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Thomas Doerflinger Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Doerflinger
Peggy Childers
November 11, 2013
To the family and friends of Spc. Thomas K. Doerflinger:
It has truly been my honor to sign Thomas' guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Thomas will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy
Peggy Childers
November 12, 2012
To the family and friends of Spc. Thomas K. Doerflinger:
Always remembering Thomas. "Some gave all."
September 14, 2012
We thank Tom Doerflinger for his service. He has not been forgotten..
Peggy Childers
November 15, 2011
November 11, 2011
To the family and friends of Spc. Thomas K. Doerflinger:
Please accept my remembrance of Thomas on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
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Peggy O'Kane
November 8, 2011
My prayers remain with Lee Ann, Richard and their family. Time passes. life continues but some places left empty can never be filled.
Peggy Childers
November 11, 2010
To the family and friends of Spc. Thomas K. Doerflinger:
Remembering Thomas 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
Kim Straker
September 29, 2010
I've just read an article about Thomas and his family in the LA Times. Certainly they are doing the best they can, and no one could ask for more. By moving forward with their lives they're honoring their son, and all the others whose names are on this site. While the pain never entirely goes away, I sense that they are living with the quiet courage shown by so many families and I wish them well - sent with the hope that there are only better times ahead for all who love and miss Thomas.
Brad
May 30, 2010
We still remember his sacrifice.
Kenna Larra
August 11, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,660 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
In Memory of Thomas ~ (Debra Estep)
November 20, 2008
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 Thomas, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. 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
Peggy Childers
November 11, 2008
To the family of Spc. Thomas K. Doerflinger:
Thomas 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
April 20, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Doerflinger!
August 10, 2007
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 (KIA on 07/06/07) 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
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 13, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Doerflinger and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Robbie Bloomer
June 6, 2007
It sounds like Thomas was a great guy. I'm sorry for your loss.
E. Abbott
March 10, 2007
Mr. & Mrs. Doerflinger:
Writing to let you know that I am thinking of your son today. I have read that your family has an immense respect for life and that Thomas was a writer. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Garnet Jenkins
November 11, 2006
I am Deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Spc. Thomas K. Doerflinger, two years ago today.
The price this young hero and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May he rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Peace of the Lord continue to be with the Doerflinger family.
There will never be enough ways to humbly thank these heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA~Vietnam, 1967.
May you find Strength in your Faith,
Comfort in God's Love, and
Peace in knowing this country remembers the Sacrifice Thomas made.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
April 14, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Doerflinger family in the loss of Thomas. I did not know Thomas, 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. Thomas it has been 17 months since you were taken. You are a 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~
Jason Lee
November 3, 2005
Dear Doerflinger Family:
I was in training with Thomas at Fort Benning. We actually were in bunks next to each other when we first got there. Thomas, Matt, Andrew, and myself all had enlisted in the SF training program, and were nervous and excited about the future. He helped us "chill-out" with his never-ending supply of witty comments and hilarious impersonation of "Ralph Wiggum". Your family is in our prayers, and we appreciate the sacrifice YOU have made for our freedom. We sleep peacefully at night because of the courage and actions of men like Thomas. Veritas et Libertas!
Ann B
August 24, 2005
I am the AUnt of SSG Jason Rosado, he too is in the 1/24 SB Unit. I did not know your son, I lost a 10 yo daughter may not be to this war, but she was fighting her own war. I can tell you there is no greater loss than to lose your child, but time and lots of memories from friends and families helps the process. Always remember he is "A HERO" to all of us.
The Resseguie Family
May 27, 2005
Thank you for the sacrifice you made for all of us.
Bryan Kelly
May 25, 2005
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Doerflinger,
I am a fellow Springbrook graduate ('90) who wanted to express his condolences. I will always remember Thomas' patriotism and service of his country. While I know that no words can ease your loss, please take comfort in knowing that Thom's courage and bravery in service has earned my eternal gratitude as an American.
Wayne Stoutenger
November 23, 2004
My words cannot begin to heal the wound your family has suffered, but please know how grateful we are for your sacrifice. Perhaps His words in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 will give your family hope for Paul tells us
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air". And thus we shall be with the Lord forever.
God Bless you.
Theresa Zahaczewsky
November 23, 2004
A true hero we will never forget, and a sacrifice we can never repay.
Thoughts and prayers to your family. God bless you always.
Theresa
JB Mixon
November 22, 2004
God Bless your family in this time of sorrow. America is grateful for the ultimate sacrifice paid by Thomas for his country. Your son is a hero to all of us.
jeanne dolenc
November 22, 2004
Mr. and Mrs. Doerflinger:
I will never know the depth of your loss, for I can only imagine what you must be going through. I too have 4 sons -- one of whom is a yr. younger than your son Thomas. These kids are still babies as far as I am concerned....BUT the one hope and joy you can cling to, is that you now have a "little saint" in heaven that is watching over his family. And one day, you will be reunited again...so you will see Tom again.
And in this fact you can find peace and joy.
What a brave young man Thomas must have been!
God bless you both, and your other 3 children during this mournful time. Jeanne
Linda
November 19, 2004
Please accept my sincere sympathy for the loss of your son. Although I did not know your beautiful boy, I am the mother of a 20-year-old sailor. You and your son have the deep appreciation of your fellow Americans for his service and sacrifice.
Robert Jeffery (USN, Ret)
November 19, 2004
I pray that you will accept my thanks for the sacrifice of your son Thomas to the cause of freedom, security and peace.
I pray that the lord will quickly heal the hole in you heart caused by this loss.
Jeanne & Bruce
November 18, 2004
This Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi pays tribute to a wonderful young man, who's sacrifice will not be forgotten. Our deepest sympathies to you.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where this is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled
as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Cynthia and Steve Judd
November 18, 2004
To the entire Doerflinger Family,
We, your fellow Americans, wish to send you our deepest Christian sympathy and love, and tell you how deeply sorry we are over the loss of your -- "our" -- Thomas, who gave his life for the cause of freedom, in service to our country. We ask the Lord to bless each and every one of you in your grief, to comfort you as you walk through this valley of the shadow of death. We pray that the Lord would give each of you a greater sense of His presence in this time of unparalleled loss. We do not pretend to know how you are feeling now. We can only tell you that in our eyes your son (brother, grandson, nephew, cousin) is a hero. And on behalf of a grateful nation, we say to him, "Thank you, Thomas. Farewell, noble one. Farewell, you brave heart. May you now rest in peace. And God bless your soul."
John, Maria, Megan and Michael Owen
November 18, 2004
With long ago fond memories of and thanks for a gentle and sweet little boy and his family..."Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
May the Lord console and bless Thomas and you for this greatest of sacrifices.
Kathy
November 18, 2004
I'm just one among many grateful Americans who appreciate the selflessness of your son and the sacrifice of your family. For every one that writes here, there are a hundred more who care and pray for you. May God be with you and comfort you in your sorrow. You are in my prayers.
Jaymie Kilgore
November 18, 2004
There is no greater loss then the loss of your child. No words or expression of sympathy can take the place for what your family is going through. Please know that this loss is not felt alone but by many and your family shall remain in my prayers today as always.
Eric Cooper
November 18, 2004
My sincere condolences on the loss of your precious son. Know that his ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom is recognized and deeply appreciated by a grateful nation. God bless.
Bob Miller
November 18, 2004
From a brother Marine, you have the ultimate duty now. Guarding the streets of Heaven. May the hand of God be upon your family, and grant them peace.
Semper Fidelis
George W. Reed
November 18, 2004
Condolences from a grateful nation.
May the prayers from the people of Virginia comfort you.
Cheryl Bonifant
November 18, 2004
It is impossible to imagine how great is your loss, and words seem so inadequate at this time. We have a 20-year-old son just like you. And for him, and our entire family, I just wanted to say thank you to Thomas and to his family. Thomas' love of country and countrymen and his sacrifice for our freedom are greater than almost anything, I believe. He is my hero, and you must be so proud to have a son like him. He is with our Lord Jesus, safe in His arms. May the Lord's peace and comfort be with you always.
Sincerely, George & Cheryl Bonifant and family
David Sublett, Ret, USAF
November 18, 2004
I never had the pleasure of knowing your son, Thomas. Even if I did I couldn't be more proud and more thankful for him, his service and his sacrifice.
I honor him. I salute him.
I'm praying for you and your family. May God's peace surround you during this time of sorrow.
As the song says, "Christ died to make men Holy. Lets us die to make men free". Thomas answered the call. I know of no greater tribute.
Ken S.
November 18, 2004
My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to your family. His selflessness and sacrifice has earned him the highest honor and a special place in Heaven. There is nothing more noble than fighting for freedom. So, on behalf of a grateful nation, thank you.
Kathy Butler
November 17, 2004
You and your family will be our prayers and I hope that you can take comfort in the well wishes of people, who are safer because of what Mr. Doerflinger did for this country.
God Bless.
Larry and Eileen Elgin
November 17, 2004
The sacrifice of your beloved son and all of our brave men and women for this country are incalculable to our future as a nation. He showed bravery and courage beyond our ability to comprehend. While words cannot help to ease your pain, we pray that you take comfort in knowing that others appreciate his sacrifice and yours. God Bless you all.
Dorothy Hayes
November 17, 2004
My name is Dorothy and I went to Briggs Chaney Middle School with your son. I remember being partners with him for a project we had to do in Ms. Schectman's 7th grade English class. He was always so kind to everyone around him no matter what. I didn't even appreciate it then as I should have and do now. Your son gave his life for such a worthy cause; he was brave, and showed more honor than a majority of the students that I have come across in school. I feel lucky to have known him, if only for a little while. During this difficult time, I pray that the Lord will watch over both you and Thomas.
Wayne & Jeanette Koka
November 17, 2004
Our sincere sympathy is extended to your family in this time of great sorrow. Thomas and his fellow service members will remain forever in our hearts and prayers. Thank you for raising this wonderful, caring, and brave young man, who courageously and unselfessly made the ultimate sacrifice for our welfare and freedom.
Margit Serenyi
November 17, 2004
Dear Richard,
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to you, your wife Lee Ann, Thomas' sisters Anna and Maria, and brother Matthew.
Sincerely,
Margit Serenyi (USCCB, ret.)
Kerry Carter
November 17, 2004
Your son gave his life for his country and for freedom everywhere. It is hard to imagine greater love. May God reward him abundantly and bring peace and consolation to you and your family. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Mrs. Kerry Carter
Alexandria, VA
Stephen, Donna, Justin & Sean Leventhal
November 17, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thomas was a special person, friend, son and brother. His wit, smile and gentle kindness will always hold a place in our hearts. We will miss him dearly.
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