Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To one of the best guys I've ever had the privilege of knowing.
I remember the long walks and talks we would have about God and his Angels. I never thought you would among them so soon. You and your family will always be in my memories and forever in my heart. Miss you buddy."
Brenton of Eagle River, Alaska

"From young in youth he loved both God and Country...he told his Ma that he would fight in war someday...His Mama said now Shane I hope that never happens...but if it does you can bet that I will pray.
It wasn't long til' what he said would happen...it came to be just like he once had cried...and though she prayed that God would somehow spare him...her baby boy was one of those who died
Out on patrol in a town we know as Ramadi...when the bomb went off and the Mother lost her joy...young Shaney Woods gave his life for God and Country...the things he loved when just a little boy.
It wasn't long til' what he said would happen...it came to be just like he once had cried...and though she prayed that God would somehow spare him...her baby boy was one of those who died."
Cal Featherly CTR1

"I am sorry for the loss of your loved one,
but don't fret, for you aren't alone.
I lost my cousin louis in this damned
war. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!"
Craig Conran of Hickory,NC,USA

"God Bless you on this Memorial day! You will not be forgotten and will be always remembered as a American hero."
T. King of IL

"Thank you again for your service to our great nation Shane. I think of you often and live my life to the fullest knowing you deserve that. We should all be working hard to better ourselves because you made the ultimate sacrifice so we can. I often feel as if I don't do enough but I pledge to do more. You make me live harder and I thank you for that."
Steven Paine of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska

"To the family of:Shane W. Woods
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 live is Christ to die is gain. RIP my brother"
Ponder of Cincinnati

"Shane positively influenced the lives of others by openly and ernestly sharing his love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The memory of and honor to this fine young man lives and carries on through the Purple Heart Hunt program every year."
Bill Bunce of Virginia Beach, VA/USA

"Shane your were and still are such a strong presence... i was blessed to have known and served with you... also your family is very kind as they took this old country boy up to alaska and showed me a peace of what made you who you are... though you are gone... know this your are still making a difference... You were an awesome tanker and a even better hero.. thanks for giving it your all.. WE MISS YOU... and you are not forgotten..."
Darian Koehne C-33 Delta 1/37 AR of wichita kansas

"I met Wayne Woods in 2000. I hunted with wayne and developed a friendship with him. I met his son Shane in 2002 and was impressed with this vibrant young man. I thank Shane for his ultimate sacrifice so that we can do what we do as Americans. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the rest of our troops."
Jim Borden of Springville PA USA

"Thanks for your service to this country Shane! You are a true HERO and so missed by so many!!!!"
Susan Coats of Pickerington, Ohio

"I pray for all of you. I too am a mom of a fallen Hero,1LtBrandon Lee Ratliff."
Susan Coats of Pickerington, Ohio

"Specialist Shane Woods is one of America's true heroes my prayers and and condolences go out to his family friends and fellow soldiers and I know he is looking down from heaven on us still standing watch over us all God bless the Family of this American hero and know that one day we will all meet and be reunited with him."
anonymous of Pensacola Fl

"I pray for the family of Shane Woods,My heart goes deeply out to you,...The Lord says (no greater love is there, that one should give his life for another,) Well Shane has gave his life trying to help protect us all,surely he earned his place with The Lord.
He did follow in Jesus foot steps as Jesus Our Awesome Lord asks us all to do,Jesus was the first great sacraficer for all of us.
The Lord has called him home, such a great honor! To be walking into the arms of The Lord Jesus!
Hopefully we can all live our lives,
so one day we too,can walk into the arms of our Awesome Lord.
Norma Luster Huff
Spokane,wash.
(Alaskan Born too.)"
Norma Luster-Huff of Spokane,Wa

"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"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"Shane, although we never met, I have met your mother and father. You see we suffer the same pain together. Our son was lost also over there. You may know him now that you both are in the one place no one can hurt either of you ever again. His name is Chris. Love, folks who never knew you. Now though call you Hero to!"
Chris's Dad of Wasilla, Ak

"Shane, although we never met, I have met your mother and father. You see we suffer the same pain together. Our son was lost also over there. You may know him now that you both are in the one place no one can hurt either of you ever again. His name is Chris. Love, folks who never knew you. Now though call you Hero to!"
Chris's Dad of Wasilla, Ak

"I think Shane Woods was one of the few geniunely good people I have ever met in my life.

The world is a worst of a place without him."
Spc Burns of Orlando, Florida

"July 17, 2008
To the family of Spc. Shane W. Woods:
Shane 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 Woods friends and family, he is a fine soldier and gave his all at all times, i used to think he going to burn out but he was that motivated and precise, I served with him in Iraq and on rear d, he always did the right thing, going to miss you but never will forget you
Sgt Paris J Smith"
Paris, Smith of Ft Lee VA USA

"Shane
My first roommate.i hope you will watch our backs when we go back to iraq.i miss you bro there is no word for your deeds. rest in peace bro"
Spc Pangilinan of Fort Carson,Colorado

"SPC Woods, during the week that we worked together in the CP in Ramadi, I knew immediately you were a great person and the kind of person I would want to be friends with. Then things started getting really busy, and I only saw you a couple more times around the camp, and eventually I went back to Germany. I never knew anything happened to you until I saw your name in the Army Times about a week after I redeployed back to Germany. My heart sank, and all I can do is thank God that I made it home alive and hope and pray for the comfort and peace to come to your family; and safety that we can all return home safely. I hope to chat with you again someday whenever my time comes...I miss you and wont ever forget you"
SPC Southard of Baumholder, Germany

"I wish I could've done more for you little brother. I miss you, we all do. Your energy and faith were inspiring. Rest in Peace."
SPC Shawn Wheatley of Friedberg Germany

"Shane,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldiers who were killed in that blast for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Courage Conquers"(37th Armor Motto)"

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