Andrew G. Patten Obituary

As a little league baseball coach in Byron Illinois, I had the privilege of having your son on a team, my stepson Dane Mossholder enlisted in the airforce after Byron high school. Upon hearing of your son's service and sacrifice, I have made every Memorial day to raise my flag here in Texas in his honor.

Rest well brother, I have not forgotten you! I am riding a bicycle across Illinois in your name. Semper Fi! your photo was given to me by your mother last year. I promised myself at that moment that I would carry that same photo with me on my 500 mile trek. until the day we meet Andrew, may God hold you in his loving hands!
your fellow Marine
Tom Coe

Your name and legacy defending this nation will never be forgotten, Marine. It was a privilege to watch you grow up and now an honor to keep your name alive
Semper Fi

Andrew, God Bless You for the ultimate sacrifice you made for you Country.
With My Deepest Respect.
Ray Gustafson

I just wanted to let everyone know that I I lost not only my Son but my best friend. I have always Loved You with All My Heart. I can't express with words my deapest Love for you Soon. I miss you greatly each and every day.

Thinking about you today Andy, Riding bikes to nowhere being young and careless. Life can be crazy most of the time but having roots with a friend like you makes it all worth while. You made the ultimate sacrifice for the free world, I am forever grateful and will never let your memories die man. RIP and god bless America.

THANK YOU, BRAVE HERO.

Its Memorial Day today and as I do often, I'm thinking about you. I'm lucky to have known you. Feels like just yesterday we were riding bikes, raking leaves or suffering on the sidelines at some football event. Give Jesus a high5 for me.

Keith

Just a thought and prayer for Andrew, his family and especially Al his dad who I met by chance in a parking lot at the supermarket last year. I was supriised to see a display of portrait drawings of all the Illinois Vererans killed in action in OEF/OIF at the last Oasis on the way out of town on 294. Spent a lot of time looking at all their faces. Was very moving. God bless them all.

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Patten Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star-shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Written by Mary Elizabeth Frye 1932

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Patten:
Please accept my remembrance of Andrew on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Andrew was part of my Son-n-Laws unit, while Andrew gave his life as many others did that same day from their company, we all remembered Andrew, the others and their families on December 2nd and quietly thanked them for their service and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Patten:
Remembering Andrew 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

I never knew you Andrew, but Thank You for all you have done for this country. It is because of heros like you that we can all sleep peacefully in our beds tonight. "When the Army and Navy gaze upon heavens seens, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines". You will never be forgotten

From Byron Tiger to United States Marine. You made us proud. Go Tigers!!!

Like so many others...I am so grateful for the work he did and that others continue so that we can live the way we do. He is remembered....

Remembering my son Andy as Memorial Day approches. How this holiday has changed for me. Like most I thought more of Memorial Day as the first big fun holiday to start off the summer, an extra day off work. Now I understand the true meaning of this day and what it really stands for. I am so sorry it took the death of my son for me to really understand. Understand the extreme sacrifice so many men and women have made for our country. Memorial Day is our day to reflect and to honor those who gave all. I honor their service and will never forget.

On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.

May peace be yours.

Four years now since we lost Andy and his Marine brothers. I thank God for the peace he has given me knowing Andy is safe in his care. I miss you son, but know we will one day meet again in a better place than this. Till then...love you...Mom

Dear Andy,

It has been a very long time since I have exchanged words with you, actually it has been since high school graduation. I wanted to thank you for everything you have done. To this day it still jerks my emotions to read what happened to you and I want to salute you as a brother in arms with full respect and gratitude to you and your family. You are the opitamy of an outstanding Marine and you are a true hero to your family, myself, and the United States of America. Thanks again for all you've done and godspeed to you forever.

Rest in peace.

Sergeant Jerome D. Eickstaedt
10th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
United States Army

"Some give some, some give all"

AS HE'S HOLDING HANDS WITH JESUS; THERE'S NO TEAR DROPS IN HIS EYES; OUR BROKEN HEARTS ON EARTH, SOUNDS OF MANY CRIES;JESUS WILL FREELY GIVE COMFORT, PEACE AND HOPE TO ALL OF US WHO ASK HIM AS WE ARE TRYING TO COPE. A BROKEN SPIRIT CAN BE FIXED BY OUR FATHER UP ABOVE; I PRAY TO GOD TODAY THAT HE WILL SHOWER THIS FAMILY WITH ALL HIS LOVE.

MAY GOD FILL THIS EMPTY SPOT IN YOUR FAMILIES HEART WITH HIS SPIRIT AND LOVE OVERFLOWING ABUNDANTLY.

my son is 19 and he is in the same unit and still over there his name is alex. I am praying for all of the patten family. may god give you comfront and peace.

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 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 and Respectfully,
Kenna

Dear Andrew,

In your eyes, I see the grace of a young man and a compassionate soul. As a Marine, I know you are brave. But what I see is a gentle soul, someone who retained his humanity during an inhumane time, and this is what we shall miss about you. May your sacrifice give us the strength to find alternatives to war, to killing and to death. Your courage, grace and compassion are in us always.

May your memory be a comfort to your mom, dad and family. And may your memory be a blessing, always.

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 Andrew, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. 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


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

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

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

To the family of Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Patten:
Andrew 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

Thanks!!!

Dear family of Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Patten,

We want to say thank you. We understand that no words can be adequate for your sorrow. We certainly do not want to intrude upon your privacy. As Americans we want you to know that we deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice your loved one has made for all of us. We also would like for you to be aware that with this letter comes our special concern and prayers for you. We are all safer because young men and women who love their country, and know the value of a free nation, are willing to put themselves in harms way, and lay down their lives to keep this nation free and safe for all of us.
Your sacrifice is also very great. We know that we can give little comfort; however, the knowledge that your loved one did not die in vain, but died in the service of our country, gives each of us a noble example of the value of life, and the responsibility of freedom. We hope this will bring pride and comfort to you.
We at Gethsemane Church believe that there is purpose to life. We send this letter with our deepest appreciation for the greatest of sacrifices, you and your loved one have given to this country. We know it is not enough, but please allow us to assure you that your loved one is not forgotten.


Very Sincerely

Frank G. Noyes
Frank G. Noyes (Pastor)


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

Our son, Andrew T. Patton, age 35, died of cancer on May 22, 2008, in Reston, VA. His birthday will be this Sunday, June 22nd. He has Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Patten on his website www.andrewpatton.com listed as other Andrew Pattons. I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I read about it in the newspaper. It is the most difficult thing to experience. You must be very proud of your Andrew as we are of our Andrew.

Today's your special day. It's sunny and warm just like it always is on your b-day. Happy 22 in Heaven!!!
Love you, Mom

Andy,
Thank-you for everything you have done for me and my family.You were David's good friend and fellow Marine brother. You might not be here on Earth, but are together with God in Heaven. Take good care of each other. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers forever.
Diane Huhn
(mom of LCpl. David Huhn KIA 12-01-05)

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Lance Cpl Patten!

I just happened upon this site today. I have two sons who served in Iraq. God was good and let them both come home. I was in hell for years. Living in fear and depression. I am so sorry for your loss. I really feel deeply for you and your family. I hope you are healing. I don't even know if that's possible. Though my boys are home I still stress and cry over the young lives being lost each day and for the families they leave behind to live with unbearable grief.

I just want you to know that I am thinking of your loss. I don't know your family, but I come to this site often and watch some of the videos and read the tributes. We must never forget the sacrifices made by our young men and women. God bless your son.

Andy,

Words don't describe how much I miss you sometimes! I just wish we had gotten a chance to be closer. I am so very proud of you, but know you are in Heaven with the Creator of the Universe! You will never be forgotten! Much love from your big sis!

To The Brave Family of Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Patten,
My son and daughter were blessed to have been classmates of your son, Andy. Our son, Jimmy left for Marine bootcamp on September 9, 2007. Our family thinks of you often and keeps you in our prayers. We also pray that God gives Jimmy the strength to become a brave and honorable Marine like Andy. We can only imagine how proud you must feel, along with all your sadness. Know that Andy will never be forgotten. He is a true Hero, as are you, his family that loves him so. May God keep you in his loving care until that wonderful moment that you meet with our Lord and Andy again.

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)

We are so very sorry for your loss!God bless you and your family.

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Lance Cpl Patten and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Lance Cpl deploying soon

Dear Son,
Sending you lots of love on your special "21st" birthday!!!! Happy "2nd" birthday in Heaven. My only son....oh how I miss you. I can't wait until the day we will meet again and I can give you a big hug!! But for today....enjoy your birthday and know you are with me in spirit.
Love always, Mom

With greatest appreciation.....thank you.

Brother....you will never be forgotten.

Andrew,
I did not know you but I read this weeks edition of “Newsweek” and they featured a letter that you wrote to a friend and I just want to say how proud I am that you read god’s word while you was in Iraq and now because of your faith in god you are in heaven. God Bless You and all of our fallen heroes. Until I see you in heaven. Rest In Peace Lance Cpl. Andrew Patten. Job well done Semper Fidelis!


"Brothers, we do not want you ... to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him ... therefore encourage each other with these words".
1 Thess. 14

God be with you and your family. Your Marine is shining in Heaven watching over his fellow Marines on duty. My son left yesterday for Iraq from North Carolina.

Andrew is a HERO and he will not be forgotten. We are and will be forever grateful to him.

The Sullivan Family

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

My heart breaks for you in the loss of your child. You have my deepest sympathies and you have my prayers. May you find comfort in your beautiful memories and may you find peace in your new normal without him. God bless you.

My family and I are thankful for your son’s Bravery, Courage, Determination and Service to fight for our country and for our freedom. Your son paid the ultimate sacrifice and we are truly indebt to him. We thank all in our armed forces for the sacrifices made for us. All gave some and some gave all. Your son will not be forgotten, I promise.

Semper Fi – I love my Marines and my Marine families.

Proud Parent of a USMC American Hero -
LCpl. Michael D. Scholl – KIA 11-14-06 – Al Anbar Province, Iraq
Thank you God for blessing us and sharing Michael with us - I know
Michael is in your loving care while we are temporarily away from him.

I WANTED TO PAY MY RESPECTS TO LcPL. ANDREW G. PATTEN. I AM A FRIEND OF LcPL. SCOTT T. MODEEN.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.

REST IN PEACE

I am Deeply saddened to learn of the loss of this fine young Marine, Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Patten, one year ago today.
The price this young hero and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May Andrew rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Peace of the Lord continue to be with the Patten family.
There will never be enough ways to humbly thank these heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA~Vietnam, 1967.

Treasure this Young Hero Lord, In Your garden of rest,
For while here on this earth, he was one of our Best.

May the Peace of God and the memories of Andrew,
remain in your heart always and give you comfort
and strength through the difficult days.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Thanks Andy!

I didn't know you, you didn't have a chance at life, but you are in better hands now !

In time, there will come a day when the tears of sorrow will softly flow into sighs of remembrance. Your heart will begin to heal itself.



Grieving will be interrupted by episodes of joy; and you will hear the whisper of hope.



There will come a day when you will welcome the pangs of remembrance as a sun shower of the soul; a turning of the tide; the promise of peace.



There will come a day when you will risk loving, go on believing,

and treasure the remembering.

--------------------

Andrew was a very good and brave man. There are not enough words to express what he has meant to those he served with. You have much to be proud of. We pray that our Savior – in whose presence he now rests – will comfort you and ease the pain of this loss.



Your son was a US Marine and part of our family, his loss affects us all.



Please know that we have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.



A Proud Mom of a US Marine

My twin sister and family knew Andy from Maywood in Rockford. I am in CT but mourn his loss here also. I am upholding the family in prayer and Andy will not be forgotten nor did he fight in vain. He fought a battle far beyond Iraq that the Lord will reward him for one day in paradise, where Andy is at this time. God bless you all.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. THERE JUST AREN'T ENOUGH WORDS HERE ON EARTH TO EASE YOUR SORROW I KNOW. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI



A MARINE MOM

Always in our hearts. Gold Star Mother

I heard a quote today that made me think of Andy and it goes something like this. I cannot be upset with God for taking young ones to heaven, those whom I would have let live on earth a while longer; for He is peopling eternity and we can not limit Him to the elderly.

i am very sorry for your loss. although words cannot make things any easier, know that many people truly appreciate and recognize your son's service as well as all the others that have been there and are going to be there. thanks to each and every soldier. we think of you every day.

Our hearts weep for our fallen brother and we wish to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family.



Lt. Dave Mueller and CFD Engine Co. 62

Today while I was at Arlington National Cemetery I stopped and prayed for Andrew and family. Andrew is truly a hero.

Tom

The world is a better place today for Andrew's being in it. During his brief stay with us, he provided more than many of us can ever attempt to do to make the world safer for many. Thank God and thank you for sharing him with us.

I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, I HAVE A SON AND FOUR GRANDSONS AND I CANNOT IMAGINE THE PAIN YOU ARE FEELING. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Thank you to Andy doesn't even begin to say how proud we are of him & the sacrifice he gave to this world. May God forever bless his giving & courageous spirit. To his family we do say Thank you for sharing your precious son with the entire world & the freedom we hold so dear. God Bless,

God has blessed our country through families such as yours. Although I cannot feel your pain, I do feel your heart. We are forever connected.

We didn't know Andy personally. We knew him only through his Uncle Boris. But as Army parents, we understand Andy, and those like him. They're proud, they're frightened and fearless at the same time, they're dedicated, and they are part of changing history. Few of us can say the same. Words cannot express our appreciation to Andy and to his family. Thank you so much for sharing your son with the world. He was part of something big. We salute him!

andrew was a great friend. i not only went thru boot camp with him but soi and fallujah,iraq. Me and andrew been thru everthing together and now this tradgedy. andrew was a brother to me and he gave his life in which all marines with honor do. and thats doing his job. i will miss him dearly good-bye my brother ill see u when i do.

I knew Andy since we were kids in grade school. He was a great person always great to be around he could really brighten your day up. He will be Truly missed, I feel honored to say I knew Him. May God bless him.

My heartfelt sympathy to the Patten family in the loss of Andrew. I did not know Andrew, but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a young man. 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.

I send each of you a hug from my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

Words are of little comfort at a time like this, I know first hand. My brother, LCpl. Scott Modeen, was a member of 2/7 Fox, and also lost his life in Fallujah on Dec. 1st. I have never met Andrew, but I am proud to know that my brother served alongside of him! Nothing can ease our pain, but I am proud of the fact that our Marines were doing such an important job over in Iraq. I am proud of Andrew for making a difference! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I think of the 10 fallen Marines many times a day. They will always be my hero's.



Proud sister of LCpl. Scott Modeen,

My son was one of the ten involved in the Dec 1 incident. His name is Lance cpl John Holmason. I struggle daily with the sadness of our losses. I am so proud of each one of the men. I don't ever want them forgotten. I am having a memorial made for all of them, but do not have Andrew's dressed blue picture. I feel it is important to include each one of the men. Please contact me, so that I can include his picture. It may be helpful for you, as well as for me to talk. My phone number is 248-330-3489. I miss my son so much. I think about each one of these men everyday. They were a family to my son. I thank them for that.

To Andrew's family and friends-

My family and I are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. We send our deepest empathy as we lost our Marine on 11/30/05 in Fallujah. We are comforted to know that our Marines are serving their country with such honor and bravery. We are so proud of our Marines and all of our other service men and women for all that they have done and continue to do to keep us safe and to give us the freedom we have that so many take for granted.

They are true Heroes and need to always be remembered for their selflessness and sacrifice to better our world. We will forever be united in the loss of our heros. We are so sorry for your loss and hope our words will ease some of the pain, and maybe fill some of your emptiness.

Yesterday, Today, Forever – Semper Fi - Marines!

Our sincerest gratitude for their bravery-

The family of Cpl. William "Billy" Taylor

2/6 WPNS

KIA outside of Fallujah 11/30/05

My fiance was with andy that day. I want you to know that my prays are with your family. Hang in there~

My heart goes out to your family in this time of sorrow for I too know that sorrow. My brother was with Lance Cpl Patten and the other 8 marines that lost their life that day. (Lance Cpl Craig N. Watson)

My prayers are with you and Lance Cpl Patten will always be a hero in my book!

Words are so inadequate. We know that nothing we can say will ease the pain or fill the void so we pray that you find peace in the knowledge that one day you will be with him again. Until then remember that he watches with love. We send our love and prayers.

Our Prayers and thoughts go out to you. Being a vet myself, americans take for granted all who have served but mostly those who have paid the ultimate price, their lives. Words can't comfort you in this time of pain and sorrow however never lose site of what he has done for freedom, for us, he truly is a HERO.

We care and share your sorrow.

To The Family of L/Cpl. Andrew G. Patten USMC. The McLemore Detachment #324 of The Marine Corps League, Houston, Texas wish to expess our sincere condolences to you on the loss of your Marine. He fought for what he believed in, Freedom, Peace and the love for his Family and Country. Semper Fidelis

Another Fallen Hero ---- I know what you are feeling and experiencing. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to your entire family. God Bless.



Andrew- I’m thankful for the Service, Courage, Bravery and Determinination to fight for our country, (our freedom) from you, my son and all the others in our armed forces. You all will not be forgotten. Thank you. May you rest in peace!



Yesterday, Today, Forever – Semper Fi - Marines!



Very Proud Marine Mom

(Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez – KIA 9-3-04 – Al Anbar Province, Iraq)

It is with deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers that I write this entry. My son-in-law Brian is a Navy Corpsman for Andrew's marine unit and is still in Iraq. My son-in-law and my daughter were very saddened by his loss as well as the other ten men we lost that day. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this very hard time. We are proud of the priceless contribution your son and his family made to America and to the freedom of Iraq. We solute you, we honor you, we will remember you. Made God bless you and your family during this very sad time. I am originally from Oregon, IL and hope that the community of Byron and surrounding areas honor your son as he deserves.

Sincerely,

Trudy Field Brusenbach

To the Family of Lance Corporal Andrew G. Patten:



THANK YOU FOR ANDREW on behalf of my family and millions of American AND Iraqi citizens & residents. His willingness to voluntarily serve in the U.S. Marines and work to provide safety & freedom to others at the risk of his own life speaks volumes of his character and heroism.



May God hold each and every member of his family in the Palm of HIS hand as you adjust to your loss. May the wonderful memories of his life sustain each and every one of you for the rest of your lives.



May GOD bless you all as Christmas approaches and we reflect on the birth of Christ and the giving of his life to those who accept His plan of salvation.



Respectfully & with God's Love

Dick Naylor, John 3:16

Lieutenant Colonel, Senior Aviator

U.S. Army (Retired), Vietnam Veteran

Our deepest sympathies, love, Jonathan & Kristen Gray

On behalf of my family, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Patten family. The loss of a young life is a very difficult thing. Know that Andrew served with Honor, Courage, Dignity, and Valor, and we as citizens of this great nation thank him for his service and thank you for your sacrifice. Only those who have also endured such a loss can understand the deep empty void that remains at their passing. Our deepest sympathy for your loss, the family of Fallen Hero LCpl Andrew Kilpela, on 06/10/2005.

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE PATTEN FAMILY. HE IS A TRUE HERO AND WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

Our deepest sympathy to the family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Andy will be missed. He is a true hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

there is silence - no words to describe.

may God be with you in these days.

Even though I never had the chance to get to know Andy, his courage and willingness to risk his life for what he believed in makes him a true hero. Thanks, Andy...and may you rest in peace.

There are no words that will take away your pain. We know what you are going through, we lost a Sgt. Adams 2/6 Wpns Co on 10/15/05. LCPL Patten joins him now in heaven and will be buried "side by side" in Arlington. We pray that God Bless and Comfort the souls of you and your family.



Godspeed LCPL Patten

i knew andy from high school. he is and forever will be a hero. Thank you and may he rest in peace

Dear Paten Family, I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of L/Cpl. Patten. My son, L/Cpl. Carl L. Raines, II was killed by a roadside bomb on Oct. 6, 2005 in the city of Qaim. I have finally come to grips with the anger and outright rage. I still feel the pain and I am so sorry your family must endure this suffering. I wish I could tell you it will get easier, but, I would be lying. I only pray that God will give you the strength to endure this heavy burden. May Andrew rest in peace! I was also in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam era and served in the 2nd Batallion, 7th Marines. I salute you my brother.

Dear Family,

Our son LnCpl. Robert Martinez, was with your loved one when this incident occurred. Are family sends our love and prayers. My wife had met your son through Robby, and just fell in love with him. We are proud of our boys and hope that God comforts you in this time of need. May Gods love comfort you and give you peace.

Jeremy and Kelly Hunt.

I am so sorry for you loss. As the father of another member of 2/7 in Iraq, please accept my condolences.

Although I didn't know Andy Patten, I went to a Bible quiz meet at Maywood Evangelical Free Church, and heard about the amazing life he lead, and I want to thank him for dying for his country and for his amazing faith in God. For that reason, I will never forget Andy Patten, and I hope to meet him someday in heaven.

Please accept my most sincere condolences, I also share in your pain and your sorrow. My nephew was one of the 14 from Ohio that went to our Lord in Aug.. My family and I will keep you in our prayers at Christmas and New Year. God Bless You And Your Marine.

TO THE FAMILY.. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ..MAY ANDREW REST IN PEACE WITH THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN.. AND MAY HE GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH TO GO ON...(SIS OF SSG KAROLASZ RIP 11/19)