Gary D. Willett Obituary

I met Gary in Schweinfurt, Germany where we both served 1st Battallion 18th Infantry in 1998. by random chance in 2001 when we were both stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado we hung out one weekend near Denver when a mutual friend who had been with us in Germany said Gary was in his unit and was coming along. I got out in 2002 and lost touch. When I did get back in touch, the first thing he told me was that Gary had been killed in Iraq by an IED. every few years I look it up and try remember all I can about "Willett".

GOD BLESS U AND MAY U R.I.P.

I never knew Gary but I knew Calvin pretty well. He was not only my husbands NCO but more importantly his friend and mine. He lived with us for a few months before his first deployment and it was an adventure to say the least. He was always looking out for the people around him. My husband broke his back while training and it was Calvin that went down the gulch to get him, injuring his knee in the process however he would never let something like an injury stop him from getting to his Soldier. I/we owe Calvin a lot and will always miss and never forget him and not because of how he died but because of the example he set and the person he was. He was one of those Soldiers that just seemed invincible. To his parents - When he was staying with us he spoke of you often and couldn't wait to see you on leave. To his son - He missed you more than you will ever know. Our son is close to the same age as you and he would talk about you a lot. We had a bad storm passover the island and it knocked out our power for like 3 days, so talking was our only source of entertainment and I think most of our conversations were always about his family and being so far away from them. Please know that with heavy hearts I can assure you Calvin will never be forgotten. RIP Brother - The Roux family

My name is Adam McClendon, after gettng my arm hurt badly Sgt Willet pulling me out of a room the enemy was filling with bullets and other ordanance, he saved my life. I always wanted to thank him for that, the best i can do now is thank his family for his brave actions, he risked his own life to save me,
he was my best friend, i cant write anymore. But a braver man ive never known, thank you for your time.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Gary D. Willett:
It has truly been my honor to sign Gary's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Gary will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

I knew Gary when he lived in Maryland, we went to middle school together and he was a great friend. I was shorter and I got picked on and Gary was always there to have my back. After school I lost contact with him. I searched but could never find where he went. I was recently talking to an old girlfriend of his from school when I found out he had been taken from us. It put such a pain in my heart to know he is not here with us anymore. Gary I will miss you and I will never forget you. You were the best friend anyone could have. I owe you my freedom.
[email protected]

You will be missed Sgt Willett.

Family and Friends of SGT. Willett,
I didn't have the privilage of meeting Gary in life, but my brother did. They served together in Iraq. He saved my brothers life following an attack on their position. I can't thank him enough for his bravery; my brother talks about him as if he were ten feet tall and the epitome of a Noncommissioned Officer. If possible, my brother, Adam would like to thank Gary's family. My email is listed below if they would like his number or if he may call them.
Thank you, SGT Gary.
John McClendon
[email protected]

Dear Gary and friends and family, you're in my thoughts and prayers especially today. Never forget…

To the family and friends of Sgt. Gary D. Willett:
Always remembering Gary. "Some gave all."

Gary, Your sacrifice will never be forgotten, brother! Bull 6

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

Today is a sad day for I just discovered that you are gone. After trying to find you for years I now wish I had gone to our high school reunion so that I could have seen you one last time. You have always been in my heart and will stay there till I see you again, in heaven. May you rest in peace my dear friend.

SGT Willett,
I think about you everyday, you will always be in my heart and in my prayers. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. God Bless you my Gimlet Brother.

I will never forget you, I think about you everyday. RIP my fallen brother

SGT:
I finally got the KIA bracelets. I ordered two-one to bury in Taji next week. The other one is for me; to remember you always.

SGT Willett,

We never forget our brothers, ever. Remember all our long talks when you were working the CO CQ desk? We miss you. Thank you and your family for your sacrafice. Bull 5

Our son Tyler served with you in Iraq. It's men like yourself that have made our country as great as it is. Thank you and God Bless you and your family. I pray for you guys every night.
John Burroughs

To the family and friends of Sgt. Gary D. Willett:
Remembering Gary 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

Re: SGT Gary D Willett

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

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

To the family of Sgt. Gary D. Willett:
Gary 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

I am sorry for the loss of this young man. I am now in my 60's and was once a member of the Canadian Armed Forces but was never in harms way.
I appreciate what men such as Gary have done and are doing for us. Although we are not related, I am humbled to share his name.

I offer my deepest condolences for your loss

To the family of Sgt. Willett,

Death is a sting, it hurts. I was so sorry to read about the your loss. May you be comfort by the Holy Scriptures, family and dear friends.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57.

FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
We love our Soldiers! This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, God Bless You and we hope that your portrait is bringing you some peace!
Sincerely,
Kenna

I want to send my condolences to the family of Sgt. Willett. I have been made aware of his story through the family of PFC Wes Hixon. Sgt. Willett is truly an American hero and I am so greatful for his sacrifice for my freedom. I made a website for Wes and thought you might like to check it out. There is a page with Sgt. Willett on it as well: www.pfcweshixon.com.

Godspeed, Sergeant Willit, your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten nor degraded. Proud to call you "Brother", will meet up with the rest of us someday. Till then, Sergeant Matt Lexow, U.S. Army, retired (disabled), friend of Brother Wes Hixon.

whats up calvin? i was honored to be your driver. we had fun on tower guard together. i will never forget you my friend. may god be with you brother. i will see you again brother.

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

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Willett!

Though time has passed, there are still no words that express the emotion. Just wanted to let you know his service has not been forgotten. I did not know him or your family, but am very grateful for the sacrifice you have made. I wish it wasn't so. Thank you.

Sgt. Gary D. Willett
God Bless you and your family.

We miss you!!!
Kristin & Joey

I am very proud to call you my brother.

I know God will bless you for your service to this country. You come from a long line of Willetts in Charles County, MD. and we are very proud of what you sacrificed. I am married to one of your father's counsins- there are many- so my children are your second cousins).

I know you are in heaven rejoicing with with all those who have gone before...and they are so happy to see you. I pray God will comfort your mother in her despair.

It is always a solemn day when we bring one of our fallen heroes home. Gary, you gave your life in commitment to something larger than yourself . . . you laid down your life so that others may have Freedom. No amount of thanks can ever repay that debt. You will be remembered with honor and respect for your selfless service to this country and to the American people.
I don't know if we were related or not . . . my roots originate in Vermont . . . but in my heart, you are all our sons and daughters! Rest in Peace Gary . . . my prayers are with your family now.

Thank you sir, it's the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war today. And i thought it was only proper for me to take a look at those who have given their best. For those who have fallen from my hometown, Alameda, i offer only the full appreciation, that i come from the same place you have, and that you were a brother of our small town. That we might have shared our experiences in the same place, the same south shore, the same Safeway. I can see eye to eye now only to wish that our fellow brothers from Alameda be protected by God almighty, and that you, Gary, will rest in gentle peace.

Thank you, my young hero, for giving your life for mine and many others. May God welcome you with open arms and console your family.

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

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

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

I would like to offer my condolences and the condolences of Bravo Company 3/378th. We are proud to have SGT. Willett's brother as a member of our Company and grieve with him for the loss of his brother.
Our prayers are with him and his family during this trying time.

We grew up together, I met Gary in 10th grade and we have been friends ever since. I am so sorry for your loss, you are in my prayers, he was such a great man and a wonderful friend. I will miss him dearly.

As a girlfriend of a soldier,please accept my condolences.Please know that your soldier will be forever remembered and missed. May God Bless you and your family.

We care and share your sorrow and pride.

To the Family of Sgt. Gary Willett, I am deeply sorry for your loss. My son is stationed in Iraq he is also with the 25th Infantry out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He is in Alpha Co. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tom & Karen Lawrence
parents of
PFC Todd Lawrence
A CO 1-21 Inf Division
Camp Liberty, Iraq

To the family and friends of SGT Willett...you are in my thoughts and prayers. There are no words that can bring comfort but know so many are praying for you. God Bless You.

REST IN PEACE SGT. WILLETT, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES]
GOD BLESS YOU

To the Willett family,

I know at this time there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Garys' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.

For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

A Proud Aunt
David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 Iraq

With the deepest regret, I have just learned of the death of Sergeant Willett. As a Vietnam Veteran and the State Chaplain of the Georgia Society, Sons Of The American Revolution, I speak for our President, Charlie A. Newcomer, III and the more than 1,400 SAR members around the State of Georgia in humbly expressing the condolences of a grateful Society. Wrapped in the integrity of service to our nation and the inestimable values of duty, honor and country, your American hero stood on a wall of freedom for us all. This precious life, lived and lost in love of America, epitomized every attribute of patriotism the Sons Of The American Revolution hold dear. And, as Americans, we could never repay the debt we owe ..!! Nor the debt we owe you… the family of one of America's best ...!!!

As a mother of a Soldier, I want to send my condolences. Please know that there are many, many people who grieve with you.

My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and they were protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007

We would like to express our profound sympathies to the Family of Sgt. Gary D. Willett. Our prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time. My son was in the vehicle behind Gary when this occurred. To say the least he was very shaken by what happened to Gary and the other three heroes.

Since the last we saw you till your departure, you have always been in our heart. I had always hope to see you again on one of trips out west. You'll always be our loving hero.

Uncle Mike & Aunt Susie
White Plains, MD

I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Sgt Gary D Willett. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.

I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!

(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)

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!!

I would also like to tell you about a website, http://groups.msn.com/SSPSoldierPor
traits/homepage,
where some wonderful people will make wood portraits of your fallen Hero for free for the immediate family. I became aware of this site when I wanted to do something special for Le Ron’s mother.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett (Queens, NY)

Please accept my Deepest and most heartfelt sympathy regarding the loss of Sgt. Gary D. Willet.
The price this Brave Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
There is so much thanks to be given, to these young heroes, for their Courage, Dedication and Service.

May Gary rest safely in God's Care and may God's Healing Grace be with the Willet family.
I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

"Wait on the Lord, be of good courage
and He shall strengthen your heart"
~ Psalm 27:14 ~

May the Peace of God and the treasured memories of Gary, remain in your heart always.
May this give you comfort and strength through the difficult days ahead.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.

From our military family to yours, we would like to thank SGT Willett for his service and sacrifice to this great country, as well as send our deepest condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.