Laurent J. West Obituary

https://twitter.com/priceofthe/status/1237793440441815046?s=21

Hey ssg west it's still like yesterday even though today is 10 years. Don't feel like it. Your spirit lives on! I know all the people u impacted you left apart of u in them. My prayers and thought lay within that moment on that day. A life lived is a life never forgotten. Never forgotten.

Dear laurent I didn't know you much even though you were my uncle I remember the last time I had met you and my only true memories I had of you. Me and poppy (Larry) were making one of our favorite breakfast rituals of grits and pancakes with a face or design as usually at about 5:00 in the morning or maybe earlier when we had heard a knock on the door I was surprised because even at that young age I knew nobody knocked that early around this neighborhood but when I saw the look in poppys eyes and the hug he gave you I knew that you meant something to him but the part that stunned me was the embrace and openness you showed me without ever meeting you before not knowing you were my unless until minutes later that was a moment to keep close to heart you didn't know it but that part of my life was something out of a horror book the thing that stunned me is all weekend we did some of the most fun things I've done in a long time from rock climbing to inner tubing and even though you might not know it poppy in my mind is and was my father growing up and now even if we aren't blood related you and poppy in my life is something special and I think all the time what could have been if we spent more time together and you hadn't of shipped out I want to replay that week over and over after you left I also remember the night you died people say God doesn't talk to people well that night poppy had the exact dream of what happened good or bad I believe God prepared poppy for that moment and you were trying to let him know we're you were going to a better place I love you so much I forevery Rember you

I served with SSG West in 3rd ACR back in 2000, he was my wing man during his second Bosnia Deployment. He is a good man and will be missed.

In memory & honor of SSG Laurent West. We will always be grateful to him for his service & sacrifice for our country.

I was affected by Laurent's passing. If you would ever like to talk my number is 603.496.1845 . I am in the condolence video.

Remembered and respected.

Remembering Laurent~Salute to my friend.

March 11, 2012
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Laurent J. West:
Always remembering Laurent. "Some gave all."

My wonderful son You Alway made be think.... how I miss you, and your beautiful thoughts... you were the heart of your father... how the world has channed since you have gone Our world is not the same with out you....I miss you,but you are always in my heart......Your friend in life and the their- after Love you Carol

To the family of Staff Sgt. Laurent J. West:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.

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

Thanking you today, as everyday for what you gave to this Country; and for what you mean to me as a special young man. Your life on earth was short, but your accomplishments and impact on others was infinite.

Two years, nine months and 24 days later, the hole in my heart is still there. I love you then, now and always!
Michelle AKA Your Proud Wife

Rest In Peace Hero, a Grateful Nation Salutes You.
A Thankful Vietnam Vet
Welcome Home

Rest In Peace Hero, a Grateful Nation Salutes you.
A Thankful Vietnam Vet
Welcome Home

The untold want by life and land ne'er granted,
Now, voyager, sail thou forth to seek and find.

Every day I remember my nephew and I will never forget him. I am sorry for that was happened and that I met him too rare. He will have a place in my heart forever.

Uncle Heiner, Bayreuth Germany

You were the best. NCOs all tried to be like you. Wish you were with us.

With much love and sincerety, you are always remembered!

I wish I'd known you, Laurent. You left behind a wonderful wife who will keep your memory alive forever. Thank you for being a wonderful man and soldier and for protecting us, your country, so selflessly.

My Dearest Laurent,
This will be the third Memorial Day that you will be one of the Fallen we will honor. As a family, we would always watch several of our favorite war movies to remind us of the true meaning of this day. Now I watch your memorial from Iraq. Hearing all the wonderful words your Brothers said about you helps ease the pain of loosing you. You loved being an American Soldier and that was due to the bond you shared with each of your Brothers. I love you so much and am so proud to be your wife! You are My Hero and will never be forgotten. Thank you for all you have done for me, the girls and the country we love.
Love,
Michelle J West
The Proud Wife Of American Hero
SSG Laurent J West (KIA 3-11-08)

March 11 2010.
Remembering and honoring the service of S/Sgt Laurent West - with the hope that his parents (and all who loved him during his lifetime) have the opportunity to share all those special memories of better days, and that their hearts have found some peace.
God bless you Laurent, your memory shines bright.

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Laurent J. West:
Remembering Laurent on the anniverary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Somehow seeing your name on the list of those who died fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, especially when you thought your name was unique or nearly so, makes the war much more personal. Just found this site, and had to add my condolences to the many others here.

We met and knew Laurent when he was a teenager - and he was a special young boy. I see he became an awesome man. I am humbled by his service to this country. Laurent - you have a special place in my heart. I pray for comfort and strength for SSG West's family.

Remembering Staff Sgt. Laurent J. West. Today especially, I hope that his parents and all who loved him are comforted by their special memories of this exceptional young man. Rest in Peace Staff Sgt. West, your service and sacrifice are remembered and your memory remains bright, even for those of us not privileged to know you in your lifetime..

To the family of Staff Sgt. Laurent J. West:
Laurent 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

Laurent,
Thinking and praying for you on the 1st anniversary of your passing into eternal glory. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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

I offer my deepest condolences for your loss

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

Michelle and Madison, I am so sorry for your loss. It was such a pleasure to meet you guys this weekend. With God's grace you will make it through this. Thank you for everything.
Love,
Tina Bushnell Bates
Sister of Fallen Soldier Sgt. William "Billy" Bushnell

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

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt West!

Dear family and friends of Staff Sgt West,
I would like to express my deepest condolences. Laurent and I were in Iraq together, im still there. He was becoming a really good buddy of mine. We were in the tower alot together. I am so shock by this. I really don't know what to say. Just know he did his job very well and loved all of his family. God bless you all. He is truely a hero.
Ps My wife has pictures that I took over here of him if you would like copies please send her your address. She would be more than happy to send them.
Respectfully E3 Jeffrey Hankins

May God be with you during these hard times. Please except my sincere condolences for the loss of this young man. He will never be forgotten as long as you keep his memories in your hearts.
May God Bless and Keep Yoy in His Arms
Linda Shissler
Sabinsville, PA
Hugs From Home member

WE REMEMBER THEM, OUR HEROES

At the rising of the sun and at its going down,
We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chilling Winter,
We remember them
At the opening of the bud and the rebirth of Spring,
We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and the warmth of Summer,
We remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and the beauty of Autumn,
We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends,
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us,
As we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
We think of them.
When we have decisions that are hard to make,
We think of them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs,
We think of them.
As long as we live, they shall live too, for they are part of us,
As we remember them.

Author Unknown

My heartfelt sympathy to the West family and friends in the loss of Laurent. I did not know Laurent, 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. Laurent you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. I live close to ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY and I visit there frequently. Each time I am at ANC I will visit/honor Laurent.
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~

Hold on to your wonderful memories. Have faith and remember that God is with you and he will help you through this difficult time. We will keep you all in our prayers.

Michelle, Maddie and Nistasha,
We love you and are thinking of you-Laurent is our hero, stay strong for each other.
Love,
Jeff and Jane

We extend our prayer to you and your family at this time. We are grateful that your love one thought enough of us, to serve and protect us. Doing so, the ultimate price was paid. And for this, we say, "THANK YOU, WARRIOR. We will forever be grateful. We may not remember all the names one by one, but we will remember the warriors. All that paid the price, that we, could be free.

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Laurent was my 2nd cousin. I am Pat West's (Larry's brother) granddaughter, Patty (West) Osmer's oldest daughter.
We are proud that he showed bravery and fought for our feedom. Blessings to you and the kids.

Sandra and I heard about Laurent from our daughter, Deirdre, today just at the time of the funeral. It hurts us to lose the little boy we held in our arms and played with in Mannheim and the fine young man, so reminiscent of his great dad, that he became.

Though it is small consolation now, God takes the really good ones to be with Him early. Laurent will forever be in his prime; he will never know the pain of old age or the loss of his loved ones. And, he will always be there to watch over you and all of us in the country he loves.

All of the two generations of Wests that we know of are in our thoughts and prayers, now and always.

Sandra and Philip E. Brou, Jr.

To the West family i just wanted you to know that not only was larry a great NCO he was also a great freind. I am greatly sorry for your loss I will keep you in my prayers.
SCOUTS OUT
SSG Brogdon

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

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

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

Michelle,
Keep the faith.
SFC Johnson

Und immer sind irgendwo Spuren seines Lebens, Gedanken, Bilder, Augenblicke und Gefühle.
Sie werden uns immer an ihn erinnern und uns ihn nie vergessen lassen.
Wir haben Laurent West im jugendlichen Alter kennengelernt, als er mit seiner Mutter Ilona West-Bauer und seinem Stiefvater Gerhard Bauer bei uns weilte.
Unsere tiefempfundenen Gefühle und aufrichtige Anteilnahme zum Verlust von Laurent gehört seinen Angehörigen.
Hans-Peter und Maritta Zander und Angehörige
Oppurg,25.03.2008

Larry and family
Please know our love and prayers are with you daily. I know God will give each of you the strength to get through this difficult time. We love you and are all very proud of Laurent and know we all will be together again in Heaven.

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. If you and the girls need anything, know that we are here for you.

Michelle & Family,
We are sadden of your great loss. Chris and I both want you to know that our hearts go out to you and we know how much Laurent will be missed. He is our HERO. No matter what you need, please know that we will always be here for you.
With all our love,

You have my deepest sympathy. I am Laurents cousin Ian. His mother and my mother are sisters. I hope you cna remain strong through all this. My prayers are with you.

Dear Ilona and Gerhard,
we were so sorry to hear of your loss.
No band is as great as that between a mother and her son and there is no reason, that can justify a mother her son's death.
But we hope, that you will get over your loss by remembering the wonderful times you have spent together.
Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Michelle, Nistasha, Madison,
It was great seeing you yesterday, our prayers will be with you and the rest of Laurent's family during the upcoming week. Laurent, and men like him, are our nations true heros! We love you,
Tim, Cristi, Erin and Drew

Dear Sir or Ma'am,
I send my deepest condolences to SSG Wests family. I am currently stationed at the Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad and I personally was at the "Angel Flight" ceremony held for SSG West as he left the Green Zone on his way Home. I treated his soldiers for their wounds sustained during the attack that took SSG West from you. They told me he was a great leader and friend. I will never forget SSG West nor will I forget the sacrifice he has made for our country.
Sincerely SGT Brian Weser

I am so sorry for your loss. May God bring you comfort during this very difficult time. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many. He will not be forgotten. God Bless You.

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.

In memory of Laurent.
In deepest sorrow,
Your mom and stepdad Gerhard
Hollfeld, Germany, March 22, 2008

Dear Family and Friends,
We would like to offer my sincerest condolences. I cannot begin to imagine the loss and pain all are going through. My nephew is a United States Marine and serving in Iraq. We all pray for him and his comrade’s safety every day. War is a horrible reality. I salute and I am proud of all of our troops and their bravery to protect our freedom and serve their country with honor. Freedom is not free.
With deepest regrets and sympathy
God Bless and may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all family and friends

I just want you to no I will never forget SSG West and you and your family are in my prayers

Uncle Larry,

Again, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers. We send you our sympathy and love.

Michelle,

We have never met but I am Laurent's cousin from Oklahoma. Larry and my dad are brothers. My family sends our sympathy and love. Not only do we mourn the loss of a cousin but a fellow soldier. Again we are so sorry. Stay strong.

Michelle, Madison and Nastasha,
We are so very sorry for your great loss. Allan and I both want you to know that our hearts go out to you and we know how very much Laurent will be missed. No matter what you may need, please know that we will always be here for you if and when you want us to be.
With all our love,

My heart goes out to you all. My husband E3 Jeffrey Hankins shared the tent that Laurent was staying in. I have some pictures that my husband had taken of him. I am so sorry for your loss. My god give you peace knowing he died a hero.

For the family of Laurent
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are so proud of Laurent and others who are fighting for our country and the freedom that we have here. May God bless and keep you.

My heartfelt gratitude for what your loved one has done for the world . Eternal everlasting peace and freedom for all. America is a beacon of hope for the world forever.

Uncle Larry--We were so sorry to hear the news about Laurent. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Laurent's family.

My dear brother and family: Just know our hearts are joined with yours in this time of grief. Your son, our nephew, is a Hero and the reason America is still a free country. We love you so much

I am so sorry Madison that you lost your daddy. Keep Mommy close and love her even more.

Thank you for your heroism and protection of our security and freedom. God hold you in His arms and give peace to your loved ones.

I can't even find the words...I lost my 19 year old son--5 Sept 2007, Balad, Iraq. I am absolutely devastated and I know that you are too...but find comfort in the fact that we will see our loved ones, our heroes again. Do I wish that I could trade places with my son? ABSOLUTELY not. He is in the arms of our Lord--"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" ~Rev 21:4
What a wonderful thought...
May God bless Staff Sgt Laurent J. West, God bless you and your family and God bless America!

Contact me if you want to talk.

PROUD Mother of
Specialist Dane R. Balcon
Stationed at Ft Hood, TX, 3/8 CAV
KIA, 5 September 2007
Balad, Iraq

I am very saddened for your loss. After losing my husband WO3 Scott Oswell on July 4 2007, I have wished that no one else would have to walk this path. You will be in my prayers during this time.

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

Michelle,
I am truely saddened to here the news about Laurent. I hope your memories of him will carry you through these tough times. My deepest sympathies go out to you and all his family. God Bless you

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Dear Michelle ~
My deepest and most sincere condolences, love and prayers go to you and your family. My son had the honor of serving and working daily with your husband as PL of 2nd Platoon. He spoke so highly of him and had the upmost respect for him. During this holy week, I pray that Christ will bring you comfort and peace. God Bless you all!

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

Father we entrust our brother Laurent to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Laurent in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.

Rest in peace.

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

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

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

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


(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXAX__FZYg4

This greatly saddens us Michelle. We are close friends of Laurent's parents Larry and Carol and our condolences are offered from our family to yours. Thanks for your families sacrifice in the defense of our country.

Please know that as a mother of a Soldier, I grieve with you; as so many, many others do.