I miss him  / Christopher Ulen (Friend/soldier)
I think about him everyday and as much as I try to get that day out of my head I can't. I did everything in my power to keep him alive but I couldn't. I miss him. Close

Blessings to you always  / Dina M (Mom's Friend )
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I am so touched & impressed by your story...  / Kelly Penney (Friend)

"Ms. Nadia-

I am so touched & impressed by your story... the story of your son. He represents the all that is great, good, & decent about America.

So much more a man than those posing as 'pious Americans' & sent him to that place. So much more than those that would deny him his full hero's return home.

God Bless you for your own bravery. Most of all- God Bless as you journey forth without Patrick.

I too served my country. Though not in a time of declared war. Perhaps there is always a sense of survivors' guilt to those of us that've thusly served. This, particularly in the case of Patrick, makes his passing all the more poignant. He gave so much to all around him- continually. One could only hope to be 1/10th so generous daily here Stateside."
Kelly Penney of Palestine, Ohio

"Mr. & Mrs. McCaffrey, as I have followed this presidential election process, I have learned so much more

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A Soldiers story  / JAMES PECORARO (Fellow Soldier )

"This poem was forwarded to me and I am doing as it requested give my thanks and credit due to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and family.
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE McCAFFREY FAMILY. HE WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED.

A Soldiers story
Subject: Twas The Night Before ChristmasTwas the night before Christmas, all is secure.
Twas the night before Christmas,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE, AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE, NO TINSEL,NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND, AND ON THE WALL PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARD OF ALL KINDS, A SOBERING THOUGHT CAME TO MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT SO DARK AND SO DREARY, THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, NOW I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE, CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER, NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I JUST READ: CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT, OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY, AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDNT HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE, ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE, I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE, "SANTA DONT CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE; I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DONT ASK FOR MORE, MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS".
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND SOON DRIFTED TO SLEEP, I COULDNT CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL, AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD EVENINGS CHILL.
I DIDNT WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK NIGHT, THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE, WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, ITS CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE".
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT. "MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT".

THIS POEM WAS WRITTEN BY A MARINE STATIONED IN OKINAWA, JAPAN. CHRISTMAS WILL BE COMING SOON AND SOME CREDIT IS DUE TO OUR U.S. SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN FOR BEING ABLE TO CELEBRATE THESE FESTIVITIES. LETS TRY IN THIS SMALL WAY TO PAY A TINY BIT OF WHAT WE OWE. MAKE PEOPLE STOP AND THINK OF OUR HEROS, LIVING AND DEAD WHO SACRIFICED THEMSELVES FOR US.

SFC JAMES PECORARO"
MARIE L. MARIEof SANTA CRUZ, CA USA

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Nadia I met yo a few years ago at JFK University  / Heidi Wexler (Mom's Friend )

"Nadia I met yo a few years ago at JFK University. You were giving a talk about Near Death Experiences and I brought a friend with me as well. I thought that I may have seen you a on TV some months ago, and I know it was you I saw this evening being interviewed by Ethan Harp. I was touched by your lifes work and story at JFK and now after hearing what happened with your son. It is no wonder that it is you, having been through this life of yours. Such strength you have..you have given so much. You are truly blessed, as you have said and demonstrated. I would love to cross paths with you again and
learn from you and with you. I work with older adults with dementia here in San Francisco. I wanted you to know that it was a magical moment to know that you touched many this evening, and my heart goes out to you and your family."
Heidi Wexler of Oakland, CA

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I was in Basic Training and AIT with Patrick  / Christopher Rusinko (Friend)
I was in Basic Training and AIT with Patrick. He was a good soldier, a good leader, and a good friend. He will be dearly missed. I just found out about his passing recently, and it hit me really hard. I couldn't sleep right for a week, and still can't from time to time. I'm stationed in Iraq at the moment, and was told by another soldier who was in training with us. He had the same reaction when he found out. Patrick has had a lasting impact on our lives, and we'll never forget him. We thank him for the life he lived."
SPC Christopher Rusinko of Tallil Airbase, Iraq Close

To the family of Sergeant Patrick Ryan McCaffrey  / Friend XXX (Friend)

"To the family of Sergeant Patrick Ryan McCaffrey, after seing the show on Good Morning America, I did a search on google. I am so sorry to hear about his death. Thank you for the services that you and your son have given this country and your fellow human beings. I hope that your vast experience in this field helps you to cope with his loss. Again, very sorry and thank you for all the assistance you and your family have provided others."

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"Patrick, Nadia, PJ and Janessa....  / Aurora Ortiz (Friend)

"Patrick, Nadia, PJ and Janessa....

I met and immediately befriended Patrick in 1992 or 93 through his ex-wife. She was absolutely enamored by him for obvious reasons. Through their relationship and it's eventual demise he and I remained friends, even with relatively large breaks in time between our conversations. The day he told me the joined the National Guard was around the time we were having the Anthrax scares, no one, least of all me, believed he would be called to serve. He said it best when he told me "I did it in case [anyone] tries to invade us again." Always the hero. Proud of his weightlifting, in love with his children and always a smile in his voice. The last conversation we had I'll treasure forever, but wish I could change just enough to make it so I could see him just once more. He told me about being deployed about a month prior so this call was about the going away party he was having. He asked me to go so I could meet his new wife and little girl (both of our kids are close in age, his ex-wife in fact watched my daughter for a while even) I told him I couldn't make it but I would certainly love to throw him a welcome-home party, he said that I had better and that we would definitely keep in touch while he was there. E-mails were sporadic and I understood without question. I found out about his passing on the news and was truly devastated. I mourn my friend often, and remember his smile and laugh above all (and definitely will never forget his incessant preaching on the benefits of a good work-out at the gym!!). He will always be in my thoughts and prayers and will be remembered as my friend and a true hero. I'll be waiting to see your smile and hear your laugh, until you open up those gates for me. God Bless you Pat, Nadia and family.

Aurora
prprincess4_u@yahoo.com"
Aurora (Goss) Ortiz of San Jose, CA

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To Nadia and the wife and children of Partick McCaffrey  / Stella XXX (Friend)

"To Nadia and the wife and children of Partick McCaffrey.

I just want to say that I am sadened by the death of your son, husband and father. I never met Patrick, but I knew him. He was a good friend to me, and when I heard of his death, I was so devistated. I cryed for weeks, couldnt believe this happened to him. He was a fine man, so full of love for his family and friends. He is truly missed, but I know Patrick is with the Lord now, watching and protecting his family and friends. God bless you."
Stella of central california

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I have planted a daffodil for you Patrick  / Ruth Anderson (Friend)
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MEMORIES... / Jason Gramlick (Friend)

January 18, 2006
	Pat, I have some great memories of the few years we were in the N.G. I never will forget you!!! I'm so sorry this happend.
	Jason Gramlick (Vallejo, CA )

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TO THE FAMILY OF PATRICK McCAFFREY  / Michelle XXX (NO)

"TO THE FAMILY OF PATRICK McCAFFREY;
I DIDN'T KNOW YOUR SON BUT A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE DID ANDRE TYSON, YOU SEE HE WAS ALSO KILLED ON THAT DAY AND I KNOW EVEN THOUGH PATRICK WAS HURT HE TRIED TO HELP MY GOOD FRIEND, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING UP A SON LIKE PATRICK. THESE TWO SOLDIERS ARE TOGETHER NOW. GOOD NIGHT PATRICK SLEEP WITH THE ANGELS. THANK YOU FOR TRYING TO HELP ANDRE. MICHELLE"
MICHELLE of LOS ANGELES, CA.

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Missing you Pat...  / Brian Hallivell (Friend)

"So sorry to hear of your loss. I went to High School with and played football with Pat. I also lost another friend, Pat Tillman to the war. Please know that my thoughts are with you and that Pat will be missed."
Brian Halliwell of Hermosa Beach, CA

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Email / Brian Halliwell (Friend)

"So sorry to hear of your loss. I went to High School with and played football with Pat. I also lost another friend, Pat Tillman to the war. Please know that my thoughts are with you and that Pat will be missed."
Brian Halliwell of Hermosa Beach, CA

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2005 Giving Thanks  / Nadia McCaffrey (Mother)
GIVING THANKS 2005

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Second Year Without Patrick

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Standing next to the Arlington-West Memorial, a Marine is playing Taps for is fellow soldiers recently killed in Iraq. A circle of candlelight appeared revealing people's shadows. Tears are now rolling down my face onto my chest.

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At times, I feel that I am sadly hugging emptiness, darkness...

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Hope, Forgiveness, Tolerance and Love is what we need to rebuild our lives and survive, in order to have a Tomorrow for our children and grand children.

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November 22, 17 month ago today, my beloved Sunshine was killed near Balad, Iraq. In two days the family will have to face and live through the second Thanksgiving without our Darling Patrick. His warm and contagious smile flashes in my mind-eyes and soon I am smiling as well, memories are everywhere to be seen, felt and heard.

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The most unexpected; a scent or a sound will rush a flood of tears to my eyes and take me back to Patrick's first birthday... His first day at Bishop School, in Sunnyvale; stepping in the middle of a first grade fight to stop it, being hit a few times himself in the process, but, Patrick stood in the center until it was over. He, then,  walked one of the boys to the office, who needed a band-aid for his scrapped knees...

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Thank you Patrick for 34 years of precious memories. You have been and you are a great Archangel, and YES I know that you are watching over us, as you say you would. I will honor you for the rest of my life. Your Mom

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Thank you to Silvia(my daughter in law), thank you Bob,(Patrick's dad), Janessa, (my grand daughter),and Patrick Junior (my grand son). In Peaceful Service.  Nadia McCaffrey

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