Tristan C. Smith Obituary

To SPC. Tristan Smith. On this Memorial Day weekend I can't help but to think of you and your family. The sacrifice that you made in order to serve your country and to ensure our freedom is NOT forgotten. I still vividly remember a somber service at the Bryn Athyn Elementary School where you attended as a student. Your parents were bravely there, even with their immense pain, to honor you. A tree was planted in your honor. Even with many of your loved ones having a firm belief in heaven, it is hard not to mourn the missed events that you life on this earth and how much joy they would have brought to your family and friends. The saying that freedom is not free is profound. Thank you Tristan and all the others who have fallen.

Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Tristan C. Smith US Army Specialist.

We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.

We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

You are in a better place - but our hearts still cry.
Thank you for your service.

Thinking of you a lot this weekend. I miss you and love you from the bottom of my heart.
Dad

To the family and friends of Spc. Tristan C. Smith:
Please accept my remembrance of Tristan on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Tristan, It's getting close to your birthday, and I've been thinking about you, and the lack of war coverage in the news these days. Just want you to know we will never forget you and all others that gave their lives for our safety. Love ya cuz

Hey Trixy,
I hope all is good on the other side. I can't believe 4 years has already passed so much has gone on. Still missing you bro and Love to your family.

To the family and friends of Spc. Tristan C. Smith:
Remembering Tristan on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Tristan, it's been a while since I came by to visit your page and see you. I am now playing a game called farmville with your dad. LOL I guess we Gold Star Families have gotten all together to play this just to keep the rollercoaster ride out of our heads. Because of the death of our children God has brought us all together to get to know each other and know each one of our loved ones too. May your rest in peace

In memory of my son
SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/2006 Samarra, Iraq

Tristan, three years have now passed that you were called to heaven. Your parents still grieve the loss your life on earth but love you every bit as much as though you were still here. May God continue to give them comfort each and every day.

http://goldstarfamilysupportgroup.com

In memory of my son
SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/2006 Samarra, Iraq
CO-A 2/505th PIR 82nd Airborne

To the family of Spc. Tristan C. Smith:
Tristan 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

Today is your 26th birthday. I want you to know that your family will be together tonight to remember you. I love you and miss you dearly.

Dad

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Tristan, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Tristan,
You had a second cousin, very nearly the same age, my son. Your dad's and my families used to vacation together every year as kids, Then we grew up and went our separate ways, and had kids the same age. and I did not know until you were gone. I happened to call my older sister who lives near the Cathedral the day they had your service and I heard the bagpipes play. I never met you, but will always remember you when I hear them now, you and my dad. I hope you two are keeping an eye on us all down here!
Another year has rolled by, and I still can't even call your dad, I don't know what to say.

To the family and friends of Spc. Smith,

I am so sorry for your loss.

My name is Maggie Selzer, and I am directing ‘Run for the Fallen 5K run/walk’ in Boalsburg, PA (just outside of State College) on August 24th, 2008. The event, held on the PA military Museum grounds, aims to keep alive the memory of all fallen soldiers, but particularly those from PA. All proceeds from the event will go to organizations that support the families of fallen soldiers and supports wounded soldiers.

I encourage you to learn more about the event at www.freewebs.com/runforthefallen5k/
index.htm.

The event is meant to keep alive the memories of brave men like Spc. Smith.

If you have any questions, or would like to send a memory of Spc. Smith to be included with the flag memorial that will be set up at this event, please contact me at (814) 571-8755 or

[email protected].

I think of you each time I ride thru Bryn Athyn taking my kids to school, hockey or a ballgame. I know I can do this because of people like you. As the second anniversary of your passing approaches, I want you to know you will always will be in my thoughts.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Smith!

You will always be missed. When i seen your parents i was so teary eyed you look just like them. God bless you. Ssg Chapman

hey man, you were an awesome friend and an even better soldier. i remember the times in the barracks before we deployed. we had some good fun with the rest of the bayonets. i think of you all the time bro. we'll kick it in the cozmos someday. you'll have to show me around.
much love to the family of this great man.

Tristan,
After being in communication with your parents for over a year now, I finally got the chance to meet them in person this past Saturday as we held a Remembering the Fallen ceremony here in Lancaster, PA. At 1:00 p.m. we began reading the names of all the courageous young men and women who have given all for their country to honor and remember you all. The last name was read at 5:07 p.m.
I know how proud your parents are of you Tristan, how much you are missed by them and the rest of your family....what I can now say is I know how proud you must have been of them to call them Mom and Dad as well. They are amazing, wonderfully warm individuals who obviously instilled many of their fine characteristics onto you as you were raised.
I want you to know your Father read your name with pride and honor this past Saturday and you were remembered and thought of by my family as well.
In loving remembrance
Pam Adams (SFC Brent A. Adams)

Tristan,

On your one-year angelversary may your loved ones find comfort in knowing that there are many people who still think of and pray for you and them. I can't believe it's been a year since we all got the news. I think I speak for all of the families/friends when I say I would give anything to go back in time to before this happened. Tonight Shaun's family and I will gather in a candle light vigil to honor and remember not only him but also yourself, Lee, Jazmin, and all of their loved ones. The four of you are heroes in the greatest sense, and will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace,
Jennisa Karbowski
Proud Girlfriend of SPC Shaun A. Novak
K.I.A. 8/27/06 - Taji Iraq

Tristan, It's already been a heart ache year for all of us. I cried when I read your story from your child hood. I know how your parents must felt at the time of the bad shocking news. I know that you, Shaun, and qixing must enjoy your beautiful place with peace right now in some where over the rainbow that we have no idea of. But we still grieve because we miss you guys so much. You guys are more than heroes for us, and for your country. I want you to know that we love you guy so very much. Please continue to watch over your love one until the day we meet again.

Trixy,
It has been a crazy year. Time seems to be flying and everything is so dynamic right now. I can't believe how much I still am reminded of you in almost any situation. Thank you for your sacrifice, you will always be a HERO of mine.

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

i still look at google for my same name & this 1 still comes up,god bless all of you at a hard time

To the family of Blake,
Tomorrow is our first Memorial Ride in memory of Brent. Many of his fellow soldiers will be there with us all. What I wanted you all to know is that as I spend this day in reflection of our son, our love for him, as well as our loss I will also be taking Tristan with me on this ride -- in my heart and in my mind. As I said before, I can no longer think of Brent without thinking of Tristan and as I ride they are both with me.
Take care, stay strong and know you are in my thoughts.
Pam Adams (SFC Brent A. Adams)

Tristan, the anniversary date of your moving on is rapidly approaching. We are trying to decide how to spend this day. I will listen for your advice.

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Smith and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Trist,
First, I know that you can tell I have been missing you more and more lately, because I feel your strength coming through in the most perfect of moments. Today your beautiful sister was married, and we all felt your presence, especially in the hawk that came to visit the reception.
You are a strong, beautiful angel, and I thank you for that my friend. I can't wait to hug you again.

We would to thank Spec. Smith for his service to his country and to his countrymen. He stands as a true American Hero. We too have lost a soldier, Spec. Nicholas Brown was KIA on January 22, 2007 in Mosul Iraq. Please accept our prayers and sympathy during these hard times. Thank you,

Hi Tristan,
Today is memorial day, a day to remember our fallen heroes. I am thinking about you and your battle buddies today, as is true on every day. I want you to know that I miss you dearly. I am proud of you and grateful for your service.

Your Dad

To the family of Tristan:
Today is Memorial Day - sadly I admit to being one of those people who simply celebrated Memorial Day with a day off work and the first of the summer picnics. I come from a military family (great-grandparents, grandparents, and a father and uncles and cousins) - I am not proud of the fact that until 2005 I looked at Memorial Day in such a fashion.
Last year at this time and again today this year I think of all who have sacrificed so much, brave men and women who gave their last breath for me, the families and children left behind to carry on without them. I think of the men and women still serving our country and pray for their safe return every single day; mostly I pray for an end to this war that is costing so many so much.
Today for me, is spent not in picnicing, but in reflection of all of the above and as I have said many times and mean ever still - I can no longer think of Brent without thinking of Tristan as well as his family.
Please know my heart is with all of you today as I know yours is with our family as well.
Much love, much gratitude and all the respect one can have Tristan!

I miss you friend. You were dedicated to everything you did and every one you knew. You died in fighting for what you believed. You are a true HERO. "See you at the big one"

Dear Tristan
You and your family are in my thoughts today and tomorrow as I know the first birthday without you here on Earth will be very hard for your family. I am spending the day packing boxes for soldiers for Easter delivery and some of them were your friends Tristan. You and your family are in my heart more than usual today = if that is possible.
God Bless You

24 Years ago A hero was born. TCS you are a true hero. You will live on in the hearts of many. Keep Heaven safe bro. Lots of love

It's been 6 months today since our heros were taken from us. And yet it seems like yesterday. Could it really be half a year already? I've been thinking of you, Tristan, all day, as well as Shaun, Quixing and Moises. And I've been thinking of your family as well, and feeling the greif I know they too feel. Until we meet again...

Grant and Kim:
Thinking of you both today and wanted to share this with you all...when you think of Tristan - think of these words as well:


"We go through life so often,
Not stopping to enjoy the day.
And we take each one for granted,
As we travel on our way.

For in your pain and sorrow,
An Angel’s Kiss will help you through,
This kiss is very private,
For it is meant for only you.

We never stop to measure,
Anything we just might miss.
But if the wind should blow by softly,
You’ll feel an Angel Kiss.

A kiss that is sent from heaven,
A kiss from up above.
A kiss that is very special,
From someone that you love.

So when, your hearts are heavy,
And filled with tears and pain.
And no one can console you,
Remember once again.

About the one you grieve for,
Because you sadly miss.
And the gentle breeze you took for granted,
Was just an Angel’s Kiss."

Author Unknown

On behalf of "Gold Star Siblings" Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

Americans will NEVER forget the service or sacrifice of your beloved Soldier - Respectfully - Glen Nevogt

“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history, we pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

Spc Tristan Smith. I did not know you but I know my son Spc Shaun Novak did as you were Shauns roommate in Taji. As Shauns mother I share in your families pain and my heart and prayers go out to your family. We will never let any of you be forgotten for making the ultimate sacrifice. We miss all of you more then words can say. Rest in peace. Proud Mother of Spc Shaun Novak KIA 8-27-06

Tristan,

I'm so sorry that the only way I ever got to meet you was through webcam, watching you walk around the room you and Shaun shared or just giving you a quick wave. I had hoped to meet you in person in the near future. The pain will never go away, as I know your family and friends can attest. You are a hero along with Shaun, Qixing and Moises. I can't wait to see you all someday.

Jennisa Karbowski
Proud Girlfriend of Spc. Shaun Novak
K.I.A 8/27/06

Spc. Tristan, I may not know you like my son Qixing do, but my heart go out to your family and friends. I know that you will not be here for christmas, but you will spend you christmas with Jesus and our Father in heaven this christmas. We do looking forward to see you, our son Spc.Qixing, Spc.Bryn Athyn and Spc.Shaun A.Novak in our heavenly home soon. I want you to know that you all are more than just a hero to our nation and we love you all. We thank you so very much for everything you done. May you rest in peace till we meet again.

The pain will never end, may God help us bear this pain.

Moises Jazmin's Big Brother

Tristan,
I love you and miss you. You will forever be my hero.

Until we meet again.
Love Dad

thank you tristan, i love you and miss you

Tristan was a good friend. I remember when it was him and I and 3 other soldiers that were the very first to check into Bravo Co. in Ft. Hood. Tristan became like a little brother to me during my time there. We spent a considerable time together learning the new base and Texas. I will miss him deeply.

May God grant you Peace in the coming days. There are no words to ease the pain, but Love does live on in our memories. I send you my deepest sympathies on the loss of this special Soldier. He is in Heaven.

Joy Priest
mother of PFC Tina Marie Priest
6-18-85 - 3-01-06

To the Family of Spc. Tristan C. Smith:

My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.

I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is those wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family.

Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)

[email protected]

(Millersville, PA )

Tristan was and is now for eternity a peaceful warrior. Eye of the Eagle - Aho!

I love and miss you Tristan! You are my best friend and I am struggling with out you in this world anymore. I can't wait to see you on the other side man. Climb on, live on, love on...I miss you trixy.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOU. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.



A PROUD MARINE MOM

My heartfelt sympathy to the Smith family in the loss of Tristan. I did not know Tristan, ( I lived in the Easton/Bangor PA area 52 years) but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

We love you Tristan and none of us will ever forget you.



"See you at the big one"

You will never be forgotten, you were and still are a great friend and hero.

Please know that as time goes on, your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Prayers that God will bless you with comfort and peace, and prayers of thanksgiving for the heroes who have sacrificed everything for us. God Bless you and your family.

Rest in peace at your last post in paradise.

I am Deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Spc. Tristan C. Smith. The price this young hero and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

May Tristan rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Peace of the Lord be with the Smith family.

There will never be enough ways to humbly thank these heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA~Vietnam, 1967.



Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.

Psalm 55:22



With each new day, may the Lord restore your soul and, through His love, give you the strength to go on.

Softly and slowly...

Time heals...

Smith Family, Friends & All loved ones; I am so sorry about your loss. I am very saddened as I read about another young American Hero that gave the ultimate sacrifice. May the Lord comfort you in your sorrow & give you strength. Sincerely, proud aunt of 2 soldiers in TQ, Iraq