David Stephens Obituary

Thinking of David and his brother in arms, Casey, who also fell that day. I did not know them well, but I will always remember them. My children will know their names.

I miss you brother. Remembering the Great and One of the Best. I'm going to drive out Thursday to see you on the way to the VA in Murfreesboro... fitting somehow. RIP my friend Alex. ATW FFTS!!!

I did EFMB with Alex in 2006. We were really good friends during that time. Although I have known of this since the day it happened, I still think about it. He was a great guy. In the photo, I am on the far right, Alex has his hand on my shoulder.

I miss you buddy! Not a day goes by that I never think of you and what you would be doing now. You were not just a great NCO, but great person and friend. "All the Way" "Airborne" " Fury from the sky"

Alex, you will never be forgotten brother. I miss you...

April 12, 2013
To the family and friends of Sgt. David Stephens:
Always remembering David. "Some gave all."

An Angel; Fallen, but never forgotten. He is not gone, merely marching far away.

The last thing we talked about was them Cubbies.

To the family of Alex Stephens:
I can't imagine the loss and pain you have had to go through. Please know Alex was my best friend while I was in Chattanooga. We spent many nights playing cards, discussing politics, and watching re-run after re-run of Sportscenter. He was as close to a brother as I'll ever have. He will never be forgotten.

To the family of Sgt. David Stephens:
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.

To the family and friends of Sgt. David Stephens:
Please accept our remembrance of David on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Ginger Mankowski/Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

To the family and friends of Sgt. David Stephens:
Remembering David 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

my son and alex was roommates at fort bragg and was there when he got killed.i am very proud of both of them.it bothers my son alot about alex.they both liked bob dylan.

You tried to get me, the tallest kid in high school into basketball, it was worth a try ... lol! To this day on the rare occasion I do watch a game, I remember you hollering at the TV telling em how to play - thanks Alex, its a small memory of a great American.

Alex, you are and always will be the man. I will never forget those times you and I would argue who was the better football team. Your volunteers or my seminoles. You are very much missed by everyone. We love you brother and God Bless you and your family.

Please know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten. On Saturday May 23 I was honored to read the names of Tennessee's fallen in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars at a ceremony in Washington DC at the WWII Memorial. David Stephens is remembered.
Proud Mother of USMC Cpl. David Bass
4/23/85 - 4/2/06

To the family of Sgt. David Stephens:
David 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

You are still very much missed, Alex. Your daughter is beautiful and has your eyes. We thank you for her. She is a very special gift and her Mother's joy. I know my niece, your beautiful bride, continues to miss you very much. We are now sending our adopted son, Tyler, (my David's best friend) to Afghanastan to serve with the Marines. Please pray for his safety. Many Blessings! Aunt Connie Ripp

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 1,300 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

I believe that this is the Sgt. Stephens who worked on my brother, after the March 22nd blast, and my brother STILL wears a band on his wrist in "Doc" Stephens' memory. God Bless Sgt. Stephens and his family. I am so sorry for your loss. He is a real hero.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Stephens!

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.


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”

Please contact me and I will email you back a copy of the
Angel and soldier drawing that
I have shared here.

I did not know Alex, but I am remembering on
this day he gave his all.
He is my hero.

Sincerely,

Debra Estep
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

The Other Side
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol

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)

Sincere sympathy and love, Pat - R.N.

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

Cousin Alex.....

I luv u -n- I miss u alot!!! The 1st few times I heard the star spanggled banner after ur death I cryed!! Also the song "Im already there" I still cry when I hear it!! I luv u so much!! U have been my hero now and 4 ever!!! I will see u when it is my time!!

love ur cousin,
Danielle

Alex was a great guy and I wish I could talk to him one more time and hear him laugh. I loved him to pieces. He died a hero and is greatly missed.

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

“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

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

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

WE LOST ANOTHER CORPSMAN/MEDIC TODAY

Another hero is gone lost during a battle in a foreign land
These angels of mercy taken from us much too soon
A knock at the door, a family's heart is broken by the news
That we lost another corpsman/medic today

His buddies in battle know the truth before his family
They will grieve his loss because he was their "Doc"
Their lifeline... their safety net... their friend... their brother is gone
They lost another corpsman/medic today

He was there for them; he was a part of them, the bond between them forever strong.
They knew he had their back, when needed he would come
He hated the calls for him for he knew it was bad
When the call came Corpsman Up or Medic he was there; but now no more for
We lost another corpsman/medic today

As men go to future battles, the corpsman/medic will also go
To be there for his men when they need him the most
Bandaging wounds, giving encouragement, keeping them from deaths door
They lost a friend, a brother, his memory will linger when the words ring out
We lost another corpsman/medic today.

©Copyright by Kerry "Doc" Pardue

I am so glad that SGT. David Alexander Stephens (Alex) & I are cousins!! I don't remember that much of me and him hanging out but I do know what ever he said always made me laugh!! Every time my mom,dad,and I went up 2 Tennesse 2 see my aunt Ginger and cousin Alex I always had a fun momment with my cousin!! I love you cousin Alex you will always be in my prayers!! I will see you again when the time is right!! Even tho the last time I saw u was when we came ^ there 2 see u guys was when my aunt Ginger (your mom) passed away!! I still missed u over that time period. You are a hero 2 me and everyone else!!! I'll say it again I LOVE U COUSIN ALEX!!!!! :)

<3 always,
your cousin
~Danielle~

We are honored to have been a part of (Alex's) Sgt. David A. Stephens life. My husband watched him grow from a child to a fine young man and I've known him for the last 20 years. We are very proud of him and all of the troops! To say thanks wouldn't be enough. We were very moved by the support from the community of Tullahoma!
I know that God's arms are around Alex and his Momma and also around his family and friends and strangers that didn't even know him. We are proud to have been his Aunt and Uncle.

I am honered to be Sgt. David Alexander Stephens Aunt April. I say that because Alex will forever remain in our hearts and we will treasure & honor our memories of him always. Anyone that had the pleasure of meeting Alex, it would feel as if he had been your best friend forever. His humor and wit was incredible. He made everyone around him smile. I was priviledged to hold him as a baby, watch him grow into a man and priviledged to witness the wonderful community that honored him so respectfully as the hero he is. My family is still in awe of how compassionate and caring the community, Alex grew up in, were to each of us. We thank all of you. People lining the streets as we preceded to the cemetery. The 1000 flags that lined the beautiful roadside. Men, women and children holding their hearts, waving a flags or holding banners in Alex's honor. Other war veterans on motorcyles carrying flags or standing outside at the funeral home waving flags. It made us all realize what the true meaing of community is. In our time of tragedy - we felt comfort and blessed to witness all this. Alex we will miss you and see you again one day.
You will always be our hero.

As the mother of a son (my only child) who is enlisted in the Army, I want to send my condolences.

Though I did not know Sgt. Stephens, I. like many others, am enormously grateful for his courage, dedication, and selfless sacrifice. True to duty, Sgt. Stephens gave all he could give - his most precious gift. My heart grieves for your loss and my prayers are offered above for His consoling and loving Spirit to attend to all in the Stephens family.
Rest in peace, brave soldier.

My heart is sunken in grief. Sgt. Stephens protected people like me, whom he did not even know. That makes me feel so loved by a kind stranger. I pray for you, his wife, father and child. As David showed compassion for his fellow man, I feel deep compassion for you, his loving family.

With love and sorrow,

Annie Flanigan

I knew Alex in high school and college. He was extremely funny and almost a class clown. He could make anyone laugh and so he was very charming. He even got a senior class award. When I knew him, he was extremely into professional wrestling, and he aspired to be an entertainer- and he really could of been because he was that talented. He had a wonderful heart and would have done anything for anyone. He was a very loyal friend. I was in a bad car accident right after high school and he made a point to visit me, which really meant alot to me. He was a very special person that I thought a great deal of. I was privileged to know what a wonderful person he was. My heart goes out in deep sympathy to his wife and daughter, father and sisters.

I know how much your hearts must be breaking I lost my brother Cpl. Rusty Washam 2/14/07 in Iraq. I know you must be very proud of David. I thank him and all who serve and put their lives on the line every day. David will not be forgotten. He will alway be a hero to so many who don't even know him. My thoughts and prayer are with you in your hour of need. May you find strenght and comfort in many wonderful memories of him.

May God Bless you and help heal your Broken Hearts from this huge loss.

Sister of fallen Marine
Cpl. Rusty Washam
KIA 2-14-06

David our prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss. David your son has made the ultimate sacrifice for us and our country. This has really made me realize the impact this war is having on us. God Bless you and your family. See you in heaven Sgt. David Alex Stephens. God has a special place for you.
Love, Sherry Ashley, Sarah Stafford, and Sommer Stafford.

To the family of David "Alex" Stephens: Your brave soldier served with my daughter's boyfriend and I learned of your loss through her. Please know you will be in my prayers. Your courageous loved one will not be forgotten.

To Shalia and Shalene, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when Alex was just a little kid and the thought that he is no longer with us is terrible.

I am so terribly sorry about your loss. I pray God will give you strength and courage to face the days ahead and with time you will reflect back on many wonderful memories of David. God Bless!

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.I had the pleasure of knowing "Alex" SGT David Alexander Stephens, he was my nephew's (Rufino)Sgt Farias, best freind. In the short time that I knew Alex, I grew very fond of him.For as anyone that knew him can say, he was a very outgoing and caring young man.I only have good memories of Alex and I will treasure them forever.He put a smile on everyone that was around him. He was proud to be a soldier and a paratrooper.But most of all he was proud of his family, his wife and his baby. He will be greatly missed, God has with him now a great soldier,paratrooper, hero. He will always be watching over his family, up there from heaven.And I know he will be watching over his best freind as well. We love you Alex and we will miss you.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Stephens:

May I offer my deepest sympathy at the loss of your loved one and I want to also say how appreciative I am for all that he did on behalf of his country.

Know in your heart that David is a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace David. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.

To David's family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.

Sgt. David Stephens
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

Please accept our condolences in the loss of your loved one.
May God bless you with comfort and peace. Thank you for your sacrifice.


In loving memory of our nephew
Spec Philip Cody Ford
C Co 3rd/509th Geronimos
Ft Richardson AK.
KIA Baghdad 10-Dec-2006
Ron and Kim Baker

I am so sorry for the your loss. My sister lost her husband on Valentines day in 2006 in Iraq after a suicide bomber attacked the vehicle he was in. I noticed that Sgt. Stephens was from Tennessee and our family is from Scott County Tennessee. I know how hard it is for your family and I will praying that you all will get through this hard time as we did. It is hard but Sgt. Stephens is in a better place now. My deepest sympathy for your family. You'll be in our prayers. GOD BLESS!!!

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

I am Deeply Saddened to learn of the loss of Sgt. David Stephens.
The Price this Brave Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.

May David rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Grace and Comfort of the Lord be with the Stephens family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

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

Hoping you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Country mourns with you, for Someone Very Precious to you, Who Is A Hero to all of us.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

We can't imagine what you have been going through since being notified of the death of your young Warrior. The Military and families all over the USA and world are grieving with you and praying for you. What a very brave individual you have in your family that would give up a life for their homeland and its people so they can remain free. Your Freedom Fighter has served the Country above and beyond the call of duty, let no one ever tell you different. With the mission now completed your Warrior has been redeployed to Heaven to sit on the right hand of the Supreme Commander and Chief. The Father above has David in his arms and will give him peace as well as eventually easing your pain and suffering. God speed to you and Sgt. David Stephens, our HERO. We are so proud of them that are willing to sacrifice for this great Nation, THANK YOU.

Army Retired

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU