Blake C. Stephens Obituary

I'm SSG Lopez, Francisco from Jerome, ID. I was with SGT Blake in the same Platoon and on site when this happened. I be retiring in 1Feb25 but will be back 25OCT and wold like to visit him.

Rest in peace Brother. I cannot believe it has been 15 years since that terrible day.

Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Blake C. Stephens US Army Sergeant.

We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.

We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

So manny years passed by so much emptyness still in are hearts, emptyness because someone we love so much have been taken away from us on this earth.
But we know and believe that he is out there watching over us in are fathers house, waiting for us to return home after are live is don here and be together aggain as friends and familie in all ethernet

All my love

Ivan

Sgt Blake, As time goes on, I still remember the day you and I had that talk about going to Iraq. I was your team leader and told you not to go unless the Government made you go. But you told me this is why you joined the Military that you loved. Miss you son may God bless you and your family.

Really missing you today pal.

Miss you brother.

Stephens Family & Erin,
Wanted to let you know that You are all in my prayers. Also, want to tell you how Happy it makes me feel that my son Saul gets to spend every other year with you guys, one of these years I am going to invite my self and spend it with all of you too. Please know that you are always in my prayers. I don't know if Saul has mentioned to you that the day of his Welcome Home Reception we had a ceremony and planted 2 trees in our front yard in Honor of Blake and Kyle. I watch them everyday when I leave to work and return from my long day at work.

Please take care and God Bless you.
Sincerely,
Alicia Martinez

Honoring you and SPC Kyle Little today on Warriors Walk, Ft. Stewart, GA.

I always try to remember the May 7th, 2007 over May 8th. You were part of any awesome crew and that was the day I rode with you out to the little town just outside of FOB Hammer. You guys were truly inspiring.
I remember when I climbed into your vehicle how you told me that I couldn't ride in your Humvee that day because it was the lead vehicle. I responded that there was no place I would rather be. You are one of the main reasons the Command Security Detachment took on the call sign, "Spartans!" You would never quit and always made the mission happen. You are missed always.

Thinking of you buddy!!! May you RIP...please continue to watch over all us & til we meet again my friend.....

I still think about you and the advice you gave me the night before you died. You will always be a hero in my eyes. Spartans!

I just watched Blake's mother on NBC news talking about the special remembrance that is given to him and all the other fallen heroes by many volunteers who help. May his family know that many more hearts are broken as these who gave their all are remembered.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Blake C. Stephens:
Always remembering Blake. "Some gave all."

Definitely on my mind today...Miss you Blake.

Prayers and Love to the Stephens family and Erin...

CPT Aaron T. Schwengler

Thinking of you and SPC Little today, and every day. Not forgotten.

Hi Erin,
I pray that you are doing well.
You and all of your family will always be in my prayers and very close to my heart.
Love you lots,
Alicia Martinez

Blake,
I served with you on deployment to hill AFB and I remember the first time I met you outside the armory you told my mom not to worry you would make sure nothing happened to me and you didnt. You were a great person and a soldier for others to mirror. You shaped me into the soldier I am today and because of your friendship I am a better leader. I miss you bro

Blake you live on through those who have served with you. I carry your memory with me everyday

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

Always thinking of you bro.

Miss you!

Thank you for your service to our nation and to the Lord. My grandson is
in Iraq with the Idaho National Guard. I'm a 33 year Army and Air National
person, raised in Pocatello. We're blessed with your type of patriotism. All our love to you and your family. See you in the next world!
MSG Warth Boise

Blake...thanks so much for your service & ultimate sacrifice! You will NEVER be forgotten! Thanks so much!!! My thoughts & prayers go out to your family & Erin!! Love you both to pieces!!!

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

To the Family of SGT Blake Stephens,
I am CTR2 Lauren Atkinson, USNR. I served alongside Blake in Iraq in 2007. Though I only met Blake and SPC Kyle Little briefly, I am gratfeul for the oppertunity to hav met these brave soldiers. They made me laugh, and their stories live on through the soldiers they touched.
I honor Blake and Kyle with Fallen Soldier bracelets I put on and have not taken off since I returned from my tour in Iraq in 2007. I am sorry for your loss, but know I will continue to honor their memory.
Sincerely,
CTR2 Lauren Atkinson, USNR

Thinkin about Blake this morning..My #MusicMonday Playlist is based on all the great times we had and the music we listened to! Really had a blast just hangin out,Watching UFC,listening to his thoughts on life, playing Cranium..Man,things got serious competitive but in a good way; But he definitely had to win..lol..and he always wanted me on his team cuz I had a knack for useless trivia..And I always appreciated him for that! Blake was ALWAYS a Good Dude and loyal to his friends; which were definitely a plenty! His attitude was infectious and I'll always remember him for the great times we had. I'm forever thankful for Everything Brotha! We always had good times!

I just learned of Blake today at the POW/MIA Rally. I offer my sorrow to the family. I was told by one of the tattoo artists there when i was showing them my Marine tattoo Blake did. Blake enjoyed the tattoo he did cause it was a Sailer Jerry work. Again, my sympathys. I have a son who was in Iraq last year.

Thank you all for your heart felt sympathy and compasion toward my family over these past two years. This is the first time I have mustered up the strength to look at and read this sight. My family encompasses all of Blake's friends, which we have grown up around and love as our own. My words will never express how much I love and admire my brother for his bravery and uter selflessness. I look up to him for everything he is and stood for. His wonderful wife is very close to all of us, and one of the strongest women I have ever met. My loving memories of him keep the negativity and hatred away. Blake was where he was the most comfortable, serving with brothers he loves and who love him. I couldn't have asked for a better brother, Blake you know how much we love you. Until we meet again.

We visited the Field of Heroes on Memorial day and left some lilacs for Blake. My sons Sgt Ty Nelson, currently serving in Salerno, Afghanistan and SSgt Riley Nelson, recently returned from his 3rd tour in Iraq, wanted me to express to you how much they enjoyed serving with Blake and thank you for his service. Blake touched their hearts.

Definitely not forgotten...Today is your day and I will remember you forever.
TSgt, USAF

Just came across this and wanted to say that I have fond memories of Blake and enjoyed our talks immensely. He is in our hearts.

Matthew Murphy
Pocatello, ID

Dear family of SGT Blake C. Stephens: Blake will not be forgotten. God bless you.
Doug Robertson
COL, USA

To the family of Sgt. Blake C. Stephens:
Blake 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

Blake,

I dont know why its taken me this long to sign your book, its probably because i dont know what to say and never will. No words of mine can ever describe how AWESOME you are. You are the most unique, kind, high spirited, motivated, interesting, story telling person I've ever known. I miss you man, i think about you and kyle everyday. You guys are the reason why i am doing what im doing, and why i am able to kiss my wife and son every day, America is in great debt to you and the thousands of others who have given what you and Kyle gave. I really miss you, just wanted to tell you.

Erin, You are in my thoughts every single day, Sarah and I are always here for you. Blake had a great, super lady in you. You are so strong.

The Stephens Family, I am still trying to make my way up there to see all of you. No wonder why Blake is the way he is, he has a great and wonderful wife and family that is overflowing with values and kindness.

with much love and respect,

saul martinez

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 am thinking about you on this Veteran's Day!!!

Blake,
Happy Belated Birthday in Heaven. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Stephens!

As the ONLY MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE of its kind in the NATION, the FIELD OF HEROES is honoring you, Blake.

It first began to memorialize all the casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq. To emphasize the loss of our soldiers from the State of Idaho, all those casualties were given another white cross, doubling the size of the original one. There you are honored with a special wreath and plaque.

The FIELD OF HEROES also honors the three MEDAL OF HONOR awards, the TEN POWs STILL IN VIETNAM from Idaho and the TWELVE POW TAKEN IN IRAQ.

We do this to Honor You.

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 Blake, but I am remembering
his service. 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

Visit this link to hear the song.

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



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

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

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

Blake,
Thinking and praying for you on the 1st anniversary of your passing into eternal glory. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends", John 15:13.

It's been one long year... Thing just don't seem the same. I was sitting there last night and could remember exactly what was going on one year ago... You will never be forgotten and you will always be in my heart.

Our continued thoughts and prayers out to the STEPHENS family and all.Knowing few of the many things they have always known is one but of many of the reasons that our HERO[S] shall NEVER be forgotten.Rest well brother as promised and in your honor that star spangled banner shall FOREVER wave.Your name stamped in steel shall be FOREVER clutched in the talons ,as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our greatfull nation.THANK YOU..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...........B.V.C........................................SEMPER FI. .. ........ ..

Hi Erin,
My name is Michael Little, I am Kyle Littles father. My prayers and thoughts are with you every day. I don't know what to say, but, I do know what I feel. If I could only say what I feel, I think I could rest easier. Know that I tink of you often and hope that you find this message to be a little bit of comfort. Please contact me if I can do ANYTHING for you.

Dear Stephens family,
I only heard today of the sad loss of your son and brother. My daughter Sian lives in Portland, OR and knows Blake's sister.We lost our dear son, Alun, aged 20, on the 13 August, 2007 when his patrol was attacked in Baghdad.We understand your grief and that terrible feeling of loss. However, our boys died as heroes doing a job they believed in. They were there for their friends and fellow soldiers. Please accept our scincere condolences and our thoughts will be with you all.
The Howells family.

Hi Erin,
My name is Alicia Martinez. My son SPC Saul Martinez was with your husband in Iraq on that day. I would love to talk to you in person. Just want to let you know we have planted a tree inn front of our house in memory of Blake and Kyle.

All of us who were with Blake on May 8th will keep talking about the soldier that he is. We will tell our children about him and I promise that my 2 sons will know what a Hero he is. I can guarantee you that after meeting Blake, you will never be the same person. He holds an enthusuasm for life as if the world is a wonder, He is so passionate about what he does that he doesn't even try to hide his excitement, You don't have to ask him if he has any family back home, he proceeds to tell you about his wife, Erin, and how much like him she is "we are like the same person" he always says. He enjoys telling the same story over and over again even though we have all already heard it a million times. He stands like a fighter and walks with pride. He wakes up early to make sure that everyone is ready for our mission. He speaks of his job with a great amount of pride. I say all of the things as if he is still here...because he is. He will always be alive...and a part of our team. Knowing him made me a better soldier and I am proud for the time that I was stationed with him and served with him in Iraq. Man, I bet the Angels are hearing some kind of stories now...Blake, you are one of a kind. Erin and Stephens', my thoughts are with you and I pray that you will have peace and lots of happy memories. He will always be remembered.

Letting all know that on Saturday November 1st, myself and 3 other runners will be running in the honor and memory of Sgt. Blake C. Stephens. He maybe gone but will never be forgotten!

P.A. Punnett
Runner4TheFallen

It took me a long time to write in here...but here it goes....I love blake, erin and every last one of those stephens....i had so much fun with all of you...and your family radiates love and thats why i know all is well...we support eachother cause blake would have done the same....see you all on the 28 of Sept...hopefully every year to come

My heart goes out to your family.

We wish you healing.

I remember lots of fun memories with Blake. He was so spontaneous and fun! My heart goes out to all your family. I will always remember how great of a guy he was and I will miss him!! I'm so so sorry for your loss.
Love,

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)

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!!

Erin and Stephens family,
Words do not express the sadness I feel for you and your family. My step brother was killed 6/23/07 and I brought him home on 7/4. Just like my brother, Sgt Stephens is my hero. He is the hero of many, even those who did not know him. I am truly sorry for your loss. It is the hardest thing to ever go through.

“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

I've known Blake for many years and would not be the person that i am today if it was for him and those around him. I will always love you Blake and miss you..

Erin and the Stephens Family,

There are no that words could possibly express how saddened I am with the passing of SGT Blake Stephens. I cannot even imagine the grief you are going through. Please accept my deepest condolences. I am truly sorry for the loss of this great Soldier.

I am currently in Iraq with 3rd BDE, 3rd Infantry Division. I had the distinct privilege and honor of serving with Blake.

I met him a few months ago at NTC. I was immediately drawn to him by his professionalism and vigor. As I began to get to know Blake, I liked him more and more. We sat together on a number of occasions and let our conversation wander. If it wasn’t for the great detail and enthusiasm in which he recounted a story, you would think Blake was pulling your leg half the time. He told of his times in the National Guard, at the tattoo shop, his mission, and his love of extreme sports. We shared a love of punk music, tattoos, God and our families.

His love for his wife, Erin, truly impressed me. His face would light up when he spoke of her. His love and faith for Erin filled his heart and soul, and he often shared those feelings with whoever would listen. I know that Erin and Blake were meant for each other. I told my wife shortly after SGT Stephens’ passing, “What do you do when you lose your soulmate?” My heart aches that they could not spend more time on Earth together. I have never met Erin, but from what Blake told me, she is a girl version of him…that alone makes me love her very dearly.

Blake will forever be in my heart. He is a hero that dedicated his adult life to serving others. SGT Stephens served God and his country well. He gave the ultimate sacrifice and he will never be forgotten.

May God comfort and guide you through this tragic time. Please contact me if there is absolutely anything I can do for you. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

We wanted to tell the Stephens family that our thoughts and prayers are with them. We are an Air Force family currently stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Alaska. We are also from Pocatello and remember Blake from high school. He will never be forgotten, nor will his great sacrifice for our country. God Bless You!
Richard & Lindsy (Manwaring) Crossley

Blake was one of my best friends and i will never forget him. Many days have been spent reminiscing and i am sure many more will be. Blake was there for me when i had hard times and that will never be forgotten.

To the Stephens family and his wife: I knew Blake in high school at Poky High. We were in track and cross country together. He was also on our record setting 24-hour High Noon Relay Challenge fundraising team, "Friends of the Pentagon" back in '98. Our goal was to run the entire time and those boys, especially Blake, pushed sub 6 minute miles the whole 24 hours. Blake has always been a great example to me. Blake was determined, strong, and enduring. He has always had a great love for the community and nation. What a great hero to many, especially those who knew him. Thank you for sharing him with us and know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We'll miss you Blake.

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

We send our greatest condolences to the Stephens family and to the wife of Blake Stephens. I grew up with Blake who lived only a few miles away and attended the same church. He was a very unique and enthusiastic person and one of my favorite characters in the area! My little brother who is the same age as Blake would play "night-games" and "army-games" with Blake and other neighborhood boys during their younger years. While it’s been years since I've spoken to him or any of the Stephens family members I'll miss knowing that such a character is around! Please contact us if there is anything we can do for you during this trying time.

...Look again, O heart of mine, and see what passes by.
The crying of remembered names, of deeds that shall not die.
The spirit of America today is marching by...

Farewell Soldier

God Bless Legacy.com for allowing us to honor these heros.

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 Blake in his arms and will give him peace as well as eventually easing your pain and suffering. God speed to you and Sgt. Blake C. Stephens, our HERO. We are so proud of them that are willing to sacrifice for this great Nation, THANK YOU.

Army Retired

Please acceept my sincere condolences. I am so grateful for our freedom and I am so sorry about your loss. He is remembered and I am praying for all your family! God bless you and keep you strong and warm in your memories of your loved one.

I am very sorry to hear of your loss and will be keeping you in my prayers. I am a new Army Mom and my heart goes out to you in this time of great need. I pray God will send you peace and comfort beyond measure. Never forget how many lives Blake has touched, his name will be forever branded across my heart. All of us mothers of Soldiers feel your pain as if it were our own and you will stay in our thoughts always. I wish each and every one of us could be there with you to help give you the support and courage to face these trying times...Being new to the life us Military families go through, I am finding out very quickly that we truly are "A family of One"!!!

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 came by today to see you, I had to let you know, If I knew the last time that I held you was the last time I'd have held you and never let go.
It's kept me awake nights, wondering, lie in the dark just asking why, I've always been told you won't be called home until it's your time.
I guess Heaven was needing a hero, Somebody just like you. Brave enough to stand up for what you believe, And follow it through. When I try to make it make sense in my mind, The only conclusion I come to is Heaven was needing a hero like you.

I remember the last time I saw you. You held your head up proud. I laughed inside when I saw how you were standing out in the crowd. You're such a part of who I am, Now that part will just be void, No matter how much I need you now, Heaven needed you more.
Cause Heaven was needing a hero, Somebody just like you. Brave enough to stand up for what you believe, And follow it through. When I try to make it make sense in my mind, The only conclusion I come to is Heaven was needing a hero like you.
Heaven was needing a hero and that's you!

Dear Stephens Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved hero Blake. I have a son the same age as he, who served in the Utah National Guard. I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow you feel. Thank you SGT Blake C. Stephens, a true American hero to all.

To the family of Blake Stephens: I want to express to you how sorry I was to hear the news about Blake. I hear he was such an amazing person who lived his life to the fullest everyday. He was blessed to be able to do the thing he loved doing most and to have the love of his life and incredible parents and family. With love like that you can live as a very rich man. I know Blake is in heaven looking over all that he loved and is waiting to be reunited again. Until you meet with him again I hope you can look back on all the wonderful qualities he possesed and how he inspired others. What a great man!!! My deepest sympathies go out to the whole family. Blake died a hero.

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

Rest in peace.

You gave so much of your self and so selfishly may the lord keep you in his loving arms rest for you are truly a hero

To Erin and the Stephens family, I'm very sorry for the loss of Blake. I felt honored to ride escort for him, and want thank you for allowing us POW*MIA riders to be there for you. May God allow his love to comfort you each day until you see Blake again.

Dear Erin and Family.
My brother was killed in March by an IED in Iraq. I know how difficult this is for you and will always hold in my heart a special place for the American Soldiers that die for our freedom. May you feel comfort at this time.

Dr. Stephens and family, you should be very proud of your son. Dr. Stephens has been an inspiration to me when he taught me during my first year of dental school. My family and I wish to express our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We love you very much. Nathan Hammond and Family (IDEP class 2002)

My deepest sympathy to the Family & Friends of Sgt. Blake C. Stephens, another AMERICAN HERO - May God Bless him and may God Bless and guide you with your loss.

Erin, we are so saddened as we have just received this news. We had just written and sent a package two weeks ago to Blake as we had "adopted" him to write to. We got his name from Charlie Reed in his unit. We are 4 employees of Saguaro National Park in Tucson, AZ, and were very excited to make contact. Please write us if you can. You are in our prayers. Thank you for sharing Blake with us, even for a short time. Susan Early

My heart goes out to Blakes family, especially his wife. Blake was an amazing individual. Definately stood out in a crowd. His sacrifice and memory will never be forgotten.

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

I would like to express my condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Blake, I would also like to thank you for raising such a fine young man and a wonderful soldier, I never knew Blake but I feel a loss for his life, I will be forever grateful to him and every soldier in this country that risks their lives to protect and preserve our rights as Americans. My brother in law is an army pilot and he has the same beliefs that Blake had, this is an important mission and I support him, Blake and all military families. God Bless Blake's wife, family and America.

I am currently stationed in Iraq, in Blake's unit. We feel the loss here and miss him greatly. He was a warrior and a friend. We continue the mission in his memory and know he is looking, smiling, down on his family and friends. He's probably getting a new tatoo, listening to punk, playing cards and experiencing all the extreme sports Heaven has to offer. Live to Ride, Ride to Live Blake. --Major Reed

I have lost a brother. I am honored by the sacrifice he has made to keep my country free. My pain is eased by knowing that someday I will be on patrol with him. He will never be forgotten.
Cpl. Daniel A. Sperry, disabled Gulf War Veteran.

Hi. My name is also Blake C. Stephens. I'm 14 years old. My middle name is Cecil. I was searching for my name for a school assignment. I was shocked to hear of your loss. Deepest condolences.

Well I know Blake from High School he was always the outgoing funny one no matter what group of people he hung out with. My deepest condolences goes out to his Family. This country is such a great place because of brave people like Blake. I feel blessed to have known Blake, and saddened from this recent tragedy.

Blake and I were good buddies. He made a lot of friends while he was stationed here at Mountain Home AFB, ID. He left a lasting impression on us all, including myself. Blake was always happy, always full of life, excited about every minute. He loved his wife so much, he constantly spoke about her. Blake was definitely a man of great character and I'm fortunate to have been his friend. I'm upset and sadden by his passing. He respected the military and fell doing what he loved. I'll always remember him and my compassion and empathy goes out to his wife and family.

I am saddened to hear the news of Blakes passing. I remember Blake as a young boy, and it does not surprise me he turned out to be in the military. It seemed to run in his blood. I want to send my condolences to Erin and the Stephens in this time of heartache. I think of you often, and send my hearfelt wishes of comfort.

God bless the family and friends of Blake's. You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Blake for being such a hero.
(In rememberance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)

To Blake and Erin, and the Stephens family, my thoughts are always with you and i hope that you will be able to get through this

Blake was always a kind and caring person. He treated everyone with kindness and respect. Thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.

Friend, Brother , and Brother in arms.... The man of the hour and dude of dudes...we loved you and always will...your family is in our hearts and prayers and we know that through these hard times we will all become closer and stronger.. Ride Fast...Crash Hard!!! live it, breath it, Blead it.... i will.... Blake style in the after life forget the rest in peace....we know your rocking it...

To the Stephens family~
All the sympathy in my heart goes out to your family. I just want to leave a memory of growing up with Blake of building sandcastles in Bartz field as kids. This is one of my favorite childhood memories, one of the best times in my life and my best memory of growing up with Blake. My sympathies go out to your family from mine. Love always

"Only a life lived for others is worth living."-Albert Einstien

Stephens family, you have always treated me as one of your own. Blake was like a brother to me, I will miss him daily. I also have the deepest respect for his bravery. I just want you to know that we are here for you always.

We've all had many adventures with Blake, and he will be with us as we go on many more. Thank you Blake for being a best friend and brother to my husband, and welcoming me as your friend. We'll always keep you close to our hearts.

I cannot imagine the pain that you are feeling but I will keep you in my prayers.

May God continue to watch over you and your family during this difficult time.

Lisa Michaels Genslinger
Proud Army Mom of Two Sons serving

We are deeply touched by the words of love and support for Blake and our family that we have read from each of you. We are lifted up and comforted more than you know. Thank you so much for taking the time to care. Blake was an amazing brother and I am honored to be his sister. Our hearts are empty without him, but we look forward to the time that we will see him again.