Edwin Wood Obituary

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 month and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Edwin C.L. "Eddie" Wood US Army Private 1st Class.

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

Day after day, and especially on days like today, I continue to pray... for this man whom I knew as a boy... for his father and mother whom I know as friends... and for his siblings whose pain I can barely imagine. I pray that God comfort and console you.

Memorial Day 2013
Eddie, I remember you not as an 18 year old, but as a man. Today I stood beside veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. I was humbled by their sacrifice and dedication. Despite what they faced, you are the person they honor because the real heroes don't come home. I pledge to you that I will never forget!

100 hours, 100 faces is where I saw Eddie on CNN's site. I didn't realize when I clicked on his face that I would be staring at one of the North High JROTC seniors who graduated in 2009. My son was a North Freshman at the time. He just graduated from North as a highly decorated JROTC cadet this May.

As a mother I cannot imagine, Janis, the pain you must be feeling over this [and every] Memorial Day weekend. Eighteen years old. It is positively tragic, and I pray for the healing of your heart and soul, though I know you'll only find peace when you two are eternally reunited.

Thank you for your service, Eddie. I wish the outcome had been different. RIP.

Thank All who write in this book. And God Bless you for remembering my young son. Ed told friends he wanted to be remembered as a HERO. Well is has done just that. I miss him dearly. Not a dry eye day goes by in my life. I can't wait to see him again. To see his beautiful face and hear his wonderful laugh. Again Thank You for all your thouhts and prayers. Ed's MoM, Jan

PFC Wood your memory will never fade...although I never had the opportunity to meet you, I am so thankful for your sacrifice and honor your memory along with so many others everyday....your Mom is an awesome lady and should be proud she raised such an awesome young man...RIP

You were, and always will be my best friend. Not just anyone gets their name permantly tattooed on my body, but you are so special to me and I love you more than I can love any man ed. I miss you, and can't wait to visit you. You literally are always on my mind and I cry frequently because I know ill never get to see your bright shininh face anymore :( rest in peace babe. Love you wonderbread. -tori.

Rest in Peace Pfc. Wood. Thank you for your service and for your untimely ultimate sacrifice for our nation.You have joined the ranks of a select few, a band of heroes. You will not be forgotten. May God bless your family and grant them the peace and comfort that only he can provide.

Ed, you are the shining light in my life. Keep shining strong so I can find my way to you. I love you son and miss you so much. Keep the camp fire burning at Fiddler's Green.

May God bless Eddie and watch over him until you are once again united.

Lest we forget. All gave some, some gave all.

Charles H. Elford
MSgt, USAF, Retired
Persian Gulf War Veteran

The turn out at your funeral testified how the local community felt. R.I.P. Eddie, you will not be forgotten.

Courageous young man, you will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to Pfc. Edwin Wood and his family.

It has been a while since I have returned to this site...for good reason I suppose, just too painful I guess. But I want to thank evrryone for all the terrific things they have had to say about Eddie. He truely would have been humbled I assure you.

The two anniv. dates of your dead have come and gone. Now we are coming up on the date of your birth. I love you my little son. We went through so much together. I wish I wouldn't have let you go the last one alone. I wish I was by your side. We always stood together as a family, Now my cornerstone has crumbled under the weight of grief and pain and tears. My son, I love you more than my life could ever be worth. I wish I knew majic to bring you back to us. I Love You Edwin Cobel Lee Wood.

It has been two years already, just yesterday...and a lifetime...miss you more than ever son...

To the family and friends of Pfc. Edwin Wood:
Please accept my remembrance of Edwin on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Today would have been Eddie Woods 20th Birthday...
Happy Birthday our fallen hero...
Eddies Dad

To the family and friends of Pfc. Edwin Wood:
Remembering Edwin on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!

To the family of Pfc. Edwin Wood:
Edwin 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
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

You where a brother to me, See you soon. I will be visiting your Family when this deployments over...

He iof the best.s the best

PFC Wood: I did not know you in life but I have met you since you passed thru the life of Caren Miller-Guillaume. Your service and sacrifice changed her and she has paid it forward. In doing so, her service has inspired me to pay it forward and so on. Your supreme gift to this great land of ours will NEVER be forgotten and a grateful nation is eternally thankful. Stand down soldier - it was a job well done!

I delivered this at the funeral of PFC Edwin Wood July 17,2010

Edwin Cobel Lee Wood came into this world in the early morning hours of August 28, 1991. Eighteen years and 310 days later on july 5th, 2010 we recieved notice of his tragic demise on the battlefields of Afgahanistan.

The days, months and years in between those two dates were filled with all the joys, sorrows, triumphs and tradgedys that all parents experience with the raising of thier children. We will cherish those memories always.

I have been asked many times in the last few weeks what I believe Eddie would have felt about the honors and attention directed twards him. I think he would be humbled. But, I know that his thoughts would be with his team members
still in combat. The brave men and women that are fighting and dying every day for us: our freedoms and the way of life that we enjoy in this Country.

We all experience the greavous sense of loss at the passing of one of our fallen hereos, whether it be from the Armed Forces, the Police Department, the Firefighters or any other profession that labors in the service of their fellows. They have all dedicated their lives and futures so that each of us can continue to thrive in freedom and security. They seek not thanks or reward for themselves, only the confirmation in their own hearts that the people of our Nation live in safety.

Let me take a moment to share with you some words that have given me comfort in the days of waiting for my son to arrive home. It was written by a far wiser and more eloquent man than myself, a long time ago, to a Mrs. Bixby...it reads:

Dear Madam,

I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement by the Adjuntant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five, sons, who have died gloriously on the field of battle.

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which sould attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the angish of your bereavement, and leave with you cherished memories of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice on the alter of Freedom.

Yours Sincerely and Respecfully,
Abraham Lincoln

The waiting for us, Eddies family, comes to an end as we take him to his rest today. But, the waiting for many other famlies is just beginning, and it will continue. Pledge yourselves never to forget the the brave warriors fighting in far away lands.

The lives Eddie touched seem innumerable in the short time he was with all of us. For those of us who knew him we are left only to imagine how much more his presents might have enriched our lives...for those who never met him but are here to honor him today our wish is for you to relish the freedoms paid with that "last full measure of devotaion" on your behalf by Eddie and all of his Fallen Comrades.

Thank You...
and God Bless the United states of America.

Thomas L. Wood
father
PFC Edwin C. L. Wood
KIA July 5, 2010

Eddie, this is a message that I wrote your sweet mom. You have no idea the impact you have made in my life and I thank you Eddie. Thanks Jan...everything I'm doing today is because of one person.... and his name is Pfc. Eddie Wood. It's because of your son and his service to our country that I have the passion in my heart to carry on this mission to support and honor all soldiers. Eddie will always be my #1 soldier...always. R.I.P. dear Eddie....

Tomorrow will be Eddies' 19th birthday. His sister and dad and I will be honoring him by honoring another fallen soldier, SSGT Mike Bock, Marine. We will be in the flag line for Mike. By doing this I believe we will honor both men for very much the same reason. Both are greatly missed and our hearts are so heavy. I love you Eddie Wood, and have a Heavenly Birtday. Watch the skies tomorrow for my message to you. Love MoM, Dad, Issy and TJ

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

We are so proud of your hero who has gone ahead and met our heroes. We are sorry for you loss and understand your pain. May God Bless your family.
NE Gold Star Mothers
[email protected]

I am very sorry for your loss. May God bless your son.
Sincerely,
Debra Brown
Port Byron, IL

My dearest son. Words do not exist that can express the love I have for you or the pride I have in you.

The mission is accomplished and we have brought you home to your rest. But the work goes on in continueing to support your fellow soldiers who are still fighting in far away lands.

I vow that your team members will never be forgotten. I know that would be your first concern as a warrior.

You have my word on that son.

Tom Wood

My son remains in Afghanistan with Bravo troop and he thinks of all the men we have lost daily. He spoke fondly of Edwin. We wish you comfort in your time of loss and your family will forever be in our prayers.

we are sorry for your lost and will be there for you. i know how it feels to lose someone close to your heart. my god guide you in this time of lost. he was kind to all of us at north high and he touch us all in everything he did.he was a nice person to be around and had lot's of fun with his friend's.

from friends at north high school -
DeVante Youngblood & Megan Stibbs

Hi, Jan
I was looking at the paper reading the article and thought omg Jan Boehmer Nathan Hale. So very sorry my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Annie (Harper) Smollen

I am a fortunate Army Mom. My son just returned home from Iraq in February of this year. I prayed every day for his safe return. I cannot begin to feel your pain and loss, but please know that there are others out there who deeply apperciate the sacrifice you and Eddie made. May God bless you and watch over you always. Eddie will always be watching over you and protecting you. You can always be proud of your son and what he gave for his country. We are the great country we are because of soldiers like Eddie. Never lose faith. God's peace be with you always.

Once the commotion has settled
The flags returned full mast
A good kid and soldier's
life on earth has past.

The rest are left to deal
with the many things they feel
about a life cut short
for our freedom and support.

The family, loved one's and friends
are left with the void when life ends.
Everyone must walk through their pain
hanging onto the memories that remain.

My wish for all is this...
That peace and comfort fill your hearts
as you remember all the good
of PFC Edwin C.L. "Eddie" Wood.

May he rest in peace.

My thoughts and prayers will continue.

To the family of Edwin - My prayer for you is that this poem I wrote will bring you comfort. It is FALLEN HEROES - From the time I was conceived God had for me a plan. He wanted me to get involved to help my fellow man. I know some were against it but God knows what is best and since the day He took me home I've had perfect rest. Heaven is so beautiful I'm walking streets of gold and now I'm serving others including saints of old. I know some still have anger about the way I died yet God and I both have seen the many tears you've cried. He is a God of comfort whose love will never cease. Give your feelings to Him and He will give you peace. Then on that resurrection day when all the dead will rise the Lord will reunite us together in the skies. So don't give up my friends my memory is still alive. Put your trust in the Lord and I know you will survive.
Thank you Edwin for your service.

God Bless you all!

Cynthia Brown
Winston, GA 30187

to the Family of the Fallen:
I have so much to tell you
You're not alone today
The young man that you love so much
Has been sadly taken away
I cannot make it better
If I could I sure would try
When I heard about your loss
All I could do was cry
I want to reach out to you
I want to dry your tears
I can only write this letter
To thank you for those years
For the time you spent raising
A young man that gave his all
I know you spent time praying
And waiting for his call
Please accept my thanks
For a friend I did not know
A protector of our freedom
For a man we all call HERO
D. Quintanilla
Yellow Ribbon Prayers

God will hold you in His loving hands to help you through this time of sorrow.
I am proud of your son and thank Edwin for his service to our country. God Bless you

Thank you for your service to our country.
God Bless you and America.
The Cline's.

My heart goes out to the family of PFC. Wood. May God be with you. He gave his life for his country to uphold our beliefs that all men should be free. Though he was much younger than me, he is my brother. A fellow soldier. God bless you PFC. Wood.

Welton Juilfs
1SG USAR ( Ret )

Eddie..I met you a few times at Harold's awhile back when you first joined the service. .ill remember how you talked about going in and I ll. Never forget how much you seemed sooooo excited to join..ill remember you forever bud and I along with our family will continue to support your family forever. .THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SACRIFICES
YOULL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. .MICHAEL BOHNENKAMP

To the PFC Edwin Wood family,
Edwin and those fallen before and those after him are Godsends to everyone who call this country their own. I will pray everyday God gives you Courage, Strength and Faith to get you through your great loss. I wish to Thank PFC Edwin Wood for ultimately sacrificing his life for our great country and for me. My heartfelt condolences go out to your family and friends at this great loss. I also pray for the thousands of strangers whom I will never meet. To those families and friends who have loved ones serving in the military, I pray God also gives each of you Courage, Strength and Faith while waiting the return of your loved ones too.
Because of PFC Edwin Wood and the thousands of soldiers (young and old, past and present) I am more thankful for the little things we take for granted because of these men and women serving in the armed forces. Also to the families who sacrifice everyday, please accept my heartfelt Thank You, too.

PFC Edwin Wood,
Your lifespan may have been shorter than it should have been,
But it was not without merit,
You will always be remembered
a Hero!
So young, So brave, So soon
Thank You!

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Edwin will 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.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

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 .

I Salute You.

Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt
SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq

To the Wood family, We at the 95th FireFighting Det. Send our Condolences . Peace be with you and your family in your time of grief.

Today, we bury his body, but not his soul. Today we bury his hands, but not his work. Today we bury his heart, but not his love. We will remember you always. PFC. Wood

PFC Edwin Wood - thank you for your courage, service, dedication and the ultimate sacrifice you gave so we in this country and elsewhere can enjoy the precious gift of freedom. To Eddie's family, it's evident that the little baby you brought home so many years ago, grew up to be an exceptional young man that you must be so proud of! Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. You and Eddie will always remain in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless your son for the sacrifice he has made for our freedom - to his parents - be rpoud of the man you raised to be so selfless. We salute him and thank you all for him. Our condolences for the Wood's family loss and thank you from one vet to another - God Bless.

Jan and family:
I am a widow of a retired Navy man and thank you for your son's sacrifice and will remember him for his service. I am a friend of your sister Judy, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Peg Mandel, Bella Vista AR

To you and your family, thank you for continuing the US tradition of serving your country. I am proud to honor you as a fellow vet.
We Vietnam veterans will never let your sacrifice be forgotten.

Thank you, Eddie, for making the ultimate sacrafice for the freedom of us all. God must have welcomed you home with open arms.

Greater love hath no man, than that he lay down his life for his friends. This was said by Jesus in the gospel of John. My condolences to Eddie's family and friends.

My flag will fly for this young Hero, may his family find peace, and "Eddie rest in peace"..........God Bless and thanks for this blessed son.

Wood family, Thank you for your sacrifice so that my family can be safe. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to you in this time of grief and loss.

My prayers go out to Eddies family in this time of great loss.. and thanks to Eddie and all of our military who put themselves in harms way to protect our way of life on a daily basis..God Bless

Thank You for serving our Country I am sorry you had to give your life for it., but may you be at peace with the lord. Jimmy C. King, Ash Grove,Missouri

Jan and family,
My deepest sympathy for you and your family at this time. We are eternally grateful for the sacrifice Eddie made for our freedom.
The last time I saw Eddie he was just a toddle running around in my Grandparents yard, while you and my mother caught up on times gone by.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
~Author Unknown

My heart mourns at the loss of such a young man, but it is also filled with pride.

Filled with pride for a soldier who showed dedication, honor and love of country.

Spec. Edwin Wood, thank you for answering the call to serve your country and for fulfilling your duty and commitment to service.

You gave all that was required and beyond the call of duty. Within that call, you made the ultimate sacrafice.

A sacrifice that is not made in vain, never forgotten, never disgraced and holds a place in the hearts of every American.

Spec. Edwin Wood, America salutes you for your service and sacrifice.

As your family remembers and carries on your spirit, I too will do the same.

May you rest in peace in the everlasting love and arms of God.

July 16, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God and Eddie wrap you in their loving embrace and help you make it through the days ahead. We are forever grateful for Eddie's sacrifice. Please know there are so many praying for you. You need not walk alone (The Cherished Freinds)!!

So sorry for the loss of your son, Eddie. I would like to say thank you for Eddie's service and sacrifice and may God surround you with His loving arms and comfort you and give you peace at this terribly sad time.

Thank you to Eddie for his service and to his family and friends for sharing him with the entire USA. I am so very sorry for your loss. I did not know Eddie personally, but he has made me, and a lot of others, proud. My prayers are with you.

You don't know me Eddie, but I wanted to share the following with you.

BANK ACCOUNT!!! 
This is AWESOME ... something we should all remember.  Herberg 


A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. 
His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After  many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready. 
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. 
I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. 
Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.' 
'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied. 
Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. 
Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is  arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. 
'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful  for the ones that do.  Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away.. Just for this time in my life. 
Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. 
So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank  account of memories! 
Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank. 
I am still depositing. 
'Remember the five simple rules to be happy: 
1. Free your heart from hatred. 
2. Free your mind from worries. 
3. Live simply. 
4. Give more. 
5. Expect less. 

Eddie... your life was cut short doing something you believe in an so I could continue to live FREE....so I promise you I will continue to live by "The '5' simple rules" and keep the men and women in our Armed Forces and there familys and friends in my daily thoughts and prayers.

Proud American...

My sincere thoughts and prayers are extended to Eddie's family, comrades and friends at this most difficult of times. We as a nation owe him and so many others much more than we can offer for their courage and sacrifices.
Neil (Watertown, SD)

No one can no the sorrow you feel. Have faith in that your fellow Americans appreciate the service of Eddie. My sincere condolences to all of his family.

I am so sorry for your loss it must be very dificult. Eddie was a great friend even though i didnt know him very will he will be truly missed.

I do not know you Eddie, but I know you were a great soldier. I am saddened at your loss. I am a Military Mom and my heart hurts for you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your service.

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOU SERVICE AND ULTIMATE SACRIFICE YOU GAVE SO MY FAMILY HAS PEACE AND FREEDOM STILL TODAY. SO SORRY FOR YOU LOSE MY GOD ALWAYS BE BY YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES SIDE EDDIE..... THANK YOU THE BROCKMANS

To Eddie Woods family my heart and prayers are with you all at this time and always. Eddie would come into the library at McMillan Jr. High and would always have a big smile. I will always remember this. He will be forever in our hearts. Barb

Tom and Family

Please accept our sincere condolences. We were very saddened to hear of Eddie's supreme sacrifice so far away. He will not be forgotten.
Our prayers and thoughts be with you all.
Virgil & Dorothy Voss
(FAML)
Down younder in Abbeville SC

Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of GOD.

Sincerest condolences to family and friends.
A true "American Hero" .
Thank you for your service and sacrifice, Sir.
We keep you and yours in our prayers. God Bless. You will never be forgotten.
Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 737
Patriot Guard Rider - Iowa

To The Woods,family, I didn,t know your son and I,m so sorry for your loss . My boyfriend is a Vietam Vet and is aGreenbreat so anyone who puts the uniform on we are so proud of them. He served his Country to protect us.He is a Angel now keeping watch over you.Are Prayers Are With Your Family At This Time. Dan Nano and Linda Jones

May god be with you during this time. May you Rest in Peace Eddie! You are a HERO!

With great sorrow I thank you for your son's service. May he rest in peace. God' blessings to you all.

So young to be a hero. Too young to leave us. We are sorry for the loss to this city, state, and country of your son, our son, a citizen of the United States of America.

Please accept our deepest condolences.

The Queen Family
Tom, Kerry, Chad, Jazmine, Logan, Thomas, and Duncan

We watched Eddie grow and have always had some Eddie and Chris stories. I knew of his plans to join but did not know where he was and we are so sorry for your loss. Your family has been in our prayers. Eddie was truly an American Hero.

My deepest sympathies go out to Eddie's family. Cherish your memories always.

To Eddie, Thank You!!! You paid the ultimate sacrifice.

My heart is breaking for you. May God bless your family and friends during this difficult time. A hero heads home.

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Pfc. Wood and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of freedom and liberty. Sadly, America has lost one of its finest heroes, the U.S. has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage, which they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Pfc. Wood has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends, of Pfc. Wood, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to carry on. Just as you were always with him when he was deployed overseas, know that he will always be with you wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Pfc. Wood was a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid, they have earned our undying gratitude. America will never, ever forget their sacrifices."

Pfc. Wood the flag of the United States of America has your blood sewn into the fabric; it shall forever wave in your honor.

Freedom requires sacrifice the protected will never know.

Patriot Guard Riders of South Texas

May he rest in peace...

As the daughter of a WWII solider, wife of a Korean war veteran and mother of a Marine, please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. My heart goes out to your family.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Eddie,

You are an American Hero. Myself and my family would like to say Thank You for what you have done for our country. You are now an angel and may you fly high in the sky.

Eddie's family my prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Bless you all...

To the family and friends of a fallen hero: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifice and may his memory live on forever.

Tom,
You are in my prayers and thoughts. God Bless Eddie for his courage and dedication.

To the family and girlfriend of Eddie,
Mt heart goes out to you and your family for your loss of Eddie. Eddie was brave and honorable to give his life for our country and I will be forever grateful for his sacrifice as well as yours. My husband is in the military and currently in Iraq. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. God Bless you all.

God Bless Eddie's friends and family as they mourn their loss. And God Bless Eddie for his courage and sacrifice.
A very grateful military mom,
CHB in NC

Thank you Eddie for your faithful service to our great country. Your service and sacrifice are appreciated by millions of Americans. May God bless you and your family and bring them comfort and peace. You are truly an American Hero.

Dear Tom and family,

I knew Eddie from when he was very young. While I was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, I enjoyed marching with him and Tom in the 2nd Maryland Regiment of Foot, a Bellevue, Nebraska reenactment group that marched in parades, firing muskets and a cannon and playing music. Eddie helped out on the cannon crew.

I also enjoyed seeing him and Tom at Fort Atkinson, a restored fort from the early 19th century, in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, where we portrayed soldiers of that time period during living history weekends.

It seems from early on, Eddie had a great interest in the military. That he has now passed away while serving his country is a great loss to all of us who knew him, but especially to you, Tom, and your family.

My heart is with you at this time.

Scott Moore, Major (Retired), U.S. Air Force

My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. I remember Eddie when he was in 1st grade at Minne Lusa and then when he would come for Isabeau when she was in 1st grade. He was such a caring brother. May God give you peace and comfort you in these next days.

I first met Eddie as my comrade Tom showed him off to his fellow members of the Lewis & Clark reenactment group, Discovery Corps as an infant.

Then I remember Eddie riding on Tom's shoulders in a River City Roundup parade in Omaha, while my son Graham trotted along passing out cartridges to the troops for salutes.

And I remember Eddie coming over to my family's table at Huhot in Council Bluffs to talk about reenactment at Fort Atkinson.

I knew Eddie at moments along his life. But I didn't know enough. And I wish I had.

Eddie was where he was and doing what he was because of a deep belief that what he was doing made a difference. For you, his family, for us, his fellow citizens, for the world.

I grew up in the Army, and served my time in it. I have worn the uniform of the United States in 1961-64 and again as a reenactor in 1812-24. And Eddie wore those uniforms with me. I salute him, and I salute you, his family. He, and you, have given the greatest sacrifice imaginable for the good of mankind.

Our prayers and kindest thoughts

Jack, Barb, Graham, Brooke, Brian, John, Danny and Michael Schmidt

Eddie,
Thank You for your Service to this Country.
God Bless the Family of this Hero who gave his all.
You are in our Prayers.
D. Quintanilla
Yellow Ribbon Prayers

A true American hero.God bless this great American and his family.

While I don't know you and did not know your beloved son, my heart goes out to your entire family. Your son made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I wish I could have thanked him personally for his service so I will thank you instead. May you find strength in each other and in the knowledge that so many are praying for your family at this time of great loss.

Jan & Family,

There are no words that can express my sympathy. Eddie was such a sweet boy and when I think of him I always have a smile on my face. I still hang the Christmas ornaments on my tree that he would get me every year. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to our Brother-in-Arms Pfc. Edwin Wood. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Edwin. And to Edwin it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he mafor his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Edwin, you are a brave American Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,335 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Edwin’s family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

I did not know Eddie, but would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and offer my thanks for his service to our country.

Dear Tom, Uncle Chuck and the entire Wood family,
Words cannot express how saddened we are for your loss. Please know that you are thought of every day and prayers are with you all. You can be so proud of Eddie and what he represented and stood for, all of us and our freedom. If you should need anything please call.
Love and prayers,
Liz, Aunt Connie and all of the Temple family