Tobias C. Meister Obituary

My deepest condolences. I was in AF the same time, and when I was in Kabul I sent care packages out to Toby's FOB. He never asked for anything for himself, he just let me know what everyone else wanted. I could only send what I was able to find in Kabul or Kandahar, but he always thanked me for sending things for his people.

I never met Toby in person, but I met others who knew him, and they had the highest opinions of him. From his emails, I knew him as a man who loved his family dearly and a 1stSgt who took care of his troops. I wear a memorial bracelet with Toby's name to honor him and his family.

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 holiday season and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Tobias C. Meister US Army 1st Sergeant.

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

We never forget.

Like Julie, I knew you through Anysoldier.com. I thought of you yesterday and remembered my shock at the news of your passing. You were an inspiration to many and your memory will not fade.

I "knew" you only through anysoldier.com May God bless your family.
http://www.greatwar.co.uk/poems/john-mccrae-in-flanders-fields.htm

Think of you often throughout the year and today we thank you for your service, your friendship,and your loving family. We love and miss you.

Another year has come and gone and still the sting of Toby's passing remains. We still stand at attention to you soldier.Your bravery is not forgotton and your sacrafice not eroded with time. We look forward to seeing you when we join you in heaven for that final role call. Blees the family on this special day!

RIP

Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who work to send handmade prayer shawls and/or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one while serving our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church would like to extend our sincere sympathy and to honor your loved one's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a prayer gift which will be mailed to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses of those who would like to receive one and which gift they would like to receive. We will send our gift as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved on who died while serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne

To the family and friends of 1st Sgt. Tobias C. Meister:
Please accept my remembrance of Tobias on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

The flag is flying in the sky
A daily reminder of who and why
We sit here remembering them today
These heroes that now lie in their grave.

While here on earth, the bravest ones
A soldier, a mother, a daughter, a son
The father's who went far off to war
To ensure our safety and so much more

To keep our children happy and free,
Someone must do this job, you see
So, today remember the soldiers who served,
Because this is one thing they truly deserve.

The loved one's that they have left behind,
The Gold Star mothers, like your and mine
We honor them proudly, every day
Our American Soldier...Proud and Brave
By Shannon Williams-Austill

I want to thank this soldier for their sacrifice.
And, I wish to extend my deepest regards to the loved ones they have left behind. Their service to our nation, has not gone unnoticed. They are our heroes, who paid the ultimate price for us, and that is something that every American needs to be reminded of and remember everyday.
The freedom we all have, we have because of brave young men and women who made a choice to defend and serve.
Today, let me remember your loved one with you.

Just a note to say that you are continually missed and thought of. Your light still shines bright my friend!

Remembering what a great person you were and the sacrifice you made. Thank you.

We think of you oftem and you will never be forgotten. You are truely a HERO!!

Our thoughts and prayers are still with the Meister family as we think back to 5 years ago. A great man is truly missed.

To the family and friends of 1st Sgt. Tobias C. Meister:
Remembering Tobias on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Hey 1SG. I put the flag out today (half-staff) and then talked to you a bit. It is five years ago today since you moved on.

You promised to get me to ABAD the last time we talked. Little did I realize at the time that it would be for your memorial service.

Since coming home, I put the flag out every 28 DEC. Like I say, the big difference today is the five year mark. Not much more to say... I will keep putting the flag out and talking to you when I do.

Until the next time...

FOG

Remembering you today.

As Pat and I reflected on all we have to be grateful for we both thought of Toby and what a fine man he was and of the ultimate sacrafice he gave for our Freedom. We again extend our warmest regards to his family.

Thank you Toby for your sacrafice. I think of you almost every day and reflect on what a great person you were and how I can model my life like yours. Miss you!

Thank you Toby, because of your sacrafice, I continue to live in freedom. I will never forget you

There would have been an honor for me and for Sgt. Meister that not many know about. It's time to share that with those who hold Sgt. Meister in as high regard as I do.

My son, Scott Cole, and Toby were close friends in Afghanistan. A few years after Toby's passing, Scott and his wife were getting ready for their first baby, Charlotte. If Charlotte had been a boy, his name would have been James Tobias Cole, Scott's way of honoring the men that have been the most important in his life. Toby was one of those men.

I am thankful everyday for the freedom that is given to me by men and women like Toby. I'm forever grateful.

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.

I think of you often and especially on Veteran's Day. I get this email with updated enteries and it is a constant reminder of the sacrifice that you made. You are still greatly missed! God Bless your parent's, wife and son!
love the photos of you that Shannon Walker posted! :)

Wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you on this Veterans day. It was the greatest honor to have served with you and I will never forget you or your family. You are my hero. Gob bless.

Thinking of you and your family a lot lately. You were such a great guy, soldier and hero. I remember like yesterday watching you come into the Remsen-Union High School, getting out of your white mustang and couldn't wait to hear how your and TJ's Tae Kwon Do tournaments went.

You are such an inspiration Toby! You are truly missed...everyday! I wish your family nothing but love and prayers.

Dick and Cara Beelner

Re: 1SG Tobias C Meister

Hello,
I represent PRAYER SHAWLS 4 FALLEN SOLDIERS (PS4FS), an organization that since October 2007 has sent over 2,800 prayer shawls to military families who have lost a loved one. We are an organization of over 240 groups from all over the country. We make every effort to reach families even when post cards are returned after they have moved. Would you kindly send me a contact email/address so that we may send a loving hand-made prayer shawl to the family? Thank you!

Cozette Haggerty, Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers
Email: [email protected]
Website Address: http://webpages.charter.net/ps4fs/shawls

On this Memorial Day, I've set aside time to reflect on the past and remember that your family is now a Gold Star Family, too. 1st Sgt. Meister, thank you for you service and duty. Thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice...to protect our country and our freedom.
Sister of Spc. Jeffrey S. Henthorn (Balad, Iraq Feb. 8, 2005)

God bless this special soldier and his grieving loved ones. Be by their side in their time of need.

[email protected]

Top,
Being back in Afghanistan, I think of you every day. I pray for your family and friends as we deal with your loss this Memorial Day.

”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 1,450 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

So saddened to think of the loss.

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 Tobias, 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

I remember this day every year. Toby, you were an exceptional NCO and one that I looked up to for your amazing leadership ability. You're missed and remembered by so many of us.

To the family of 1st Sgt. Tobias C. Meister:
Tobias 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

My condolences to the family and loved ones of1SG Meister. I am a Vietnam veteran and have been down this road many times. Our prayers are with you.

You were one of the first casualties that I was aware of, and I think of you frequently. I pray your loved ones can find the strength they need to persevere, and I pray that your beautiful soul is resting in eternal peace.

The 486 CA BN in Tulsa lost a great leader. We both served as 1SG's and he was a great conrade and friend. The guy had more energy and determination to get the job done whether it was training the Soldiers in the Battation to get ready to go, or smacking us around the floor mats doing combative training. The lost was felt immediately by those who knew him. His mild manner demeanor, and unselfish service to the Soldiers he lead only made him admired that much more. I am grateful for the time I got to spend with him, and I will miss him. He was a Top Notch Soldier and NCO. "Can't" was not in his vocabolary.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Just to confirm that we still think of you and pray for your family. May God always continue to bless them.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you 1st Sgt Meister!

Thank you for the sacrifice made by 1st Sgt Meister and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him. May God bless all of you!

I was stationed in Asadabad with 1SG Meister. He was the definition of a leader. I have looked to his memory for strength and drive.

To the family,
I can't find the right words to express my condolences. I do want you to know that 1SG Meister was, and still is, an inspiration. I carry his memory constantly.

Top and I served together in Afghanistan on the Abad PRT. Top was a true leader and friend. I remember on of the first things that he said to me was "Walker, I'm gonna make you a soldier before you leave here." I laughed at him and told him that I was an Airman. He taught me so much and I will forever be gratefull. It is because of your leadership that I am here today, thank you Toby.
From reading some of the other messages from the rest of our PRT group, I feel I have to tell the story about your birthday. Alicia had sent birthday decor and stuff. We decorated your room and surprised you. Jay was dressed like a local woman and came in too tease you. Then we dragged you outside and tied you to the flag pole just to throw water on you.(We all realized how strong you were that day too)The look on your face was priceless. We laughed so hard. That was one of the happiest memories I have from that deployment.
The sadest memory is when you were taken from us, unfortunatly I was on that mission with you too. I will never forget that day or you. Your family has so much to be proud of you for. I promise you that this Soldier/Airman will never forget you, your sacrifice or any of the comrads we lost over there. Epperson and myself carry you on our bodies in the form of a tatoo everyday.
To Alicia, Will, and the rest of your family you are in my prayers everyday and am so sorry for your loss.
To Top I salute you on this Veterans Day and every day. You our my Hero.

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)

Toby: I miss you. I learned so much from you when we trained together back at Ft. Sill. I really miss those days. It was a great time in my life to work with someone that was so good at what they did. I love the way we pushed each other to be the best. You are the best soldier I ever knew. Thanks for making me a better man. Your battle buddy Lance

Our prayers are with you. We lost our son Sgt Ryan M. Wood on June 21st. Nothing I can say will take the pain away, but I do want you to know that you are not alone.
You are in our hearts and our prayers.
Momma of Sgt Ryan Mitchell Wood

God Bless. I lost my brother August 4, 2006, My prayers are with you!

Top and I deployed with the same unit in June of 2005 to Afghanistan. He was supposed to take over my company back home after the deployment. We didnt have much interaction but from the few times I spoke with him he impressed me at every turn. Im sad for his families loss but I cant help but think how proud they must be. You will be missed Top and Im sure well all see each other at that last formation...........

It's been over a year now Since Top left us. I still seem to think about him quite often and it still hurts. I miss his guidance, friendship, and mentorship. There is so much more to say but I can't bring the words out. Just know that He is still missed by his troops.

Toby and I were in BNCOC together. We were the only Drill Sergeants in the class and he and I were in direct (friendly) competition from the first day. He won (of course). I was really impressed by his character and professionalism. I just learned of his death today (over a year later). I was thinking of our class just last week and how much we competed against each other. I truly learned a lot from Toby. My heartfelt wishes go out to his entire family. He will not be forgotten.

1SG Jonathan Bentley

I read Sgt. Meister's entries at anysoldier and felt that I, in some small way, knew him. Anysolider recommended sending packages to the troops after Christmas (to avoid the rush) so I read his posts and waited. I never had the priviledge of shipping him a package but I pray for him often.

well it's been a year since we have lost a great warrior and friend. knowing toby he would not have changed a thing. He was a man of value and honor and though i was older than him he taught me alot about how a man should be. I have apassage from from psalms that i would have loved to share with him. Though he was a peaceful soul it describes his other side, the warrior side.
Psalms 144:1- Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.

I am Deeply Saddened to learn of the loss of 1st Sgt. Tobias C. Meister, one year ago today.
The price this Fine Young Hero and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
May Tobias rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Peace of the Lord continue to be with the Meister 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

May the Peace of God and the memories of your loved one, remain in your heart always. May this give you comfort and strength through the difficult days.
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Dear Family of Sgt. Toby Meister,
One year ago I contacted Sgt. Meister about a care package that my family wanted to sent. He e-mailed me right back and gave me all the help I needed. He was so nice and kind that we decided to sent the box to him to share with his fellow soldiers. In January I received a letter from his superior, letting us know that Toby had been killed before my box made it. We have been deeply affected and have been thinking and praying for his family ever since. He served his country proudly and we will never forget the sacrifice he made for us all. God bless his family and I know he will be with you this Christmas and always.

I am so very sorry for your loss, Iwill pray daily for your whole family I am still in shock he was such a great individual I worked with him for several years at chili's, he touched my life as well as everyone who worked with him. God bless you all, and Thank you Toby you are greatly missed.

As I sat on a Southwest Airliner last week the woman next to me mentioned my “GO ARMY” neck band. That neck band had been issued to me, on 9/11, as I was crammed on a C-130 with the rest of my FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team en-route to the World Trade Center just a few hours after the attack. I still use that neck band to this day to carry my FEMA credentials which I had used to board the Southwest flight. I noticed the silver engraved wrist band she was wearing and casually mentioned she must have an ARMY connection since she noticed my neck band. I could see the word ARMY on her wrist band. She proceeded to tell me the wrist band was for her son and, in glowing terms, how proud she was of him, of what he had done in Iraq. She told me how he genuinely loved what he was doing, so much so, that, had gone back for additional tours. She described his phone call when he told her that he was “doing some good over here”. Her son was 1st Sgt. Tobias C. Meister. Here it is almost a week later and still can not get this conversation out of my mind. I can not help but feel that this country is a bit poorer with the loss of this man. A soldier’s love for his country and a mother’s love for her son that should be inspiration to the rest of us. I never knew Sgt Meister but now I will never forget him.

1st Sgt. Meister was an idol for me and many Marines. I served with him in Echo company.

He couldn't turn down the chance to go out with us and left a life long impression on us and many others. Will be remembered by many.. our thoughts our with him and his family, god bless

CPL OVERTURF U.S.M.C.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Meister family of Jenks. I had

several Meisters' in my classroom at Jenks Middle school and can vouch

for a wonderful family who raised well behaved, smart, and incredible

children; each one of them. It proves to us once again that only our best and brightest think to dedicate themselves to maintain our rights and freedoms. May God be with you.

What an incredible man. I wish I had served under 1SG Meister; he lead by example. Despite being in "his" company at the 486th, I did not get a chance to meet him as he deployed just before I got in the unit. All I have heard about him has blessed me and had a profound impact on me; I am grateful to him for all he did and all he stood for.



James L. Clark

B Co, 486th CA BN

Toby was an outstanding Soldier in every sense. I had the privilege of serving with him in D Battery 1/355th, Camp Bullis, TX and we went through Drill SGT School together. Tough, determined, sharp, and well adjusted is how I can describe him. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to the family and friends.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to your family; I had the pleasure of training then, a young SGT, in D/1/355/1/95 DIV at Camp Bullis, TX. 1SG Meitster (Toby) always gave 100% at everything he did and lead the way by example. His accomplishments in his personal life as well as the Army will never be forgotten.



I heard the Lord's voice, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me!" -Isaiah 6:8



RLTW

USARSO, G3, CA

My deepest sympathies to Sgt Meisters friends & family.

I just found this today and it has been quite a shock.

He was my "anysoldier" contact to send toys and material, books etc. to the Afghan children.

To his wife and son, my deepest & heartfelt sympathy to you. He will NEVER be forgotten.



An Army Mom & sister of 3 Marines

My only child just returned from his third tour in Iraq. I cannot tell you how sorry I am about the loss of Sgt. Tobias. He gave his life for all of us, and we can never acknowlege them enough. [email protected]

I hope that every day you will be reminded of what an incredible young man Tobias Meister was to have served our country so valiantly, and for so many years. I am proud to know that my country is represented by people of this caliber. My deepest sympathy goes to the family and to his wife and son. Maybe one day it will be comfort enough for his son to know that his father was the best of America. God bless you.

Having been mobilized for two years, I was unaware of Toby's death, being alerted to it at the Fort Bragg Special Forces museum KIA board. By working with him on two 95th DIV(IT) DSOY boards, I saw his enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication. He is greatly missed, I know, by all with and for whom he worked. He was a great man and I regret his loss deeply, but it was not in vain. God bless America and Afghanistan.

I am honored to have known 1SG Tobias C Meister. I first met this NCO in 2003 at a place called Fort Hunter-Liggett, CA. I worked with the 104th Drill Sergeant School and he was with the 95th Drill Sergeant School.



I was impressed with his devotion to duty and attention to detail. He was passionate about his work and refused to cut corners.



At the end of our tour I presented DSL Meister with a coin that was given to me when I was a young NCO. I gave him the instruction that he was to pass the coin onto another worthy NCO when he became a CSM (Which without a doubt he would have become). I had the opportunity to see him in the coming years.



I was shocked and saddened at the news. Even now as I look at his photo and write this entry it is with heavy heart.



To the Meister family, my families' prayers have been with you during your time of mourning. Your loved one was an amazing person with a zest for life.



Goodbye for now, Tobias. May the Lord keep you and we'll see you on the high ground.

My deepest sympathy to the Meister family in their loss. I was taken by Toby's compassion for the citizens and esp the children. I was honored to have sent packages to be given to the children...I also talked to one of my "adopted" soldier who's back in OK who knew Toby and spoke highly of him, a great leader. Loved reading his entries in the anysoldier website

Vaya con Dios..

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOUR SON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI



A MARINE MOM

Top was one of the best men I ever knew. I had the pleasure of working with him everyday in Asadabad. I was also with him the day he died. As usual, he was leading from the front. That day he asked me and a couple of other guys for our addresses and phone numbers. He was planning a reunion for all of his soldiers 6 months before he was to come home. I am an Air Force civil engineer. As any military member could imagine, I had no idea what I was getting into when I came to Asadabad. I asked Top to give me and the other Airmen as much training as he could because “we can’t do anything”. He appreciated my honesty and took us under his wing. He treated us like we were his soldiers. He had leadership qualities that couldn’t be taught. I learned so much from him. He was a great man and a great soldier. Knowing him has changed my life. I think of him everyday. My deepest sympathies go out to his wife and son. He spoke of you often and loved you very much.

I have recently returned from Afghanistan and had the privilage of working with the 492nd as well as 3/144th. Four of Top's soldiers were attached to my unit, the 111th ASG in Bagram. We all felt his loss and will always charish his memory. He was one of the best of us.

My heart was saddened tonight when my fried Patrick Fugere told me about this site and Toby's death. I knew him when he was a young specialist assigned to Charlie Company 3/144 Inf. in Dallas TX. I was with Toby in Germany and helped him train and get his EIB while assigned to 3/144inf. He was an outstanding solider and a great person. Alicia and Will, as you keenly know, Toby was a gift from god and while his death saddens us all, God had need of him and I pray that we will all see him again someday. I wish you all the best and I will remember you in my prayers.



Rgr Gideon.

Dear Meister Family, I served with Toby when he was in the Texas Army National Guard. We tested for and both were awarded the Expert Infantryman Badge together. He was a corporal then but I realized that he was a young man with unlimited potential, who always made sure to take the right action. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and am sadden by his loss. I never had a chance to serve with him again but I am positive that he was there for his men and took their safety and well being over his own needs. He will be missed. CPT Patrick Fugere

What a terrible loss. Toby took care of his men and was very dedicated. I cannot express enough sympathy to his widow and son. God Bless

There are no words to comfort a loss like Toby. I served with him in Asadabad, Afghanistan for a good deal of my time in the country. Toby was the best at everything he did, from his determination to complete the mission to hiking up Bull Run 4 times a week. Toby was an outstanding American and patriot, but he was much more to me, my brother in arms and my friend. I still do not know half of the words I would like to say, and I think about December 28th 2005 all the time, but I can think of one thing that a good friend of mine told me and that is that your body is only a tent that you stay in while you are on earth and that is all, who wants to live in a tent forever? Toby is still alive inside all of us, and I am sure that our father is watching over him (but for those of us who know Toby, it may be that he is doing the watching). So I will say this last thing before I go, Toby was the greatest man I have ever had the honor of knowing, and I look forward to the day I will see him again.

To Toby's family, My deepest sorrow for your loss, and my greatest respect for your sacrifice, God Bless you all.

He was one of my Drill Sergeant Leaders during Drill Sergeant School at Ft.Sill, OK. Class 03-01. A tough, dedicated soldier. God bless him for his sacrifice and love of country. Bless also his family and friends.

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

To the family of Tobias C. Meister,

I wanted to write to express my most heartfelt condolences. While I did not know your son personally he has touched the lives of the students and staff I work with at the Pathway School (a school for special needs children and adolescents) as well as my brother who also attends the school.What an amazing son and husband he must have been to touch all the lives he did! You are always in our prayers.

To the Family of



1SG Tobias(Toby) C. Meister



What a shock! I was thinking about Toby the other day and finally took time to pull up some old files and decided to do a Google search to see if I could find enough information on him, to give him a call and see how things were going. Shocked, is a small word, when I read the article from the Le Mars Daily Sentinel. My heart goes out to you Ms. Meister and to his family. With Toby’s passing the world as we know it has experienced a great loss, but heaven has accepted him into its fold as a Great Husband, Father, and Son. No words can ever explain how Toby touched people, but you know.



Toby was a great individual, a perfectionist in every since of the word from his personal life to kickboxing. I work at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Army ROTC department. Toby was only in our program a short while and touched my life on many different levels. I think the highest level was my spiritual level. We spoke of life, inner peace, religion and God. He and I had a real unique relationship. I shared Jesse Duplantis tapes with him and his insight was exceptionally refreshing. Toby came by one day and gave me a wooden box he had made me with a cross cut into the top. I will cherish it forever. A couple of days before Graduation was the last time I had the pleasure of seeing Toby. He was excited about his family coming down for Graduation and his plans to work in Oil with his degree. His future life was on the start line with all of his plans in place, smiling he gave me a hug and had to go get things ready. I told him as he turned to walk our of my office, that day, “May God Bless and Keep You.” That is still my prayer for Toby and his family. He will remain in my thoughts forever. He is a great individual that touched my heart, mind and soul.



Lola R.(Becky) Teninty

HRA, UTSA, Army ROTC

His postings on AnySoldier.com made a far away country seem like the next block down the street....so vividly describing the people and events as if he was talking about mutual neighbors.



His seemingly endless energy and and will to make the world better showed in every line he wrote. When I learned he had been killed, I was stunned. How could such a good person, someone so dedicated to excellence in EVERY endeavor, be taken? There is no answer that really is satisfying. His death was a horrible wrong.



To his family: know and believe that he was regarded so highly by anyone whose lives he touched whether in person, or in print. He was truly an example of our best, and brightest. My deepest condolences.

Dear Meister family.

We are so sorry for your loss of your love one. I had two sons last year in the military, one was in Iraq,all of our family sends our thanks and love to you and yours. No words could do justice for the void that you are feeling now, but we pray that you will find peace.God bless you and your family. Thank You LL

dave and judy, So sorry for your lose. I promise you the people of kingsley will never forget the fine young man that you shared with us. curt

To the Meister Families,



Although this message comes from far we are humbled greatly by Toby's passing during his great service to our nation. It's always hard to accept when you never think that it will be someone that you know. We all ask ourselves why the good hearted, kind, hardworking, and passionate people are the ones that are taken from us here on earth? The more I ask myself that question the more I answer that Toby was called to serve God as an angel to watch over his family.



Our prayers are with you.



Nicci and Joe Schmitt

While our paths never crossed, I have been touched by all of the entries re: this very handsome young man, husband and father. My own husband, a Navy veteran, passed away less than a year ago. Your family and friends are in my prayers. Thank you for your bravery.

Here is a site with an excellent story on Toby.

http://www.fortunateson.org/2006/01

/honoring-fallen-comrade-1sg-tobias.

html

I spent the morning reading over everyone's heartfelt entries conerning 1SG Meister. What is clear to me now is that 1SG Meister had the same impact on me that he did on everyone else fortunate enough to cross paths with him.



Our paths crossed in Afghanistan, where I had the distinct pleasure of serving with him at the Foreward Operating Base he was stationed at and going out on mission with him. From the first time I ever met him, it was clear to me how much he loved being there and doing what he was doing. He felt as strongly as the rest of us about helping the Afghani people in that rural and almost forgotten area along the Pakistan border where we all lived. There was always such a concerted effort in everything he did and said out there, as if all of these things were crucial pieces of the collective statement he wished to make with his life.



As you read the countless entries in this guest book, it becomes clearer and clearer that 1SG Meister was the literal embodiment of the perfect soldier, and I could go on and on about how much he impressed all of us out there in Afghanistan, but instead, I want to tell all of you about a more personal side of 1SG Meister, of Tony, that will stay with me for the rest of my life. As most of you already know, Toby was a consummate professional, and rarely let anyone see any other aspect of himself than as a soldier. Well, one day, in our MWR room, Toby was on the phone talking to his wife while twenty of us guys were well within earshot of his conversation, when all of the sudden, he starts singing 'Happy Birthday' to his son over the phone in a voice obviously shared between a proud father and his young son. When he first started singing, some guys in the room started laughing at him and poking a little fun. Toby just smiled back at the room and then finished the special birthday song to his young son. Folks, that takes guts. Especially around a room full of soldiers. So you see, Toby wasn't just the epitome of a model soldier, he was also the epitome of a model father, and of a model man.



You will be sorely missed, Toby, but you will never be forgotten, and your spirit will live on in all of us whose lives you touched and changed forever. Goodbye for now.

I had the honor and privelage of knowing and working with 1SG Meister in Asadabad. He was a great leader and an impeccable NCO. My life is better today for knowing him. During his service in Afghanistan he touched the lives of countless Afghan citizens and because of his efforts, dedication and selfless service their lives are better. He will never be forgotten and whenever anyone speaks of a free and peaceful Afghanistan I will remember that 1SG Meister was one of the people that made that possible. God Bless him, his family, the United States Army and the United States of America.

Dear Judy,Dave, TJ, and the rest of Toby's family

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. But having grown up with you all in Remsen was brought back rapidly and came with much joy. I know there is not much that can be said to ease the pain of such a loss...other than he will be greatly missed because he had a profound impact on lots of lives. You'll always be in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for serving in so many ways.

I did not know 1st Sgt. Tobias Meister, but I wanted to THANK YOU with all my heart and soul for serving your country in time of need. I wish there were more American's willing to fight for what they believe in and more people willing to support the troops. I will be praying for your Wife and son and any family friends that you left you behind. God Bless you and Thank you again for your service.

I didn't know 1SG Meister, but wanted to express my condolences to his family. He and my brother served together in Iraq.

Dear Meister Family,

Sgt Meister was a pen pal for my coworker's girl scout group. I read the letters he wrote to the girls and was reduced to tears. His last letter deeply expressed all his love for his wife and son. I carry the utmost respect for his service to the military and his dedication in keeping contact with the girls. We will never forget him for his friendliness and heartfelt letters. My best wishes to his family and friends.

My condolonces. I wasn't sure to write something, because I didn't know him, until I saw a message from someone, who liked the name Tobias-I was getting ready to send a package to his unit, because it is my son's name. He was adopted, One nite, we were watching Andersonville, about the civil war prison camp, and 1 of the soldier's names was Tobias. My son heard that, and said how much he like the name, and wanted a first name change also. Ironically, it was my 3 great grandmother's maiden name! I thought that was a sign, meant to be. I send many packages to our troops-we are so proud of them. May you be comforted as to how proud this country is! God bless.

Dear Meister Family,

"God is the Master Weaver, and only He knows when the tapestry is complete." What a rich tapestry your dear Toby had woven during his too-short-life! How proud you must be of the son and husband that you were blessed to share your lives with. This guestbook is so beneficial, allowing us that knew Toby only through anysoldier.com, to convey our thoughts upon the loss of one of America's finest. His emails from Afghanistan were so full of compassion and patriotism, our hearts just sank when we learned of his death. We pray that you will sense God's arms around you every day, and that your memories will be a great comfort to you.

My heart goes out to your entire family. I was honored to assist my daughter with the preparations for the wedding of Toby and Alicia and was in fact at the wedding. They were a beautiful couple who were looking forward to a wonderful life. Thank you for the gift of this young man and the ultimate sacifice he paid for all of us. My daughter attended the funeral service and was very touched by the tributes. You will all be in our prayers.

1SG Meister was and will always be one of the most influential NCOs that I have ever met. I am honored to have had you as an instructor when I was in Drill Sergeant School as well as to have worked with you after I graduated. You epitomized the Army Values, the Drill Sergeant Creed and the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer in everything you did.

You once told me that your goal was to become the Sergeant Major of the Army. I along with any soldier who knew you would agree with me that you were more than qualified to accomplish that goal.

You will be missed 1SG, and by more people than you could ever imagine.

2LT Steven Ragan
3 ID, Ft Stewart GA

June 2003 Tulsa OK pictured are:

Top Row-
SSG Hill, SFC Gibson SSG Wheat, SSG Ragan

Bottom Row-
SSG Meister, SSG Potts

Meister Family,

My deepest sympathies for your loss, you are in the thoughts and prayers of my family.

I have had the privilege to serve with Toby during the October 2004 Civil Affairs course in Fort Dix, NJ, where he served as our student 1SG. He embodied the attributes of an American soldier and lived the Army values on and off duty. His inspiration to the staff, instructors, and students he served with is lasting, and we will carry with each of us forever, his memory. His humor, insight, and professionalism made him excel in every aspect of his life, and we thank you for allowing us to share in his life.

God bless America, the Meister family, and our men and women in the Armed services!

MSG Matthew G. Osman
Course Manager / Instructor
5th BN (CA), 3rd BDE (CS), 98th DIV (IT)

Dear Meister Family,



I would like to express my apreciation to you of Tobias. He served his country, and us and for that I am forever greatful. I have been frequenting the AnySoldier website, and I noticed Tobias' name. The first time I saw it on the site, I said to myself, "I really like that name." and I kept it in the back of my mind. Then coming on again and seeing that he is now gone, just broke my heart. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all!

Dear Meister Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Toby the summer of 1993, when he along with about 50 others and myself left Iowa headed for basic training. We were the Iowa buddy platoon. He had a drive and personality that helped me get through that hard 9 weeks. It was a honor to get to know him. I was saddened to learn of his death after losing track of him after the summer of 1994. Even though he is gone, take solace in all the great things he did, achieved and the memories that he made that will never die.

I was honored to help the Yellow Ribbon Girls at our church to pack for Toby & all our troops. You have our deepest sympathies, our love & prayers are with you. God be with to guide & protect you & your family always & until we all meet in Heaven. We are so proud of Toby & proud to be a little part of his life. So sorry for your loss. Bob & Carlene Bleakney, Portersville, PA