Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Kevin is/was my favorite student. I had the pleasure of being his 7th & 8th grade teacher. His intelligence was matched only by his wit. He made me laugh ALL the time. We talked often about his love of all things military, and bonded because I'm a Navy veteran. I'm deeply saddened to know I'll never have a chance to tell him how much I appreciated being his teacher. "Fair winds and following seas" my fellow service member."
Naomi Tegland Gonzalez of Prescott AZ USA

"Holidays 2013. Once again I find myself thinking of Kevin. Not exactly sure why, but the thought of you makes me proud to know your story."
Brad Stocker of Yuma, AZ

"Hi Kevin. I'm wearing a pin your mother gave me on my jacket. It represents your sacrifice. I'm extremely honored to wear it.
Love,
your cousin Jordan"
Jordan of Waikoloa, hawaii

"Kevin, 8 years later and I think of you and jake a lot. Miss you guys a lot brother, I was honored to have known you and you will always be my brother. God bless kevin"
SPC Branson of CA

"Kevin was a good man. For the short time I knew him in highschool he and I always shared good laughs, you are missed buddy. There is no one in the world like you."
Nicholas Taylor of Tallahassee, Florida

"Pausing with a heart full of gratitude to remember that my son came home, yet still I feel a gnawing sadness for my nephew and his wife who's son, Kevin Kanani Wessel, did not. Both went with a burning desire to serve their county along side their military brothers and sisters. Both suffered the effects of war, but one went on to receive his eternal peace and reward in our Father's kingdom sooner than his family were prepared for. God bless Paul and Lori Wessel and thank you for the man your Kevin chose to be. He died living his dream."
Nora Kualii of Hilo, HI

"Miss you bro Everyday!

Wars come and Go
But Soldiers Stay ETERNAL!!!"
Sgt Jessee of Portland

"Miss you, buddy."
Colin B of San Francisco

"Gone but never forgotten....you were a great friend and never seemed to get down on yourself. I remember your loud laugh and all the questions you had asked about me about being in the marines and stationed in Hawaii. You even told me i should hook up with your dad and be a high paid security officer in Waikiki if i ever decided to move their. I miss you buddy and paid respect to you and Fister at Warrior's Walk in Ft. STEWART....my wife got to know you thru my stories of course. Being in support platoon didnt ever win me consideration from the infantry guys but you were different and together we became pretty good friends. I WILL NEVER FORGET"
BILL WOOD of Grand Rapids, MI.

"Merry Christmas in heaven pal. 7 Christmas' since we've lost you. Watch over your mother and brothers.

Love,

Dad"
Kevin's dad of Honolulu, HI

"Paul,
In Billings MT on a layover. Thinking of Kevin. Don't know why. Hope you and your family are well.

Brad Stocker"
brad stocker of yuma

"Kevin, Paul and family,

Still think about you and your sacrifice almost every day, as your picture shows up on my screen saver. You are not forgotten!"
Brad Stocker of Yuma, AZ

"I used to ride the bus with Kevin at Assets summer school. He was younger than I was, but we got along pretty well. I liked him, and thought he was a nice kid. I lost contact with him after that, and I'm shocked to find out about his passing, six years after the fact. My thoughts are with his family."
Mark V of Seattle, WA

"Miss you, buddy"
Colin B of San Francisco

"Merry Christmas pal..."
Kevin's Dad of Honolulu

"Kev's dad. Update. I've relocated to Hawaii and based here in Hickam. Hope you and your family are doing good. maybe we'll meet up soon."
SSG Santos of Honolulu, HI

"I was with Kevin on patrol the day that he was killed. I just want to give his family my condolences and let each of you know that his name, legacy, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. May God bless and keep each of you!"
Andre Beasley of Fort Wayne, IN

"Kevins family, we met a couple times before Kevin and I deployed to Iraq, I am also moving to Hawaii in November and would like to meet with you. is it possible. my email is david.santos4@yahoo.com."
SSG Santos of Ft. Lewis, Wa.

"Debbie, would you mind calling me at 808-722-5674? I'd really like to talk to you"
Kev's dad of Honolulu, HI

"Memorial Day 2010

To Kevin's family,

I am the mother of a friend of Kevin's. My son Mike went to Assets with Kevin and was reunited with him in Iraq. Mike was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks when he was deployed. I remember he called and told me that he had met a friend from Assets and they were assigned to the same FAB?. Mike was excited to have gotten reacquanted with Kevin. It is only within the last year I learned of your loss. My son Mike felt the need to protect me from such news and I did not make any connection at the time.
Mike may have been one of the last people to have spoken with Kevin and was waiting for Kevin to have dinner together. I know Mike took Kevin's passing very hard, he still can not talk about it and I have obtained most of my information from his new wife. I wanted to let you know Kevin is in my thoughts daily. He was also at my son's wedding last December. Mike and Shauna had a special rememberance table for our fallen heroes and Kevin's bracelet was displayed with great respect, appreciation and sadness. All of our wedding guests gathered for a moment of silence and a prayer. Mike and Shauna wear Kevin's bracelet daily.
I regret I never had the privilege of meeting your son but he is always in my heart."
Debbie(Robey) Hacker of Mililani Hawaii

""When the dark clouds of adversity gather around you, and your heart is sore, your faith weak, and your courage well nigh gone -- forget not that there are strong arms around you, true hearts upon which to rest, and tender sympathies from which to draw consolation for the past, comfort for the present, and hope for the future.""
John W. Willoughby of Honolulu, Hawaii

"April 22, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Kevin S.K. Wessel:
Kevin 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

"Merry Christmas pal...even after 3 1/2 years, I still cry everyday for you."
Kevin's Dad of Honolulu, HI

"Hi Kevin, I miss and love you. I wish we had spent more time together. I miss our sea cadet outings...and falling in love with you...may god bless and rest your soul..ill see you in heaven...love always lucy"
Lucy of Honolulu, Hawaii

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wessel:

I want to offer my sincere condolences to you on the loss you have had with the death of your son Kevin. Please keep in mind that not only USA citizens are involved in the fight for freedom. This is a world wide war. Please receive my best personal regards, Ed."
Eduardo Jorge Wessel of Buenos Aires, Argentina

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wessel:

I want to offer my sincere condolences to you on the loss you have had with the death of your son Kevin. Please keep in mind that not only USA citizens are involved in the fight for freedom. This is a world wide war. Please receive my best personal regards, Ed."
Eduardo Jorge Wessel of Buenos Aires, Argentina

"Dear Paul and Lori,
I am so glad to have met you a couple months ago when I gave you the quilt made in Kevin's memory. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. I am especially remembering Kevin, you and your family today with prayers for you all.
With warm aloha, Dawn Kucera
Home of the Brave Quilt Project"
Dawn Kucera of Waipahu, HI

"To the Wessel Family,
My name is Dawn Kucera. First of all, let me offer my sincere condolences to you on the loss of Kevin.
I am the state coordinator for a program called Home of the Brave Quilts Project. Our aim is to provide a quilt to the families of all our fallen heroes. A quilt has been made for you in Kevin's memory. I have been trying to locate you so that I may present the quilt to you, but have been unable to find you. If you read this message (or if any of Kevin's friends or other relatives reads this) I hope you will contact me, so we can make plans to give you the quilt.
We want you to know that although we didn't know Kevin personally, we remember him and grieve with you. The quilt was made by volunteers with love and remembrance.
I look forward to hearing from you.
With warm aloha,
Dawn Kucera
808-677-9709
dawnkucera@mac.com"
Dawn Kucera of Waipahu, Hawaii

"To the family of:Kevin S.K.Wessel 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"

"Wessel although you gave me hell all through basic you were are always a good kid with aloha in your heart and a smile on your face. I am sorry i never got a chance to formally tell you goodbye. we went through alot together and i know that you were as great a soldier as you were a friend. Rest in peace Bat you done good."
SPC Reed Kotake of Honolulu, Hawaii HHC 29th IBCT EFFECTS

"Merry Christmas pal. Merry Christmas.

Love,

Dad"
Kevin's Dad of Honolulu, Hawaii

"KEV!!!!!!i miss u man..i still remember the good times we had at JRTC in La..eating pizza with u and teaching me some FO's stuff. My second deployment was going so smooth with you until u left us man. You and Jake saved a lot of people, especially the squad u were with that day. I'm so glad that i got to teach u some stuff about the M249 before u left..because u wanted to become a Humvee gunner so bad...and one day, we were both gunners and i made sure u were able to man the machine gun. Sorry if i asked u like 20 times that day. I just wanted to make sure u'r gonna be ok. You did a great job that day though. I still remember when u gave me the "go" sign with ur thumb's up that day before we left the base. You were so happy man. I've been emailing ur parents and they miss u so much too man. Take care up there and we will ALL see u later on. We all miss u and thanks again, brother.

See u later Kev!"
AL Nacpil of Queens, NYC

"To the Wessel family:
Please know that whenever the name and the names of his fallen hero in arms are mentioned, this American takes pause to be thankfull for your sacrifice. We are free due to people like you. Thank you Kevin. God bless."
Chris Davis of Collegeville, Pa. USA

"Kevin, it's hard to believe it's been more than a year. I think of you often. Your were such a special kid. I miss you. Love, your 6th grade teacher"
Marie Frick of Laramie, Wyoming

"To Kevin's family,
As Memorial Day approaches, please know that Kevin's service and your sacrifice has not been forgotten. Your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers."
Kaye (a 3-7 INF mom) of OK

"Hey Kevin, it's you're cousin Chris, I know that you won't be able to read this, but I just want you to know that my mom, dad, and sister miss you a lot. We are so very proud of you and what you did for the country that we all love. We all know that you are with our Father in Heaven and watching over us in everything that we do. I hope we will meet again up there and we'll be able to talk. We love you and we miss you!"
Chris of Hawaii

"Hey you, I know that you won't read this. But I just want to say that it's almost been a full year that you've been gone. I just want to tell you that I miss you every single day and I know you are up there in heaven looking down on me and sending me your graces and I just want you to know that one day I will meet you at those hevanly gates and we're gonna have to party when I do. I try talking with you everynight when I am alone and in my room. I know you answer becasue I feel it. I love you very much Kev. I miss you too. Until we meet again in the sky above, I love you and take care.

I know you're watching me and I just ask for your guidance.

Love always,

Your bro"
Jason Wessel of Honolulu, HI, USA

"To: Mr. & Mrs. Wessel
I wish to express my condolences on the loss of your son, Kevin. I had the honor of working with SPC Kevin Wessel at the Port of Ash Shuaiba, Kuwait prior to his deployment into Iraq. He told me about his affiliation with the Coast Guard Auxilliary and how he loved his job in the 3rd ID. I never heard him use a foul word or complain. He was full of energy and motivation. What a fine young man. May God bless Kevin and your family."
CWO4 Jack Brown, USCGR of Clifton, VA

"Thank You"
Bruce Krueger of Dousman WI

"Kevin,

Happy Thanksgiving 2005. This is our first Holiday season without you but I want you to know that you'll always be in our hearts. Mom, your brothers, and I love you with all our hearts and we look forward to the day when we'll all be together again. You grew up to be a fine young man. We are so proud of you and all that you accomplished in your short life. You truly did live your dreams. Good night, love you, see you tomorrow morning.

Until we meet again, all my love.

Dad"
Paul Wessel of Honolulu, Hawaii

"Kevin, you were my friend and conrad. We shared a love of freedom and an interest in the military. Thank you so much for being real. You died in honor, but I wish you were still here. I'll never forget you."
Kyle Cowgill of Corvallis, OR

"I miss you Kevin. God Bless and thank you."
Shannon of Reno, NV

"To Mr. and Mrs. Wessel and Kevin's family, I wish to offer my deepest condolences to you. You have raised a fine young man, he is a true American Hero who always will be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"My sympathy and condolences. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for the U.S.A. God bless you and your family. Requiem aeternam dona ei Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Semper Paratus."
Sam Mitchel, FC USCGAUX 8ER 01-09 of Indiana

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wessel,

I wanted you to know that I continue to pray for you both and the entire Wessel family on the loss of Kevin. I hope you received the sympathy card I sent to the Nuuanu Baptist Church since I did not have your home address at the time. I am part of Operation Direct Support and am in daily contact and support of the men of A/3-7 as this was my old unit in Vietnam. I was a soldier then but am now a Catholic Priest working fulltime with veterans in the Boston VA Healthcare System. I want you to know how deeply I care for all the men of Attack Company and when one of them gets killed or wounded, I take it personally and so I continue to pray to God for the healing and consolation of the Wessel family, for Kevin's eternal and peaceful repose and for the safety of all of Kevin's buddies in Iraq. If there is anything I can ever do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me at xuanloc@aol.com

May Almighty God bless you both and all of the Wessel clan.

Father Phil Salois, M.S."
Father Phil Salois, M.S. of Newtonville, MA

"Dear Paul and family: Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We will never forget the service and sacrifice of Kevin and his friends and family. Sincerely, Laurie"
Laurie Boyer of UAL, DCAFO

""In Loving Memory
We thought of you with love today
but that is nothing new,We thought
about you yesterday,and the day before
that too.We think of you in silence
we often speak your name.All we have
now are memories and your picture
in a frame.You memory is our keepsake
with which we will never part.God
has you in his keeping,We have you
in our hearts.We shed a tear for
what might have been,a million
times we've cried if love alone could
have saved you.You never would
have died.in life we loved you
dearly.In death we love you still.
in our hearts you hold a place.
no one could ever fill.It broke our
hearts to lose you but you didn't
go alone for a part of us went with
you the day god took you home .


Donna W Fuller""
DONNA of FT STEWART GA

"We offer our prayers for Kevin, and for you, his family. Nothing can console you after such a great loss, but know that the American people stand united in one way, our deep respect and admiration of those who go in harm's way in defense of freedom. God bless you."
The Morse family, part of the United family of Virginia Beach, VA

"TO THE WESSEL FAMILY, MAY THE GREAT MEMORIES OF KEVIN KEEP HIM ALIVE IN YOUR HEARTS FOREVER. THANK YOU KEVIN FOR PROTECTING OUR FREEDOM!!"
LARRY B. of SECANE, PA. USA

"Kevin is a young man that had a mission to help his country help others and he will always be remembered for that very important mission. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Francine "Fred" Minehart of Ashburn, VA IADFO

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin's Family. Kevin was with my nephew Jacob when the both made the ultimate sacrafice. We are at a loss for words today for no man or woman can feel what you are feeling as parents. Kevin is a true American Hero. He was protecting the many freedom's of this country. Thank you Kevin for being the man and soldier you became.
May god be with you today and always."
Patti Becker of Port St Lucie, FL

"Paul,

Our prayers go out to you and your family...Kevin's dedication and service to our Country shall prosper forever."
Paul and Susan Dietz of Arizona

"I am Kevin's cousin, Skyler. I'm 8 years old and in third grade. I am very proud of him and what he did for our country. I am very sad that I won't see him again and play with him. I know that he loved being in the military because it was his dream. He is a hero to me. I will miss him alot. But, I know that he will always be in my heart."
Skyler Yanagi of Kaneohe, Hi

"Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. We also will continue to pray to an end to this war."
Pat and Bob Levesque of Milford, NH

"Remember that your loss is shared by many people who care and that you're in our thoughts and hearts and in our every prayer."
The Haas Family of Wilton, NH

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

"My husband and I are so sorry for your great loss, Please know you are in many prayers to help you through this time. God Bless you and keep you in His care."
Howard & Dawn Cornett of Bernhards Bay, NY

"Please know that you are in our prayers as you grieve this tragic loss. We are also praying for an end to this tragic conflict that has already cost way too many lives."
The Getchell-Lacey family of Milford, N.H.

"I am so sorry for your family. I share your politics and salute your son. I look forward to flying with you on the line."
Martin Betelak ORDFO of Milford, NH

"Paul, Lori and the Wessel Family,
Just as Kevin protected all of us, I want you to know that we all stand behind your exceptional family with neverending support. Kevin and the rest of you are all Heroes."
Your friend, George Gonzalez of Miami, Florida

"We are sorry for your loss and hope that you may find comfort in knowing that your son is a hero. May God Bless you and your family and ease your pain."
Ladeau Family of Crystal Lake, IL

"To Kevin and his family, Our prayers are with you in this time, we ache for your loss. We want you to know you are not alone in this time there are many of us out here who know what you are going through. Please know that we honor your son and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. God Bless Kevin and his family."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays and family of Massillon, Ohio

"To Paul and family:

I just want you to know that my wife and two boys and I are thinking of you at this time. Know that you and Kevin have been prayed for many times these past days.

As a fellow Army infantryman (once and always), I am very proud of Kevin.

I hope to meet you out on the line some day Paul.

Your co-worker,
First Officer Oly Olson"
Oly Olson of Tucson, AZ

"Dear Paul and Lori,

I never met Kevin but knew he was a brave and thoughtful man after listening to his dad proudly speak of his exploits and service to his country. Our family shares your grief at the loss of such a fine young man. You should be proud of his service and the term "Hero" is rightfully bestowed on Kevin. Your family is in our prayers."
Scott and Rhonda Kinder of Atlanta, GA

"For the family and friends of Pfc. Kevin Wessel,

Our family has been so deeply touched by a young man we never had the honor to personally know. In reading the posts of friends, loved ones and fellow soldiers we have come closer to having a better knowledge of the character and bravery Kevin possessed. He became a man of honor long before this tragic time. He cared for others and was willing to do something about it which is more than most achieve. He is a tribute to the parents who raised him and the family who love and mourn his passing. God Bless you, Kevin. And thank you for showing the world the true face of bravery.

Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy,"
Brian Florence and family of McHenry, IL

"Dear Paul and Lori,

Although we have never met, I am deeply saddened by the loss of your son. I want to first express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the both of you.

You should be very proud that your son passed on as a MAN, with the strengths of conviction, honor, and duty that so many young Americans lack today. I am proud that he was soldier, am proud of the fact that he died for my freedom, and this all Americans should never ever forget. You are to be commended for raising a MAN and HERO.

My the good lord bless Kevin Wessel and welcome his soul to the eternal kingdom."
Jeff Sklaver of Aurora, Colorado

"Lori and Paul,

My wife and I are saddened by your loss.

Though I know you miss Kevin deeply, I believe he is in a wonderful place. I believe he is watching and with you. I believe, he is sad by your sadness. And I believe, if you pay close attention, he will give you signs of his presence around you."
Carol and Don Montague of Goodlettsville, TN

"Paul and Lori,

I have been praying a lot for your family since I heard the news. Kevin is a HERO that I look up to."
Jim Tripoli of Salisbury, MD

"For Kevin and the Wessel family,

For those who give their lives so others might be free, life has a flavor the protected will never know.

Your son will be a rembered hero wherever I go, as I will tell his story of honor and courage to all who will listen."
Brad Stocker LtCol USMC of Yuma, AZ

"Thank you SFC Sammons for your kind words about my son. He loved you guys so much and loved being with you in combat. I never realized until his death what kind of man he had become. To all his fellow soldiers, please keep safe and come home soon - you have sacrificed enough. What jumps out to me is what's in he and his brothers Boy Scout manual - "A Scout is Brave - brave does not mean the absence of fear, it means doing what needs to be done inspite of the fear". God bless you guys, you American soldiers."
Paul Wessel of Honolulu, Hawaii

"My deepest condolences to family and friends of Army Pfc. Kevin S.K. Wessel.
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace."
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for Kevin's service and good deeds."
Carlee Mitchell of Arkansas

"I am the 1st Platoon, Platoon Sergeant of Alpha Co. 3-7 INF (Cottonbalers!), of which SPC Kevin Wessel was assigned as the Forward Observer. I will tell you that I have never met a young man with as much motivation and dedication to his friends as he did. SPC Wessel loved being with the Platoon and he really enjoyed being with CPL Pfister. On 19 APR, SPC Wessel was doing everything right, just as the rest of the squad was. And his actions that day saved the lives of many innocent civilians. Just let it be known, that SPC Wessel will always be remembered as the young man that he was. Never turning down a mission and always to be counted on to accomplish any mission. God bless you SPC Wessel.
The men of "Attack" will miss you."
SFC Robert Sammons of Baghdad, Iraq

"We send our deepest condolences to you the family of one of our own Pfc. Wessel who has so bravely lost his life in the line of duty. He is now soaring above us and watching over every one we will forever remember him in our hearts and will always remember the scarifice that he made for us. A hero in our eyes and will NEVER be forgotten. Hooooah!"
SPC.Mark and Desi Decker of Fort Hood, Texas

"Maryann,

How can we get a hold of you - this is Kevin's dad. Our email address is sorehands2003@yahoo.com"
Kevin's dad of Hawaii

"I have searched the web to find information about the young hero who was also lost with my nephew Jacob Pfister. In the days of trying to work through this lost, we have thought of your family often because Jacob mentioned Kevin often. We just want you to know we have you in our prayers and thank you for raising such a fine man."
Maryann Cabarga of Hamburg, NY

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

"Thank you Kevin K. Wessel, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Kevin K. Wessel:
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 Kevin for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Kevin K. Wessel:
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 Kevin, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia