Edmund J. Jeffers Obituary

To Eddies parents, Dave and Tina. I want to send my deepest condolences for the loss of your Son Eddie. We haven’t seen each other in almost 40 years. But, under the circumstances I feel compelled to reach out to you both and say I’m sorry for your loss.

We spent a lot of time together at Fort Novosel in the mid 1980’s . God bless.

Sincerely,
Tammy (Hall) Binkley

I still miss you. I still think about you, and what it would be like if you were here.

-CJ

Can't believe it's been four years ago yesterday since you gave the ultimate sacrifice for your country. America lost a great soldier and a family lost someone very special. The Kurovski family will never forget you and your family's sacrifice. Thank you all and God bless you all.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Edmund J. Jeffers:
Please accept my remembrance of Edmund on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

To the family of Sgt. Eddie, Thank you for sharing you're courageous son with the USA. We are better citizens and a better country because of you're son's service and ultimate sacrifice. Eddie, I keep you in my heart ,and think of you every day. You will forever be remembered. Aunt Roxie

To the family of Eddie Jeffers:
We have not forgotten the sacrifice that Eddie made to our country 3 years ago on the 19th. We want you to know you are in our thoughts & prayers as you continue to struggle with your loss every day, but especially these days around the time of his death. May you continue to find strength in our Lord.
the family of Sgt. Ski

To the family and friends of Sgt. Edmund J. Jeffers:
Remembering Edmund 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

My deepest sympathies to the Reeves family. God Bless You.

Eddie we miss more then ever.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice Son!

The Reeves Family Enterpise, Daleville, San Fran Cisco

Its been almost 3 years now son and I miss you more everyday. I Love you and miss you so very much. You are always in my heart and soul. Keep watching over us all. Love your proud mother Tina

From one veteran to another, I salute your sacrifice for our country. The price you paid was the ultimate sacrifice equaled only by the price Jesus sacrificed for us all. I think of and keep up with this site regularly. Our prayers are with the family !

I miss you dearly and love you with all my heart baby.

Our deepest sympathies to the Reeves family. God bless you all.

Dear Eddie

You will always be in the Heart and minds of the Reeves Family. We will never forget you or your sacrifice for god and country and the love you gave our daughter.

I salute you on this day of Honor with all the other fallen heros of our great country through out history.

We love you and miss you

The Reeves Family Enterprise, Al.

To the family of Eddie Jeffers,we still think of Eddie here and he is still in our prayers. We will be thinking of him tomorrow at are ceremony.

I have been thinking of you every day. but lately you have been heavy on my mind and in my heart. I miss you so very much. I LOVE YOU ALWAYS HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL. Your loving mom

Miss you son in law you were on my mind heavy yesterday

Jeff Reeves

I've been thing of you lately Eddie
~Missy Mumau~

Miss you brother, think about you every day.

We Miss you Eddie

Jeff and Jackie Reeves
Stephanie Jeffers (Widow)

To the family of Sgt. Edmund J. Jeffers:
Edmund 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

I was just reading Sgt Jeffers letter again, as I often do. I feel all the fallen have been watching over our troops and keeping as many safe as possible. My family was very fortunate, my grandson came home safe after 6 years, and 3 tours served in Iraq. I am so proud of all our military, theirs in charge, and their families. Sgt Jeffers letter is like an echo to all the things I have said and believed. I thank you Sgt, and your family, and only wish we could have our military take over running our country then I would feel we could all continue to be safe and free. A very proud grandmother of a special grandson, and a very proud american of our troops, theirs in charge, and their mission. Dolly Martineau

Was Just thinking of you and Stephy. Eddie
my words are gone, as I dot know what to say at this moment other than we miss you

Love Jeff

You will never be forgotten for your sacrifice to our Country. Please know that most Americans are deeply grateful and have you and your family have our prayers.

God Bless you,

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Thank you Sgt. Jeffers and family for your service and your ultimate sacrifice. You will ALWAYS be an Alabama and American hero!
With DEEP sympathy and MANY thanks to you and your family,

I salute this young man who answered the call to duty from his country. His Honor and Devotion will not soon be forgotten.The Trumpet has blown and his duty is done.He has been called home and will now be in "God's Army"..
"A Brave Warrior Has Fallen,Let Us All Honor His Sacrifice And Memory".

Merry Christmas my little boy I miss you so very much. You took a part of mom with you and left me here. You will never be far from my thoughts or heart. Rest now my son . Love Always
your mother

I just re-read Sgt. Jeffers' letter and I have to tell you that is a true source of inspiration for me. Since coming home, it has helped me deal with so many issues. I only wish that I could thank him in person.

To the family of Eddie Jeffers:

We want you to know that you are in our hearts and prayers always, but especially today. Everyday must be difficult after the loss a year ago today, of your son and brother, but today has probably been especially difficult. Please know that our family will be forever grateful to Eddie and your family for what you have given for our country. We want you to know that we will remember you always.

James & Carolyn Kurovski
(The family of Sgt. Ski [Kevin])

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 Edmund, 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

Thank you for your service to the people of this country and world. I have a daughter over there for her third time and a son leaving on his second tour in Nov. I was in the army and my husband served with the marines. God bless your family.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice Sergeant Jeffers. From one veteran to another, "Brohers in arms, brothers forever!".

Thank you for your service. You'll never be forgotten for your sacrifice.

Thank you Eddie for all you did for me and everyone else.I miss you so much. I love you and will never forget you. Mom calls me stevie sometimes but you know i will always be your little stevie, and you will always be my big brother eddie. I love you.

A true American hero.God bless Edmund and his family.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Jeffers!

Thank you for your vision, and service. Ask God to help us find the way that was so clear to you.

I recently read Eddie Jeffers's letter through an email someone sent me. I was deeply moved by this letter and was humbled before the young man who wrote it. I send my sincere gratitude and respect to Eddie and all the service men and woman who fight for the freedoms we seem to take for granted. Hope does not need to ride alone. I am listening Eddie.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Thank You son and all the soldiers who fight and gave their lives for all of us. Eddie you will always be in our hearts and minds.
Love your mother
Tina

SALUTE!

THANK YOU SON IN LAW ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY.

SOLDIER ON

i would like for the family to know i have remembered sgt Jeffers on our web site after getting an email from someone, my heart was so touched, if you have a way to let them know, i would appreciate it. i am a viet nam vet and have the "utmost" respect for what our military does.
our prayers are with the family
uta2 sam mitchell

EDDIE

YOU ARE STILL ON OUR MINDS AND IN OUR HEARTS THIS MEMORIAL DAY
AND EVERY DAY.

GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE AS WELL AS THE THOUSANDS OF OTHER SERVICEMEN
AND WOMEN WHO HAVE GAVE THEIR LIVES THROUGH OUT THE HISTORY OF OUR NATION.

YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

JEFF AND JACKIE REEVES

To the family Sgt. Jeffers,
If only there where words to express the greatful heart our family has for all of our HERO'S . We are a USMC family, our HERO has done 3 tours in Taqadduam, Iraq. He escorted many a convoy to and through the mean streets of Ramadi. Yet like Sgt Jeffers he saw such an improvment in the last months of his 3rd tour.
As Memorial Day comes, we want you to know that we are praying for you and the rest of our HERO families on this our National Day of remembering our war dead. I sometimes get so upset with all the hype that has nothing to do with our actual holiday. Memorial Day is not for sales and BBQ, it is a day to vist our Hero's and remember their sacrifice and their families. But then I remember FREEDOM is why they are HERO'S. Our prayers and hearts are with you this day and every one! May your memories lift your sorrow.
Our greatful hearts
A proud Marine Mom

Thank you SGT Jeffers for your courage and bravery.... Your words live on in your letter... I hope that you are at peace with God now... Watch over your family just as you watched over 'all of us.' THANK YOU!

Today I read "A Soldier's Last Words" sent to me through email. My heart was so touched by this young man's writing. It breaks my heart to know so many parents are losing thier sons and daughters in the war in Iraq, yet at the same time I have such great respect and appreciation for those that are fighting this war for freedom and the good of all. Sacrificing thier own lives for me, and the people of America. I think of another sacrifice when a father willing to give his only son that we might go free. Our heavenly father gave his son to be crucified on a cruel tree. These young men and women and the lives that are lost do not go un-noticed by God. They have a special place in heaven and in our hearts. There is a high price for freedom and fighting for the right. Edmund John Jeffers paid the highest price for his family and the people of America, and he and others like him deserve praise and honor for that sacrifice. May God comfort his family is my prayer.

Thank you Sgt. Jeffers and ALL the brave young men and women who have given their lives for the freedom that all mankind deserves. My prayers are for your family and I am sure you are in heaven watching out for your loved ones once again.

Thank you Sgt. Jeffers for proudly and humbly serving our country,I salute you!!!I;m praying for the family and share in your grief as I lost my beloved son-in-law SSGT Christopher Frost March 3rd,2008. May God give you peace and comfort!!! Kristy Jenks

Thank you for your service Sgt Jeffers may God hold you and keep you.

Words cannot express our sympathy or our thanks to Sgt. Jeffers. From two grateful citizens - THANK YOU and our prayers are with you.

EDDIE

ITS EASTER MORNING HERE IN BRAZIL, AND AS THE SUN ROSE
I SAID A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR YOU SON IN LAW, AND YOUR FAMILY.

JACKIE AND I MISS YOU VERY MUCH AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS AND ON OUR MINDS AND IN OUR PRAYERS.

YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF OUR FAMILY AND PHOTOS OF YOU WILL ALWAYS BE PROUDLY ON DISPLAY IN OUR HOME FOR ALL TO SEE AND KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU MEAN TO US.

THANK YOU AND THE THOUSANDS OF YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR US AS WELL AS THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ.

YOUR WORDS AND YOUR KINDNESS WILL LIVE ON FOREVER IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF MILLIONS.

WE LOVE AND MISS YOU EDDIE

JEFF AND JACKIE REEVES

It is young men and women like your son that has paid the highest price that we as American should know that they are helping the people that are in need of there help to become free and to be able to choose how freedom will be.
I will pray for your family and all familes that have family or friends in the service.

I would like to thank everyone who has kept this family in their hearts and prayers. Eddie was a very special person whom we all miss dearly. Today Eddie would have been 24, and as his mother i miss him. So please continue to pray for his family we are all making day by day with lot of heart ache. Again thank you all.

I have just read your letter, it is a wonderful thing to read and appreciate. I am deeply and sincerely thankful for all your words and your son's sacrifice. I am also wondering if you could contact me about your family tree. My 4th great grandfather was John Jeffers, I am wondering if we have any family in common?
john s.

Thank you Sgt. Jeffers! To the Jeffers family congratulations on the good job you did raising your son., and my heart felt sympathy at your loss. How many of us can say at the age of 23, he had seen,heard and felt more then some of us ever will. God Bless this young man's soul and thank you....deepest sympanthy....L.M.Craft...a soldier's mom

God bless you and your family at this time. You son, was a very special person. You must be very proud of him, his writing, and his service to OUR COUNTRY. Your family will be in my families prayers.

Sincerely,
Linda A. Berardini

What a wonderful blessing your son gave me, as I was forwarded his last letter today. I can only imagine what he was like in life. He still continues to move and change people and what a wonder legacy he has. You did a wonderful job and what a gift God bestowed to you!

God Bless,
Erika Nelson,FL

To the Jeffers Family,
We feel honored to have been sent your son's last letter. He spoke as if he was a solider of many years, God Bless you and your family and other families like you for what you have gave us to that the rest of us can enjoy life as Eddie spoke. All of the American soliders are our Hero's and we never let one go by that we do not try to tell that to. We are so very proud of them all.

To the family of Sgt. Jeffers, I offer my sincere condolences. What a legacy your son has left, not only to you, but to the entire universe! I could see myself in the way he had described many Americans, and for that, I hang my head. He was right, you know. The majority of American have not lost one thing in this war. Because of his writing, I have altered the way that I look at this war, and the way that I feel toward President Bush. How proud you must be of this man you called "Eddie". I pray that God's mercy will shine down upon you and bring to you and your family some small measure of peace and comfort.

Sgt. Jeffers, I just read your "Last" letter and wanted to thank you and your family for the greatest gift ever given to mankind: The life of another human being, for a cause of freedom. You gave your life, so that millions could have a better chance in life. I love you as a human being and as a brother. May God keep you by his side. Peace Brother.

May God be with you and your family

Thank you to this Sgt. and all those that fought beside him and those that continue to fight. To this loving family for your gift to all of us.

Thank you for the gift of your son. I pray you will find peace knowing he gave his life for what he believed to be true. We are still free today because of him and others like him.

Thank You.

To David,

God bless you and your family. Thanks for circulating your son Eddie's letter on the web. He summed up everything we feel.

I have posted it in our Blue Star Blog along with your note on our website at www.vets4victory.com

Steve Russell, veteran of Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq. Founder and Chairman of Vets for Victory
.

Thank you Eddie.

I have been trying to leave a message but I can't find out how to enter submit....our prayers are with all of you who are family...we are so proud of your hero who paid the ultimate price to help keep us free...Ann Varnum

To the family of Sgt. Jeffers, remember always that your loss is Gods gain.

Where do we continue to find these brave young men & women.....Thank almighty God for his precious gift and protection of our troops

I cannnot imagine the depths of your sorrow, but your son's sacrifice is making the world better and safer for everyone. The value of his thoughts and message, which was passed on to me by my daughter, are greater than a lifetime's work for most of us. Thank you for sharing your son's wisdom.

Thank God that there have been and there are men such as Edmund Jeffers to defend Americans' freedom and liberty.

Al Swegle

I know it has been hard on you the family, losing Eddie. Thank you for him.

To the Jeffers family: Thank you for sharing your son's story. Your loss is shared..your pain is felt...your pride is worthy... I appreciate the ultimate sacrifice of Edmund John Jeffers and others like him. It deserves ultimate honor; may this loss not be in vain. Let's keep God in our America... and by so doing, allow everything else to fall into place. God Bless America..

To the Jeffers Family, Thank you for your sacrifice. You pain is heard and felt by many around you. Your son/brother/uncle is hero, a fighter and of a rare bread to answer the call that he did. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I to am a war widow and understand your pain and heartache. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you ever need support.
To SGT. Jeffers, Thank You SGT for all you have done and all you gave. You are a true American Hero and you will not be forgotten. You have joined an Army bigger and greater than the one you knew. God Bless you SGT Jeffers.
Mary Cahill

I recently received an e-mail titled "Hope Rides Alone" that was credited to SGT Jeffers. As a Soldier, wife of a Soldier, and sister-in-law of a Soldier KIA, I totally agree with everything in his essay.

You should be proud of SGT Jeffers. Many in the Army do not see what he saw. The world will be a better place if his words help change some attitudes around the country.

Thank you for sharing his words!

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

May you find comfort in the fact that to be absence from the body is to be present with the .Lord

I did not know Sgt, Edmund John "Eddie" Jeffers, but KNOW that he is MY HERO. Thank you, wife/mother/father/sister/brother we are honored for you having shared him!

To the family of A true American Hero, God Bless you! Because of Eddie, we are able to live free. He paid for that freedom for us. I would like to add his story to my upcoming book with your consent of course. God Bless
Bob Morrison

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sgt. Edmund Jeffers.
Thank you for raising an American
hero who stood on guard for all of us. Your son will never be forgotten. Godspeed.

My I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Edumnd John "Eddie" Jeffers. I read an e-mail regarding what he wrote about the war. He was an American Hero. May God Bless you now and always.

My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family. Thank you for raising your son to be a fine, young man who we can all be proud to have called one of our nation's finest. Blessings and prayers to you in this holiday season.

May God Bless the families of Sgt Jeffers. I honor his memory and praise God for Sgt Jeffers unfaltering love for country. He is a true American Hero.

To the Jeffers Family: My family's "Thanks!" to you and God for bringing such a brave and wise son into this world. You have our most hearfelt condolences on the loss of Eddy. I would have genuinely loved to meet him in life. God Bless him for his service and sacrafice. God's blessings to you in your time of mourning.
With love, admiration and respect, the Wilkes Family.

What a testament his life is to the very finest of our country. God bless, comfort and hold his family and friends close. He is a true American hero, brave, and filled with the wisdom of a true patriot at such a young age. God bless you all.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifice. There are no adequate words to express our sorrow at your death. May God comfort your family, always.

For those of us who might get chills when the Marine Corps Hymn is played, or the great sense of pride felt when the Star Spangle Banner is heard, or even a tear while singing or hearing God Bless America understand what Sgt.Jeffers
said. A call to duty. The playing of "TAPS", a final salute for many.
To me it's a sign for remembering those gone before who now greet the Sgt. Jeffers. Proud Americans we do understand.

Thanks,Sgt. Jeffers.Sincere condolences to the family. From the Vietnam era (U.S.N.).

My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this young man. May the Lord Jesus comfort your hearts with your loss. He truly was a young American Hero.

Pastor Dan Miller
Former US Army - Engineers

To The Edmund Jeffers Family,
I would have liked to thank SGT Eddie Jeffers for his service to our country; SGT Jeffers is a true American Hero. My condolences to his wife and parents and wish that there were something more I could say to offer you comfort. It is with respect that I sign this guestbook.


Stanley L Claycomb
SGM Retired US Army

To the family and friends of Sgt. Eddie Jeffers.
How can I even begin. The loss of your son is so very tragic. The words he spoke to us all, summarize the realitys that each of us take for granted in our lives today. So often, we choose to ignor the truth. Whether at home, or abroad. The pre-occupation that we have with ourselves these days is a sad thing. I don't know the reasons, but perhaps it was apparent to your son as he wrote his words. It is my hopes that his very words will live on as a testament for those who are blind of what they have. It is my hopes and prayers they will one day wake and replace their ignorance with a gratitude your son so very much deserves. God Bless Edmond John Jeffers and may he touch the hearts and minds of many.

May God Honor such a BRAVE young man. He is truely a HERO! May Our Lord comfort and give strength to you all.

So many profoundly saddened, bereft by the tragic death of this honorable citizen, soldier, lover of life and goodness ~ Lord bless us with his spirit.
I do not mourn that such a man died, but thank Providence that such a man lived- to paraphrase Patton.

I would like to offer my condolences and deepest sympathy ! Sgt.Eddie Jeffers was a true American hero.I pray that God keeps you all in his loving grace.Please know that all of America mourns the loss of this fine young man,and all the others that have gone before him.

To The Edmund Jeffers Family,
I want to thank you Eddie for your service to our country and your bravery. What an example of a TRUE AMERICAN SOLDIER you are. You will never be forgotten and the GREAT legacy you have left behind. You were so young and yet so mature at the same time. Your legacy will live on here on earth while you will live on to a higher calling in heaven. I admire all that you stood for and thank you for taking a stand for what was right. To Tina,John and family what an honor it has been to have met you. Eddie would be so PROUD of you for the love that you reach out and give others during a time of your own pain. Thank you for honoring our son along with Eddie and the others in the Christmas Parades. Brian and Eddie would have been great friends if they had known each other and served together. Brian's cross stood in pride and honor with Eddie's. May God give you the love and strength to surround and uphold you for each new day to come. We will keep you, your family and Eddie's wife in our prayers . God bless all of you and again THANK YOU EDDIE for a JOB WELL DONE. REST IN PEACE FOREVER MORE!

Ken,Tammy,Kendall Persin
and Pfc Brian Thomas Gleason

I have yet to say thank you to anyone who has served and sacrificed on my behalf in this war. For that please accept my apologies. I do thank you now Edmund John Jeffers and my prayers go out to your entire family. It is because of sacrifices like yours that our freedom exist.

Thank you Edmund Jeffers for the sacrifice that you made - for yourself and all who lay their lives on the line for our freedoms that we take far too much for granted. Our hearts go out to the families of all who have served and are serving.. thank you and God Bless and may He bring you home safely. Warmest regards.

May the Lord Bless you and your family in your time of loss. Rejoice in the moments you had with this fine young man. He was wise beyond his years.

To the Jeffers family,

I was forwarded an email with Eddie's essay "Hope Rides Alone."

I googled his name and came upon a site with more of his essays/letters and information about what happened to him.

I am also a Gold Star mom. My son, LCPL Abraham Simpson, and my nephew, Sgt. Jonathan Simpson, have also given their lives for the cause of freedom in Iraq.

I just want to tell you that the little I have read about your son is a great encouragement to me. My son, Abraham, was also a believer, and left a great impression on his buddies regarding his faith and relationship with our Lord. I wonder how long it takes to meet people up there, and whether or not they have met yet?

Thank you for Eddie, and may you continue to find in God all that you need at this time and as you learn to live without him.

Sharing in your sorrow, your firend,