Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I went to school with Nathan in Abilene at Bonham elementary. We were the best of friends back then.I was an only child. I remember going to spend the night with Nathan. I was very surprised at the size of his family. I think he had 8 siblings. I remember Nathan being very intelligent, polite, and charismatic. I was so angry when I heard how Nathan was shot down by friendly fire. I stumbled onto this page today and just wanted to let your family and fellow servicemen know that you are and always will be remembered."
Wesley Bruton of Abilene TX

"I went to school with Nathan in Abilene at Bonham elementary. We were the best of friends back then.I was an only child. I remember going to spend the night with Nathan. I was very surprised at the size of his family. I think he had 8 siblings. I remember Nathan being very intelligent, polite, and charismatic. I was so angry when I heard how Nathan was shot down by friendly fire. I stumbled onto this page today and just wanted to let your family and fellow servicemen know that you are and always will be remembered."
Wesley Bruton of Abilene TX

"So proud of you and your team. I honor you and your accomplishments in life. You leave behind a legacy we cherish. Rest In Peace."
Stephen Wrigley of Houston, TX, United States

"Happy Memorial Day Nathan. Love you Brother!"
Zachry J. Leverton of Merritt Island, Florida/United States of America

"Thank you for everything, and for your sacrifices. May God be with you and your family. https://columbiatreeco.com"
Wendy T. Paris of Oklahoma, OK, USA

"I knew LT. White while serving in the Gulf with him. God Bless His Soul and His Family / R.I.P. LT. Nathan White."
PR1(AW) Jesse Hook (Ret.) of National City, CA.

"I never met Nathan, but I am remembering him still in 2016. Clearly a wonderful young man by the testimony of those that knew him personally. My heart goes out to his family & loved ones. I am grateful for such men, and am honored & humbled by his service and sacrifice."
John Duncan of Buffalo Gap, Texas USA

"Lt Nathan White, I did not know you in life but you and your family have been and always will be remembered in my prayers since our nation lost you just over 12 years ago."
Tom Shovlin of Londonderry, NH

"Lt. White its been over 11 years now, your gone but not forgotten. I remember you being my Division Officer in VFA-195 for the Ordnance shop, a rare breed, that was more concerned with his Sailors well being than just getting through his Division Officer tour unscathed by the drama that comes with the job. The last time I saw Lt. White he was at my pinning ceremony sharing in the celebration of me making Chief Petty Officer one of the most coveted and cherished milestones of a Sailor, which I might add Lt. White was an important part of, Lt. White my former Chief AOC McCall, and Gunner Willet all shared a hand shake and a hug. That moment I have never and will never forget. Lt. White look forward to seeing you on the other side, I'm sure Heaven isa better place now with you looking down upon us.

Thanks and gratitude is in order for your service and paying the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace.

V/r AOC(AW) Thomas W. Curry Jr
(RET)"
Thomas W. Curry Jr of Zushi, Japan

"Dear Nathan White,
You are my grandmother's cousin's son. I am a young student preparing to go on a school trip to Washington D.C. One of my assignments is to find and research an individual who is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery to write a report. Thanks to my great-grandfather's personal history, I discovered your story. When I go to D.C. I will be able to find your grave and ponder your life and legacy. I am personally grateful to you and the thousands of others who have sacrificed their lives for this country, and my freedom. This assignment has been made more personal for me because I am able to learn of and remember a distant relative. I express my sorrow and condolences for the family of Nathan White. You are amazing people and I wish I could meet you personally. But if not, I just want you to know that God is watching over you and he will bless you for your sacrifice. Thank You."
Sienna of Provo, UT

"Lt. White,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas"

"OJ,

I will never forget flying with you 10 yrs ago today and I will never forget the last words I heard you say on the radio as you took 405 airborne for the final time. I said "Juice, how's your jet?" to which you replied, "I'm money PADI, money!" I then heard you call "405, airborne" off the waist. I know you're watching down on all of us from above. Not a day goes by when we don't think about you and wish you were still with us. Thank you for your sacrifice."
PADI of Virginia Beach, VA

"I was thinking about Nathan today, and wanted to leave a message to tell you all so. Even 6 years after the event that took him, I think of him and his family. Though I hadn't seen him in years, I'll always remember him as my first best friend."
Brigitta of Ft. Worth, US

"I have the flag for Nathan from the flags across America. I am sorry for your loss, he must have been a great person. His memory will stay with my family forever."
Lance of Lucerne Valley, Ca

"It has been three years since your loss, one that I know was a great one. I did not know Nathan but I was a part of the search to find him. Though I was not the first that night I was the first that morning in the effort to find Nathan. I was a crew member on board an Air Force HH-60 helicopter whose primary mission was combat search and rescue. The wreckage of his F-18 was found just off the shore of the lake west of Karbala. We found his parachute undamaged which left us to believe he had ejected. We left no stone unturned to find him. I flew to the lake and performed search patterns for three days in a row, two of those days we flew for nine plus hours,in a H-60 at the temperatures we were flying it was very exhausting and was taking its toll. At the end of the second day of the search my co-pilot had to be helped out of the cockpit and our PJ's had to give him 2 IV bags to rehydrate him. After the third day operations were turned over to the navy. We wanted to find him so badly that we landed on shore and our PJs had brought scuba gear with them from Al Jaber Kuwait. I remember watching them crawl on their stomachs with all this gear across maybe 30 meters of mud flat before they could even get to the waters edge. On the night of his shoot down in the early morning hours the first on the scene of the crash site was an Army engineering unit. These were my heros, the water was very salty or high in alkaline, my memory fails me there. Because of the water conditions the water burnt their eyes when they too crawled the mud flat to go into the water to see if they could find Nathan. So, their solution was to don their MCP2 gas mask with the inlet valves ducked taped so they could use the mask like a scuba mask. This effort came up empty. I would just like for you to know how personal it had become for all of us in the search for Nathan. Every day I was out there I wanted so badly to be able to come up on com and shout, " I'm pad locked on the survivor, nine o'clock, 500 meters". I imagined the joy that he would have felt to see that charcol grey Jolly Green homing in on him to bring him home. I regret that it never ended that way. My heart is heavy and I feel your loss. I am truely sorry that we could not find him and bring him home to you as all of us in the search had prayed. God Bless."
Retired Master Sargent R. Hazelwood of Kentucky

"July 4, 2007
To the family of Nathan D. White. Nathan 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

"To the family and friends of Nathan D. White- I was Nathan's room mate when he came to live in Provo Utah after his mission in Japan. When I learned about the terrible fate I could not believe. It made me remember the short time we lived together. He is one of the finest people I ever met. I remember him always smiling, always in such a good spirit. He is a great soul. I look forward meeting him, laughing and maybe even playing racquetball together again.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends."
Eduardo Murakami of Vancouver, B.C./Canada

"In April of 2003 I was an aircrew loadmaster attached to VRC-30 Det 5, Atsugi Japan. Unfortunately for me, I never had the honor of meeting Nathan. I remember the day of his memorial onboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. I watched the memorial from above, viewing from vulchers row. It was a warm, calm, beautiful day, a perfect day to remember Nathan. To this day, 4 years later, I still remember the sorrow I felt during the memorial. You will never be forgotten Nathan, god bless."
Kenneth Kaplan of Kent, WA

"Lt. White,
Sir I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"I was stationed in Atsugi Japan in the same Air Wing as LT White. I was in Helicopter Squadron 14 aboard the USS Kitty Hawk and was part of the Task Force that went into Iraq and recovered his body and brought him home. We flew hundreds of miles off the ship into Tallil, Iraq where we worked with the Air Force and Marines who all were actively involved in looking for LT White from the air and on the ground. Our crews held out hope the entire length of the search that we would find him alive hiding out waiting for us to give him a ride home. When we finally located his body my heart sank. I don’t think we said a single word the entire flight back to Kuwait. I did not know LT White personally although I lived with my family in the same building on base and was on the same ship I probably never said more than a friendly hello. What I do know is that he was a true Hero and great person who was loved by all who knew him. To the family of LT White thank you for your sacrifice I will forever keep you and Nathan in my prayers.

AWCS Mark Mitchum, La Mesa Ca,"
MARK MITCHUM of LA MESA, CA

"Dear Akiko, Courtney, Austin and Zachary,

It's been a long time since we were neighbors in Oceana. Those were good times. Nathan was in the RAG, the kids were all playing together in the new playground out back. I can remember your parents visiting, they are such nice people. I also remember Nathan riding around on his motorcycle wearing his flight suit, he was quite the character. Luisa and I were so sad when we learned of his untimely departure but we also know that he is with the Lord now. On this Memorial Day, 2006, we will say another prayer for you and the children, and especially for Nathan. God Bless You!"
CWO (Ret) Eric and Luisa Peterson of Tewksbury, MA

"To Akiko and Family,
When I wrote the messages about Lt White,I shed tears till I wrote the wrong year.Its suppose to be in 2003.I apologise for the wrong year indications.Sincerely,"
Long Lost Friend,Mariea E of Honululu,Hawaii USA

"To my good friend LT White that passed away in 2002,I knew that GOD was your closest friend and now than I believes that PAIN and DEATH go hand in hand..ONE are for the peoples that you left behind AND ONE is YOU.I still hear the tears from all your loved ones to this day and they still holds on for all the memories that they had ONCE with you,buddy.The ONLY wishes that they could take back the time will be the REMEMBRANCE day when they have you in their lives.Till the end of times "O.J" you will be always LOVES/RESPECTS/APPRECIATES by all the Americans and families.WE SALUTE YOU AND YOU MAY REST IN PEACE..!
To Akiko and Family..Be Strong,We proud of your dedications for the past years when "O.J" serves the Nations,We proud of "Nate" due to his TIMELESS efforts to save the world!God Bless You,buddy."
Long Lost Friend,Mariea E of Honolulu,Hawaii USA

"To the family of:Nathan D. White 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"

"To the White Family:
First off I would like to take a moment to express my sorrow for your loss & although I did not know Lt. White he is a true american hero and is now a part of my everyday life and my hero. The reason I say he is a part of my everyday life is because I ordered a bracelet with the name of a fallen solider in Iraq to honor their sacrafice, & the solider was Lt. Nathan D. White. The bracelet is worn everyday & when people ask what the bracelet says and what it is for I tell them and it is my small way of honoring him and his sacrafice along with all our other sailors, soliders, and marines who have made the ultimate sacrafice."
Nicholas Mele II of Long Island,NY

"LT Nathan White,

I will never forget you and the proud way you served as my Division Officer in VFA-195. I admired the way that you took an honest interest in the sailors in the command. You took time to listen to their dreams and always had kind words of encouragement. You were a true role model and even two years after your death, I am still saddened that I didn't take more time to talk with you. You will never be forgotten and I am sure that Ordnancemen of VFA-195 will always keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. We know you are in heaven I look forward to seeing you again when I get there."
AOCS Phillip McCall of MCBH Kaneohe Bay HI

"It's ironic that I left a message almost a year ago, and here I find myself again, pained by Nathan's death over 2 years ago in light of the recent MH-47 helo crash that happened in Afghanistan yesterday, possibly killing as many as 16 military, including some Navy. Nathan was one of the first killed in the Middle East after the start of the Iraq War, but we all knew that he would not be the last. Rest in Peace, Shipmate, you and your fallen brethren will not be forgotten, especially as we celebrate America's Independence Day in 2005. To the children of Nathan White, your Father is the reason why so many of us live in freedom. HE IS A REAL, HONEST TO GOD, AMERICAN HERO. God Bless you and your Father."
Rich of Center Ossipee, NH

"I would like to send my condolences to Nathan's
family.
I attended Cooper High School with him and were
members of the same church. He was truly a great guy,
I remember his sense of humor. I express my love and deepest empathy to his family, for it was just 2 short months
before Nathan died that my wife and I lost our 2 year
old son. We know that they sit in glory together in
the presence of our God. I'm sorry it took so long for
me to get out of my own sorrow to offer my own sincere
condolences and for that I pray for forgiveness from
his family.

Until we meet again my friend,

Terry James Holden"
Terry Holden of Mesquite, Texas

"Thank you, Lt. White, for your sacrifice. May God be with you and your family. We won't forget."
Sabra Crowe of Lubbock, Tx

"To the family of LT. White. I just received my bracelet that I order which has Nathan's name and the date we loss him. I just would like you to know he will not be forgotten and will always be in my prays. God Bless You all. I recently just returned myself and will be returning please keep all of us in your prays."
TSgt. Michele Orsino of Mays Landing, N.J USA

"I carried a card with your name, Nathan Dennis White, in a Memorial Service Processional yesterday, September 19, 2004. I laid a lily on a casket in your honor. May you always be remembered."
Krista MacTavish of Inverness, IL

"Dear Akiko, Courtney, Austin and Zachary,

I was going through my photos the other day and I found a family Christmas card that you sent a few years ago. It brought back feelings of regret and sadness. Regret because I failed to keep in contact after you left Arizona and sadness at the tremendous sacrifice you and your children have paid to keep me and my children safe. I am grateful to have known your husband and cannot believe he is gone. I am also grateful for a plan that teaches us that we will see him again. My prayers for you and the kids will continue and I will never forget what a wonderful family you are."
shauna foliaki of Mesa

"Friends and family of Nathan D. White:
I am so sincerelly sorry for your tragic loss. My husband, Spc Justin W. Linden, died on June 4, 2004 in Iraq, and it hurts so much to know how many other people have had to bare this terrible pain. All of these soldiers were so strong and brave. Nathan will never be forgotten. Thank you for your sacrifice."
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

"Nathan's Family - Tomorrow will be America's Independence Day - 2004. Your father's sacrifice will not be forgotten during that day or in the future. Every time I see references to him - such as 60 Minutes last week - or whenever I see a flag waving, I think of OJ and our other brave, young sailors, Marines, and soldiers. God Bless."
Richard of New Hampshire

"LT White, It was a distinctive honor to have been your Plane Captain in VFA 195. I will never forget your first flight once you had arrived there, how nervous you seemed in your eyes as we were surveying the A/C before flight. It was an honor to help you get used to the routine. Every time you left the ground I was proud that my name was on the jet you were flying and in some way it is strange that 405, you and I will always be some how connected forever. I know that she served you well and did her best to protect you.
Mrs. White and family, I am sure through all that you have been through you have heard millions of stories of how awesome of an Officer your husband and father is, know from one more shipmate that it is most definately all true."
Cathryn R. Cope-Magasano of HSL-51, Atsugi, Japan

"Nathan,

You were a great friend. We miss you!"
Capt Dave Clayson of Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

"I learned about Nathan while covering the history of the Navy in OIF during a visit to Japan back in July of 2003. The stories that people told of "OJ" were remarkable. What Pat Tilly (football hero/Army Ranger) is to so many now, Nathan White was to me last summer - someone who I had never met but who I grew to respect, admire, and even miss. What a truly remarkable man. While I was watching the Nightline list of people who had died last week, Nathan's name and face appeared on the screen unexpectedly. I got goose bumps. Nathan is someone who everyone should aspire to be - integrity beyond belief, a family man, and the poster-boy Navy pilot without the ego. I hope his legacy continues to grow and circulate. I never met you, OJ, but I will never forget you. God bless you and the wonderful, beautiful family you left behind."
Rich Fahy of Center Ossipee, NH

"RIP SHIPMATE"

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

"To Remember Them..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.

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 (USMC) of Lakeland, TN

"I just attended a year anniversary "ceremony" for my former home teaching companion, friend and neighbor, James W. Cawley. It was somewhat sad occassion. Some people there were LDS and some were not. It was interesting hearing what the Marines said about Jim's death.

I believe that Brother White and my friend, US Marine SSgt. James Cawley who died in Iraq Mar. 29, 2003, are currently serving as mission companions to the ancestors of their Japanese children who have yet to hear the gospel in their own tongue. It seems that their lives paralleled each others to a remarkable degree; and for them to both die within days of each other from accidents I think is no coincidence. I know the Lord is watching over all of us and he knows what is best for those who pass on before they reach an old age and those that are forced to stay behind and live with the sorrow and lonliness. I can only say that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has helped me through this time of sadness and every other time in my life. I know that I will see Jim again, and will see Lt. White. It is hard for me to watch Jim's wife who is not of the LDS faith to accept the finality of death. She says that she knows she will see him again, but it is not to the extent that we as Latter-Day Saints believe that we will actually live together again for all eternity. I can imagine that everyday in heaven it is a wonderful homecoming as people join their loved ones that have passed on. And I will bet it will be a very joyous day in heaven when Miyuki sees Jim again and truly knows the plan that our Father has laid out for her. God be with you til we meet again! You family has been in my prayers and I hope that you find peace enough to enjoy this life without Nathan."
Joe Oliver of Layton, UT

"Akiko, Courtney, Austin, and Zachary,
Laura and I want you to know that all of you and Nathan are still in our thoughts and prayers. O.J. was an incredible friend and squadron mate who will NEVER be forgotten. Please know that our lives are forever changed for the better for having known O.J. and your family. We wish you the best in your future. With our sincerest love and thanks, LT & Mrs. Jon Clary, and Benjamin"
Jon, Laura, and Benjamin Clary of Meridian, MS USA

"Lieutenant White, goodbye sailor and thank you. You are my hero"
Bill of Houston, Texas

"The reason that I am writing is that several nights ago there appeared on
Japanese television a program dedicated
to the death of your son. Even though
the English speaking was overdubed in
Japanese, my wife translated certain
key parts. I learned that Dennis was
somehow shot down by friendly fire while
on duty in Iraq. I saw you visiting a
school to tell the students that War
was wrong and to try to impress on them
how futile it was. My wife said that the
students didn't seem to understand the
importance of what you were saying.
I believe that there were several other
individuals who were interviewed as well
as yourself by the Japanese TV reporter.
The internet is a valuable tool by which
I was able to locate this Memorial to
your son. My wife and I send our deepest
condolences to your family."
Court Babcock of Yokohama, Japan

"Akiko, Courtney, Austin and Zachary,
You are all loved and thought of every day at our home. We still cannot believe that Nathan is gone, but we will always remember his gift to us as Americans and friends. Your gift was your love for Nathan, and your standing behind him in everything he did. We are truly honored to have known such a man, such a family. We are always here for you. With much love, Lt. & Mrs. William Coombs, Kaya, Cadee, and Abigail."
Bill & Carrie Coombs of Greenwood, Nova Scotia, Canada

"Akiko, We pray for you and your children all the time. Nate was a wonderful man. We will never, ever forget all the memories of Nate and all the memories of the kids playing together in Kingsville,Tx. Nate is a true hero and it was a honor to be at his memorial. My prayers go to you and the kids, Nate's family and your mom and dad for the loss of a friend."
Gina and Kurt Uhlmann of Virginia Beach, Virginia

"For Lt. White's Family:
Though we are strangers, we want you to know how sorry we are your Nathan was taken from you. He is a brave hero. There is no doubt, his thoughts were of you as he served with the Navy in Iraq. We will never forget. You are in our hearts."
With Love....Carol & Larry Miller of Tampa, Florida (2/9/04)

"Thank you Nathan White, 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

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrifice will nerver be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"Dear Family,

I'm so sorry for your loss, and I know how you feel, for I have lost a great friend too, my Uncle James Cawley. I'll keep you in my prayers. Know one will forget Nathan and James, for what they have sacrificed to keep our country and families safe. And to Nathan: Thank you for keeping my family safe! You'll never be forgotten!"
Lindsey Seamons of Allyn, Washington

"Dear Family and Friends,

I was reading this side and my eye felt on the side of your son.

I wish you all strongness to accept the loss of your son from an, for you unknown, inhabitant from the Netherlands.
God bless you all"
ad heitzer of Netherlands

"To the family and friends of Lt. Nathan White:
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 Nathan for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"Dear family of Nathan: Our family mourns with yours at the loss of our two fine LDS servicemen. We know how you are feeling and pray for our Heavenly Father's choicest blessings to be with you at this time. You are in our prayers. We know you will miss Nathan as much as we miss our brother, Jim Cawley. The world has lost two of it's finest men. God be with you all."
Debbie Cawley Seamons of Allyn, Washington

"Dear family of Nathan: Our family mourns with yours at the loss of our two fine LDS servicemen. We know how you are feeling and pray for our Heavenly Father's choicest blessings to be with you at this time. You are in our prayers. We know you will miss Nathan as much as we miss our brother, Jim Cawley. The world has lost two of it's finest men. God be with you all."
Debbie Cawley Seamons of Allyn, Washington

"To the family and friends of Lt. Nathan White:
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 Nathan, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"RIP Brave one. We will never forget what you did for this country and for those in Iraq that could not help themselves. THANK YOU."
The Taylors, USMC of NC

"LT Nathan D. White,

You are a true American HERO and will be remembered forever.
You will be greatly missed."
Mike Crawford of NAPRA SERF, NAF Atsugi, Japan