Freeman L. Gardner Obituary

3-2 SBCT had me on Rear-Detatchment due to the birth of our quadruplets, I was the NCOIC of the honor guard and performed over 30 ceremonies from 2006 - 2008 one for each of 3-2 SBCTs fallen and 5 local funerals. SGT Freeman L. Garner was a 25 series and I was asked to escort him home from Dover AFB to Little Rock AR, I did not know him well however this was one of the hardest things I've ever done.

I was a non-combatant contractor assigned to Signals with 3-2. I only had several interactions with SGT Freeman Gardner. First, I loved his meaningful first name. I thought his parents named him well, with purposeful intention. "Freeman." I don´t know, and can only speculate his parents aspired for him to rise above a status "less free" than they felt or historically experienced in their families. I don't know. I'm just musing, speculating. Nevertheless, I admired his name, and Freeman, too. I found him obviously and confidently competent, professional, proactive, trustworthy, poised, prepared. He stood out as a promising candidate to assign more responsibility. We're approaching the 19th anniversary of his death. Freeman made a huge and lasting impression on me. He and his character touched me briefly, yet powerfully. Thank you, Freeman Gardner.

I served with Freeman in 3-2 SBCT. He was an amazing NCO and friend. Freeman and I as both communications NCOs would prepare for our missions coordinating his engineering unit with my TAC under COL Johnson. I will speak his name and always remember.

It was an honor to walk among you.

SGT Derald Wise

THANK YOU #1 SON

#1 Son, you are remember in my heart. Your life touch the lives of many people. I'am forever thankful to God for having the honor to be your mother. I know for a fact you had a special calling on your life and you wasted no time. You were always that go getter who work hard and study hard. Your wisdom, always amazed me.

Belove Brother

Hi #1 Son,
I miss you in a big heart felt way. You are still my beloved son. I thank GOD, for the times we talked and laugh together with the family at home. I truly miss those wonderful days. We didn't have much money, but we sure did have lots of love and a caring heart.

Well I must go now,
Love always from MOM :)

Dear #1 Son,
Love for you never ends, and missing you goes on and on. When you visits me in my dreams, it makes me feel very special and thankful to God.
Love from MOM

Hi #1 SON,
I miss you everyday. Sometimes you visits me in my dreams. I look forward to see you in heaven in the sweet by and by.
Love from MOM

Although I didn't know you personally, as I only heard about you through your mom & seen pictures of you, I just want you to know that your sister Cheri and I still have you in our prayers. And also, God bless you for the honorable service that you gave to our beloved country.

Went to visit your resting place today put fresh flowers around your your tombstone your miss very much.

Freeman, we miss you and love you.

In memory & honor of Freeman Gardner. He will always remain in our hearts and minds.

Gone but not forgotten, you will forever be in my heart nephew!

Miss you my #1 Son,

Yesterday was 5 years of not talking to you on the phone.

Just a phone call from a love one can mean so much.

Sometimes we take things for granted, but I have learn how precious moments are in life.

I am so glad that you my #1 Son, is able to rest in peace now, from all the trouble of this world.

Praise the Lord!

Love from MOM always!

To the family and friends of Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner:
Always remembering Freeman. "Some gave all."

Miss you #1Son,

I feel it deep in my heart, as the tears flow down my cheeks. It hurts knowing your blood fell on foreign ground.

I look to the day, when I will feel no pain or sorrow in my heart, that sometime seem to try to tear me apart.

I know the Lord is able to heal the broken heart. I thank Him each and everyday for His Love and His Word.

"LOVE LIFTED ME, WHEN NOTHING ELSE COULD HELP, LOVE LIFTED ME"

Love from you MOM! (HUGS & KISSES!!!)

My dear #1 Son, I think of you today, as I think of you many other days, deep within my heart.

Love and hugs sent your way each and every day from MOM!

Love you nephew!

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

Hello #1SON.

LOVE, LOVE, and so much LOVE is sent your way, from my HEART today.

I dreams about you sometimes, and still miss you.

Sometimes I cry for the reason of why you had to die.

You have given so much and it was not in vain. So many hearts still feel the sorrow of you not being here.

Love and Big Hugs to you my #1SON,
from MOM

To the family of Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.

I miss you so much!!!!!

Hi #1 Son,

You are on my mind so much, I miss you Freeman. We had a beautiful day for you.

May your wonderful smile shine down on us as we go on in life here on this earth.

Love always from Mom.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Happy 4th of July to my #1Son!

I love you and miss you so much!

We will have dinner in your honor today.

Love from MOM

Hi to my #1Son, Sgt Freeman Gardner.

I love you and miss you so much.

Today I honor and remember you in my heart as always!

Love from MOM

Your light will shine forever!!!!

I Love & miss you so much!!!!! Auntie Tina

Hi #1 Son,

April 2, 2007 is the dated we laid you to rest in your final resting place with so many other fallen heroes.

I remember the wonderful joy of having you as my #1Son. You grew up into a find young man, with so many exceptional abilities.

Now each day I looks up at your beautiful portrait that's hanging on the wall; and many thoughts comes to my mind.

You were truly special, and I must alway remember that you first belong to the LORD and not me.

In the church, the minister prayed, while you were being offered up one Sunday morning to the LORD.

GOD had given me a son and I presented my only son back to the LORD on that warm summer day.

I will always LOVE YOU #1Son
from MOM with HUGS and KISSES

To the family and friends of Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner:
Remembering Freeman on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Three years ago today.
You are missed, my friend.
I drove by your old commo shop here on Camp Liberty today.

Nephew, Your not gone, cause I feel you too strong, its okay, you will never be forgotten! RIP...

Auntie Tina

I know it's over a month early but I can't stop thinking about the last time I spoke to him. I was/am a civilian contractor enbeded with the stryker brigades. I am now deployed with the 4th stryker brigade, also out of Ft. Lewis, WA. We are in Baghdad, where we were when we deployed with the 1st stryker brigade. I drive past where his company was working out of and... Damn... I miss him. I'm sorry I don't know what else to say. Except maybe... He may be gone, but he's not forgotten. SGT Gardner is missed, even here in Iraq.

Happy New Year #1 Son, Sgt. Freeman Gardner, Jr.

Each day I looks at your self-effacing portrait, and I thank you #1 Son and the Lord for His unfailing LOVE toward me.

Selected and special words could never be adequate for how thankful I feel deep within my heart.

I remember so many treasurable moments.

Thank you #1 Son for being the person of who you were in life here on this earth.

This year 2010, you would be 30 years old on July 10th.

Much LOVE from your MOM!

Hi #1 Son,

Another month has pass by since I wrote you.

It looks like God takes the best, early in life; to a place of sweet rest and peace.

My heart sometimes longs for you my #1 Son. I miss you so much! The love I have for you is so great!

{{LOVE}} and {{BIG HUGS}}
from your MOM!

To: #1 Son.

I truly love you my #1 Son,

You will always be special in my heart.

Love and big HUGS from your mom.

Nephew, My heart aches all the time, the only solace is I know your in a better place. Love you forever in a day!! Auntie Tina

Peace #1 Son,

I miss you so much. Not a day go by, that I do not think of you. Each day I say "Thank You Freeman." You have given so much.

Your birthday was July 10th and you are now 29 years old. However, in my heart your age is still 26 years old.

Thank you #1 Son, for the wonderful happy memories you have given me. I am so happy that we had wonderful conversations and we were not afraid to say "I Love YOU," to each other.

Thank the LORD for letting me be your mom. I am forever remined that you belong to GOD.

You will always be a part of my heart #1 Son.

Love from MOM --HUGS---

Hello #1 Son,
Another year has pass, and I miss you dearly.

(you are 28 yr. old now)
Your birthday is July 10th, you will be 29 yr. old.

When I look at your picture, I see greatness, a young man who was wise beyond his years.

I also see a child that was given to me for a short momemt in time, and then it was time for that child to return back to his maker.

I remember offering you up to the Lord at church, many years ago when you were only a little infant.

So now, I know you were not mine anyway, you belonged to the Lord!

Love you always,
from your MOM

To the family of Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner:
Freeman 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

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,400 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

Farra, It is a honor & privilege to know you. I admire your strength & love for all. Your son has made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us to know the freedom this country provides. May the Lord continue to give us strength & courage to do what is right for all. Freeman, though I never had the privilege to meet you here on this earth, you are honored & respected by us all. A past pastor of mine recently spoke and made this statement that I find comforting & true: Death is not our destination, only the doorway to eternity. I know your eternity is with the Lord.

Hello #1Son,
I just want to let you know you are in my thoughts everyday. Next month, your older sister Cheri will have her wedding; I wish you could be there with me.

Life is full of so many surprises, and some of them we are ready for and some we are not ready to receive. Missing you is a surprise I was not ready to receive.

However, I thank the LORD, for giving me the strength to go through each day. I love you #1Son

Sgt. Freeman Gardner, here is another web site built for your honor.

www.freeman-gardnerjr.last-memories.com

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH #1 SON !!!

To the entire Gardner family, I love you all very much.I will continue to pray for you and all our soldiers who are protecting our country.
Be Blessed,

Hi husband. I can't believe it has been over a year since you went home. You were my best friend, my husband, and my cheerleader. You believed in me and always pushed me to be my best. I love you and miss you. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you, that I don't feel you beside me cheering me on and watching over me. I love you SB.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Gardner!

Hello #1 Son,

"Memorial Day" May 26th, I honor you , in a way that I believe you would want me to, on this blessed day. I got up early in the morning and went outside and Bar-B-Q, just the way I remember, when all the family was together.

I believed and said, "This is what FREEMAN would want me to do, if he was here" and so I cooked a beautiful meal in your honor.

I remember you #1 SON as being strong in spirit, with determination to press forward through life circumstances.

You always had that winners attitude, even when the oddes seem to had been stack up against you.
Somehow, you were able to see a brighter day.

Thank you #1 Son,
Love always,
MOM

We Honor you, your service, your character, your life today. Thank you for the sacrifice.

Nephew, I just wanted to say, I love you. Auntie

Hello #1 Son,
I visited you this pass week-end, and told you how much I loved and miss you. You will always be close to my heart. Your love for people will not be forgotten. Friends far and near has been touched by your caring personality. Freeman your million dollar smile, brought joy to many. Today, I am encourage as I think and remember my #1 Son, Sgt. Freeman Gardner, Jr. LOVE ALWAYS, from MOM

Our continued thoughts and prayers out to the GARDNER family and all.Knowing now what they have always known.Is but one of the many reasons that our HERO[S] shall NEVER be forgotten.Rest well brother as prommissed and in your honor that star spangled banner shall FOREVER wave.Your name stamped in steel is FOREVER clutched in the tallons ,as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our greatfull nation THANK..YOU.....Respectfully....HO..YAAH...All Hard Chargers....If you are wonded I will carry you**If you are captured I will come for you**If you are K.I.A. I will FOREVER reamber you..We have one and all COME by NORTH**COME by SOUTH**COME by EAST**COME by WEST ,We were all gathered and united on that great day as strangers.As we stood and upon those last [4] spoken words we are........FOREVER..BROTHERS..............SEMPER..FI.........B.V.C.......

I thought as time passed it would get easier but its not. Nephew I'm truly sorry for all the lost time, I love you and miss you terribly. Rest In Peace! Auntie

Farra,

My God, My God! I read your entry and I cry for you! I am a mother and a grandmother. I have never lost a child. I was raised in a family with six brothers and sisters, very close-knit. When my baby brother died about 20 years ago from a prolonged illness, I remember my father saying that there is NOTHING that can compare! I know how deeply I love my children, and as mothers we are the only ones who can say that we carried our children close to our hearts for nine months and forever because cutting the chord doesn't sever the love that binds!

I am thankful because "...God has wiped all tears from Freman's eyes..." I am grateful because "...Freeman will never know pain and suffering again..." I have learned to never question God because He is God and the "giver and taker of life". We will all die at the appointed time. I thank God for the time that he let Freeman share his life with you here on this earth.

I have been in the Ministry since 1979. In 2004 God blessed me with a "Personalized" Tape Ministry for our Troops. I consider it an "honor" to do what I do. There are not enough hours in a day or ways to say "thank you" for the sacrifices.

I will FOREVER "Salute: Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner!

Farra, all of your tomorrows are in God's hands. "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal..." You are NEVER alone. God requires that we "...bear one anothers burdens thus fulfilling the law of Christ..." I am here for you!

Yours in Christ,

Minister Florence Duckett
Rose of Sharon Miniistries, ltd

Please see:
www.roseofsharonministriesltd.org

Nephew, I love you more than you will ever know. Auntie Tina!

My heart goes out to Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner. I don't know him but he will be miss.

Just thinking of you Free!

Such an amazing man, and everyday you are in my thoughts Free. I cherish the memories of every phone call, every e-mail, and I feel so blessed to have known you.

Last month I went out for dinner with friends and we celebrated your birthday...it was a celebration of your life and the joy you brought to me and so many others during your time here.

You were and always will be an amazing man...and you couldnt have praised your mum enough for that...I remember you once said to me 'Im not like most guys, we have our similarities, but i was raised differently..You can thank my mom for that'. Well that I certainly will do should i ever have a chance!!

I miss you Free, I know you are waiting patiently til we meet again to stir me a little more on our bet...you weren't quite finished teasing me with that :) Oh you know u had better odds on that win! :) haha

Luv Kel
xx

Hey I wish I could of played ball looked at u hugged u dang man lifes 2 short God knows u would of loved me 2 its so many things i want 2 write but when we get 2 heaven well make up 26 yrs and more Iam crying not cause your gone only cause I should of known u I know u was a good person you have the best Mom in the world so hey hey look down here Iam your Uncle Will a silly fun having always laughing guy rest 4 now cause we got a lot of cathing up 2 do So nephew iam going back 2 the lord so no chances of not meeting u after iam called God dont make mistakes I will find out all about u cause i love u with out ever having the chance to tell u so love uuu RIP CAUSE WHEN IGET THERE ITS ON.

I loved you deeply and I didn't even know you, I simple did cause you were apart of me. Rest in Peace, nephew!

Hi, # 1 SON, Freeman

This is your mother and I just want to write you a little note.

You will always be a part of my heart. My love for you will never die. This month is almost over with, but my love for you goes on and on. I must go on with my daily task for the day, so, son you rest on in the peace of God.

Love always,from your MOM

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

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 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 (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)

To my son Freeman, I just want to say Happy Birthday Freeman!
July 10th Freeman would have been 27 years old. I visted my son at the "State of Arkansas Veterans Cemetery" "Section: K, Grave: 36.
I talked to him and told how much I loved and miss him.

Freeman was a self motivator, he loved education. He was forever studying, reading his Bible and school books and striving to be the best in what ever task he was a signed to fulfill. I remember Freeman going to High school a hour early just to perfect his swimming skills. As a result, Freeman received a trouph for being one of the top best on his swim team.

His GPA was a 4.0 and he always found time to help people in need. His life was not all about himself, but Freeman always had a caring heart for people who needed help.

Today I thank the Lord for allowing me to have these fond members of my only loving son, and my #1 Son. I am honor to had been his mother and to help raise such a wonderful young man.

Freeman was not one to sit down on the job, but he was a man of action, complete the task.

About a month before his death, Sgt. Freeman called from Iraq and left a message on my cell phone, these are his last words I hear from him, "Mom I am alright, I'll be home in June, and I love you".

Thank you Sgt.Freeman L. Gardner, for fulfilling the word "LOVE"

Fara, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Freeman would be proud of you. He is happy to know you are going forward.

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 and will honor his memory by keeping him and your family in our prayers.

God bless the family and friends of Freeman.
You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Freeman for being such a brave hero.

(In remembrance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)

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

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. 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 ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

He was a person that I admired a lot. I was extremely proud of him, and glad to claim him as my cousin. He (encouraged) pushed me to accomplish things I never thought I could do. That was amazing. I was not glad to see him go, and broken when I heard that he was really gone. To me it is still a dream, but I pray that one day I wake to see him again. I smile and cry at the memory of him, and will never forget the fun times we (me, Darlene, and Freeman) had together. Much Love.

(nicia)

To the family I am deeply sorry for your lose My thoughts and prayers are with you

“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history…they pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

IN MEMORIAM OF SGT. FREEMAN L. GARDNER, Jr.
July 10, 1980 - March 22, 2007

"Some people come into our lives and go, ... BUT there are
Some who leave an impression on the Heart. This is what "Freeman" did for us. His Legacy of Love, Million-Dollar Smile, and his Service to our Country will always be remembered".

Respectfully,

Bishop & Pastor Carl Ratliff, Sr.
1st Lady Linda Ratliff & his
Evangelist Temple C.O.G.I.C. Church Family *Little Rock, Arkansas

I do miss my beloved brother I'am still in shock that my only brother is gone.There is a empty spot in my heart. His life was well lived and I,am very proud of the memories my brother left behind. May God bless every last soldier in the United States for their dedication and sacrifice. Thank you for your prayers.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gardner Family, and I hope that God will strengthen your hearts and your body as you all go through this time in your life.

To the entire Gardner family and the friends of Freeman. I truly enjoyed having Freeman as a part of our church family. Freeman was loved by everyone, he was a breath of fresh air with his million dollar smile and outgoing personality. Thanks for allowing me to do his eulogy, it was a honor and great privilege. I will always remember Freeman, to know him was to love him. Pastor Carl Ratliff Sr.