Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"As the science teacher at Garfield County High School, Owen was in one of my classes. Owen participated on the “B” squad basketball team where I was the coach. Owen was a special student. As a Vietnam veteran, I salute you Owen. God speed."
Clint Whitmer of Glendive, MT

"Owen. I served next to you in Iraq spent many a night in Germany out our favorite places to go. Your uncanny ability to always make a person laugh. It has taken me 12 years to finally write about you. I miss you brother. The years may have past but I have never forgotten you. I tell your story to my kids and to my family. I couldn't have met a finer man nor a finer soldier. I will always have an empty chair and a full glass for you on this day."
Sgt Pyles of Colorado

"PFC Owen Witt....It's taken me seven years to do this and I apologize for the delay. Not going to lie kid, first time I saw you in your cowboy hat and boots in germany, I was a little puzzled, but you turned out being an incredible person. Always had a smile on your face and made the best of every situation. It was an honor to have served with you......"
SPC Brooks of milton, nh

"Tomorrow.. 7y already... I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU... I MISS YOU SO MUCH... U WERE ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER MEET... Love LIz"
Melissa ( Liz ) of Wamego, Ks

"It's been 6 years Owen and I still think of you every Christmas. I still hold a lot of our conversations close to heart and really miss all your songs and jokes it brightened a lot of people's days."
Krystle Lamach of Miles City, Montana

"i lost my friend my brother owen i miss and love you littel borther"
spc best wesley out now of gig harbor wa

"May 31, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Owen D. Witt:
Owen 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

"It seems like yesterday we were preparing to go to Iraq with 2nd platoon. I remember rail heading and I was new to the platoon. I was supposed to guard the vehicles and you volunteered instead. I'll always remember you as a dear friend"
Sgt Williams of Ft. Bliss TX.

"Owen, I miss being able to talk to you. i know we didnt know each other for very long but i think we were good frineds. I had a lot of good memories in boot camp with you, like all the times the other guys got you to word for word repeat the robin hood movie. It was always a great time with you around, even though there were plenty of tough times. It was great. I was in Iraq when u were, and i remember reading the article they had about you in the army times. I was devestated, heart broke and just in shock. i think about you a lot, and im sorry i didnt keep in contact after boot camp. I wish i would have. Im sorry that things happened and you are not longer with us. But thank you for your sacrifice, i will remember it always and live my life the best i can so you did not die in vein. when i get to heaven ill come find you and we'll party and catch up on old times. till then my brother... till then... Love always Bryan Holden"
PFC. Bryan Holden of Akron, Ohio

"It's coming close to four years-just eleven days until another 365 are spent- Owen I cannot believe it. Time plays such tricks on our minds and spirits. You'd be proud of Kevin-got himself to a good place and I pray that he keeps on. There's another soldier friend you'll meet I hope, his name is Casey Roberts-I think you two will hit it off, for sure you'll make him laugh and he's extra good at that. Like you he is a bright, shining star lighting the sky in the heavens. I see you and know that you are with me here. We're okay-trying to get on with this task of living and so far doing alright. God keep you. Love, Liz, David, Norway and Denmark"
Rev. Liz Wold of Connecticut

"I met owen in the 5th grade and we became best friends right away. We did everything together and decided to join the united states army together on the buddy program.....he was quite the inspiration to me while in germany and also in iraq when i got to see him. He would have dont anything for me and I for him. If i could have taken his place, I would in a second just to see him again. I love ya buddy and think about you every day...you're missed by us all"
SGT Kevin Rogge of Montana

"Owen,Dang it seems like yesterday that I left you in Germany. I was coming home to Montana and you were staying in Germany... I wish it had been me that was staying. We were going to do great things,you and I, now here I am with out my "brother" to help me out. Wish you were here man. Always your Montana Brother..."
Jake Hanson of Lewistown MT

"To the family of:Owen D. Witt 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"

"We greet this day with you in our thoughts. Knowing that just 2 years have gone- May 24, 2004 and yet it seems but a moment. With tears and smiles and love you are with us every moment of every day-you continue to inspire us, you are our guardian angel. God gently hold Karen, Dave and all the Witts in grace. We are extremely thankful for you Owen-you are alive through the tales of your life and the humor, artistry and antics of your days with us. We will remember you."
The Wolds of Connecticut

"Dear Owen, Its been almost 2 yrs since youve been gone. I miss you everyday. I remember when you called me for my birthday just days before you left us and told me that "Life was too short to live it lightly" and I wish you could know...I know you know that I have taken your last words to me to the heart and Owen your words changed my life forever for the better. People are given others for a reason and I think God lead you in my life all those years ago so that one day would be my eye opener and follow my heart. You will never be forgotten."
Melissa Yost of Orlando, FL..USA

"Owen-I wonder how you'd feel about jumping out of an airplane-that's right the 1-4 CAV has gone airborne. Odd to think of such a change of operation-going from those behemouth tanks like dinosaurs to floating through the clouds with a parshute suspending you in mid air. Interesting turn of events, huh? Happy trails, Love the 4 of us!"
Rev. Liz Wold of Connecticut

"Merry Christmas Odie. I know that on this special day that everyone remebers those who are not here to share the holidays with us. I want to let everyone know that Odie is here with us in spirit. There is not one day that goes by that I don't think of my best friend here in Germany. We improssed together in Schweinfurt. Chris, Audrey, Odie, and me. We were a really close group of friends. I will truely miss him."
Beaver of Schweinfurt, Germany

"Owen-
Happy Birthday, December 6, 2005 You are always with us, you will never be forgotten. We love you and miss you each day. Liz, David, Montana and Norway"
Liz and David Wold of Connecticut

"We are praying this day and each day for the comfort and calm that we miss in our lives. Time is not the healer, only the space to express grief and hold our memories of love, laughter and the blessing of sharing with Owen in our lives. Our tears flow, our sobs are so audible. God bless you Karen and Dave. Thank you for the gift of Owen. We continue to pray in Jesus' name. Amen"
Rev. Liz Wold and the boys of Connecticut

"To the Witt family
Owen was one of my best friends and i miss him very much and i hope where ever he is he is watching down on us all."
spc scofield matthew of schweinfurt germany

"On the 24th of May 2005 B trp 1-4 cav had a moment of silence for Owen remembering him and thinking of the things that he did while he was with us. Owen comes up in our conversations often and we once again thank him and his family for the freedom that he has helped to preserve in our awesome country. Owen I miss you and ask you to watch down on all of us in B TRP. Thanks again buddy."
SPC Jesse Schultes B TRP 1-4 CAV of Schweinfurt, Germany

"Owen, I only knew you through my sister and yet it felt like I've known you my whole life. You will be missed terribly. My condolences to the Witt family and to all of those who knew Owen"
Michelle of Tulsa, Oklahoma

"Owen was like a brother to me i will never forget him. We had so many good times together and i was wishing for so many more. I can remember one great time when we were jumping on the trampoline and Owen had decided to jump off of the shed onto the trampoline well...that didn't work out so well he ended up whacking his head so hard off of the bar i thought that he was going to pass out he got up and his head was bleeding everywhere we had to take him to the hospital and all that he could say the whole time was please don't let them cut my hair...LOL he was very touchy towards his hair it was his thing...he would never let anyone touch it but most of the time he would let me i was his "LIL SIS" i love him so much and i can't believe that it has been a year since i got to hug him and just snuggle with him i miss you so much Owen and i will never forget you! you have touched my heart so much"
Macaela jessen of Jordan, Montana USA

"Karen and Dave and the family-just a year gone and how swiftly-we never will forget this special child, our Owen. We will hold him close in our hearts each day with enormous love and smiles. May 24, 2005 came upon us with tears and prayers-in loving memory for his supreme sacrifice and to keep us free. God bless you. Happy trails. Gratefully yours Liz, David and the boys"
Liz and David Wold of Connecticut

"To Owen-We love you and we miss you Owen-we never will forget. We sure are glad we knew you. You are always with us. We continue to honor you as a special person who brought us joy and light.We know we have an angel watching us. How awesome you are and will be forever! With love, Liz, David Montana and Norway"
Liz and David Wold of Connecticut, USA

"I am honored to wear Pfc. Owen D. Witt's Hero Bracelet. I am 12 years old and will keep him in my prayers for giving the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom. God Bless you and the entire Witt family."
Chris B. of Fayetteville, GA

"A1C Joshua Johnson of Glasgow Montana now in South Korea"
A1C Joshua Johnson of Kunsan AB ROK

"To the Witt Family,
I knew Owen and I loved him like a brother, he could tell stories that would put you right in the middle of them. He would always light up a room whenever he walked in it. He will always have a special place in my heart as he will in everyone's heart that knew him. He will be greatly missed, but watches over all that he loves.
May God be with the Witt Family"
Jennifer (Dey) Bischoff of Glendive, MT/USA

"You made the ultimate sacrifice that any man could make. I wanted to thank you for being a true battle buddy to my friend who was there. Both him and I will miss you. You take care and you will not be forgotten."
Pfc. Oberloh of Schweinfurt Germany

"To Owen: You will be greatly missed. I just hope you know how much. I will never forget my summer at the Witt ranch. I will never forget you and your little lamb and how she followed us everwhere. I will never forget riding Buck around with you and Lexi in the saddle. Not to mention the time that I came off of Buck's rear end when the horses decided to take off, and you, Lexi, Troy, and Erika couldn't stop laughing for days. You are truly a wonderful person and we all will think of you often.

To the Witt family: Thank you for so many wonderful memories of my youth. I am facing my second deployment to Iraq. So I understand completely what Owen was going through. I feel your loss and I hope that you know how easily your son touched others lives, and still does after all this time. My heart goes out to you.

With deepest sympathies..."
SPC Keri (Knollenberg) Lane of 891st ENGR BN KSARNG

"To the Witt Family;
There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of your son, he was a great man. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Though I only new your son a little, he made a lasting impression and i'm sure he did with many others. He was a brave man who truly sacrificed everything so someone he didn't know could enjoy the freedoms he loved."
The Hulett Family of Fairchild Air Force Base, WA,

"My name is Kelly and I am 14 years old. Owen Witt was a very popular guy in our town. My friends know him and say that he is a very kind, loving, great person. I never really knew Owen, but I think about him often, and when I hear the song 'Come Home Soon' By SHeDAISY I cry. Knowing Owen or anyone else who has died in the war is a very great privilage. Knowing that they gave their life for their country is a thought that brings tears to my eyes. I wish only that I could have met the small-town hero, Owen Witt. He is greatly missed, loved, and will always be remembered. Garfield County, Montana Loves you Owen! We will never forget. Come home soon..."
Kelly of Jordan MT 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. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. For the family/friends: May time provide happy loving memories in place of present sorrows. Look to the sky for in the infinite meadows of Heaven the bright shining stars bloom...the forget-me-nots of angels. God bless you and thank you."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

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

"I met him in Germany! I used to hang out with him alot!We had so much fun! I am so sorry for our loss!I miss him so much! I will always keep him in my heart! And i will never forgett my little Sweety! I donīt want to belive that itīs true that i will never see him anymore! I wish the best for his family!"
Liz Davis of Schweinfurt, Germany

"To the Owen's Family: I am so sorry to read of the loss of your son. I too share this same loss. My son would have turned 20 on 5/24/04 but was killed in Iraq 7/26/03. I understand the pain and will keep you in my prayers. I pray that god will guide you during this time."
Dr. Barbara Porchia of Camden, AR

"Owens Family,
I knew witt well and I liked him. I was a soldier in his unit and a Fellow montainan We will miss him."
PFC Jesse Schultes of Wolf point MT Now in Iraq

"To Owen's family, I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Please know that many of us appreciate his service to and sacrifice for our country."
F. Smith of Pennsylvania

"To Owen's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

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

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

"To Owen's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Please accept our deepest condulences on your loss.God bless your entire family."
Sgt Killian/J.Kersting(fiance') of Schweinfurt 1-4 cav germany

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

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