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Brandon W. Smitherman Obituary

Capt. Tim Hudson remembered handpicking Brandon W. Smitherman to be his driver because he was such a squared-away young soldier. At least an hour before any mission, Smitherman would have the commander's vehicle in top shape and ready to go. "You need a smart, motivated and disciplined soldier to be the commander's driver," Hudson said. "He was absolutely the right guy for the job. He was completely on the ball." Smitherman, 21, of Conroe, Texas, was killed Oct. 31 when an explosive detonated near his vehicle in Mosul. He was a 2004 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Bliss. Everyone called Smitherman "Smitty." Sgt. Keith Sangster recalled the younger soldier as a "kid who never showed his frustrations." "He was always happy and smiling and always messing around with people," Sangster said. "He was also one of the most physically fit people in our company." In high school, Smitherman was a third-string defensive end and also served as a deep snapper. "He was a super kid who was very polite and worked hard," said football coach John Bolfing. Smitherman is survived by his mother, Teresa, and father, Harvey.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Nov. 2, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Brandon W. Smitherman

Not sure what to say?





Teresa Jarvis

October 31, 2023

16 years but it seems like yesterday :( I will miss you all the days of my life--until I am with you again.
Love ya bunches and miss ya bunches, my stickboy!

Ginger Fortner

November 1, 2017

Dear Brandon , when I met you I knew you were an extraordinary young man, and I was right. May you watch over your family , and keep them safe until you all meet again, I know they miss and love you dearly.

Teresa Jarvis

February 22, 2017

Happy 31st birthday, son!!

HOOTERS FOR BRANDON

TERESA JARVIS

February 22, 2017

BRANDON'S 30TH

TERESA JARVIS

February 22, 2017

Teresa Jarvis

October 31, 2016

It is so hard to believe that you have been gone for 9 years now--I still miss you more than ever, son. Please keep watch over us all that love and miss you!! you will NEVER be forgotten!! love ya bunches & miss ya bunches!!

our Memorial Day float!

Teresa Jarvis

May 25, 2013

Randy Harmon

May 24, 2013

It is Memorial Day Weekend Friday. Time to start the Salutes to those who served to preserve my freedom and gave up their life doing it. You are always my first thought on Memorial Day Holiday weekend. You have that right!

Harvey Smitherman

October 20, 2012

To everyone who has posted the wonderful things about my son, myself and my family thank you. I do read everything, but it is still hard for me to put things in writing.

Thank you very much

Roger Braziel

October 19, 2012

As I am sitting at my desk, enjoying the freedoms that we have, I just want to remember, I only have those freedoms because of Brandon, the Men and Women of our Military. May God bless those who have died for my freedom and those who are now serving.

Shelley Mann

October 18, 2012

Me and my son Christopher will always remember you, God Bless

May 25, 2012

On this Memorial Day, please know that you, Spc. Brandon Smitherman
will never be forgotten.
Jim & Charlene Payne, Conroe, Texas

Peggy Childers

October 31, 2011

To the family and friends of Spc. Brandon W. Smitherman:
Please accept my remembrance of Brandon on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Roger Braziel

October 31, 2010

To Harvey and family, I do not know haow you feel because I have never suffered the loss you have. But, you are in our prayers and I hope this bring comfort nowing Brandon will not be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

October 29, 2010

To the family and friends of Spc. Brandon W. Smitherman:
Remembering Brandon 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

SPC Malcolm Smitherman

December 23, 2009

I found this by accident but I am compelled to write something, anything to help lessen the loss I know all of you feel. To my brother in arms and brother by name Ill see you in Heaven. Thank you for your sacrifice

SPC DAVID LARIMER

November 11, 2009

I am so sorry for the loss or your son. I was there the day the happended and Today on veterans day I sit and remember your son and the 10 other fallen soldiers of the 4th Brigade. I will not forget the sacrifice your son made that terrible day. May he forever rest in peace for he will not be forgotten.

November 2, 2009

it has been two years now and I still miss you just as much as the day I found out you were gone. I know you are always with me, son. I will NEVER let your memory die!
I love ya bunches and miss ya bunches!! mom

Peggy Childers

October 6, 2009

To the family of Spc. Brandon W. Smitherman:
Brandon 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

Todd Drennan

September 24, 2009

Hey Big Bro, I miss you so much, I wish you were here, Mom misses you so much, YOur my hero and my role model, I look up to you so much, I want to be just like you, I went by your grave the other day, to see how you were and to tell you about everything, I found a girl that im in love with, you would be proud,lol, Well ill keep praying and talking to you, I love You Bro.

john jones

January 27, 2009

hey bro i miss you so much. im just sittin at school lookn at all your pics and articles about you. your my hero and always will be. so much has changed since you left. alot of people love you man including me. well i actually have to do some work. lol i love you bro and ill talk to you soon in my prayers

Kenna Larra

December 9, 2008

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Libby Fowler

December 3, 2008

To the family of Spc. Brandon W. Smitherman: Today I was at the Sadler Clinic and saw a vehicle with a rememberance message about your son. If I could have known where you were at the Clinic, I would have found you to let you know that you and Brandon have been in my prayers since I first signed this book. I will keep you all in my prayers and I hope you will keep my son, Sgt. Crockett Fowler Butler, in your prayers as he is now in Iraq. God Bless Brandon and God Bless America! Libby Fowler

Tribute to SPC Smitherman & CPT McGovern

November 4, 2008

Dodgeball Champs - 2 MTHS in a row, Mosul, Iraq

November 4, 2008

E CO 2-7 CAV HQ Platoon

November 4, 2008

SFC Blackman & SPC Smitherman, Mosul, Iraq

November 4, 2008

In Memory of Brandon ~ (Debra Estep)

November 1, 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 Brandon, 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

Peggy Childers

October 30, 2008

To the family of Spc. Brandon W. Smitherman:
Brandon 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

Brandon's ride in Iraq

October 29, 2008

Brandon with his pride & joy the last time he was home. 03/07

October 29, 2008

Teresa Jarvis

October 29, 2008

It has almost been a year since you were taken away from us, Bran. My heart continues to ache. It still seems like you are going to walk in the door or give me a call. I miss you so very much son. I am trying to be strong--I know in the next few days I will be 're-living' your death and wishing I could wake up from this terrible nightmare. My life will never be the same--you are constantly on my mind. I wish I could have had one more chance to tell you that I love you and that I am so very proud of you and gotten one more hug from you!!! I miss you so very much, Bran.

Todd Drennan

October 7, 2008

Hey, I miss you bro.Im taking good care of your truck.Yo are my Hero and my role model.You are the best bro anyone could ask for ever.Love your little bro

Harvey Smitherman

September 5, 2008

To my wonderful son,

I sit here reading all of these fine comments for you and about you. You were a great son and a great soldier, I only hope you can see how proud I am of you and how much I miss and love you.

Love
Dad

thomas trimble

August 29, 2008

i served with smitty in iraq i was injured and sent back to the states i never got to say goodbye to my friend and my brother so farwell my brother you will never be forgotten

July 5, 2008

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

July 5, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Smitherman!

SGT Jeffrey Foster

June 1, 2008

"Smitty" as we knew him was brave, intelligent and had a first class Texas style sense of humor. I am honored to have known and served along side him. I will never, ever forget him and who he was. May God bless his family and loved ones.

Jessica Brown

March 13, 2008

brandon smitherman was nothing less than 100 % of a man he was Genuine, always knew how to make me laugh, sweet, caring and just a true friend. thank you brandon for being so selfless and fighting for our freedom. im sorry we had lost contact with each other i wish i would have know earlier that you were in the army. my condolences go out to his family, no one deserves to loose anyone. love you brandon my prayers are with you and your family, i know your in a better place, you will be forever loved and forever missed rest in peace smitty. <3 <3

SFC Bertran Schultz

November 24, 2007

I would like to pass along my sympathies to your family. May God bless you all.

tina smitherman

November 17, 2007

my heart goes out to u teresa and harvey..im sadden to never got to know my nephew and to see he gave up his life for us..i love you brandon and never will forget what you did for us..love your aunt

L. J Emerson

November 15, 2007

To Brandon's Family -
We send you are deepest sympathy during this sad, heartbreaking time. The loss is immeasurable and there really doesn't seem to be adequate words to say, but know that you are thought of and in our prayers as you face each day. My son may have known Brandon, he too was in the 2-7 Cav Delta Company, 3rd platoon stationed in Mosul. He was killed Sept. 18 this year. Please know that our Lord has and will continue to carry you through these very difficult times. "May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you PEACE". L. J and Ginger Emerson - proud parents of a young son like yours, both of whom chose to protect what they loved most about this country...Freedom.

November 14, 2007

WE ARE SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE.
THE FAMILY OF
SGT. MATTHEW HATFIELD
82 AIRBORNE
AFGANISTAN

Lon Baird

November 14, 2007

To Teresa,Harvey&Adrian,
words can not express my sorrow at the loss of my friend Brandon.We have known him since he was a kid and we watch him grow up into a fine young man.I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain but like Brandon said people come into your life for a reason and were better off for it. I will miss my fishing buddy.
Love,Lonnie

Linda Shipman

November 12, 2007

To the family and friends of Spc. Brandon W. Smitherman, Please accept my deepest sympathies and prayers. My love and thoughts are with you. I only wish there was something that I could do to ease the pain of this great loss

Amy Traylor

November 12, 2007

I apologize for not remember this childhood friend. As an American my heart aches for the Smithermans. As the soon to be wife of a soldier who has just returned home from Iraq, my heart breaks knowing we've lost another brave soldier. There are no words or actions that can fill the gap that's been left in the lives of those close to him. I bow my head, shedding tears, hand over heart thinking of you.

Michelle Manuel

November 12, 2007

Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your hero. I didn't know Brandon personally, but I morn for his loss as a soldier fighting for our freedom. I come from a military family and I can't begin to imagine the loss you are feeling. But, I do feel the appreciaton of him being such a brave soul. May god hold him close for all eternity. He truly was and is a hero.

Tracy Werring

November 12, 2007

My prayers are with your family daily. Thank you Brandon for all you have sacrificed for our country. You are a guardian Angel over your family! Teresa and Harvey there is no pain in this world like the loss of your child. My heart goes out to you both. Adrien and Mernalyn we love you both so much. Brandon look up Daniel and have a great time! See you guys one day!!
Love,

Barbara Homrighaus

November 11, 2007

I feel so sorry for you all at your loss of Brandon. I did not know him, but am part of a group that honors fallen soldiers and have read all about him and had the honor of being at his graveside services. The ceremony was so sad and so beautiful. It was worthy of the kind of hero that Brandon was. I lost my son, too, in battle. Zack always wanted to be a soldier and serve his country. He did not get to, though, because he was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 17. Both our sons fought a battle against an evil force, Brandon, the forces of terror; Zack, the evil of cancer, and both lost their battle at the age of 20. Please know that these evils will be defeated, neither of our sons died in vain. I know you will think of Brandon every day for the rest of your life, and now it must seem that the pain will always remain. It does get better over time, though thoughts of Brandon and the memories he left behind will never dim, the pain will. Remember that Brandon is in God's arms and that you will see him again. God Bless you all and may you feel God's presence and comfort in your hearts.

Trish Jones

November 11, 2007

Please accept my prayers and deepest sympathies on the loss of your son, friend, loved one. There is nothing to say to take away the pain. Thank you to him and all the soldiers serving our country.

Teresa Smitherman

November 11, 2007

To my hero!!
Bran,
As I sit here and read all the wonderful things all these different people are saying about you, I really realize that you became a great young man!! You will always be with me in my heart and in my memories--it is not fair that you were taken so early in life!! I do know that you were my hero long before your death and you will always be my hero!
Brandon, I miss ya bunches and love you bunches!!!
You will NEVER be forgotten, son! I will love you forever and I know I will be with you one day!!!
Love always,
mom

me & my hero 9/16/06

November 11, 2007

November 11, 2007

To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

Andrea Pasciak

November 11, 2007

Brandon My love, Thank you for everything you have done for me and for our country. You will always have a special place in my heart. I love you forever and ever babe.

Libby Fowler

November 10, 2007

To the family and friends of Spc. Brandon W. Smitherman: Please accept my heartfelt sympathy upon the loss of your son. Words cannot express the sorrow in my heart. Please know that I will include you and yours in my thoughts and prayers now and for the coming days. Please include my son, Spc.Crockett Fowler Butler, in your prayers as he awaits deployment form Ft. Sill, Ok. GOD BLESS BRANDON W. SMITHERMAN AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Guillermo Villarreal

November 10, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Rosemary McConologue

November 10, 2007

I am the mother of the soldier that escorted Brandon's body from Philadelphia, and stood guard at his casket. He told me that Brandon had the beautiful funeral that your hero deserved. I will pray for him and for you. Deepest Sympathy

Pat and Bob Pasciak

November 9, 2007

Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your son Brandon. Our granddaughter Andrea spoke about him constantly and we had been looking forward to meeting him. He will be greatly missed.

aubrey paiz

November 9, 2007

thank you for all you did for our country .

you are truly blessed

love aubrey jaden and alexis paiz

Matt Ottwell

November 9, 2007

I didn’t know Brandon and never had the privilege of meeting him, but If he was anything like his father nothing else has to be said. My prayers and thoughts are with you Harvey.

Ottwell Family

Marilyn Rasmussen

November 9, 2007

God bless Brandon and his family. It is because of those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice that we are able to be free Americans. Brandon is an American HERO. He is a Texas boy who showed our Texas spirit by demonstrating bravery, honor, and valor is his willingness to serve his country. May he rest in peace in the loving arms of our Savior.

To his family, I hope that you will find peace and comfort knowing that you will see your brave boy again. Thank you for being an Army family who has made the ultimate sacrifice. Peace be with you.

M. Rasmussen
Proud mother of two US Army soldiers. Sua Sponte

November 9, 2007

THANK YOU, BRANDON. WE SHALL CARRY ON IN YOUR HONOR AND MEMORY

AC REECE USMC
KAREN H REECE
DENNIS LeVASSEUR USN
TOY, AUBREE', DYSON, RANEE' LeVASSEUR

Brenda Beckwith

November 9, 2007

We will miss you Brandon. You are a true hero. Thank you for giving your life for me and my family. The
ultimate sacrafice.
All my love and prayers to Teresa and Adrien.
Brenda Beckwith

Amber Ely

November 9, 2007

I had several classes with Brandon...He was always joking around with me. He could always put a smile on my face. I will really miss him! Rest in Peace Brandon. Thank you for fighting for our freedom!

Tom Gugliuzza

November 9, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy to the Smitherman family in the loss of Brandon. I did not know Brandon, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Brandon you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

Harvey and Brandon trying to ride a jetski

November 9, 2007

Brandon having some fun

November 9, 2007

Brandon 10 years old, Adrien 9

November 9, 2007

Adam Bradshaw

November 8, 2007

I did not know Brandon, but if he was anything like you Harvey as I am sure he was, he was a great and brave man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Bradshaw Family

Sheriff J. Keith Gary Grayson County Sheriff

November 8, 2007

The Grayson County Sheriff's Office has been deeply saddened by the loss of Criminal Investigator Harvey Smitherman's son. Army Specialist Brandon Smitherman lost his life when a military vehicle he was riding in was destroyed by a roadside bomb in Iraq.
We share in the loss of such a fine young man but we also share in the pride Brandon's family had in his service to his country.

Kameron Sutton

November 8, 2007

I graduated with Brandon and can't believe that he is gone. You were such a wonderful person.Brandon you will be truly missed by so many people. May God bless you and your family. Thank you for fighting for our freedom.

chelsea baird

November 8, 2007

Me and my family love Brandon so much and we wish the family the best.

Teresa Harrison

November 8, 2007

Dear Harvey and Theresa & Family

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your entire family during this time of grief. Brandon was a gift from God on loan to you. He is now with the Father in Heaven and you will one day meet again.

May God Bless and keep you all.

Love,
Teresa Harrison

Karen Freeman

November 8, 2007

Because of heroes like Spc Smitherman who are willing to lay down their lives, we can lay down our heads a night, knowing we are safe. Thank you for your dedication, your sacrifice. You stand amongst the greatest of America's heroes, her military. God Bless your family, your friends, your Country.

Kristie Green

November 7, 2007

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I too lost my brother who was killed in the line of duty as a police officer. I went to Armstrong Elementary with Brandon and his sister. Then all through high school. It was always obvious what a great person he was and I know that he was a fine soldier. God has a really great angel now.
Rest in Peace Brandon.....
God Bless the family

Melissa Huante

November 7, 2007

Thank God for brave young men like Brandon. Because of his service, love for his country and ultimate sacrfice, we can live a life of freedom. I pray Brandon's family find comfort in "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends". He is truly a hero.

This was the last time I saw you and I will never forget that moment!

Terri Ideker

November 7, 2007

I love you and your family so much and I am so sorry you are gone. Thank you for being there for us all. You are a true hero. You will always be remembered.

I will never forget you Brandon! Love, Terri

November 7, 2007

Roger Braziel

November 7, 2007

We did not know Brandon, but we know his Dad, Harvey. We at Grayson County Sheriff's Office mourn with you and pray for you.

God bless you
Isa. 41.10
Lt. Roger Braziel

Michelle Palmateer

November 7, 2007

I want to extend my thanks, prayers, and sympathy to the family of this fine soldier. God Bless you!

Keith watson

November 6, 2007

Brandon,
Your mom and sister are so very proud of you and your level of dedication and devotion to this great nation. I will escort you home tomorrow on your final journey and am honored to do so my brother. Having served in the U.S. services for 18 years now and performing duty all across the world during 3 combat engagements (most recently Balad Air Base Iraq) I understand the situation you faced. It takes guts and courage to do what you did over there. Rest well my brother by knowing that I will watch over your girls and to help in any way. I will see you tomorrow son. Your brother in arms Technical Sergeant Keith Watson, USAF.

Former Secretary of State Rumsfeld and Brandon

November 6, 2007

Brandon and actor, Gary Sinise (Lt. Dan)

November 6, 2007

Anthony Richardson

November 6, 2007

To the family .
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son, our Hero , he put his life on the line for me and you to have fredom and my sincerest gratitude for his service. keep you hand in Gods hand.

Kei Torres

November 6, 2007

I'm so very sorry for your loss. It is a loss that is felt by so many. Like others that have signed this guest book for your hero, we have also been where you are. We lost our son Jason, 8-4-07 on a peaceful mission to distribute food. Each time I read that we've lost another wonderful son or daughter, husband or wife, it's like losing our son all over again. We pray for you to find peace of heart and mind. The healing is a long journey. There is no timeline or recipe that applies in this case. I pray that your memories, photos,families, and friends will bring you comfort. Reach out to his Amry bouddies. They have a special bond and have lost a brother. Their stories and memories will comfort you when you see how much Brandon was loved. I know that the pain is unbearable. I pray that you are able to make each day a little more bearable than the day before. I send you love, and peace. And I want to say thank you, Brandon for your service and dedication to be where others will not go.

In honor of
Cpl Jason K LaFleur
Born 1-28-79 Houston,TX
KIA Hawr Rajab by IED
8-04-07

Kei Torres
Everett,WA

Art Valles

November 6, 2007

May the graces of our Dear Lord be with the Parents of this brave Soldier.

MSG Art Valles
HQDA, Casualty Case Manager

Mitchell Brown

November 6, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the family

SFC Mitchell Brown II
US Army
Infantry

Conroe, TX

7th grade Louisburg Middle School

November 5, 2007

We care and share your sorrow and pride.

Sarah Foose

November 4, 2007

I want to express my sypathy to Brandons family. My brother(Jon) Sister(Kyrsten) and myself went to school with him and he was an amazing person and a great friend.If you all need anything we are here.

Stephen Montgomery

November 4, 2007

Thank you for your service and sacrifice to your country and your fellow citizens. To your family and friends, while I cannot know the depth of your pain at the loss of Spc. Smitherman, know that my prayers are for you at this time. The sacrifice you have made cannot be repaid nor mere words compensate the loss of your loved one.

Renee Owens

November 4, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Hero, and my sincerest gratitude for his service. The great state of Texas mourns for the loss of another of its sons. May God grant you peace and strength.

The Land of the Free, Because of the Brave

Aunt of a Hero
PFC Chase Edwards, USMC
KIA 06Apr2006

debbi rivers

November 4, 2007

To the family and parents of Brandon, I want you to know that you are not alone in the grief you are feeling. I too know what you are going through and what you will go through in the coming weeks and months ahead. You will have many question as to why? You will have many things to get ready or go through and that should be done in time. Sometimes it just can’t be faced and that’s ok, for you will know when the time is right for you. There are no right or wrong ways to grieve, it’s an individual journey that unfortunately we now have to take. I ask that God give the comfort, strength and courage that you are going to need. When and if the time is right for you please contact me. You can cry, vent, or just talk as only another person who has been where you are can really know what you are going through. May God continue to be with you and heal you.

In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne 2-505th PIR

Chaplain Dan Gates, Georgia Society SAR

November 3, 2007

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

Gale Poindexter

November 3, 2007

I am writing to offer my condolences to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Spc Brandon W Smitherman. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.

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

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

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

Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)

November 3, 2007

Rest in eternal peace.

Sandy Bonesteel

November 3, 2007

As the mother of a son who is deployed, and as a resident of El Paso; I want to send my condolences. Please know that there are so many, many people who grieve with you.

November 2, 2007

Thank you...... because there are men like you my son will know freedom and honor.

Valorie

November 2, 2007

My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and they were protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/0

SHIRLEY DONEY

November 2, 2007

REST IN PEACE SPC. SMITHERMAN, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFU MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU
A SOLDIERS ANGEL

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