Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Jason,
On today, the 13th anniversary of your death you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Thunderbolt-Strike Swiftly!
(70th Armor motto)"

"I HAVE SOME OLD PICTURES AND LETTERS I THOUGHT YOU GUYS MIGHT WANT THEM JOSHHOLOCKER@GMAIL.COM THANK YOU"
JOSH HOLOCKER of TULSA OK USA

"Heyy I'm jason's oldest son now 13 just wanted to see the nice things ppl say about my dad who was a great man although I don't really reamer a lot like I should but it's nice to see all the nice things ppl say about him I LOVE HIM and will never 4 get him and I no no 1 else will date: JUNE 2011:"
Jason's oldest of Frisco tx

"I went to Central Middle School and jason and casey were my favorites, he will be missed. He was a great person. Im sorry for his wife and small children, but I know theyll grow up knowing what a hero he was."
Ricki of broken arrow

"To the Ward Family,
My name is James Lindke I served in the War with Jason. I was the Driver of A22 he was the loader. I just wanted to show my respects on this day to honor the memmory of a true fallen hero. Jordan please contact me if you have any questions I might be able to answer or if you just wanted to learn more about Jason and the ten months we spent together everyday before he died. I loved him very much and miss him still everyday. God bless you and your family. You can contact me on myspace or facebook under jameslindke7@yahoo.com. James lindke"
James Lindke of Chico, CA

"I went through Basic Training with Ward and I am deeply saddened by the loss. I was fortunate to meet such a nice guy. May God Bless his soul in Heaven."
Valencia of Los Angeles, California

"To Jason's family and friends,
I did not know your soldier but wanted to send my thoughts of extreeme thanks and gratitude for doing what they did. My name it Kelly (Tyrrell) Zitelman and my younger brother PFC Scott Tyrrell also died "from injuries sustained in Iraq during a non-combat related incident" in 2003. He was near an amunitions hold when it exploded on Nov. 14th and died from his injuries on Nov. 20th at Brooks Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, TX.
It has been just over 6 years for us...and I just wanted you to know that yours, as well as mine have not been forgotten. I want to thank you for the sacrifice that, not only your soldier, but all of you also gave! I hope that you are able to keep Jason's memory alive but have also learned to live with the pain of him being gone. Please know that I will be thinking of all of you and that if any of you ever need to talk with someone "that truely understands"...you can reach me at zitelmanzoo@yahoo.com
Kelly :)"
Kelly (sister to a fellow fallen soldier) of Dixon, IL

"Jason was my battle buddy throughout Basic. ive been searching for him on facebook for a long time! i am crying for him. God Bless his soul! he was a great man!"
Kenneth I. Parkerson Jr. of Coral Springs, Florida

"September 29, 2008
To the family of Pvt. Jason M. Ward:
Jason 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

"Here it is Dec2007 and I come across Jason Ward's name on the list of fallen soldiers. I went to Central Middle School and Broken Arrow High School with Jason. I had him in many of my classes over those years. Always a funny guy. Very nice person. I hope everyone is doing well that Jason left behind. I've been married for 9yrs and have a 8yr old daughter and 5yr old son. I read Jordan's words and saw the pics of your beautiful children and can't imagine if my children were to ever lose thier father. Jordan, I hope things have gotten better over the past 4 years. I don't know you but, you can add me to the list of many people who will now be saying a prayer for you and your boys everytime you cross my mind. I think to myself, it would be hard to let go and accept the death of my husband but, I could eventually do that. But when I think of telling two children they will never see thier father again and have to grow up without him, that takes GOD and all the prayers I can get for the rest of my life! I won't forget you. I promise. God Bless you all! And to Jason's Mother!! A mother's love never dies...so your son lives on!"
Jennifer of Tulsa, OK

"It has been 4 years and we ALL still miss you !!! Your "little PIGS" are growing up and know that you are watching over them and all of us. I Love You"
Mom of Tulsa, OK

"My name is Sarajane of Tooele, Utah. I have had a flag since 2004 and it was dedicated to a US Army Private Jason Ward of Tulsa, OK. On every national holiday when our town's boy scouts supply flags to people who don't have one -- my husband (Marine) and I put up Jason's flag in our front yard, and we tell our children about how Private Jason Ward died defending our family. God Bless."
Sarajane Jeppesen of Tooele, Utah

"My name is SPC. Ferguson its been some time now since my friend fell ill to what i was told was an unidentified illness.For those of you who dont know me i was, at the time of jasons death the head medic for Ace company. For many of you especially the ones he was close to outside of military life i can understand why you would blame me for not being able to bring jason back from the grip, for you frustraited few i have this to say and whith all of my heart soul and very being, jason was my friend i took care of that man the whole time he took ill before he left us.i fought with the powers that be in the army to have him sent off to germany for tests, but i was a specialist no one would listen so i sat there and watched as my friend had to take weird medication that threw him into fits of deppression because he wasnt able to be out there dong what he loved to do. Some people say i could have done more but i did all i could i refused to accept the fact that he had died long after the PA pronounced him dead i continued to breath life into him. 3 people had to pull me off of him, i was the second person to find him only after his roomate who upon seeing him came directly to me, the shock of seeing someone i cared for out of the reach of any knowen relm of medical aid was too much so i took his body out into the open as i didnt have the space needed to work on him while he was still in his rack. I was the one who was sposed to be able to save him, and i couldnt because he had been dead for some time. to be honest he died in his sleep about an hour before we found him. i dont know what the official report says. The cause of death is an inigma to me and im not a doctor so i dare not speculate as to what killed him. its been about four years now and i dont know if anyone is still reading this but i had to say my peace and ask that those loved ones of jason forgive me, and if you need to get some stuff off your chest and think i might have some answers for ya, my e-mail is LINEDOC270@YAHOO.COM"
Loren S. Ferguson of girdler KY

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!! I love you and miss you, The boys are doing good and are saying a prayer for their Daddy today."
Mom of Tulsa, Ok / USA

"My husband Jason. J.J just had his 9th birthday the other day. I am so sad you cannot see your lil soldier's as you used to say grow up.They miss you as well as I do. There is not a day that I do not cry and wish you would walk in that door and hug me or just hear your voice.Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice.love Jordan"
Jason Ward,Wife of Spring ,Tx

"Hi Amy, its
Jordan, Joson's wife. I was wondering how you knew him and what your last name was. Its always nice to talk to someone who knew my husband. You can e-mail me at jrward2022@yahoo.com"
Jason Ward,Wife of Spring ,Tx

"Hi Amy, its
Jordan, Joson's wife. I was wondering how you knew him and what your last name was. Its always nice to talk to someone who knew my husband. You can e-mail me at jrward2022@yahoo.com"
Jason Ward,Wife of Spring ,Tx

"To the family of Jason Ward:

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I just learned of his passing and wanted to express my sorrow for your loss. I was aquainted with Jason in high school, although we were not close friends. Thank you for his service to our country. May he rest in peace."
Amy of tulsa, ok

"To the family of:Jason M. Ward 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"

"It is Christmas 2006 and I missed having you here with us, opening presents and eating all the goodies, the "Pigs are growing up" I know that you are watching over all of us - especially them. We LOVE YOU and MISS YOU !!! Love Mom"
Mom of Tulsa. OK

"BABY 3yrs have passed.I remember are last phone call like it was yesterdy. I will always love you til the day I die and no one will ever compare to the true love we had for each other. Kobe reminds me of you so much and Jason jr is the best kid you could ask for .We all miss you so much and wish you were here.The boys need there dad,but they will always know what you did. FOREVER N MY HEART!REST N PEACE MY LOVE> JAMES BLUNT GOODBYE MY LOVER~ IS DEDICATED TO YOU MY LOVEJASON WARD< WIFE of spring, Tx

"I was so glad that the last words me and Jason said to each other was I love you and I will see you in a couple of days. Even though it didn't work out the way we both wanted it. Thanks again for all those who did not no Jason but give support for those who have lost someone. Oct.22 was a day that I will never forget. Those who wish to contact me please do so. I would love to hear from some of his Army buds. my # 918 808 4086 LOVE YOU ALWAYS JASON AND MISS YOU SO MUCH!"
Jordan Ward WIfe of Spring,tx

"I am so proud of you baby for all you did. My heartaches so bad to see you or just to talk to you. I am so glad we meet and made a life together. you made me so happy threw all are years together,even though it was cut short. You are always with me and I will never Let people forget your sacrafice that are family has to struggle with. Love you baby. go be with your dad and my mom,but please watch over us. Thank you to everyone for your kind words. Jason was an awesome father and husband. I last talked to Jason the night before he passed away."
Jason Wife of Spring ,Tx

"Jason
YOU were my everything,Husband,bestfriend AND Father of our two boys. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I read your poem's you wrote to me all the time. The day we meet you charmed my all. You were my first true love and always will be.I miss you everyday and since that day I have never felt complete. The boys are growing up so fast and they miss you dearly. Kobe who is just like you talks so proudly of you,even though he didn't get to be around to get to know his dad. J.J. well he remeber's everything bout his dad"
Jordan Ward Wife of Spring,Tx

"Larry this is Jason's mother, thank you for your kind words. The cemetary is Park Grove in Broken Arrow, OK"
Nanci of Tulsa, OK

"My name is SGT Larry Sollinger. I was Jason's gunner. I remember when he first came to us, I had to pick him up from the MP station because he got a DUI. That was the last thing he ever did wrong. He was an outstanding soldier. And I believe that if he were here today, he would outrank me right now. As good as he was a soldier, he was a better friend. Me and him hung out all the time. We talked about everything. He used to tell me how much the Kansas State Wild cats would would get blown out by his Oklahoma Sooners. We would argue over that for hours. I never thought it would come to an end like this. But on 22 October he passed away. I remember being there and seeing him laying on the ground with all kinds of medics working on him. I could stop crying. I knew we weren't going to have those talks again. When they pronounced him dead, I blamed those medics for a long time. I didnt think they did there part to help him. But I don know he is in a better place. Rest in Peace man and I'll see you later.

SGT Sollinger of OIF I (2003)
P.S. If anyone can tell me the name of the cemetary and place he was buried, please reply to this and let me know."
Larry Sollinger of Colorado Spings, CO

"Continued prayers for Jason's family. I just want to let you know that Steve and Jason are watching over your boys and they are always with them. I am so sorry for your loss. I am also sad that Jason and your family didn't know the Ward side of the family in Minnesota. I hope you can find the time and in your heart to contact them. You may not know that Jason has a half-brother that lives in Arizona. They once spent some time together in MN when they were young. It's unfortunate that circumstances and distance transpired that didn't allow much contact.

Even though, I didn't know Jason personally, I want you know that I do think about your loss and I am truly sorry. It's not easy to be a single parent, but, be strong for your children.

I have a picture of his father from the army and they certainly resemble each other immensely. Seeing Jason's picture took me back in time to 1970. He spent four months at Fort Knox, Kentucky for the national guards. He joined it or he may have been sent to Vietman. Sadly, another time and another war.

Take care and God bless."
Linda Ward of AZ

"Continued prayers for Jason's family. I just want to let you know that Steve and Jason are watching over your boys and they are always with them. I am so sorry for your loss. I am also sad that Jason and your family didn't know the Ward side of the family in Minnesota. I hope you can find the time and in your heart to contact them. You may not know that Jason has a half-brother that lives in Arizona. They once spent some time together in MN when they were young. It's unfortunate that circumstances and distance transpired that didn't allow much contact.

Even though, I didn't know Jason personally, I want you know that I do think about your loss and I am truly sorry. It's not easy to be a single parent, but, be strong for your children.

I have a picture of his father from the army and they certainly resemble each other immensely. Seeing Jason's picture took me back in time to 1970. He spent four months at Fort Knox, Kentucky for the national guards. He joined it or he may have been sent to Vietman. Sadly, another time and another war.

Take care and God bless."
Linda Ward of AZ

"Wow. I was doing a Google search of some people I used to work with on the Tulsa World newspaper crew back in the early 90's- I typed in Jason's name and this site came up. I am honored to have known such an honorable person who grew up to be a husband, father and soldier. I left Tulsa when I was 16- but my memories of Jason are fond. Always fun. This was over 12 years ago. My thoughts are with everyone.
donna_talarico@msn.com"
Donna Talarico of Wilkes-Barre, PA

"Mom, Its Robert. I when back home (T-Town) Tulsa) I just wanna call Jason up and see whats up. Yet can't do that, other than Jordan. I may said this, but the Grave I been to of his, I cried. Maybe you and I can meet and talk about phunny things in HS at BASH...

Jason...MAN....

Robert"
Robert P. of Wichita, KS, Tulsa,OK, Broken Arrow,OK

"Christmas is coming soon and we ALL will miss you sitting around the tree making us laugh. The "pigs" will be here and that will be a comfort to me, sweet little J.J and his gentle nature and Kobe, well what can I say but ... he's his Fathers son! I Love them both and WE ALL LOVE AND MISS YOU !!!! Love Mom"
Nanci of Coweta, Oklahoma

"Man, still thinking about you! I have a friend still over there-co-worker. We exchange emails back and forth as he is able. He says is hard to get to a computer, I bet it is. Man, Jason, ALOT of ppl miss you, I do, you gave me shiot in High School--I owe you one! Man Wish you here its been like 5 yrs since I seen ya... Hope that your doing well and looking down on us, we miss you!"
Robert Pell of Wichita, KS, Tulsa, OK, Broken Arrow, OK

"R.I.P. Jason. Thank you for your sacrifice. Sending prayers to your family and friends."
Barbara of Alexandria, VA

"Just wanted to say hi to Jason--friend of mine from high school."
Robert Pell of Wichita, KS (since 98) from Tulsa, OK, Grad from Broken Arrow, OK

"It is June 8th 2004, 3 years ago Kobe was born, he is beautiful and acts just like you !!! He talks about you being an Angel and J.J. plays tag with you in the backyard. They gave me a bear for Grand Mothers Day that talks in their recorded voices ... and yes they say they love their "Princess Granny" I LOVE IT!!! We ALL miss you and you will live in our hearts forever and ever. Love Mom"
Mom of Tulsa

"Jason: Talked to your Wife, Fri or Sat it was for about hour on the phone (May 14 or 15, 2004). I told her that if I could be a Godfather to the kiddos I would and help out, she said she gotten alot of that and didnt realize what friends he had. I would like to see the boys again--they are sweet! Your good person man and I miss you as a friend you was there when needed!! I also have other friends over there in Iraq and Afgan. Well Jordan your wife may bring the kids up to see me sometime soon here in KS (where I live now) since that you was stationed here. I still talk to your Mom Jason online and I have yet never met your Mom, but I would like to. We both and Jordan think about you!!! I just hope that your doing ok up there! And looking down on us. Well Man hope that your doing good--I be thinking about ya"
Robert Pell of Robert Pell of Wichita, KS/ Broken Arrow/Tulsa, OK

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

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Jason, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Jason was a damn fine soldier, and an even better man. anytime you needed a smile ya found him and he could just give you a look and bring a smile. i trusted my life in his hands and knew he would look after me and everyone else. he was one of my brothers. i remember the day he left us and moved on to bigger and better things, i will never forget it. we cried, then we laughed and told stories and then we cried some more. We are all better by having known him and his memory will live on in our hearts and our minds forever. my heart goes out to his family, please know that the men of Ace are always here for anything you ever need. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN, Love you Jason."
SSG Bradley Wyatt of A co 2-70 AR Ft Riley KS

"For Jason's Family,

I did not know Jason, but I am from Tulsa and I would just like to share my condolences with you. Jason was assigned to the same unit I was in when I was stationed at Ft. Riley. Jason served with a good unit, and I know that if he was in that unit, then he was good too. Once again, I would like to offer my condolences and my gratitude to Jason for everything he has done for us and for his country."
Kevin Peters of Alabama, USA

"Thank you Jason Ward, 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

"Jason-my friend as you looking down on us w/ God, I was at your Wife's place that she just moved into about 2 miles from my dads. I think it was the 25th or the 26th day of Dec 2003 that I spent about and hour or more at her place and the Kids where there-they are some kids--meaning the youngest one is "just like you"--Jordan agrees w/ me, and the other one is just "mellow" and both of them being cute and looks of you. She was showing me a "scrap book" that she is putting together--tears man--your my friend and will be and also Jordan (Jordan was lil shocked to see me after 6-7 yrs). I am also going thru my stuff of High School at Broken Arrow, OK to help her get her "scrap book" done. -- Jordan keep in touch!"
Robert Pell of Wichita, KS/ Broken Arrow/Tulsa, OK

"Jason Ward was a friend of mine we went to high school together (being Broken Arrow Sr High '97 in Oklahoma) and his wife I also knew I had classes w/ them both-yet had known Ward since like middle school. I helped Ward in school out some when he needed the help. Some memories of him "going off" in class--lol. I am shocked that he changed his ways from when I knew him and others in our class--as him going to Military--we never seen him doing that. I have his Sr pic from school that he had given me and its hard to look at now and that he signed my yearbook. Jason was a really good hearted person also. To: Jason Ward you know your friends and family the times that we had and spent together you will be missed always!!! God be w/ You!!! Jordan Ward (Franklin) I am here w/ you!"
Robert Pell of Wichita, KS

"I would like to thank all of you that have written the kind words about my Son Jason. He will be MISSED by many and LOVED ALWAYS by me. I would like to thank "Bobby" (Spc Lindke) for sharing some of his memories, if you read this "Bobby" please e-mail "Chuckies" Mom @ princessward@aol.com"
Nanci Ward of Tulsa, Ok.

"My name is Spc James Lindke of A Co. 2/70th Armor. I met Jason in Nov. when I was assigned to 2nd platoon. We were both on SSG Curfman's tank A-22. Ward was the Driver, I was the Loader, Sgt Sollinger was the gunner. Ward had been on the tank for a few months before I got there. He knew more about Tanks then any of the other privates in our platoon. SSG Curfman put Ward in charge of training me in my job responsibilities. Even though Ward was two ranks below me. He taught me everything and fast. We arrived in Kuwait to draw equipment on the fifth of March. I quickly learned how lucky I was to have such a good soilder on my tank. He knew where everything went and worked non-stop to get everything done. Our Tank was the first to finish drawing equipment. The next day we had moved to camp NY. We stayed there for a couple of weeks. During this time Ward and I were tasked out on lots of details. I can remember it being really hot and I didn't want to do anything but sleep or sit in the shade. So a lot of the time Ward would tell me not to worry about going on the detail, he would do it. Ward was the type of solider who made everybody else look lazy. When he was told to do something he said "Roger" and got it done, never questioning an order. It was frustrating for me because the sergeants on our tank didn't do any of the work. If we need water, mre's, supplies anything, Ward and I were the ones to go get them. Plus every detail that came down we were on it. Three days before crossing the boarder SSG Curfman moved Ward to the Loader position and me to the Drivers hole, because the loaders position is much bigger responsibility then driving. Ward wasn't too happy about the switch, but I sure was. We spent the next few months living on the Tank 24/7 and our tank crew grew close. I got to know Ward better then anyone else in the platoon. We both had similar lives before the Army. Ward and I became such good friends we would often stay up for each other’s guard shifts to keep each other company. We spent most of that time reminiscing and daydreaming. Ward had to boys, Kobe(2) and JJ(4), the boys were living with his wife Jordan back in Tulsa. Ward told me the main reason he joined the Army was to get his life back on track so he could be a better father for the boys. About three months into the war ward received a letter form Jordan, and pictures of his boys. Kobe the youngest was his dad’s spitting image. Ward couldn't believe how big the boys looked in the pictures. Jordan wrote about wanting to be back together with Ward when he returned. Ward planned on her moving out to Ft. Riley when he returned. Ward was a changed man after that. He no longer wanted to be in the Army though. All he wanted to do was move back to Tulsa with his family. In Aug Ward was taken out of 2nd platoon and was hand picked to be on the XO's tank. Ward hated this idea because he had grown really close with SSG Curfman and Sgt Sollinger. I remember talking to him outside that day he had tears in his eyes because there was nothing he could do. SSG Curfman fought as hard as he could to keep Ward but in the end Ward had to move tanks. This also meant moving rooms of the school we took over in Baghdad. He had to move downstairs away form all his friends in 2nd platoon. Ward soon learned his job, as the xo's loader was a lot easier on him because the xo didn't leave the compound very often, this gave Ward more time to Watch movies and sleep. He uses to like rubbing that in. I spent the majority of my off time in Wards room downstairs, he had a TV, and DVD player, and a huge movie collection. I found out I was leaving to return home on the 17th of Aug. so I could clear post and ETS by Nov 30th. Ward would always tell me how lucky I was to go home. 2/70th still hadn't had a return date yet. They were told to expect up to a year, but Ward and most of the other guys Thought they would be home in Oct. The last time I saw Ward was a few days before I returned home. He got picked to go to Qatar on an R&R trip. He asked me if I would trade him Watches because I wouldn't need it as bad as him when I got home. He always uses to borrow my watch for guard duty because it had good indo-glow. We exchanged watches and I gave him a hug and told him I will have the beer on ice when he returns. That was the last time I spoke to him. On the mourning of Oct 23rd I received a knock at my door it was spc Inman, he had tears in his eyes and told me Ward had died. I was in complete shock, he said he had just gone to sleep and never woke up. I still just can't believe he's gone. Ward was in good shape. We would often play basketball, or lift weights and he was putting on a lot of muscle. He was probably in the top 10% physically in our company. He just wasn't the type of guy I could ever imagine dying. Everyone who worked with Ward in the Army will remember him for being the hardest worker they ever worked with or the best solider they ever knew. But I will remember Ward as "Chuck" that's what I called him because he reminded me of this guy off a T.V. show. And I will remember the way he called me "Bobby" after Bobby Fisher because I like to play chess. I can hear him in my mind as clear as if he was here. "What's up Chuck?" "Not much Bobby." The thing about him is that he really puts value on friendship. Friendship to Jason meant more to him then money or promotions, or material things. He was a genuine friend. One I’ll miss for the rest of my life. When you spend so much time in a war environment with someone you really want to be able to trust that the guy next to you is doing everything he can to keep you alive, and "Chuck" was defiantly a guy I trusted with my life. I love you bro, and will never forget you. "Bobby"""
Spc James Lindke of Ft. Riley, KS /US

"To the family and friends of Pvt. Jason Ward:
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 Jason 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 Pvt. Jason Ward:
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 Jason, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia