Steven Drees Obituary

Drove over your bridge today. You will be remembered brother.

To the family of Pvt. Steven Drees:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Christian Memorial Day Remembrance worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, 26 May 2013. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the bordering states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 300 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars of our nation's history and give honor to all who have served in the United States Armed Forces and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each 8-foot cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of America's conflicts.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “Freedom:Free, but Costly.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and there place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the Memorial Garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel. The Memorial Garden will remain until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, 27 May (Memorial Day).

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/286-7296) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans' name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/286-7296) or email the office ([email protected]) and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Saturday 25 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sunday, 26 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one's cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

In memory and honor of Pvt Steven Drees. He will forever remain in our hearts and minds for his service and sacrifice to our Country.

To the family of Pvt. Steven Drees:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Christian Memorial Day Remembrance worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday 27 May 2012. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the bordering states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 300 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars of our nation's history and give honor to all who have served the United States and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of America's conflicts.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “Lest We Forget Freedom's Cost.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the Memorial Garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/456-4410) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans' name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/456-4410) or email ([email protected]) the office, and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Saturday 26 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sunday 27 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one's cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

June 28, 2011
To the family and friends of Pvt. Steven Drees:
Please accept my remembrance of Steven on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

To the family of Pvt Steven Drees:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May 2011. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 200 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one. The Memorial Garden’s perimeter will be manned by members of the Patriot Guard and a honor guard from AMVETS Post #1 of Mendota will be posted at the entrance.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars in United States history and give honor to all who have served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of our nation’s wars.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “A Believer’s Look at War.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the memorial garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/456-4410) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/456-4410) or email ([email protected]) the office and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Sat 28 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sun 29 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one’s cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

ive been thinking a lot about Steven today. i remember when i found out that he had been shot. all i could think was "dont let him be dead. let him do one last thing to help someone else." he loved to help people. today i finally read the article that was printed in the paper (i couldnt bring myself to do it before now) and i found out that his organs saved peoples lives. it amazes me that no matter what he did. what he wanted. he always, ALWAYS found some way to help someone. Steven was a great man and i miss him so much. he was always there for me.. even if i just needed to talk.

A poem i wrote for Steven not long after he passed.

YOU DIED
You died for your home land
Showing honor, loyalty, and respect
You were brave and took a stand
Your death had an effect

A community of seperation
Untited as one
To mourn the great loss
Of a brother, friend, cousin, and son

The pain is always there
Our tears are nothing new
Because we lost a U.S. soilder
Because we lost you

Now your looking down
And it's just another day
And I know in my heart
You wouldn't have gone any other way

You died for your home land
And that we will always respect
You are our fallen hero
Your death still has an effect

Dedicated to: PFC Steven Thomas Dress

May 26, 1990 - June 28, 2009

Thank you Steven

To the family and friends of Pvt. Steven Drees:
Remembering Steven 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

”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 the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,150 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!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. We welcome your phone calls at 435-835-9429 – Either Kaziah or Kenna will answer – or if no one answers, please leave a message – we will return your call.
If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
[email protected]
www.heropaintings.com

To the family of Pvt. Steven Drees:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 30 May 2010. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses to represent all of the wars in United States history and give honor to all who have served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled “A Day of Remembrance.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the memorial garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception; weather permitting will be outside of the Chapel.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (612/970-7866) or email ([email protected]) the office and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Sat 29 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sun 30 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one’s cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

I want to send a special thank you to all of you who have not forgotten my baby and contiue to give his family support. Steven was a strong young man and soldier and his memories are helping us to make it through another day. May god bless you all and all our soldiers who give themselves every day for us.

On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.
Donna

steven was and still is an amazzing guy. he was soo young and had soo much life in him. i am very proud of him; he made the ultimate sacrifice at age 19! thats amazzing he is now our home town hero(: i still cant believe he's gone though. my heart goes out to his whole family! be strong! HE MAY BE GONE BUT HE WILL NEVER EVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN! may god bless you all. i wish steven was here todayy with us. when i went to his funeral, i cried a lot! seeing him lie there helpless. thats all i could do was cry, even though he didnt want that

My heartfelt sympathy to the Drees family and friends in the loss of Steven. I did not know Steven, 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. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Steven 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"

To the family of Pvt. Steven Drees:
Steven 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 symmpathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

I will never forget the day that I met Steven, so excited to graduate and enlist in the Army! Dawn, you and Charlie will forever be in my prayers. I will always wear the bracelet that Louise sent to me. We love you guys!

So sorry to hear of your loss.

LEST WE FORGET

Steven was my greatest friend with me throughout high school. He was my leader and my idle. He made me beleive in myself and i would never have gone this far in life if he didn't give me his respect. He has done all that we can ask from him from our country. It is because of him i can live my life in peace. I will miss Steven greatly.

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bless Pvt Steven Drees and bless his family.

Buz and Martha
parents of a son in
4/4 2-12 Ft Carson

My deepest condolences on your tremendous loss. Please remember you're not grieving alone, others share your pain. Without brave men like Pvt Steven Drees, I would not have the freedom I enjoy everyday. It's my duty now to pay respect to him and thank him and his family for their ultimate sacrifice. Be proud of Steven, he truly was a Hero. God bless you in your time of need and bring you peace.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there 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.

Amen

Father we entrust our brother Steven to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Steven in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.

To the family of Pvt Steven Drees, my thoughts, prayers and thanks are with you. He is gone but will NEVER be forgotten!! I know that he is standing guard with all the other angels in heaven.

To Pvt Drees, with a broken heart for your family, my highest admiration to you, for the sacrifices you gave to keep the rest of us safe and free.

God bless the Drees family. Life ends however, memories live on.

PVT. Steven Drees, the flag of the United States of America has your blood sewn into the fabric, it shall wave forever in your honor.

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid, they have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices".

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dearest Drees Family,

My deepest sympathy for the loss of
your son. My prayers and thoughts are
with you always.
Thank you for raising a son who wanted
to defend me and my family. Pvt. Drees
service will never be forgotten.

Dearest Drees Family,

My deepest sympathy for the loss of
your son. My prayers and thoughts are
with you always.
Thank you for raising a son who wanted
to defend me and my family. Pvt. Drees
service will never be forgotten.

REST IN PEACE PVT. DREES, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES.
GOD BLESS YOU

Family & Friends of Pfc Steven Drees: I am very very sorry for your loss. I truly appreciate his service and sacrifice! May the God of all comfort, comfort you all now as you face each day. Aunt of 3 ANG

To the family of Pfc Steven Drees~ It was my extreme honor to be the Sr. Captain in charge of the Patriot Guard for all of his ceremonies. Over the course of 3 days, we had 185 members provide escort & stand the flaglines in support of him & his family. May God bless you all.~ Michael Weaver ~

To the family of PVT Drees,
I want to thank-you for your son and his service to our wonderful country. Your son and family has payed the supreme sacrifice. God Bless all of you. Semper Fidelis. A very proud Marine and Navy Mom.

You will be missed. Never seen a happier person in my life. All your brothers in 1st Cavalry Division 2/8 Cav, feel the loss of a great friend and soldier. Infantry Infantrry Infantry Hooah!!!

Thank you PVT Drees you will not be forgotten. A true American hero. Words do not describe my respects.
Ryan Gabrielsen

I lost my son-in-law March 8, 2006. I want to thank you for Steven. I will keep you in my prayers.
Proud Mother-in Law of GSgt. John D. Fry

Prayers going out for tyhe family of Pvt Drees....

PVT Steven Drees thank you for your service to our country, and YOU are one of our country's REAL HEROES! My heart aches for your friends and family, and may God bless them during this difficult time. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Semper Fidelis

Steven you are always going to be my hometown hero...you knew how to put a smile on everyone's face, even on the bluest days ever...going to miss you forever, but I will never forget you. You will always have a spot in my heart. You are watching down on each and everyone of us everyday...not a second goes by that I dont think about you. Miss you always and forever. love ya bud

PVT STEVEN DRESS
You are my hero may god keep you in his arms forever

May God bless your family during this difficult time.

Commander, United States Navy

May god bless your family and give you strength. My prayers are with you. Steven, may you rest in peace.

Mother of a soldier serving in Afghanistan

I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your son. My prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless and comfort you during this time of grieving.

To the Drees Family,

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. Steven shall never be forgotten.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you .

Every second you sacrificed
I hold you in my prayers.
So with one hand on my heart and the other in the air;

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you.

A Proud Aunt of
Sgt. David M Fisher
KIA 12/1/04

July 3, 2009

We are the parents of Luke Spangler. We are heart-broken at the news of your Son's passing. Luke spoke very highly of Steven. We appreciate the letter you wrote to him. It was just what he needed to keep him going. There are just no words to express our admiration for your Son, Steven. Our hearts and prayers will be with you and your family throughout this time of unimaginable grief. Please feel free to contact us at
[email protected]
God bless and keep you.

Sincere thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. The life of Steven, lived and lost exhibits every attribute of patriotism. For the sacrifice given by your son as well as your family , I think you, knowing it is a debt we can never repay.

I am deeply grieved to learn of the passing of Pvt Steven Drees, although I did not have the blessing of knowing him. I join his family and friends in honoring him and remembering his sacrifice of his life for us all. I plan to get to know him when I get to heaven in my due time and make up for not knowing him here. Until then, my prayers, tears and love will be given daily to his family and friends here. Steven, thanks buddy for everything. I could not be prouder of you if you were my own son. God bless and rest in peace now. You deserve God's best.

In this my time of sadness it is hard to find the words to tell everyone how greatful our family is for your support. Steven like all soldiers are a special kind of man/woman the bravest whom are willing to give their lives for others to live in a country of freedom and safty. Steven was a brave young man willing to do anything and everything for others including the ultamite gift life.

To all military families..... Remember our children had a special calling that we as a family could not control it was a gift god placed into them when he gave them their heart beat he place a special beat that no civilan got these men and women are the most special humans god created.

A thank you to all the mothers and fathers for helping god raise these special sons and daughters.

Dawn Bayer (Army mom forever)
Mother of PFC Steven T. Drees
Rest my son from the time I placed the wings upon your back I know you have been with us and will be until the day we have the privilege of getting our wings and joining you to watch over the world. I love you son.. Love mommy

God bless your entire family for giving the ultimate sacrifice. Your son Steven will be foremost in my mind as we celebrate the 4th of July 2009..as it is a reminder of the great freedoms our country has, and thanks to the many men & women before us, and the ones currently serving our country. My only son Adam is enlisted army, and currently is serving with the 10th mountain division in Afghanistan as well so I pray daily for him. I am so very sorry for your tragic loss but I know his memories will live forever in your hearts. Words can't express how I feel for you.. just sending you a huge HUG AND THANK YOU!!! from another army mom!!!!

You gave your all and may God grant you peace.We owe you a great debt of gratitude which we can not repay.

To the family of PVT Steven Drees--I am deeply saddened by your loss. I can't adequately articulate the pain and devastation you will unfortunately endure in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. I know this pain first hand as I too lost my son in Iraq. But what I want you to understand, is that through the Grace of God, you will make it. I can't even believe I just said that, because on September 5, 2007, I wouldn't have believed it myself...but you will make it. Please contact me if you ever feel the need to talk.

May God Bless PVT Steven Drees' soul and may God Bless You too!

PROUD Mother of
SPC Dane R. Balcon
KIA, OIF, Balad, Iraq
5 September 2007

With the deepest regret, I have just learned of your loss. As a Vietnam Veteran and the State Chaplain of the Georgia Society, Sons Of The American Revolution, I speak for our President, Terry Manning and the more than 1,400 SAR members around the State of Georgia in humbly expressing the condolences of a grateful Society. Wrapped in the integrity of service to our nation and the inestimable values of duty, honor and country, your American hero stood on a wall of freedom for us all. This precious life, lived and lost in love of America, epitomized every attribute of patriotism the Sons Of The American Revolution hold dear. And, as Americans, we could never repay the debt we owe ..!! Nor the debt we owe you. the family of one of America's best ...!!!

=======================================
Follow The Rainbow To Heaven.
=======================================

A Soldier had die out on the
battlefield;

Broken hearts are weeping For
Them,

But take comfort of knowing
that God had sent Them a
rainbow from heaven;

The Souls of the Soldiers
have gone to there home
in heaven,

Our Loved One's has follow
God's lovely rainbow in the
sky;

All the way to the end of the
sky.

That leads all the way to the
other end of the Lord's
house in heaven,

So just keep on praying and
trust that God will send us
that same rainbow in the sky;

Where Our Loved One's are
waiting For You and For Me at
the end of the rainbow in
heaven.

=======================================




Do A Web Search On:
Charles H. Miranda -- Or.
charlesthepoet2003
==========================

My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family as you go through this difficult time. My only son is stationed at Fort Carson and left with your son for Afghanistan the end of May. I pray daily for their safety and I can only say that Steven is indeed a hero for his actions and I hope that you will remember that. God bless you and may his angels comfort you during this sorrowful time. My deepest regards,
Michael Hamilton

God Bless All the Family & friends of Steven Drees. Our heart & prayers goes out to you.I know first hand that words can not take the pain away,but I do know that knowing there are so many wonderful people so close & very far away that are thinking about you & your loved one & coming together at a time like this,Does help.We lost our nephew , Lance Corporal Dean Opicka from Luxemburg on April 14,2008.I've never felt that kind of pain before in my life. So I pray that your pain & sorrow can be lifted somehow by happy memories of Steven.Dean's brothers,cousin & friends built a Memorial Garden at Dean's Mom & Dad's home in Casco.That's where the many ( Gift)stones & Marine statue were put. It's a very nice place to just sit & have a talk w/ Dean.Hopefully ,You too can find some peace in knowing how many Americans truly Thank Steven for his service to his Country & how our's & so many other condolences go out to you & your Family.PEACE B WITH U !Rest In Peace Pvt. Steven Drees.
Margie Zellner-Aunt of Fallen Marine

i am so unbelievable sorry for your loss. my son was deployed with your son, and i am completely devestated over your loss. he's an angel now doing his job from heaven. although i know you will never get over this, know that he is now at peace.
God Bless your family, all Stevens friends, and all the soldiers
marybeth flynn

Please accept my deepest sympathy. My heart goes out to his family. Steven is now in heaven with his Greatgrandma and my beloved Aunt Viv. Even though I have never met him I know he was a wonderful young man. Please accept not only my condonences but those of all of Jack's girls and Mike.

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to our Brother-in-Arms Pvt. Steven Drees To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Steve. And to Steve it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Steve, you are a brave American Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,341 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Steve’s family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

Rets in peace where angels roam.

On behalf of the 2nd Battalion 12th Infantry Regiment Veterans Association please accept our heartfelt condolences. Steven joins all Warriors who have gone before him in honored glory. God Bless you, you are in our thoughts and prayers

"From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered, we few, we happy few, we band of brothers...

Don Toohey Recon 2/12th Inf. 1970-71

Please know how Deeply Sorry I am, to learn of the loss of Pvt. Steven Drees.
As a parent, who has lost a daughter suddenly and having lost a brother to war...
I am aware of the deep and devastating pain that you are experiencing. The overwhelming heartache, that seems to surface through our shock, as the time passes.
In the days ahead, you will be going through unimaginable grief, please hang on to your Faith and know that you will get through this.

May the memories of your Brave Young Soldier, remain in your heart always and give you strength through the difficult days and may Steven, Rest Safely now, in the Loving Care of God and know that he Will Never Be Forgotten.
I pray that the Peace of God will be with the Drees family.

I am the sister, of such a young Hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~

I sincerely hope that you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Grateful Country Mourns with you, for Someone Very Precious to you, Who Is A True American Hero to all of us.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

To the parents and family, I want you to know that you are not alone in the grief you are feeling. I too know what you are going through and what you will go through in the coming weeks and months ahead. You will have many questions as to why? You will have many things to get ready or go through and that should be done in time. Sometimes it just can’t be faced and that’s ok, for you will know when the time is right for you. There is no right or wrong way to grieve it’s an individual journey that unfortunately we now have to take. I ask that God give the comfort, strength and courage that you are going to need. When and if the time is right for you please contact me. You can cry, vent, or just talk as only another person who has been where you are can really know what you are going through. May God continue to hold your hand as He gives comfort to you today and for the rest of your life.

http://goldstarfamilysupportgroup.com

In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne 2-505th PIR

PVT STEVEN DREES
you are my Hero may god keep you in his arms forever.