Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I received Cpl Gary Walter’s name yesterday when I walked through Arlington Cemetery to honor our fallen heroes. As a result I found your website and read about his life and the sacrifices of his family. I am so sorry for your loss and grateful for the service of your father/brother/son. Thank you."
Donna of Washington, DC

"Hi Jeremy,

I’m Kelsey, Gary’s oldest and only daughter. Please don’t beat yourself up. Please don’t blame yourself for what happened. There are things in this life that we cannot control.
I had this weird feeling to get on this page (which I have not done in a very long time) and I am glad I did. My Dad was one of a kind. He really was what they called him, “a gentle giant”. He was this big tough guy on the outside, but on the inside he was soft.
There is real evil in this world and it was there that day he died. Someone made a decision and that persons decision cost him his life. I don’t know how you feel, but I can only imagine the things you have gone through and have had to witness and I want to thank you for your service!
It’s been 18 years today without him, still feels like yesterday."
Kelsey Walters of Texas

"Hey Gary…it’s been a while. I’ve checked in here every now and then, and I haven’t known what to say. I remember that the day you died, and I would do anything to live that day again so you could still be here with us. I remember driving up and down that road that day and it just felt like another mission. There was nothing special or out of the ordinary that day. My platoon ran up and down that road that morning and then your platoon took over after that. I don’t know if I missed something I should have seen or maybe we set a pattern that the enemy recognized, but all I know is that you were hit on the road we patrolled all morning.

I know nothing that I say can heal the pain your family feels. Though I know deep down that the enemy was responsible for what happened, I can’t help but feel responsible for missing something on that day. I feel responsible for your death, and I hope that you and your family can forgive me.

It pains me to read the messages here. No child should ever grow up without their parent, especially when the parent didn’t do anything wrong. I can only hope that the work that we did while we were over there was worth it.

I know we weren’t really close, but I remember you were like a brother to everyone. We all loved you. You were the one guy that meant everything to us. Sorry about missing the IED that day Gary. I really am…"
Jeremy Barnby of Michigan

"Miss you brother!"
Spc. Von of Los Angeles ca

"Hey CPL Walters, i am SPC Avila assigned to 1-9FA Bravo battery and i went to see you today on this special day. I appreciate you and all of our brothers sacrifice for this great country. 1-9FA leads the way, King Of Battle, Send Me"
Chris Avila of Fort Stewart, 1-9FA

"It has now been 14 yrs and 10months since we lost you, and I havent posted on here since maybe 2008. Sometimes I dont feel right writing, I wasnt able to get to know you the way my sister was and cousins. But the few times I did get to see you when we would take trips down to Tx, it was awesome. Even if it was catching you , in the early hours before you left out on your run. I enjoy the stories mom tells of you. We all miss you everyday very much. And someday I hope to become a better person than what I am now. You've been an amazing guardian angel all these years, I just wish we could all have one more day with you. Cheers to you up in heaven, keep on watching over everyone. Much love Uncle."
Amanda of Victoria, TX

"Hey dad I’m now a senior in high school and I think it would make you proud to know that I am currently enlisted in the US navy. My grades are almost all A’s. Life’s going on as it should be. Mom’s doing great besides the fact she still thinks I’m a little baby lol. I’m now 6’2 fixing to turn 18. This year has definitely been one of the harder ones. There’s day where I wish I had more than just pictures of you. You know the saying a picture speaks a thousand words well I would give anything to just hear you say one. In case you were wondering my ship out date in June 10th which is 18 days after I graduate. Wishing you were here, Love Gavin Wayne Mills Walters"
of Medina, Tx

"Hey Daddy,

Life. It is so good right now. I know that when I was pregnant back in November it just wasn't the right time and that's why God took our baby away. I know you have the little angel with you in heaven and one day when it's my time to go I'll get to meet him/her. Now god blessed me with another little girl. I'm almost sure I conceived on April 24, which I think is so ironic considering what happened in my previous pregnancy. This was meant to be. I know you are watching over me and my little family. I still wish you could be here to see your second grandbaby. My little Evelyn Mendoza. Love you, see you in my dreams tonight."
Kelsey

"Michelle, Rachel and Ann I think of all of you often, even more so on a holiday like July 4th; a day to celebrate our independence, and the freedoms I enjoy because of the sacrifices Gary Jr. and others have made. My heart is heavy for the missed opportunity to see and know Gary, Jr. and even more for all of you, his children and all of those who continue to miss him every day. Sending you all love and prayers."
Eva of New Orleans, LA

"LOVE YOU!!!!!!"
GAvin Walters And Rylan Mills of Medina TX

"Hi dad its Gavin i am now 13, and i'm taller than mom. Not a day goes by that i wish you were here with me through my ups and my downs. It's hard. Kids talk about how cool their dads are but to me you are the coolest dad. Not many kids could say that their dad was killed in during military service. i still want to be in the military. I fell like i owe it to you. I miss you and I love. I can never explain how much i miss and love you. Until the day i see you again. SEMPER FIDALIS."
Gavin walters of Medina,TX

"Hey Daddy,

I'm not at a very good point in my life right now. I am accomplishing so much but at the expense of a broken heart. It's so hard for me to wake up everyday knowing that I could have did more. I don't want to move on, I don't want another person, All I want is the father of my child and that's it. I keep asking myself why is has to hurt this much. I wish I had been more patient and thought twice about my actions. I don't want to waste my life mopping and being sad but I just don't have the energy to move on. You always have a way of coming around in my dreams when I'm at my lowest and god I sure am. I don't want makayla to have the life that I had. I want her to have a normal life and that is what scares me. I don't want her to hate me for not being with her dad because I love him and this is not what I wanted. I should have waited. There are several things I should have done different. Please send me god's comfort and continue to watch over me and my beautiful baby Makayla. Please give me the strength to wake up in the morning and love life again."
Kelsey

"I miss you"
Kelsey

"thinking you my friend - always"
Norma Franco of JBLM WA

"It's you I think about when I'm doing well
It's you I think about in my hell.
Are you watching me do you see
The evil inside of me vengeance for you."

"thinking of you!"
michele

"My name is Terry Blevins and I work for Girl Scouts in Victoria Texas. This past summer I spoke with Gary's sister (Heather) and told her our troops would be collecting items for the care boxes they put together here in Victoria. I am trying to contact her. tblevins@gsgst.org"
Terry Blevins of Victoria, Texas

"I have not written on here in a while.
I miss you. I miss what could have been. Right now I'm listening to a song that reminds me of you to the point where it makes my heart start racing. I wish I could go back in time and fix everything. I wish I could have been closer to you. I wish I could have been able to know the little things about you. What your favorite color was, or just your thoughts on anything. I'm your only girl. I can imagine that you didn't know what I liked or how to make me happy. You have always done what you could for me. You always knew I was taken care of. Our last weeks together when me and jayde went to see you deploy were great. I just wish I could relive those moments and tell you how proud I was to have you as a dad. If it wasn't for your sacrifice I wouldn't be in college, I would have a harder life considering my situation. I just wish you were here sitting in my room with me telling me one of your wild stories. Or at some beach throwing the fishing reel. I was only 12 when you passed so the memories I have I hold on to. My frustration continues to climb every now and then, mostly when I feel your presence. I hope I dream you tonight those are always good. I'm sorry this happened to you at such a young age. And I just really miss you sometimes, I'm glad they have a website where I can feel like I'm talking to you or expressing my feelings it really helps to vent it out. Until we meet again I'll hopefully see you in my dreams tonight."
kelsey

"Thank you for loving me and giving me so much, not only the kids but your heart. I miss you and love you so much every day and I know we will be together again one day. Happy Anniversary my love.

Love you more"
Johnna

"Thank you dad for always in some way helping me or giving me a sense of relief that in hard times it will always get better. This may sound strange to others but I know that your with me when I'm going through tough times. Either is a dream or a thought or something that just reminds me of you. It's such a blessing that even though your not here, I get to dream you and even if its not real life I wouldn't change it. Love and miss you"
Kelsey

"Thinking of you this Memorial Day Weekend. Your courage and sacrifice makes you my HERO! You are loved missed my many!"
Cindy Taylor of Palacios, TX USA

"I honor you today and always.......and thank you for your sacrifice"
Norma of JBLM WA

"You are loved and missed!"
Cindy Taylor of Palacios, TX

"seven years today...thinking about you and missing you a lot today!"
michele

"Hey dad. Lately I've been thinking a lot about marriage. I'm absolutely sure that I've found the guy I want to be with for the rest of my life. I litteraly have dreams of loosing him and it makes me wake up terrified. I cant picture myself without him. I know that I said I would wait till I'm done with school but if would ask me I would say yes with no hesitation. He's the apple of my eye. The only guy that after all this time being with him he still gives me butterflies. Everyday I grow more attached to him and fall even deeper in love. And that's just it. I'm in love with him. Everything about him is just so amazing to me. I know that you would really like him. I wish you could be here to some day walk me down the isle and give away my hand. And I know that not physically but spiritually you will be. I know this because I want to marry in a beautiful church. I want the lord to bless me into the new journey I intend to have. Marriage to me is so sacred. I only want to marry once and be with that person for eternity. Well dad I guess one of these days he'll pop the question. Until then I cant wait. Love and miss you"
kels

"Hey Grandpa! Haha I just wanted to write on here since I hadnt in awhile. Everything couldnt get any better. Makayla is just like me. I know you would love her as much as everyone else does, I love you and miss you."
Kels

"HELLO, my name is Michael hall from la..I have been trying to find out about the Gary w. walters sr. grant.I was wondering if you may have any imformation about him or the grant money.Please contact me with any information you may have.....Thanks my email is evelynsmith0867@yahoo.com"
Michael Hall of Denham Springs La

"so...you're a grandpa now...would've loved to see the expression on your face!"
michele

"Another 4 th of July here. Thinking of you today and always. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"happy father's day gary!"
michele

"Happy Father's day! Miss you lots"
Kelsey

"Gary as grandfather? How he would love that. Make sure that her father knows he is obligated to play Monster/Debil with her!

Kels, your dad wanted to make your dreams come true. We're so proud - and not suprised at all - that you are returning the favor to your Dad and Mom. The path you have chosen will be more difficult but I don't believe anyone thinks that you aren't up to the challenge. You shall handle it with grace. Jayde will come around and be a doting Uncle; just wait and see.
Love to all, Uncle Ron & Aunt Sandy"
Sandy of OKC

"Well its been awhile since Ive wrote on here. There are so many things I wish I could tell you. My life couldn't possibly get any better. I know your watching over me and seeing all of my greatest accomplishments. I wish I could tell you in person thank you. Thank you for everything that you left me with. I'm sure you would be proud to know that I'm going to college at the moment. And also that In about three more months there will be another little me in this world. I wish you were here to meet the guy I fell in love with. He is so amazing and he means the world to me. I know you can see everything. You would be proud. Even if I made what others would call "mistakes" I'm totally happy with every choice and I have no regrets. I miss you so much and wish you could be here to enjoy the life I'm creating. Rest in peace,"
kelsey

"Gary W. Walters... my friend, my brother in arms. I remember the day I found out u had passed... I couldn't believe it? I was lost and hurt. Knowing a good friend of mine from highschool was lost. I remember in our senior year we were talking about joining the military. I tried so hard to get you to join the Marines with me. Lol its all good. I went to Somalia served 6 years in the Marines . After hearing you were gone floored me. I joined the national guard at 35 and volunteered to go to Iraq. I soon found myself in Al Asad. Ironic that our mission number was OIF 9/11! I came back with an army commendation medal. Gary I sure do miss you buddy... I wish we could hang out like ol times. Yesterday was veterans day, I went to visit you... I cried. You are gone today my brother but I promise you will never be forgotten. Sincerely... Jesse Vasquez"
jesse vasquez of victoria tx.

"Remembering and missing you today and every day. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"honoring your sacrifice and memory today...love and miss you!"
michele

"Happy birthday, Gary. And Michele, may the birthday you share with your brother be full of fond remembrances.
Love, Uncle Ron & Aunt Sandy"
of Ardmore, OK USA

"so...tomorrow i turn 40 and you would have been turning 38...sure am missing you! wishing you a happy birthday!!!"
michele

"Had a dream last night about you. Kevin's band was playing a song by Chevelle @ your funeral but you were there having a great time. Love you tons...I sure do miss your face!"
Heather of Texas

"Gary, I can't believe it has been 6 years. I still remember the day I found out like it was yesterday! My heart still breaks for your sweet mom and your beautiful kids.
I love Gavin so much, I wished you could know the sweet young man he is today. He is so funny and has such a loving personality. He looks just like you and he has about 4 inches before he out grows me at the age of 9, I have you to thank for this. :) He still says that he will be in the Army just like his daddy. Gary, he was a suprise to both of us but I am thankful everyday to you that I have him! I wished that we were closer to your mom so she could enjoy watching him grow. I love you deeply and I always will. love Sam aka "LBSB""
Sam Mills of Cross Plains, Texas

"Gary, Thank you so much for the person that you were! Always making everyone laugh and smile but most of all the Sacrafice that you gave all! Love ya Man and Miss you more!"
Trisha Grimshaw of Victoria, Texas

"Six years, Gary, it doesn't seem possible. Blessings to family and friends as they gather and share wonderful memories of you tomorrow."
Uncle Ron & Aunt Sandy of Ardmore, OK

"that day that forever changed our lives is right around the corner...missing you my brother!"
michele

"Thought of you often these past couple of weeks. I miss you."
Heather of Victoria, Texas

"I heard a song today and it reminded me of you. I miss you. I kept seeing your smiling face over and over in my mind. I love you dad."
kelsey

"Giving thanks for having you as a son. I"m so proud of you and miss you so much. I think about you every day. Also I am so blessed to have your sisters."
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"We honor our veterans today, Gary. I know there must be a special place in heaven for you all. You're missed, you're loved, and your early release from this life is mourned. You are honored as hero by all.
Love, Uncle Ron & Aunt Sandy"
of Ardmore, OK

"god bless you and your family gary they must be so proud of you we all are may your familys pain ease in time"
brian robinson of england

"Just came by to say "hey" and to let you know we've been thinking of you. A lot. Love to you and all,"
Uncle Ron & Aunt Sandy of Ardmore, OK

"For the past weeks I have felt you around me. I have missed you a lot more. I have something new in my life that has changed it. And it has changed me. I used to not care about a lot of things. That now I want someday. Maybe sooner than I expected. I believe in the saying never say never because it can easily turn around and change. Now that I'm getting closer to starting my life I get so angry that god had to take you away. I wish that you could see how happy I have been in the past five months. I found someone I can't live without. I wish you could be able to see me walk the stage or walk me down the church isle. Be here for everything. I know that I need to forget everything. Remember the good times but its still so hard to understand something when you just don't get it."
kels

"Your never too far from my thoughts!"
Michele of Germany

"Missing you today!!! Love ya, man!"
Kelly Lange of Victoria, TX

"You have given the ultimate sacrifice for us, so that we are able to celebrate this memorial day. I think of those who love you who have also sacrificed. What better memorial to you than your wonderful children. I am so honored to know your younger boys. Trent and Trace are such a great memorial to your sacrifice. I know you are proud of them and Johnna for doing such a wonderful job with the boys. They are full of spirit and energy and watching them laugh and run and play is such a tribute to the sacrifice you gave for all of us. Thank you!"
Lesli H of Victoria Texas

"As we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day, we don't forget that the BBQs and golf games, etc., that Americans enjoy were made possible by those -- past and present -- who have served our country well. Your name remains on the lips and in the hearts of family and friends. As difficult as your loss continues to be, especially for your older children, your mom, and your sisters, the knowledge that you were surely met by the Lord with the words, "Well done, my son," has to bring a measure of comfort.
With love,"
Ron and Sandy of Ardmore, OK USA

"gary, i remember you every spring around april or may bro I wish we all could have come home its not a fair world but some have to die in order for ohters to live im sorry your card was pulled"
of portland maine

"Another birthday has come and gone...it's just not the same without you. I love you and still miss you!"
Michele of Germany

"Happy Birthday Gary. I know you are looking down on your family. I miss seeing your smile, and hearing your laugh. God be with you."
Gina of Victoria

"Happy birthday to you and Michele. Remebering your love of life and your smile. I miss you more with each passing year. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"Today,
is extremely difficult. Its such a beautiful day. And I'm stuck here inside. Its days like these I remind myself of you so much. I don't like to be home. I like to go out at night and have fun with my friends. As I continue to grow. I see you in myself. In my face I see your eyes, your smile, your nose. As my maturity continous I see myself like you, but in reverse. A young girl trapped inside a older person. I hate the responsibilties that I have. I wish I had none. That I could do whatever I wanted to when I wanted to, but I know that will never be. I think its very chaotic how something can change a persons life so dramatically. I also see it as beautiful. I love this life God creates for us. How each day when I go to school in the morning, the sky shines, the birds chirp, and the lovely fragrance in the air. I think of you everyday. How your a part of me. And how big of a roll you played in my life. I am extremely greatful. Thank you for everything you have done. I love you Dad,"
Kelsey

"It's been 5 years today since you left us. We remember your smile and laughter. You remain a large part of our lives. We all miss you so much but know you are still watching over us. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria. Texas

"We don't forget. Our loving thoughts go out today to your children, your mom, your sisters, and other family and friends who mark this day with both sad and happy memories of you. May the happy memories prevail in your honor.
Love, Uncle Ron and Aunt Sandy"
Sandy of Ardmore, OK

"Today,
I thought a lot of you. As is gets closer to your aniversery My heart pounds. I miss you. If I could tell you how proud I am of you Daddy I would tell you a million times over and over. You are the reason I see life differently. That life is too short to be mad. To stay home everyday. Life is about seeing new things meeting new people. Taking it day by day, living it up. Thank You for being the best Father I could have ever asked for. Even though your not here physically.. You live inside of me. I love you Daddy."
Kelsey

"Happy Valentines Day Gary! Every Valentine's that rolls around I think of the one specific Valentine's that You, Bruce and I had nothing to do and we sat at his house all night long just the 3 of us and talked and ended up watching the sun come up the next morning! LOL! Boy that ended up being such a fun night! Miss and love you lots!"
Trisha Grimshaw of Victoria, Texas

"Kelsey, this is for you. A friend sent me this message recently and I believe it is for you:
'One of the lies we always tell ourselves is that the pain will go away with time, that we'll get over it, that time heals all wounds, and it's not true. Every loss is forever raw, and we can feel it all again with just a thought or a reminder, like a Christmas phone call to the family. The older you get, the more of these moments of grief you accumulate, and they never leave you.
As an official old guy, I've just broken the worrisome news that you will spend your lifetime gathering losses, holding forever in your mind these memories of loved ones who are lost, and that the pain of deprivation will never go away. So why do we go on? What possible virtue can there be in a long life of ever-growing sadness?
Grief can grow, but so can joy. We can find delight and contentment in moments that balance the grief, without detracting from the honor we give the dead, and those moments also accumulate and never diminish in the happiness they bring to us. You can remember the good times You had and can look forward to a future of fulfilling cheerfulness with friends and family this is how we cope. We embrace both the sorrow and the joy, letting neither reduce the other, and fill up our lives with everything.'
Love, Aunt Sandy"
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK

"i was searching for Gary Walters who served with me in Germany. I believe this might be his son. My name is Daniel Swanek and would love to connect with Gary Sr. who is about 65. My email is: danieleswan@yahoo.com"
Danny Swanek of Duryea, PA USA

"Merry Christmas! Miss you lots! I was talking the other night about my Wedding Aniversary going to be 5 years this coming up year and it seems like it was just yesterday that Darela came and gave me news of you while I was on my honeymoon, I am very Thankful for all the time that I did get to spend with you, while you were always making me crack up laughing. LOL! But at the same time I miss you so much! Thank you for watching over us! Lave ya Buddy!"
Trisha grimshaw of Victoria, Texas

"Merry Christmas. Feeling blessed to have you for my son. You remain in my heart and in the hearts of your family and friends. Missing you. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"Giving thanks for having had you in my life for 30 years. I miss you brother!"
Michele of Germany

"Honoring your memory as well as those that have come before and those that will come after you. I miss you my brother!"
Michele of Germany

"Well its been a good while since I wrote on here. Theres not a day that goes by I dont think of you. sometimes I wish there was just someone to talk to who I can relate to and get all my feelings out, because sometimes I feel like noone gets me. I keep seeing these pictures of you in my head where you and I are at the beach and were both just sitting together watching the sun go down. Its like Im actually there looking in your blue eyes. I still miss you so much and still wish you were here for all the big parts of my life. I know your in my heart. which always brings a smile to my face."
kels

"hey uncle, its getting close to that time again where theres gonna be another thanksgiving without you.... The world can be an unkind place and its a shame that so many fellow americans die. but in my heart i know it because they love this country and want to do what they can to protect it. Just as you did uncle gary.....it still doesnt seem like its been 4 years since you died. its seems like yesturday when we lost you. I still cant get that day outta my head. When the news came on it just didnt seem possible that it was you.... all the news said was one u.s. soldier was killed in iraq due to an IED. Who woulda imagined thatd it be you. even me and mom said that it wasnt you but there was still doubt that it was you.... I mean when we heard that we all got chills that ran down our backs..... still to this very day i cannot beleive that it was you..... Its unimaginable. Im still young I know one day ill understand..... Im gonna go to the army when i get out of high school i already made my mind up about that. I love you uncle gary! and i miss you everyday!! Be there in spirit thanksgiving as we will remember you!!!!! we all truly love you uncle gary!."
amanda jones of missouri

"hey uncle i know i havent been on here in a while... just thought id get on for a sec and tell ya happy early thanksgiving. other wise i know ill forget. schools been going good so far just wish id could graduate all ready lol. well im gonna hop of here.

love you,"
amanda j of missouri

"To the Family:
Please know that there are people out here who do not know you and never knew your son, but still grieve for your loss. At 8:39 a.m. on Sunday September 27, 2009 in Houston, Texas your pain was felt in the heart of a stranger to you, but a fellow American none the less. My prayers are with you, as must be the prayers of many more.

"I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."
A. Lincoln"
Anthony of Houston, Texas USA

"We Remember Them


In the rising of the sun and its going down,
We Remember Them.

In the bowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
We Remember Them.

In the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring.
We Remember Them.

In the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer,
We Remember Them.

In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn.
We Remember Them.

In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
We Remember Them.

When we are weary and in need of strength,
We Remember Them.

When we are lost and sick of heart,
We Remember Them.

When we have joys and special celebrations we yearn to share,
We Remember Them.

So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are part of us.
We Remember Them.

~From the Jewish Book Of Prayer~"
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK USA

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,600 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Kenna-Projectcompassion@manti.com of Manti, Utah USA

"May God Bless you all."
Leila Shipman of Texas

"thinking of you on this memorial day. I love and still mish you so much!"
kelC

"Remembering and honoring not only the sacrifice you made but those who have come before and after you. We sure do miss you!"
Michele & Family of Germany

"Memorial Day 2009 is upon us. May we remember all the Fallen Heroes on this day, not just the one we knew and loved. You are in excellent company, Gary, but so missed here on earth. Our love to your mom and precious children as they daily bear your loss. Love, Uncle Ron & Aunt Sandy"
Floyd of Ardmore, OK USA

"happy birthday gary! we miss you so much!"
meagan

"So, our birthday is upon me once more...I'm another year older and you're forever young. Sure do miss you BBB."
Michele of Germany

"Happy birthday. Thinking of you today and every day. Missing you more with each passing day. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"Thinking of you on this day."HAPPY BIRTHDAY""
Rex Ferrier Jr of Victoria, TX

"Just me dropping in to say hello, Love and miss you lots! Thank you for continuing to watch over me! Love ya Big Man!"
Trisha

"I sit here and think that it is all still not real but it is and it I hate it so much. We all still sit around and laugh about the fun times we all had together. I wish just like everyone else,you were still here with us.I just want to say I love and miss you BROTHER. Keep watching over all of us."
Rex Ferrier Jr of Victoria Tx

"hey, dear uncle. i wore my gary care packages shirt to honor you today. i miss you very much. i got some pics of you hanging up in my room along with the panel rub that i got when we went to see the wall. i miss you. all my friends said that i should be happy because my uncle died a hero. and my jrotc teacher 1st sgt said that he thanks you for the sacrafice you made. it's really good to know that people care. not a day goes by where i dont think of you. im glad you got a head stone instead of that little metal thing with your name on it. i miss you very much. 4 years came by fast and yet it seems like just yesturday..... when god called you to heaven. watch over us all as you do everyday. i shall never forget you!!!!! love with all my heart.


your niece Amanda Jones."
amanda jones of joplin missouri

"Remembering you with love and honoring the sacrifice you made for our country. May your family and friends be overwhelmed with joy, laughter and peace as they think of you today.
Love, Uncle Ron & Aunt Sandy"
Ron & Sandy of Ardmore, OK

"Thinking of you now and every day. You are missed more than you will ever know. It's been 4 years today since you left us. love and miss you. mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"Thinking of you today and always...I miss you."
Michele of Germany

"April 22, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Gary W. Walters, Jr.:
Gary 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

"4584656"
Krissy of hnbhncmnf

"4584656"
Krissy of hnbhncmnf

"Dear Kels,

You don't know how brave others see you as being. Nana has told me so many times how proud she is of you. But neither she nor your dad would want to see you putting on a front at your expense. Baby girl, it's been 10 years since my mom (your great-Grandma) died and I still have days where I miss her so much I can't stand it. Kels, your dad loved and still loves you so much. He wants you to be happy. The times you are enjoying yourself would make him the most happy. You're the young lady you are because of your dad and your mom. Keep that knowledge close to your heart and find joy in the life you were given. That life was given to you in love. You will have children of your own someday and will share stories of your dad with them. The love will live on.

Sweet dreams, Kels.
Love, Aunt Sandy"
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, ok

"Hey Dad,
I feel I need you the most right now to hold me in my dreams and tell me everything will be alright. I miss you so much that it hurts. To top it off I'm letting myself down. Its almost going to be four years and I scares me that I have made it this far without in my life. I hope I dream you tonight. A good dream where me and you are walking on the beach and theres no pain no cares. I feel like everything around me is falling. I put a smile on my face everyday. And try my hardest to please everyone, but somehow it blows up in my face. Inside I still feel so hurt. Sometimes I think to myself. And I cry my eyes out. I get sick to my stomac because right when I'm having fun reality kicks in. I feel so let down because the one person who I thought would never let me down did. Please give me a sign. I know your watching over me and probley feel my pain. I love you so much Daddy see you in my dreams tonight.- kels."

"Hey mate , our paths crossed back in 05. I was the (civilian Australian) K9 handler assigned to your unit, my dog Raker and myself were on the same mission 24 Apr 05.
In Australia our memorial day to our Veterans is called ANZAC day , it commemorates Australia and New Zealands Baptism of fire on the Beaches of Gallipoli during the 1st World War , the date was 25 April 1915.I have always spent every ANZAC day honoring and remembering my countries lost heroes , another hero was added 24 April 05 , i have taken time every ANZAC day since to drink a beer and remember the sacrifice you made."
Sean Quinn of Kabul Afghanistan

"Gary, I went by the cemetary today, just want you to know that you are dearly missed and loved by many! In my thoughts and heart daily! Love you Big Guy!"
Trisha Grimshaw of Victoria, Texas

"hey uncle... well its been a while since ive been on here. sorry about that happy late new year and christmas. just been busy and all that jazz. not a day goes by where i say i miss you and think about you all day. i look at your photo up on my wall in my room. it hurts to hear that your gone. but at least your not gone for good we still have your spirit to keep us all going everyday. even when theres days i just want to quit. i want to go into the army like you but everyone isnt quite supportive of that idea. but ill have you to protect me when im over in a war or what not. speaking of which watch over everyone. you and uncle tommy are our guardian angels up in the heavens. well love you so much and miss you gotta go. love ya bunches."
amanda jones of missouri

"Thinking of you always! Its hard not to raising your son that looks just like you."
Sam Mills of Texas

"I saw Jadye and Kelsey today. They both look so much like you. I love and miss you so much. You mean so much to us and will remain in our hearts forever. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"Gary, just wanted to stop in and wish you a Very Merry Christmas! Love and Miss you Buddy, you are on my mind all the time!"
Trisha Grimshaw of Victoria, Texas

"Wishing you were here to eat loads of chips and cheese dip! Merry Christmas Gary! Love you loads..."
Heather

"Merry Christmas Gary."
Steven, Michele, Tawnee, Tristan & Arikka of Germany

"Well Its been another Thanks Giving Day without you. And I thought about you all day. I don't let it get to me because I remember how fun you always made holidays. How we all Laughed and had a good time. Things are different. But the memory of you is still so fresh in my mind I love you Dad and miss you so much."
kels

"Hey bro missing you wish you were here."

"Today I give thanks for having had you as my brother. You are never far from my thoughts. I love you Gary!"
Michele of Germany

"Oh how I wish you were here! I miss you very much and remember you everyday!"
Heather

"Keeping you close in my thoughts this Veteran's Day. I love and miss you baby brother."
Michele of Germany

"I was thinking of you this morning on Veterans Day. Thank you for everything you have done for our country. You are forever in the minds of all of your friends from Victoria. It is hard to believe that time has passed since you have been gone. I also know that there are so many of us who can remember all of the fun times you spent in our lives."
Cathy Warren

"Hey Dad,
I can't stop thinking about you latley. I miss you so much and it seems life isnt getting easier. I can't believe its been about four years already. It dosent even feel like your gone. I tell myself that your in a better place and your smiling down at all of us just like you used to. I wish that I could see you one last time and tell you how much I love you. When I see something that reminds me of you I get a smile and I remember what a great Dad you were. I love to dream about you. Because everytime I do, your always so happy. Youve been In my head so much. I know when I dream you that your telling me You havent forgot about me. That your watching everyday. Sometimes I think about important days in my life I will overcome that you wont be able to be in and it makes me sad. But I know you will always be inside my heart. Yesterday at my cousins party When she was dancing with her Dad I cried. I cried because I thought shes so lucky. And when I felt like that a little feeling inside of me told me that I am lucky I had a Dad who loved me. And what more could I ask for. I love you Dad and miss you so much. Love you always, kels"

"Been thinking about you a lot lately...I was able to spend some time with Kelsey and Jayde when we were in the States (I saw so much of you in them). I'm hoping to bring them over for a visit the summer Tristan graduates. I cannot replace you but at least I can do my part and remind them how much you loved them and share stories of you with them. I miss you 'bbb'....
(Please keep watch over my baby as she forges her Army career.)"
Michele of Germany

"This message is for Gary's family - I taught Gary at Victoria College. He was an awesome student. I was just cleaning out my stuff and came across his research paper with all of his handwritten drafts and notes. I would love to get this to you - I just can't stand the thought of throwing it away. If you are interested, please email me at Kimberly.King@victoriacollege.edu."
Kimberly King of victoria, texas

"Gary, watch over Tawnee while she's in basic training. She is following in Michele's and your foot steps. She just left today. I miss you more each day and wish you were still here in person. I love you. Mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"Happy Birthday to your son Trent, Gary.
Uncle Ron & Aunt Sandy"
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK

"well the forth of july is coming up.... its doesnt seem like you've been gone for 3years. but unfortunatly it is the reality and truth. im sorry i havent gotten the chance to know you my uncle better. now im starting to wish i did. but i know you love your whole family. i only wish you were here still. but in my heart you are. i miss u everyday!!. well happy 4th of july uncle gary!!!!
p.s. im getting your favorite firework this year. so i can lite it of for u to see from heaven.!!!
love you so much uncle gary!!!!"
amanda jones of joplin missouri

"Error correction: Spc Phillips gave his life for our country 17 weeks ago, not months. I deeply regret the mistake on my part."
Sandy of Ardmore, OK

"I talked about you today, Gary. Because of a magnetic sticker your mom gave me and I have on the back of my truck, a lovely lady flagged me down to find out about the sticker. As we spoke, she revealed that she is the mother of a fallen hero from our area. Her son died 17 months ago in Iraq. She, like your mom, is very brave and carries wonderful memories of her son. Her son and you seem to have things in common - most notibly the ability to make the best of situations and uplift those around you. She has found great comfort from the continued contact from and love shown by the soldiers who served with her son in Iraq. I did not find his name on this site so will honor Army Spc Michael E. Phillips' sacrifice on your site. He's fairly new to heaven, Gary, take him under your wing. Love, Aunt Sandy'"
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK

"Happy Father's Day Gary!"
Michele of Germany

"Thinking of you on this memorial day and every day. Wishing you were here. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"Your sacrifice is being remembered with tears and prayers today, Gary. You surely heard the prayerful remembrances of all who have lost their life in service to our country in churches all over America yesterday. Please watch over Kelsey and Jayde especially as they think of you today. Love, Uncle Ron and Aunt Sandy"
Sandy of Ardmore

"Happy Birthday, Gary. If shots are allowed in heaven, we know you and Uncle Tommy did one today. But just one, right? Love, Uncle Ron and Aunt Sandy"
Sandy of Ardmore, OK

"Happy Birthday Gary. Love you and miss you so much. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"Here it is....our fourth birthday since you departed...happy birthday Gary!"
Michele of Germany

"Happy Birthday Brother! Love you."
Heather

"I miss my dad gary as you may know him, ever sence he died I havent got my mine stright about his death.My name is Jayde Walters,I am a son of a follin hero.It amazes me of how many people care about him and how his death toutched so many.Thanks for careing so much about my father,and I bet if he was here right now reading all of your messages he would probaly want to be getting to know all of you better and waunt to give all of you a hug and say thanks for careing."
Jayde Walters of Victoria,Texas

"A poem I wrote....

I tried to call out your name, but you didn’t answer.
All I kept hearing was he was a one brave soldier.
They thought it would make me feel better but it just made things worse since I couldn’t tell you how proud I was.
I grabed your hard hand, but you didn’t move, nothing but silence you and me sitting in the room.
I wanted you to hug me and tell me it would be ok.
But you couldn’t there you just lay.
I wanted to scream, I wanted to cry all of this pain I felt inside.
I wish I could tell you what its like, but you probley wouldn’t understand how I cant sleep at night.
I can still smell your cologne hear you laugh
And it gets me thinking about our great past.
i’m not over you being gone everything still feels so wrong.
I dream of you sometimes when I sleep that’s my only joy it makes me happy.
I love you with all my heart
But when you died it tore apart.
I know that your above me in the sky
And still today I wish this was a lie.
But I understand why you cant come back.
And it gets to my heart and attacks.
I love you and want you to just be happy.
Ill just miss saying Daddy.
Now that your gone…Ill do my best to let you go.
Even goodbye is hard to know.
Take care in the peace you are in now.
And Ill pray for a better tomorrow.
Tell God I said hi….
And ask him to make my life alright.
I will keep you in my memory.
And though your gone your still my Hercules.
Until I see your handsome face…
Im left alone in this horrible place…
My conscience."
Kelsey

"I love and miss you. I wish you were here in person and not just in spirit. Thank you for watching over us. Love mom."
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"May God grant peace to your family and friends today. Three years. We pray that He will also protect our troops who are still in harm's way and bring them home safely to their loved ones. Aw, Gary, what a fine young man you were. Love,"
Uncle Ron & Aunt Sandy

"Hey Walt. It's 0718 local time here. Exactly 3 years since you were taken from us, but the memory I see everyday seems like it was just yesterday we were driving down that road. I have written a message on the OPs board in the CP to ensure everybody knows that this is your day and I ask that you watch over the patrol squads that are going out on missions today. Thank you for everything that you ever taught me and being there when I needed you most. I miss you so much."
Sgt Gary Monroe of A 1-9 FA, Balad, Iraq

"Thinking of you today and still missing you."
Michele of Germany

"So, three years have gone by since you left. It's crazy to think about that. Sometimes it seems so long ago and then others it seems you were here just yesterday. I miss you, I love you and I remember you, always!"
Heather

"just wanted to say hi again to you. and that we all miss you. and sorry for not writing that much.
love you!!!!"
amanda jones of joplin mo

"its almost time for the 3rd anniversery of the day you left us uncle gary. every day just gets harder and harder without you. my brother misses, nana misses you. everyone misses you. its hard on the holidays because your not around in person. but at least your around in spirit. the day you left raised a question in my mind. and that was... what's going to happen now. i still dont know if its been answered yet. but i hope it has. justin didnt want to celebrate his birthday last year because your birthday was coming up too. i talk about you all the time with my friends and they say you were a great man and hero to us all. heres a quote i found earlier and i think it goes with the fallen troops. even you.
"and when he gets to heaven, to god he'll say. one more soldier reporting, ive spent my time in hell." uncle gary i miss you so much and i hope one day this war will be over.
love you bunches."
amanda jones of joplin missouri

"Sorry... Thank you... Not for nothing."
norm of austin, tx, us

"Thinking of you today as we mark the 5-year anniversary of our involvement in Iraq. May God bless and protect our men and women who continue to serve there. May He also bring His special blessings to the families of those men and women as their loved ones are away. As difficult as your loss has been to those who love you, I believe that the knowledge that you are safe and happy in heaven brings a measure of comfort and peace to all."
Aunt Sandy of Ardmore, OK, USA

"well i had a awsome spring break. and im so glad mom bought me my dog. hes so cute! hes brown and he has a pink belly. hes a chichua. i named him rocky because hes the color of rocky road ice cream. you know how it is brown but kinda pink? well thats why i named him. he has blue eyes and hes right now about as big as my hand. well dad im about to leave for school since im going to be late anyways continue to watch over me and the fam. love ya."
kels

"Well I was look at messages I left on this website years ago. And man I had really bad grammer. Hehe. I miss you alot Dad. And I know that you also feel my pain. Its so akward these days. They feel lonley. I've been thinking about drill team man I'm so scared I feel in love with drill team and now I want to make the team real bad. If I make it then everyday During the summer I'm going to take dance classes and try my hardest to be the best. Please watch over me these days seem so lonley."
love, kels

"Hi Dad,
Guess what Nana came by today. Hmmmm I was really glad to see her and ana. For some reason everytime I see Nana smile it makes my Day. She's so strong and a remarkable woman who I am very glad to know. Man and Ana is so freaking tall! Haha. Well Dad last night I know that you were teasing me or something because I was on the computer and my Sister was by me and I swore someone was standing behind me I could feel the Warmth and its weird because normally it would be a cold feeling but It wasnt it was a warm feeling like you had your hand on my back. Omg! I feel like that right now! OOOhhhhhh! Scary. Hah. Oh and Nana if your reading this I'm wearing my Necklace. I really love it. Thank you. and Michelle Thanks for the candy and the bear. Well Dad I'll let you get back to your spookyness since I'm starting to freak out Hah. I love you"
Kels

"I need some motivation Hercules! :) Aww..the couch just seems so nice. Love and miss you!"
Heather

"Hey,
I feel so blah today. Its just one of those days. I love you daddy Take care"
kels

"Hey Dad once again i'm back on writing. We have to write an english paper and I'm writeing about you and I dont know But it brought back so many memories. I miss you so much It feels like things are getting worse but at the same time they are getting better. So confusing. I'm confused Dad. I feel like all this mending I do just mends a little bit and then it unmends. But hey its just one of those "days". i feel Real sick right now I get this way when I'm really sad. But you know its weird how could a girl my age get depression? I'm 15 Dad. Grandma tells me that I handle things so well but what if mabey I do that just so people won't worry about me? I'm so confused and scared. I'm at a point in my life where I need you. I need you Dad I love you. Please continue to watch over me I need you so much right now."
-Kels

"Hi Dad,
Oh my goodness last saturday I went to my Grandmas house and they said they saw Uncle Earnie..lol Well I'm doing good Better than before. More focused. I still miss you every waking minute of my life, but I think I can make it through.Well we were talking about my Uncle Martin and well my little sisters call him Sissy. And my Aunt Becky [his wife] said that the day my little sisters stop calling him sissy hes going to cry just like when his daughters stop calling him daddy, because hes knows that there older and growing up. And guess what Dad, My eyes got watery! I wanted to start crying so bad..haha But I did'nt I look at my cousin Alicia [his daughter] and she had tears in her eyes. That was a Moment! I got a new cell phone. Well Dad I'm going to be sixteen. Not that far from now. Mom said shes might have me a sweet sixteen. If she does I'm going to cry, because it won't be the same with out you and I have to get this off my chest since I've been thinking about it for almost a week. You arn't here and I know that I just wish so bad that you could be here and we'd all sit and laugh like old times. And it makes me so angry that we can't I miss you so much and I know no matter how many times I say that I don't feel better. Latley I'm just really sad that your gone. I love you dad. talk to you later -"
Kels

"I am really thinking of you today I am not sure why but there is something I want to say. I am so much like you In so many ways. Like I make everyone laugh I act so crazy But yet so clam. I wish you were still here today. And because of you I am what I am today.I don't get in trouble with anything. I'm not someone who causes trouble. Oh and the most I'm alike with you is We are good fighters. Yea Dad You were strong! My hercules. Haha Oh Dad I miss you so much. That big ball of happiness you were. I miss that alot. I know that your finally at peace in Heaven, I can feel it. Gosh dad I just feel like nobody lisens to me. You know how I'm in drillteam well I wish mom was more suportive with me, mabey thats why I don't really be soooooo good you know? well anyways I guess it dosent matter. Man Dad I just get to thinking about you alot some days I miss you so much. I love you and miss you so much. Im in class right now so I have to go I love you My Hercules-kels"

"Well as you may know. I was in a car acident last night. I know you had to have been there because Right when I got in the car I had such a strong sense to sit by the door and put my seat belt on. normally I don't do that when I'm in the truck I usually sit in the middle and don't wear my seat belt, but for some reason something told me to follow as I just said. If I were to have sat and done what I usually do. because of the way the wreck was i would have died or gotten hurt real badly. I know you were there watching over me and i thank you so much. Because of you I am alive and here today Im ok.[besides the small cut on my toe lol]. I love you daddy thank you for watching over me and Mikie last night."
Kelsey

"I think its going to be a great new year for us. Thanks for always watching over her. Love and miss u much"
Kristy of victoria,tx

"Merry Christmas Gary. I saw Kelsey and Jayde last night. They both are such good looking kids. Jayde looks a lot like you. I miss you and love you."
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"Merry Christmas Gary! We are thinking of you!"
Heather, Kevin and Emery

"Sending Christmas wishes to you in the heavens above.

With love,"
Steven, Michele, Tawnee, Tristan & Arikka of Germany

"Gary, I miss you so much and wish you could be here with us in person. I think about you every day. There are times that I wish I could change places with you. You were too young to die and a child shouldn't go before the parent. I am blessed to have a son like you and my wonderful daughters. We often talk and laugh about you and the funny things you did and said. I am very proud of the young man that you became. I know it wasn't always easy for you but you always came through. It isn't always easy to do the things for you that we do but you deserve all the respect that we can give you. You were a very brave soldier and I am so proud of you. You gave me 5 beautiful grandkids. I'm making all of them a photo album of your life so they can see you grow and know a little bit about the man that is their father. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"Happy Thanksgiving Day, Gary. Spread out as we are, I know there will be thanks given in all our homes that you were - and still are - a part of our lives. Give Grandma and Uncle Tommy some love, too. Perhaps next Thanksgiving we can give thanks for the inclusion of all your children in your mother's life. Kelsey, Jayde, and Gavin continue to be a blessing to her. We saw a picture of Trent and little Gary and they have grown so much! Guess that's not a surprise 'cause that's what you guys do. LOL I often look at a pic of you, at age 2, sitting on my lap. You were so big even then. And those beautiful curls! Sorry, guess that wasn't one of your favorite things. ;-)Much love to you, Gary."
Ron & Sandy Floyd (aunt & uncle) of Ardmore, OK, USA

"Today is the third Thanksgiving without you and yet, your absence feels the same as if it were the first. (I am actually at a loss for words here and trying not to cry.)

Your death left such a whole for so many people and with time, I truly felt it would get better. Unfortunately, it only seems to have gotten worse (I will not dare and try to claim to know what you think about events because in reality, only YOU know what or how you would feel). What I do know (with absolute certainty) is how much you loved your family, especially your children. They are your legacy and thankfully, you blessed us and the world with five of them!

I am also thankful for having had you in my life for 31 years (only a handful of us can make that claim). I know it wasn't easy being the only man in the house growing up but you took it in stride. Irregardless of those who try and discount your maternal family, you will always be mom's 'bbb.' Hell, you wouldn't have walked this earth had mom not given birth to you! I cannot imagine the depths of grief mom has undergone losing the only son she carried and nursed through life's heartaches. When you were at your lowest points in life, it was MOM who was always there to lift you up--- loving you UNCONDITIONALLY and doing whatever she had to do. It saddens me however to know there are those who continue to berate her and act as if she were not a huge part of your life. If those people truly knew and loved you (as they so adamently claim), they would not even dare to treat her in such a way. By disrespecting the woman who gave you life, they are in essence, disrespecting you.

Gary, may you finally have found the peace in heaven you so desperately sought on earth. You paid the ultimate sacrifice in honor of your country and we will continue to fight to ensure you are honored in a way worthy of that sacrifice.

I love you my little brother..."
Michele of Germany

"Hey Dubya. Well we're back at it again and well into the fight. It'll be 7 months coming up in Dec. Just 8 more after that. A lot of bad stuff is going on here, but thanks for making sure nobody got hurt. You were in a dream I had the other day. I got to see your face and hear your voice again. It was the only good dream I've had of you since that morning you were taken. It's been 2 and a half years since then, but I remember that day and see it like it just happened. It felt good to remember some of the good times we had. So thank you for that too. Johnna and the boys are doing good as well. Everytime I see Trace I see you in him. He looks just like you; and acts like you too. Lol. I know I don't write on here a lot and I have my reasons for that. I think about you everyday, all the time, but I can't muster the words to write on this site. I'm sure you know that though since we talk everynight. I just wanted to stop in here to say thank you and to let you know that nobody has forgotten about you or put anything behind them. And there is a reason why or why not people do or don't do specific things for you. I know you understand that, but some people can't seem to figure it out so please help them to realize it. It's hard to gather the strength to do a lot of things. When I to the cemetery to see you I couldn't hardly stand up, something that I've done since I can remember, but some force just wouldn't allow me to. That force has the same effect on a lot of other things too and some people can handle it better than others. I swore an oath to you, the same you swore to me, and no matter how hard or how long it may take, I will give everything I have defend that."
Sgt Gary Monroe of A 1/9 FA, Balad, Iraq

"Hi daddy,
A couple of nights ago I had a dream about you. Something really bad was happening to me and I called out for you and you saved me. You saved Me. Well I've been feeling a little bit heart broken because I miss you so much again and like all the pain seems like Its comming back. Mabey because I held it in to myself and did'nt ever want to talk to anybody when I was sad. I just kept it all to myself. Mom told me that its not good to keep it inside, but I can't help it because it makes me angry. It makes me angry when someone trys to make me feel better it just makes me want to tell them you don't know how it feels, you dont know. Mabey one day everything is going to hit me like a bullet. And when that day comes I hope that I have someone who loves me so much that will hug me and tell me everything will be ok like you always did. That someday I will find a guy that will always be here for me well dad I think I finally found him. And it makes me so angry I just get so mad because I treat him so bad most of the time. I'm always mean to him. Its like im not me anymore. Like I'm changing and I dont want to change. It's days like this I wish you were here just to say Baby it will be ok", but you can't mabey thats why I'm always sleeping so in my dreams you can help me to hear me to save me. Just like in my dream. I'm still so sorry for everything that I didnt do or havent done or already did. Only you know how I feel. I love you daddy."
Kels

"Gary, Just thinking about you on this Veteran's Day. You are very truly missed and loved. You are a true American Hero. We love you!
Scherie Bridges"
SSG Robert & Scherie Bridges of Ft. Hood, TX

"Just thinking about you on this Veteran's day...I watched the video performance Tim McGraw did for the country music awards and the song he dedicated to fallen service members. I kept playing the song over and over and just cried (Steven thought I was going crazy). I know in my heart you are in a better place but that sure doesn't ease the pain. I miss and love you little brother."
Michele of Germany

"to the family of Cpl. Gary W. Walters,Jr. you probally dont know me but i know you, i know you r family through my mother Pat who used to work out at the Woods One Stop in Nursery Texas, im her 22 yr old son and she told me the story of Gary and abou his family, i was drawn to learn more about this great man. i never meet Gary in Person, shook his hand, or looked him in the eyes, i wish i could have known Gary as my mother, his friends and family had, i'm sure he was the best father, a great man, and a true soilder, my father spent 20 yrs in the military listed in the Army,so I feel that we all are part of a military family. I did however attend Gary's Millitary Funeral in Victoria, and thats the day i got to meet Gary W. Walters Jr. I send out my thoughts and prayers for the family and loved ones of Gary, my god watch over his son Gary and his Family and let it be know that we will all meet and see Gary in the days to come, God Bless you. Justen Switalski....."
Justen C Switalski of Cuero, Texas/ United States

"Hey Uncle Gary I've never written on
this website and im at school done with
all my work and wanted to check it out!!
It's been over two years and life without
you here still isnt all that great...
nana misses you a lot... I know your
watching over her... Well i love and
miss you very very much..."
Ana Scrogham of Victoria, TX

"Hey Gary! Sorry I know it has been a while, it does not mean that I have thought of you any less! I miss you bunches and think of you all the time! Thank you for continuing to watch after us! Love you man!!!!!"
Trisha Grimshaw of Victoria,Texas

"Dear Mr.Walters this is a letter from your wounderful daughter Kelsey.

Dear Dad,
heres the letter i never wrote you. im so sorry so so sorry for everything. everything that i didn't do for you all the chances i had to be with you and i chose not to. Who would of thought you'd see your baby girl cry. Things, happen for a reason. I just havn't figured this one. i feel like sometimes i go crazy thinking about what would life be like with you here. i miss you more then anything in the world i miss you alot. gosh thimes are hard now and then but ill stay strong i try not to dewell very much thought times my heart dies of pain im sorry for times i dident do an now it's too late im sorry. i love yo so much.
-kelsey"
kelsey

"May God bless your family with the healing process. I know that for me it continues, and probably will forever.

David Villar
Husband of Linda Villar
KIA, Baghdad 03 June 2005"

""HIM"


He brought me joy,
and laughter,
he made me smile but,
he is now away many miles.

He fought for his country
he lost his life and it hurt so bad
so much cried in one night.

He is a hero in many eyes,
but now we say painful goodbyes.
He was loved and now is missed
and that he was still here today
is still being wished.

you can't change the future
you can't change the past
no matter how bad you want to see him
you have to let your memoreys last.

you say goodbye
and pary with all your heart
and they will be safe
and never far apart."
kels

"i love you daddy!
please watch over my little cousin she needs your help. love- kels"

"Hey little brother, I thought I felt your presence when I was in the hospital (especially during the transfusion). If you were here, I'm sure you'd be making fun of me and telling me not to be such a p#$$*. You're never far away from my thoughts Gary!"
Michele of Germany

"Dear Gary
I sure wish you could help out your Dad from where you are. He needs help."
Alice of wa.

""goodbye"
when you left i didnt want to say but i had to, i had to say it anyway.

it hits me like a bus when your gone sometimes but somedays im just fine.

i didnt want to let my pain inside show
and i can already tell that you know.

god can see me try everyday and my heart miss you in every possible way.

when im sad nobody can help its just this pain i must delt

i get a sick feeling when i think of you being gone how at times it just feels so wrong.

but i know inside you are within me watching over from above me.

so when i get to see you again that will be the day

ill just wait as they pass by, until then i must say goodbye."
kels

"hi dad....
well im sick right now witch I dont think is good because everytime i get sick something bad happens. hmm mabey im just catching something in the air lol i miss you alot not a day goes by i dont think of you. im learning alot of spanish and i am doing good in school my drill team performs next week and i am so nervous. hopefully everything goes good. hopefully"
kels

"I don't think there is a day that goes by that you are not in my thoughts. I always wonder what might of been and always wish you were still here. I almost feel guilty that I get to see all the little ups and downs Kelsey goes through day to day. She handles everything so calmly no matter what.You would be so proud. She's nothing like me & makes me laugh even when I'm mad. I love that about her. I can't thank you enough for such a beautiful gift."
Kristine of victoria,tx.

"It has been almost three years daddy and I still wonder why Johnna hasn't gotten you a head stone. If she loved you so much would'nt she want to honner you with a head stone. you deserve one regardless. you risked your life for your country. you are a hero daddy. If it was me I would buy you one thousand headstones. Because I love you so much I would want to do that for you. I don't know why she has'nt gotten you one yet but I sure do hope she relises she needs to get one. I love you daddy very much.-kels"

"Even though you are gone I know that you are still around watching over us. Please be with Michele tomorrow as she has her surgery. We all miss you so much and wish we could see you again. You live within all of us. Love you so much. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"i love you daddy very much and miss you alot. I have my days every now and then but as you can see im doing good. I think of all the good times we all shared and smile and sometimes laugh. I know you would want me to be happy and thats exzactly what i want you to see. though i may have ups and downs its all good. I feel like for once in my life everything is going good the only thing that holds me up is the thought of you being gone. but your gone for a reason mabey to teach everyone how short life can be and take granted whats in front of you because when its gone your going to miss it alot. i love you daddy and im about to get in trouble with my techer for being online i love u bye"
kelsey

"Miss you....hope you come visit me soon in my dreams(you better have that $40 you owe me). :) Love you tons!"
Heather

"I just finished updating your website and thought I'd drop by to show you some love...sure do miss you Gary!"
Michele of Germany

"Good morning, Gary. Just thinking about you and Tommy this morning.Love to you both. - Aunt Sandy"
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore

"CPL.Walters, I wish i didn't have to talk to you like this. I still remember the first day we met. At the hotel in houston the day before we shiped out to basic. The next day was my first time flying and i was scared out of my mind. You keep making fun of me till we landed. All I could think of was "please lord, don't let me end up with this guy for 4 months". But the lord knew what he was doing and thoses 4 months were some of my most memorable. You use to crack me up when we would be standing "toe the line" and you would start bouncing your chest. But most of all I'll remember the night we all went out to that mexican resturant in the Laton mall. I still have pictures from that night. Well Pops, it was great knowing you. You were a good friend, a great soldier, and a true American Hero. God Bless You Pops."
SGT.Lopez, Jesus A. of FT.Hood,Tx.

"hi dad,
i feel so happy right now i feel like things in life are going from bad to better sometimes it makes me angry that your gone or i get sad but its not the way it used to be. i think god finally answered my prayers and made sure your ok and to make sure im ok. i woke up this morning idk i just felt like you were happy and its a good feeling. i cant wait till were together in heaven again. i love you"
kelsey

"Hi daddy..
well once again tomorrow is fathers day and honestly im kind of sad about it. i wish you could be here to celebrate but now your celebrating with uncle tommmy yall were both great dads last week for some reason while i was swimming it felt like that day i found out about you i dont know why but it was just a beautiful day it smelled so good i guess it reminded me of you i really miss you alot i had a dream about you yesterday well i love you and miss you daddy bye"
kelsey

"Gary,
We just got back from the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall in Marseilles, IL. It was awesome. You are all being honored in a beautiful and peaceful setting. We love you, Gary."
Aunt Sandy of Ardmore, OK

"Gary,
It has been crazy lately here, I have been thinking about you alot! The group is always missing you and all the silly things that you would always say and do! There was never a time that you were not around that you did not make everyone laugh! We all miss you so much man! Take care of everyone and always remember "you're the man"! Love ya!"
Trisha Grimshaw of Victoria,Texas

"Hey Gary, just wanted to let you know you are thought about and missed alot! My mom makes me laugh all the time when we share some of the stories about you! Love and Miss you! You will always be our Hero!"
Trisha Grimshaw of Victoria,Texas

"Hey bro just thinking bout you on this day. I thought about you the other night at shooters, somebody brought up the linda story when I had to push her off my knee. (ha ha) You always told that one the best. Well i'm gonna go ttyl. Thanks for being the older brother I never had and best friend. Love you bro. thanks for everything"
Rex Ferrier Jr of Victoria, TX. USA

"Thinking of you Gary on this Memorial Day...You are a true hero!"
SSG & Mrs. Robert Bridges of 1st Cav 2nd Brigade HHC FT. Hood, TX

"On this Memorial Day I would like to extend my sympathy and gratitude to the family of Gary Walters, Jr. and let you know that he is not forgotten, nor is his great sacrifice overlooked. You - the family - have also sacrificed greatly. Thank you is just not enough, but... Thank you."
Doreen of Oregon

"I thought of you and Michele on your birthdays! I'm so not good with cards and being proper about the day it falls on.......so, I love and miss you and wish you were here to celebrate your 34th."
Heather of Hicktoria, TX :)

"Gary, your mom and Ana are going to pick me up the end of this month and we'll go to Racheal's in MO. Our journey will end in Marseilles, IL, where we will see The Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial. This is one of your mom's fondest wishes. We will see your name forever etched on a wall of honor. The Freedom Run is June 16th so we won't be there for that. But being able to see and touch your name on the wall will be something your mom, Ana, Amanda, and I will never forget. Bittersweet, but it will be a memory we'll cherish. With love,"
Aunt Sandy of Ardmore, OK

"happy birthday lil brother.we still think of you everyday.love and miss you."
rach of mo

"Gary, Emery and I went to the cemetary today to spend your birthday with you. We all miss you so very much and wish you could be here in person. You gave us so many happy memories. Please be with Michele while she is going through everything. She's really nervous and needs alot of support. I'm so proud of you and always have been. Till we are all together again. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"Thinking of you today...our birthday just isn't the same! A lot has happened last week which has changed my life and as you know, it's not over yet. I'm trying not to worry as mom seems to do enough of that for the both of us. If things don't turn out the way I want them too, I hope your presence will be with mom. I love you Gary!"
Michele of Germany

"Gary, Happy Birthday!"
Mrs.Scherie Bailey Bridges of FT. Hood, TX

"Happy Birthday Buddy, Thank you for all that you have done and thank you for continuing to protect us! I visited with your mom the other day on the phone. We had a good visit! Your mom is such a special person! We laughed together about some of the things you have done and we both agreed that we know you are right here with us in our hearts.......Thank you for that! It seems as if everyday that goes bye there is something that reminds me of you. You have always been and will always be such an awesome guy in my books. I still laugh and remember your birthday from 1999!LOL! There are just some memories that are made that you can never forget!!!LOL! And I am truely thankful that God allowed us the memories I do have of you.It is not easy to say "Happy Birthday Gary" like this but i would not miss any oppurtunity to tell you "Happy Birthday" & that you are thought of always! We all love and miss you more everyday!Your in my thoughts.........24/7!"
Trisha Grimshaw of Victoria,Texas

"well lil brother i hope you look out for mom this week cause i know uncle tommy is with you now.this is all too much since it's not too long past the anniversary of your death.i don't know when the funeral is yet but i'm gonna try to be there with mom.i know you're watching over her.we love you so much and miss you.please help our family get through yet another loss.love you so much.talk to you some other time."
racheal of JOPLIN /MISOURI FIND PEACE

"Baby, please watch over the family and take care of all them. You are going to be very much needed by them right now. Me and the boys are doing okay. I now you'll take care of your Uncle Tommy and show him the ropes but please help your mom, sisters, and aunt through this hard time. I love and miss you so much, not a day goes by that I dont think about you. I love you.....More.

For eternity my love"
Johnna

"Hi daddy I really miss you alot ugh life right now for me is hard I feel like I have alot on my shoulders like having to worry about alot of things and I'm scared that me being so strong end up breaking I hope that dosent happen when life gets like this all I do is open my eyes and relize there is always someone whos going to talk bad about you theres always someone who is going to mess up everything you have worked hard for I know that I am just scared that one day ill fall mess up but its you that keeps me standing tall I try yot be like you never giving up always crazy not giving a care what anyone says thank you dad thank you so much for being such a good man god when I think about it I'm so greatful and appriciative that I have a family like the one I have now espically a dad like you even though your not here your always in my mind and heart I love you"
kelsey

"The family is gathering today to celebrate your life and honor your memory--- I am jealous I cannot be there. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Lately, I swear I have seen you driving past me but then my heart sinks when I realize it's not you. I sure do miss my little annoying brother and wish I would have had the chance to tell you one last time how much I loved you. You were the only consistent man in my and the girls' lives and I took that for granted. I am so proud of you for finally growing up and taking responsibility for the choices you made in your life. Thankfully you not only live on in memories but you left the world with five wonderful legacies whom I am quite sure will continue to make you proud. It breaks my heart they lost their father but your love for your children is something, not even death, can take away.

So today, I will moarn your death two years ago and shed my tears but I will also celebrate your life. I love you 'BBB' and I sure do miss the hell out of you!"
Michele of Germany

"well 11 days uncle gary and that will mark two years you have been gone. it doesnt seem like it. but it is true. nana and mom me ant heather ant michelle tristan tonnie and erica ana bub emery well we all hate the fact that you are gone. i want it to be a dream. but it not. bub has a memorial of you on his wall with the newspaper articles and your picture. at night i think about you and cry. until i assure myself that youll be with us again physically. well thanksgiving christmas were hard holidays. for everyone. but just to let you know your are in our thoughts. forever."
amanda of missouri

"hey uncle gary i know its been a while but i do miss you. alot. just to let you know your in my thoughts always. i came up with a quote for you and the other fallen and brave soldiers who passed away and are serving now. the fire of a heart will always burn even though a bullet has piereced it. that means passed away or not their memory will live on and on. well got two go i love so much. i hope to see you soon."
amanda ( niece) of joplin missouri

"i made an error i didnt catch the third line its not talk its tall sorry"
kelsey

"i wrote a peom forr you here it is...


PASSING OVER
In his hand was a bible…..

And in the other was a riffle…

As he stood talk and waited to pass those gates…

There was no sound no noise not even a amount of hate

He waited his head high as he still marches in the sky

He looks down at his wife and kids

And wishes he was with them now sharing the joy

He looks upon his daughter as he sees he cry

And all of a suddon thunder rolls in the sky

He begs god to give him one last chance to be with his family..

But the one says no im so very sorry…

The soldier gets on his knees and begs of mercy

But the one continues to say you cant go it happened im sorry

So the soldier gets up and prays to god…..

Dear god since you can hear me now more than ever

Please send my family this letter……

Do not cry for me anymore…because I have found peace upon a small door..

Do not shead a tear I will fight off all your horrible fears…

Remember me in such ways as you celebrate joy this Christmas day

Do not worry I miss you too, and I know there will be many hard times to get through

But as long as you have me in your heart we will never be far apart…

And though I can not be with you on this special day

remember im still here just close your eyes and pray

I will never let you down or bring harm soon from now

You will be able to once again grab my arm…..

You when you feel alone or scared just remember close your eyes ill be there…

So now I ask you right now on this day

don’t cry don’t be sad in your heart forever is where ill be

just think of me…….

Amen"
kelsey walters

"His smile was all I needed to make my day bright

But It all changed in one single night

I was sick and had a dream

A dream that he was gonna leave

I didn’t know weather to believe or not

Until I saw that gold small car

She came up to me with eyes so red

Im sorry but your dad is dead

It was like someone just ripped out my insides

And left me to feel the pain

And the a few seconds later came the rain

I cried worst then a baby at birth

And in my heart oh how bad it hurt

I started having flash backs of the past

How it couldn’t be true but it just made me more sad

I then relized that my sky was grey

And I just wish I could tell him whats left to say

I love you with all my heart

And im soo sorry that cold scary desert tore us apart

I wish you could be here for all special occasions but

Its something I must now always live with

I know your in the heavens looking down

And I can always tell your truly around

I miss you with all my soul

and that’s really just something I had to let you know

your always in my thoughts and prayers I love you daddy take care…"
k.w

"i saw what aunt sandy put [the one under me] that is soooo cool!!! johnna has a myspace I added her. i also added your fiend gary. she says she is working on gettin your headstone she says she did get one but they messed up on your name well i hope they fix it so you can have one finally i love you daddy"
kelsey

"Gary,
Your mother has had a bench created in your honor and it rests near your grave. It will be a lovely place for family and friends to sit and peruse their memories of you. The two-year anniversary of your death is coming up and it is still so hard to imagine you gone. May God continue to watch over your children and give them strength."
Aunt Sandy of Ardmore, OK USA

"hey dad,
im writting on here because i dont know what to do. ugh it makes me so mad that mom gets mad at me all the time sometimes i just dont understand what i even did wrong it confuses me i try to tell her something and she makes a big deal about it but thats not why im writting im writting because it makes me feel better like im actually talking to you and ima bout to cry. sometimes even though i dont tell mom i do i appriciate everything she does for me but im just not a very lovey dovey person for some reason i dont know why but i cant help it. i really do wish that you were still here i miss you a whole lot. its getting so hard for me these days needing to look up to someone and they never have time for me because they are too busy. im gettin older and sometimes all you want to do is just talk to someone and if they arnt busy they dont lisen to me and then i have to have a lot on my shoulders i know i could tell you anything you actually lisened to me and i love you so much for that theres not many dads out in this world that care like you did even though were not perfect to me you were you knew when to be serious be happy mad all of that stuff i looked up to you and try to be very much like you but it seems like everyone is changing become a different person my friends are just gettin more serious and mature but were kids we shouldnt have to act like adults there is a saying live young be young you never know what is going to happen tomorrow. man sometimes when im alone i like i hear things just weird things like footsteps or sometimes i hear people talking or mabey im holousinating is what i get alot but i think i know something when i hear it. i dont know but ever since you passed away ive steped up to life tried the challange that faces me ive tried so hard to make things right so you can be proud of me but for some reason right now in my head its like everything ive worked for is falling to peices and it feels like its my fault and i really dislike that alot. it makes me angry and i feel like i dont know how to explain it its just frustrating well im in soccer again its so awsome i like it alot and i try my best. im going to the carnival in a little while with my cousin well i have to go i love you daddy bye"
kelsey

"i used to think it was all my fault for your death i used to be so mad at myself for not being with you more but i dont regret it because i spent the times that i did with you and everytime i think of all the things we used to do makes me smile or laugh sometimes i cry yes i still do even though its about to be what 2 years.....i still miss you alot yes with all my heart i do and i know how much you probley see im on myspace hehe 24/7 and yea they would probley think im physco for wriiting on here but that dosent bother me..i wish i could just hear your voice one last time but i have my bear i try not to press it much i dont want the batteries to run out....my life without you is so different its completley changed when i smile i know ppl can still se the hurt in my eyes every girl needs to grow up with a dad im just different im not like the other girls who are daddys girls and get everything from them yes you were a wonderful person but you taught me that its not the nice things that you get from a parent its the heart that you were blessed with and i am truly blessed with an angel which is you. i know your watching over me seeing how crazy and outgoing you never really saw me as.. only shy and quiet i looked up to you i just wanted to be like you tough strong and support the family. i try now i really do try so hard i dont ever cry in front of my mom and when i do its really bad you wouldnt even believe it. i try to make good desisions hehe like my brandon man i like him i cant imagine what its like for baby gary knowing that he would have never met a wonderful person like you but when he gets older and will understand i will tell him everything about you how you always stood strong cared were the best he will always know that. sometimes we get mad and do things we shouldnt i know its happened to me before but i know its wrong and i try to fix it and for me the best way to do so is talk to you during prayer or anytime. i dont know where you are exzactly at this moment but i know for a fact your in my heart thats where you will always be and you, jayde, galvon, trent, baby gary, grandpa, kevin, my boys cuzinz, ect. i will love yall forever yall are boys who i can actually tell ill love you forever bcuz its true with out my family im so great ful that i was blessed into such a family i love everyone of my members and friends that i can live without. sometimes its hard to wake up with a dad by my side like i always used to you taking me to school even if i was soo late....lol...you fixing my hair even if it wasnt perfect i didnt care it was the fact that i had a dad like you that made part of what i am today i thank you with all of my heart i thank you for being the best dad in the world and the most incredible person i know for showing me that you had so much loving and care that you died defending your country and i know some ppl are reading this right now thats also what im trying to do i want ppl to see what an honor it was for you what you sacrificed for our country what you did what kind of life you had that was taken away that april morning of 24 in 2005 i love you so much more than words can even say i miss you a great deal i love you daddy i always will........R.I.P love you,

kelsey ur daughter [beautiful] like you used to call me or shall i say brat....."

"hi dad....
well i have been thinking about you alot way more then i usually do for some reason like i keep having different dreams about you and im not sure what it was but when i was riding with nana saturday i could have sworn i herd someone whispher something right in my ear. it makes me very sad when i think of you being gone sometimes i have to think of it as you being away on a vacition soccer season is going to start alread now you can watch me any time you want to well i have to go the bell is fixing to ring i love you bye"
kelsey

"Happy Valentine's Day, Gary. May your continuing love fill the hearts of family and friends today."
Uncle Ron/Aunt Sandy

"I haven't been on here in a really long time but it doesn't amaze me to see how many loved ones continue to write you, especially Kelsey. I think she tells you more stuff than she does me but thanks to this site I can read whats going on (ha ha). I know she still has so many unanswered questions but Im hoping that in time she will find some sort of peace of mind and heart. She loves you so much and regrets so many things i'm sure. Watch over her (I know u do)through these tough teenage years. I know she enjoys her dreams. thank you. I too find it ridiculous that you don't have a headstone and there is only one person to blame for that. miss u much. bye for now."
KELSEYS MOM of VICTORIA,TX

"Hey Buddy,
I have been visiting with your sister Michele via e-mail, I had always heard so much about her from you, and now after visiting with her I know now why she, your mom, and other sisters meant so much to you. I miss you so much! I know that you are looking down on all of us though! Happy New Year!!!"
Trisha Grimshaw of Victoria,Texas

"I went out to your grave today to put a Christmas tree and wreath for Mom on. I haven't been out there in awhile. I don't like going out there seeing no headstone and the little silver name plate displaying the wrong year of birth. I guess I just need to deal with the fact that it might be a while before you have a proper headstone. I love and miss you Gary."
Heather

"Our wish on this Christmas Day is that your loved ones have a day filled with only memories that bring a smile. Much love to you, Gary, and to all who knew you. Uncle Ron and Aunt Sandy"
Sandy Floyd

"Kevin saw a man the other day that he swears looked exactly like you. We love and miss you so very much. Wish you were physically here to celebrate the holidays."
Heather

"Our second Christmas without you and it is still not an easy one. We love you and miss you Gary.

Wishing you were here to celebrate with us,"
Michele & family

"Gary, as the second Christmas approaches since you have been gone, I continue to pray for a headstone for your grave. It would be the best gift I could imagine for your children and mother. Please know that you do continue to be honored by so many for your sacrifice and you live on in the hearts of your family and friends."
Aunt Sandy of Ardmore, OK

"As we give thanks today, you will definitely be on our minds, and in our prayers. We love and miss you still!"
Michele, Steven, Tawnee, Tristan & Arikka of Germany

"hey dad im at shool right now and imlisening to this song that reminds me of you its called just hold on and man it makes me seriously think about you i think im going to buy her cd when it comes out...i really wish you were here then we could celebrate together thanksgiving last year my thanksgiving was no good i cried the hole time and the food was great and i thank god that he blessed me into such a wonderful family. but i still really miss you and i just know im gonna cry
probley again but im going to try to keep holding on gotta stay strong that way your thanks giving in heaven can be wonderful. i love you dad i wrote you this poem......

I WILL.....
im going to stay strong
im going to hold on
im going to continue to do well
i wont let this pain take over
ill remember you in many ways
as i sit and watch all these days..
i will fight till the end...
just as you did...
i will make myself better and do my hardest......
just like you, you hung in the longest...
i will not let you down i will turn this frown upside around....
i know i will make it through with you in my heart...
and i wont let sadness tear it apart
im going to rember you on this day that we share thanks and prasie
im going to remeber to leave this pain away.....
i will always remember you in numerous ways......
on this thanks giving day...."
kelsey

"Hey Gary,
Just wanted to say hello! You are missed so so much and thought about everyday! Kelsey writes some beautiful poems about you! Your kids, family and friends love you and miss you so very much! Thank you for always being a HERO!
Love ya man!"
Trisha Grimshaw of Victoria, Texas

"hi daddy i have wrote a poem for you here it is....

DAD....
you were my legs when i couldnt walk you were my voice when i couldnt talk
you were my world when i felt lost..
you were that special person i could call...
when i felt sad or afraid you were alwayz here to save the day..
you have been my hero ever since i can remember..
i consider myself so lucky to have had a dad like you....
thats why when i found out you died i wished it wasnt true...
i wanted you to be here to share a kiss a laugh a gentle cry i didnt want the K.I.A to be right...
but now i understand how brave you always were look you even put your country first...
i know that everything happens for a reason but this one has put me to treason cause i still dont understand..
but in many ways i thank god everyday that i was blessed with a father like you...
and everyday that you not here that goes by i know that your up in heaven still potrolling over us from the sky..
i will be saddened until were together again but until that day i will wait until it my turn to enter heavens gates.."
kelsey

"Happy Veteran's Day! You are a hero and truly missed!"
SSG & Mrs. Robert Bridges of FT. Hood, TX

"Gary, your mother, sisters, and friends continue to honor your memory by their love of your "brothers and sisters" still serving in Iraq. Today, Veteran's Day, they are holding the second annual Gary's Care Packages in Victoria, TX. Because of the generosity and caring of that community, God's love will touch many of our troops who may need a little encouragement.

Gary, did you even realize how many people's lives you touched in a positive way? I don't think you did. You were, after all, just being you. We love you and are so proud of you."
Ron and Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK USA

"Dear Friends,
I wrote this poem in memory of a really good friend of mine that was killed in Iraq on April 24, 2005. Gary Walters jr.; he is a great hero and will never be forgotten. Gary was so sweet to everyone many will and still ask why did this happen to such a great person that had so much still in life planned to do. We will never know that awnser all we can know is that is God has other plans for him and to keep him and his family alive in our thoughts! We love you Gary!


In Memory of Brave Gary
Veterans' Day will come and go
Quicker than the blink of an eye
But memories of our Gary present and past
Will never, ever die.
The people of today, do you understand?
The price brave Gary did pay
To preserve the freedom we enjoy
Each and every day.
He was called to duty, and so he went
Not knowing what was to be
He sacrificed so we could be free.
How lonely some must have felt
How scared some had to be
He paid the bill with his own blood
What a great cost for us to be free.
He is a true hero of our country
The one who paved the way
For freedom and the many rights
That we enjoy today.
Next time, folks, you pass someone
Who is in the military of the USA
Remember — and thanks to him or her
You have your freedom today.
Gary will always be a Hero
Because off to war he did go
I will always remember that great brave man
He would never hesitate to help anyone even if he did not know the plan,
He put many smiles on many faces,
He will never be forgotten at many places,
Gary you are still in many people's heart,
And as long as we have that you will never be apart.
You fought for our freedom.
You will always be our True Hero,
Thanks for everything you did for the USA
We Love you and
Happy Veteran's Day!

By: Trisha L. Bailey-Grimshaw
November 10, 2006"
Trisha Grimshaw of Victoria, Texas

"Gary, I wanted to tell you that everybody misses you. I will never forget the time that we shared as buddies. You were so speacial to me and everybody in the group that hung out at Bruce's. I think of you all the time! Sometimes it feels as if you are still here but, just somewhere else for a little while. I pray that your family will always have a peace of mind knowing that you died doing what you were best at being a True "HERO". You will always be missed and loved. You are only gone for a little while we will see you again one day! Love ya buddy!"
Trisha Grimshaw of Victoria, Texas

"dear gary, or POPS as we all new and loved him so well, i had dreaded i might find you this way POPS. i remember while i was in afghanistan seeing your name, or hoping it was another gary walters, in the stars and stripes paper. i thought that there was no way it was possible that it was you, it saddens me deaply to see that all of my searching for you has ended here. out of all the guys in 4th platoon wolf pack you were my favorite of them all, WE were 4th Squad baby, the best!!i was only allowed a very short 4 months to spend time with you and get to know you, but in those 4 months everyone we were with and i myself came to know you as a very caring, funny, reliable friend who we knew was always there to give warming advice and releif. POPS would always talk non-stop about how much he loved his children, and showed us pictures he had of them as much as he could while we were all together in basic training.i may have only been with you during basic training but you will always be in my heart gary. you are definetely the kind of guy that i could see bein friends with until and old old age, and i regret the fact that now i will never get that chance, but am glad at the fact that you are in a better place. i truly love you my dear friend and send the best of wishes to all of your family and your wonderful kids.

with much love,
SPC. Joshua A. Goldman"
SPC Josh Goldman of Aiea, Hawaii/ USA

"To the family of:Gary w. Walters 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 ¢¾ YOU"
KELSEY

"HI DADDY IM AT SKOOL AGAIN I JUST THOUGHT I WOULD COME AND TELL YOU THAT I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH"
KELSEY

"hi dad im at school right now i finished all my work so thats why im writting u well n e ways i miss you so much i had a weird dream last night i dontknow but i kept waking up cuz my phone kept beeping man i miss you alot i had this one dream that i waz hanging out with you and we went to mc donalds and u took me to one of my soccer games then it all showed up where you were holding baby gary and you said do u want to hold him and when i said yes you carefully put him in my arms and then dissappeared...it waz so weird cuz it felt so real...i really wish i could see baby gary and trent i miss them so much every now and then i got hang out with jayde and it amazes me becasue the way he misses you i do too but in an akward way because all these things i would think of like i wish my mom and dad would get back to gether like that kinda way we really miss you so much i remember when jaydes bear you gave him broke i watched him just stair at it and just look at the picture of you and crystal when yall were still together then i started to cry because that waz the only thing he had of your voice and now the only thing he had is gone....i still wish it would have never happened but sometimes things that you dont want to happen happen...i was just comming on here its so good that i can put my feelings on something continute to watch over us and please watch over espically baby gary and trent i love you and you are i my prayers....love alwayz kelsey ¢¾"
kelsey

"HEY dad man life is getting so complicated now and days i really like this boy alot like is not even a word i love him so much i dont know its weird ive never cared about a boy so much before man!!!but the thing is now my friend hates me like he dosent want nothing to do with me cuz i guess he likes me a lot and i dont kow i just dont feel the same way bout him but he dosent understand that and hes like my bestfriend but now hes not and it makes me sad because it is either i choose my bestfriend or i choose the one i love?????its such a hard desion i dont really know what to do its sad but everyone goes through this in life so all i have to do is cope because if he was really my friend he wouldnt be worried about it well im glad i can come on here and know that some people have had this experience before i love you so much daddy u are in my heart and prayers.....i love you bye"
kelsey

"I LOVE YOU DADDY"
KELSEY

"you are in my heart you well stay ther for all my life i well miss you from my heart we well miss you you are a special man we bless you for all you did you did what you did you did somethang you did right you did it for all of uss you well be mist for all you did we are prowd what you did you are great for all the thangs we miss you in are hearts"
emery

"as i think of you today
theres somthing
that ive alwayz wanted to say

i love you with all my heart
and it waz that scary cold desert
that tore us apart.
yes you are in a better place
and to get to see you in the future
i cant wait.it is hard to live everyday without you hear
but i know in my heart
you are very near.its the thought that counts right
but now ur not in site only
in my heart you keep me going
and its like im rowin and rowin
im lost but when i think of
you i get a smile on my face
thinking of all those great times we had
i really really miss you dad
i dont know what your doing right now
or if your ok but
today is a very sad day
and i just wanted to say that i love you!!!"
kelsey

"hi dad right now im at school and im in computer class and i have been thinking about you alot and i miss you soo much that i dont know its hard because i think im going through a stage that im not moving on but i have understood that your in a better place a happy place no more dresert or being here that is what i really miss it feels like only yesterday you held me in your arms or we shared a laugh to me it feels so weird because ive never really lost someone i luved so dearly i love you so much daddy and it may not seem like im sad because i try to act like im not so the family dosent worry or get more sad then they already are but you are alwayz on my mind when i wake up or even when im sleeping well im runing out of words so ima go ill see you in my dreams love alwayz kelsey i love and miss you so much......"
kelsey

"Hey Gary, just wanted to let you know that we think of you often. Gavin asks question after question about you. We have been very busy with moving and I have not talked to your mom or sister in a while but they are never far from our thoughts. Thank you so much for our son, he makes me smile a million times a day. xoxo"
Sam Mills of Brownwood, Texas

"i miss you a lot and when you got killed i cried. you gave your life for us.:("
emery of victoria

"If tears could build a stairway
and memories a lane.
We would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you home again.

No farewell words were spoken.
No time to say Goodbye.
You were gone before we knew it
and only God knows why.

Our heart still aches with sadness
and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to love you
No one can ever know.

But now I know you want us
to mourn for you no more.
To remember all the happy times
life still has much in store.

Since you'll never be forgotten
We pledge to you today-
A hollowed place within our hearts
is where you'll always stay!

We miss you very much. With all of our love."
Heather of Texas

"hi daddy i know i havent wrote on here in a long time but i just want you to know i havent forgot you im here right now in my room cryin because for somereason everytime i get so happy i cry because i say to my self how can you be having fun when daddys dead i know you would want me to be like this sad all the time so i try my best to keep my head up like doing best for the family so they dont worry about me i really miss you with all my heart i look at pictures of me and you and i cry because i wish that things could be the way they were im so glad that i have the best family in the world and sometimes when im angery i take it on them and it makes me sad cuz i dont like when i do that but i cant help it i really do try to do my best like being a better person having a better attitude i even have got to talk to old friends that i havent seen in a while i love you alot daddy with all my heart and i will try to do my best so i can make you happy i love and miss you always kelsey"
kelsey

"Time seems to be going by so fast, already its been over a year and a couple of months. It seems like yesterday. I wish you were here, mostly for your kids. Kelsey has really grown she even got her braces off. sometimes when she smiles she reminds me of you, and thats a nice site to see. We went and got passports Friday so that she could spend this christmas with your family, I hope she has a good time, you know she will. You are not forgotten, I'll keep you in my prayers."
kristy of victoria,tx

"To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006"

"Hi uncle Gary i wish i could have known you better before u left us.i remember the good times we had it might have been a few times but i am glad that i got to spend the time i had with you.i wish you never left us it hurts so much.i love you so much uncle gary. i miss you"
Brittany Edwards of kenedy

"Thinking of you on the 4th of July. I love and miss you so much. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"i'll be thinking about you tom on the 4th.i love you & miss you so much.i wish i could have seen you more but i can't change that now.love you"
sis of MO

"The Final Inspection
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass,
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and
said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here,
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod,
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell." - author not known"
Uncle Ron/Aunt Sandy of Ardmore, OK

"Gary, Thinking of you and wishing you a happy Father's Day. I can still see your beautiful smile and the twinkle in your eyes. I miss you so much and I am very proud of you. You gave everything and you meant a lot to so many people. You remain in our hearts and mind. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"Although you are gone, you live on the lives of your beautiful children. May they remember the good times you shared with them and treasure them always. Happy father's day Gary."
Michele, Steven, Tawnee, Tristan & Arikka

"Gary,
We were sent pictures of the granite memorial wall where you are honored. Americans are such good people. As is the deepest wish of your family, you will never be forgotten for the sacrifice that you made. We love you. Uncle Ron and Aunt Sandy"
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, America

"To the entire family of Cpl Gary Walters.. in reading through this beautiful memorial to Gary I see so much love. I did not know Gary but I see that he was a much loved husband, a son, a father, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a classmate, a fellow soldier, a friend.. so many things. To the family and friends of this wonderful man, please know that prayers are going out for each and every one of you. I have added Gary W. Walters, Jr to my list of "Heroes" and I don't do that lightly. My dear friend lost her son, Erik McCrae, in Iraq two years ago today - June 4th - and after posting on his memorial I did some looking at others. That's how I came across Cpl Walters. Yes - he is most certainly a "hero". I do NOT count actors, actresses, sports"stars" or any of the like as "heroes". No. True heroes are those men and women who put their lives on the line and especially those who "give their ALL" - such as Cpl Walters & Erik McCrae. I have a son who is in Nuclear Power School with the Navy and who is just starting his career. I know that he is willing to do whatever it takes to serve his country and would be willing to give his life if need be. But as a Mom, I can only IMAGINE the grief of losing him. I want Gary's family and friends to know that my heart goes out to you this day - as well as my prayers. God bless each and every one of you and may the Lord tuck you under the very shadow of His wing and bring you peace.

In Christian love,

A "Navy Mom"
Doreen of Tigard, OR

"Gary, Memorial Day is the hardest of the marked days for me. Our church honors our fallen heroes with a video presentation and last year I wanted desperately to get up and leave. The images on the screen changed to meeting your body in Austin for the trip home and then the funeral. Hopefully, this year I won't be so selfish and the tears will be healing. Just know that so many prayers of love and honor will be lifted tomorrow in your name and the names of all our fallen heroes. You are so loved."
Sandy Floyd, aunt, of Ardmore, America

"happy birthday lil bub.we love you & miss still."
racheal,amanda,justin of MISSOURI

"Happy Birthday Gary. We love and miss you as always!"
Heather, Kevin & Emery

"Happy birthday, Gary. As Michele shares this anniversary with you, I hope she celebrates her birthday with the good memories of past birthdays you celebrated together. Mother's Day having fallen on this date, we send your mom much love and pray that she finds strength in the knowledge that her love and understanding made you the man you were. Much love, Uncle Ron and Aunt Sandy"
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK

"Happy Birthday Gary!"
Steven, Michele, Tawnee, Tristan & Arikka

"Gary as your birthday and mother's day approach I can't help but think what a wonderful present a headstone would make for both you and your mother. For you to show respect for the sacrifice you made as a father and a soldier and for your mom to show the sacrafice she made as a mother. You deserve so much better than the metal marker that is there now. Nothing will bring you back, but just the simple task of getting a headstone for your grave would bring peace of mind to your family, especially for your mother and children. I think of you every time I look at your son, God bless you for the sacrifice that you made."
xoxo Sam of Kerrville, Texas

"well bubba today is the big day for your nephew.yeah hard to believe he's 16 today.we buried you this day last year but you are still in our hearts even as we celebrate this joyous day.we all love you & miss you so much.we will never forget you.love you lil bubba"

"Your mom, Heather, Heather, and Nora had a bake sale today to raise money for postage for the next shipment of Gary's Care Packages to our troops in Iraq. Family members and friends baked goods on your behalf and the bake sale was a success, according to your mom. Gary, you would be so proud that so many people honor your memory with their time and efforts. The ladies were able to send 120 individual packages and 7 large platoon packages last November and I'm sure they'll do at least as well this year. You truly live on in the hearts of family and friends."
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK USA

"With a lump in my throat your daughter and I went out and choose pretty pink roses for you and your mom. The roses we got your mom had an unusually strong scent, almost like the ones you grow out back. I had hoped they would cheer her up for a minute or two or at least let her know she's not alone mourning your loss. Your roses were special too but smaller. It was however, disappointing to show up to a site with no headstone. Its been a year and I cant imagine what the hold up could be. You deserve so much more. Im good at playing games so for now I'll have to play Barney's favorite (yeah the big purple dinosaur). I'll keep you in my prayers."
Kristy of victoria, tx

"I can't believe that it has been a year since you passed away. It does not seem real. Please continue to watch over your children and mother, they all miss you very much. It was very special to take Gavin to Victoria to see your family. He was so excited to get to meet Jayde, Kelsey and your mom. I wish that things could have turned out differently, but we must all understand that God has a plan for us all. God bless you and all of your family and friends."
Sam of Kerrville, Texas

"On the first anniversary of your death we are missing you so much. We love you very much. You will never be forgotten. Love mom"
Margaret Stanley of Victoria, Texas

"well it's been a year ago today bubba & the pain is still so fresh.i wish i could be with mom today but i'm glad she's not alone.we still miss you so much words can never say.well bubba we all love you & miss you so much.you are not forgotten."
sis

"On this bittersweet first anniversary, we celebrate your life and deeply mourn your loss. Much love, Uncle Ron and Aunt Sandy"
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK, USA

"Missing your smile this Easter Gary. We love and miss you!"
Heather

"Just wanted to let everyone know that I am thinking about all of ya'll. I know things have been hard lately. I can't believe that it has almost been a year,I am so sorry for all of the pain that you guys are going thru daily. It was great to get to bring Gavin down there. He talks non-stop about his big brother Jayde and sister Kelsey. Everyother day he is asking when he can go back to his Nana's house. Thank you all for loving and accepting him. You guys take care and know that I am praying for us all."
Sam of Kerrville, Texas

"HEY DAD ONCE AGAIN I HAVENT WROTE ON HERE FOR A WHILE,WELL N E WAYZ TODAY IN 2B MS WILSON STARTED TO CRY AND AT THE BEGINING OF 3B I STARTED TO CRY TOO BUT I MADE SURE NOBODY SAW ME I MISS YOU SO MUCH APRIL 24 IS JUST GETTING CLOSER AND CLOSER AND ITS LIKE MY HEARTS A SHIP IT GETS CLOSER AND CLOSER UNTIL IT CRASHES INTO THE ICEBURG.I REALLY HAVENT SAID MUCH THESE PAST WEEKS AND I FEEL REALLY BAD BUT I DONT EVER FORGET ABOUT YOU.IN 2B WE HAVE TO WRITE A REPORT ABOUT OURSELVES AND MISS WILSON ASKED IF I WANTED TO WRITE A BIO ON YOU SO IM THE ONLY ONE IN HER CLASS WHO IS NOT DOING ONE ABOUT THEMSELVES.I HAVE TO RESEARCH DIFFERENT THINGS ABOUT YOU AND I HAVE TO LEARN THINGS ABOUT YOU I DIDNT KNOW BEFORE.WELL IM GETTING READY FOR BED SO ILL WRITE TO YOU SOMETIME LATER..I LOVE YOU ALWAYS,KELSEY"
KELSEY

"hey dad i havent wrote on here for a really long time well you know what i found out that mothers day this year is on your birthday i can just imagine how nana feels well how she might feel its been getting better for me i still get sad every now and then but not as much as i used to it still feels like you never left like you know how you have a big cut and it gets stiched back together well my stiches keep ripping apart then getting sewed well i really dont have much to say i love you though alot love kelsey"
kelsey

"I miss you so much! It hurts so bad, I don't know what to do. I will never forget you."
someone in love

"Gary, Our chruch had a special service to honor all of the fallen soliders today. It was very special. Our preacher had a small statue made to honor Gavin, because he was your son. Greg our preacher asked Gavin to say something about you, and Gavin in his sweet voice said, "My daddy was a soldier and he is in Heaven with Jesus." I promise that he will always know what a great person you were. Please watch over him."
Sam of Kerrville, Texas

"HEY DAD WELL ITS ABOUT SEVEN IN THE MORNING AND I HAVE JUST BEEN THINKING ABOUT YOU SO MUCH REALLY ITS HARD AND I KNOW HOW HARD IT IS FOR EVERYONE ELSE I REALLY MISS YOU I HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL IN THIRTY MINUTES. I WOKE UP AT SIX O CLOCK ON THE DOT. I WENT TO THE MOVIES TO SEE DATE MOVIE IT WAS SO FUNNY I WAS LAUGHING TODAY IN MIS.WILSONS CLASS WE ARE GOING TO HAVE PIZZA WE HAD OUR REAL TEST FOR WRITTING WHEN WE HAD TO WRITE THE STORY THE TOPIC WAS ABOUT THE MOST CHARISHED MEMORY THAT YOU HAVE HAD, I BET ALOT OF KIDS PUT THE SNOW BUT I WROTE ABOT OUR LAST WEEK WITH YOU REMEMBER IN GEORGIA?WELL DID YOU HEAR ABOT THAT PICTURE THEY TOOK IN NASA I BET IT LOOKS COOL THEY CALL IT GODS EYE CAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE A EYE AND THEY ALSO SAY THET IT BRINGS YOU MIRCALES.WELL THERES THIS SONG THAT REALLY MAKES ME THINK ABOUT YOU AND I HEAR IT ALMOST EVERY DAY ITS CALLED WHO YOU WOULD BE TODAY BY KENNY CHESNY. WELL I HAVE TO FINISH GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL LOVE YOU BYE."
KELSEY

"I have not been on this web site for some time but it doesn't mean your not in my daily thoughts or prayers. I like many others have a hard time accepting your untimely absence, but for me It is as if your away on a long vacation. I can not accept what I did not physically see and I never will. I will however always remember you and make sure your daughter knows what an awesome person you were. love always."
Kristy of Victoria,tx

"Gary,
By faith, I know that there is no sorrow in Heaven and that you have perfect peace. Your leaving, however, has left untold sorrow for your family and friends. It is for those left behind that I offer this prayer:

Father God, I thank you for the gift of Gary in our lives. It was Your Will to call him home. He answered your call and You guided him home. I ask now for that same guidance for those who are filled with sorrow at his loss. Let Your Will, not ours, be evident as healing takes place. I pray that Your love will fill our hearts and guide our lives and actions. I ask this in Jesus' precious name. Amen"
(Aunt) Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK

"I never met Gary, But Johnna has been a friend of my family and more like a sister to me than anything else. Gary and Johnna have done an awesome job raising Trent and Trace.I hope my kids turn out half as good as theirs. Gary, I really wished we could have met. You and my husband would have gotten along great.Johnna, I really respect you, what you're doing and how you are handling y'alls situation. I was really touched by this site, It has more effect on me now than it would have before I married my husband. I really appreciate those that keep the memories of the fallen alive.Good luck to you and the kids. Call if you ever need anything."
Janis McDowell Haley of Pass Christian, MS

"Happy Valentine's Day, Gary. Your legacy of love continues. Much love, Uncle Ron and Aunt Sandy"
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK

"To Kelsey, Jade, Trent, Gavin and baby Gary: I'm so sorry for what you have all been through. YOU ALL LOST A WONDERFUL DAD! He loved you all very much and by staying close to eachother you will keep him alive within you. Kelsey and Jade being the two oldest and by having spent the time with your father that you did I know the pain that you two feel must be unbearable. You must always remember the love that you dad had for you. There is nothing in the world that he would have not done for you. HE LOVED YOU SOOO MUCH! Trent, Gavin and baby Gary. You were cheated, it hurts me so much to know that at the ages you guys are it will be very hard for you to know what a wonderful person you had for such a short time or not at all. Just always remember what a great grandmother you all have. She will do anything in the world for any of you guys. NOBODY will ever replace your father in her heart, but having you guys close will help to ease the pain. YOU ARE YOUR FATHERS CHILDREN!"
Sam of Kerrville,Texas

"hey dad well school is going well for me i love it i try to pick up any bad grades i might have i even took this typing class and i can type 40 words per minute i dont know why but i just woke up one morning well it was a cupple of days ago and i just started missing you alot alot again and its weird cause i had a dream of you that night i had a dream of you and im going to say it. it was me you and all the family well not my moms side but your side and grandma summers was in this dream too and so was my boyfriend leo and i had told you in my dream that he was my boyfriend and you just gave me that look like you always used too when you would call me brat it was a dream that made me feel like you were alive and ever since that dream i had of you that wasnt very pretty well ive been dreaming alot of dreams of you and they are all good and i love them because they make me feel like your still alive and its a very comforting feeling that i get cause i know its you telling me that your ok and i pray at night that i have you in a dream that makes me feel like your still alive and it happens and thay are so real that when i think about it i want to cry because i know your happy and its a joyful feeling that your watching over us making sure were ok well i love you dad and im going to bed now so hopefully i will dream of you."
kelsey

"To all of Gary's family: I cannot begin to understand what a terrible experience this has been for all of you guys. Gary was a wonderful person and he touched a lot of peoples lives. I do have to say to you all that I am sorry that Gary never got to meet Gavin. But I promise you all that he will grow up knowing what a wonderful father he did have. It is amazing to look at my son everyday and to see how much he looks and acts like his father. Margaret, I am so sorry that things have been so hard for you. I know that God will allow them to get better. Can't wait till you see Gavin, he looks just like Gary. I Love You All."
Sam Mills of Kerrville, Texas

"yes this website is a gift & shouldn't be abused but at the same time both families need to come together & share memories of gary.the children are suffering due to all this hatred between families & the madness needs to end.all of gary's children need to be close to both families so they know their daddy as everyone else has known him.he is a true hero & needs to be honored in that way.he would be very disappointed in how everyone he loved so dear is acting.everyone please end this madness & come together for all his children.he was loved by so many people in different ways that no one could say who loved him more.please end all this hatred between both families & let his soul rest in peace.don't keep the children from knowing all their heritage because it's important for their growth & healing."

""YOU WERE THERE"

YOU WERE THER TO MAKE ME FEEL BETTER YOU MADE ME HAPPY DURING CLOUDY WHEATHER YOU WERE THERE TO RAISE ME RIGHT I GUESS THATS WHY WE NEVER FOUGHT, I REALLY THANK YOU WITH ALL MY HEART YOU WERE THERE TO FIX MY HAIR TAKE ME A BATH YOU WERE THE BEST DAD YOU WERE THERE TO FIX MY BOTTLE BUT NOW THAT YOUR GONE IM IN SORROW. WHEN I WAS A BABY YOU FIXED MY BED AND EVEN HEALED THE CUT ON MY HAND.YOU WERE THERE TO BUY ME CLOTHS AND GAVE ME FOOD I THANK YOU IN SO MANY WAYS BECAUSE I HAVE A DADDY THAT I COULD SAY YOU WERE THERE.

LOVE, KELSEY WALTERS I LOVE YOU DADDY ALWAYS"

"hey dad i havennt wrote on here for a while i have been busy with home work and after school activities, i have been doing better and now when i think about you it hurts alot but not as much as it used to im finally starting to understand but not completly why you died i know that your in a better place and your happy but i really miss you as much as everyone else does.i keep dreaming about you and thats a good thing because it makes me feel like your still here and the eight hours that i dream of you is like a thousand years because its me and you and its a happy feeling that you get accept for this one bad dream that i had i dont really like to talk about it because it scares me but neways i mostly have good dreams where me and you are talking or me and some other people are having a good laugh. these are times i know its getting harder because its like once you think your almost over it you fall back down i dont know about everyone else but thats what happens to me.i miss baby gary and trent i feel like i havent seen them in a while but i saw them last month.daddy baby gary looks just like you and i think when he grows up hes going to look exzactly like you well it is getting late so i will write to you next time.. love kelsey"
kelsey walters of tx

"i love you so so much uncle Gary"

"Gary,
I know that you really dont remember me, but I have been one of Johnna's best friend since high school, yeah we lost touch for a few years, but we were reunited right before your death. In fact she was at my house helping us celebrate my sons first birthday when you were killed. That is one day I will never forget, my sons first birthday is the same day of your death.

Johnna and I have been able to spend lots of time together just like we did through high school and college. Our kids get to play together. Trent has gotten my son Cameron into dinosaurs (not as much as he is, but I think he is on his way). My youngest Stephen cant wait to play with Trace, he is trying, but Trace doesn't understand yet.

You will not believe how much he has grown. At 3 months old he is already rolling over and trying to crawl. I look at the pictures that Johnna has all over her house of you and man, Trace looks more like you everday, and as Trent is grown up his looks are of you more and more. Can you beleive that he is the teahers pet at school, he comes home with all A's.

As for Johnna, there are days that she is good and days that are really hard. She is impacted by things she sees, hears and reads. I can never imagine what she is going through. She tells me stories about when yall lived in Georgia, my favorite is the game yall would play on the phone about who loved who more. Just those simle words "I Love You More" and you saying "No I Love You More" make me realize what a special realionship you had.

Please look over her and the boys, as I know you are, and help them to make it through all the rough times and remember the good ones.

Oh by the way the tree that Johnna had planted next to you has to be the best looking one in the whole cemetary, she is out there all the time taking care of it and your grave. Its ok that the marker is not there yet, to me I feel that its like the final closure to your death and some of us (like me) are not ready for it.

May you rest in Peace."
Stephanie Migura of Meyersville, TX

"Last night Steven was playing around with one of our old video cameras (which we haven't touched since December 2003). I was on the computer doing my homework, not paying much attention to him. All of a sudden, I heard your voice...it was only for a few seconds but it startled me nonetheless (it was from our last visit home before coming to Germany in July 2003). I was hoping there was more but we inadvertently taped over the visit. There were a couple of pictures of you with Kevin, John, and Steven. You know, that was the last time I saw you alive; the last time all of us would be at mom's...yeah, we talked on the phone and wrote each other letters over the years but I hadn't realized how long it had been since I had seen you until I saw the date stamp on the video.

This has been a difficult month since you should (a word they teach you not to say in counseling) have been home, standing on the parade field with your family anxiously awaiting to greet you. I guess you are home in a manner of speaking, just not the way anyone would have envisioned.

Good night for now my brother; I'll be seeing you in my dreams."
Michele

"Everyone please remember what this site is for. It is not a way of communicating with anyone other than Gary and to offer condolences to his loved ones. Please remember and honor that. This website is a gift that shouldn't be abused. Thank You"

"Well said, Michele. This board is meant to honor Gary, not perpetuate a childish and mindless game of who loves more. When I post, I mention our family, only, because I am privy to only our family's feelings. "Marine wife" has the right to express her feelings (although I believe she has had a post removed in the past as being inappropriate) but she should be very sure she has all the facts before making a public statement. As you and Heather left your email addresses, I hope "Marine wife" was honorable enough to contact you to find out just exactly what it is that you and Heather have been dealing with this month on Gary's behalf. Actually, on behalf of all our women and men who have lost their lives in Iraq and elsewhere. It's a shame that you've been made to feel that you have to share such a horror but it may stop some of this nonsense.

Gary was loved by many and we should each handle our grief in a manner that honors him; not in a manner that attempts to call attention to ourselves. No matter how much we adults suffer, the ones hurt most by Gary's death are the children. Baby Gary will never know his father except through all the ones who knew and loved his father. Kelsey, Jayde, and Trent have their memories but need loving support from all who knew and loved their father. Gavin needs this same loving support. Gary's nieces and nephews have special needs in understanding what happened.

If anyone objects to anything I say on this board, please feel free to email me. My address is porkysmom@aol.com and I am Gary's aunt."
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK

"Gary, I miss you as much as i did when you left us. I can't begin to tell you how devestating it is to lose a child. To watch you grow from a tiny little person to the fine young man that you are. I shared in all your sorrows and your joys. I remember when you called me and told me you finally had your wife and how happy you were. I was happy for you too. Ya'll had so many plans for when you got back from Iraq. I wish there was a way to take your place so you could have had that life but of course God wanted you now. We all miss and love you so much. We will never let your memory die. I am so very proud of you and always have been. Love mom"
margaret stanley of victoria, tex

"Gary, I had the most uplifting counseling experience yesterday, and I finally felt a sense of relief and peace I had not felt in weeks. Please watch over the soldiers who came in contact with you that horrible April day. I was traumatized by secondary means so I can only imagine the nightmare they witnessed first hand.

-Heather, don't be discouraged by the meaningless, ignorant words of a few nor feel like you need to justify anything (we serve our God, not others). If people need to believe we waste precious time and energy bashing another, let them (God knows the truth as do we and that's what really matters). It is out of arrogance and unawareness for which they speak and it's comical. It's kind of like that song that goes, "I bet you think this song is about you, don't you, don't you?" Their narrow-mindedness allows them to create a completely false sense of reality in order to mask their feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth.

This is not a contest on who loves or misses Gary more and never has been as far as we have been concerned. Gary meant so much to so many people in different capacities (i.e. son, husband, father, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend, mentor, soldier, etc.); does that in any way diminish the feelings of anyone he touched? I think not, and it's absolutely absurd to try and do so! Love takes many forms depending on the type of relationship and to delineate which relationship weighs more than another is disgustingly sad. We have so much more going on in our lives than to focus on such infantile antics.

Gary, when will the madness end?

Michele
mscarter71@yahoo.com"

""MARINE" wife-
Not to turn my brother's message board into anything but a memorial; I must comment on your "everyone talking about Johnna". If you are referring to messages left about what we have been through this month (January) - it has nothing to do with Johnna- We have been through something that you do not know. Something that has us questioning some of the soldier's intent overseas. So, please, when accusing people please know what we are meaning. Aside from one of my sister's comments about the headstone, I believe we have moved forward from anything but respecting who my brother was. So if you want to know what pain our family has endured- please ask- instead of pointing fingers. One more thing- you don't know how much we miss Gary- so please- keep your comments to yourself. Thank you- here's my email- heather564@hotmail.com"
Heather "An ARMY sister"

"Gary
your wife misses you just as much if not more that your family. Im so tired of people making comments about Johnna. They might not say her name but they make it pretty clear about who they are talking about.
Johnna loves you and misses you more than anyone knows. Wish you were here.
A MARINE wife from Tx"

"My darling one -- I don't know if the horror wll ever end for your mom and sisters, but I do want you to know that you are so loved by your family that your mother, children, sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc., have a huge hole in their hearts with your loss. I want you back. This hurts too much."
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK USA

"You were on my mind today...things were kind of hectic at the beginning of the month (as I'm sure you know), and caused us to relive the pain of your death over again. I believe this is all part of God's plan but my faith in the goodness of the human spirit has definitely been shaken. Seeking resolution took a lot out of me, but I have been blessed with the help of some wonderful, caring people (especially 1LT Goodin and my counselor, Pat).

You are extremely missed by so many. I love you, 'BBB'."
Michele

"WELL BUBBA TODAY MARKS ANOTHER MONTH SINCE YOU LEFT US.TIME IS JUST FLYING BY & WE STILL MISS YOU SO MUCH.MOM'S GETTING YOU A GRAVESTONE. GRANTED IT'S A FOOT STONE SINCE SHE'S NOT ALLOWED TO GET YOUR HEADSTONE BUT AT LEAST EVERYONE WILL KNOW WHO IS IN THERE. WELL ANYWAY WE STILL LOVE YA & MISS YA SO MUCH.KEEP WATCHING OVER US ALL ESPECIALLY YOUR CHILDREN & OUR MOM.LOVE YA LITTLE BROTHER."

""To be a child is to know the joy of living, to HAVE a child is to know the beauty of life." Your heart never mends when you lose your child. One can not tell parents to put aside their grief. To all the parents that have lost a child; my heart bleeds for you."
A sympathetic Mother of USA

"hey dad something very sad happened today and you know what it was my friends boyfriend got killed in a fire that occured this morning even though i didnt know him i miss him as much as everybody else does.dad please watch over him hes inly a teenager like me and im sure he misses everyone down here"
kelsey walters of victoria

"Man Gary when I was talking to Kelsey the other day she just didnt seem the same. I kept and kept asking her what was wrong but she would'nt tell me. She just seemed so depressed and sad. I kept trying to make her laugh but it would'nt work. But I know ya'lls memories together might. This holiday was really hard. Everytime I get on this website and write you something I start to cry it's like an automatic reaction. JUst thinking of you hurts. Man Gary everyday I ask myself why dose it have to be Gary, why him, why and I never find the answer but 1 day I will. I will kno why GOD took ur life. I will kno when I get to HEAVEN and see you waiting there with ur bright smile. I love and miss you Gary."
TRISTAN of Kitzigen, Germany

"I Did Not Die

Do not stand at my grave and forever weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and forever cry.
I am not there. I did not die.

by Melinda Sue Pacho

Mom, I know the holidays have been hard for you. Although Gary's physical being may be gone, death cannot rob you of the memories. You are the reason Gary was born; his flesh was of yours and he is all around you. There is no greater bond than that of a mother and her child, and there will come a time when that bond is once again reunited. Until then, we can share our stories of his memory, and laugh at his antics. You know he was not one to take life so serious, and he would wander why we make all of the fuss. After all, he got us good in the end, and it was him who had the last laugh!!!"
Michele

"Kelsey, Jayde, Trent, Gavin & Gary, Jr.,

Your father was a brave man who had such a positive impact on so many. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. May God bless you all."
A Grateful American

"well dad today is Christmas and it sure was one of those hard holidays i miss you so much like you calling me on christmas eve and telling me to go to nanas house and opening presents or and day after you passed away i really miss you and this year and for the rest of my life i wont see you or have your kind smile laughing or making fron of us i really miss that well the memories count too well love you and miss you love kelsey"
kelsey of victoria

"It's Christmas, a time to think about family and loved ones. Believe me, Gary, you are on a lot of peoples minds. It's a sad Christmas without your smiling mug around.... You're always on our minds and in our hearts. We miss you very much and that will never go away. Merry Christmas dude. Love you always..."
Uncle Tommy, Aunt Pat, and Sandy of SA, TX/USA

"Not only is today Christmas Eve, but today marks eight months since you have been gone. I love and miss you more than words can express. Merry Christmas brother."
Heather

"HEY BUBBA WELL IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS & WE THINK OF YOU MORE & MORE.WE ALL MISS YOU SO MUCH & I KNOW YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS.YEAH I TOO LIKE MICHELLE WAS REMEBERING OUR HOMEMADE TREE.IT WAS FUN & WHEN WE USE TO DRESS YOU UP.REMEBER THAT SUCH BLACKMAIL MATERIAL WE NEVER GOT TO USE.SOMETIMES I WISH WE WERE KIDS AGAIN.EVEN THOUGH WEREN'T ALL THAT CLOSE AS WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN WE ALL LOVED EACH OTHER & WATCHED FOR ONE ANOTHER.THOSE WERE THE GOOD OLD DAYS.SOMEDAY WE'LL ALL BE TOGETHER AS A FAMILY AGAIN EVEN WITH GRANDMA & GRANDPA.LOVE YOU SO MUCH BUBBA.I HAVE MY BUMPER STICKER WITH YOUR PICTURE ON IT ON THE BACK OF MY TRUCK SO EVERYONE CAN SEE THAT I HAVE A HERO AS MY BUBBA.I WISH MOM WOULD WRITE ON HERE SOMETIME CAUSE I THINK IT WOULD DO HER GOOD TO LET HER SORROW OUT.I KNOW IT HELPS ALL OF US.MERRY CHRISTMAS BUBBA LOVE YA & MISS YA DEARLY."
BIG SIS of MISSOURI

"UNCLE GARY, JUST WANTED TO WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS . IT WONT BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU .I HAVE TOLD ALL MY NEW FRIENDS THAT MY UNLE WAS A HERO . AND THAT IS TRUE .I FOUND A POEM AND COPIED IT FOR U .IT GOES.TIMES TO CHANGE TIME FOR WAR TIME FOR PEACE TIME FOR LIFE TIME FOR DEATH.TO BE TOGETHER TO BE APART.A TIME FOR BRAVERY AND COURAGE TO FALLEN HEROS EVERY WHERE.WE MISS YOU
LOVE YOU ALL WAYS UNCLE GARY..."
AMANDA JONES of joplin mo

"My dearest brother, Christmas just isn't going to be the same this year or any year there after for that matter. You have weighed heavily on my heart lately and perhaps it is due to the approaching holidays. I had a dream about the Christmas we persuaded grandma and papa to let us chop down our own tree. It was such an unsightly tree but we loved it just the same. I think we even ate more of the popcorn than we strung. It's funny how memories I haven't thought about in years come flooding back.

As I see the welcome home signs going up around our post, I am filled with such a deep sadness. Although you came home, it was definitely not the welcome home we dreamt of. You will forever be in our hearts. We sure could use an angel this Christmas season. Merry Christmas Gary. We love you!"
Michele, Steven, Tawnee, Tristan & Arikka

"I read this message board quite often, as Gary was a friend of mine in High School and I just wanted to wish him and his Family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Even though he is gone, he will NEVER be forgotten. The first few years will be the hardest ever, but his memory will live on.
God Bless you all!"
of Victoria, Tx.

"Merry Christmas Pappi. I think of you all of the time. I miss you so much, but I'm grateful to God for letting you be a part of my life. You are always in my prayers. Love you."

"Merry Christmas Gary."

"Love you more"

"IT IS THE SOLDIER
It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag."
unknown

"Thinking of you and missing you this holiday season. Love you lots!"
Heather

"Hey Gary,
I was just thinking about you today. I was talking to my dad about you, and he told me that he also served with the 3rd Infantry Division in Korea back in 1951. He wore the same patch you had. I just bought my "Retirement" cap, and although I didn't serve with the 3ID, i'll be proud to wear your Division pin. I miss you Gary. And remember, when we meet again, the beer's on me. Much Love Brother...."
SFC Eddie Ledesma (Retired) of El Paso, Texas

"to a real soldier that I've gotten to know for only a blink fo an eye. I was in alpha bat from the first deployment and left in june 2004 so my time was short. even in that amount of time, he always seem to surprise me with the fortitude and eternal strength of an amazing individual. some times I wish that i have never reclassed. cause it seems that i missed out on knowng him more."
sgt john dougherty of B co2nd 29th inf, FT.Benning GA

"We said grace this year with watery eyes and it was truly hard to be thankful on this 24th. You are not forgotten and remain in our prayers."

"WELL YESTERDAY WAS THANKSGIVING AND I WAS UPSET BECAUSE YOU WERNT THERE TO SHARE THE LAUGH OR THE JOY. THINKING OF YOU I WROTE THIS POEM. I THANK YOU FOR BEING THE BEST DAD THE MEMORIES OF YOU WILL ALWAYS LAST I WILL COUNT EACH DAY AS IT PAST.UNTIL OUR FAMILY IS IN HEAVEN I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS. I LOVE YOU YOUR IN MY THOUGHTS AND I MISS YOU WITH ALL MY HEART."
KELSEY

"hey pappi, just wanted to let u know i'm thinking of you. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I will continue to pray for the family, because I know they miss you, as do I. Please watch over us, and remember you are always in my heart. love you."

"dear Gary

I know that tommorrow marks seven months that you have been gone from your family but I want to tell your family that I hope that they have a happy thanksgiving and if any of them need someone to talk to they can call me on my cell phone number which is 361-655-1054. thanks and may god bless your family...."
Tammy Lee Beck of Goliad, Texas

"Joyfully tomorrow will be a day of thanks while subsequently being a day of sorrow (as it marks seven months to the day you were taken from us). I am thankful to God for having had over 31 years with you in my life. Looking back, all of the disagreements we had over the years seem so inconsequential now. It is my hope that in the despair your death has left wrought, I will emerge a much better daughter, sister, wife, mother, and just basically an overall genuinely good being. You are and will forever be in my heart. I love you my brother."
Michele

"well bubba a few more days before thanksgiving.just wanted to let you know how all of us appreciate the sacrifice you have made for our country.i still think the war is unnecessary but who am i to say.anyway we'll all be thinking of you on the day of thanks.we all love you & miss you so much that words can never say.i know our feast will not compare to yours but i'm ready for it.well love you bubba & please watch over us as we make our way home to mom tomorrow.thank-you for everything you have done."
big sis of JOPLIN,MO

"TEARS FOR YOUR FALLEN

Just the thought of what you went through and the lasting memory of the loss of your loved one,
who died serving our great country and fellow Americans grips this parent's heart,
so very much that words fail to capture what truly yours must feel.
I see the little one with those innocent bright eyes and toothless happy grins giving those adoring big hugs out of pure, unconditional love...even now as an adult.
Misty eyes, followed by the tears, cannot be hidden,
knowing a parent's blind love of their child can only be expressed in memories past,
looking upwards above in prayer, sharing words with loved ones and friends, and somber visits to the grave.
And while there will always be that tremendous pride in valiantly being there for country, fellow citizens, and you...
Nothing can ever replace seeing your little grown, walking through the door and giving you a happy, loving smile and a big ole hug.

your a true hero Gary W Walters"
Tammy Lee Beck of Goliad, Texas

"Hey Uncle Gary,
It's been a long time since I heard you say "what brat". When you said it,it kinda got on my nerves but now I miss it. Every time you scared me and Kelsey I miss that too. You would lock us in the bathroom saying Bloodymary or tell us grandma is gonna get you. I remember all of them. I got the shirt and the bumper sticker that nana got made. I am going to wear my shirt tommorrow. I really want to see lil Gary but I probably wont ever get to see him in person, just in photos. I really miss being in Texas with Kelsey and nana and them. I hope you get a good head stone because I think you deserve a good one. Well I gotta go. I love and miss you bye."
Tristan Ledesma of Kitzingen, Germany

"Hey Dubya, I just thought I should let you know that Johnna and your children are doing very good and you would be proud of them for handling the events left in the wake of your death in the manner they are. I talk to Johnna all the time and try to give her the guidance that you would give.
I can't wait till we get out of this place, but I'm always going to feel like I'm leaving something behind. Everytime we pass by that spot in the road I become paralyzed of the memory of what I saw that day. But somehow it's made me a stronger person. You know you were always like a big brother to me and you've taught me so much...things that I use everyday and that I'm going to teach my kids. You left me with a good looking godson too, and I promise that if I'm called upon to raise him I will do my very best. We all love you and miss you here. Please watch over us."
Gary Monroe of A 1/9 FA, Baghdad

"Hello this is Tammy Beck from Goliad. I didn't know Gary and his family but I think that Gary is a true hero and may he rest in peace. Johnna can you please email me sometime at TammyLBeck2001@yahoo.com or can I please have your email address so I can email you? thanks"
Tammy Lee Beck of Goliad, Texas

"As much as they themselves hurt, Michele, Racheal, and Heather have never failed to be there for your mom. They have indeed poured their hearts into honoring your memory. Please ask God to also continue to bless Kristal and Kristi as they have supported your mom wholeheartedly as she took the necessary steps to honor your wishes for your children. Gary, there is so much love for you that time will not diminish. I know you are as proud of your mother and sisters as they (and we all) are of you. It would be so nice to be able to tell you that face-to-face. Someday, we shall. Love, Uncle Ron and Aunt Sandy"
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK

"There was a ceremony in our footprint in honor of Veteran's Day yesterday but I couldn't bring myself to attend. Even though it's going on the seventh month, the pain is very fresh. The smallest things make me cry again; grief is definitely cyclic. The events of this past week will finally allow everyone to move on, and did give mom the closure she so desparately needed. A huge weight has been lifted from her and I know you have been her Guardian Angel throughout this whole ordeal, afterall, she's always been your biggest cheerleader, and continues to do so.

It's very fitting the Gary's Care Packages drive is happening close to Veteran's Day; what a wonderful tribute to you. The citizen's of Victoria have been so generous so far, and are more than willing to do their part to honor you. I know you would be so proud of Heather, Heather, and Nora. They took a tragedy and made it a labor of love. Brian is also working on a project to honor and memorialize you, and I pray that it reaches fruition. Gary, people truly do care and appreciate the sacrifice you and our family have given. You embody the meaning of the word 'hero'; what a fantastic legacy you have given your children."
All my love, Michele

"WELL TOMORROW IS VEDRIANS DAY AND IM VERY SAD BUT IN A WAY PROUD VERY PROUD.IM JUST THINKING OF ALL 0F OUR US SOLDIERS THAT RISKED THIER LIVES TRYING TO PROTECT OUR NATION AND THE INACENT PEOPLE OF IRAQ LIKE THE KIDS AND SOME ADULTS.EVERYDAY I PRAY FOR OUR SOLDIERS THAT ARE IN IRAQ FIGHTING AND DYING TRYING TO DO THE THINGS THAT ARE RIGHT AND I CERTIANLY DO WISH YOU WERE HERE BUT ONLY THE GOOD THOUGHTS OF YOU CAN HELP MY GREIVING SOUL, I LOVE YOU DAD HAPPY VEDRANS DAY."
KELSEY WALTERS of VICTORIA TX

"SSG Epps: As Gary's aunt, I would like to thank you for your kind words about him. He was a good man and it's comforting to know that he will be remembered as such. As for baby Gary, Gary's mother was allowed to see him once and reports that he looks so much like Gary did. With the exception of weight, of course! Gary has always been a big guy and weighed over 10 lbs at birth. It will be good when you are home and can meet the little guy in person. We continue to pray for the safe return of all our men and women in Iraq. Please know that America does support her troops."
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK

"to the family of cpl walters, sorry for the lost of gary he was a true soldier and warrior and we all love him and he will never be forgotten. be safe and we cant wait to get home and see gary walters III."
SSG EPPS,DESHAUN of IRAQ, A 1/9 FA

"HI DAD I WROTE A POEM FOR YOU YESTERDAY IN CLASS AND HERE IT IS, I REMEMBER THE DAY YOU DIED I SURE DID CRY AND CRY I SURE DO WISH YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO GO BUT NOW THAT YOUR IN HEAVEN I WONT LET MY FEARS SHOW YOU WERE THE PERSON I COULD LOOK UP TO YOU WERE ALWAYS MY HERO AND I TRULY THANK YOU.LOVE KELSEY"
KELSEY of VICTORIA

"I was thinking about you on my long drive home from class this weekend. I remember that pudgy little boy who used to chase me around the house. I also remember the brother who stood up for me that day on the playground with those teenage boys. No matter how much we may have fought, when the chips were down, we were there for eachother.

I know I'm just rambling but I can't believe it's been six months. The pain is still very much real; I'm waiting for the day when it will lessen (if ever a day comes). I guess I just needed to feel closer to you, and since I can't visit you, this is the next best thing. I miss you baby brother."
Michele

"HAE DAD I REALLY HAVEN'T BEEN WRITTING BUT I AM SO HERE I GO I GOT TO SEE TRACE AND HE LOOKS JUST LIKE A MINNY PICTURE OF YOU I WILL TELL HIM EVERYTHING TO TOLD ME OR TAUGHT ME OR HOW MUCH OF A GOOD PERSON YOU WERE I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DADDY LIVE KELSEY..."
KELSEY WALTERS of VICTORIA

"WELL BUBBA FINALLY GOT A MINUTE TO DROP YOU A LINE.WELL YOU KNOW THE HOLIDAYS ARE VAST APPROACHING & IT'S GONNA BE TOUGH FOR THIS WILL BE THE FIRST HOLIDAY WITHOUT YOU HERE PHYSICALLY.YOU WILL BE THERE IN SPIRIT I KNOW.I'M GOING DOWN TO MOM'S SO SHE'LL HAVE A FEW OF US BY HER TO GET THROUGH WHAT'S GOING TO BE A ROUGH HOLIDAY.I WISH MICHELLE COULD BE THERE TOO THEN SHE'D HAVE ALL OF HOME AGAIN.EVEN THOUGH WE CAN'T SEE YOU I KNOW YOU'LL BE THERE TOO.SCARE THE KIDS WOULD YA.DID YOU PLANT THAT SNAKE IN MOM'S DRAIN?THAT WAS FUNNY & I KNOW YOU'RE UP THERE LAUGHING AT HER.I KNOW I DID.THAT WAS PROBABLY A PICTURE MOMENT.WELL BUBBA WE LOVE YOU & MISS YOU SO MUCH.I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL.YOU'RE A TRUE AMERICAN HERO."
SIS of MO

"Gary, Michele sent me the link to baby Gary's hospital website. He is a darling. As I understand it, that is how your mom has been able to see him, also. We continue to pray that the great love Johnna has expressed for you will help her heal and then baby Gary will be a source of healing for every member of your family. As with all of your children, you done good. Much love,"
Aunt Sandy of Ardmore, OK

"Kelsey, I think of u all of the time. Remember when we went to McDonalds, the mall, and the movies? I miss you sweetie, and i'm so sorry about your Daddy. I miss him terribly too. I'd really like to hear from you. Email me at fmautumn2ashes@yahoo.com I hope to hear from you soon."
of Victoria, TX

"even though we had no children, i think of you often. i was lucky to have the time that i did with you, and i hold you and your children very dear to my heart. no one but God, and you know the emotional turmoil i'm going through right now. But I pray for your soul every night and day. I miss you."
p.o.s. of Victoria, TX

"WELL I GOT TO SEE YOUR BEAUTIFUL BABY BOY TODAY.HE LOOKS JUST LIKE YOU DID WHEN YOU WERE BORN.POOR KID.JUST KIDDING BUBBA.HE'S SO CUTE.I HOPE MOM GETS TO SEE HIM & HOLD HIM.I THINK THAT WOULD BRING HER SOME COMFORT BECAUSE HE'S THE SPLITTING IMAGE OF YOU.WELL LOOK AFTER ALL YOUR KIDS AS I KNOW YOU DO.WE LOVE YOU & STILL MISS YOU DEARLY.SEE YA WHEN I SEE YA.LOVE YA."
RACH/SIS of MO

"Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you, just like I do everyday. Your beautiful baby girl is growing up so fast and even though she is a girl she looks so much like you. This december she will become a teenager and yeah I know I will have to keep a close eye on her. I wish you could be here sometimes to keep her in check, she always thought the world of you and still does as for me she says I'm to little to be taken serious. I guess we'll get by. I'll continue to keep you in my prayers bye for now."
kristy of victoria,tx

"to the family and friends of Gary -

I remember Gary from High School. He was always a big, scary guy until you got to know him. I finally got to know him a little after we graduated. I came back to Victoria on leave from the Marine Corps and had a chance to talk and hang out with Gary. He told me he was impressed that I had the fortitude to join the Marines, I really wasn't that kind of person in high school. (too small, too scrawny). He was always one of those guys that other guys try to impress, just because of his physical stature. He made me feel really good about the choices I had made in my life with our discussion. I only had those few hours back in April 2001 but I feel better for having them. I just now found out about Gary's passing and I can honestly say that no matter how infrequently I thought about our discussion, it always stayed with me. So much so that I still have his phone # programmed into my phone. I had always planned to keep in touch, no matter how infrequently. I am finding it hard to express my feelings having just found out, let's just say I feel the sorrow of not being able to reconnect with someone from my past. I know this feeling is nothing compared to what those who lived with and cared for Gary daily have gone through and will go through, but it is still there.

May God bless Gary's family, friends and every person whose lives were enriched just by knowing this wonderful person."
Jason M. Gomez of Los Angeles, CA

"Gary, you've been on my mind a lot lately; maybe it's because of the birth of your last child quickly approaching or the uncertainty of Steven having to redeploy. All I know is I can't sleep and have been having nightmares just like I did those first few weeks after your death. Damn it Gary!!!! There are days I'm so furious at you for placing others' needs before your own and then there are days that I am so proud of you for doing just that. I know, it doesn't make any sense. I guess it didn't help that I watched the video from the funeral. I thought I was ready to watch it but I was wrong. I sure do miss you."
Michele

"I'M Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day.
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found peace at the close of that day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life's been full, I savored much.
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee.
God wanted me now, He set me free.

- unknown

Thinking of you always Gary. I can't say this enough, we love and miss you."
Heather

"Gary, you are alive in our hearts. The people that you impacted in life continue to bless our family. I have not met SSG David Walker, who was injured in the explosion that killed you. But through your mom and Uncle Tommy, I know how much he has helped by becoming a part of our family. He wanted to see your mom, so Uncle Tommy and Aunt Pat took him down there last weekend for a family get-together. Kelsey and Jayde were both there and they seem to derive some comfort from knowing David as do the members of our family.

I have been blessed by meeting - through email - Pfc. Elizabeth Tea, who served with you in Iraq. Having so many brothers, she looked up to you as a big brother. As your mom is not online, Miss Tea will write her a letter, sharing her stories of your time in Iraq while she knew you. Elizabeth is going back the first of September so please ask God to watch over her and bless her family with peace.

Your mom is glad she went to Germany to visit Michele and family. As you know, it was very hard for her. Having not lost a child, I had no right telling her that you would not want her life to stop or that she has other children to think about. No one knows the pain she is suffering except someone who has lost a beloved child. I am proud of her.

This also got her away from the, unfortunate, fight to honor your wishes concerning your children. No matter how it ends, you do know that your mom tried her best to do what you said you wanted.

Please ask God to bless your mom, Johnna, your children, your sisters, and the rest of your family with the peace that comes from knowing that you are in a perfect place. We love you so much and thank God that you are a part of our lives, you big varmint.

Much love from one of the "hoboes", Aunt Sandy"
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK

"HEY BABY BROTHER WAS THINKING ABOUT YOU TODAY.WISH YOU COULD COME BACK HOME TO US.THE HOLIDAY'S COMING UP QUICK & IT'S GONNA BE QUITE DIFFERENT YOU NOT BEING H
THERE WITH ALL OF US.I'M GOING DOWN FOR THANKSGIVING CAUSE YOU KNOW IT'S GONNA BE HARD ON MOM.THE FIRST MAJOR HOLIDAY WITHOUT YOU HERE PHYSICALLY IS GONNA BE REAL HARD ON MOM.I KNOW YOU'RE WITH US IN OUR HEARTS BUT IT'S JUST NOT THE SAME.IT DOESN'T EVEN FEEL LIKE FOUR MONTHS HAVE PASSED.THEY'RE SENDING OUR TROOPS FROM HERE OUT TO IRAQ ON MONDAY.WELL I LOVE YOU & HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER US & HELP MOM FOR WHICH IS ABOUT TO ENDEVER.ALL OF US LOVE YOU."
RACHEAL of JOPLIN,MO

"Four months have come and gone, and the pain of your death is just as fresh as ever. Gary, we sure do need some help down here. Please help our family to mend and not allow differences to continue to divide. I sure do miss you baby brother."
Michele

"I was just thinking of you and Johnna today and decided to say thank you for making her so happy. She is like a daughter to me and I was so blessed to spend some time with her after we laid you to rest. God, she loves you so much and you made her so happy. That is so special, some people search a lifetime to find the love that you and Johnna shared. God blessed both of you with that love. Gary, I never really had the opportunity to meet you, but listening to Johnna, you were special to so many. My son, John is on his second tour in Iraq and I am so proud of him and what he is doing. You are loved and you shared that love with our great country and the world. You will forever be in hearts and your family will always be in everyone prayers. God Bless you and your beautiful family and thank you for being such a beautiful example to your fellow soldiers. Johnna, thank you for sharing your husband with the world and thank you for just being a beautiful and loving wife and mother."
Momma B of Houston, TX

"I just wanted to let you know your all in my thoughs and prayers. May your memory of him live on. Gary Thank you for what you did for this country...."
Kim Zeigler (PFC Kenneth E. Zeigler's sister) KIA May 12, 2005 of York, Pa

"hey dad im at the libary right now typing to you sometimes i just like to go to the libary and relax because im bored and my sisters are noisey and the libary is quiet and cool to hang out in.i really miss you very much and i love you so much bye love you."
kelsey walters of victoria tx

"HEY DAD I HAD A DREAM THAT YOU TOLD ME THAT YOU WERE OK AND I DIDN'T HAVE TO WORRY BECAUSE YOU WERE FINE AND IN A BETTER PLACE YOU WERE OK AND YOU LOVED ME AND EVERYTIME I THINK ABOUT IT I CRY AND THINK ABOUT YOU AND IN MY HEAD ITS SAYING YOUR THE GREATEST DAD IN THE WORLD ON TV I GET SAD WHEN I SEE A SOLDIER LIKE YOU I GO TO THE OTHER ROOM AND CRY BECAUSE I CANT BARE IT OR WHEN I MISS YOUR VOICE I PRESS MY BEAR AND SINK MY FACE IN IT AND CRY BECAUSE I MISS YOU SO MUCH.I LOVE YOU AND I WOULDENT HAVE EVEN IMANGINED THIS YOUR SUCH A GREAT GUY AND I KNOW YOUR WATCHING OVER ALL OF US LIKE THE PLANE THAT CRASHED IN THE WAY TO PARIS I KNOW YOU WERE WATCHING NANNA TRISTAN ERICA MAICHELLE TAWNEE STEVEN BECAUSE IF THEY WOULD HAVE LEFT A DAY AFTER THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THAT PLANE THAT CRASH I KNOW THAT YOU WATCHED THEM ON THIER WAY TO PARIS TO MAKE SURE THEY WERE OK.DADDY I LOVE YOU AND WHEN I DREAM OF YOU I NEVER WANT TO WAKE UP BECAUSE THEY MAKE ME FEEL HAPPY AND INSTEAD OF FEELING SAD OR DEPRESSED IM OK THATS WHY EVERYTIME ITS TIME TO GO TO BED IM SO HAPPY BECAUSE I CANT WAIT TO DREAM OF YOU.DADDY I LOVE YOU AND I MISS YOU."
KELSEY WALTERS of VICTORIA TX

"Johnna, You were like a daughter to me, and I want to say that you are an amazing strong women. I am glad that you and Gary finally got married and made a family together,it took a long time to get there and then your time together was much to short, but be assured that he truly loved you, as you do him. Take care of yourself. Thank you Gary for your selfless sacrafice for our Freedom, you are a true HERO."
pauline Tipton of Victoria,Tx

"well finally have time to pass a note to you.i'm sending your picture in to our news station.they're doing trading cards on our nations heroes.i think that would be a great way to honor your memory by everyone knowing what you have sacrificed for them.i know you wouldn't mind.well hope you're doing well up there & please help mom through her flight to germany today.she's real nervous cause all the terrorist things happening to london.just watch over her.well bubba i guess i'll let you go for now.love you so much & you're always on my mind.take care & watch over everyone that loves you."
sis of MO.

"HEY DAD IM HERE READING A BOOK MY MOM GOT ME AND THERS A STORY CALLED THE MIRCALE GARY LEFT AND IT MAKES ME SAD.EVERY NOW AND THEN I THINK ABOUT YOU AND I GET DOWN AND CRY BUT I KNOW ITS ALRIGHT BECAUSE YOUR STILL WITH ME IN MY HEART WATCHING OVER ME AND EVERYONE ELSE MAKING SURE NOTHING BAD HAPPENS AND SEEING WHAT WE DO I LOVE YOU DADDY YOUR ALWAYS GOING TO BE MY HERO NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS I WILL ALWAYS LOOK UP TO YOU I LOVE YOU."
KELSEY WALTERS of VICTORIA TX

"If tears could build a stairway,
and Memories a lane
I would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you home."

author unknown

"I Love You-Happy Anniversary"
Johnna of Victoria Tx

"Hi Baby, one year ago today we finally exchanged vows and became a family. You made me the happiest person on earth that day and We both decided that dreams do come true. Little did we know that nine months later God would take you from me and the kids. I try and remember what you would always tell me, that things happen for a reason, but you being gone is something I will probably never understand. Not a moment goes by that I dont think about you. When our baby moves inside me or when Trent looks at me and just smiles I cant help but think of you. He is so much like you. You would be so proud of him and I know you are. Gary, I am trying so hard to be strong but there are times that missing you overwhelms me. Just the other day I almost bought a shirt for you but I caught myself and then there are times I wake up and grab the phone to try and call you but then reality sets in that your gone and not just away and that horrible lonely feeling comes back. I know you watch over all of us but its just not the same. There are times I feel this wave of peace and strength come over me and I know you are there with me, holding me, letting me know you love me. I am not sure what I am saying is making sense but I think I just needed put it in writing. I know we will be together again someday so until then please keep an eye on everyone and keep them safe. I love and miss you so much, Happy Anniversary my love. Always and Forever. Your beautiful baby, Johnna"
Johnna of Victoria Tx

"We just got back from church, and the service was rather fitting on this day. It was about death and dealing with grief, and I cried through the whole service. I left with such a sense of peace that I had not felt in months. I think I am finally ready to accept the fact that you're gone, and there's no way you're coming back. Acceptance in no way means that you will be forgotten but I can no longer let my grief and guilt consume me. I know this will be easier said then done however.

I know today is your first wedding anniversary and this is definitely not how you and Johnna planned to spend it. I hope that she finds comfort in knowing that although it feels like a lifetime now, she will one day be reunited with you, as will we all. Until that day, all we can really do is find a way to continue to live in a way that honors you. Happy anniversary my brother. I love you."
Michele

"Just thinking about you on this three month mark. A few weeks ago, the girls and I were eating lunch at this cafe by the beach when a man walked passed us. I swear he could've been your twin; I couldn't moved and was filled with such sadness at the realization that he was in fact not you.

Thank you for teaching me to not take life so serious, and to learn to slow down and enjoy the blessings God has given me. I try and live each day to the fullest (some days I succeed better than others)."
Michele

"Hey Uncle Gary,
I talked to Kelsey yesterday. We talked about this one song called One More Day by Diamond Rio. It reminds Kelsey and I of you. Me and Kelsey already know what collage we are going to. It is the one in Austin. She want us to be roomates. Nana is going to be here next week. I am so happy. But still so sad. Kelsey told me that sometimes it feels like your there with her. Every time I look at your pictures I think,I cant believe this happened. Kelsey might be coming over here next year. I cant wait. I put pictures of you on my hi5 page. Well I love and miss you so much. Bye."
Tristan Ledesma of Kitzingen, Germany

"I was thinking of you all day today. Sometimes I make believe you are still just overseas, it's easier that way. Today was one of the "he is really gone" days. I miss you Bubba. Love you with all my heart!"
Heather

"To all of Gary's Family, I wish to extend my sincere condolence. Gary is truly an American Hero who has helped to prevent another 9/11 on our country. He will always be remembered and honored. Gary as I am reading is a great Dad and family man. I pray that God is giving you all the strength you need. God Bless all of you."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"UNCLE GARY I MISS YOU SO MUCH I REALLY WISH YOU WERE ALIVE THE 4 OF JULY WAS FUN BUT WITHOUT YOU IT WASNT THAT FUN.
THE 2 OF JULY WE LOSTS ONE OF ARE CATS.
HE DIDED OF OLD AGE BUT AT LEAST I KNOW HES WITH YOU AND IN A GOOD PLACE.MY BIRTHDAY COMING UP .BUT EVEN THOUGH
YOUR NOT HERE WITH US IN PERSON .I KNOW YOUR GOING TO BE THERE IN SPIRIT .WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH YOU DID A GOOD THING BY SERVING OUR COUNTRY AND I PROMISE YOU WE WILL GET THE PEOPLE WHO TOOK YOU FROM US."
ROO of JOPLIN/MO

"HEY DAD TODAY IS INDEPENDENCE DAY AND I REALLY MISS YOU ON THIS DAY BECAUSE YOU WOULD ALWAYS POP FIRE WORKS WITH ME AND JAYDE AND TRENT AND THE REST OF OUR FAMILY I KNOW THAT EVER HOLIDAY IS NEVER GOING TO BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU HERE YOUR MY HERO DAD YOU'VE ALWAYS HAVE BEEN. I THANK YOU FOR FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM ,DADDY I LOVE YOU AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!"
KELSEY WALTERS of VICTORIA TX

"You were on my mind today; I was thinking back to the times when we were younger and would look forward to going to grandma´s house to pop fireworks. We thought that sparklers were the coolest thing because those were the only fireworks we were allowed to touch.
This year however, the 4th holds a special meaning. Your sacrifice will live on and will always be remembered. We truly understand now that freedom isn´t truly free. Love ya Gary."
Michele of Germany

"Today is a day of celebration, but for us it's a day of remembrance and sorrow. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Thankyou for doing what you thought was right and for the greatest gift of all freedom."
Kristy of Victoria,Tx

"We thought of you with love today
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday
And days before that too.

We think of you in silence
We often speak your name.

Now all we have are memories
And your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake
With which we'll never part

God has you in His keeping
We have you in our Heart.

Author Unknown"

"Rest in Peace. My nephew often spoke of you. Thank you for protecting us.

Brenda Brooks(aunt of SSG. William J. Brooks who died in Baghdad,Iraq, May 03,2005 from Fort Stewart, Georgia.)""
Brenda of Birmingham

"WELL IT'S BEEN TWO MONTHS AGO TODAY SINCE YOU WENT AWAY.WE STILL MISS YOU SO MUCH & WISH YOU WOULD COME BACK.I KNOW YOU'RE IN A MUCH BETTER PLACE & WE'LL ALL BR REUNITED ONE DAY.I KNOW YOU'RE WATCHING OVER ALL OF US & I THINK THAT'S HOW WE GET BY DAY TO DAY.WELL BABY BROTHER I LOVE YOU & CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DAY WHEN WE'RE ALL A FAMILY AGAIN.I GUESS NOW YOU GET TO KEEP GRANDMA COMPANY.LOVE YA WILL TALK AGAIN SOON."
YOUR SIS of MO

"Tomorrow earmarks two months since that dark April Sunday. It feels like an eternity has passed since you left us, and yet, it also feels as if it were yesterday that you were with us. For me, seeing a grief counselor and being part of a group who have experienced loss due to war has been a great comfort to me. When I let the thought settle in that you really are gone, I lose it. I finally mananged to put your letters and pictures in a scrap book of some sorts. I also found solace in that; to hold letters you once touched, and to see the pictures of us growing up. It brought back many fond memories that I had not thought about in years. I know we had you for 31 years but being selfish, we wanted more. Those 31 years seemed to pass in the blink of an eye (I know mom would attest to that). I'm sure this will continue to be a lifelong struggle to come to terms with your untimely death. We do our best to comfort mom but I cannot imagine what it feels like to lose a child. I look at my daughters, and shudder at the thought of outliving my children (no matter how old they get). You just cannot replace a son, a brother, or a father.

I know you see how things have gotten out of hand since your death. Rest assured baby brother that you did the right things by your children, which is the reason you joined the Army to begin with. It is not your fault that there are those who are trying to twist your words to fit their selfish needs. I have faith that you knew what you were doing, and so do those who truly knew and loved you. You would never want anyone to do to mom and Kelsey and Jayde what has been done to them. Unfortunately, once things have been done, it is hard to come back later and apologize and expect to be forgiven. I know, I've gotten on my soap box; I guess some things will never change.

On another note, thank you for bringing SSG Walker into our lives. He has nothing but the utmost respect for you. If it were not for him, we would not know how you were in Iraq as he's the only one who has made an effort to reach out to our side of the family, and to acknowledge our pain. Kelsey and Jayde even had the opportunity to meet him, and learn about you during the deployment. I know it was a comfort to them to hear about their courageous dad. He has earned our respect as well, and we've welcomed him into our family, and he vice versa. Please continue to watch over him as he has a long road to recovery ahead, not just physically but emotionally as well. Luckily, he's in a place where we have family to visit him (which they do every weekend if possible).

Well 'BBB' (Heather and I know how much you loved that nickname), I love you and miss you still. Who would've thought I'd miss those conversations we had on the drives home from your graveyard shifts in North Carolina; I would give anything to have those days back (even though I griped about having to get up in the middle of the night to pick you up because you couldn't drive)."
Michele of Germany

"HAPPY FATHERS DAY DADDY I PUT YOUR THINGS I GOT YOU ON YOUR GRAVE AND I HAVE A STORY THAT HAPPENED AFTER I LEFT THE CEMENTARY.WELL I PUT I LOVE YOU DADDY AND A HEART WITH MY NAME BY IT AND WHEN WE WERE GOING TO HEB I SAW THE SAME HEART IN THE SKY AND I WAS LIKE NO IT COULDN'T BE COULD IT AND THING IN THE SKY THE CLOUDS SPELLED I LOVE YOU IN PERFECT WORDS AND MY MOM SAW IT TOO AND SHE SAYS THATS DADDY TELLING YOU HE LOVES YOU AND THANKING YOU FOR WHAT YOU GOT HIM.DAD I WAS AMAZED AND I KNOW IT HAD TO BE YOU BECAUSE WHEN I SAW THOSE LETTERS AND SHAPES IN THE SKY I JUST CRIED LIKE TEARS OF JOY.I THOUGHT IT WAS YOU PUTTING THE HEART TO SHOW ME YOU KNEW THAT I PUT THE ROCK AND EXZACLY WHAT IT SAID AND YOU WERE SO HAPPY THAT I CAME TO VIST YOU ON FATHERS DAY THAT YOU PUT THESE EXZACT WORDS I LOVE U AND I LOVE YOU AND KNOW THAT YOU REALLY ARE WATCHING OVER ME.HAPPY FATHERS DAY LOVE KELSEY."
KELSEY WALTERS of VICTORIA TEXAS

"Happy Father's Day, Gary. The great love you had for all of your children is well known by all who knew you. And best of all, your children were, and are, secure in that love. Your mother continues to try to honor your wishes for your children, as you knew she would.

When Grandma died, Tristan helped me the most when she told me that every time she felt sad, she just looked up toward Heaven and smiled. I hope you can see us smiling for you.
Love, Aunt Sandy & Uncle Ron"
Sandy Floyd of Ardmore, OK USA

"Happy Father's Day."
Kelsey & Kristy of victoria,tx

"Happy Father's Day, Gary! We love and miss you!"
Kevin, Heather & Emery

"Happy Father's Day."
Michele, Steven, Tawnee, Tristan & Arikka of Germany

"DAD IT'S HARDER ON ME NOW THAT I CAN'T HELP BUT MISS YOU MORE THAN I EVER HAVE I CRY EVERY NOW AND THEN AND I WRITE SONGS AND POEMS FOR YOU EVERYDAY IT HELPS ME GET MY MIND OFF SADNESS.MY STOMAC GETS SICK EVERYTIME I MISS YOU AND ASK MYSELF WHY DID THIS HAPPEND TO MY DAD?I'M GLAD THAT YOUR SAFE AND HAPPPY IN HEAVEN INSTED OF THAT TERRIBLE PLACE IRAQ.I LOVE YOU DAD BYE."
KELSEY WALTERS of VICTORIA TEXAS

"HEY UNCLE GARY,
I WROTE YOU ANOTHER POEM. KELSEY INSPIRED ME TO WRITE ANOTHER ONE. IT'S CALLED SINCE GARY WENT AWAY. SO HERE IT IS.

MY LIFE FEELS LIKE ITS TURNED UPSIDEDOWN
SINCE GARY WENT AWAY,
I TRY TO KEEP A SMILE ON MY FACE BUT INSIDE IT IS JUST A FROWN,
NOTHING IS THE SAME AND EVERYTHING IS CHANGED
SINCE GARY WENT AWAY,
I ALWAYS NEW THAT 1 DAY WOULD COME WHEN GOD TOOK HIM AWAY FROM US
I JUST WISH THAT HE WOULDN'T HAVE DIED SO SOON,
AND WHEN THAT FAITFUL DAY CAME
I WASN'T READY TO HEAR THAT
GARY WENT AWAY

I HOPE YOU LIKE IT UNCLE GARY. I MISS AND LOVE YOU SO MUCH. AROUND 12:00 OVER HERE IN GERMANY I WILL CALL KELSEY. I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I STILL CHECK ON HER. I HAVE TO SHE IS LIKE MY SISTER. I MISS AND LOVE YOU. BYE"
TRISTAN LEDESMA of KITZIGEN,GERMANY

"Gary, I wish I could have known you better, there just wasn't enough time. You and Johnna struggled thru so many problems and hard times to be together, to be a family centered around Trent, Jade and Kelsey. Johnna and Trent miss you so much,as I am sure Jade and Kelsy do. Johnna is having a hard time, but manages by keeping you always in her heart and concentrating on Trent and little GW, to make sure he arrives safe and sound.My prayers we always for Trent to have his mommy and daddy, he loved and needed you both so much. I know you are watching over Johnna, and all of the kids, as well as you mom.The kids won't be able to grow up with their dad, but they will always know you and how much you loved all of them,that will be the life mission of all of us. We will do our best to stand in for you. I know you are allways with Johnna watching over her."
Judith( Johnna"s Mom) of Smithville, Tx

"UNCLE GARY YOU LEFT TO SOON WE ALL MISS YOU KELSY AND NANA MISSES YOU WELL WE ALL MISS YOUDOWN HERE THE ONE QUSTION IN MY HEAD IS WHY YOU ARE GONE AND NO ONE ELSE IS . BUT ONE OF THESE DAYS WERE GOING TO BE A FAMILY AGAIN LIK WE ALL WANT.WE LOVE SO MUCH AND REMEBER YOUR OUR HERO AND NO ONE CAN BREAK THAT.LOVE YOU SO MUCH."
AMANDA JONES of JOPLIN/MISSOURI

"HEY UNCLE GARY,
EVERYDAY BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP I THINK ABOUT YOU. THERE IS NEVER A DAY THAT GOES BY WITHOUT ME THINKING ABOUT YOU. I WISH THAT YOU WOULD JUST COME BACK. IT IS HARD WITHOUT YOU. PEOPLE IN THE FAMILY ARE DOING SOME CRAZY TRHINGS AND I KNOW YOU SEE THAT. AND IT IS ALL OVER GREED. I CALL KELSEY ONCE A WEEK KNOW BUT THAT IS GOING TO CHANGE WHEN I GET OUT OF SCHOOL. I WILL CALL HER MORE. WHEN I SHOW MY FRIENDS YOUR PICTURE THEY ARE LIKE MAN HE'S CUTE. I STILL CANT SEE WHY GOD TOOK YOU SO SOON. MAYBE IN HEAVEN THEY NEEDED A WONDERFUL MAN LIKE YOU UP THERE TO LEAD AND GUIDE ALL THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN. I WAS GOING TO WRITE YOU A LETTER WITH THE CHARM YOU GAVE ME IN IT. I AM SORRY FOR NOT WRITTING TO YOU. MAYBE THAT ONE LETTER COULD HAVE MADE A DIFFERNCE. I MISS AND LOVE YOU SO MUCH WE ALL DO. WELL BYE."
Tristan Ledesma of Kitzigen,Germany

"DAD LAST NIGHT I WROTE THIS POEM FOR YOU ITS CALLED"TOGETHER AGAIN",OUR LAUGHTS WERE FUN OUR MEALS WERE GREAT BUT NOW THAT YOUR GONE ITS SOMETHING I JUST CAN'T FACE DAD YOU WERE A GOOD MAN YOU DIDN'T DESERVE TO DIE BUT I GUESS EVERYONE DOES IN AWILE.I KNOW WELL BE TOGETHER AGAIN AND THIS I'M SURE ITS GOING TO BE IN HEAVEN.WHEN YOU LEFT YOU LEFT A HOLE IN MY CHEST THATS WHY I CAN'T WAIT TILL WERE TOGETHER AGAIN.
I LOVE YOU DAD HAPPY FATHERS DAY."
KELSEY WALTERS of VICTORIA TEXAS

"HEY DAD TODAY WERE GOING TO THE MOVIES
BUT I JUST CAN'T GET MY MIND OFF YOU,I
LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND I DON'T THINK IT WAS YOUR TIME TO GO.I KNOW YOU WANTED FOR US TO HAVE A GOOD LIFE AND I THANK YOU FOR BEING TO ONLY PERSON I CAN LOOK UP TO NOW YOUR MY HERO DAD.I STILL REMEMBER WHEN I WOULD MAKE YOU LAUGH EVERY TIME I TOLD YOU ABOUT THAT GIRL
AT WATERBERGER AND YOU COULD HEAR HERE
SHE SAID MAN THAT BOY IS CUTE AND I HEARD HER.DAD I'M GLAD I KNEW YOU ULIKE MY LITTLE UNBORN BROTHER,BUT LET ME TELL YOU I'LL MAKE SURE HE KNEW WHAT A WONDERFUL DAD YOU WERE AND WHAT YOU
SCARFICED FOR OUR COUNTRY.DAD EVERYONE LOVES YOU YOU HAVE A BUNCH OF FLOWERS FROM EVERYONE.DAD FOR FATHERS DAY I'M GOING TO PUT THE THINGS I GOT YOU ON YOUR GRAVE.I GOT YOU A ROCK THAT SAYS LOVE AND THIS THING YOU STICK IN THE GROUND THAT HAS FLOWERS ON IT.DAD EVERYTIME I THINK ABOUT YOU MY STOMAC HURTS AND I BLAME MYSELF FOR NOT SPENDING ALL THE TIME I COULD SPEND WITH YOU AND THAT MAKES ME ANGRY.DAD I'D DO ANYTHING JUST TO HEAR YOU LAUGH OR SEE YOUR HANDSOME FACE OR LISEN TO YOU TELL ME I LOVE YOU KELSEY AND I WILL ALWAYS DO GOOD IN SCHOOL WELL I GOT TO GO WERE LEAVING TO THE MOVIES"
KELSEY WALTERS of VICTORIA TEXAS

"UNCLE GARY WE MISS YOU SO MUCH . AND ARE PROUD OF YOU TO.YOUR MISSED DEARLY HEAR.BUT ALOT OF US DONT GET WHY YOU DIED . OR WHY GOD TOOK YOU AWAY.I STILL
CANT SLEEP SOMETIMES AT NIGHT.TODAY IT TOOK ME 30 SECONDS TO UNLOCK MY LOCK.BUT WHY YOU WERE NEXT TO GO I WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND FOR A WHILE. BUT SOMETIMES I THINK YOUR DEATH WAS MY FAULT.WE MISS YOU DEARLY .BUT YOU SHOULD BE WHATCHING OVER ALL OF US.NOT JUST US.ME AND MOM ARE MISSING YOU SO MUCH.ITS BEEN LIKE A TWO MONTHS AND I THINK 42 DAYS WHEN YOU LEFT US BEHIND.COME BACK TO US THATS ALL I WANT IS TO SEE YOU ONE MORE TIME. LOVE YOU."
ROO of MISSOURI COME BACK UNCLE GARY

"Kelsey, my heart breaks for you; I too find comfort in this message board. I hope you know that your dad loved you kids more than anything in this world. You, Jayde, and Trent were everything to him and brought him the most joy than anyone else he encountered. He loved you guys equally and there wasn't anything that he would not do for his children.

I know that things seem very crazy right now but your dad joined the Army so that he could provide for his kids and take care of you as a father should. He wanted to become someone you would be proud to call your dad, and he did just that. I sincerely hope though that you do not blame yourself for his death. He joined the Army because he felt it was the right thing to do. He was tired of working dead end jobs and not being able to adequately take care of his children. He finally found where he fit in and was happy. He was happy that for the first time in his life he was able to be a man and stand on his own two feet.

He would be so proud of you and the way you have handled this whole situation. You are a strong, beautiful, remarkable young lady, and I hope that one day his memory will bring you more joy than pain. It was not his choice to leave you because he understood the importance of a father's influence but for reasons unbeknownst to us, God choose to call him home. Although he may be gone from us physically, he lives on in each one of you. We are so thankful that Gary left us such precious gifts to keep his legacy alive."
Love, Aunt Michele & Uncle Steven of Germany

"DAD ITS BEEN 1 MONTH AND 13 DAYS AND I CAN'T HELP BUT MISS YOU SO MUCH.I HAVE THIS SONG THAT REMINDS ME OF YOU AND ME ITS CALLED PROBLEY WOULDN'T BE THIS WAY. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR WATCHING OVER MY GRANDPA HE PROBLY WOULDN'T BE HERE RIGHT NOW.DAD I MISS YOU SO MUCH I'M JUST GLAD YOU MADE SURE WE WERE TAKEN CARE OF AND WAS SUCH A GOOD DAD.I KNOW YOUR LOOKING DOWN AT US AND SEEING OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ACCEPT YOUR IN A BETTER PLACE WATCHING THEM.I JUST WISH YOU WERE HERE I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR YOU TO COME BACK BUT I KNOW YOUR HAPPY UP IN HEAVEN.ABOUT 3WEEKS AGO I WAS ASLEEP AND I AWOKE SUDDENLY AND SAW A AN ARM THAT WAS BIG AND MUSSUCLAR JUST LIKE YOURS AND I THOUGHT I WAS DREAMING BUT I COULDNT MOVE AND I TRIED TO CALL MY MOM BY I COULDNT SPEAK AND WHEN THAT ARM DISSAPEARED I COULD MOVE AGAIN.THE OTHER DREAM I HAD WAS A GUY THAT LOOKED JUST LIKE YOU HAD EYES LIGHTER THAN YOURS LIKE AN ANGLE EYE COLOR AND HE TOLD ME THAT HIS NAME WAS JUST GARY WALTERS AND AN GOD SENT HIM TO TALK TO ME AND HE TOLD ME THAT YOU WERE OK AND HE KEPT REPEATING IT OVER AND OVER AND THAT HE WAS GOING TO SHOW ME WHAT HAPPEND TO YOU AND THAT YOU WERE OK.AND I THOUGHT THIS WAS YOU TALKING TO ME IN MY DREAM BECAUSE THE ANGLE KEPT HUGGING ME AND AND GIVING ME KISSES AND SMILING AT ME JUST LIKE YOU USED TO DO.I STILL HAVENT FORGOT THAT DREAM BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS YOU SAYING HEY IM OK DONT WORRY.SOMETIMES WHEN IM LYING IN BED I FEEL LIKE YOUR RIGHT BY ME TRYING TO COMFORT ME AND TRYING TO WIPE MY TEARS.WELL DADDY I MISS YOU VERY MUCH AND WHEN I TALK TO YOU ON FALLEN HEROS ITS JUST LIKE ME TALKING TO YOU ON THE PHONE.WELL I LOVE YOU DADDY BYE."
KELSEY NICOLE WALTERS of VICTORIA TEXAS

"HEY UNCLE GARY OUR FAMILY MISSES YOU VERY MUCH HOPE YOU CAN READ OUR MESSAGES JUST WONDERING WHEN WE CAN BE A FAMILY I HAD A DREAM LAST NIGHT OF YOU . BUT I DIDNT TELL ANYONE YET NOT EVEN MOM JUST WHY DID HAVE TO BE YOU NOT SOME ONE ELS
I GUESS I WILL FIND OUT LATER WHEN IM OLD ENOUGH JUST ONE THING I PROMISING YOU AND THAT IS I WILL MAKE IT THROUGH JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL. I PROMISE YOU THAT . JUST WHATCH OVER YOUR FAMILY LIKE YOU WATCHED OVER MOM AND DAD . WITH OUT YOU THEY WOULD PROBABLY BE GONE TO. THANK YOU UNCLE GARY FOR BEING HERE FOR US . WATCH OVER YOUR BODS UP IN HEAVEN TO STOP WHAT HAPPEND TO YOU.
LOVE YOU SO MUCH.THAT YOUR MY HERO.INSTEAD OF SPIDER-MAN ."
ROO NISCE of MISOURI

"uncle gary i miss you so much please watch over our family like every one wants . just to let you know we lone you
and were proud of you."
amanda jones aka roo of JASPER MISSOURI

"I didn't know Gary, I got this link from his sister. Based on what she has shared about him, I know that he was truly loved... and was a wonderful man. I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you to Gary and to his family for all that he gave to his fellow Americans. He will always be a hero to us all."
Rodney of NC, USA

"Dear Walters Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for peace and comfort in your lives as you struggle to move on from such a tragic time. I didn't know Cpl. Walters, and I don't think I know any of you. But when I visit my mom's grave, I'll be sure to stop by Cpl Walter's final resting place and say a prayer for you all and for peace in the world. Blessings to you all."
Anonymous "neighbor" of Victoria, TX

"uncle gary i miss you so much that i wish it was a dream when mom told me you passed i was devestated that you were dead . i really dont want to celebrate independence day. but i know you want us to be happy and celebrate .but the pepole you should watch over more are nana and your kids and sisters. even though i dont know you that well . i still think of you as a hero. but thank you for letting nana be the trust of the money.i will miss you and when i get older i will tell my kids my uncle was a hero and he dided with honor. thank you also for saving us that night . love so much ."
amanda j aka roo of jasper\joplin \mo

"SORRY I HAVEN'T BEEN ON HERE FOR AWHILE BUBBA BUT I STILL THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.WE ALL STILL MISS YOU & IT'S STILL LIKE A NIGHTMARE OR SOMETHING YOU SEE IN THE MOVIES.IT'S NOT REAL.I KNOW ONE DAY WE'LL ALL BE A FAMILY AGAIN JUST LIKE MOM WANTS.I MADE A MEMORIAL TO HONOR YOU & IT'S HANGING ON MY WALL IN THE SHOP.ONE OF MY DRIVERS/FRIENDS ALSO MADE ME ONE FOR YOU.IT'S REALLY NICE TOO.YOU REALLY ARE ALL OF OUR HEROES & WE'RE SO VERY PROUD YOU TURNED YOUR LIFE AROUND JUST WISH YOU COULD BE HERE WITH ALL OF US.WELL HOPE YOU'RE LIVING PROUD UP THERE.WE ALL MISS YOU HERE & LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.HOPE YOU PARTIED HARD ON YOUR BIRTHDAY LIKE YOU ALWAYS DID.I KNOW YOU'RE WATCHING DOWN ON ALL OF US.IT WAS WIERD ON MY TRIP TO LA.TWO WEEK-ENDS AGO WHEN I HEARD YOU CALL MY NAME WHEN I WAS ASLEEP.THAT STARTLED ME TO WAKE UP & SEE MY HUSBAND ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL & WE WERE ROUNDING A CURB.I KNOW YOU SAVED MY LIFE THAT NIGHT BUT I'VE NEVER TOLD ANYONE ABOUT IT BECAUSE YOU KNOW EVERYONE'S SKEPTICAL ABOUT THINGS LIKE THAT.GOTTA GO BACK TO WORK NOW.LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART."
YOUR SIS RACH of MO.

"Hey Uncle Gary,
when it was my birthday Saturday I didn't really want to do anything for my birthday. Because I know that I am never going to get to here you say Happy Birthday to me again. I really want Kelsey to come over here because being with me might help her get a little bit better because she talks to me about it and I talk to her. Kelsey is the only one who I talk to about it. Well I miss and love you so much. I wish that you would come back. I never got a chance to say goodbye and I love you or call you uncle. I love and miss you."
Tristan Ledesma of Kitzigen, Germany

"Im so sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to the family left behind. May God Bless you and keep you safe."
Francine of Boones mill Va

"Dubya, Hey bro. It's been a month and 2 days since you left us. I've been keeping in touch with your wife and she's getting better as well as Trent too. I told her that if there was anything that they needed to let me know and I'll be there, just like you always were for me. I also mailed her some things from us and we had some armbands made, I'm going to mail her mine. I know I tell you every night that you were like an older brother to me and that you've taught me so much about life, but i can't say it enough. Terra mailed me some of the pictures we had of me and you so I put them on my wall. I get a laugh every time I look at them remembering all the good times we had... Love you old man."
SPC Gary Monroe of A 1/9FA, Baghdad, Iraq

"To the family and friends of Cpl Gary Walters Jr.

I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray that you find comfort in your time of sorrow. Cpl Walters will always be a hero in our eyes.

Michele, we have never met but you have touched a place in my heart that will remain forever. I feel your loss and your pain. I am so sorry that you lost your brother. My prayers are with you and your entire family.

"Our Soldiers Our Heros"
Dee Robertson of Grand Prairie, TX

"I hope in time peace will come to your whole family. He was a brave soldier.
So sorry for your family's loss."
Bonnie of Deerfield, WI

"It's been a month since you have passed
The memories of you will always last
Your smile, your laugh, your sense of humor
Will get us through the days that loom
I love you Bubba, I always have
Even with all the spats we had
You grew up and became a man
Joined the Army, off to the land of sand
You stayed strong, your spirits high
That fateful morning you went and died
You served our country, Iraq Freedom
Now eternally serving Heaven's Kingdom

Physically you aren't here, my heart and mind you're always near!

I love and miss you so much!"
Heather

"There is nothing I can say to take your pain way. I do want you to know you are in our prayers. Iam so proud of this young man who gave his life up so that We could continue to have our freedom. For this we will always be so greatful Our son is in Iraq and we pray for his safe return. God Bless you and your family."
Irv and Cheryl Gross of Weirton WV

"To the family and friends of Cpl. Gary Walters Jr. I pray that comfort and peace will come to you in time. I wish to extend to you my heartfelt sympathy to you and to your son, husband, father, brother or friend I extend to you my sincere gratitude for his selfless service to our country. May he rest in the comfort of his heavenly home. May God Bless You All!

Love and Prayers,
Lidia Martinez PAM of Anthony-Iraq"
Lidia Martinez of Katy, Texas

"What can I say? It's been a month today since our lives were turned upside down. It doesn't seem like it's been that long but then there are times when it feels like an eternity has passed. I do fine when I don't think about the reality of it all; it's when the reality starts to settle in that I feel as if I can't get out of bed in the morning. I keep telling myself that this is still just a perpetual nightmare and that one day, I'm going to wake to find everything the way it was post 24 Apr. I know only time can heal these wounds but I'm not sure if some wounds can be healed. Your loss is a great one for all who knew you. My baby brother, I miss you."
Michele of Germany

"i dont know you at all but you seem like a really nice man. tristan really misses you and crys about you everyday. in class tristan read the poem she made for you and the class says they liked it. my apoligies go to your family."
tristan's best friend jasmine of kitzingen, Germany

"Hey Uncle Gary,
I was lookin at pictures from your funeral and I started to cry. I miss you so much. You were and still are my favorite uncle. I will never forget you. NEVER. And when I have kids I will NOT forget to tell them what a wonderful man you were. Uncle Gary you are my hero. I love and miss you so much."
Tristan Ledesma of Kitzingen, Germany

"We have found great comfort in this board, and are very grateful for its inception. We are deeply saddened however, that Gary's name is being used as a marketing ploy. We do not subscribe to such tactics and do not condone this type of behavior. The circumstances surrounding Gary's death (which have been accurately posted on the DOD website from which Mr. Rivera gets his information)do not need to be exagerrated. We will continue to honor Gary's memory despite the best efforts of a few to capitalize on his death. Those involved will one day answer to a higher judge for their transgressions. Please continue to share your thoughts as they have been a great comfort to us in dealing with the loss a truly remarkable man."
Gary's family and friends

"Happy birthday Gary."
Kristy of Victoria,Tx

"Hey Uncle Gary,
Happy Birthday. I miss you so much. I wrote a poem for you and here it is.It's called How Can You Be Gone?
I can still here your voice
Can still smell the sweetness of your colongh
Can't believe you made that choice
to go to Baghdad all alone
I think of you in my prayers
And take your picture with me everywere
How Can You Be Gone?
When I look at the sky I see your face
Can't beleive you went to that horrible
place
I think of you night and day
Even when the sky is grey
How Can You Be Gone?
I can still picture you working out in nana's garage
Hopeing that you will get to the place you belong
This has brought sorrow for all
But it is not like it's your fault
We will meet you again
In a better place hopeing to see
Your smiling face
Please watch over us
As we all must
Say
How Can You Be Gone?"
Tristan Ledesma of Kitzingen, Germany

"Happy Birthday, Gary. You were "someone important" from the day you were born. With love,"
Aunt Sandy and Uncle Ron of Ardmore, OK USA

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!I would never forget this day because to you and everyone else it's very very special.Dad I know your looking down at us and your seeing everthing thats going on and may be laughing at some of the crazy stuff we do.Dad me,Jayde,and Trent are doing the best we can to not think very much of what happened.Dad you really are a hero and I love you and will always until were together in heaven.LOVE YOU SO MUCH,LOVE KELSEY."
KELSEY WALTERS of VICTORIA,TX

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUBBA.WE ALL MISS YOU VERY MUCH.EVEN THOUGH I WAS HUNDREDS OF MILES AWAY & DIDN'T GET TO SEE YOU MUCH I LOVED YOU & THOUGHT ABOUT YOU ALWAYS.I REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I SAW YOU WHEN I WAS AT MOM'S & YOU PUT COLOGNE IN MY FACE AT 2:30 IN THE MORNING.YOU ALWAYS WERE A PAIN BUT WE LOVE YOU ANYWAY.YOU'LL BE GREATLY MISSED BY US ALL.LOVE YOU & HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
RACHEAL of MISSOURI

"Happy Birthday Bubba! I miss you so much, there isn't a day or night that goes by without me thinking of you. Today I am taking Mom to see SSgt. Walker, she just has to see the person who was with you last. I don't really know what else to say even though thoughts are constantly running through my head. I just miss you and wish you were here. Love you more than you knew,"
Heather of Texas

"Baby brother, well, our birthday is here, and I got to tell you, I don't feel much like celebrating. When I was at mom's, I came across a picture of us when we were much younger standing in front of a cake mom had made and divided in half by a line of icing. I sure wish we could go back to those simpler times; and back to the times when I convinced you to give the Army another try. I feel like as your older sister, I was supposed to look after you, and had I have known this would be the outcome, I would've helped you to pursue other avenues to get your life back together. I'm also sorry for not writing to you when you were deployed. I was so caught up in everything going on in my life, and kept telling myself I had plenty of time because you were going to be there for a year. I hope you realized how much I love you, and that you made everyone so proud. I know you're looking down, and seeing what's going on (kind of like what we witnessed when grandma died). Just continue to be the angel the family needs right now so that things will work out as you meant them too. I had no idea how well you planned everything out just in case you weren't to come back. I must admit, I was surprised but also proud that you finally got your act together, and took care of what needed to be taken care of. Again, I am amazed at the man you became; who would've ever thought that pudgy little boy from the projects would grow up to be a hero."
Michele

"Walt...Big Kuntry it's Gunny P man. It has taken me a while to get up here and say anything. I definnitely can say that I am a better person for knowing you. I can still see that smile of yours man.You are truly a hero and will be greatly missed. For your family, my prayers are with you. You are our family too. If there is anything needed feel free to ask. BIG DAWGS OFF THE CHAIN! ASSASSINS"
SSG CARLOS PARKER of A BTRY 1/9TH FA

"Dad I really miss you I can't believe this happend to my olny cool and hero dad. I can't take a nother day without you and I wish to be back in your arms where I belong.Dad you were the best and I will never forget what you did for not only our family but millions of other familys.Dad talking to Tristan really helped me not stress so much.I hope your doing fine up there without me because I'm not doing so good without you.Dad I remember when I went to nanna's house and watched home movies and when I was in frount of the camera, you never put down you were so happy that I was your daughter and I thank you for being the greatest dad I could ever have I just wish that you were still here to see my accomplishments ,along with Jayde's,Trent's,and my new baby brother witch you will never see.Dad when you first signed up for the army and you took me and Jayde to three different stores to buy anything we wanted and I still have the bear you got me and I want you to know that I will always treasure it.Dad I was going to send you Birthday card Sunday but diddn't get the chance to.Dad I can't believe this happend to you I wish it was just a nightmare that I would wake up from but I know that being in Heaven is better than being in Iraq.Dad I love you and your in my prayers and that your my dad and until the day we'll be together I will be dreaming of you.LOVE KELSEY [YOUR DAUGHTER]"
KELSEY NICOLE WALTERS of victoria Tx

"Uncle Gary, I miss you so much and can't believe that this happened to an incredible man. Everybody misses you so much and I do too. I wish you would come back. I still have the charm that you gave me. I am and will always cherish it forever. I feel that your death is some what my fault because you told me that the charm you gave me is for good luck and I should've sent it to you. Maybe this wouldn't have happened if I would've sent you it. I wonder too what you are doing in heaven. But I know that God is taking care of you and always will be until we meet again. Kelsey is trying to do the best she can. I know that she hurts inside, you can tell but me and Kelsey talked about it. She will only really talk to me about your death too. I just can't believe that God took you so soon. When momma told me that we were going back to the States I was so happy until she told me why. I couldn't take it and still can't. Kelsey and I wrote you a poem we were going to read them but we couldn't bare it. I have to write a 5 paragragh essay on who is my hero in language arts; I picked you. Uncle Gary you are my hero and always will be. I love and miss you so much."
Tristan Ledesma of Kitzingen, Germany

"Dad you left so sudden and I miss you so much that everytime I think about you I can't help but cry.Dad before you went to Iraq and me and Jayde went to Gorgia I was so happy to see you.Our last dinner was the best diner Iv'e ever had with you.I want you to know that we will be together someday again and there everyone will be happy and there will be no more tears.Dad I try to do everything you wanted me to without breaking down.Dad everyday I say to my self I wonder what my dads doing in Heaven right now and I can't wait to be with him.Dad everyone miss you and so do I very much I love you and you truly are a HERO."
kelsey walters of victoria tx

"Dad I can't believe this happend to such a good man and a great dad.I wish that what happend to you wasn't true and your still here but I know that whats done is done.Dad you are a hero and very FAMOUS just like you said you always wanted to be only I wish not in this way.Dad I want you to know that I will always have you in my heart and prayers and untill the day we will reunite I will cry until I get to see the hansome look in your eyes.Dad I love you and your the dad I always wanted."
kelsey walters of victoria tx

"Dear Walters Family:
I am proud and honored to have served with Big Walt, he was the type of soldier an NCO like myself always wanted on my side, he was an inspiration to us all, especially the younger soldiers who looked up to him for leadreship and friendship. I will personally miss Big Walt. Thank you for teaching him what a true man is, because he was a hell of a man. Big Walt you will always be a "BIG DAWG OFF THE CHAIN". May God Always Bless this beautiful family."
SFC. RODNEY SANTIAGO of A 1/9 FA, 3RD INFANTRY DIVISION, ROCK OF THE MARNE AND ASSASSINS FOR LIFE

"Dear Gary and family,
I am sorry I didn't know you or your family personally. However, I am an American, and very proud to call you one of our American 'HERO"S. God bless your family, till you all meet again."
Mindy Sayre of Ohio

"There are no words to express the gratitude we have for giving unselfishly of yourself. May God Bless your family throughtout their life for the heartache they will endure because of your sacrifice. Thank you and may you rest in peace. Our sincerest sympathy."
Blanca & Danny Gammons of Samson, Alabama

"Our hearts go out to you and your family - we know the pain you feel - we lost our son SPC Clint Gertson on 2-19-05 in Mosul. Please know you are in our prayers and may GOD heal you and all your loved ones.

Love and sympathy from the entire Gertson family--

Gayle & Susan
Proud Stryker Parents"
Susan Gertson of Eagle Lake, Tx.

"Gary was more than a friend to me, he was the brother I never had. Gary and I had a lot of adventures that I couldn't have had with anyone else. I didn't meet him until my freshman year of high school. From the first time I talked to him I knew we were going to be life long friends. We shared a lot in common and had the same goals in life. He was well known and very welcomed by all of my family. We lost contact with one another for a few years right after high school when I joined the military. Once I got out we crossed paths once again and picked up right where we left off. We spent about a year running around together doing odds and end jobs. When one of us would get a job the other one would hound him until he lost his job. I remember one time when he had a job, I hung around so much at his job that they hired me too. That lasted about a week then we both got fired for goofing off too much. Employment at that time in our lives didn't matter to us, as long as we were having fun. I remember a conversation we had when we were seniors in high school. The conversation was about what we wanted to do after we graduated, of course we would joke about it all the time, but I told Gary I wanted to be a professional bum, Gary would always say "Just someone important." Well in my eyes you can't get more important than one of America's many heros. To his family I would like to extend my wishes and condolences, to Gary I would like to say "Until we cross paths again." I will always remember you, and tell my children how important you were by answering your call to America."
Mando Casarez of Longview, Texas/USA

"Johnna,
It has been a long time since we have talked. I am very sorry of the loss of your husband. God will Bless you and your family for all you have given for this country. Though he is no longer physically with you, always remember that he is watching and protecting you from heaven. You will be in our prayers forever. You were always a blessing to talk with and I know you will be a blessing bringing up your children and teaching them about their father and what a hero he is. Always -"
Stacy D. Willis of FCB(Prosperity) Ops Center, Victoria, TX

"You know it has taken me days to figure out what to say here..To: Momma Walters..."some things never change"...But sometimes things do!! When I look at you and your family I see that sometimes single Moms can be just as good if not better than two parents. You have always loved in such a complete and unselfish way (who else would let us take the car? wink..) and it has been so great to be around your family for this long! Your children have all been so blessed and have grown into outstanding parents and friends.. One of them my best friend. For many (I do mean many...Prob. enough to help with the gray. Did I say that?? Wow.. I mean Red hair) years I have had the honor of sharing your family with all of you and for that I have been so blessed. You Know for a long time I swore Gary didn't even know my "real" name..However he knew just who I was. How could he not.?. Plus with the invention of caller ID I didn’t even have to ask for Heather before he was giving me a hard time. To My best Friend Heather...Gary knew you loved him so much.. You could always tell in the non-stop talking he would do..that he loved you just as much! It will always make me laugh just to set back and think of the stories we have... and how many times we had to say "Gary you better be quiet...Don't you even tell Momma" Gary was a great guy and had really gotten his life together! I will miss going to Momma Walters and hearing those outstanding words your brother always had to say to me. I can say Gary made all of us laugh and even cry from laughing so hard many times. For most of us the line started this way..."You know I am.....you know you....." Somehow that statement was just wrong and gave me that eww..sick feeling in my stomach...I am sure he did it just to watch me gross out..Gary I will tell you know if I never did... Yes Gary you were... No, Gary that’s just gross!! You have been like an older brother to many of your sister’s friends and never missed a beat when it came to giving Heather, Jennifer and I a hard time. To Johnna you made Gary so happy he talked about you for a long time. When Heather told me you guys were married I knew you had made him so happy.. You were the love of his life and he told me one of the last times I saw him how he would never get over you. I had not come home in sometime before this night but Gary helped me to understand sometimes the roads may not always go on together but that if you love someone or something enough you can have it.. All you have to do is try. To all the kids.. Know your dad was a great Brother, Husband, and Son and he loved each of you. Even though I was not a sister I knew Gary would do anything for his family.. ok and even his sisters friend.. and most likely anyone else who needed his help. Gary you are a Hero to all of us. I loved the years of nonstop trash I got because even if you wouldn’t admit it then you loved us and I am sure you found it just as funny to tell Heather and I you were gonna tell Momma... Those nights... I don’t think Heather and I were late with the Car.. I love all of you!"
Kim Kalsey of Houston, TX

"To the family of Gary W. Walters, Jr. May God bless you and be with you in your time of need. I know all of us that knew Gary are proud of him. May God Bless"
Richard & Carrie Novakovich of Inez, Texas

"Our deepest condolences for Mrs. Walters, kids, unborn son and Mother in your time of sorrow."
Ester Alarcon & Rosalinda Salinas of Victoria, Tx

"I am sorry for your loss."
of Victoria, tx

"Gary, you would've been so proud of Johnna today. She's such a remarkable and strong woman. I was in awe of her as she stood before us. Rest assured that she will always remain a part of the family.

As for Mom, she's holding up as best she can. She too is a remarkable and strong woman who loved you so much.

It's still hard to believe you're gone. I'm so angry, and yet so proud. There were people lined up waiving flags as the procession passed, and I was comforted to know that total strangers appreciate the sacrifice you made. One person was even holding a sign that read "Our hero." You truly are our hero baby brother; oh what a man you grew up to be.

As I sat with Jayde and Kelsey before your flag draped casket, I was humbled. I was holding it all together too until Trent started crying at the funeral. To hear and see your children's pain was almost unbearable. Only time will heal our pain.
I thank you for leaving us three beautiful reminders of you, and for the son that is growing inside of Johnna.

I love you, and wish I would've told you that more often. Continue to watch over us, and give us the strength to find a way to carry on in your absence. You will always be our "BBB.""
Michele

"Dear Mrs. Stanley, Mrs. Walters and Family: Please know how deep we all feel for your families. We are very sadden by your loss, but also so very proud of your brave and courageous Soldier. I did not know Gary nor do I know any of you, but you are in my thoughts, heart and prayers. I will think of your families and Gary everyday, and I will say a prayer for you everyday.

God Bless, Protect and Guide you always.

With deepest and heartfelt sympathy."
Rita Stoeltje of Victoria TX

"We at Regal Jewelers wish to extend to the family and friends of Cpl. Gary W. Walters, Jr. our deepest condolences for the loss of Gary. We appreciate the sacrifices made for God and country. We salute and honor Gary and his family."
The Motiwala Family of Victoria, TX

"Thank you Gary for the sacrifices you
have made for our country. You have laid down your life and now Almighty God has raised you up in all His Glory.
Johnna please accept my heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices you and your children have made. As I saw your handsome husband's picture in the newspaper, my eyes were filled with tears. You too have carried a heavy load for the rest of us. God bless you and your children."
Mary Ann Buchhorn of Victoria, TX

"I just got home from Gary's funeral,and I just wanted to give my deepest sympathy to his family and all those who cared for him. I knew him in High School and saw him around here and there the past few years. He was a wonderful friend and he will be missed dearly. Thank you Gary for defending our country and may God take care of you and your family!"
Julie Gaona-Reyna of Victoria, Tx.

"Athough I did not know you, the newspaper article of your death lays in the seat where I pray each morning. Being a husband and father myself makes me appreciate the sacrifice you and others have made for us and the people of Iraq. Freedom is costly in a world that seems to oppose it. I can only say thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I will pray for your family."
Forrest of Victoria, TX/USA

"In this time of sorrow, my hope is that the family of this very brave and heroic man who gave his life not only for his country, but for democracy abroad know the great debt of gratitude in our hearts. Noone can describe the enormous feeling of loss for the family, but those that are in a fallen soldiers home town mourn along side you, whether they knew the soldier or not. Peace is plagued with a very high price and the life of our soldiers can never be measured. To the family, I would like to personally thank you for the service and extreme sacrifice made by Gary for our country and for peace. He is forever remembered in our hearts as a true hometown hero and beloved member of our community. I truly hope that Gary's wife and children will have peace and love in their hearts knowing that so many people were touched by their husband and father and that he is the perfect example of what this country was built on - love for his family, country and God. He is our guardian angel who will remain in hearts all over the world. God bless Gary and his family!"
Raquel of Victoria, Texas/USA

"To the family of Corporal Gary W. Walters, Jr. - Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of Gary. Please know the gratitude I feel in my heart for the devotion Gary had for the freedom of our nation. He is a true angel in the eyes of the Lord and a hero to all that knew him. May God bless your family and soothe your broken hearts with the memories and love you have for Gary. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
Michelle Tesch of Victoria, Texas/USA

"To the family of Corporal Gary Walters, Jr. My deepest condolences on the loss of Gary. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will be here for Jayde in his time of need. God Bless You All!"
Anna Hernandez, Juan Linn Elementary School Counselor of Victoria, Texas

"To Gary and his family,
I was a friend of Gary when were in high school. I lost touch with Gary when I joined the Air Force. I am so proud to have known you and I remember all the crazy things we used to do. Thank you for defending our country. May God Bless you and your family."
SSgt Samuel Charles of RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom

"Johnna, it broke my heart when I heard your husband was killed in Iraq. I know you will not remember me, but I babysat you when you were just a baby. I am very sorry about your loss. I know Gary must have been a wonderful man. Thank you for allowing him to defend our country.I will keep your family in my prayers. May God bless you always."
Marty (Sweet) Prosen of Port Neches, Tx

"Dear Rachel, Michelle and Margaret: It has been so many years since I've seen you and talked with you, but it has only been days since I've thought of all of you. You have remained in my thoughts all of these years.

I cannot think of any words that can possibly ease your sadness. Having read the other memorials, I know what a great job you did (Margaret) raising Gary "jr" to be an outstanding human being who performed the ultimate act of unselfishness.

Rachel and Michelle, your were precious beautiful little girls the last time I saw you.. and Gary, Jr. was the man of the family. I guess he never waivered in protecting you and all of us. I have missed all of you so much.

To Johnna, Kelsey, Trent, Jayde, baby Walters, Heather, Rachel, Michelle and I pray that you find comfort in knowing that even as a very young little boy, your husband your father, your brother showed great strength to overcome adversity.

This quote from a card I received upon my father's death has helped me- I hope you find comfort too: Remember he is not gone, he is just away...

Today, my heart is heavy and my soul is sad. I share in your loss from the bottom of my heart. Please contact me if you'd like.

Keepint you in thoughts and prayers
Love, "Aunt" Eva (Norwood)"
Eva Norwood-Belcas of River Ridge, Louisiana

"May the Lord's healing hands comfort your broken hearts. We will forever be grateful for Gary's Ultimate Sacrifice for our Freedom. We are honored to have known a True Soldier and Hero."
Cindy Pena & Robert Lara of Victoria TX

"To the Walters Family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you . Your son was a hero and we thank him for all that he did for his country.Our hearts and thoughts are with you during this time and in the future.
Our son serves in the Army and was in Iraq and will be returning in December.
We pray for you all to receive God's strength during this difficult time.
Kathy Barnette, CMC Engineering Secretary
Retired USAF Master Sergeant Dan Barnette"
of Victoria, Texas

"To Gary's Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I was good friends with you sister Heather, way back when we were in grade school. I have lost touch with her, but I very much remembered all of you when I saw this in the local newspaper. All of Victoria is saddened by your loss. God Bless Your Family, and God Bless America!!"
Melissa Parks of Victoria, Texas

"Johnna, Trent and family-

I'm truely sorry for your loss. There are no words to bring you comfort, but please know that my heart does hurt for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Johnna, if I can do anything for you, please let me know. Lots of love!"
Tiffany Crumbliss of Austin, TX

"To Mrs Stanley and Johnna my heart goes out to you and your families. You are in my prayers. I cannot even imagine the pain you are left with. Just know that his death was not in vain he is truly our AMERICAN HERO who gave up his life for our FREEDOM. He will never be FORGOTTEN!!!! To his children Kelsey, Jayde, Trent and his unborn son know that your DAD loved you very much and be proud that he gave us,THE NATION, the greatest gift our FREEDOM!!! Gary may God greet you with open arms as you enter his Kingdom. Again THANK YOU SOLDIER!! You will be Forever Loved and Missed."
ANN ROMO GAMBLE of VICTORIA, TX

"To The Family of Gary Walters,
Gary was a true hero to everyone who knew him. Gary you will always be a hero to everyone. You and Your Family are in everyone's hearts and prayers. May God Bless You All."
R.S. of Arkansas

"To the Walter's Family!
Our prayers go out to you. We will all miss Gary, who was a brave young man, taken away from his family when he was just in his prime. God will take care of his family, his wife and his children. Gary will not be forgotten by anyone, he will always be remembered, for serving his country and fighting for something bigger than we can imagine. Salutes to you SOILDER!!"
Lydia Casarez Rodriguez of Austin, Texas

"To the Family and Friends of Gary Walters Jr.:

God bless you in your time of sorrow. Stroman High School has lost a brave and noble Raider."
Stephen Maldonado of Tivoli, Texas

"Johana- the short time I had to talk to you, you touched my heart. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Gary- thank you for all you did. You are a true American hero!"
Kelly S. of Victoria, TX

"Rock Of The Marne"
SFC Simpson of 1-6 Inf, 1AD, Germany

"To The Family Of Gary Walters Jr.
Thank you from letting Walters serve with us, he was one of the best combat soldiers around I appreicated all the hard work he put in. Once again thank you he touch mine and alot people hearts"
Sgt. Doctor

"To the family of SPC Walters.
My son served with your son in Iraq and considered him a good friend. My son in still there and is praying for you and your family and has asked for prayers for you to anybody he has talked with. Your son, husband, brother will definitley be missed. Please remember you are all in our prayers."
Barbara Groves of Wendell, NC

"To the friend and family of Gary. May God be with you during your time of sorrow. Our family shares in your pain. We lost my brother SPC Shawn Davies on 7-8-04. Gary is a true hero and will always be remembered. Keep the good memories in your heart and minds until you meet with Gary again."
Toni Peters (toniannp@sbcglobal.ne) of Concord, OH

"TO THW WALTERS FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE LOST OF GARY. HE WILL NOT HAVE GIVEN HIS LIFE IN VAIN. GARY HAS TOUCHED THE GHEARTS OF MANY. THOSE IN HIS COMMUNITY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, HIS MILITARY FAMILY AND HIS OWN. GARY IS MORE THEN A SOLDIER AND A HERO! HE IS TRUELY, SOMEONE'S SOMEONE. AN THE PERSON GARY, BECAME IS BY THE RAISING OF HIS PARENT. WE AS AMERICANS SHOULD BE EXTREMELY, THANKFUL TO GARY. HE PROTECTED US AGAINST TERRORISM. AN THOSE IN IRAQ ARE GRATEFUL TO HIM; FOR A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO BE FREE! WE LOST OUR SON ALMOST A YEAR AGO. AN WE ARE THANKFUL THAT OUR GREGORY SERVED ALONG SIDE YOUR SON. FOR BOTH TRUELY, BROTHERS AS SOLDIERS. ALWAYS WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER. NOW BOTH ON A NEW MISSION. GARY WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYS. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To the family of Gary W. Walters, JR. My family honors your hero. He was a brave man who gave his life for freedom. His Courage and Honor will always be remembered. We will forever honor Gary and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
God Bless Gary and his family"
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays and family of Massillon, Ohio

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

"To the Family of Spc. Gary W. Walters, Jr. I remember Gary as a very cheerful, handsom young man that could make everybody around him smile and laugh. He always had a smile on his face and I will never forget that smile. Gary, you will be missed but not forgotten by many people that know you and love you. My deepest condolence to his Family. You are in my Prayers and Thoughts."
Heather Wendel of Victoria, Texas

"Dear Mrs. Stanley,
My name is Mary Carter-Thigpen and I am Michelle's husband, Steven's mother. I cannot imagine how you are feeling now. What I'd like to say is, hopefully, you believe in GOD and that only HE plans our life's plans. He brings us home when our job is done here. Your comfort now can only be that HE is pleased with Gary for a job well done. My heart is with you and your daughters and his family as well.
GOD BE WITH YOU DURING THIS TIME,
LOVE
MARY THIGPEN"
MARY THIGPEN of ATLANTA, GEORGIA

"To the Family of Spc. Gary W. Walters JR.,

I would just like to send my condolences on behalf of the Sims family. My husband and I are both in the military, and it breaks our hearts to lose one of our own. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers, and I would like to send a special prayer to his wife and children that were left behind. Stay strong, I know it may seem impossible right now, but please know that you have people praying for you everyday. God Bless you, and God Bless you, Spc. Gary W. Walters, JR. for a job well done."
Sims Family of Fort Bragg, N.C.

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

"My big Brother Gary,

I would have never thought that I would being leaving a message for your memory. I want the world to know how proud of you I am. I am going to miss your humor, you picking on me, you wrestling with your niece, everything that was you. I love you with all my heart. You will always be my Bubba. I'll see you when the time comes."
Heather Walters-Brown of Victoria, Texas

"To Gary's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' children. Our sons are truly heroes!

Sincerely,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern"
82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"My baby brother, you finally grew up, and became a man. I am so proud of you, and just as proud to be your sister. As I prepare to make my way back to the States, I still can't believe you're gone. I keep thinking this is just a horrible nightmare, and that you'll call Mom and tell her you're alright; that this was just a terrible mistake. Please know that we will take care of Johnna, and your children, and the baby you will never have a chance to see. Your kids will know that you are a hero, and that your death was for something much greater than ourselves. Although we can't ever understand why God choose to take you, I know you're in a better place, and looking down on us. I hope you know how much we love you, and our lives are forever changed.

Thank you for those of you who took the time to post messages. I cannot begin to express how devastated my family is but it helps to know that people do genuinely care about our service men and women who continue to serve their country in a very unforgiving land. My brother is not just another "soldier killed by an IED" that flashes across the bottom of the screen on the news. He was a living, breathing young man with a family who loved him dearly, and he meant the world to us.

Gary, I love you. I always kidded you that I wanted to have my birthday to myself and not have to share a birthday cake with you but damn it, I didn't want it like this. I'll see you in my dreams."
Michele Carter of Kitzingen, Germany

"You will never be forgotten. You're a hero and a champion!"
Catherine of New York

"Thank you Gary Walters, Jr., 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 Spc. Gary Walters, Jr.:
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 Gary for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

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