Army Pfc. Timothy J. Seamans

When Timothy J. Seamans went to his father to tell him he wanted to enlist, the elder Seamans had to be sure.

"I said to him, 'You do this freely, without reservation -- do you understand that?"' recalled David Seamans. "He held my hand; he said, 'Yes, I do."'

Tim Seamans, 20, of Jacksonville, Fla., was killed Aug. 18 by a roadside bomb in Samarra. He was based at Fort Stewart.

"He was my best friend," said his sister, Ashley Seamans. "I can't believe he's gone."

Seamans joined the Army right after graduating high school last year. He knew he wanted to serve his country -- like his father, a Navy veteran.

"I gave to my country and at the same time so did my son," he said. "But he gave more, and if I could trade places with him I would. No parent should have to bury their child."

When the elder Seamans returns to work in the elections office, he said he will redouble his efforts to encourage people to vote. Now it will be as a tribute to his son.

"We have a common bond, we're veterans, and to share that, that is an awesome thing," he said.

Seamans also is survived by his mother, Monica.

Army Cpl. Timothy M. Shea

When Timothy M. Shea told friends that he wanted to be an Army Ranger, some had doubts that the popular guy known for his wild personality and love of cars, could make the cut.

"I told him to his face, 'You can't do it, there's no way,"' said classmate Marc Mahoney. "He completely proved me wrong."

Shea, 22, of Sonoma, Calif., was killed by a bomb blast Aug. 25 outside Husaybah. He was based at Fort Benning.

Shea had found direction in his life with the military after graduating from high school in 2001 unsure of what to do next.

"I could tell he was a different guy," said Mahoney. "He'd kind of grown up, and I could tell, because I hadn't yet."

Shea loved to discover the world -- from running with the bulls in Pamplona to a trip to England that was almost derailed when his fascination with a British history museum caused him to nearly miss his departure train.

Shea is survived by his parents, William and Mary.

"Tim was not one of those kids who was interested in seeking attention or getting praise, but I could tell that when he got his Rangers 'Tab,' he was proud of that," said his father. "And that was a very touching thing."

Army Sgt. Ronnie L. Shelley Sr.

Ronnie L. Shelley was so devoted to the National Guard that he had all his upper teeth pulled and replaced with dentures so that he would be deployable -- having the dental work done just days before his battalion was called up.

A doctor offered to sign a letter that would let him stay home. "Rod said 'No. Pull them all so I can go,"' said his wife, Heidi. "He needed to go. He needed to do his part."

Shelley, 34, of Valdosta, Ga., died July 30 when a bomb exploded underneath his Humve. He was based at Albany.

Shelley served in the Marines for eight years and saw combat in the first Gulf War. In civilian life, he was the overnight maintenance supervisor at a bakery. He enjoyed bass fishing, camping, four-wheeling, and spending time with his family.

"He thought we were supposed to have a barbecue every Sunday," said Heidi. "He was the grill master."

The father of three children, ages 13, 8 and 4, was obsessed with having a neat yard. "The grass had to be two inches," said his wife. "If the neighbor mowed the grass, Rod had to mow. He also wanted the biggest, baddest lawn mower."

Marine Staff Sgt. Chad J. Simon

Sgt. Simon

Chad J. Simon was a man who was always willing to lend a tool, help others fix their cars, who loved practical jokes, who enjoyed jumping out of a darkened room to scare someone -- often, his wife -- and learning professional wrestling moves.

"He was a very nice young man, I can tell you," said his grandmother, Eileen Simon.

Simon, 32, of Madison, Wis., died Aug. 4 of wounds suffered in an explosion Nov. 8, 2004.

"There was a sense of relief that he didn't have to suffer any more but still a profound sense of sadness because he is gone," the Rev. Jeff Mannel said after his funeral ceremony.

Simon enlisted in the Marines in 1989, several months before graduating from high school. He married Regina Collins in 1997, and the couple have a 5-year-old son, Dylan.

Simon owned a painting business, Badger Painting, that he started only a short time before he was called to active duty.

Simon loved children, playing sports, hunting and playing pranks. He was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers, liked to visit beaches and marveled at the Sunshine Skyway bridge, sometimes driving over it just to get a closer look.

Marine Cpl. David S. Stewart

When he was about 3, David S. Stewart spray-painted his mother's light blue Thunderbird dark green and his parents knew they were "in for a rocky road." That road turned out to be short -- and sweet.

"He turned into a good, good man," his father said.

Stewart, 24, of Bogalusa, La., died Aug. 3 when his vehicle was hit by an explosive south of Haditha. He was based at Gulfport.

Stewart was widely known as a "wild child" who many remember with a twinkle in their eyes and a chuckle. Friends describe him as "all boy" in his early days.

In 2003, Stewart was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal after he risked his life while his amphibious track vehicle was under attack. The weapon jammed and Stewart climbed to the top turret while under fire to repair it. A few minutes later, he did it again.

Stewart attended several high schools but dropped out and got a GED. After working local odd jobs for a few years after high school, Stewart made the choice to join the Marines in 2001.

He is survived by his parents, Sandra and Joey.

Army Spc. Michael J. Stokely

Spc. Stokely

Cpl. Jeffrey Vennemann had been Michael J. Stokely's best man when he got married in May, and Stokely was planning to return the favor. Death may not chance those plans.

Vennemann said his friend will still be his best man. "I'm going to have a photo of him right there," he said. "There is no other best man."

Stokely, 23, of Loganville, Ga., died Aug. 16 in Baghdad when a bomb detonated near his patrol. He was assigned to Griffin.

A 2001 high school graduate, Stokely was a soccer player, a basketball cheerleader, a member of several clubs and was named "Student of the Quarter." He also was involved with the ROTC.

"I think popular would be an understatement," said his father, Robert. "There are politicians who would pay good money to have his popularity."

Stokely was doing construction work and completing an associates degree in political science at Georgia Military College when he was called up for full-time duty last fall.

"Michael never knew a stranger," said Hank Evans, a former coach and teacher.

He also is survived by his wife, Niki.

"He was just an awesome guy," said his mother, Melissa Gardner.

Marine Lance Cpl. Adam J. Strain

Adam J. Strain wasn't one to boast. Once, when his mother asked how he was doing in school, Adam told her: "Real good, Mom. I'm on a roll."

Cpl. Strain

What he never told her was that it was the honor roll.

"He wasn't ever comfortable talking about his successes," said football coach Dave Humphers.

Strain, 20, of Smartsville, Calif., died Aug. 3 in small-arms fire in Ramadi. He was based at Camp Pendleton.

When Adam went to Iraq, he'd make sure to pass out the goodies from his care packages to troop members and Iraqi children first. "No go home," Humphers said the local children would say to Adam because of his generosity.

"Adam was always able to make us feel better about ourselves," said Cheryl Grodan, his aunt. "I'll never forget the twinkle in his eye or that devilish grin that made me think that he just got away with something."

Strain, who graduated high school in 2003, played defensive end for the football team and wore the number 88, which will be retired in his honor.

He is survived by parents Robert and Karen, and fiancee Barbara Wycliffe. The planned to be married in October.

Army Sgt. Francis J. Straub Jr.

On his last trip home, Francis J. Straub Jr. showed his family pictures of him with Iraqi kids playing baseball and having fun. He had also helped steer them donations of candy and flip-flops.

"Frankie had the biggest heart in the world," said his father, Francis J. Straub Sr. "I love all my sons, but there's a special place in my heart for Frankie."

Sgt. Straub

Straub Jr., 24, of Philadelphia, died Aug. 9 during an ambush in Bayji. He was based in Philadelphia.

He was "a completely selfless individual, always looking out for anyone," said a cousin, Melissa Leyland, and "always interested in what was going on in my life."

Straub joined the National Guard right after graduating from high school in 1998; in civilian life, he worked for UPS at Philadelphia International Airport and at a Pep Boys.

"He was a hard worker" and he took care of the family, said his brother, Brian. He loved hockey and wanted to become a police officer.

He also is survived by his mother, Linda.

"He would want to make things right for the world," said Kathy Tunney, a neighbor and longtime friend. "He would want to make things better."

Army Sgt. Shannon D. Taylor

When Shannon Taylor came home for a two-week vacation, his mother expected his first stop to be Red Lobster, his favorite restaurant. Instead, he wanted to go to church.

Sgt. Taylor

"He went to the altar and prayed. He said something told him he had to go to church that day. I was real impressed by that," Donna Pedigo said.

Taylor, 30, of Smithville, Tenn., was killed Aug. 14 of wounds received the previous day in Tuz. He was based in McMinnville, Tenn.

Taylor was bound for the military from an early age. He had role models in a grandfather who served in World War II and uncles and an aunt who were once on active duty.

His father, William Taylor, called Shannon his fishing buddy.

"He just liked doing what he was doing," he said. "I talked to him just before this happened, and he felt like he was making a difference."

When Taylor's mother last spoke to him, he was in good spirits. One of the last things he told her, she said, was that his unit would be home in November.

"He'll be here before then," she said.

Army Pfc. Nils G. Thompson

Nils Thompson joined the Army to follow in his grandfather's footsteps, but he also looked forward to returning to the family farm after completing his tour of duty in Iraq.

"He knew since he was a little boy that being in the military was all he wanted. He never wavered," said his mother, Frances Thompson.

Pfc. Thompson

Thompson, of Confluence, Pa., was killed by a sniper Aug. 4, a day after he turned 19 years old. He was stationed at Fort Lewis.

Thompson was a deeply religious Roman Catholic who spent his free time reading the Bible and discussing religion with other soldiers. He was a 2004 high school graduate.

"Humorous, always tried to make a joke out of things. Smiling, always had a smile on his face just walking down the halls," said guidance counselor Brian Reams.

Frances Thompson said her son remained upbeat in the weekly phone calls, letters and e-mails to home.

"I'd say, 'It must be hot there. It's got to be over 100 degrees,"' she said. "He'd say he was all right. He never said anything negative. All he did was call and encourage me."

Thompson also is survived by his father, Nils M. Thompson, and sister, Lily, 14.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Brett E. Walden

It was Brett E. Walden's boyhood dream to become a Green Beret -- a decision that surprised family members.

"There's not a whole lot of Green Berets, so nobody ever dreamed that that's what he would become," said his aunt, Eddie Mae Owens.

Walden, true to his dream, graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2000 and later donned that elite headgear.

Walden, 40, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died Aug. 5 in Rubiah when a civilian fuel truck collided with his vehicle. He was based at Fort Campbell and had first enlisted as an infantryman in 1987.

A native of Amarillo, Texas, Walden moved to Florida as a teen with mother, stepfather and two brothers. In high school he played football and participated in the Junior ROTC.

He had been an instructor at the Army's Ranger Camp at Eglin Air Force Base and was due to retire in February. He had long talked of returning to the Florida Panhandle with his wife, Autumn, and their 12-year-old daughter, Alexandria.

He had gone to Afghanistan for one tour of duty and just recently started his fourth tour in Iraq.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Charles H. Warren

Charles H. Warren never got to meet his newborn daughter, Madeline. But he still left behind an image of them together.

Warren's wife, Carol, cherishes an e-mailed photo of the soldier in Iraq wearing a button with the baby's picture on it.

"Its the only picture of Charles with Madeline," said the soldiers sister, Rachel Elliott.

Charles Warren, 36, of Duluth, Ga., died Aug. 3 when a car bomb exploded near his vehicle in Baghdad. He was assigned to Statesboro.

"Charles was a fantastic husband, a wonderful father and the best brother anyone could ask for," brother Alex Warren said.

Warren was a pediatric intensive care nurse at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. He joined the Virginia National Guard 16 years ago and transferred to the Georgia unit when he moved to the state six years ago.

Elliott said he wanted to go back to school and possibly become a flight nurse. "Carol said he was late in deciding what he wanted to do with his life. But once he decided this was his calling, he really, really appreciated it and was passionate about it," Elliot said.

He also is survived by a son, Jackson.

Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin G. Waruinge

Cpl. Waruinge

Kevin G. Waruinge was a teenager living in his native Kenya when his family won a lottery to receive a visa to the United States and a chance for a new life. Once here, he wanted to give back.

"He just couldn't wait to be a Marine," said the Rev. Bruce Turner, pastor of West Gate Baptist Church. "That's what he wanted."

Waruinge, 22, of Tampa, Fla., died Aug. 3 when his vehicle was hit by a bomb near Haditha. He was stationed at Gulfport.

In 1998, his family entered a worldwide lottery to win a visa to immigrate to the United States. Waruinge graduated high school in 2001, joined the Marine Corps Reserve that same year and became a U.S. citizen in 2003.

"He was an African boy who was all-American," said Turner, of the honor student and athlete.

Waruinge survived one tour of duty in Iraq, returning home to resume his studies at Pensacola Christian College. But about five months ago, he volunteered to return for another tour in Iraq, despite the danger.

Quiet and proud, Waruinge flashed a contagious grin. "He believed in this country and freedom and rights," said family friend Elaine Pavan.

Marine Lance Cpl. William B. Wightman

When 6-year-old Kelly Crowe was scared about taking a dip in the Atlantic, her 5-year-old protector, Brett Wightman, said they would take that first splash together. That was the way he was.

"I never felt safer in my life," Crowe said during the funeral for her friend. "You were always my protector. Now you are my guardian angel."

Wightman, 22, of Sabina, Ohio, died Aug. 3 when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Barwanah. He was assigned to Columbus.

"He would do his best to help somebody," said the Rev. Carey Hilterbran. "Most of the time that help came with that big smile."

Wightman had dreamed of being a Marine since he was 3 years old and enlisted before he graduated from high school in 2002.

"He would play with those G.I. Joes and he'd say, 'I'm going to grow up and be one of these guys,"' said his aunt, Missy Luttrell. "All of his life, that's all he would talk about."

During his senior year, Wightman was king of the prom, a basketball player and ran track. His football teammates attended his funeral in their red and white team jerseys.

He is survived by his parents, Keith Wightman and Pam Saville.