Edward W. Shaffer Obituary

Thinking of you Eddie today and always. We will never forget you. Memories of you will remain with us. Let Grandma and Pap know we love and miss them too. Love always and forever.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Missing you even after all these years. Think of you all the time. Love you.

Please know that Sgt Edward Shaffer was honored (as he is every year) at the annual I Did the Grid 4 mile run on Long Island, NY. Although the runners couldnt gather and run together to remember and honor all the fallen heroes, we did our own virtual run, with the names of soldiers on our printed race bib. I added Edwards name to my bib, as he was one of fallen soldiers I had honored when I first ran at this event 6 years ago. He will never be forgotten!

Dear Eddie- Another Memorial Day comes and it will go. This year no crowds for services. Still the need to honor you is great. In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Aunt Susan

Thinking of you this Memorial day SGT Shaffer.

Thinking of you on Memorial Day SGT Shaffer.

SGT Shaffer,
I was in Ramadi with you. We never met, but I remember the day your Bradley was hit on the 13th of November 2006. I was in 501st in the Support Battalion. I took equipment for repair from your peers. I saw the terrible look on their faces when they lived through the horrible attacks like the one you endured. Not only your attack and your specific platoon, but all of you guys who pulled operations in Ramadi. It really took a toll on all of you.

It was always hard to talk to them as it was very emotionally draining for me as well trying to comfort them in any way I could. But I made myself try and take their mind off of where they were even if just for a little bit of relief.

I always had so much respect for you guys out there. I would never put myself on your level of greatness. I was just a guy who repaired Radios on the FOB.

Recently my unit Sent me to Casualty Notification Training/Casualty assistance training. These are the soldiers who notify the Family a soldier has passed away/ or are injured, and they follow up to help the family afterwards.

Sitting in the class and listening to the scenarios it reminded me very much of the sadness and hopeless loss/sorry I saw in Ramadi. It brought back feelings I had not felt in years. I started to go to the First Sergeant and tell him perhaps I was not the man for the Job.

Then I remembered the day I heard about your Bradley catching on fire. I remembered your peers and the loss and fear they felt. I read a bit about you and found out you were wounded prior to that and ask to stay with your soldiers.

I want to thank you. Your example gave me the kick I needed. If men like you were brave enough to face danger and were so dedicated to your soldiers you chose to stay.....well.....I think I should be able to honor the fallen soldiers and their families.

What a great example to your soldiers you were. You did not let fear of a situation get in your way. I will not let it get in mine either. I would never say I am doing anything close to what you or your peers did, but I will honor the fallen. I will do my duty no matter how hard it is. Thank you for being a great American. -SFC Towns

Dear Eddie
Another birthday for you but we are with out you. Spoke with your mom on your birthday and your mom and dad had just visited your grave site. Keep it looking nice. Making sure you are remembered. We are always thinking of you, gram and pap and missing all of you. You are never forgotten. Love Aunt Susan

May 28, 2018

Dear Eddie,
Memorial Day is here. Such a sad day for us. Family will never be complete without you, grandma, and pap. All we have is family and even family is being taken away. Thinking about you always, missing you always, loving you always. Aunt Susan

April 29, 2018

Dear Eddie,
As I am sure you know by now, Pap headed your way on the 25th. Now Grandma and Pap are with you again and I am sure they are happy to see you. All three of you to watch over us. We certainly need that. It has been a rough time for your family. Still so hard to believe. Its like a nightmare only it is a reality. Missing all of you. Unsure why the best people on earth had to be taken from us so soon. Take care of Gram and Pap and they will be there for you also. Thinking of you every day. Love always,

October 21, 2017
Dear Eddie,
It has been awhile since I have been on site to send you a message. Does not mean you are not thought about or that we don't miss you. We still miss you every day. Every day of our lives. We think about you always. Our lives continue and the loss of you continues with us. Continue to watch over us as we need you more each day. Love always,

Dear Eddie,
November has again appeared and it is not a good time for me. With grandma passing on the 9th and you being fatally wounded on the 13th. Time passes but sorrow does not go away. Missing you both every day of the year.

May 30, 2016
Edward, we honor you this Memorial Day as we do every day of our lives. Thinking of you, remembering you, missing you. Our family lost so much when we lost you. It is good to know that you will always be remembered by your sacrifice to this nation. You certainly remain in your family hearts. Missing you everyday. Love Aunt Susan

Merry Christmas Eddie. Merry Christmas Mom. Miss you more and more each day. Will be at Park Lawns today to visit awhile. To see the pretty flowers and reefs placed on your areas. Love Susan

Happy Thanksgiving Eddie, your empty chair at our tables still weighs heavy on your family. A pain that never dies. Wishing you were here with us.

November 9, 2015
Its been 2 years today since Grandma joined you. Now I miss her. I cant put it into words. There is nothing like a Mom. No one on earth can replace a Mom. I miss you both. Give Grandma a hug from me. Tell her I miss her so much everyday. Not a day goes by that I don't think of both of you. At least I know you two are together and taking care of each other. We just struggle through our everyday lives. One day we all will be together. Rest well, Love Susan

August 31, 2015
Happy Birthday Eddie. Wish I could say that to you and give you a hug. Sending my birthday wishes and hugs to you through the www as that is the closest I can get to you. I just spoke with your Mom. How we all miss you. All I can do is write my message and send it off. Love you, miss you, Happy Birthday, Love Aunt Susan

As another Memorial Day comes and goes we still find ourselves missing you even more. We are grateful for you. We honor you on this day (and every day. We honor all our fallen soldiers who gave there all so that we are free. God bless you Eddie. I hope you know how proud your family is of you and how much we miss you. Your hometown has placed banners with fallen soldiers pictures. We were glad to see one was placed for you. So honored that others think of you and remember you for what you gave for all of us. Missing you, Loving you, honoring you, Aunt Susan

Hi Eddie,

It is your cousin Jeremy. Although we may not have grown up together or never have gotten the chance to be close friends, I want you to know that I love you. I am proud to call you family. May we meet someday behind Heaven's Gates. You shall never be forgotten.

Dear Eddie, Today is Mother's Day. Today is a day that you Mom misses you even more if that can be possible. I know you are there with grandma. Give her the message from me that I am wishing her a Happy Mothers Day. I miss her more and more. Especially on this day when we celebrate our Mom's. As we miss you more and more. Our love for you never fades. We only have our fond memories to fall back on to help us through these times. Your family always talks about you and Grandma. Love never dies. Missing you deeply. Aunt Susan

Merry Christmas Eddie. Merry Christmas Mom. Its never a very Merry Christmas here without you. Miss you. Love You. Susan

Dearest Edward, I didnt forget you. I made an entry on 11/13 as I always do. Somehow it never got posted here. Its been 8 years since that horrifying day when you were first wounded. That day this family will never forget. We miss you, we love you, we think about you and talk about you everyday. Our loss was heavens gain. Today is Thanksgiving. I give thanks for you. I give thanks for your grandma, my mom. Our empty chairs, yours and grandmas, make an empty hole in our lives. You are both missed deeply. Susan

Dearest Eddie. Its been a year today since Grandma joined you. The days, weeks, months, fly by so quickly. The emptyness doesnt go away. Just time goes on and we do our daily tasks, day goes to night, and we do it all over again. Taking care of Grandpap but he misses you both so much. Not a day goes by that we dont talk about both of you. How we miss you. Greatly loved by your family. Aunt Susan

August 31, 2014
Happy Birthday Eddie! We miss being able to tell you that in person. We all think about you every day. You are forever in our hearts. Loved and sadly missed by your entire family.Aunt Susan

Just wanted to share the following.... While I didn't have the pleasure of knowing SGT Edward Shaffer I thought of him and his family today (May 24, 2014), as I ran 'The 7th Annual Cpl Christopher G. Scherer "I DID THE GRID" Run/ Walk' in Northport, NY'. This was the first time I signed up for the 4 mile run that is held in honor of Cpl Christopher Scherer and all the men and women who have given their lives in service. On each runners bib number there were four names listed of soldiers that made the ultimate sacrifice. At the end of the race after passing the finish line, each runner rang a bell four times in honor of each of the names on their bib. So... I just wanted to share that SGT Edward Shaffer was one of the soldiers that was named on my running bib today. Each step I made during the race was dedicated to Edward and the 3 other soldiers that I was running in honor of. I sincerely hope the Shaffer family receives this message to know that he was thought of today. God Bless

Dear Edward, It sure is sad here for your family but I know you are enjoying once again being with Swiss. He was your familys last remaining part of you. Now he is back in your arms and back in Grandmas arms. We know he will make you two smile and keep you both busy. Love you, Grandma, and Swiss. Aunt Susan

January 1, 2014
Happy New Year Eddie. Years pass, nothing changes, we miss you more and more. Happy New Year Mom. It will never be the same without you. Miss you so much. Take care of each other and watch over us all. Love Susan

December 27, 2013
It has been 7 years now since we lost you. A lot has changed in our lives but some things stay the same. We miss you. We now have 2 holes at our table that are empty. Just feels so bad. Nothing makes us feel good. Just empty. Being witout you and grandma just makes life empty. Its hard to put into words. We love you, we miss you. You are always in our thoughts. Take care of granda for us. We love and miss her also. Aunt Susan

December 25, 2013
Eddie - Wishing you a merry Christmas. Give Grandma a Christmas hug and kiss for me. Tell her I love her, I miss her,I dont know what to do without her. I miss you both so much. Not a very nice Christmas without you both. Love Susan

Dearest Edward, This frightful day is upon us again. Seven years later and it still seems like yesterday. Now you have grandma with you. November is a hard month for our family. Nothing ever changes. Take good care of grandma. We miss you and we still talk about you. Grandma being ill brought back a lot of moments of you being so ill. We love you, we miss you, you are always on our minds. Love Aunt Susan

Dear Eddie, We thank you for your service to us and our country. Now we have a new job for you. We will need you to take care of your grandmother who headed your way yesterday. She had a rough couple of months here with us here on earth. Now she will be pain free as beautiful as ever. She will be there with you helping to keep us all straight and watch over us until we are all together again.

August 31, 2013
Happy Birthday Eddie. Today you would have been 30. We miss you still. Would have been nice to be able to wish you a happy birthday in person. Our family never gets the chance to do that. I just talked with your mom. Your mom and dad put flowers and ballons on your resting site today for you to honor your birthday. We will never forget you and our love for you will go on and on. God Bless you dear Edward. Your family loves you and misses you. Aunt Susan

June 2, 2013
Dear Edward, (please forgive me for the lateness of this Memorial Day posting due to being offline all week) Just wanted to say "Thank You" for your service to our country. You were the best at everything you did. You gave it your all. You sacrificed your life for all of us. Your family misses you deeply. Not a day goes by that we do not think of you or talk about you. You are always in our hearts and minds. Rest easy dear Edward. Love Aunt Susan

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

December 27 2012 - It has been 6 years today that the lord called you home. Seems like only yesterday. Time goes by and our love for you keeps growing. Rest well dear Edward. Watch over your family from above. We love you and we miss you. Love, Aunt Susan

Merry Christmas Eddie. Your family misses you. We had our family get together at Grandma's and Pap's house and we miss you being there with us. We got a Quilt of Valor from a local group and it is awesome. We also got a plaque from PA State Government with the bill and pen Governor Corbett used signing the bill to rename the portion of 997 running through Mont Alto as the Sgt. Edward W Shaffer Memorial Highway. It is a nice momento and we are thankful for it. We just wish we had you to share our years with. Your family loves and miss you. You will always be loved and honored. Love Aunt Susan

November 13,2012
It's been 6 years since that frightful phone call and it still seems like only yesterday. Time does not heal all wounds. The hole in each of our hearts never closes. Our November, December, January will never be the same. Your family misses you so much. We love you dear Edward. Our love for you will never die. We cherish the good memories of you. We know you are at peace. You live on in all of us. Aunt Susan

November 11, 2013
Veterans Day. A day to remember all the Veterans who have served this country. We love and honor you today dear Edward. We only wish you were here to see how much we cherish you and love you and are so proud of you. So many Veterans are here for us to say "Thank You" to and your family honors and supports them all. We just wish we could be showing our support to you, give you a hug, and say thank you. This little note is just my way of saying "Thank You" to you xoxox. Aunt Susan

Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday as another August 31st passes. You will always be 23. We miss you more and more with each passing day. You are always in our hearts and always in every conversation. Our love for you will never die. We love you. Aunt Susan

To the family and friends of Sgt. Edward W. Shaffer:
Please accept my remembrance of Edward on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

December 27, 2011
Time passes but our love for you goes on. Today in the Memorium section of the Record Herald is your grad photo with these words:
SHAFFER - In honor and loving memory of SGT EDWARD SHAFFER.
Five years ago, December 27, he gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country and our freedom.
Nothing can ever take away, the love our hearts hold dear.
Fond memories linger every day, remembrance keeps him near.
Sadly missed by his Mom, Dad, and brother, family and friends.
Watch over us from above dear Edward.
Love Aunt Susan

5 years ago was the very worst day of my life. I remember that day so vividly and yet the months after that I can't remember at all. One thing I thought about recently was the necklace I gave you with Jesus hanging on the cross, I wonder where that is? Not a day goes by that I don't think of you in some way, some days they are sad memories, others are actually times when something reminds me of you and makes me smile. I would have never believed I would be able to be happy again if you would have asked me that 5 years ago, but here I am now and I am happy, but there is still a huge void in my life that only you can fill. I pray every day that I will get to see you in Heaven someday and I do take comfort in knowing that you're taking care of Jacques for me. I miss you (always) and I'll love you forever.

December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas Eddie. Wish you were here with your family to celebrate. But that is not possible for our family. We are forever without you. We always think of you every day. Our love for you will never die. Love, Aunt Susan

On Friday, December 2, 2011, Route 997 that runs through Mont Alto and past your home was dedicated the Sgt Edward W Shaffer Memorial Highway. A sign is placed at both ends so that everyone driving thru that area will remember. The ceremony took place along with the annual Christmas tree lighting. A lot of your family was there in support of you. Mom, Dad, Brother, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins. It has been 5 years and it brings back sad memories. We are thankful that the community still thinks of you. We are thankful that the community still thinks of all the soldiers who have given their lives for our county in the past, in the present, and in the future. There will be signs dedicating Route 16 to Sgt Bitner and Route 316 to Sgt Tieman. So no matter what road we take to travel to Waynesboro we will remember our local sons who gave it all for our freedoms. We love you Eddie. We miss you. You are always in our thoughts.

November 13. It has been 5 years since that frightful day. Seems like only yesterday. Days, weeks, months, years pass. Yet each November 13 seems like it is only just today again that the horror for our family begins. November and December are not happy months for us and as the years go by it does not change anything. You are always on our mind and in our hearts sweet Edward.

November 11, 2011
Veteran's Day. Oh how we wish we could put our arms around you and hug you and say thank you for your service to our country. Your family will never get that chance. We love you and miss you every day. On November 5, Mont Alto held its Veterans Day Ceremony. At the ceremony Tim Wright has his Wall of Heros of the Mid Atlantic States. So many names of our men and women lost to their families. Your name was there, your mom and dad and brother signed the book at the picture. Your family was there Grandma, Pap, Uncles, Aunts. We all miss you so. Today your dad had your picture in the Record Herald in their special Veteran's Day Supplement. That's all we have remaining, pictures and memories in our heart. We are proud of you for serving your country. We are proud of you for just being you. Special, honorable, loving, a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew. We all miss you and love you.

September 11, 2011
Today is a day to remember all those who lost their lives on 09/11/2001 and all those who have fought and given their lives since then in the War on Terror. Eddie we are so proud of you. We wish you were here with us to let you know that. We miss you deeply. Today the Mont Alto United Methodist Church held a special memorial service honoring all those who lost their lives in the planes and at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA, and all the soldiers who have fought and gave the ultimate for their country. You are one of those brave soldiers. Your Grandma and Pap went to the front of the church to receive a certificate dedicated to honoring you. Your picture and a candle beside it shown brightly over the service. There were other families there that had sons still serving and another army soldier dressed in uniform that the congregation honored. It was a beautiful service and after they had a wonderful lunch for all of us. Oh how we miss you. The Mont Alto community has been good to your family. They always let us know how thankful they are for you. Days like these bring back sad memories for us but with the support of those around us help to let us know that you are always remembered and will never be forgotten. That helps with our healing but nothing can fill the void of not having you. We are thankful for all the hard work the church has done in your honor. Beverly Spicer, Mike and Tammi Kauffman have been especially helpful in setting up these special tributes. It is so nice there are so many good people around that make sure that you and all our service men and women are honored.
Today is a sad day for our country with it being the 10th anniversary of 9/11 but the country is pulling together. The beautiful memorials honor all of you who have lost their lives for this country. Those of us that are here will always see that you are not forgotten. We love you Eddie. We miss you everyday. Watch over us from above. Love Aunt Susan

August 31, 2011
This would be your 28th birthday. It should be a happy time for us but unfortunately you are not here with us. All we have are our memories of you being with us. Our memories of happy times.
Your memorial in the RH today reads:
SHAFFER - In honor & loving memory of Sgt. Edward "Buzz" Shaffer on his birthday, August 31.
Gave the supreme sacrifice for his country on December 27, 2006.
The poems read:
Somewhere back on the Sunset,
Where loveliness never dies,
He lives in the land of glory,
Mid the blue and the gold of the skies.

And we who have known and loved him,
And whose passing brought sad tears,
Will cherish his memory always,
To brighten the drifting years.

Dearly loved and sadly missed by his Mom, Dad, and brother and all his family and friends.

Love always, Aunt Susan

May 31, 2011
Time passes and it is Memorial Day again. Oh how your family misses you dear Edward. Today was the Memorial Day Services at Memorial Park in Waynesboro. It was a beautiful day, wonderful music by the Wayne Band, excellent speakers Mayor Richard Starliper, VFW Commander Richard Hovis, American Legion Commander Robert Rowe, and Colonel Cheri Provancha,Commander at Letterkenny. Very nice attendance by the community. Your Dad and Mom, Grandma and Pap, Me and Uncle Arnie, Uncle Greg and Aunt Deanna, Cousin Steve and Laura and their newest addition to our family Collin, plus others of your family was there for support. They planted a tree for you and installed a sign in front of it with your name. They also planted a tree for Sgt. Richard Tieman who was from Waynesboro and lost his life in the war on terror in Afganastan. All the trees lining the park walk were planted years ago as a memorial to Waynesboro Area fallen soldiers. A bronze plaque is installed along the wall of honor with your name on it. It is an honor to have this done and we are grateful for all the community support shown to your family. We just wish YOU were here. YOU are who we need. We miss you deeply. We are so proud of you. We Love You!

To the family and friends of Sgt. Edward W. Shaffer:
Remembering Edward on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

I will always love and miss you!

It is hard to believe it has been 4 years since the Lord took you to be with him. We hope you know that your family still miss' you dearly.
Your Dad always places a picture of you and a poem In Memorium in the RH for many days each year to honor you. Today in the paper is your graduation picture with these words:
Four years ago, December 27, he gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country and our freedom.
A poem reads:
Nothing can ever take away.
The love our hearts hold dear.
Fond memories linger every day.
Remembrance keeps him near.
Signed:
Sadly missed by his Mom, Dad, Brother, family and friends.
I wish I would have taken all of these little memorium notices in the past and placed them here, there are a lot of them, but I will place them here in the future. Love Aunt Susan

Merry Christmas Eddie. Wish you were here to celebrate with us. Our family gettogethers always has an empty space. Nothing fills that space. You are always in our hearts, always on our minds. Love Aunt Susan

Another year passes and another November 13 arrives. This day is always a sad day for me as well as the next months. Each year I dislike November and December more and more. They will always be horrible months to me. These months hold the most horrible memories for me. Tragic months for our family. We think of you Dear Edward all the time. Not a day passes that you are not remembered fondly and missed dearly. Watching all the Veterans being honored on the 11th and wishing you were here for us to honor you. You are not with us in body but we know you are with us in spirit. It's been 4 years now and it doesn't get any easier. Nothing will ever take away our pain. Rest well dear Eddie. Watch over us from above. Your family loves you and misses you. Love Aunt Susan

Happy Birthday Eddie.
Your family miss you so much. We talk about you all the time and only wish you were here! We love you, we miss you. Love Aunt Susan

Dear Eddie
Another Memorial Day. The flags are flying, everyone is attending speechs and parades, and having a picnic with their family. Your family is missing you! Not a happy day for us. It is nice to see that the community recognise all the brave soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country. We miss you and all the other soldiers. I think about all of you and their families also all the time, not just today. There are a lot of families just like ours missing our loved one. Life for us is never the same since we lost you. Time goes on but all we have is our memories of you. Rest assured you will never be forgotten. With Love.

Dearest Edward. It's been 3 years today since you went home to be with the Lord. As your mom and I spoke the other day it just still seems like it was yesterday. We remember you always everyday. We sadly miss you still and that will never change. We love you and that will never change. You are always in my heart. Love, Aunt Susan

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.

Merry Christmas Dear Nephew!!! It's been 3 Christmas' without you. It does not get any easier. They say time heals but it doesn't. We miss you. God Bless You.

Here is another November 13. Oh how this day will forever be the worst day. It's been three years since we first heard the bad news of Eddie's injuries. The weeks of suffering and pain that followed will forever be on our minds. No one should ever have to go through it. Especially someone as special as Eddie. He gave this country more sacrifice than anyone would know. May he rest in peace now and forever until we join him in heaven above. God blessed our family with Eddie and he was taken away from us to soon. Rest well dear nephew. Watch over your family from heaven above.

I honor you again on this Veterans Day. I wish I could look at you and Thank You for your service as I have done today to so many of our Veterans who live in the Village where I work. They see my smiles, they hear me say Thank You for your service, but they do not see my pain. I honor your memory and Thank You for your service to this country. Your family misses you everyday. You are in our thoughts everyday. You ARE with us everyday. God bless you dear nephew.

Dear Ed,
Not a day goes by that I do not think about you. It was very hard for me to overcome the horrible things that happened to you, and honestly I don't know where my strength came from that did help me overcome them, but I just want you to know that you still hold a very special place in my heart. You were my first true love and best friend and we had so many fun times together. It's still hard for me to think about you actually being gone, sometimes it helps me to just think that you're still away in the Army. A lot has changed since your passing, I graduated college, our Jacques passed away (which was very hard as well, since he was a present from you), and I just recently got married. I am so happy with Wayne and I think you would really like him too. It's so crazy to me how fast time goes by but on my wedding day it started raining right before the ceremony and I thought of a song I once heard about tears falling from loved ones watching from above and I knew you were there with me. Ed, I will always love you and I will never forget you. There will be a day that we speak again.

Love Always,
Justina

Happy 26th Birthday Eddie. Oh how I wish I could put my arms around you and tell you that. Days pass and years go by quickly but there is never a day that your family does not think of you. Hold your head high brave soldier and watch over your family from above.

My sweet dear family, as I missed
Edwards passing,You know my heart
goes with you all, I have known him since he was born, but missed so much of his growing years,But as we know life does seem to take different directions
as we get older.

For a soldier
never fails to
be all he can be
as Eddie was all
that God loved as
he took him home .
Remember he is in heaven
always in command of all
that he is.
May you all find peace as he has
within his final resting place.
With all our Love
~~
Bill and Linda

Dear Nephew,
On this Memorial Day we remember you fondly and miss you deeply. While we pay tribute to our fallen soldiers we morn our loss of you personally. The flags are flying, the speeches are being made, the parades go by. Nothing can heal our hearts. We get together and have our picnics but without you there it is not the same. Hold your head high brave soldier. We thank you for being you, doing your duty for God and this Country, being the best you can be, our hero. We just wish we could be telling you all this in person.

Hey Ed,
I miss you man. You're always in my thoughts and prayers! Your family too! I know your watching over us all now.

Dearest Eddie,
Yesterday the family attended the unveiling of your sign on the building at the LTL Building at LEAD. It was a small ceremony with just your mom, dad, brother, grandma, pap, uncle, and great aunt and a few soldiers in attendance. It was a beautiful sign and they took pictures and will be sending us copies. Just wanting you to know that you have not been forgotten. You will forever be remembered by the community and your family. Missing you always and thinking of you everyday.

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,
Kenna

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 Edward, 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

It's been two years today that the lord took you home with him. Time passes quickly but our love for you never dies. Today we honor your granddads birthday and mourn our loss of you. Rest in peace dear nephew. You will always be honored and never forgotten.

To the family of Sgt. Edward W. Shaffer:
Edward 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

Merry Christmas Eddie. We love you and miss you and think about you every day. It would be so wonderful to have you here still with us. We know you are in a better place with no more sorrow or pain. It is still a sad time for our family even with all the joys that Christmas brings we still have this sadness that nothing can take away. Rest well and watch over your family from above. We love you.

It's been two years now today that our family received the call we hoped we would not receive. This day will always be a tragic day for your family. With every conversation you are remembered. No matter what we talk about, you always are brought into the conversations and we talk about you, remember your life, wish you were with us, and morn your loss. We will forever be grateful for you. We will forever morn the loss of you dear nephew. Rest in peace and watch over us from above.

I write here again on another Veterans Day. Years pass but you are in my thoughts everyday. Only the family of a fallen soldier can feel the loss that your family feels each day and especially on a day like Veterans Day. We wish you were here to celebrate joyfully with us but for us it is another sad day. Time passes but you are always with us in our hearts. We know you are watching out for us from above. Thank you for doing your duty for your country. We only wish your country could have protected you more while you were fighting for our freedoms. God bless you dear nephew.

Happy 25th Birthday. How I wish you were here to tell you that. Days pass and years go by quickly. We all miss you so much. There is not a day goes by that our conversations do not include thoughts of you. Keep watch over your family.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Shaffer,

I am so sorry for your loss.

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

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

The event is meant to keep alive the memories of brave men like Sgt. Shaffer.

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

[email protected].

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Shaffer!

Yesterday you were honored in Mont Alto at Memorial Day Services with the dedication of the new bricks at the War Memorial. Your name and the other 5 MA sons lost in WWII were honored with a brick bearing your names. The Army, State Police, MA Fire Company and MA Townspeople played a round of tournament softball on your field. It was a lovely day attended by many to honor you and all our fallen service men and women.
Today many dignitaries and 20 of our family members attended a building dedication ceremony at LEAD. They have named the new LTL Building in munitions after you. How honored we are that your name will grace a building in the area where your Granddad worked and your Great Aunt still works and supplies your fellow soldiers with their needs.
You are an inspiration to all of us and you will always be remembered for your bravery and your sacrifice for all of us in this great country.
You are sadly missed still by your family. You are always in our thoughts. God Bless You Dear Nephew.

Father we entrust our brother Edward 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 Edward in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.

this man was more than friend , a mentor,a leader and always a quiet funny man with the simple stuff a true hero, and shall be remembered as such. i wear his wristband with pride and a great loss to those who know

Eddie, it has been one year today that the lord took you home. We know that when he took you home he ended your suffering and made you whole again. That is the thought that helps us through each day. One year has gone by and it still seems like yesterday that we were told you were gone. It is not getting any easier and all your family misses you still each day. We all know that one day we will all meet again. Until then, we have you to watch over us all from above, to protect us, as you did here on earth. God bless.

Merry Christmas Eddie. We miss you more than you will ever know. Especially at this time of year when we have our family get togethers and you are not there with us to give you a hug and kiss and wish you a Merry Christmas and let you know how much we love you. I stopped by your site at Park Lawns the other day just to talk with you a bit. Your dad had a beautiful bench put in across from your site in your honor and memory. It displays beautiful flowers, flags, and your beautiful picture. We all miss you so much. You are always in our thoughts.

This date is one of the worst dates in the Shaffer family history. Today it has been one year since your Dad and Mom got the call that you were hurt badly in Iraq and they had to go to Germany to meet you at the hospital because your condition was that you would not survive. Sad day for all of us. Since you left for the service I prayed each day that the lord would bring you home to us safely and all in one piece. This day we learned none of what I had been praying for was going to happen. Your injuries were the worst as there could be. It was not fair to you or our family. We held out hope that a miracle would happen and somehow you could be given back to us healed and whole again. You fought it well. You fought it like a Soldier. You gave it your all just like you did with everything you did. You fought it until the odds against you were to great and there was nothing left that could be done. I admire your bravery, courage, spirit, your desire to do your duty to fight for your county, and for being the best you could be. I will forever be grateful for you dear nephew.

I write here today to honor Eddie on this Veterans Day. I want to say that your family, friends, and community have honored you with naming the Mont Alto ballfield after you where we all played as children, a bench has been placed there in your honor by the public, and your family has placed a granite bench there at the memorial in your honor. There is a tree planted at Hooverville Elementary in your honor, and a tree and plaque has been planted in front of Mowrey Elementary where you went to school in your honor. The local schools have prepared programs this year honoring all Veterans. It is community support that I have never seen before. Your family, friends, and community are always with you and we will not forget the sacrifice you have made for us. We will never forget the sacrifice of all US service men and women who have given so much of themselves so that we can be free and enjoy this beautiful land. God Bless you Eddie. Thank you for all you have done for me and our country.

Happy 24th Birthday Eddie!! How I wish you were here to be able to tell you that. I think of you always and I just wanted to be sure to wish you a happy birthday on your special day. Your parents wished for you a long time before they finally got you. We were all so excited the day you were born. We didn't need to have you taken from us so soon. You will always have a special place in our hearts that no one will ever be able to fill. You are a wonderful man and we are greatful we had you in our lives. You are our hero and you will never be forgotten. I say a blessing for your mom and dad every day that they will someday find comfort in the love we all share together as a family. We all hold you close to our hearts. Love always, Aunt Susan

I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer 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 (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

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

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

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

To my wonderful nephew Eddie, whom I am so proud of, and dearly miss. Not a day goes by that I do not think of you. You are my hero. You will never be forgotten. I love you. Aunt Susan

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

A PROUD MARINE MOM

You were our fallen comrade Sgt. Shaffer we love u and cry for u. Spc. Charles Demler Ramadi, Iraq Bco.1-36 Infantry.

Please accept our sympathy for your loss, and our prayers that God sustain you in this time of sorrow. We are ever thankful for the work and sacrifice of your Soldier, Edward, and will honor his memory by keeping him and your family in our prayers.

My heartfelt sympathy to the Shaffer family in the loss of Edward. I did not know Edward, (I lived in the Easton/Bangor PA area 52 yrs) 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. Edward 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~

Thank you for your sacrifice for our Country. We will forever be indebted to you.

The Land of the Free, Because of the Brave

My heartfelt sympathies to your family. My heart breaks with each new name added to this list, and I am saddened by your loss. Know that you are surrounded by prayers, grace and the deep gratitude of all who live in freedom. My God hold you in his arms and grant you peace. Please find joy in the memories of your loved one and comfort knowing so many are holding you in their hearts.

To the family of Sgt. Shaffer,
I wanted to express my condolences on the loss of your son. It is unfortunate that he was called upon to give the ultimate sacrifice for this country and my heart goes out to you. Although it is not a pleasurable duty we considered it an honor and a priviledge to escort your son to his final resting place. Thank you for allowing us that honor.

He's in the very best of company now, Our beloved son, LCpl Leon B.Deraps USMC was killed in action 05/06/06 in Al Anbar. We are all a family forged of pain and loss, But I pray for us all to find peace and keep the joy of the times we had alive. This will test your faith as never before, but We find that the harder we lean on our Lord, Some how He carries us on. When it gets dark, force yourself, if you must, to say the Lords Prayer and Thank Him for the Blessing and privilege of have such a Bright Star in your life. The pain will stop your heart sometimes but the darkness will pass slowly but surely and the day will come when he pops into your head and you will smile again. God bless Them All. E-mail me if you wish.

To the Family of Sgt. Edward W. Shaffer:
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

No one suffers in heaven,rest in peace.Our gratitude is yours forever as are the wings you earned.

Sgt. Edward W, Shaffer
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to the family of Sgt. Edward W. Shaffer, with a multitude of Thanks for this Brave Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.

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

"I consider that our present sufferings.
are not worth comparing with the glory
that shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:18

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