Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Still thinking about you brother. You will never be forgotten. RIP"

"to the whole Wood family I served with Brian in Schweinfurt Germany and I want you to know that he was the most professional soldier I have ever come across but yet he would smile and always had something to say when you looked in his direction. There is no way to express the grief I feel over his passing and for void in your heart. I just wanted you to know that his passing and service will never be forgotten."
Michael Brokmeier of Fort Riley, Kansas

"Devere please get a hold of me. Bryangcpt@yahoo.com"

"whats up wood, its me Devere, still thinking about you bud probably will never stop. ive never never taken my bracelet off in 5 years but who gives a *, its just a bracet. I miss you man we were so much different but got along so great, experienced new things all the time together in Germany, you have no idea how much things have changed sinced you left... I miss ya brother and i know your in a better place..... world of warcraft 24/7 hahaha and then ill come knock on your door hammered and make you come out with us!! OMG good times!"
SSG Christian Devere of Wahiawa, Hawaii

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"April 24, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Brian M. Wood:
Brian 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

"Dear Mr. Wood,
I was driving on the "lovely" 405 on my way to work and I saw your car with the back saying, "If you want to know about courage,ask me about my son, Brian Wood". I tried to catch your eye but you looked a million miles away. My heart welled with tears and I just wanted you to know that even though you don't know me your son touched my life yesterday. I wish I knew of the courage it takes to serve in this war.I wish you peace, courage, and day by day strength. God be with you and your loved ones sweetly! True Valor remains in the spirit of Brian.
Sincerely, Diane Rose"
Diane Rose of Los Angeles

"So today you've been gone for four years and when I talked to Dad this morning we said the same thing, it seems like yesterday & yet it seems like it's been forever. There have been so many things you have missed and so many days that you've been missed. I know your watching over us and that makes it a little easier. I hope you know how much you are loved ALWAYS. Thank you for everything, every moment, and every memory. I love & miss you B!"
KWP of Torrance,CA

"Brian, I remember when I first heard the news. It made me very sad. I wanted to attend your services but events crossed and I was unable to. The more I heard about the recent soldier's passing in our town, the more I wanted to see if there was any more news. I found this website and I wanted to send my deepest condolences to your family. I remember going to Homecoming with in a group with you and how funny it was. You are a great guy and I'm sure your family is very very proud of you and everything you've done. To the Wood family: I am truly sorry for your loss, and I hope you are all doing well. Brian was a great person. Carrie, I hope you're well. It must've been extremely hard on you. Take care."
W of Torrance, CA

"To the family of Brian M. Wood, I want to express my sincere condolences. It's so sad when a true loved one is taken away from us.I was just surfing on the internet and decided to do a search of my own name, Brian Wood. Then Sgt. Wood's website came up and it moved me to tears. This person truly made an impact to a number of people in his life. I write this letter tonight on December 26th,2006 and our soldiers are still over in Iraq with no end in sight, let's just hope that the politicians will wake up and admit they made a grave error and will bring everyone back soon.Again to the family of Sgt. Wood, it seems you had a real good man and soldier in Brian and thats the way you should always remember him. God bless you always."
Brian A. Wood of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, USA

"not a day goes by that i dont think about you, you were a great person, model soldier, and you coulnt ask for a better friend. I wish we could have done more for you that awful day. I love you bro, and you are dearly missed."
SGT. Christian Devere of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri

"To the family of:Brian M.Wood 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 family of SGT Brian M. Wood:
You have raised one hell of a man and he surely will be missed. I remember all the fun we had when were with Echo 35th in Fort Leonard Wood, but the one thing I will never forget about him, is that he never complained and he always gets the job done no matter how long it took! To Brian, I miss you and I love you man! May you rest in peace and I will never forget you!"
PFC Michael Allen Evans of Edenton, North Carolina

"Brian,
I still have to think hard about whether or not I'm making all this up or if it really happened. I was on Speicher when it was called in and Barton, Wilbert and I got there as fast as we could. Joe and I kept telling eachother that you would pull through. I think all of us are still holding our breath in the back of our minds. It's too bad the world won't ever find out how funny you really were. I still don't think it was natural knowing as much about everything as you did. I love you man. And if Joe doesn't know about this site, I'll tell him as soon as I'm done here. To Brian's family, you raised one hell of a man. God Bless you for bringing him into the world and for sharing him with the few lucky enough to know him."
SPC. Robert Tuck of New Boston, New Hampshire

"On my arm I wear a KIA band with Brain's information on it as a tribute to him and all my fallen brothers and sisters in arms. God bless, be strong."
SSG Samuel Yudin of Long Beach, CA

"To Brian's Family,

We have thought of Brian so many times over the past year. Please know that our hearts are with you today as we remember him."
The Bigelows of Torrance

"Praying for you today on this one year anniversary. I pray for strength for you to get thru this day as you have every day for the past year. I pray that Brians spirit is with you today in whatever you do. Brian, you will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace dear Hero"
Elisha Pahnke, wife of fallen soldier PFC Shawn Pahnke KIA 6-17-03 of shelbyville, IN

"To the Wood Family,
We talked in Washington D.C. the other day and I wanted to say thank you for your support! MY heart goes out to your family.."
Allison Belanger of Deerfield, MA

"3/9/05
Today I met your Grandfather, and as he spoke of you my heart almost broke in two. One week ago I got to hug my son, who is also a combat engineer, as he returned from Iraq. I immediately thought of all the mothers and fathers who would never get that luxury again. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers and Sgt. Brian Wood will never be forgotten."
Carlene Halsing of Sierra Vista, AZ.

"To the Family and Friends of Brian M. Wood, May the memories you have of this wonderful young man be a source of comfort to you. I know it has been almost a year, I saw you Mrs. Wood at the Redondo Beach Memorial Day Parade, and thought what a wonderful mother Brian has. At the time I saw you, I too had a son serving in Iraq (Derek 22) and as of 1/20/05 have my eldest son, Logan, serving his 3rd tour to the Middle East.Your courage during a time of grief really touched me and my family, and made us think how important it is to cherish our moments with children. Your son will always be a hero in our eyes as well as your family. Respectfully Yours, The Sibert Family"
Kathleen Sibert of Torrance, California

"Ms. Gable - Thank you so much for wearing the bracelet with my son's name on it. It is getting close to a year since he was killed, and your effort to remember him, and others' efforts help ease the continued pain of his loss. If you want to know more about him, check out www.sgtbrianwood.us I just have a few things on the site, and will be adding more soon. Thank you again for Brian and for his family. God Bless you."
Greg Wood of Redondo Beach, CA

"To the family of Sgt. Brian M. Wood. I do not know Sgt. Wood, however I proudly wear his name on a bracelet. I did not know him when I placed this bracelet on my wrist, but will be forever proud of what he has done for our Country."
Lee Ann Gable of Winchester, VA

"Brian, we weren't the best of friends in school, but i'll always remember when you ran for a asb position... "WOOD IS GOOD". you'll be missed by so many of us."
M of Torrance, California

"Wood, you were a great and intelligent guy. We had a rough time in Echo company but we made it through. We came to Germany on the same plane. I wish I could have been there to help you. I know you're watching us all. God be with you."
SPC Kevin Kingsbury of Tustin, CA

"Brian, I knew you when we went to school together. Maybe we weren't best friends, but we got along well. I suppose we went our separate ways, I to the Navy and you to the Army. I hope everyone understands the sacrifice you made, not just for your own country, but for another's. You were a great guy, anyone who knew you would say the same.

Brian, we will miss you. Everyone in Torrance, your family, your friends.

I salute you, and your fellow soldiers who voluntarily go where others dare not.

Rest In Peace, Brian.

Petty Officer 2nd Class, Adam N. Tellez
United States Navy"
Adam Tellez of USS Lake Champlain (CG-57)

"I can't believe that tomorrow it will be two months since Brian died. I'll never forget hearing the news. I can't believe the friendships that were rekindled because of hearing about this. I can't forgive myself for letting so many years go by without talking to so many people, and having it be this tragedy that brought us all back together. What I am happy about is that Brian is in a better place, looking down upon all of us."

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

"To the family and friends of Brian M. Wood, May the wonderful memories you have of Brian be a source of comfort to you always. Thank you for raising a fine young man, who counted it a privilege to serve our great country. He will not be forgotten. May the Joy of the Lord be your strength."
Kathleen V. Sibert of Redondo Beach, California

"To the Family of a Fallen Hero:

Greg and Family,

I just wanted to let you know that you all are in my prayers and that your faith will help guide you through this trying time. I am very thankful that someone like your son was over there protecting the human rights of mankind and providing help to so many people. God Bless.

Sincerely,"
Brian Hedges of Oklahoma City, OK

"To Brian's Family and Friends:

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

From the family of Capt. Ernesto Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, 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, Brian, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Rest in Peace Brave Soldier"
The Taylors USMC NC

"To the family of Brian M. Wood, please know that so many people are keeping you in their hearts, thoughts and prayers throughout our country. May Brian rest in peace and may your memories of Brian live on forever. Sincerely, June Aleck, Brattleboro, VT"
June Aleck of Brattleboro, VT

"Brian, I hope somehow these sentiments are with you always. Your service and sacrifice for not only our country, but for the people you so willingly fought for, will always be remembered. You are a hero to us all, and most especially to those you so passionately fought for. Simple words can never convey a countrys true appreciation for its heroes who have given so much. The attempt of a single person hardly does you justice, but I am very honored to have the opportunity to try .... We are all so proud of you and hold you close to our hearts. You will never be forgotten and we will continue to support your brothers and sisters in the cause you gave your life for."
Anne of Torrance, CA

"My deepest condolences to the family, friends and all loved ones of Brian M. Wood . My heart aches for you, and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that the deep hurt you feel can be in some part be eased by the feeling of great pride for Brian’s valor and deep sense of patriotism. He will always be remembered as an American Hero.
Brian, you have made the ultimate sacrifice and did so willingly and without hesitation. Thank you so very much for defending my freedom. It means so much to me, to the people of NYC and to the entire nation. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice in the service of the country that I love so very much.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Most Sincerely,
Pat Shoukry"
Pat Shoukry of New York, N.Y. USA

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

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