Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Thinking of you this weekend, remembering the conversations we had. Went to Grandmas funeral last year knowing you and her are now together. Tell her hi and give her a hug for me. Madison graduates in a few weeks and is going to College! She also thinks of you even though you were taken before you had a chance to meet her. Maybe you did meet her when we were at your funeral. Please continue to watch over us and thank you for your sacrifice. I love you brother."
Olin West of Lyles TN.

"Happy Memorial day 2020 brother. You never knew me but I was the NCO in charge of the mortuary affairs team that sent you home from Iraq that day. I have never forgotten you or SPC Wilson. I grew up in NW PA so it really hit me when I saw where you were from."
David Hansen of Prince George, VA USA

"Another year with you gone. But one year closer to seeing you again. Love and miss my big brother."
Olin West of Spanaway, WA

"James I miss you and think of you often. I know we butted heads a lot but you made my sister happy and loved my two nephews more than anything. I wish you could of seen your boys grow up they turned out to be fine young men. Love you and miss you James. Every time I look at Mike he reminds me of you with your goffy smile and his sense of humor."
Lisa of Carthage ny

"Happy Memorial Day 2016. I was given a hero bracelet inscribed with "Sgt James G West Watertown, NY Army 07/11/04" a few years ago. I just wanted to let any of his loved ones that come across this post that James was thought about with love and admiration today and always in California."
Lisa of Grass Valley, California

"It might have been Sgt West, but I knew a SSG in Germany that came in as a replacement. I was assigned as rear detachment after returning from Iraq during OIF 1. I was 1/94 FA and bonded well with the Sgt., I knew that he had a wife and two children and that they had just gotten base housing at Idar Oberstein. I had to take him and several soldiers to Wiesbadden every morning for training. I got orders early to return to the states and then while assigned to 32nd FA; I still got info about 1/94, and heard that this soldier had been killed while traveling from Kuwaiti back to Bagdad. Evidently, the unit had received orders to stand down and he flew home to see his kids before the order was rescinded and he returned to Kuwait. He died on a convoy back to 1/94 FA. I don't know if it was SSG West or another brother, but I do know I will but a round for him when I see him in Valhalla."
SSG (r) Matthew Jansson of Dumas, Texas

"I will always remember SGT West. He was an outstanding NCO and great person. He and his wife helped me while I was going through a divorce. SGT West lead by example and will always be missed. See you in Valhalla."
SFC Bertran Schultz of Conroe, TX

"I hope your family is still doing well. Regards from Jeff Rinker."
Jeffrey Lawrence Rinker of sacramento, CA

"I remember SGT. James West from my time in the Army as a 31U. He was my squad leader during Operation Enduring Freedom from December 2001 to May 2002. I remember when he smoked me for putting the expended casings on the end of my rifle while firing blank casings, using the expended casings as projectiles (like a potato gun; good times). As a squad leader he was never one of those hierarchically out of touch sergeants, instead he lead by example, and--I felt was very connected with his squad. His lose hit me sideways as I scrolled through the deaths on a month-by-month analysis of casualties from the wars. At first seeing unknown people dead from war became out of touch with my feelings until it was someone whom I knew, and then it hit me. All of these people meant something to somebody or a multitude of people. Henceforth I looked upon the fallen with no indifference, and instead tried to look upon them all more personally for their sacrifice. It's just easier to mourn those whom you've known (obviously). I can't imagine the pain his family has endured, but please know that I also mourn from his passing. I know that if I'm bereft, then I know the family feels more deeply cut by such a loss. All I can do as a citizen is remember what people such as James fought for and continue to fight for this country and its ideals in whatever way I can as a citizen."
Jeff(rey) Rinker of Sacramento, CA/Murica (* yeah!!!)

"I'll see you soon dad. It's been too long."
Your daughter of Southbridge, MA

"I will never forget that day, West and Wilson. I always try to remember him joking and laughing when he ran that hole in the wall shoppette on BIAP. I still have his plant, which was given to me by Frank Ortiz. I keep it in the dining room, it reminds me of him every time I look at it."
Dustin Waste of Germany

"10 years ago I lost my brother...James I know your in a better place and are watching over us. Love and miss you."
Loin West of Spanaway Washington

"West your still not forgotten. Miss you brother even more today than ever."
jason burns of Duncan ok

"9 years ago today...miss you bro"
Olin West of Spanaway Wa.

"Remembering you today on memorial day. Love you James."
Olin West of Spanaway, Wa.

"May first 2013,
I was talking about you yesterday and it brought back old memories. I miss you brother and know you are up there looking after us. Love you"
Olin West of Spanaway, WA

"james I miss you everydayLOVE MOM"
linda webster of woodland park colorado

"Never forgotten, forever in memory"
CW4 (R) Hickmon

"Thanks ;_;"
Olin West of Spanaway, WA

"Miss ya bro!"
Olin of Spanaway Wa

"James , Christy has come to join you please take care of her and I love you both very much MOM"

"WELL BROTHER I MADE E8! I MISS YOU
THANKS FOR LOOKIN AFTER ME!"
SENIOR CHIEF WEST of SPANAWAY WA

"Remembering those that have fallen. They have James up there making them smile. Miss ya bro."
Olin of Spanaway,wa

"Thank you for thoughtful words, Not a day passes that I don't think of James, my first born. I miss him so much, thank you again Sgt. Chuck"
Linda Webster of Woodland Park, Colo.

"to Olin and your mother, know that people still remember your son/brother every day."

"you are loved sgt."
chuck

"I miss having you to talk to brother
[IMG]http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/252606_1580596774578_1825458968_1035340_146552_n.jpg[/IMG]"
Olin West of Spanaway, WA

"I've been thinking about my dad a lot lately and reading all of these comments makes me smile. Every time I look down at my ankle and see your name on me I have to say a small prayer for you dad. My brothers are amazing and my grandmother is the sweetest woman evar! I wish we could have spent some time together..... I love you Dad."
Jessica Beatty of Florida

"sorry Osama....just a miss spelling. That would be bin ladin."
Olin West of AMERICA

"Today the news sais Obama is dead. Just thinking of that picture james sent from Iraq.....lol
miss ya bro"
Olin West of AMERICA

"this time 7 or so years ago i was talking to James, he was in Bagdad, i was in Whidbey island washington with a newborn baby. Well brother it seems like yesterday. I missed you then too"
Olin of Spanaway, WA

"Help me remember James by posting the best and worst thing you can remember about him."
Olin West of Spanaway

"I was at Ft.Drum the 156 maint.co. back in 90 to 93, I remember Mr.West.Truly a sad loss."
Stephen Grubbs of La Junta, colorado

"Love and miss ya bro"
Olin West of Spanaway WA.

"I was West first sqaud leader when he came to the 514th Maint. Co. at Ft. Drum. I just found out that one of the soldiers I help train is no longer with us. He was one of our best wrecker drivers. He would do any and everything if you let him. You are missed my friend."
Sgt. Russ Watkins of Daytona Beach, Fl

"I get to know you more and more each day as I talk and learn about my family. I see you in the son's you left behind and more clearly in myself then I ever would have imagined. It hurts to know I never got to truly know you but I pray one day I'll get to see you in Heaven and we can spend eternity talking about the lives we lived. I love you Dad."
Jessica Beatty of Dundee, FL

"8 December 2009
I just wanted to say I love you James, your my hero."
Olin West of Spanaway WA.

"My dad's best friend and my hero died about 5 years ago by the name of Sg. James West. He would come over to our house almost every day in Germany(our duty station at the time). We have this bottle of wine at our house and the night before he left for iraq we drank only one glass, he said to "keep it for when i returns we will have a another glass." When i found out i was just around 7 years old and my heart throbbed with agony of his death. I miss him ao much. We Never got to drink another glass, the wine today sits in our wine holder in our living room. Maybe one day in heaven we'll be able to have another glass."
Brynna Slavik of killeen Tx

"It's Veterans Day Westie!"
Dennis Bivens of oswego ny

"I have just found out of James's passing as well and am very saddened by the news. I knew James when we went to the same High School in Nebraska. He was such a great guy and friend. "When a wonderful life comes to an end, all the earth seems to weep with us". "The hardest changes of all are those that include good-byes"."
Cathy Weber of Dorchester, NE

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another! This is not an advertisement.
Mothers and/or Fathers, of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com. or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and bless you.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642"
Project Compassion, Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"To the family of James West,
It may come as a shock, but I am James' daughter. I've been wanting to contact some of the family I lost when my mother divorced James. Though I didn't know him, and still can't claim I do, I took the news hard. He was my father, and he was a hero. Please, if anyone knows James' family I want you to contact me. My email is jbeatty7@gmail.com. I just want to know my family..."
Jessica Lynn Beatty of Dundee, Fl

"I am an old friend of James. We met in the little town of Hubbell Nebraska. Him and his bro's would come during the summer to visit then they moved there. It was quite a surprise to have 3 boys move into town that only had 50 people in it. I would have to say that James was about 13 when they moved there. He was a little on the rebelious side but that is what made him all the more loveable. We lost contact about 3 years after he enlisted in the Army. I have just recently found out about his passing through his brother Olin. It is with a heavy heart I write this today as I have all these memories of James flooding my head. James always did what he wanted to do. Never without regret!!! Enlisting in the Army was his passion. He knew he was doing the right thing. I have many fond memories of James. When he was around you were always in for a good laugh. He adjusted to a new school and made many friends participated in all sports and was a good athlete. I felt sorry for his opponent in football. ~:^) I will speak for the little town of Hubbell "James we are proud you, we miss you and nothing will take the memories away" To your family: The loss of a loved one is life changing. Especially when they are as passionate about life as James. You are not alone let the memories of his smile and his laugh lift you day to day. I know a lot of time has passed but the loss is still there. Believe that your memories and friends will ALWAYS be there. I may not know you but any friend or family of James is a friend of mine."
Becky Malloy-Harrington of Ashland Nebraska

"I have been wearing the good Sgt.'s bracelet since ; I believe, 2006... I do not leave the house without his name; on my wrist... I am a retired NYPD detective & I understand his sacrifice. Moreover; the bracelet remains with me until my end...."
Jack Prunty of Hell's Kitchen, NYC

"July 9th 2009.
I was at work the other day, and the Navy Times had a section labeled 5000, speaking of the 5000+ soldiers that have passed. I turned to it and saw that it was 5000 names of the fallen. I couldn't take my eyes off of the page until i found my brothers name. Wilson's name is next to my brothers. I am deeply sorry for the tens of thousands that have to go through the same thing. I miss my brother and am glad tears still come to my eyes when i think of him.
I think there is hope left for us, may i recommend a book i recently read. Three cups of Tea, it is an amazing book about the people we know little about.
Life is short, but love lasts forever.
Love you bro
rollinolin333@gmail.com"
Olin West of Spanaway, Washington

"I was at work the other day, and the Navy Times had a section labeled 5000, speaking of the 5000+ soldiers that have passed. I turned to it and saw that it was 5000 names of the fallen. I couldn't take my eyes off of the page until i found my brothers name. Wilson's name is next to my brothers. I am deeply sorry for the tens of thousands that have to go through the same thing. I miss my brother and am glad tears still come to my eyes when i think of him.
I think there is hope left for us, may i recommend a book i recently read. Three cups of Tea, it is an amazing book about the people we know little about.
Life is short, but love lasts forever.
Love you bro
rollinolin333@gmail.com"
Olin West of Spanaway, Washington

"It's been almost 5yrs and I still remember that day when West and Wilson past away. We lost to good men will always remember them. I still remember the night before we moved out we were all laughs. God Bless James/Dana!!! With Love Ernesto."
Ernesto Garcia of Houston, Texas

"We have a small gift for the West family in honor of James G. West. Please contact us. Thank you.
Charlie Gili & Family
on Behalf of NY State Hockey Players Support Our Troops"
Charles Gili of Brooklyn, New York

"July, 2008
To the family of Sgt. James G. West:
James 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

"7-11-08. Four years and the pain does not go away. I am James West Mother. Many times I have tryed to write on this page. Their are no words to express how I feel. It is a pain I will always have. The lose of my first born. Thank you Olin for all your words. Thanks to everyone who has remembered My Son. I visit this site often. Thank you and God Bless! Breeze51LW@aol.com"
Linda Webster of Woodland Park, Colorado

"I would like to thank everyone who has honored our fallen soldiers. I have never heard of the bracelets till now. I am James's brother Olin. I am glad that Bobbi came across this web page and am thankful for the time spent posting.
I cant find the words right now, so il leave it at god bless you all."
Olin West of Spanaway, WA

"I recently purchased a Hero band to honor our fallen soldiers. I received Sgt. James G. West. Wanting to know a little about who the hero I was sent, I started to search the internet and found this page. Reading all of these things about this fallen hero makes me feel proud and honored to wear his name. May God always bless his family and friends. He is a true hero."
Bobbi of Kent, WA

"My son is named Hunter James West. He is now 2 1/2 months old. I know it wont bring my brother back but it makes me think about him every time i smile at my son. Love you James, miss you."
Olin West of Spanaway, WA

"Jim's humor and attitude kept everyone going during the time over there. Miss ya, pal."
SFC Frank Birdwell of CP Casey, ROK

"Hello to all that cant stop visiting this page. I still miss my brother and wish it was easier to remember anything about him other than the last few weeks of his life. I am glad I remember him happy and looking forward to all sorts of things. Miss you James. Your little bro Olin."
olin west of Spanaway WA.

"11 July 2006: Today of all days,I was sitting at my desk thinking of my good friend James West. I couldnt remember the exact day he died. So I went on the Internet to see and realized that it was today 2 years ago.This has been crazy hard for me to deal with. James Practicaly lived at my House In Germany. My wife and I would know that he was all alone at the Barracks(because his family was stateside)and go pick him up, feed him, and we would all tell stories together. James and I were close, we even argued like brothers would argue! My wife and kids still talk about him. James and I were going to work on my Porsche when we got back from Iraq. I had to work on it with out him! But I finished it and I will never sell that car It reminds me of him everyday. If any one in the family ever need anything feel free to call me or my family Im currently stationed in Hawaii (808)206-8610. I am going back to Iraq in 2 weeks and will make him proud. James West was a good freind and will always be my brother. slavik7399@yahoo.com"
SSG Stephen R. Slavik of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

"To all the friends and family of my brother I want to say god bless you and thank you for all of your sincere thoughts. This day is hard for so many reasons, but seeing all of you on here still talking about him makes me feel better. I am in a speech class and am learning about how others have shaped our lives and our self concept, I would like to thank James because he was the role model that I took after and looked up to, I hope my children look at me in this way when they get older. Love you all and hope to hear from you soon."
Olin West of Spanaway, WA.

"Hello Mrs. West, It's Kathy, Dana's mother. I just received this site from Damian and I read your message. With the anniversary quickly approaching, the days and nights become longer for all of us. Please know that our prayers are with you and your family and I hope that God will provide all of us with the faith and hope we need to look forward to all the tomorrows we have yet to see. We think of you and your family often. Take care of yourselves. Kathy"
Kathy of Hudsonville, MI

"My name is chris colvin Sgt west was my squad leader and he was a great squad leader the comments i have read are exactly how i would have decribed it was an honor to serve with him and to have known him he will be in my mind forever he wil not be forgotten i said this once in the desert almost two years ago on july 11 2004 "Goodbye My Friend"
your friend your soldier always
Spc chris colvin"
colvin of Junction city ,kansas

"my memories of my brother will never fade as the stars and sripes and all those that honor her and those like my brother. She has been raised for our freedom and he has fallen for our freedom, always on my mind the brave soldiers that are still fighting for our freedom. god bless you and be safe."
Olin of Spanaway

"To the family of:James G. West 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"

"Yes, now I know he is up there looking at me...I just want to thank god for the moments we all... have shared.
Take care Jessica, and thank you."
Olin West of Spanaway Wa.

"My heart and deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of James West. I am truly sorry for your loss."
Jessica Lathrop of Lynnwood, WA

"Hey all its me Olin James'bro. My daughter turned 19 months on the 25th of Oct. James was happy for me to have a child I know he loved his own very much. He would tell me of all the diaper changing and tar diapers of a newborne. We never had any sisters so it is difficult to immagine bringing up a girl. I know he is up in heavin looking down on my family and it makes me feel good. I miss him terribly and wish he could be here with us but i know soon we will be laughing together. Ill give you all the same advise he gave me....always tell your wife you love her."
Olin West of Whidbey Island, WA

"Hello everyone, its me Olin, James's brother. I got to talk with him on line a lot when he was in Iraq. He always made me smile and was a good brother that always made me feel proud, not just of him but me in my military carreer. I miss him terribly and have been talking to jen a lot now on the internet. Now i know why James married her, she makes me laugh and smile the same way James did. Christi (cousin)I havent talked to you for a while, give me a call. Last year when I was trying to get the funds for me and my family to make it to NY for the funeral my work raised 1500 dollors, a wonderful lady from Jet Blue got tickets for me and my family (9 to 10 tickets total, round trip). Thank you Nancy. Any way the command im at put a picture of James on the wall, he is next to a picture of one of the astronauts that died in the Challenger accident. I say hello to him every day i come to work, so all of you that are talking to pictures of a hero, no your not crazy, cuz if i were the Navy wouldnt let me be on a submarine. To all of you that were able to know James i welcome you to our family."
Olin West of Oak Harbor, Wa.

"Today is one Year with James only in our hearts and memories. I miss talking with him. The last memory I have of him was over the internet chat lines, he borrowed a computer camera from one of his friends that was one week before he died. This was also the day that he got to meet my husband and daughter for the first time. It was really great to be able to see him and meet some of his friends that were in the computer tent with him. He looked very sad and almost tearful when it was time to sign off. I miss him and his witiness. He could make anyone smile and feel good about life."
Christi

"Howdy to all,
Well where to start. It has takin me nearly a year to say anything or to let my feelings out. James was a friend of mine.We where in 1/94 together. I was a cook so he made sure to help me all he could.when i got so down about missin my daughter he was there to help me cope. While at the same time he was doing the same missing his own too. James was always building things from a hut to the lagest bench i have ever seen. And truthfully the armor the army had on our hummers came from his mind and hard work. we told him to paten it but someone saw it on TV and stole his idea. he save alot of us with his smile and his leadership. James i miss you my friend. And to your family GOD BLESS YALL"
Jason Burns. bell_plumber@yahoo.com of Weatherford, Oklahoma

"I am James' cousin and friend. My mother (his Aunt) sent me this link in my email today. I am completely overwhelmed by the responses/notes posted on here. The loss of James has been and still is very difficult for everyone. James is loved by so many. I miss him every day. Some days more than others. I know that his whole family is very honored by everyones support, prayers and thoughts. Growing up with him was great and I am a better person for even knowing him. Unfortunately it was his death that brought me and his wife Jennifer together to become friends. Even though I had seen many pictures and talked with her on the internet. I had never met her, Michael or Josh until his funeral. James is not only a fallen hero he is a fallen angel that God made into a HERO. He will always be in our hearts and he will always have a place at our table (especially when I make german pork roast, garlic mashed potatoes, buttered carrots, warm cherry pie and cold beer.) =) That is the dinner I promised to make him when he got back from Iraq."
Christina Paytas of California

"I am Jen's Aunt and even though I didn't get to know James very well, my family did. I love my family and I knew alot hearts out there were going to be sad and broken when this brave son, husband, father and friend's life was taken. I will probably shed many more tears because I know he died working to keep our country a safe place to be. God Bless You James West and all the other fallen heroes."
Patricia Bell of Watertown, NY, USA

"I'm Jen's cousin, and I'd like to say Katie is right on the money. But I would like to talk about another side of James. James was the type of person who would help you out at the drop of a hat. I met him years ago when I was going through a hard time in my life. James was my next door neighbor. My husband had left me, I had a little baby to take care of, and no phone. When James had to leave for training, he left me the key to his house so that I could use the phone whenever I needed it. Because Jen is my cousin and best friend, she was at my house all the time. We would go into his house to use the phone and (sorry James) eat his cheesecake and popsicles. When I needed help moving, James helped. He was a good friend and a lot of fun. I will miss you James, and look forward to seeing you in Heaven. Love, your cousin,"
Audra Seippel of Watertown, NY

"FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DONT KNOW SGT. JAMES WEST HERE'S A GLIMPSE OF THE MAN WE LOST. JAMES WAS EVERYBODY'S BIG BROTHER. HE REMINDED ME OF A KID IN A CANDY STORE-HE FOUND EVERYTHING NEW AND EXCITING. EVERYWHERE HE WENT HE HAD TO TOUCH AND EXPLORE EVERYTHING LIKE HE HAD SEEN IT FOR THE FIRST TIME. HE WAS A "HANDS ON" KINDA GUY. ;) HIS PERSONALITY MADE HIM THE CENTER OF ATTENTION-PEOPLE WERE JUST DRAWN TO HIM. IF YOU WERE IN THE WORST OF MOODS HE COULD ALWAYS MAKE YOU LAUGH. HE REMINDED ME OF JIM CARREY. I LOVE JAMES AND HIS FAMILY VERY MUCH. I WILL NOT FORGET HIM AND I WILL ALWAYS DO MY BEST TO BE THERE FOR HIS FAMILY WHENEVER THEY MAY NEED ME. MAY GOD KEEP YOU SAFE JAMES AND THANKYOU FOR ALL THE MEMORIES YOU HAVE GIVEN ME. LOVE ALWAYS YOUR COUSIN IN-LAW."
KATIE L. DOYLE of WATERTOWN ,NY,USA

"Dear Jen and Boys;
I only wish I knew what to say to you. My heart goes out to you and the boys. I wish you all the good this world has to offer you. May God Bless and keep you all."
Roxanne Walls of Oswego NY

"My heart goes out to the family of this brave soldier who spent 15 months in a hostile place only to lose his life hours away from Freedom. My son was in that convoy with him. It is a great loss that I'm sure will stay with all of the members of his unit as well."
Kerrie McNally of Skamokawa, WA USA

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. You will not be forgotten. For the families, may time provide happy loving memories in place of present sorrows. God Bless."
a grateful citizen in arizona

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

"ON BEHALF OF THE WAHL FAMILY. WE OFFER OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH JAMES,AND HIS FAMILY. THESE ARE DIFFUCLUT TIMES. ALSO TRUE; IN THESE DAYS. YOU WILL CROOS PATH WITH THE MANY MANY PEOPLE; THAT JAMES TOUCHED PERSONALLY IN HIS LIFE. HE IS MORE THEN AN AMERICAN HERO! HE IS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON. TO WANT TO SERVE HIS COUNTRY, FAMILY AND FOR THOSE TO LIVE A BETTER LIFE. HE HAS JOINED MANY THAT LOST HIS OR HER LIFE! AN IT HURTS!STILL WE KNOW THAT OUR SON'S AND DAUGHTER'S ENJOYED THE MILITARY LIFE. WE LOST OUR SON 05-03-04. WE ARE SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOST.`"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM

"To James' 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 loved one's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"Dear West Family, None of this makes sense, does it? I pray for your peace and a sense of God's presense to sustain you through these difficult days. We know the measure of your pain and have heavy hearts with you tonight. Aunt of PFC Bradley Kritzer, killed May 5th, in Baghdad."
Laurie Miles of Coalport, PA

"We are so sorry for your loss. James is a Hero and will be remembered for his service and sacrifce. May you find peace in the memories of his life."
lisa and gino of columbus, ohio

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

"I am so sorry for your loss....my husband is a soldier in 1/94. I will keep you in my prayers."
Amy Richardson of Baumholder Germany

"Thank you James West, 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 Sgt. James West:
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 James 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 Sgt. James West:
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 James, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia