Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Chris,

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten!

Your friend,

Jason"
Jason Ashley of St. Louis, MO

"It's been many years and you are still on my mind. You are still greatly loved and missed. Till we meet again.....Mandie"
Mandie Merrill of Seneca SC

"I remember waking up and seeing the morning news 16 years ago today. It was hard to accept to see the photo of a great friend KIA. I had the pleasure of serving with Chris on the USS WASP (LHD-1). Wonderful person, friend, and shipmate. He would do whatever it takes to help anyone and everyone. One memory I will never forget is your introduction of Jack Daniels. An unfathomable loss for family and loved ones. RIP, my brother."
Jimmy of Las Vegas, NV

"Two days ago was 11 years ago you left us. Just like some people visit graves..I leave messages. So many of our family members have passed since you have gone. Even though you may not know them they are there. Papaw and Aunt Barbara. Two very special people we were blessed with. I miss them as much as I do you. Jacob is so handsome. He reminds me of you everytime I see him. More and more each time he looks like you. Wish you were here."
Gena of Knoxville

"It's been ten years. It's passed so fast. I wish you were still here with us physically but instead I have your spirit. Life is amazing and it is sad you didn't have that. Though you I can be jealous of. Because you got where I want to be, before me. You wanted to be the chaplains guard. I just know now, you are the guard of so many."
Gena of Knoxville tn

"We crossed paths as your crew relieved mine in early 2004. I remember meeting you. Every year around this time I think of the honor of escorting you home from Dover. I can say that many American's hearts sank, watching me leave the plane in uniform to drape our nation's colors above you. The pilots (Navy vets) assisted me and saluted you.
I pinned your Purple Heart and Bronze Star to your Dress Blues - though many never had a chance to see you or touch you one last time. I met your parents. I hugged your weeping father for a long time. I met your son - the same age as my youngest. I cried during the long drive from the church to the cemetery, as every person, police car, and fire truck stopped in respect as you passed by. I spoke to your shipmates upon their return and tried to help them grieve.

Petty Officer Watts, we may have never served side by side, but we are brothers of the sea forever.

CDR Jim Lowell, CO, USS Firebolt (PC 10) from Aug 2003 to Feb 2004."
CDR Jim Lowell, USN of Washington, DC

"Today you have a memorial. An anchor dedicated to you. Built from the soul of one of your pal bearers from your funeral. You and Jacob have been on his mind for 9 years. His dream for you came true.Your son is proud and so am I and your mom and dad. It will be there at the base of Alcoa highway here in knoxville forever. It was an amazing ceremony. I know you were there:). And I'm glad you were in spirit."
Gena of Knoxville

"It has been 7 years since you have been gone, you would be 34. I saw Jacob on Easter. He is becoming a young man. He is great at finding those eggs, just like you and I. You would be proud. He has your manorisms. It's like still having you around. I wish we could have grown old together. See you. Miss you cuz."
Gena of Knoxville Tn

"I have been trying to contact Chris's family. dc1vickers@yahoo.com"
Jim Vickers of Knoxville, TN

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"It's been five years since we lost Chris and I miss him everyday. I created a memorial page for Chris on Facebook, if anyone wants to join. I keep the letters and photos he sent me over the years in a box which will always be with me. He was my best friend for a long time. I miss the sound of his voice. I named my son Jacob, in honor of his."
Kara Jones of Jefferson City, TN

"Chris,
We never met, but my friend told me about you and your name has been on my desk for about 5 years now so you are not forgotten."
Donna of Norristown, Pennsylvania USA

"Miss you chris!!!!"
chris myers of ithaca, MI

"April 24, 2009 I thought about you again today, Chris. We still have your picture in our front window as a tribute to the ultimate sacrifice you have made for our country. We miss you, Chris, but know you are in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You are not forgotten."
Claudia D. of Dearborn, MI

"April 22, 2009
To the family of Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher E. Watts:
Christopher 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

"Chris, a fellow military brother here. I hate i didn't get to meet you. I got to know your parents last year, and worked for them again this week. They are fine people and your passing definitely left a big void in their lives! They mean a lot to me and i'll keep a check on them for you! I'm confident that you were a supreme example of a human being. I just feel like i do know you through talking about you with them. We all are proud of all of your young lifes accomplishments!!!! I lost some fellow Marines in Iraq and i'll never forget any of you guys! I see impatience in people everyday, some a little in myself. Then i think about, what you guys did and that is something very honorable and admirable. I just don't sweat the small stuff anymore. God-speed to you brother and i'll be there later on to stand my post in Heaven with our brothers in arms! God Bless you, your family, and The U.S. Navy. Trevor"
Trevor Hunt-USMC of Dandridge,Tn.

"We cannot believe it has been over 4 years since you have passed from this world. We thought about you at the Memorial Day services here in Michigan. We still miss you very much. Your picture is still in our window to remind people of the sacrifice you made for our Country. Rest in peace, my friend."
Claudia Damian of Dearborn, MI

""To the family members of Christopher Watts, As a current member of CTF 158 we continue to pay tribute to Christopher and his shipmates for the sacrifices they made. We held a small ceremony on 24 April in their honor on the oil terminal nearby. If appropriate my Commodore would like to write to your family to express his wishes. Please pass contact info to craig.preston@kaaot.navy.mil if appropriate. God Bless"
LCDR Drew Preston of KAAOT, Northern Arabian Gulf"
LCDR Drew Preston of KAAOT, Northern Arabian Gulf

"You are still always on my mind and I miss you everyday. You are always in my heart."
Mandie of Seneca SC

"Father in Heaven, from the ancient days of the Psalmist, to the days and nights of this war;
Your warriors have always asked You for Strength, Courage, and Wisdom.
Be with the Bruckenthal, Watts, and Pernaselli Families today, Lord, and any who mourn a loss from this war.
They need Your strength for another year.
Deploy with us, Father. Grant us Your courage, that we may honor our brother on every mission.
Grant us each the wisdom to accept Your will, even when we do not understand it, even when it hurts.
And as always, Father, watch over our families. Bless our spouses, our children, our parents and our loved ones.
Bless anyone who offers up a prayer for our safety as we take up weapons and shields to serve You.
For we still walk in the Valley of the Shadow of Death. If it be Your will, Lord, allow us to continue taking the fight to the enemy. Grant us victory, with honor, before our time comes to lie down in green pastures and to dwell in Your House forever. Amen"
Martin Castellanos, PO2 of USCG TACLET South, Florida

"I still remeber the day that we stood together ready to get a butt chewing. We never were close friends but you seemed excited about leaving Charleston as we talked...who wouldn't? For whatever reason I still think about how Davey Jones got you on that faithful day. Take care Chris's family and friends. 11-05-2007"
Wes Smith of Charleston, SC

"I want the family of a fine patriot to know that a USN veteran is humbled by the knowledge of this man's sacrifice. If I can do anything to assist the Watts family, please don't hesitate to let me know. (Cokie907@yahoo.com)"
Sean Plankey of S. Knoxville, Tennessee

"We still have your picture in our front window so that everyone who passes by our house can read about you and what a hero you are to this family. We miss you very much. We will be thinking of you this Memorial Day."
Claudia of Dearborn, MI

"To the family of Petty Officer Watts:
I served in security at NAVWEPSTA with Petty Officer Watts. He was a very good man and a dedicated sailor. I remember when he told me he wanted to go "down range" into the war on terror. He did. I admire his dedication and mourn his loss, not only for the United States Navy, but to his loved ones."
MAC Rob Wootton of Charleston, SC

"To the family of:Christopher E. Watts 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"

"Thanks everyone who has left such sincere messages. This is Gena, Chris's first cousin. He and I are were only a couple months shy of the same age. We grew up together and I am regretful that when he was off the ship visiting I did't talk to him more but you always regret when someone is gone. Chris was a great guy he loved God and that to our family is the most important. He loved serving he loved his country and I know I will get to see him again someday. We are all very proud of him and I am thankful for his time with us. He died doing what he loved and that's the way he would have wanted it. I will never forget all the fun we had, the leaf piles, the snow ball fights, all the hours we wondered around on mamaw's farm and of course all the crawdaddys we caught. We miss him and I am glad to know there are others that love him and care for him just as much as us.
Thanks for your support and messages...........Gena J"
Gena of Knoxville,Tn

"To the Watts family from the Wahl family. Deeply sadden of the news of Christopher! He was a military brother to our son, as Greg felt of Christoher. only wish bith had known one another. Both are together now. With all our fallen. Healing is a very slow process. Always be supportive and understanding toward one another. reflect on the many precious fond memories you each shared with Christopher. He is with you in your hearts. christopher is someone's someone and someone to our family. 4th of July many fallen families will embark on Gatlinburg's parade and fireworks midnight celebration. We like to enter a float " Theme "SUPPORT OU TROOPS! An honour Christopher and all his fallen brother's and sisiters."
leonard_wahl@2hotmail.com of Texas

"Mr. & Mrs. Watts, My name is CTR1 Ty Caldwell formerly SM1 I knew Chris for a long time when he was on the Thunderbolt and I was on the Shamal, his loss hits home with me, because he was a great friend and shipmate, our CO brought him home to you. He also relieved me on the Firebolt just before he lost his life. I did the same job Chris was doing out there, the boardings and inspections. I can humbly say that he will be missed by me sincerely. I wear his name on my arm in the form of a hero bracelet made by US Cavalary. May God ease your pain and suffering and Bless you as well."
CTR1 Ty Caldwell of Augusta Ga

"It has been two years already, i am out of the navy now and still not a day i dont think about Chris and the type of person he was. a true friend!"
chris myers of vestaburg, mi

"To the family of SM2 Chirstopher Watts. I want to say I am very sorry for your loss. I am MA1 Adams former SM1, who was stationed aboard the Firebolt when the war first started. I met Chris when he was on the Thunderbolt. I can't write in words how I feel. Please accept my condolences. May GOD watch over you and his son. To his son, I want you to know your DADDY is a True hero and he did love the Navy and being a Signalman."
Calvin Adams of Great Lakes, Illinois 60088

"Watts,

Just thinking about you buddy, I miss you so much!"
chris myers of charleston, sc

"It's been over a year and I still can't believe that you are gone. I will never forget you and the times we spent together. From elementary school on through you were a great person and I'm glad I was able to know you."
Le Ann Lawson Lewis of Strawberry Plains, TN United States

"It has been a year, and there is still not a day that passes that i don't think of you. I miss you so much."
chris myers (cmyers_80@yahoo.com) of charleston, sc

"To Christopher's family, I want you to know that you are not forgotten. Christopher died in the same attack that killed my husband Nathan Bruckenthal. Every time I think of April 24th, 2004, I think of Christoper and Michael that was killed with Nathan. This year has been a though one for all of us and somehow we made it through. You are in my thoughts.
Sincerely"
Pattie and baby girl Harper of Seattle, WA

"Dearest Chris...My heart broke when I learned of your fate. You really changed my life and there is a void here now.
To family and friends of Chris, I do have some poems and such from Chris, I seen where some people did not get to share that with him. I am more than willing to send copies out. He was a very talented writer and a good man. I love him dearly. If anyone has the hard copy to his book, please try to publish for him...that was his dream."
Manda (amandaaltice@cox.net) of Roanoke, Va

"To my good friend Chris,
It was a sad day when you where taken from us. I have the good memories that I can remember from our days stationed in Charleston together. You where a good friend, and a good man. Take care my friend and see you again someday."
Nate Gonzales of Alexandria, VA

"I miss you everyday, you changed my life. I'll never forget all the times we had.

It's a shame when a person like Chris is taken way before his time,

Love ya bro and miss you
RIP Buddy"
Chris Myers of Charleston, SC

"To chris's family I am sorry for your loss, The rest of the world will never know, What a great kid he was. I will never forget our time on the pier in little creek VA. God Bless you and all your love ones."
EN3 Ravi Hiller of Washington D.C.

"In memory of SM2 Watts, You were a great shipmate and roommate, I'll never forget the good times we had on the WASP, God Bless your family."
IT2 Egiziano of Poughkeepsie, NY

"Words cannot begin to describe the talent and purity Chris held. He was one of a kind and grew close to my heart. I know he died doing what he loved so that we could be free. To all of his family, I send you all of my apologies and love. RIP, I will always love you!"
Mandie of Seneca, SC

"Petty Officer Watts, goodbye sailor and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher E. Watts,

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

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

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

"im sorry i never got read your poems and got to know you better, chris. even though we hung out for one day, i well never forget you. r.i.p. shipmate."
candice of Tanana, Alaska

"To the family of SM2 Watts. He was my shipmate, not just because he was a Navy man, but because we were stationed together on the USS George Washington. I was shocked at the news. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of his family and friends. May God Bless you all and keep you in your time of sorrow.
SM2...Fair Winds and Following Seas."
Chief Doman SMC(SW/AW) of Goose Creek, SC

"To Christopher'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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.

Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX"
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com

"Sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Christopher E. Watts.

R.I.P.
Sailor, rest your oar."
Eric Threet of Texas

"Rest in Peace Warrior
The Taylors USMC"

"RIP SHIPMATE"

"RIP SHIPMATE"

"To Christopher'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

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

"Thank you Christopher Watts, 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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Watts:
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 Christopher 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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Watts:
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 Christopher, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia