Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"My apologies for missing you on Veteran's Day. I'll try to do better.

Know you were thought of, life just has a way of getting in the way sometimes.

Merry Christmas Justin. I wish you were here to spend it with family and loved ones."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"The first fold of the American Flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the Soldiers departing our ranks who gave their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

I know that there are no words to accurately provide comfort for the loved ones who have a void where Justin once resided. I would not pretend to comprehend the extent such a loss has forever impacted your lives.

I can only hope that when you gaze upon the flag presented to you on the day your loved one was returned to your family that we the survivors valued his life and friendship.

That Justin lives in our hearts, souls, memories, and in the very blood that courses through your veins eternally.
And that we will never forget him.

Memorial Day 29 May 2023."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"I need to remember to start this list in reverse as you're always at the end of the line. That had to suck being alphabetized in everything the Army does for you. Anyway, Merry Christmas Justin. 2022 is coming to a close and I needed to swing by and say hey."
William L Peterson of El Paso, TX

"I wanted to swing in and let you know you're being thought of on Veterans Day 2022. AS people say to others "Thank you for your service." I just wanted you to know you're not forgotten and that you are missed."
William L Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Hey Justin, Memorial Day 2022 is tomorrow. I could get all traditional and reach deep for Army crap about Taps and the bugle calling one home. Or religion and prayer but… It doesn’t feel appropriate as I think about how you were young, in a tough situation and in a platoon that gave so much.

You would turn what 38 this year? Wow. Think of what you were going to be. I’m not trying to be morbid. I’m just so terribly sad by the time I get to your name after a long morning here writing on everyone’s page. Not only do I do the 4/5 ADA guys but my Brothers from the Infantry.

Those lost in Panama, Mogadishu and those from other units and Afghanistan. None of which is your fault. I just get sad to read the age “20.” I have a son in his early 30s and all of my kids are your age or older now. One would have been 4 when you were killed. I can’t bring myself to say “Gave your life” I apologize.

Just know you’re thought of. And the sorrow I feel is genuine. My grandfather used to tell me that sorrow physically puts a pain in your chest. I thought as a young man, he surely must be exaggerating? I was so very wrong. So I’m going to go now, as the pain in my chest has become too much to bear.

Miss you all Brother."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Christmas 2021. I often wonder where you would be in life or what would have become of you. I am sure it would have been very cool."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Veteran's Day 2021. Swinging by to say hello and let you know you are in our thoughts. "Hello.""
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Twenty years since 9/11. They've brought them home from Afghanistan and more are coming back from Iraq still... You know you're thought of often. If I drank I'd raise a glass, so know I raise a glass in spirit every time. Wish you were here."
William L Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Hey Justin, I'll never forget you. Mack"
Kevin McIntosh of Cottonwood AZ

"Memorial Day 2021. I sure wish your page received more traffic little Brother. Thinking of you."
William Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Stopping in this 14th day of March, 2021. Had you told me back in 1986 when we were being smoked in the PT Pit and the Drill Sergeants made us wave at imaginary Soviet Spy Satellites passing overhead that the year 2021 would be possible. I would have doubted it.
But in the time since I have an opportunity to meet a lot of great people and a lot of good people along the way. I just wish you could have continued on your path uninterrupted as you deserved. So you are thought of on this windy Sunday in El Paso, Texas. I wish you were here with us today and every single day.
Peace Brother."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Veteran's Day 2020. Called my Dad and wished him a Happy Veteran's day. Went out and chatted with a friend at his gravesite just to let him know he was being thought of and then had to come here to do the same. Can you imagine the BBQ we could have if we rounded everybody fallen up? That is really sad. Thinking of you and wishing you were with your loved ones being celebrated on your day."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Thinking of you on this Memorial Day, 2020. It is so sad when I finally get here. Like the Army Urinalysis by alphabet you're at the end of a long walk through heartbreak and sorrow. I wish so much could have been accomplished by different means and that so many of our brightest to have to pay such a heavy price. I can only hope you're watching over loved ones and sitting with friends and family. Ultimately, I wish you were here."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Merry Christmas Brother."
William L Peterson of El Paso, TX

""Just swinging by to let you know you’re not forgotten this Memorial Day weekend 2017. It is hard to imagine after all these years that our world has changed so much and we didn’t have one another to bounce our opinions off of. The odd thing about those we lost in combat and in other tragic events and we trek through our careers or time in the armed services is how much more we stay in contact with the dead than we do the living.
Yes we say we’ll stay in touch or we’ll get together down here on Mother Earth but often as time goes by we just lose contact and let those friendships made slip away. I guess in a good many ways the time we did have was so wonderful that the memories are forever imprinted in our conscious and subconscious to the point we see things in the world around us that remind us of you or others. Or once in a blue moon a dream is shared where we can wake up and say thanks Brother.
Anyway I have gone long which as we know is the norm for me. I apologize but I guess is because I wish for the time it took to type this out and think of you I wish you could have been here to rib me one more time or just be that friend we were all that time ago. God Bless, and thank you…""
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX. USA

"Merry Christmas Brother."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Memorial Day is upon us and I can't help but wish you here, sitting on the porch enjoying a burger and a beer. I miss you buddy."
Megan of Florida

"Swinging by here to let you know you are still on my mind and the mind of so many and that you’re missed every single day. We will be having the reunion at FT Hood this September and when you feel that wave of warmth and affection, that’ll be us. Sure miss you. Memorial Day, wish it was a different day…"
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Been thinking of you and needed to come and say a few words.....I miss you. I love u and I will always honor you."
Crystal Wolfe of Cleveland, Georgia

"Halfway down the trail to Hell
In a shady meadow green
Are the Souls of all dead Troopers camped
Near a good old-time canteen,
And this eternal resting place is
know as Fiddlers' Green"
Landon Bryant of Fayetteville Arkansas

"My guy misses you every day. I've heard so much about you. His name is Landon Bryant. Thank you for your sacrifice. Rest in love"
Jennifer Bryant for PFC Landon Bryant of Fayetteville Arkansas

"So Applewhite made the leap and finally got married. Yeah I know you know this already but there is so little exciting to talk about when it comes to El Paso. It was a pretty special event and in it all I think we each took our own moment to reflect on you and your sacrifice as you and he are forever linked by that tragic day. However today is a Christmas a day in which we celebrate many things and today I wanted to swing by and celebrate at least a part of this day with you? So Merry Christmas Justin; you are remembered and thought of and I only wish you could be here in person to bask in the love of friends and family. Thanks you and God Bless Brother."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Someone found a bracelet belonging to Pvt. Justin Yoemans family at the Buffalo Airport this week. It is posted on FaceBook under the name of Roxanne Dicenzo Coia's. Hope this gets to someone who can get in touch with the family of this fallen hero."
Joyce Burke of Utica, NY

"You have been on my mind quite a bit lately. I sure miss you and wish you were still here with us today. I read this page often and I just wanted to reach out and say thank you to everyone who has taken time to write on this page. I can not begin to put into words how much this means to not only myself but the rest of the family as well. Until next time..."
Megan of Panama City, FL

"Its been 10 years since that bomb exploded,
10 years since your life was claimed,
10 years since i lost my friend,
10 years that life has never been the same
you said it was your duty to go & fight & serve
you said it was your mission that the choice was all yours
you said your goodbyes in hopes they weren't forever
but loved ones always prayed for one last call or letter
we didn't get to comfort you or be there by your side
we never knew what one would be our last goodbye
we cherish every memory they are all that we have left
of our fallen soldier who proved god only takes the best


I miss you so much Justin you will never leave my heart, I will love u forever... I know we will meet again"
Tami Smith of Newville al

"Just stopping by to let you know you’re being thought of as Memorial Day approaches us tomorrow. I wish there was something good to report from that part of the world but it pretty chaotic. I can’t tell you how many times you are thought of but you are not forgotten and I wish there had been a better way of doing things something that would have allowed you to be with us today. I am sorry for your sacrifice and miss you."
William L. Peterson of El Paso, TX

""Hey Justin, it's been an extremely long time since I called you my brother. I was sad to here of your sacrifice. I'm extremely proud of you and who you had become. So sorry for not keeping in touch with you. Your sacrifice like many of fellow brothers will never go unnoticed. There is a special place for people like you and I'll meet you again. ""
Phillip Hancock of Smiths Station, AL

"i just want to say that im very sorry about your familys lost, im Justin Campbell from Winfield alabama and my goverment teacher gave us assighnments to look up peaple that was in the war that had the same name as we did, and i found ur son. i just want to say that im so thankful for what ur son has done for me and for my country.if you feel free to write me back at my teachers email Jwilson@winfield.k12.al.us"
justin campbell of Winfield, Alabama

"You’re remembered, I hope you have some way of knowing this but you are. The guys have formed a page on this thing called Facebook and I was lucky enough to serve with get this, First Sergeant Applewhite and we all think and talk about you and the others quite a bit. I’d trade it all just to have you on your own Facebook page in your own place down here with us. I’ll stop by again and check on you later on but I wanted you to know you are not forgotten and everybody still loves like the brother you were!"
William Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Can't think of anything else to say. Really just wanted to let his family know that he is not forgotten."
Kevin S Young of Brazil, Indiana

"Hey buddy. I just wanted to stop by your page since it's been awhile. It's nice to see others doing the same. I can't believe you've been gone almost 10 years. Unfortunately, the pain of losing you is as strong today as it was 10 years ago. I guess some wounds just never heal. I love you forever and always"
Megan

"Miss you bud. Always the clown at AIT. I will always remember and never forget what you did that day. See you soon. Stand at ease soldier."
Sgt(ret.) Eric smith

"Just wanted you to know that today on this somber anniversary you are not forgotten and a good many have paid tribute to you in the only ways they know how. You are missed and loved."
William L Peterson of FT Bliss, TX

"Just saying hello and here to let you know you're not forgotten. Your name has come up a couple times in the past few weeks and everyone remembers you I guess they have a hard time figuring out how to deal with it all. You're missed."
William L Peterson of El Paso, TX

"So today is Memorial Day, a day in which many again will fire up the Barbeques and fish or simply relax in their homes and amongst friends. Yes a couple of years ago I started a correspondence just like this and no I won’t go on a rant about how I feel the people of our nation don’t fully understand what our Republic stands for or used to. I will only release a sigh of a good many emotions for your sacrifice.
Would I rather have you all back in our lives and hoping to hear from you once again, certainly but I understand what your sacrifice meant and hope for those for whom you gave it will carry the brilliant torch of an idea forward into that uncertain night. I am truly respectful of that sacrifice and am honored to have you as friends and colleagues and thank you for all you have given.
In the words of Abraham Lincoln or John Hays (White House Secretary)
“I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”
God Bless."
William Peterson of El Paso, TX

"Just wanted to say thank you for laying down your life in service of our country! I wish your family well!"
Angela Marie of San Diego California

"To the family of:Justin R. Yoemans
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""

"Memorial Day and stopping by because I said I would."
William Peterson of Ft Bliss, TX

"Just stopping in to say "hey". Sort of a Keeping the Candle burning if you can understand that. Looks like people have been doing that for a while now reading some of these. You watch over your family and friends and know you're not forgotten."
William Peterson of FT Bliss, TX

"Hey Justin. Just wanted to stop by and say hey. See whats new on your page. Well as you already know Orey has left. Please keep an extra eye out for him while he's there. I know he's in good company with you standing by his side keeping him safe. I love you Justin."
Megan of PC, Florida

"Merry Christmas"
Pete of Ft Bliss, TX

"Today you have been gone for 6 years. It still feels like yesterday to me. Your loss will be a scar I will carry the rest of my life. I miss you very much and think of you quite often. I'm hoping to see Uncle David this holiday season. We haven't gotten together since you passed away. It's still hard to see him because I see so much of you. Maybe one day it will get easier. I love you and I will be seeing you in my dreams."
Megan of Panama City, Fl

"To David, the Father of a Hero...Words cannot express how much I pray for you everyday...
I want to first say thank you as a friend and all you have done for me in the years past...I was there when you were told your father died...I was there when you son, Justin, (A HERO) gave the ultimate for MY FREEDOM...I have seen the hurt you have endured for years...I pray you find comfort knowing your character, friendship, love and above all, your unforgiven heart as a human being was passed own to your son...He was a wonderful brave man...I miss him and now know how it would feel...I now have a son of my own...I hope he is half the man Justin became in this life...I pray for you daily and hope one day soon to see you...remember the CROWS across the street!"
Bear Bryant of Tuscaloosa

"Hey Buddy, your favorite cuz stopping by to say hey. I have been thinking alot about you lately, and I'm really missing you. I haven't stopped and looked up at the night sky for my shooting star in the past couple of months, so I will be doing that pretty soon and I hope you send me one or two to let me know your still here with me. I love you and I will visit again soon."
Megan of Panama City, Florida

"i knew u very well i loved u very much and i lost u all the same i have always regreted not talking to u when u would call from iraq to talk to feleicia i was always busy w my daughter or being sick from my pregnancy and u called all the time and i never had time for u i am so sorry please forgive me i could have talked to u but i didnt and i cant take it back i wish i could turn time back to when u came over w ur girlfriend when i lived on trawick and talked u into not going i hurt so much bc u never had a child noone to carry on for u i look at my babies and thank u and god everyday for giving us such a wonderful place to raise our family u gave the ultimate sacrifice justin i love u and still remember ur birthday when we went bowling and the saw the elvis guy me u hillary and ur mom gosh what i would do to go back in time i love u so much justin it has been 5 years and i still cry everytime i hear anything patriotic bc i think of u and i still hurts after all this time i hope my sons will turn out to b such gentlemen as u were i remember u opening doors for me and it feeling weird bc theres just noone left like u and u r gone now i still think sometimes that i c u and i know that its not but wish i could run up to u and say whats up yoda yoemans but i can look to heaven and speak to u bc i know u r looking down on us now keeping us safe just as when u were in war for us"
crystal lashea howard wolfe of abbeville alabama

"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

"Hey Brother, I am stopping by as this tour in Iraq comes to an end. It has been an exhausting process and I think I am finally done, you can only do so much. I guess you understand that all too well. Anyway you're in my thoughts, SSG Bennett is working things out and getting back to normal, and SFC Teasdale (Yeah they finally gave it to him he deserved it long ago) as you know got out. After almost 4 years out of the blue he added me to his facebook, he hasn't sent me an e-mail but baby steps. I won't press him, you guys really gave more than I think anyone understands. I will check in from time-to-time."
Peterson, William (Petey) of FOB Paliwoda, Iraq

"Thank you for your service to your country.. I met him in Eufaula Al and thought what a hard working sharp fellow he was. How i am so humbled by what has happened. People like him are what makes this country so great. I didn't get to know him that well but will always be thankful for his service. He will be remembered in good company of World War 1 and 2, Korea ,Vietnam and Gulf war vets."
James C Warr ARNG Ret. of Eufaula al

"As a Soldier, you learn to count on each other for strength & courage. When one of those Soldiers is taken away, the effects can be devastating. Rather than fall apart, the comrades of that fallen Soldier pull together & find strength to honor their brother in arms. This poem is dedicated to the six Soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery "Renegades," who, while serving in Baghdad, Iraq, from 2004-2005, were lost to the war on terror but never forgotten. SGT Thomas Rosenbaum, SPC Shawn Davies, SPC Blain Ebert, SPC James Price, SPC Jeremy Regnier, and PFC Justin Yoemans, your sacrifice and memory will live in our hearts forever.

A Renegade's Home

Stuck in this desolate place all alone,
Halfway 'cross the world from a place I call home.
Day in and day out with the same group of men,
A bond none can break, nor few comprehend.
The friends that we make and the bonds that we share,
The enemy can take, but never can tear.
The freedoms we live with, cherished liberty,
They come with a price for freedom, isn't free.
No one knows this more than the Soldier himself,
The gift that we cherish is paid with his life.
Now we have lost him, there's another one gone,
But the memory of our comrade will forever live on.
No awards can be given or be placed on his chest,
Everyone knows he's a Soldier and he was one of the best.
Our wounds may heal, but our hearts still remain
Filled with the memories and mended with pain.
For there's nothing like the sound of a twenty-one-gun salute,
Or the playing of Taps that will make one go mute.
Now he's sent to a place, no longer alone,
Take the Renegade home, take him home.

Remembering you, Yoemans, and your family on this 11th day of the 11th month."
CPT Amy Thompson of Charlottesville, VA

"November 5, 2008
To the family of Pvt. Justin R. Yoemans:
Justin 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

"Justin, it was an honor to serve with you! I wish there was more I could've done that day! I did evertything the Arny trained me to do. Everytime I think about that day I can't help but think "that could've been me" in some ways I wish it were me. Because of your sacrifice I am able to be among those who love and care for me. I will never forget you!! You may be gone but brother, you will never be forgotten!! that I promise you!!"
Ingle of Ft. Bliss, TX

"Hey Renegade, Doug (Ingle) and I were talking about you and the guys the other morning. It leaves you sitting with an emptiness that is sort of nerve racking but heart warming all in one. The thing is ; you're not forgotten and to have been part of the family that was first platoon leaves one with more remorse as if a part of the family is forever gone. Ingle talks about each and every one of you quite a bit. You're not forgotten and you are with us in spirit and with a fondness that leaves one with a smile at times. I am sorry how it played out, but I see you are loved and that insures you will be with us always."
Peterson of Heading back to Iraq again.

"I knew hima long while ago. But what I did jnow he was a good guy. I do not know if his sister Hilary remembers me or not I was Melisa Sigers then. If you visit this site agin Hilary drop me a line at eepjrswife@aol.com I would love to hewr from you sometime."
Melisa Poley of Clarksville, Fl USA

"hey you it is me again just want to say that i severly miss you and i still see you in my dreams, you were everything to me and you left all to soon. please remember to send down an extra angel to look after me and mom. oh and i am so proud of what you did for me and our country. i can not wait to see you again someday in a mansion on the sea so far away!"
hilary ann yoemans of abbeville, al, henry

"Justin,
I cannot express in words the pain of losing my friend, my fishing and hunting buddy, my helper, my confidant, my HERO, and above all my son. I miss all of the smiles, the hugs, the sound of your voice saying daddy I Love you. I miss all of the times we shared, so very many. You are truely my hero, and I am very proud of you and your sacrifice for all of us. I take comfort in knowing I will see you in heaven. I remember in our last conversation you assured me your heart was right with God. I know you miss me, your sister, the rest of your family, and friends. To all who have so kindly given their condolences, I thank you from my heart of hearts. It does my heart good to know so very many people appreciate Justin, and all of the others who have paid, and continue to pay the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I offer my sincere condolences to all of the other families who have lost their loved one as have we.

I Love You Son,

Daddy"
David Yoemans of Abbeville, Al. USA

"hey justin i still love you and i miss you so much you so much.hey yoda you were my best friend in the whole whide world. you were my only brother so bye i miss you and justin, luke and andrew say that they love you too. love your baby sis' hilary"
hilary a yoemans of abbeville, al 36310

"I'm so sorry.

Steve Culpepper
Gunnery Sergeant (RET) USMC"
Craig Steven Culpepper of Jacksonville North Carolina

"To all,

On this weekend of road trips, barbeques and personal time with loved ones, please take just one moment of the time you have to yourself this weekend and think of those lost, those who did their best and those who completed their service to a country that has given so many opportunities and brought forth the minor accomplishments of mankind but set a precedence for how one should treat another in the pursuit of a better way of life for all. I myself feel especially humbled by the sacrifices of friends, family and those I never knew. I apologize if this sounds political but it came from the heart and I wish you and yours a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, God Bless.

Bill Peterson"
SSG William Peterson of Ft Bliss, Texas

"Justin, it was an honor to serve with you and having you in the Dark Knight platoon. You are fallen but never forgotten. One Team One Fight!"
Spc. James Buscampell of FT. Hood Tx.

"Farewell Justin you are a true hero. Kevin Young failure of A BTRY 1/79 FA 4TH PLATOON "ROUGH RIDERS". terrashand@yahoo.com"
Kevin Young of Brazil, IN

"THANKS JUSTIN: A BTRY 1/79 FA 4TH PLATOON "ROUGH RIDERS" WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU"
PFC KEVIN M. MCINTOSH of COTTONWOOD AZ USA

"To the Family of Justin Yoemans:Thank-you so much for your bravery and service to your country. You have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. God bless the family left behind to grieve. You are gone but not forgotten."
Wanda of Dothan, Al USA

"I got the privilege, honor , of knowing justin from the womb. I watched him grow and mature into a handsome young gentleman. We are only 10 months apart, me being the older one. Justin was my first cousin, but more like a brother. Justin and I have always been close. I have never felt pain like I did the day he died. I kept praying for it to be some else, thats selfish, I know. I held onto that hope that they made a mistake until the night on nov. 13 of 04 I walked into a funeral home and through those doors i saw him lying. I am still is disbelief. We all still grieve over his loss. When Justin died, a piece of me did too. I remember when Justin came home in july, just a few weeks before his deployment, I pulled up in the yard and he greeted me with a smile so big and bright that would warm a heart forever. His warm, loving arms, I will the miss the most. I have yet to visit his grave and it is now march. The night I found out Justin got killed I prayed that he made it to heaven and that he was ok. 2 days after his death, I was sitting outside and was looking at the stars and thinking how bright and beautiful they were. In the exact spot my eyes were I saw a shooing star, and at that moment I felt instant peace. I knew it was him telling me he made it and he is watching over us and hears our prayers. His death is not something I will ever be truely over, but just knowing he heard me makes my days alittle brighter. I want to thank all you guys who take the time to send your condolences through this web site. This was my first visit and I have cried writing this. I cried reading all of your sincere, heartfelt words. For those of you knew him, keep him in your heart and remember him the way he was and know he is okay. For those of you who didnt, you'll never know how much your prays help us get through each day. Please pray for those soldiers who continue to serve and pray for their return home. I wish no other family would have to endure the pain we have. thank you again.

I love you Justin,
Your cousin and dearest friend,"
megan of dothan, alabama

"I had the priviledge of getting to know Justin while we where in a.i.t he was in my platoon. he would come down to my room and hang out during personal time. he was a good soldier and a great young man. justin called me just before he went to iraq I was in korea and i didnt get the message until after he had left. I can only wish things would have turned out differently. thank you to justins family for giving me the priviledge of getting to know such a wonderful and funny person. good bye justin you will always be in our thoughts"
Pfc. Jordan W. Donahoe (jordan.donahoe@us.army.mil) of camp casey Korea

"Thank you Justin for the gift of freedom you have so proudly defended for all of us. You will be thought of each day we raise our flag out in the front yard. From a grateful American family"
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"Justin was a member of our church. We have known him all of his life. His mother grew up in our community. We are so saddened by his loss and want to express our gratitude for his service to our country. We cannot imagine any greater sacrifice for a family to make than losing a son or daughter in service to our country. He is a fallen hero and will never be forgotten."
Shirley and Johnny Watford of Abbeville, AL USA

"To the family of Justin Yoemans, members of FDC, task force 4-5 and Lt Col. Morrow,
I am deeply saddend to learn of the loss of young Justin Yoemans, your son, friend, comrade and true hero of our time and nation.
I cannot find sufficient words to express how honored I feel to learn my poem, "A Heroes Reward," was chosen to pay tribute to such a courageous and noble young soldier.
I wrote this poem on June 27 2004 in honor of my Father Donald D. Brooks who retired as a Master Sergeant of the USAF in 1973 after serving his country for twenty three years. He served in Korea and was a veteran of the Vietnam war. I read it aloud at his memorial service also and I know he would feel so very honored to know it payed tribute to one of such integrity as Pvt. Justin Yoemans.
At a time when our nation once again stands divided against itself on issues of right and wrong, war and peace, I again must recognize and acknowlege that some Americans believe our nation, being the richest and most powerful in the world, should now rest on its laurels and not concern itself with terror and brutality inflicted upon other nations and people. I find some comfort in knowing that so many young, strong Americans recognize and accept the responsibility that accompanies the blessings and power bestowed upon this our nation under God and choose to serve as my father did.
I salute you Pvt. Justin Yoemans and all American soldiers past, present and future. You are not my heroes because you stand and fight for what I believe or what the majority believes but because you stand and fight for what you believe. That is what defines a true American hero.
God bless you all and may He carry you through this time of great sacrafice and grief.
Sincerely, Neva Brooks 12-16-04"
Neva Brooks of Sullivan, MO USA

"My husband was Justins' AIT instructor, Justin Yoemans was a great soldier and he will be missed greatly. If there is anything his family needs they are welcome to contact the Warziniack Family at anytime."
Charli + Lawrence Warziniack of El Paso, TX

"To the family of Justin,
I would like to say that the people in Fellowship Church are praying, my mom and stepdad just moved to Eufaula, and I was at the church on leave from Korea when I found out. Josh's mother, was very upset at church and I will keep praying, that maybe this war will end. I know that being stationed in Korea with the Army, things are changing in many ways. I just wish everyone would stop protesting the war that way it could just all end! You and your family have my condolances, from both the Watson and Kilgore families."
PFC Kilgore of Camp Casey, South Korea

"To the family and friends of Justin. He is a true hero and will always be remembered. Our family shares in you sorrow, we lost my brother SPC Shawn Davies in July of this year. Keep your memories of Justin, the good ones will help you get through. My brother was also 4/5 ADA 1st Cav's. May god be with you at your time of need, you will meet with Justin again."
Toni Peters (toniannp@sbcglobal.net of Concord , OH

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

"Thank You for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"To the family of Justin;

Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Justin is a true American hero and will always be remembered by us for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice he gave to our country. Our family has also suffered the loss of my nephew in this battle for freedom. May God bless you during this difficult time."
Vic and Tammy McClain--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"I knew Justin, He was a good person and a good friend. I will miss him more than words could ever tell. My prayers are with him and his family."
Ashley of Eufaula, AL, USA

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

"To the family of Pvt Justin Yoemans, my deepest condolances on the loss of this most precious life. I too have shared this same loss. I am here if you need me. deborayashinski@yahoo.com"
Deb Yashinski Proud Gold Star Mother of Sgt Michael Yashinski Kirkuk, Iraq 12/24/03 of Irondale, Alabama

"My deepest sympathy, our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. May God bless you and help you through this time. Forever in our hearts a HERO Justin R. Yoemans."
Amy & Aaron Monier of Waterford, MI.

"To the friends and family of Pvt. Justin Yoemans,

There are no words that can possibly ease your pain but please know that many across this country are grateful to your son and you. His bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Please accept these words as a token of my heartfelt sorrow for your loss.

Respectfully,"
Rebecca of Los Angeles

"To Justins Family,
I am your cousin, but never had the honor to get to know you but I grive with you. Thanks for the sacrifice made for our freedom and we will never forget the cost you paid for it.

Robbie Yeomans Edwards,
Ocoee, Fl"
Robbie of ocoee, Fl

"To Justin'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 your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"I WANT TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE. I ALSO WANT TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE AND RESPECT FOR THE SERVICE THAT ARMY PVT. JUSTIN R. YOEMANS GAVE TO OUR COUNTRY. HE GAVE HIS LIFE AS A SACRIFICE TO THE FREEDOM OF OUR COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE. WE ARE FOREVER IN HIS DEBT. HIS BRAVERY AND SACRIFICE IS A MEDAL OF HONOR AND PRIDE TO BE WORN FOREVER BY HIM AND YOU AS HIS FAMILY. I PRAY THAT GOD WILL SEND YOU A SPECIAL PEACE IN THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME. WITH SINCERITY FROM A FELLOW AMERICAN."
CINDY SCHULZ of TITUSVILLE,FLORIDA

"Justin's family.
Thank you for your sacrifice. You are my cousin I never had a chance to know but I still grive for him with you. May God bless your father, mother and grandmother."
Gloria Outlaw of Nashville, TN

"To Justin'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

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