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Master Sgt. James F. Hayes
Master Sgt. James F. Hayes
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James F. Hayes Obituary
Sergeant First Class James F. Hayes, A Battery, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team died on November 6th near Taji, Iraq, from injuries sustained when his HMMWV struck an improvised explosive device while on patrol. Hayes, 48, was a cannon crewmember (13B). He entered the Army in November 1984, and arrived at Fort Campbell March 2003. He first served at Fort Campbell from 1995 to 1998. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and three daughters, 21, 12 and 10, of Clarksville, Tenn.; a daughter, 28, in Barstow, Calif.; and a son, 26, of Louisville, Ky. His awards and decorations include the Air Assault Badge, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, South West Asia Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, numerous Army Achievement Medals, numerous Army Commendation Medals, numerous Good Conduct Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star. A memorial service for Hayes will be held in Iraq. Fort Campbell holds a monthly Eagle Remembrance Ceremony the second Wednesday of each month. Said the Hayes family, "James honorably served his country for 22 years. He served one tour in Desert Storm and was on his second tour in Iraqi Freedom, where he was killed fighting for what he believed in. In doing so, he paid the ultimate price for his family, friends and soldiers."
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January 22, 2019
hey Uncle Fred,
It is January 22, 2019 and i was listening to music and this song came on and it deeply saddens me that you won't be here to see me marry the love of my life. i know you would be so happy and proud of me for how far i have come in life. It still breaks my heart to know that you aren't here. I love you and i miss you more than anything. YOu are my hero!
Love Re
Marissa Duarte
November 18, 2017
hey Uncle Fred,
It has been a while.... i may have not posted in a long while but that doesnt mean i have forgotten you. that will never be a possibility. i still miss u everyday. i hope you're still up there looking down on me. you would be proud. i know you would. i am now 22 years old. i still can't believe its been 12 years.... i still remember all our memories as if it was yesterday. i love you soooo very much. i am now in a very serious relationship. i miss you everyday. and the tattoo i have for you is a reminder of how proud i am to have had you as my uncle!! i love you Uncle. You are my hero!!
richie lane
August 6, 2017
smoke hayes....
back in 04 i was a pvt in his wolfpack
then i was sent to the bravo bulls month or two later....
ill never forget my last day of AA school i was almost done with the road march when smoke hayes ran to little bird just to give me and spc ryball an air assault coin... i wasnt even in his platoon anymore and he ran 6 miles to bring us that
We had some good times didn't we
Peggie Writtenhouse
May 31, 2017
I always come back here! I love you lil' brother. Miss you all the time! You would be so proud of your family! Grandpa!
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Mike Hayes
May 26, 2017
Thinking of my cousin James on this " Memorial Day Weekend" Thank you Sir for your Service !
Susan Coulson
November 6, 2015
John and I were telling stories about you last night, Ray and Brenda are here. I can't believe you've been away from us 10 years. Miss you every day. Love, your big sis..xoxo
Johnathan O'Neil
November 6, 2015
Smoke, I was looking at the picture I took of you surrounded by kids in that makeshift soccer field. I am so appreciative of the talks, all the help and of the mentorship. I think about you pretty often and still have the enail that (then) MAJ Mason sent me telling me the horrible news. It hurts my heart to this day because with all the bad things going on every day, the last thing we need is to be without someone like you. Keep watching us, keep helping us through. Know that if we forgot to say thank you-we meant it. Know that you will never, ever be forgotten.
-Wolfpack 5-
Thomas Hines
November 6, 2015
This man was not only a Hero, but a coach, mentor, friend and a teacher. Smoke is always in my thoughts during this time of the year. I always reflect back to where I was and what we all lost. James Hayes was a great man! There were so many tears shed when God requested the presence of this hero. I can only imagine that he had one more mission for Smoke... to be one of his Guardian Angels! Smoke gave so much of himself on a daily basis and his family, friends and Soldiers was his life! R.I.P my Brother...you are NEVER FORGOTTEN!
kyle gallegos
November 5, 2015
This is for my sissy Cyndi. I loves u lots. I know u miss him
Marissa Duarte
November 5, 2015
Hey uncle Fred it's rere!! I've been thinking about u a lot lately and it still breaks my heart that ur not here. I love you so much!! A big piece of my heart is gone and will never be fixed. I love you and miss u!! U still make me proud!!
Peggie
June 15, 2015
Still miss you every day! You probably already know but your going to be a grandpa again! Yep Kali Mae is gonna be a mommie <3 Thinking about you
June 14, 2015
Hayes, my brother in "arms", you were on my mind, thinking about our younger years as Artillery-men in Germany...Rest in peace my brother, you are in a better place. Jw
May 25, 2015
FRED Thank you again for the freedom that I and my wife and 3 girls enjoy every day! Today I will remind them of the sacrifice of one of their own family.You gave your all for this country and there are still some that will never forget you and what you gave to us.Semper Fi. You will never be forgotten! Michael C HAYES
cheyenne brown
October 29, 2014
Thank you for all you did for our country. Forever you will be missed but never will you be forgotten. We all love and miss you.
August 27, 2014
Smoke is not a days goes by that I don't think about you. I always miss you.
SSG Bello
win walker
May 26, 2014
Smoke, thinking of you, the times at Campbell, Knox, and Korea... You kept it real brother
Janniie Bibb
May 21, 2014
Smoke, I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but you were my son Bo's best buddy - I am sure that the two of you are having a blast in Heaven now that he has joined you. You were his hero. Thank you for being the man he needed when he needed you.
Another grandbaby Sophia from Jamie So sweet!!!
May 17, 2014
Shane Best
May 12, 2014
We have not forgot you smoke I still tell my soldiers stories about your passion for soldiers and love for our country. I make them beat there chest when a Helicopter is coming in for a Air Assault
January 24, 2014
Hey Fred just thinking about you. Always around our b-days I miss sharing it! I always come back here... this is what it is til' I see ya in heaven!
Love you Lil' brother <3
November 9, 2013
I met Fred through Kathy, his wife. I worked with Kathy at Sears is E'town, KY. It was my pleasure to have known this family. God bless you all. Becky Sidebottom
May 31, 2013
Smoke you were a man among men. You showed compassion for your men and challenged them to be the best the could be. God Bless your family. It was an honor to serve alongside you
May 30, 2013
Thanks for your many years of service. I feel sad that you had to give the ultimate sacrifice.
Rere
November 8, 2012
Still miss you uncle. I can't believe its been 7 years. I still wish you were here. you will always be in my heart
Eddie and Susan Reeves
November 5, 2012
Jim was one hell of a soldier, a great man and a wonderful neighbor. We are honored to have known him during our time at Fort Knox. He was blessed with a great family and he knew it. He is greatly missed.
Brittany Moore
November 5, 2012
My Hero, My Uncle. You are missed. We love you!
November 5, 2012
I have truly loved reading all of ya'lls story's of my brother, it has made it so much easier. We pray God continues watching over you and your families!Peggie
Robert Pratt
August 1, 2012
Hey Smoke man, I miss ya brother. I never did get to tell you good bye before you left. Penny and I think of you always. I would have loved to had you as my 1SG, I know that was the plan we were talking about. I miss ya brother. Rob
Jeff Rarey
July 5, 2012
I knew him for too little. I wish that I had had a chance to know him better. He came to our unit while we were already in Mosul, but one could see and feel instantly that he was a great leader. I'm very sorry for the loss of this great man!
Stuart Moncrieffe
June 24, 2012
Was a great friend and mentor. Miss you smoke man.
June 22, 2012
Was a great Gunny & NCO
Corey brown
June 21, 2012
smoke u will never be forgotten.. the day the call came in my heart dropped but the memory remains of all the times in the field we would bs about anything and everything and the things u had taught me about the guns has helped even to this day. never forgotten always remembered
Cameron Jones
June 21, 2012
Greatest NCO Ever
Richard McMurray
June 14, 2012
Smoke, you will never be forgotten.
Jeremy Hagy
June 9, 2012
What can I say. To give everyone an idea of the experience and character of this man. One day during a reflexive fire range the straps on my body armor broke. I could not pivot without my back erupting in pain the wait was sending the muscles around my spine into a very memorable pain. He noticed this came over and held the rear plates of my armor through the entire range. As I moved and shot he was behind me keeping the rear plate in place. It was hot and miserable and he did not hear me ask for help. I did not ask he knew what was wrong how to help and he suffered along with me just to help a young soldier out. Thanks Smoke, I will never forget you.
Ryan Redden
June 9, 2012
To the best that ever did it
Ronald Adolphe
June 8, 2012
Smoke man I still remember the first day I came to the platoon and the talk we had in your office. God was I scared. But once we got out to formation you made me feel like part of the team. As time went by I grew to respect you. You were like a father to all of us. No matter what we did or how we messed up you had our back. The day we lost you can never be erased from my mind. I still see the images. I will never forget you. Thank you for being the man and the NCO that you were.
Jason Black
June 8, 2012
Dear Smoke,
You were like a second father to me, I miss your mentorship, leadership, and guidance everyday. I remember everything you have taught me and I'm doing my best to make sure your army legacy lives on. Miss you to the point where words cannot do it justice. I'm leaning forward in the foxhole and I'm staying Moti-freakin-vated. Love and miss you smoke!
Rere
March 29, 2012
Dear Uncle Fred,
What to say I am missing you like crazy. My neighbor has a uncle in the marines and her talking about him makes me miss you like crazy. Why did this have to happen to you? I am soo glad that your in Heaven with Jesus. Will you do me a favor and tell my friend Delaney that I miss her and I can't wait until we are all together again. Love Rere
Rere
November 8, 2011
Dear Uncle Fred,
It's another year that you have been gone. Guess what? I'm writing a book to remember you by. I'm even going to try to get it published. It's going to be hard but it's for you and that's all that matters. I miss you everyday. I love you 2. Wish you were still here.
Peggy Childers
November 6, 2011
To the family and friends of Master Sgt. James F. Hayes:
Please accept my remembrance of James on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Darrell Arnold
August 30, 2011
I remember Fred as CPL Hayes from the days in Germany back in 1986-88. He was smarter than the rest of us. We called him Pops. He was also one of the most dedicated soldiers I meet. He is missed by all of us. God Bless him and his Family.
Rere
February 14, 2011
Hey Uncle Fred, I wrote this for you! I love you! I hope you love this.
You’ll Always be in my Heart
By: Marissa Duarte
Like the narrator in “Ambush,” there was an incident in my life that had a major impact on me.
Five years ago, I found out that my Uncle Fred was killed in Iraq. I was told that he was killed by an IED. I couldn’t ponder the fact that my uncle was blown up by a bomb.
One day, I came to grips with reality. I learned that you never actually know when your going to live your last days. So you might as well live it to the fullest.
As the days went on, it became more complicated to live with the fact that my uncle was gone forever. But I know in my heart that he is in a better place.
Overall I felt, that my uncle’s death made me realize how precious life really is. This has taught me that if you love people and treat them right then people will love you and treat you with respect. Til this day I still find myself thinking of him.
I love you Uncke Fred and I miss you so much! Wish you were still here!
Lorraine Juergens
January 6, 2011
kathy im sorry i did not write sooner iloved fred like a brother, i think of him often.. he taught me how to drive a 4 speed he lauhed every time i stalled his car..he was my best friend in high school we worked at lon horn together in barstow kathy you were lucky to have him he will always be a part of my (memories) i wish we kept in touch love to you all Lorraine (O"Donnell) juergens
Susan Coulson
November 8, 2010
Miss you everyday...remember you in every Soldier and Marine that I meet...Love, Sis
Peggy Childers
November 6, 2010
To the family and friends of Master Sgt. James F. Hayes:
Remembering James 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
Rere
September 16, 2010
Dear Uncle Fred,
I was finding myself missing you. I've been watching your video and it still really makes me sad and i always cry. It's been real tough but it is always going to be tough. I just want to say i love you and miss you soooo much
love,
Rere
Peggie
May 28, 2010
Hey Fred~ I find myself being pulled back again to your Guest Book! I just wanted to tell ya I still miss you everyday. Tob, Rere and I are going to see Kath and the girls this memorial weekend...as Rere said wish you were gonna be there! Hope to see Q and Forbis while we are there! You would be so proud of your family...the girls are growing up so fast and are so beautiful! Kathy has filled her days with Shaniya OMG you would just love her, she is so you Fred! What a sweety pie. I think she has made things for Kath a little easier. Ash and Ant are doing good too! Hear from Cyndi every now and then, Kiara must be so big now. Well just wanted to say hello! I love you lil' brother.
Rere
May 28, 2010
Dear Uncle Fred,
Guess what??? I'm going to see Jamie, Kali, and Aunt Kathy tomorrow. The only sad thing is you won't be there and we can't see you. I wish you were there. Well I got to go. LOVE YOU UNCLE FRED!!!!
Rere
May 27, 2010
I love you Uncle Fred!!!!!!!!11
Love you lil' brother!
Peggie
May 27, 2010
May 27, 2010
May 27, 2010
May 27, 2010
Rere
May 27, 2010
Dear Uncle Fred,
I really miss you Uncle Fred!!! I wish you were still here with us. I still look at the picture of you and me and listen to "American Solider" and "One More Day". And in that picture I'm sitting on your lap and we are looking at a photo album. I'm just glad you are with God. Someday we will see each other again. I hope you don't take it personal that I can't get out of the car when we go see you at the cemetery. I just hurts really bad that you are gone. I LOVE YOU UNCLE FRED!!!
Rhonda
April 10, 2010
I was honored to obtain the geocoin that pays tribute to Master Sgt. James Hayes' ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget.
barbara florez
February 25, 2010
I know that we had not talked for a long time, but we did have some good memories, you were a good freind and also the brother of my best freind, you both are awesome people, thank you for serving our country, and giving your life for it. I know that your family is truly proud of you and misses your more than ever. You have a beautiful family and i am sure that your love and memory will go on through them.
Roger Draper
February 18, 2010
Dear Fred,
Why did we lose touch of each other? I was trying to find you last month when I found out you died – it broke my heart. You will be missed. I was overwhelmed today when Peggy told me about your life – how wonderful – I am so proud of you. Last time I saw you, you only had Cindy… 5 children? Fantastic, you must be so proud!
A soldier? It blew me away, but I understand…
Say hi to your mom and dad for me, I miss them too.
I love you brother.
Roger
Terry Jackson
November 17, 2009
Hello James,
It's your old Section Chief from 6-41 FA in Germany. I want to thank you for being the great Soldier/American that you truly are. We had the best section (3rd Herd) in the battery and we won every section competition while I was there. You was the true professional and believe it or not but I looked up to you also. I left Germany in 1989 and you called me 16 years later before your deployment. When I answered the phone you said, "Guess who this is ?" Needless to say, I recognized your voice after the first word :-o. I still remember the conversation just like yesterday and you thank me for everything and I should have been thanking you. I love you and you will always be a part of my life and I will keep your family in my prayers. SGM Terry Jackson
Cyndi Hayes
November 6, 2009
I miss you everyday, Dad!!!
Susan Coulson
October 5, 2009
I was thinking about you today and missing you. Every time we send a box of coffee off I wish it was going to you. I miss you, Fred. XOXOX Susan
wood, floyd and myself
erik ruybal
September 10, 2009
Smoke.Barriero keeps bothering me still 2 this day. I am glad you assigned us the same trailer.I made a friend 4 life.It was kinda quiet after the day you were recruited into heavens army. No foul language or G-damit griffin.But tht didnt last long. I saw a lil of ya in all who were your soldiers.I wanna thank ya for giving me the opourtinity to get my wings in AA school with Floyd.You believed in this flagged (overweight) soldier.Told ya it was the Hard Fat^^. I think i will always be trapped mentally in that time.The best memories and worst memories of my life are there and im blessed to have served with you out there.8section out. SPC. Ruybal
July 16, 2009
I was thinking about MSG Hayes today because of the success that we had in Iraq and it was all because of heroes like him. He was truly the best NCO that I have ever had and he is dearly missed. We worked with each other in Germany in 6-41 FA.
Kenna Larra
May 19, 2009
”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
Daniels
November 6, 2008
Hey Smoke, well damn its been three years I can't believe it. I miss you everyday. Kathy I miss you much too your the strongest woman I have ever met. I love you all dearly.
Peggy Childers
November 6, 2008
To the family of Master Sgt. James F. Hayes:
James 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
In Memory of James ~ (Debra Estep)
November 6, 2008
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 James, 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
ME
May 24, 2008
To you and all who serve. . .God Bless You and Thank you for your sacrifice!
May 16, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Master Sgt Hayes!
MSG Gerald Wilson
March 19, 2008
Hey chief, I am fixing to retire and I still know I owe my career to you because of what you did for me in 6-41 way back in 1989. I remember when I was looking through the Army times and saw your picture. I froze. You were always so good to your soldiers and you were the leader I wanted to be. I never came close to being as awsome as you were, I don't think anyone has. I think you would be pleased with how I turned out. you taught me so much and I feel proud that I had the opportunity to serve with you. Dan Scheibner was killed by an IED in August of 2007. I know you two were close in 6-41 and he was devistated when he heard the news about you. I was proud we made the same E-8 list. I remember in 99 when I saw you in Knox, it was great and I enjoyed catching up on old times. I am going to miss you a lot. You are and will always be a hero to me.
20 Gun Salute
November 8, 2007
Gone but not Forgotten
November 8, 2007
His Nephew Chris & Family
November 8, 2007
His Driver Griffen
November 8, 2007
Smoke
November 8, 2007
Fred's Nephew Alex
November 8, 2007
Great Father
November 8, 2007
Nephew Davin & his wife Michelle
November 8, 2007
Susan coulson
November 7, 2007
I can't believe the 6th got away from me - but I am the oldest!! I keep your picture in my car, so I see you every day - I sure miss you. Love, Susan
November 6, 2007
Today was the day! I still miss you everyday! But we are ok because we will be together again "all us guys"! I LOVE YOU!
Peggie Writtenhouse
September 19, 2007
Gosh Fred I continue to be pulled back to your journal you would think I would write in my own buy nope I want to talk to you in yours! It is getting easier at times and then it hits like it just happened all over again. I sure hope your almost done fixing up our mansion, remember I would like one by you guys! I miss you little brother every moment of everyday. Most of your guys have gotten out to start new lives and have babies. You'de be proud! Kath and the kids are doing pretty good . The girls are so busy, being busy, Kathy is running everywhere and at times she is very lonely. But as you know, she is constently talking to you! Love you, miss, give Mom and Dad a hug from me! Later
Hey the Titans are looking hot this year. . . you got anything to do with that! hahaha
Fred's older brother Ross & Family Justin, Jonni, Teresa
September 19, 2007
Fred's two best friends!
September 19, 2007
Other older son Jeremy & family
September 19, 2007
Your Family
September 19, 2007
His nephews Davin, Alex, & Chris
September 19, 2007
His Daughter Cyndi and grandaughter Kiara
September 19, 2007
His older sister Susan & husband John
September 19, 2007
His brother in-law and friend Toby.
September 19, 2007
His Nephew (James) Chris & family
September 19, 2007
Laurie & His younger sister Peggie
September 19, 2007
His Nephew Davin & Family
September 19, 2007
His daughter Ashley
September 19, 2007
Jamie /Kathy / Kali
September 19, 2007
His nieces and nephew
September 19, 2007
His cool Dog Mystery
September 19, 2007
His Beautiful Wife and best friend
September 19, 2007
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