He loved it. He always used to say it's an army of one because it was like a big family.
—Leroy Harris Jr., father
Daniel told me, 'No matter what happens, no matter where I go, Mom, don't cry. Don't be sad.'
—Barihan Isshak, mother, in the Orange County Register
He believed in his job, but he really didn't believe in what was going on over there. We were waiting to see who the next president would be--that's how bad it had gotten.
—Suzanne Seigart, widow, on his uncertainty about reenlisting after a 14-year career
He didn't want to go back. But he told his mother he accepted it.
—Joseph Wiscowiche, father
That letter said to please pray for his wife, Tracey. He was always thinking of his family and other people.
—Feliciano Ramirez, father, on son's last letter home
I was so proud that I was the first generation in America and that I had a son who was fighting for freedom and protecting America.
—Viet Tran, father
The grief is deep and it's overwhelming at times. But I know he believed in what he was doing, and he gave it all for his country. I praise the Lord for that.
—Terri Bowen, mother
He led by example. He lived his life the way he talked about his life.
—Christina Blecksmith, sister
I will never regret the decision that he made. He was doing what he wanted to do. He made the right decision for the right reasons.
—Bill Pollard, father
I know you think I see this as just a big adventure and a carefree event for me. I admit I was willing to go. After all, this is what I have trained for, for the past 18 years.... If I did not go, someone else would have to.
—Raymond D. Hill, in a letter to his wife
Total killed as of November 12, 2009:
569
Save more than