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Pfc. William E. Thorne

William E. Thorne Obituary

Thorne was a combat soldier in the 4th Infantry Division based out of Fort Hood, Texas. He graduated from Rock Valley High School in 1999, and had been stationed at an Army camp near Baghdad for most of the past year. Thorne was married to his wife, Corey Jasper, who also served in Iraq with the U.S. Army, but in a different part of the country. According to family friends, the couple rarely saw each other, but had hoped to take a short leave together this month. But after his wife's request for leave was approved, Thorne's was denied. Jasper was in the United States when she learned of her husband's death, family friends said. Thorne, 26, was driving the Humvee around 8 a.m. Baghdad time on Thursday when an improvised explosive device struck the side of his vehicle, said Lt. Col. Greg Hapgood, public information officer with the Iowa Army National Guard. Thorne, a private first class in the Army, had been assigned to the First Squadron, Tenth Cavalry Regiment, Second Brigade in the Fourth Infantry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas. Contacted Saturday at her family's home in Rock Valley, Thorne's mother, Karen Thorne, requested privacy for her family as they mourned. Thorne and his wife do not have children.

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

Published by The Washington Post on Aug. 29, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for William E. Thorne

41 Entries

Charlie Gili

April 26, 2017

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Thorne Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of William E. Thorne US Army Private 1st Class. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Leila Campbell

May 4, 2013

To the family of Pfc. William E. Thorne:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Christian Memorial Day Remembrance worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, 26 May 2013. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the bordering states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 300 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars of our nation's history and give honor to all who have served in the United States Armed Forces and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each 8-foot cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of America's conflicts.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “Freedom:Free, but Costly.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and there place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the Memorial Garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel. The Memorial Garden will remain until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, 27 May (Memorial Day).

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/286-7296) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans' name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/286-7296) or email the office ([email protected]) and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Saturday 25 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sunday, 26 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one's cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

Peggy Childers

August 23, 2012

To the family and friends of Pfc. William E. Thorne:
Always remembering William. "Some gave all."

April 20, 2012

To the family of Pfc. William E. Thorne:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Christian Memorial Day Remembrance worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday 27 May 2012. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the bordering states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 300 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars of our nation's history and give honor to all who have served the United States and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of America's conflicts.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “Lest We Forget Freedom's Cost.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of the Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the Memorial Garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/456-4410) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans' name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/456-4410) or email ([email protected]) the office, and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Saturday 26 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sunday 27 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one's cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

Peggy Childers

August 24, 2011

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

May 7, 2011

To the family of Pfc William E Thorne:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May 2011. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with some 200 white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one. The Memorial Garden’s perimeter will be manned by members of the Patriot Guard and a honor guard from AMVETS Post #1 of Mendota will be posted at the entrance.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses representing all of the wars in United States history and give honor to all who have served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Wreaths will be placed at the foot of each cross bearing the number of U.S. Service Members killed in each of our nation’s wars.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled, “A Believer’s Look at War.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. A Memorial Rifle Squad of Fort Snelling National Cemetery will fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the memorial garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception (weather permitting) outside of the Chapel.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (651/456-4410) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (651/456-4410) or email ([email protected]) the office and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Sat 28 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sun 29 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one’s cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

Peggy Childers

August 23, 2010

To the family and friends of Pfc. William E. Thorne:
Remembering William 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

April 26, 2010

To the family of Pfc. William E. Thorne:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 30 May 2010. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

The Memorial Garden will be encircled with larger white crosses to represent all of the wars in United States history and give honor to all who have served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled “A Day of Remembrance.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the memorial garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception; weather permitting will be outside of the Chapel.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (612/970-7866) or email ([email protected]) the office and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Sat 29 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sun 30 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one’s cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

Peggy Childers

August 25, 2009

To the family of Pfc. William E. Thorne:
William 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

Leila Campbell

April 20, 2009

To the family of Pfc. William E. Thorne:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 24 May 2009. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr., will preach a message entitled “Answering the Highest Call.” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played. Following your visit to the memorial garden, your family is invited to attend an informal reception in the Chapel’s Fellowship Hall.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org Special rates for nearby hotels will be available. For more information call (612/970-7866) or email ([email protected]) the office and leave your name and contact information.

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Sat 23 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sun 24 May, a “Prayer Vigil for Peace” will be held in the sanctuary of the Chapel. You are invited to stop by, light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one’s cross in the Memorial Garden … and then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Office Manager
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

In Memory of William ~ (Debra Estep)

August 24, 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 William, but I am remembering
his service. 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

June 1, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Pfc Thorne!

Leila Campbell

April 19, 2008

To the family of Pfc. William E. Thorne:
The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 25 May, 2008. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “The Price of Freedom” At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. For more information about the Foundation or driving directions to the historic chapel at Fort Snelling, visit our website at: www.fortsnellingmcf.org

Also, beginning at dusk (8:30 p.m.) on Sat. 24 May through dawn (6:30 a.m.) on Sun. 25 May, a “PrayerVigil for Peace” will be held. You are invited to stop by and light a candle and place it at the foot of your loved one’s cross in the Memorial Garden, then enter the Chapel for prayer.

If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:[email protected]
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org

Cari Neitzey

March 1, 2008

Dear friends and family of Pfc. William Thorne,
Hello, I recently found out about William from my church. I’m sorry about your loss. But, I will keep him in my prayers. I researched him and found that he was 26 years old but, he died protecting our country. Age-10

August 16, 2007

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)

July 31, 2007

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

Leila Campbell

April 27, 2007

Glen

February 4, 2007

Americans will NEVER forget the service or sacrifice made by your beloved Soldier.
Respectfully - Glen Nevogt

“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history, we pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

Mieke Bandstra

January 8, 2007

I read about your loss in The Banner. My daughter also served one year in Iraq with The Kentucky National Guard Military Police and we feel personally the loss of every one of our soldiers. There are no words of comfort other than you will see your loved one someday in heaven with our Savior. He has promised His children a room in His house and you can rest in that assurance.
I wear a number pinned to my blouse every day with the number of our heroes killed in war in Iraq. It's not pro or anti-war; it's done to honor those who have died. Today the number is 3,011. Whenever anyone asks what the number stands for, I tell them I'm honoring your son as well as the 2 soldiers in my daughter's unit as well as all the others who have given their lives. This way we can't and won't forget their sacrifices.
God give you peace and comfort that Jesus died for us and your soldier is with the Father.
Mieke Bandstra
Sparta, NJ

Jack Colnot & family

October 21, 2006

My condolences to the Thorne family, we share your great loss.

William may you rest in peace, thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice.

"And he will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand."

Joshua Kennedy

October 21, 2006

William Thorne was my battle buddy at Ft Knox basic training. The news of his death hit me very hard. Even though we were only together a short time I considered him my brother. My most deepest condolences go out to his wife, (who he loved so dearly), and his family. Thorne was a man that never complained and always found a way to make you laugh. I miss him so much.
Sincerly Pfc Joshua Kennedy
82nd Airborne Ft. Bragg

Corey Thorne

September 19, 2006

THANK YOU to all who have kept my family and I in your prayers. Willy was my husband, and what an honor it has been!! We both proudly served this AMAZING country, and for those of my friends still serving...the Lord be with you! I am praying for you all daily that you may come home safely! "ONE TEAM, ONE FIGHT"! Thank you for those of you who road along with the Patriot Guard Riders, And the American Legion Riders! It was absolutely amazing! Thanks also to the town of Rock Valley, my home town Hospers, and other surrounding towns, for all your Support and Respect you have shown to my Husband! And the support and Respect shown to my family and I! Most of all I want to Thank God, as he is watching over a Wonderful Man, and the Love of My Life! William E. Thorne I LOVE YOU!! Thank You!!!

Brent Wallenburg

September 16, 2006

Dear family,

I happened across your lost because of an email that I received from my cousin. I am a 1993 graduate of Western Christian, and a 3 tour vet of the war on terror. I enlisted in 2000, and was honorably discharged in 2005. I understand that this is a terrible time for all of you but realize that the 300 spartans who defended greece against the invading persian army of over 1 million, were chosen for their mission based on the emotional strength of their family's. Stay strong. Remember. Believe.

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

September 13, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Thorne family in the loss of William. I did not know William, 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. William 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~

ROBYN GARSIDE

September 12, 2006

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. 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 PROUD MARINE MOM

Shawna Palmer

September 10, 2006

To the family of William Thorn: I cannot imagine how you feel right now so I will not attempt to try. I myself will soon be in the Army and have a husband in the Army National guard. I send my love and support to you all. I hear that William was a very honorable man and he will be remembered everyday. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Sincerly,

Shawna Palmer

SGT. Tony Evangelista

September 10, 2006

All though I did not know this great soldier personally it is very sad when you hear about young brave american soldiers paying the ultimate sacrifice defending our country. I would like to express my feelings and prayers to the family and loved ones of this great soldier. I know that he will be missed and his memory will go on always.

Justin Zambrano

September 10, 2006

I knew Thorne from Basic, he was a great guy to be around. I will miss him dearly and will honor him daily, I'm a man of few words and can't find the right ones for him so I will let my actions speak for me and treat the world the way he would treat it. I will miss him very much.

Jonathon Walker

September 9, 2006

Thorne was a very great man that was always there for anyone during our crazy and long stay at the great Ft. Knox! He will not be forgotten!! He fought defending our country, his wife, his family, and for his brothers in the Army! Thorne really knew how to break the tension during basic with that particular smile of his! Pfc. William Thorne will always be in our hearts and he won't be forgotten!

SPC Walker, Jonathon

James Sickelbaugh

September 9, 2006

I would just like to say i will miss him greatly. I considered him a great friend of mine.I know his family will miss him more than imaginable.He was part of our family in 2nd PLT in FT Knox. He was a wonderful soldier,and his name will be remembered by all his scout brothers.It hurts my heart to know this happened to such a great guy.

Charles Jinks

September 9, 2006

To the family of William Thorne,

I am PFC Charles Jinks, i was a roommate with William "thorny" as we often called him during our tenure at Ft. Knox. i would like to say that the was a great person and will be greatly missed by us all. He was a man of few words, but still like to joke around. It was his sly smile that often broke the tension between people. I will always remember William.

Edward Super

September 8, 2006

I would just like to express my sincere sympathies to the family members Thorne left behind. I was in training with Thorne at Ft. Knox and actually spent most of my Sundays and evening freetime during OSUT just sitting around and talking to him. He was a great person and a wonderful soldier, I will sincerely miss him and can only hope that his family will look back on fondness of all the pleasant memories of him as they attempt to make it through this difficult time.

Abby

September 7, 2006

I'm Lance Corporal Wm. (B.Jay) Leusink's older sister. I know my family came to visit with your family, and I wanted the chance myself to say I know this hurts like hell and I truly feel for you. In this synical world, having pride in your country and fighting for a greater good are not common qualities like they used to be. Thank you for still believing in what is right and good in this country and the world. And thank you for giving literally everything to keep my family and flag protected. Thank you.

Lee Sirotnak

September 7, 2006

Please know that as time goes on, your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Prayers that God will bless you with comfort and peace, and prayers of thanksgiving for the heroes who have sacrificed everything for us. God Bless you and your family.

The Cobbs

September 2, 2006

Military Parents,

September 1, 2006

To the Family of Pfc. William E. Thorne:

My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous 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. We lost a son 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.

I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all 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. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now 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 those 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 courageous soldier and family.

Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)

[email protected]

(Millersville, PA )

Karen Klynsma

September 1, 2006

This young man was my cousin and I am proud that he was a part of my family and that I got to know this courageous, brave and loving man. It is a great comfort to me knowing that what they are going to bury on Saturday is not my cousin, Willy, but instead just a body, for my cousin is in the loving arms of the Father. Prayers would be much appreciated for me and my family as we go through this difficult time and thank you all for your sympathies.

David Kooiman

August 31, 2006

I am so sorry and i am so sorry for your loss.. may God point you in the right direction

Dawn DeBoer

August 30, 2006

I'm also originally from Hospers. I know you don't know me personally but I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy for your loved one. I'm so sorry that this has happened to another one of our brave soldiers. We are so greatful for his willingness and bravery to protect our country and we know that he is now in a place of peace. You are in our thoughts and prayers everyday. God bless you in this time of sorrow. William will always be one of our nation's heroes!!!! Blessed be his memory!!! Sincerely, Dawn (Diekevers)DeBoer

Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)

August 30, 2006

Rest in peace at your last post in heaven.

Garnet Jenkins

August 29, 2006

My Deepest and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Pfc. William E. Thorne.

The price this young hero and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

So much thanks is to be given, for these young heroes, for their Courage, Service and Dedication.

May William rest safely in God's Mighty Hands and may God's Loving Comfort and Grace be with the Thorne family.

I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 Corinthians 5:1

Hoping you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today, as this Country mourns with you, for someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.