http://urbangrounds.com/2005/06/08/carrie-french/

Inspired By
SPC Carrie French

Her eyes danced with laughter,
sparkled with intelligence,
smiled with acceptance.

Her smile brought smiles,
automatic brightening of day,
everyone found hope there.

Hatred took the smile,
killed the light in her eyes,
but will never touch the memory.

Those who wear the uniform,
those who love our country
enough to serve and defend,
become our children; always.

Our prayers, tears, hopes,
rest with you, our children.
Child, because of you,
we live free.

This sweet face belongs to our grand-niece. Thank you.

I am so sorry for your loss.

I was trying to wrap my mind around Carrie’s death…to try to explain the strong, visceral emotions it brought up in me…

I knew I was sad. And part of me was angry. But when I think about this young woman dying in combat…mostly I am humbled.

Humbled—that someone so seemingly innocent and frail yet so obviously young, would be braver and tougher than most could ever imagine.

Thank you Carrie for your service and your sacrifice … you will never be forgotten! All we have, we owe to our brave brothers and sisters who go into harms way. Godspeed!

My husband has served in Iraq and is now deploying to Afghanistan. Its sad that it has come to this but im sure she has saved many lives threw her service. I extend my deepest sympathy to all her family. But as hard as it is try to rember her in all that is good, know she died doing her best for this country and that you’ll see her smiling face again.
Kelley

A bunch of idiots in this small town of caldwell actually protested her funeral. I wish I would have seen those cowards. My 2 year old son saw her picture on tv and asked if she was a princess because she was beautiful. I pray for all of our troops.

I had the amazing oppurtunity to meet Carrie a couple years ago, and since our meeting I have never forgotten her determination to make a difference. She was a beautiful girl inside and out. Her smile will live on forever in the hearts of her loved ones. And to the French’s I am so sorry for your loss, you had an amazing daughter. I also feel so sorry for those protesters. They don’t realize that she saved their meaningless lives, and how dare they go out of their way to distract and ruin a beautiful funeral. God forgive them, for their stupidity reaches unmakable levels.

godspeed carrie thanks for serving our country and keeping the freedom

Molly,
Just to clarify that the idiots that protested were none other that Rev Phelps from Kansas. I wonder if he realizes that it is because of the sacrifice of people like Carrie that he has the right to spread his hate!!!

Caldwell and the entire state have been VERY supportive.

Who ever says those things about our military besides when you just did?

Everyone appreciates the heroism of people willing to fight for our country. It’s just that some of us think it’s unnecessary and we need to think about how to keep even one more young woman full of promise from dying.

I am carries older sister, the protestors….were stupid…..my personal favorite of all the banners they held was “god bless ied’s” Thankfully the Caldwell police kept them away from the cemetary service. Thank you for all your support and All my family thanks you.

Who ever says those things about our military besides when you just did?

Well, most recently and most prominently, Dick Durbin (a Dem. senator from IL) compared our soldiers to Nazis and the killers under Pol Pot and Stalin) has slandered our troops.

Just because you don’t think it’s necessary that young men and women are needed to stand and defend this nation from those who would try to kill us (yes, that’s what Carrie French died for), does not make it so.

You should be ashamed of yourself, Jami, for suggesting that Carrie’s death was in vain. Carrie died doing something she felt strongly about—defending her country.

Sara,

Thanks for visiting. First, I am sorry for your loss. But, your family has my (and most other American’s) eternal gratitude for Carrie’s willingness to serve and for her ultimate sacrifice.

During the first Gulf War, I served in a Main Support battalion (the 701st MSB of the 1st Inf. Division) as a combat medic. As a medical company in a support battalion, our company had numerous female soldiers. I had the first-hand experience and honor of seeing just how capable and integral women serving in the military are.

Despite my knowledge that the female soldiers serving by my side were as capable and knowledgeable as any of their male counterparts, I still felt an extra duty to protect them as a big brother would his own sisters. Seeing Carrie’s young face in those pictures reminded me of all of those other women I had served with…and it pained me that I nor the soldiers she was serving with could do anything more to save her.

The families of our troops appreciate your support. The poem written for Carrie is beautiful; I have shared it with many people. I am SPC Matt Harvey’s mom. Matt and Carrie had a relationship for two years. Carrie had captured the hearts of our entire family. She was so kind, loving and generous; a true servant. We miss her immensely. My son will return to Iraq on Saturday to complete the deployment with his fellow soldiers. There are many soldiers in Alpha Company/116th BCT who need our prayers; they are all feeling pain due to Carrie’s death. Everyone who knew her loved her. She will NEVER be forgotten. We love you, Carrie, and will see you in Heaven someday.

God bless Paula, Rick, Doug, Mikala, Sara and Carrie’s entire family who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of freedom. God bless our troops who are still fighting the good fight and press on ever under heartbreaking circumstances.

Proud Mom of SPC Matt Harvey – OIF 3
Grieving friend of Cpl. Carrie French, our beautiful hero

From the other side of the world I extend my thanks to this brave young woman Carrie’s sacrifice will not be in vain..Young lady you have done your family and your country proud and I am proud of the fact that my countrys service men and women are serving alongside americans to make Iraq a better place. As for those protesters well it’s because of the sacrifice of heros like Carrie in conflicts past that you even have the right to protest you would do well to remember that. To the French family my thoughts and prayers are with you God Bless.

A proud Australian

My name is PFC ANDRE VERGARA….To let you guys know something Spc. Carrie French was a good friend of mine. We met at Fort Bliss during pre deployment training in November of 04…She was in the 116th (in Kirkuk) and I’m in the 184th in Baghdad.

When I first met her on the bus to receive our new desert Cammies…She was an amazing girl…I remember talking about highschool because both of us are the same age and being away from home at such a young age we were able to connect on a teenager level.

During our month at Bliss I began to like her a lot but she told she had a b/f so I respected that and left it at that.

Well i was jealous at first because she was always talking about him saying how he protected some high ranking official in Iraq…but we became really good friends…But the one thing I wont forget about her was her smile…I would look for her everyday at formation but I kept telling myself she had a boyfriend but let me tell you, you cant resist a woman like her….Her Personality,great looks, intelligence, love for her job made her so special…I was hoping to hangout with her at Ft. Bliss during demobilization but God had different plans for her…I wont see her until I go to heaven but I know she watching down all of us soldiers out here in Iraq….

Today is Independence Day and I’m thinking of Carrie … I’m thinking of her sacrifice and the sacrifice of so many that have gone before her to defend the freedoms we enjoy everyday. We’ll be celebrating our Nation’s Birthday today with barbecues, picnics, and fireworks, but we’ll also be celebrating Carrie and the many others “Who Gave All” … the lives they lived … the examples they’ve set. We’ll also be saying “Thank You” in our hearts for these very special people! May God continue to bless and keep them at his side until we all meet again … and may God Bless America!

I oppose the war. Deeply.

[Edited by Robbie: Mrs. Ward, this is my Web site, and I pay for the bandwidth. "Freedom of speech" does not apply here, as I will not let my Web site be used to defame a dead hero. The rest of your anti-military rant and your "I support the troops, but not the war" lies have been deleted.]

To: PFC Andre Vergara: What a wonderful and cute post!!! I am mom to Carrie’s boyfriend…I know what you mean about her – - everyone fell in love with Carrie…so proud and thankful that she chose my son to be part of her life. Thank you for your service to our country, young man!!! We are proud of you and stand behind you 100%.

To Mrs. Ward: Your post is inappropriate in this forum and I should just ignore it because it is factually flawed but I can’t resist the temptation to reply. Have you seen the demographics of the Army National Guard 116th BCT? Many are older – educated, middle to upper class men who have successful lives and businesses in Idaho making six figures a year. Your mentality and facts are antiquated…get up-to-speed with the facts and figures of the military…this conflict. Also, I have seen first-hand how the military takes care of its own – in every way. I don’t mind a healthy debate about this war – but I do however dislike it when people who have bad data and information use Carrie’s death as their platform to oppose this war. You are out of line.

Carrie will not be forgotten…she died being a brave hero and she would not want to be “victimized” by statements such as yours. I have come to know Carrie’s family – they are wonderful people who have done well by the way they raised their daughter. Shame on you for politicizing Carrie’s death.

In loving memory of our beautiful hero, Cpl Carrie French.

Becky Harvey
Proud Mom of SPC Matt Harvey

Once in a while I stop swearing while typing my comments at .www.xxxx.org [edited out link to anti-military site] and I think for a moment how better this country would be if only young women such as Carrie French were

A. alive B. here Thank you for you service,

My apologies for your premature

departure, American citizen Timothy

This country is the greatest nation on Earth precisely because young men and women (such as Carrie French) are willing to defend and die to protect us from those who wish to kill us.

And that is what Carrie French died for. Not an illegal war, not for oil, and not because of any other tin-foil hat conspiracy. But because Islamist terrorists are determined to turn the world into an Islamic state. And the US is the principal obstacle.

In a perfect world this country would be better if Carrie were home. But, conversely, it would NOT be a better country had she NOT joined the Army and fought for your freedom and safety.

Your apologies are not sincere, thus they are not accepted.

I went to basic training with French. We were in Alpha 3-10, 3rd platoon (Rough Riders). French and I were battle buddies. Although she was still closer to Palmer, we stayed up late talking a few nights. She shared a bunk with a female named Feston. French kept a picture of her boyfriend in her wall locker. Drill Sergeant Schoonover favored French over our whole platoon. She was so kind and she was always there when someone needed a battle buddy. I remember when we were on our FTX, she was digging a hasty and she was using an E-tool and chipped a piece of rock off that landed in her eye. She got to go to the hospital and spend the night. She got to take a shower and if the drill sergeants threw a C-S grenade, she got to leave because of her eye. I found out about her dying through a fax at work, not about her, but another soldier that died from Kentucky, where I am from. The fax was from Westboro Baptist church. I researched the church and read an article with her name in it. I googled her name after that and found out what happened. We were emailing each other while she was over there. I have tried to come into contact with as many people as I can from our platoon. I have emailed both of our drill sergeants. If anyone has any pictures they could send me, I would appreciate it. elizabeth.rebmann@us.army.mil

[...] Young Spc. Carrie French is more deserving of the PoY than Cindy Sheehan. For that matter the kid at Subway who cuts my sandwich and wraps it up for me is more deserving than Sheehan. [...]

I am just leaving notes where ever I see fit about Carrie. My name is Ashley Cummings and Carrie and I were best friends since about the 6th grade. I loved her so much and will never forget that girl. I know she is watching over us all. I just never want her to be forgotten….she is such a beautiful person. She will always and forever be my hero. I miss you Carrie….you were the best friend I EVER had. Ill see you when I get there babe

I am Carrie’s mother. Thank you for all the kind messages. Please keep all of our soldiers in your hearts and prayers.

I just want say I was in Kirkuk, Iraq when the 116th replaced us in Dec. We stayed over our time to help out as much as possible during the election to ensure nothing chaotic took place.

We also felt as though we wanted to be sure that the 116th had no problems in that area and we had over 400 troops who wanted to volunteer to stay an additional year to help out. However, the government said no.

I want to take this time now to share my deepest sympathy to the French’s for the loss of their daughter. I too was involved in an IED attack in Iraq on 10 April 04. I lost a very good friend of mine the day before in an ambush. Two days prior to that I lost another soldier who was only 19 years old.

As soldiers, we sometimes don’t always understand our mission but we know that it must be carried out. We are considered hard charges because we take a lot to gain a little. I realize that the media portrays us as baby killers—I guess that is so if the 19 or 16 year-old “baby” has a bomb strapped to his chest or a weapon in their hand.

Carrie was doing what she knew was best and that was not only protecting her loved ones, but trying to help another country have a better way of life. That to me stands out more then anything.

I remember that back in the day if you had a combat patch you were the CREAM of the CROP—now it’s if you’re a high school graduate and choose to enter the military knowing that our country is at war; you are already HERO in our eyes.

I have been in only 8 years and to see so many young people entering the military really makes my eyes water. These are our FUTURE LEADERS doing what other individuals were either too scared to do, couldn’t do, or just didn’t care to do.

So to Carrie’s Family and Friends, I say “thank you” for raising another HERO for our country and may GOD BLESS and KEEP YOU ALWAYS!!! We’ll all be home soon in a place where there is no more pain or suffering or wars. HOMEWARD BOUND SOLDIER!!!!

SSG Jackson 25th Infantry Division

I am PFC Taube i was also in basic training with French we were in the same platoon and i had never met a person so cheerfull even when it wasn’t fun she still smiled. When word of this got to me my heart sank in my stomach because it was just so sad to know somebody this nice and then to hear that they are gone at first i didnt bieleve it but then more and more people from our platoon contacted me and informed me of this i began to see it was true. I am deeply sadened by this and yet still in shock French was just such a great person. To the French family i am so sorry for your loss haveing known her made my life and probably a lot of others better she truly was and is a great soldier once again i am so sorry for your loss but know that she is in heaven. God Bless.

PFC Taube, Zachary
2nd infantry division, Korea

hi my name is jill and i have been a proud army wife for three years.my husbnad has returned home safely from iraq 4 months ago.i have never met carrie french.i wish i could have had the privilage of knowing her.she fought and died for our country.she is a true hero.the females in the military i feel dont get the credit they deserve.sometimes i think people forget that there are woman out there sacraficing there lives too for us.so i want to say thank you to carrie and her family for everything she has done.

Although I live in Alaska now, I am from Idaho, and know both Rick and Paula, Carrie’s parents. I have to say that I have been thinking about Carrie Daily, I met her when she was a little girl. I have a daughter in the Marine Corps, and my wife is currently in Iraq on a tour of duty with the US Navy. I think about the family all the time, we are all fromm a small town called Notus, population around 400, and I have known Rick French all my life.

My heart is with you Rick, and you too Paula, I hope you can find peace and some comfort in the fact that Carrie is/was so loved and so missed.

Warmly,

John Cartwright
Anchorage, Alaska

I have a number of things I would like to say, but I am not sure if they would be deemed appropriate by the operator of this blog.

I have a number of opinions, but how can I tell in advance if they are considered “correct” and appropriate?

I mean, why post my thoughts and opinions if they will just be deleted? Can anyone point me to the ground rules?

Roland

Roland — thanks for stopping by.

I’m pretty lenient as far as what I’ll let be posted — I’m not afraid of opinions that differ from mine. In fact, I’d say that most of the comments I get on this blog do come from people with different perspectives.

What I won’t allow though — comments that bash our troops, comments that are intended to denigrate the service of our soldiers, or really — especially on a thread like this, I will not tolerate nor allow any comments that in anyway disrespected the memory or the sacrafice of Spc. French.

Additionally, I don’t allow comments that threaten another user, or use obscene or gratuitious personal attacks on any other commentor. Oh, and don’t post somebody else’s words/work and pass them off as your own. I’ll delete those too.

But if you simply want to say I’m an idiot for believing that I fully support the War on Terror — go ahead. I have thick skin.

I feel terrible for just now finding this all out. I went to basic Training with Carrie and was unreachable for a great amount of time. I knew Carrie as she went through nine weeks of a great experience. I knew her so briefly, yet was touched by her presence. I morn today as if it just happened, for me it has. To all those who know her I thank you for being there for her loved ones as I can not.

Chelsey K Morris (PFC)

I am a member of the Idaho National Guard and have been since March of 2001. I first met Carrie French when she joined and was placed in my platoon. She was only with us for a couple of months before she transferred to the ammo section. I never spent much time around Carrie either before or during deployment, but I thought she was a great person and was able to brighten anyones day at the drop of a hat. I regret not having gotten to know her better for I’m sure I would have been better for it. Carrie French was a great soldier and a better person, the world is a slightly sadder place without her in it.

To anyone who would defame Carrie or use her death to promote a political agenda: Hang your head in shame because all you have done is cheapen a hero’s sacrifice.

To Carrie’s parents: I’m so sorry for your loss, I can’t even imagine what you went through, but know that there are people out there who will never let Carrie’s memory be tarnished.

I’ve posted twice before (June 14th & July 4th) … I am a fellow Idahoan (Lava Hot Springs) and I come back to this site frequently to view Carrie’s photo and think about her … I believe that is still the intent of this web site.

I am currently deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan and I recently visited the sight of the last formalized resistance of the Taliban before they fled into the mountains to wage their guerilla war. An American flag flys at this site and I said a special prayer for Carrie and her family. May God grant them peace until they see each other again. Thank you Carrie!

On Super Bowl Sunday, February 5th, it will be eight months since Carrie was KIA; eight long months of tears and sadness. The soldiers of the 116th BCT/145th SP BN have come home from their deployment to Iraq and most (except for those who are AGR) are readjusting and settling into their civilian lives.

I am pleased that Carrie’s story has remained in the news, both in print and on television. I don’t want people to forget her! She is not a statistic but rather a fallen soldier who was loved by so many.

Carrie’s birthday is on February 28th…she would have turned 20 years old.

We are still very proud of Carrie’s service to our country as well as to the people of Iraq. She lived life well and brought sunshine where there was darkness.

Our prayers continue to be spoken for Paula, Rick, Doug, Sara, Mikala, Lida and the rest of Carrie’s family…that God will heal their broken hearts and bring comfort to them.

Always in our hearts; never to be forgotten; we love you Carrie, our soldier, daughter, aunt, cousin, friend, and soulmate.

Thank you for remembering Carrie and taking the time to visit this site.

[...] From what Robbie wrote last year: [...]

Happy Birthday Carrie!!! Forever in our hearts. We love you and pray that our lives will be worthy of your sacrifice and service.

You’re in a better place, and smiling down upon us. You were only 19 – so young, so young.

Carrie and I had been friends since the 2nd grade. She was a beautiful person and I’ll never forget her. Shes a true hero in my heart. I have many good memories of all of our times spent together. We in grade school were married once with blow pop rings! haha. she was a bundle of laughs and loads of fun to be around. “left carrie, you’re turning left, LEFT!” haha wow. thanks for doing what i couldn’t carrie! you were such an amazing and brave woman. I love and miss you.

When we were 13 years old, Carrie and I went to the National Guard tent at the Boise fair. We were so excited about how we were going to join and still go to college and live together in a little house that we were going to fix up and make our own. We never got the chance. Carrie left for boot camp days after graduation.
I got to see her at Christmas and she was unchanged by what she had been through. She was still amazing, creative, loving, and so generous. I never got to see her face again. I will remember that Christmas for the rest of my life.
Carrie was more to me than words can say… she helped form me into the person I am today.
I Love you Carrie Lee, You will Always be Remembered

Christa — I see from your Navy military email address that you lived up to your childhood promise and joined the military, too! I get the sense that you are carrying out the dreams that you and Carrie made together as little girls in Boise all those years ago.

Carrie would be proud of you! Me? I’m just thankful and humbled by your’s and Carrie’s love of our country.

***

Zach and Carrie — I’m sorry for the loss of your friend, but she’s obviously living on in your wonderful memories of her. Thanks for stopping by and adding to this tribute to this Hero.

Hey christa! Was that the year that you two got me in trouble with mom for not staying together? You and my sister were evil! Hehe calling us over the lost childrens loud speaker!

I recently returned from Iraq. I was in Kirkuk with my team. We were Medevac. There in no doubt in our minds that she will remain an important part of our lives for years to come.

To Carrie,

Your people miss you..

I don’t know what to say here…
It has been a year since I left Kirkuk. It has taken me this long to gain the courage to express my feelings about losing Carrie. I knew Carrie and the whole crew she worked with at the “Ammo Dump.” I sorta adopted her, Misty, Mallorie and the others as an extended family. They helped our mission out in more ways than they realized without question. The day she was killed by a cowardly insurgent I was on a plane heading back to the states… I didn’t find out until I was inprocessing to my home unit at Cannon AFB. I feel as though I lost a part of my family. She was a kid, and I stress the word kid.

To the Mr French and Ms Hylinski my deepest respect and sympathy go to you and the rest of the family. She spoke to me several times about her family… I hope to be able to pay my respects directly one day.

To the men and women of the 116th… It was an honor to work with you guys… anyday, anytime I would do it again.

To Matt… cherish the memories you have, just because you two didn’t make it down the aisle… doesn’t mean a thing. I’m sure you know what I mean.

I am currently in the process of a reassignment to the EOD flight at Vandenberg AFB. I have to travel to see family in NV, I am going to try to get up to Idaho to pay my respects to her directly, it’s the least I can do for family.

SSgt Rob Brown (Browneye)
USAF Explosive Ordnance Disposal Tech
(Kirkuk AB, IRAQ, Jan 05 to Jun 05)
jrblaster@msn.com

Robbie; thank you for hosting this string on your blog.

Stopping by this blog on Veteran’s Day to reflect and remember that beautiful, sweet face. We will never forget you Carrie. The love you so freely gave to all of us lives on in our hearts. Stephen Ambrose stated that…”the greatest casualty of war is the death of what might have been.” That quote has been on my mind this past week as I see Alex & Brenna’s beautiful little baby…if only you and Matt could have had the chance to marry and have a family.

Loving you, missing you is just a way of life now. Grateful American and Mom of a hero. Becky

Carrrie is a hero

I visited her grave site the other day and tears filled my eyes and it was very hard to not cry. I could not attented her her memorial services either State Side of Iraq but I know that she was a young woman that set an example for may to follow. Few are worthy of the honor she is due.
GOD-BLESS MY FRIEND

hey to all who know and love carrie thank you for letting her live on through memories…a heart like her’s has left an impression on everyone she met…she was so welcoming! and crazy but still amazing she will FOREVER be with me and my family!

i love you carrie!

forever
kayla

I was an ammo aoldier in carrie’s section and she was with out a doubt a sister to me. She had a smile so bright that it could put the sun to shame. And when she gave someone a hug she would hug you in such a way that you felt like you had known her your entire life. Her death has still not hit me like it should, in my mind she is still on that convoy and I’m just waiting for her to get back so I can chew her out for being late and the hug her and tell her how much I miss her.

Your little Bro,
Dan Hightower Aka Hyspeed

Happy birthday, Carrie.

Happy Birthday Carrie! You would have been 21 years old today.

Just keeping this thread alive. Some gone should never be forgotten.

Happy birthday, Carrie.

I have not forgotten. I will be eternally grateful for the sacrifice you made so that I might live free.

Happy 22nd Birthday Carrie. Your beautiful smile remains in our memories. You are remembered every single day…but especially this day. We miss you so very much. We are grateful that we were able to know you and love you.

My name is Irma Chambers and I became a friend of Carrie’s mother Paula not long after Carrie’s death. I recently wrote a poem as a Tribute to Carrie and it can be read at:

http://www.iwvpa.net/chambersis/tribute_.php

Copy and paste it to your address bar and it will show up along with a special notation as to how and why the poem was written.

I will never forget what Carrie has done for me…. in death she held my heart and lead me to her mother because Carrie knew we would need each others friendship….in more ways than one – Thank you Carrie

Every day is a day to remember you Carrie, but especially today as we mark the three-year point of your death. We love you and celebrate your beautiful life…cut short, but still having such a lasting impact on so many of us.

Our prayers go out to your family and loved ones knowing this to be a difficult day.

Missing you is just a part of living…Becky H. & family

I knew Carrie very well. I saw her almost every day in Iraq. Carrie is a true HERO. She always seemed to volunteer to go out on missions through very hostile country. You could see her smile from a mile away. At first she seemed so small all dressed up in battle gear, but her smile made her ten feet tall. Carrie always brightened up my day. I am sorry Carrie and miss that smile.

To the family of Carrie. I am so sorry for your loss. I am also sorry it has taken this long to write to any of you. I hope you will read this. I was in charge of the convoy that day Carrie was killed. I have written many letters to you about that day. I plan to one day finish one and get it to you. I am from Montana and have no idea on how to reach you all to share with you my apologies. If there is a way to contact any of the family, I would like to at least email you. The owner of this blog has my email address. I am sorry for your loss.

Stopping by here to pay tribute…four years ago today we lost a beautiful young woman with so much life left to live and a bright future ahead of her. Still miss that giggle and beautiful smile! We love you Carrie and honor your memory.

It is sad to see such a bright light snuffed so young. I am Soldier of 15 years and have been deployed 4 times. I have seen many Soldiers pay the ultimate price for our freedom and it weighs heavy on my heart. To you Carrie, I give you the highest honor one Soldier can give another… I salute you. rest in peace my sister in arms.

I can’t believe it has been over four years, but Carrie’s sacrifice will never be forgotten!

Robbie, my name is Sara Gillman. I am Carrie’s older sister. If you would like, you can give Daniel my email address if he has not already received my mom’s. I believe you can get it via this post? If you can’t I’ll check back in a few days to see if you replied.