19, of Auburn, California.
Waters died in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy vehicle. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York. Died on October 14, 2004.
Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Pvt. 2nd Class David L. Waters.
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"David I miss you. I remember when me and you and your sister was younger. You was like a little brother to me and your sister was like a little sister to me. I hope that you are with your mom and with all are family watching over us like angels."
Jamie of Auburn CA. US
"David I miss you. I remember when me and you and your sister was younger. You was like a little brother to me and your sister was like a little sister to me. I hope that you are with your mom and with all are family watching over us like angels."
Jamie of Auburn CA. US
"You haven't really missed anything cool, anyways. The pain has dulled slightly over the past 20 years and it's hard to believe that much time had gone by. But like I said, you haven't missed much besides a 100 year pandemic and our country allowing itself to be divided by forgetting that we all have to get along.
We left Afghanistan. The war you died in lasted 25 years.
Even when we're educated about the past we still seem to repeat it. I love you bud."
Old man Gerken of Back in Auburn, Ca
"I still pour beer on the ground and say "This is for you, David.""
Harley Gerken of Eugene, OR
"Thank you dave"
.
"Still miss you and think of you all the time thinking about all the crazy things we did love you always your sis sara"
Sarah Watkins of Auburn Ca
"You aren't forgotten kid."
Erin of California
"Hello David.
The last time I saw you, we were in middle school sitting at the same table in art class. I remember the whole table was in an uproar of laughter. You were so funny.
(we sat next to each other in elementary school too...)
I wish I wasn't such a shy person. Perhaps we could have been friends, instead of sharing a word or two across a table... if I only had the nerve.
Anyway, I had been having dreams about you for the past couple of years, and had been desperately trying to find you. I'm upset at myself that I am so late in finding you... but I just want you to know now, that although I knew you very little, I am so honored to have even that little experience.
Thank you."
Lorraine S of Auburn, CA
"Thinking about you David. From a 14 year old punk rocker hanging out, to a grown man, to a hero, but always a good man."
Todd of Georgetown,CA
"BRandi<
I am veary deeply sory to hear about your husband.I cant imagine the pain in your heart that you feel but i want you to know that i will always consider you family so you will never be alone. I will pray for you and that there is some way god can ease some of the pain for you and your babies.and my dad john told me to tell you he loves you veary much."
katherine of auburn
"David it's your sister... You are not going to beleive what happen to me again....not oly have I lost you and mom...But on June 1 kevin my wonderful huband passed away after complcation with surgery....i know that yhou are all in heaven watching over me....Do me a favor tell kevin that he was the most amazing husband in the world and i would give anything to say I love you too him just one more time....hold him at night and enjoy our laughter together with our four beauitiful babies... David please tell him this for me... i lost my whole family and now my one and only....i can't breath or even think right....i need you all right now..please know i love you guys....save a spot for me right next to all of you ...i love you!!"
brandy of staunton il
"I still remember our argument the morning I was making you go back to school, you were always the greatest debater! but when i told you that our flag was a sacred honor, and i cried when i told you that so many Moms have only the honor of that flag to hold in remembering their Sons who died for our freedom! You gave up your argument and comforted me! I remember your last visit here, in your uniform, you saw the pride in your fathers (John) eyes, and you knew you had a Dad that saw true pride in his Son! When you went to leave I hugged you under the flag, I asked you to promise me you would come home safe, and you told me NO, you said you would never make a promise to me you weren't sure you could keep! I did not even realize then the true honor of your words! I am not your real Mom Nor is John your real Father, but You know we are forever your family! We Will Never Forget You Son!!!"
Mrs. T Ludovina of Auburn CA.
"david~
7 years has gone and passed but you live on,everytime i see a usa flag my thoughts go back to you. my dad adopted you as his own brandy to making you my only brother out of 4 sisters. it dosent matter if we were not connected by blood but that we are and always will be connected by the heart.i visit your grave and will continue. i love you 4 ever and always!~ur little sister ~katie"
katherine of auburn ca
"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA
"September 29, 2008
To the family of Pvt. 2nd Class David L. Waters:
David 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
"My name is David L. Waters
I spent my time in the service of our country.
I have read of this person who shares my name. He must have been a wonderful person as so many good things have been said of him. It makes me sad to hear of another good person who fell in combat. But I stand tall in honor of a man who gave his life for his family and freinds. May all the blessings of his friends be with his family to comfort them in there years of pain.
I will never forget this day. I can only hope that one person can say a nice thing about me when I pass. Although I may not quaify for such and honor."
David L. Waters of Ehrenberg, AZ. USA
"David Memorial day just past i brought all of your stuff into work to show what a hero you were. Was thinking alot about you after and i realize how different it is without you hear I wish so bad that i could see you just one more time mom too..... I know that you and mom are looking down on me and our family and helping me through every day I just want to say I think about you every day and love you always"
brandy
"...God I miss you. I think about you all the time. I talk about you to anyone who will listen. You won't be forgotten as long as i am around. Rememeber when there was a public showing, i think it was... ya it was on 49 in front of the grocery outlet. People were protesting the war and you were on the other side of the line, you left soon after that, that day was the last day i saw you. God i miss you. I love you."
Ryan Sundquist of Sacramento
"DAVID,
I MISS YOU SO MUCH iT SEEM LIKE JUST YESTERDAY THAT I TALKED TO YOU ON THE PHONE LAST. A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN THE THREE YEARS SENCE YOU BEEN GONE. I MOVE TO ILLINOIS AND HAD ANOTHER BABY (YES! THAT MAKES FOUR) ANYWAY I NAMED HIM AFTER YOU HE I S GOING TO BE TWO IN DEC. HE REMINDS ME OF YOU A LOT AND LOOKS A LOT LIKE YOU TOO. JADEN TALKS ABOUT YOU AND ALWAYS SAYS YOU TAUGHT HIM A LOT ABOUT PLANES. THE TWO GRILS ARE IN SCHOOL NOW AND ARE SO BIG. I MISS YOU AND WISH YOU WHERE HERE TO TALK TOO. I FEEL ALL ALONE SOMETIMES AND WISH I HAD THE TWO PEOPLE I KNEW BEST TO TALK TOO. I KNOW THAT EVERYONE THOUGHT THAT I WAS GONE A LOT THROUGH OUR TEEN YEARS BUT, I STILL CARED. IF I COULD HAVE STARTED MY LIFE FROM THAT POINT ON MAYBE THINGS WOULD BE DIFFERENT. ALL THAT I EVER WANTED WAS TO BE WITH MY FAMILY AND ALL I EVER GOT WAS PUSHED AROUND FROM HOME TO HOME WITHOUT EVER KNOWING IF YOU AND MOM WANTED ME HOME TOO. GEUSS I'LL NEVER KNOW. ANYWAYS DAVID I LOVE YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND THINK ABOUT YOU EVERY DAY"
SISTER of ILLINOIS
"Dave, its been 3 years and I still haven't forgot. In my eyes a man, a soldier, a friend, a heroe, a person that would take the time from his weekend to help you move into your house. You had so much pain and loss in your life, I pray you are at peace now with your mom, Brandon, Henry, and Dwayne. I miss ya bro."
SSG Chris Dominski of Watertown, NY
"David,
I wish you knew how much we all miss you!"
Caroline Smith of California USA/England, UK
"Dave, Thanks. I'll never give up."
SSG Chris Dominski of Watertown, NY
"David- I just want to take some time to acknowledge and remember you. Last time I saw you was at the river and I was about to leave for New Orleans and you were thinking about coming too. I wish you went to the Big Easy instead of Iraq. I remember partying at Matt's place with you and everybody, and seeing you at the corner and the river, you'd come see me at the bookstore we'd kick it at Star*s. That time is gone... but know that you're remembered and know that I give a * that you made a sacrifice, know that I'm more than a little pissed off about this war and that you left so soon. Miss you David- Connie R.- From Atown\Sactown."
Connie of Sacramento, CA
"I miss ya buddy... still think about you"
Morelli of Pittsburgh, Pa
"Harley Andrews was one of the only men i knew who you could say "left nothing but good memories and will never be forgotten for those!" may god bless his soul in heaven. we will all miss you!"
matt S. of yuba city C.A .
"Harley Andrews was one of the only men i knew who you could say "left nothing but good memories and will never be forgotten for those!" may god bless his soul in heaven. we will all miss you!"
matt S. of yuba city C.A .
"Hi David, it's me again. That time of year is rolling around and the pain is strong in my heart. It's still a fresh wound, I tell myself. I love you Nighne. You bastard."
Harley of A-Town, California
"I would just like to say thanks and that my family will never forget you."
Andrew Riggs,little bro of David Riggs,leader of 3rd platoon,bravo company,2-14 infantry. of tennessee
"For all of you... for the fallen, and the brave:
http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/2006/05/22/news/top_story/news1.txt
http://ycmemorialday.com"
Kjerstin Ciociola of Yuba City, CA
"David -
It has been a year, and I can't believe it has been without you here. It's too painful to describe...they didn't even give you a proper tombstone, David! They gave you some floppy piece of metal with plastic letters and numbers.
Oh, how our nation decorates it's fallen soldiers.
You are in my thoughts always, Dah-veed.
love you forever
-"Pappa Gerken""
Harley Benjamin Gerken of Auburn, California
"To: David
I cannot express what a true honor it was to serve with you. We had some great times. I remember when we couldn't stop laughing at the TCP in Sadr City when Payne went over the barrier head over feet, the conversations about music and movies, or talking about life. You were wise beyond your years and I will miss you always. I will never forget.
To: Friends, family, and brothers-in-arms,
I was David's squad leader. I was in his truck and was with him when he died. You all have alot to be proud of in this young man. He was very brave and was always going out of his way to help others. God bless him and all who knew him."
Paul Jordan of Fort Drum, NY
"To the family of:David L Waters I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor, Rev. John Pearrell, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Chirst,"
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga U S A
"To the family of Pvt. David L. Waters: I was there on that hill in Auburn looking onto the Sierras on that October day. I will never forget it because it was also my 40th birthday. You see I am a mom and David was my "son" that day. My son is a Lcpl. in the Marines and had just deployed to Iraq a month before. His friend and roommate in the Corps, PFC Jason Poindexter, was KIA just the month before on 9/12. I have visited David's grave since then and I will never forget him. I will honor his memory and I will not let it die. Even though I didn't know David at all he is still a hometown hero to me. Brandy I watched you that day and I felt your sorrow and pain. I was just a Marine Mom doing what I felt was right and representing a Marine who couldn't be there. May God Bless you and your family. Proud Marine Family of Lcpl. Anthony Weaver, 2/5 Echo Co."
Davina Weaver of Weimar, California
"To Brandy,
I met your little brother in Basic Training and now, almost a year after the fact I have learned of the awful news of his passing. We were very good friends during the few months we knew each other and I remember the day that he learned of your mother's death. I was sad because of his loss, but I was also sad because I knew one of my only friends was going home. After he left things weren't the same. I don't know if it was fate or what but I was injured about a week after and was forced into rehab, by the time I got out I was placed in a new platoon. By chance your brother was there =)
He was the coolest, and easiest person to talk to that I have ever known. We both had our troubles but he pulled me through alot of stuff. I'm very thankful for that and that I knew such a fine human being. Your brother was a strong boy with a big heart. He had every reason to be cold to the world but he always cared.
He was a hero to me long before I found out about his death. There's nothing to describe him now, "hero" just isn't a strong enough word."
AT of Kentucky, USA
"To David: I love you and I miss you more than words can express. I am so pleased that you contacted me again, after we had lost touch years back, thank god for MySpace and AIM. I have so much I wish I could say, but words seem to fail me. But I suppose I really want to say Thank You for all that you shared with me. I am so lucky to have know you, and I will never forget you, Silly Soldier Sally.
To those who knew and loved David: I am so sorry for your loss. I know that David meant to much to all of you, as he had such an impact on anyone who met him. The pain and loss will always be with us, but we will never forget our time and memories with such an amazing individual."
Caroline Smith of Liverpool England/Auburn Ca.
"David was a great friend who was just trying to get into college. He did not believe in our foreign policy, he did not want to kill, and he did not want to die in some trumped up war. I love him, and always will; my fond memories of him will last a lifetime. The boy wasn't even old enough to drink.
But the one time we got him into the bar in full Military Dress gear, walking in the rain from a hobo encampment under a bridge was unforgettable.
Much love to you david, wherever you may be in this screwed-up cosmos.
I'll see you soon."
Harley of Evanston, WY
"to all who knew david: god bless you and please, please never forget about him.to david: i love you david, your clothes are still in our dresser, but at least i know you're finally safe."
amber of auburn, ca.
"Hey David, you know we all miss you and to us you will always live on. The corner just isnt the same..."
Punks n' Drunks of Atown
"Private Waters, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas
"I would like to take this opertunity to say how thankful my family and I are to know that so many people care about family's who they may have nerver met or will never meet. my heart is so pleased to have my baby brother acknowleged as a hero to our country. David always said that he was going to make something of him self some day. And if you asked me, David,s dreams came true. But as David would always Qute "As a wiser man then myself one said, "If you are not confused, then you don't understand it". And that could'nt be more true.
Thank-you for understanding how hard it is to loose someone so dear to my heart and soul. I could nerver repay you for you sensetivity towards others.
my god bless you home and family
Brandy Riley
sisters & last living sibling."
Brandy Riley(Waters) of Yuba City, CA. USA
"To David'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.
Sincerely,
The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"
"I want to convey my deepest sorrow and regret that I will never, in this life, have the chance to meet this wonderful man and thank him for all that he did for my son, Henry Risner. David was my son's best friend while they served together in Iraq. It was David who administered the first aid when Henry was injured. Losing Henry was hard for our family but I'm sure David struggled with Henry's loss as much as we did. Now David has joined Henry. May the Lord comfort you as you grieve for the loss of your brother, nephew and grandson. May we focus on the blessings they brought into our lives. May we never fail to let those we love who are still on this earth know we love them for we never know when we will lose them."
Kathy Conley of Arvada, Colorado
"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, David, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "
"To David's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time"
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas
"My deepest sympathy, our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. May God bless you and help you through this time. Forever in our hearts a HERO David L. Waters"
Amy & Aaron Monier of Waterford, MI.
"Thank you David Waters, 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 Pvt. 2nd Class David Waters:
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 David 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. 2nd Class David Waters:
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 David, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia