Corey E. Spates Obituary

Hi Corey! You were one of my dads best friends in the army. he tears up every time I bring it up. I have never seen that man cry unless I talk about you. You meant so much to him and I just wanted to appreciate you this veterans day.

I'm still here, brother. I remember, after all these years. I'm sorry I'm a day late, life got in the way, the way life should have gotten in the way for you. But yesterday I placed your band around that Cav shotglass, with an M855 round in it, on the "Bug" patch.

And I stood, and said "For the everlasting glory of the Regiment!" and drank it down. I'm sober now, but for you, once a year, I make an exception....

Thinking about you, Corey. God Bless You ❤❤❤

Miss you Brother... Wish I could give you a hug, or hear you laugh with us

this is Georgia spates spiking I love you corey so so so so so so much and I miss you

Hey brother, its such a cliché to say "hard to believe it's been six years now" but I don't know what else to start this with, so, hard to believe it's been six years now. Wise men wonder, while strong men die. See you at Fiddlers Green, brother. Brave Rifles.

Sgt Spates on this Veterans Day you have been on my mind all day. Just wanted to say that I miss you and it was previlege to serve with you. One day we will see each other again. SSG Mendoza 1/11th ACR

Sgt Spates on this Veterans Day you have been on my mind all day. Just wanted to say that I miss you and it was a previlege to serve with you. One day we will see each other again.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Corey E. Spates:
It has truly been my honor to sign Corey's 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 Corey will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

Hey brother, hard to believe its been 5 years now. I think of you often. You were the best of all of us. See you on the other side. Brave Rifles

Thinking about you today, Corey, and your mom and other family on this Memorial Day. Thank you for your service to our country. You will not be forgotten.

February 10, 2012
To the family and friends of Sgt. Corey E. Spates:
Always remembering Corey. "Some gave all."

I feel selfish for missing my friend every day for the last four years, when his mother and family and his wife have lost so much more than me. Everyday I wish I could do something to bring you back even if it was only for a day or an hour or a few minutes so that you could talk to your family one more time or tell Celeste how much you love her. You'll always be in my thoughts and memories as well as Celeste and Joy and Steve. Until we meet again....

Prayers for Coreys family and keeping him in my thoughts. Today is such a hard day for a lot of his brothers. I'm writing this on behalf of all the brothers he served with, especially his good friend Kevin Martin. Kevin is one if my best friends and I know he misses him every single day. Prayers to Coreys wife, family, friends and fellow soldiers. We love and miss you everyday.

It was an honor to serve with SGT Corey Spates. I never knew him well, but it was impossible to not be impressed by his competence and bravery. He was 3 years younger than me and a shining example of the type soldier I could only hope to one day emulate. He always placed duty first, looked out for his fellow soldiers, and commanded genuine respect from subordinates, peers, and superiors alike. SGT Corey Emmett Spates - He will never be forgotten. Brave Rifles, Blood and Steel, Aieeyah.

Its been too long since a comrade of Corey has posted on this site. I just wanted to say I think of my friend and Brother in Arms every day, the bracelet I wear on my wrist reminds me. I wore it to Afghanistan, and it was with me thru all times, good and bad. Miss you Brother, see you at Fiddlers Green.

Sorry for you loss Fab- april

To the family and friends of Sgt. Corey E. Spates:
Please accept my remembrance of Corey on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Corey i miss you so much. It has been three long years since the last time I heard your voice or could plan for the amazing life we were going to have together. It has been so hard with out you. You were my world from day one of knowing you. I am so honored to be your wife and dream of the day I can hold you and feel our love again.

May God grant peace, strength, and comfort to Corey's family, friends, and loved ones. Know that on this day there are people all around the world thinking of you and Corey. It was my honor to serve with Corey as his commander. He was truly loved and respected by those with whom he served.

To all... sadness doesn't even come close to the feelings one has when thinking of a lost one... this is never truer than when it has hit so close to home... Here's to Corey and all the men and women that have given the ultimate sacrifice and to all those that were left behind to remember. Luv u Joy.

Corey, It is hard to believe it is coming up on 3 yrs., seems like yesterday. Miss you & Love you always.
My love always, Momma

Corey was the first buddy that my son, Norman introduced me to. I liked him right off and grew to love him. When we visited the bases they were stationed at, he always called me Mom. He loved you so much Joy, but I will admit, I was proud he felt comfortable enough to call me that. He is missed so much and he was such a unique, compassionate man. God bless his family and Corey will never be forgotten.

To Corey's loved ones, I'm very sorry for your great loss. I am from LaGrange myself. I am now in Phoenix, AZ where I am in Army. Couldn't believe the news when I heard? it. The first and only I believe death in this war from LaGrange. I did not know him personally but I remember his service and sacrifice on my KIA Bracelet. God bless you guys and him. Rest in Peace Brother.

~ PATRICK WHITED PHOENIX, AZ

To the family and friends of Sgt. Corey E. Spates:
Remembering Corey 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

hay bud its been hard with out you here. theres not a day that goes by that i dont think of you and all the good time and bad mornings. i am glade to have serve with you all those years and had you as a friend most of all i got a brother. i cant wait until my longhorns and your dogs play some football and i can rag on them lol .... rest in peace with the agles.

norman g. smith

Theres not a day that goes by that I don't think of you Cory and I am so glad that soilders like you are willing tol give their all.You will always be remembered for those blue eyes and your kindness and because you were brave enough to give your all.
Your 2 nd cousin SSgt Alan S. Evans Finialy retired in March 2010.He said you gave enough for your country.And he was so proud to serve his country with you and soilders like you.So rest in peace.

Becky C. Evans

To the family and friends of Sgt. Corey E. Spates:
Remembering Corey 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

To the family of Corey E. Spates: May God bless you and be with you....Corey is in a better place and he will be in your hearts as well as mine. Remember the best times you've spent with him...therefore his memory will never be lost.
We lost our grandson May 29, 2004 in Iraq. They are all Hero's. "Some gave some, Some gave all"

To all the family and friends of SGT. Cory E. Spates. I am so sorry it has taken me so long to find this site and leave my message. I miss SGT Spates on a daily basis, and pray that you have found some kind of peace since his untimely passing. I served with him in Grim troop and will take with me the lessons that I learned from him for the rest of my military career and life.

Brave Rifles!

CELESTE, I FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU THE FIRST MINUTE I MET YOU..I HATE TO SEE THAT YOU LOST YOUR HUSBAND..I HOPE THAT WE CAN BE GREAT FRIENDS AND DESTINY WAS DEVASTAE TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR HUSBAND..MAY THE PEACE OF THE LORD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS.
LOVE,
AM

Joy and family,

Thinking of you so much this week. You were on my mind as we sang "Freedom's Never Free" at church Sunday, when I saw all the flags around the square, and even just thinking about yesterday being Memorial day and what that means to so many families. I love you all and am praying for you! Please call me if you ever need someone to talk to.

Love you,

To the parents, wife, and family of SGT Spates: on this Memorial Day please know that all of us in 3d ACR are thinking of SGT Corey Spates constantly. He was truly an excellent soldier and a role model for young NCOs. Peace be with you all.

Dear Corey and Family,
Thanks for your service ..
Butch Cooper formerly of Roanoke, ALa
and formerly USAF

To My Son SGT Corey Spates,

As a mother, I knew that I would have to face alot of things raising boys, but never this. I miss you so much, and things have changed for us so much. I know that God was gracious enough to bring you into my life to start with. You were so precious. Our lives are beginning to take on a new normal without you. We miss your blue eyes shinning and that smile. God has graced us on this journey, it has not been an easy one. I have to put all my faith in God to continue to guide me on this journey. Some things have not turned out as you or I would have expected them to. You were a special blessing to my life and I can only praise God that you were given to me, and it was an honor to be your "Momma" for 21 years. God is so awesome, and he has a set journey and a destiny for our lives from conception, we have to put our trust completely in him. I truly have always loved you and I always will love you,

Proud to have been your Momma,
Joy Thomas
LaGrange, GA

SGT. Corey E. Spates
07/03/1986 until God called you home (KIA-Iraq) 02/10/2008

For Celeste, and Corey's parents and family, I just want you all to know that I am thinking of you all today, and everyday. I am sure that time may have softened the loss of Corey only slightly. Rest assured that he is not forgotten. I pray that God grant you peace and grace and strength until you see Corey again in heaven.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Respectfully,
CPT Robert L. Green

To the family of Sgt. Corey E. Spates:
Corey 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

I offer my deepest condolences for your loss

May this be the best christmas ever as you enjoy it with the Angels. I love you and miss you very much.

Love you always,
Celeste

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We love our Soldiers! This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, God Bless You and we hope that your portrait is bringing you some peace!
Sincerely,
Kenna

Although I did not know Sgt. Corey E. Spates, I Hold him and his family in my heart and prayers. Remember when times get tough, that he is looking down from heaven and smiling at you, and protecting you.
Thank You for serving our country to keep us safe, You are Truely a HERO. May He Rest in Peace with the Lord, and Your hearts heal in time.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13

Proud NewWife of a Marine in Iraq. Please keep him and all the other Soldiers in your Prayers.
Kim Smith (Rocklin, CA)

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

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Spates!

To my friend and comrade:may the Son Of God welcome you with open arms. Nothing i can say will ever alleviate the grief your family will feel, but i can only write these few lines to tell everyone how i feel: i wish it had been me...you had a beautiful life ahead of you, i only pray i can live as you would have......now you are with God and His Angels....and will never have to hear the sounds of death and war again....love you Brother

From your Grim Troop Brothers-in arms: We loved you and miss you. We will continue the mission. Be assured, you will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace,Soldier

Celeste, Joy, and Steve,
You are on my heart as this week is Corey's birthday. I remember visiting you in the hospital Joy, and seeing Corey for the first time. Such a precious baby boy. May God keep you and carry you through this week.

Happy Birthday Corey, we will never forget you, our hero cousin.
Love, Sheril

my heart goes out to the family and may God bless you. Corey you are La GRANGE'S BIG HERO. I am a proud mother of a soldier. God Bless

Honey I miss you so much, I hope you are so happy because you deserve to be. You were the best husband in the world. I love You.

COREY MAY YOU REST IN THE ARMS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

corey we miss you every day.....I know we both know .......when you see him....tell him I love him so much and I always will and we will be there soon as a family


we love you

I had the pleasure of meeting Corey in basic training, he was one of the youngest and most professional people there. I am greatful to have met him and send my condolences to the Spates family.

A true American hero.God bless Corey and his family.

We live in Corey's hometown and unfortunately did not know him but we wanted to say how thankful we are that he paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We pray for his family daily in hopes that one day they will find peace. Know that God loves you and may he bless you everyday. Corey may you rest in peace.

Thank you, Corey, for your heroic gift to our country. May God greet you with open arms and bring comfort to your family.

My heartfelt sympathy to the Spates family in the loss of Corey. I did not know Corey, 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. Corey 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~

To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous 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, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and 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 as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever 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 your 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 soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

Dear Family and Friends,
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences. I cannot begin to imagine the loss and pain all are going through. My nephew is a United States Marine and serving in Iraq. We all pray for him and his comrade’s safety every day. War is a horrible reality. I salute and I am proud of all of our troops and their bravery to protect our freedom and serve their country with honor. Freedom is not free.
With deepest regrets and sympathy

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Dear Family,

All of Grim is deeply saddened by yours and our loss. Corey, my husband was there and tried so hard to help you. I will never forget this an deither will he and the rest of your battles.

Corey was one of my best friends in high school and continued to stay that was until he left for Iraq. I was at his wedding and never thought I would have to be at his funeral. He was an amazing person in every way and I have nothing but great memories of him! I am so thankful to have know him and would give anything to tell him just how much he has touched my life!

My brother, Sgt Matt Hardee, is still serving in Iraq in Sgt Spates same unit from Fort Hood. I appreciate his dedication and honor his service for our freedom. I pray for this family daily.

My deepest sympathy to the family and thanks to a true Hero,Sgt.Corey Spates.I do not know the Spates family or Corey but we have something in common. I view the sites of Fallen Soldiers often and I came across Corey's name. I lost my brother in law Captain Donnie Belser 02/10/07. I know exactly how you are feeling and what you are going through at this time. My family will keep your family in our prayers. May God continue to bless you and keep you through the day and the nights.

Celeste,
You are a very strong woman. You are in my thoughts daily. We look forward to having you back at work when you are ready.

corey your army family will never forget you....we love you spates, york, thomas family....

calista baker proud army wife 3/3 ACR FORT HOOD TX

I taught Corey in church (Faith Baptist Church, LaGrange) when he was just three years old. He was such a precious child with bright blue eyes and dark hair. I am praying for you Joy, Celeste, and all the family members. He will be missed, but praise God we will see him again in heaven one day. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Love,

Corey was my son's friend at Troup High. I was lucky to have met him and am proud to know that he is a Hero to us all. God Bless his wife and family. You will remain in our prayers and Corey will be forever in our memories. He lives on through his lasting friendships and the lives he touched and served.

My heart hurts for the family. Being a soldier myself, with over 23 years of service, never met Corey, but its just like the loss of a brother. Rest In Peace Soldier.

My Deepest and Most Heartfelt Sympathy goes out to the family of Sgt. Corey E. Spates, with So Much Gratitude for your Brave Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.

The price Corey and his family have paid, Will Never Be Forgotten. May he Rest Safely, in God's Care and may the Peace of God be with the Spates family.
I am the Sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago

"Surely He hath borne our grief,
and carried our sorrows."
~ Isaiah 53:4 ~

May you find comfort and strength, in the beautiful memories of times spent with Corey and quietly and gently, may healing come, with each new day.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.

I did not know Corey, but know his Uncle. My heart goes out to Corey's Wife, Mother, Father, Family, Friends and the Town of LaGrange. To Corey, thank you for all that you did for our nation, you made the ultimate sacrifice!

My prayers are with Cory's wife and family during this rough time. My husband served two tours in Iraq as a Marine and we never forget those who have fallen. Thank you so much for your sacrifice Cory and to Cory's wife Thank you too for your sacrifice in supporting your husband through his military career. Us military wives have the toughest jobs and know we are all here to support you and your family forever and always. May God bless you always.

May God Bless you and your family. Thank You...your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten! May God hold you in the palm of his hand until you see your loved ones again. Godspeed.

I remember going to school and growing up with corey i am proud of the man he became and will miss him deeply but i still have the memories from the past i can think about till we meet again my friend.

my prayers are with the Spates family I had the privilege to met Corey through my brother Norman who has served with him for the past 4 years I'm blessed to know he was willing to stand in and up for those that could not he was more than just a soldier he was a great man who's name will not be forgotten in my home may God bring your family peace and comfort to your lives

This clearly shows. God only takes the best to watch over us. Celeste, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Corey would be very proud of you. GO DAWGS!!!! love ya.

Corey was a great friend and an even better soldier, he is missed everyday by his fellow platoon members. His duty and sacrifice will never be forgotten, nor will his family or Celeste.

Celeste, Joy, Michael and all the rest of Corey's loving family. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. It was a pleasure to know Corey and to know that he and Norman were the best of friends. Norman considered him his very best friend and my husbnsd, Joe and I felt like he was part of our family. He was unique and a HERO to all of us. We are here for you if you ever need anything. God Bless all of you. Corey will never be forgotten.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

I am sorry for your loss.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
I am Gary's girlfriend's daughter Nicole.

My deepest sympathies go out to Celeste and all of Cory's family. I taught Cory when he was in 9th grade at Troup High School and I will always remember his energy and enthusiasm for life. I am so proud of what Cory accomplished during his time in the US Army. That he was able to develop his leadership ability and become a Sgt. at such a young age is a testament to the ability he had. I appreciate his willingness to serve our country and forever grateful for his sacrifice. My prayers are with his family and friends. May you find comfort in knowing that our Loving Father welcomed him into an eternal kingdom where there is only Peace.

Our thoughts and paryers are with the family.Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family. We are so sorry for your loss and it was such an honor to have known Corey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. If we can do anything don`t hesitate to let us know. May He rest in peace.

We are new to LaGrange, but not new to war or the loss of Loved ones. Our hearts and prayers are with the Spates family and those who knew and loved Corey.

Thank You Corey for your unselfish Sacrifice!! You ARE a TRUE HERO and have eximplified that fact to the highest degree. Your service to this country is appreciated and your memory will be treasured by those that knew you and loved you so. Celeste you are like my "other" daughter. You have been a part of our lives for a very long time. I hurt for you and wish so badly that I could fix this for you and make your pain and sadness go away. I can't make this all go away but I am here for you whenever you need me; so just lean on GOD because he WILL help you through this. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of Corey's family members and friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those that are serving our country on foreign soil Fighting for the freedom that you and I treasure. We Thank You!!!

I never met Corey, but I have known Celeste her whole life. I am just happy that they found each other when they did. My heart goes out to you Celeste, and his whole family. Love Uncle Mike and Mynilee

As parents of a son serving in Iraq our hearts break for you loss. This is the worst thing a parent ever goes through. Our prayer is that you will have peace and comfort from the Holy Spirit as you go through this time of grief and the days ahead. I am thankful for the thousands of selfless men and women like your Corey. May God bless you all. Sam and Cheryl Spates, Proud parents of a U.S. Army soldier!

Thank you Corey, for your service and sacrifice. You and your family are in my prayers.

Proud Army Mom

I am so very proud that I had the honor of being one of Corey's teachers at Long Cane Middle School. I suppose it's the ambition of every teacher to think that he was able to touch the lives of their students in some way. More often than not, it happens the other way around. The lives of teachers are touched by their students. Corey was such a student. He impacted the lives of everyone he's ever been around. I will always remember him in front of a mic and a camera as he anchored LCMS News on the school closed circuit system. God Bles Corey's wife and family. I may not know my own name at 3:30 each afternoon but I'll know his when I see him again.

We care and share your sorrow and pride.

I never had the honor and priveledge of meeting Corey, but my cousin (Norman) spoke of him often. He and Corey have served our country side by side over the past 4 years. There are no words to express the appreciation and respect that Sgt.Corey E. Spates deserves. A simple "Thank You" just isn't enough. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. My heart aches for his family, friends, and Celeste. May God bless and keep his arms wrapped tightly around this family.

To the family and friends of SGT Spates...I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that many are praying for you. His service to his country to protect and keep us free will not be forgotten. God Bless You.

My deepest sympathy to Celeste and all of Corey's family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am Sgt.Norman Smith's aunt and I know Norman loved Corey so much. I didn't know Corey but I know how special he was to so many people. God Bless you all and give you strength and peace until you meet again.

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!!

I would also like to tell you about a website, http://groups.msn.com/SSPSoldierPor
traits/homepage,
where some wonderful people will make wood portraits of your fallen Hero for free for the immediate family. I became aware of this site when I wanted to do something special for Le Ron’s mother.

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

I am very proud to stand in uniform with men like Cory, and I am also proud to call him and his mamma family, Cousin, sadly missed, SSG Alan Sledge Evans

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Corey. Even though I didn't know Corey, I'm sure he was a great person and a fine soldier. He will be missed by all.

A man can make no greater sacrifice than to give his life for his country...this demands the ultimate respect, may you hold his memory close forever. Our prayers are with your family at this time of loss. God bless America

I just want to say that I am so sorry. I wish that there was something that i could do to help you out. I know that it was very upsetting and a hard loss, but I have faith that God will get you all through the loss and help you to understand more about maybe why God wanted this to happen. If you need ANYTHING, you know where I work and where I live. Just call me. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!