhardy of Oshkosh, WI

"December 10, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Brent T. Vroman:
Brent 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

"Its Been awhile since I have left any messages for Brent. I went to highschool with Brent and wrestled with him and his brothers. The Vromans were the WRESTLING family of Omro Wi. I wish that I could have done as well as they did. Brent was the crazy one that I will never forget. We had alot of laughs together. Jumping on each others backs in the halls and getting yelled at by just about every teacher for screwing around between classes. I miss him alot. He will never be forgotten. I am stationed at Robins AFB now and strive to do my job as well as Brent did his. I will always have him and his family in my heart and mind. We (Military) will adapt and overcome any obstacle that is brought to us. Take care all. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES AND HER TROOPS
timothy.shreve@garobi.ang.af.mil"
SSgt Tim Shreve of Robins AFB GA USA

"To the Vromans. This Jake Rask, Bob and Brian ya'll remember me. Im actually here in Iraq also. After finding out about your brother, it has put a different meaning to this place for me, you guys were all great. Every time Im out in these streets here, I think about your brother, when brent and brian came out to shusters jumpin on the trampoline, or when Id see ya'll out fishin in the Fox. He will be missed. God Bless you all, best wishes. If you wish to contact me jakerask@yahoo.com"
Jake Rask of Balad , Iraq

"We were in Boot Camp together, we bunked next to each other while we were at Camp Pendleton doing our Field Training and Crucible. My nick name was "Recruit Grand Pa" because I got in at 30 years of age. All the youngsters would come to me just to talk, I was always glad to. Recruit Vroman and I would talk at night when lights were out, he would get out his pictures of his girl and tell me how he was gonna get married to her, the most wonderful women in the world! He told me about his shrimp boat business, "If Im not mistaken", and how he and his future wife were gonna be well off because of that! I was very fortunate to have met this young man! He would tell me about his wrestling coach, how much he meant to him, he told me about the wrestling move that they named after him and his twin brother, I forgot what it was, the VROMAN TWIST or some crazy bone breaking move, I forgot, can someone remind me please? haha!
We ran next to each because we would line up by height, yup, were the same height, on Family Visitors Day, it was the day we recieved our Eagle Globe and Anchor!
I saw his pic on the CNN Special page, and I couldnt believe it, it was JUGGERNAUT, thats what Drill Instructor SSGT Murcia would call him.
Im so sorry that I wasnt there next to him, I was in Afghanistan at the time, from October 2004 thru April 2005.
A note to the webmaster, if this page is for all troops of all forces, please use the word "troops", because the word "Soldier" refers to someone only from the Army, a Marine has many names, DEVIL DOG has become our most recent nickname, thats what the Germans called us in WWI because we are fierce fighters, LEATHERNECK and JARHEAD were given to us because of our uniforms from past generations, if you want to get the attention of a Marine, any one of these names would be perfectly fine, please dont use SOLDIER,
I know PFC Vroman wouldnt like that!
Navy = Sailors, Sea men
airforce = airmen
If you want to contact me, please feel free to e-mail here:
wild_fire_99_usfs@yahoo.com

peace

Eddie"
Juan E Ruvalcaba of MCAS Miramar, San Diego CA

"If any one meets Brents mother in the future, tell her I remember her son just like she asked me to, (at Brewers game.)
In Memory of Richard Sowinski
U.S. Marine Corp Vietnam War
ARTIST Remember RESPOND
peacedeerproject@aol.com
"Remembering Brent Vroman""
Joel (Artist Bohmeal) Paplham of West Allis, WI.

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

"To the Family of PFC Brent Vroman:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 6/20/05, 111 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put PFC Vroman's name on one of them. We have called our display "Arlington MidWest." It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

If you would like us to do this, please email martypres33@yahoo.com.

We invite you to come to visit Arlington MidWest. I can send you directions and some pictures by email.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them." Anonymous"
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"For Brian and Bob,

I had the great pleasure in knowing you all as young kids, coaching you all in wrestling, and watching you all grow up into fine young men. Brent, your sacrifice for this country will not be forgotten and I thank you for everything that you have done. Brian, I pray for your safe return home and thank you, as well, for doing what you are doing. Bob, he will be home soon. Be strong and let all the good memories fill your heart. If you would like to talk....shawn_0492@yahoo.com"
Shawn Piotter of Burnsville, MN

"This Memorial Day has all new meaning. I appreciate every day I live on this earth. I feel so honored to have a friend and cousin serve to create the life I live. Brent is in my memory daily."
Meghan DeGroot of Green Bay, WI

"To the family of Brent T. Vroman:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"Brent was the type of guy that always had a smile on his face, you always knew he had something on his mind. he will be dearly missed but his memories will never die with him. we will never forget what you have done for this country and i am proud and honored to pick up the torch for you, your family, and the country. thank you-we love you!!"
Nathan Zimdars-US ARMY of camp Rustamyia, Iraq

"Brent was a really good friend to alot of people, and a really hard worker in no matter what he was doing.. When i found out that he got killed i cried myself to sleep for many many weeks and still do every now and again.."
amanda of oshkosh, wisconsin

"I had the very sincere honor of working with this brave young man, albeit for too short a time, before he deployed for Iraq. He served his State and Nation both equally, with the utmost pride and honor. He had the spirit and will that epitomizes the American soldier, and is sorely missed by many. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and fiancee."
Bret Holton of New Lisbon, WI

"I attended Brent's funeral, and though I had never known him closely, I was deeply saddened. I had seen him around Omro and thought he was a nice guy. I feel for his family, especially his twin brother and his fiance. You are in my prayers. I will pray for Brian's safety in the military."
Lacey B of Oshkosh, Wisconsin

"Thank you Brent for so proudly defending our country. Words cannot express the gratitude that my family feels for your sacrifice. You will not be forgotten. Semper Fi Marine. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

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

"There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"I went to grade school, middle school and high school with Brent. We were not close, but I do remember him clearly. He was always respectful, polite, friendly, and well-liked. I attended Brent's funeral, he paid the ultimate price for ensuring everyone's freedom. For that, I am deeply grateful. May God bless the family and fiance of Brent Vroman. May God give them the ability not to forget--but to move forward with their lives. You all are in my prayers."
Bonnie Bongert of Appleton, WI

"To the family and friends of PFC Brent T. Vroman,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please use our link and register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"To the family of Brent,
May God be with you at this time of terrible loss. My prayers are with you.
Brent has paid the ultimate price for my freedom, for that he will never be forgotten.
If you care to talk...crk9551@hotmail.com"
Candy of Poynette, Wi

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