Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Sgt. Whetstone,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just during OIF but for your service during Desert Storm as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"I was there minutes after those tragic moments in his life. I performed his memorial service with his fellow troops there in Baghdad. I wept with his best friends and risked my life letting some of them know of his untimely death. Only one person knows the pain caused. I spent several hours talking with him just hours before his moment. We were due to talk again about 30 minutes after his death. The faces of disappointment and the anger of his fellow air traffic controllers still is alive in me. What a tragic end for so great a guy."
CH(MAJ) Stanley D. Arnold of Fort Campbell, KY

"”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 the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,000 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 a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
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 God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

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

"what can I say? SGT whetstone my friend and mentor for the time I was at ft hood taught me what a soldier was god it broke my heart when I was told he passed I was in samarra at the time and just when I thought things couldn't get any worse. Mason I miss you and think about you and your family. I'll see you on the high road bro."
SPC LOPEZ NESTOR A of corona ny

"July 16, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Mason Douglas Whetstone:
Mason 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

"I was honored to serve with Mason in Garlstedt, Germany. I came in after Desert Storm and Mason was a mentor to me. I was graced by his sense of humor and intelligence. He was a great friend to me and I appreciated his wisdom and guidance. Mason was a special person and my prayers are with his family."
Edward Fitzgerald of Norwalk, CT

"My wife and I had the distinct honor of remembering Sgt. Whetstone when we placed a flag on a headstone at a travelling memorial on display in South Miami Beach on Memorial Day 2006. It was an honor to remember all the fallen, but especially Sgt. Whetstone who reminded us of the sacrifice our brave men and women have made in service to their country. If the family would like a picture, please contact me at scottmdoyle@yahoo.com and I would be happy to forward it to you."
Scott Doyle of Miami, FL/USA

"To the Whetstone Family,
I had the honor in serving with Mason (Beaker) during Desert Shield/Storm. I was a brand new gunner and he was my driver. On those long days out in the desert when you don't see an end in sight Beaker was always there with a kind word or a pick me up. He joined us late out there, but was an instant joy to be around. I was out in Iraq during OIF 1 when I learned of the terrible news. My first thought was how we all made it back from this place the first time only to return and put ourselves in danger again. That takes a special person and Beaker was that type of person. There is nothing I can say that will make things an easier, but know that Beaker brought much joy and happiness to many people. If I can offer any assistance please contact me at fernando.pesinajr@us.army.mil. Billy the Kidd, Young Guns, Iron Knights, and Hell on Wheels."
SSG Fernando Pesina, Jr. and Family of Fort Knox, KY

"To the family of:Mason Douglas Whetstone 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 Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"mason was my mentor. when i was promoted to the rank of sgt, i looked at his leadership style for guidance. he was a great leader and it hurt dearly to see him go. i was a friend of him and his family and wish them the best. i miss you."
sgt nick dutter of home

"My thaughts and prayers go out to the Whetstone family. Even though we are strangers, Mason will always be a HERO to me. I will keep your family in my prayers everytime I look at his HERO BRACELET. I will wear it on my wrist. Sorry for your loss. Mason, thank you for keeping us FREE!"
Laura Pate of Baltimore, Md.

""The two most beautiful girls in the world" Thats how mason always describe his daughters to me. Mason Was a man of trust Honor and Loyalty. I served with him in Iraq and was there they day he left us. I will never forget him cause he was a true freind and NCO. As we must always say Never forgotten. Mason god bless you for being a part of our lives. I will always look at the big dipper and remeber our long nights as we waited to come home."
SSG Troy L. Price of Hanau/ Germany A Co 3-58th avn

"Hero is the only word that defines men like Mason. Not many these days have the conviction to leave their comfortable surroundings and go to a foreign land to help people who hate all that your culture represents. His determination to help his nation is one of the most admirable things one can do. Many question the war itself. Its reasons ,its flaws, but one thing no one questions is the heart of the soliders. Soliders like Mason. Soliders who risk life and limb for someone elses freedom. While their own freedom is secured, they are not satisfied until all people are free. Mason and every other solider are the truest representations of heroes. People that save others, not for fame our money, but because their integrity and concern for others allows them no other choice."
John Noel of Rocky Hill, CT

"To the Whetstone Family Mason and Heather and girls, Mason was not only my wingman twice but he was my friend not only to me but to my wife and our son as well. Mason you will be missed dearly I am honored to know you and to have drank may pots of coffee with you. Thank you for all the good times we had on and off duty but mostly the fun we had in gunnery. You and your family will always be BANDITs B 1-66 AR 2AD/4ID Ironknights in our book, thanks again and GOD Bless love from the Stevens"
SSG Carl (Butch) & Christy & Peyton of Gatesville, Texas

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"I just wanted to add to the many positive comments on Mason. It was also my honor and privilage to serve with Mason in the FLARNG in Daytona. He was a outstanding leader of soldiers and great mentor and friend to all of us in the unit. I think about him often and every time I do, I remember him with a smile on his face. May god bless your family."
CPT Charles Mangus of Washington, DC

"Mason (or Incursus as he was known to many in the game EverQuest) you made me laugh many of nights in EQ, and in the days before that in Darkness Falls. Your jokes, your actions, and your kindness was what made you a good friend to me and many in the small group of friends we had there. When I first heard the news i contacted just about everyone i knew how to reach from our old guild to let them know. Though none of us has ever had the chance to meet you face to face, shake your hand, or to even buy you a beer we all were in shock, and saddened by the news. Your memory is still held close to my heart, and will forever be listed as a tribute on what ever web site i happen to be running. To mason's Family, his old guild from EverQuest wishes you all the best, and our thoughts are with you. From Talthalra D' Bel'la Thanks for being you."
Aaron (and Talthalra D' Bel'la) of Williamsburg, Virginia USA

"Sgt. Whetstone was the man to be around if you wanted your spirits lifted. I was his loader on an M1A2 Tank in an NTC rotation with 1/66 Armor Battalion. No matter what the situation, he always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. I will miss you Sgt. Whetstone."
Pv2. Jason Burke of Ft. Hood Tx

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

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

"To the Whetstone Family:
My deepest sympathy. It broke my heart to hear about Mason's passing. I served with him in the same Tank Platoon in Germany and Desert Storm '91. I remember him as "Beaker" more than his given name. I was a corporal at the time and I remember him as a brand new private, eyes wide open. So young. A funny kid and very good soldier. I still honestly believe there is no greater honor than serving your country, especially in a time of war. Mason did it twice. Thank you Beaker, you are remembered."
Joseph "Grit" Gritmacker of Lake Villa, IL

"To Sgt. Whetson's Family:
Though we are strangers, we want you to know how sorry we are your Mason was taken from you. There is no doubt his thoughts were of you as he served with the Army in Iraq. We will never forget. You are in our hearts. (1/27/04)"
Carol & Larry Miller of Tampa, Florida

"To the Mason Family: I like others am very fortunate to have served with your son in Desert Storm and in Germany. Mason was an incrediblly intelligent and humorous man whom was truly a god sent for all who knew him. I am incredibly sadden by his loss and I wish that I had the words to help adaquately console you in your loss, but please remember that you are not alone in your grief and that Mason was truly cared for by his comrades and will truly be missed. God bless you and your family and remember that you are not alone."
Blake "Rock" Firestone of Canal Winchester, Ohio

"Thank you Mason Whetstone, 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

"This news comes to me as a terrible shock on Thanksgiving night. By chance, I read the Kansas City Star's tribute to those who have died in Iraq and I saw Mason's name. Mason and I went to high school together. Although I hadn't seen or talked to Mason since he left West Virginia for Anchorage, a flood of memories came back. Mason cramming into the back of my tiny Mustang with 6 or 7 other friends on a trip to the midnight movies. The prom picture of Mason and my best friend. Mason protecting me at a Metallica concert when the crowd got rowdy. He was a sweet, wonderful fun guy who I know will be missed greatly. I'm glad I got to know him."
Nora Cox of Lawrence, KS

"Mason was our squad leader for several years, the go-to guy for the latest intel, a trustworthy "lead by example" leader, some of my fondest memories were just cracking up laughing together or story time. Mason didn't know it, but he wasn't just my first line leader, he was my mentor. I thank him for making me the soldier I am today. It pained me deeply to hear of his loss. Some people influence your life forever and have no idea. When I salute the THE COLORS I no longer salute GOD, CORPS, COUNTRY I salute MASON....................my pal"
Len Hlavin of Charlie Battery 1/265th ADA

"Mason was a great man.
He could always make us smile, he was caring and trusting, he was there to help if you needed it never asking for anything in return. He was the best friend anyone would want and the one We are greatful that we had. He will always be in our hearts. We miss him."
Renee Thompson of Fort Hood, Tx

"Mason, I want to thank you for the levity and fun you brought to the Young Guns platoon in both Germany and Desert Shield/Storm when we were serving together. Your constant positive attitude provided solace to all of us former platoon members, and your wit and intelligence shined through. We, along with the rest of the U.S., are indebted to you in a manner that cannot be measured. To Mason's family, please know that Mason was a fine soldier, man and person that all of his friends and fellow soldiers were honored to know. Young Guns & Iron Knights."
Michael "Smitty" Smith of Oakland, California

"To the family of Mason Whetstone: I was one of the lucky ones who were fortunate to know Mason (or Beaker as we use to call him). I was stationed with him overseas in Germany, Served with him through out Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and then again at Ft. Polk, LA. His loss is going to be felt by everyone that knew him. He was one of the sharpest guys I’ve ever known and had a sense of humor and timing that always made me laugh. Mason was a true character and person you would never forget if you met him. I know I never will. Here’s to you Beaker, were ever you may be. Iron knights."
John Person of Kirkland, WA

"Mason will always be remember in our hearts and minds. I met him and his family while stationed in Fort Hood, we were neighbors. Our short friendship will be a lifetime memory. Prayers to the family and friends of a my good friend. We'll miss him dearly."
Love The Pankey's

"To the Family you are in my prayers...May God bless you. I do want to say it was a honor to have him in our military Thanks for serving our country"
Stacey (Proud Army Wife) of Zephyrhills,Florida

"I fought with Mason in the first Gulf War, and served with him in Germany. He was a great guy, and always kept me laughing - even when he was making fun of me. I will miss him."
Mark Kelley of Lakewood, CA

"I knew you for a few months last fall, while we were learning to be air traffic controllers together. Mason, you always had the moment in perspective, the right words to say at the right time. The few moments that I knew you were enough to make an impression on me as only a truly caring, thought provoking, witty, honest individual can. The world has lost a great man. Goodbye, my friend."
Chris Cook of Thompsons Station, TN/USA

"Mason was a true friend, comrade, and loving father. His strong intellect, razor-sharp wit, loyalty to his friends and ability to make anyone laugh were but a few of the qualities that made him so endearing to all that knew him. My family and I will miss his company but will forever keep him in our hearts."
The Bennett Family of Daytona Beach, FL

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Mason Whetstone:
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 Mason 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. Mason Whetstone:
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 Mason, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia