Sgt. Frank J. Gasper United States Army KIA 25 May 2008 |
25, of Merced, Calif.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colo.;
died May 25 in Najaf, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised
explosive device.
died May 25 in Najaf, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised
explosive device.
| Tributes This Memorial Page Established by-SFC Rod Brewer In Honor Of SGT Frank J. Gasper, OIF, 05/25/08 Sergeant Frank Joseph Gasper, 25, was kiled in action by an improvised explosive device while conducting resupply operations near Diwaniyah, Iraq. Gasper, who was in his third deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, was assigned to the Headquarters Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, Colo. Gasper, a native of Merced, Calif., earned his General Education Diploma in 2000. He enlisted in the Army in October 2002 and became a Rodio Operator/Maintainer. Gasper's military education includes Basic and Advanced Individual Training, Basic Airborne School, Base Station Operators Course and Special Mission Radio Supervisors Course. His awards and decorations include three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and Parachutist Badge. Gasper is survived by his wife, Breanna, and his God-son, Devon, of Colorado Springs, Colo. He is also survived by his mother, Anita Richards, and his sister, Victoria Gasper of California. -DE OPPRESSO LIBER- www.news.soc.mil www.ranger.org Christmas in Arlington... Rest easy, sleep well my brother, Frank. Know the line has held, your job is done. Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held. Peace, peace, and farewell.... SFC Rod. February 06, 2012 Anita Richards Email_address = Email Address:Plomolady@yahoo.com Start_a_Memorial_Page = on Your_Memorial = A true Hero named Frank touched my life. It started the day he was born my son, my hero was born on Veterans day November 11, 1982. I remember seeing his big brown eyes, and his sparkling eyes just lit the room. The smiles we shared as we looked into each other eyes. His perfect little fingers,feet and hands. His little fingers grasped mine and I instantly thought wow, I have this little God sent guy to take care of and love, care for and protect. Well,the years went by and Frank became a fine young man and served in the US ARMY and he loved what he did. He was proud to serve our Country. He never hesitated to go overseas as a matter of fact he was on his fourth deployment when his vehicle encountered an IED. It was Sunday morning and we got the knock on the door. Of course, I had already heard of the bad news, but in my mind I kept thinking,"maybe it was a mistake, maybe it really wasn't Frank;. As the door knock came, the funeral to! ok place it all became so real. But, as months went by and I missed him more I knew I my hero, my son would not want me to be layed up in some dark room. It has been through many community events like the Annual Run for the Fallen, reaching out to Soldiers actively serving and taking up sewing that I have truly found some peace and consolation. I feel Frank guiding me and he truly takes me to places that I could of never imagined I would go. My son is truly my hero, and he truly is the wind beneath my wings. I have met some remarkable young men who served with Frank while he served in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and it has not been hard to recognize the character, the pride and braverly that they all resemble as Soldiers. It just seems as I meet more of Frank buddies and find out where they fit so uniformly in Franks life that I have begun to understand just the True American Hero that Frank truly was as he full filled his life as a Soldier. I am ! thankful everyday that God granted me with such a blessing to be called Frank's Mother. It is a blessing to get to know all of Frank's brothers that he served with. I feel my extended family with 10th Special Forces, 3rd Battation Group is truly the best support any parent of a Fallen Soldier could have. Thank you very much for your continued support, it means a lot to me. Thank you for being apart of Frank's life and for continuing to be apart of our life. Thank you for helping me keep his memory alive. With love & prayers, Gold Star Mother, Anita November 11, 2011 SSG Frank (The Tank) Gasper SGT Timothy Beck Happy Birthday Buddy I miss ya more than you know. I will alway remember you and the price you paid for us. You will always be my best friend and I will never forget you. Love Always and Forever Your Best Pal Timothy Beck Veterans Day November 11, 2010 1SG Monroe Ewing I served with Frank in 10th SFG(A) and deployed with him in 2007 and 2008. He was the greatest of Soldiers and of men. On this Veteran's Day, I remember him and his honor that remains. June 07, 2010 SGT Michael Barnes I served with Frank in 2007 in Taji,Iraq. He was a great soldier and an even better person. My God Bless his soul with Eternal Light. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. June 06, 2009 Anita Richards In Honor Of SSG Frank Gasper June 08, 2009 My tears still fall on my pillow, My tears still can't seem to stop, My love for you is ever so real, as I think of you everyday! My heart swells with pride, as I remember your brave acts Your courage is what has kept me and your love is the most I treasure! but, though your Gone, your not forgotten! Rest in peace my son, my hero! love you, Mom May 17, 2009 Anita Richards- Frank's Mom It was almost a year ago that my son, my hero SSG Frank Gasper was killed in Iraq. Yet, my pain is so deep, so is my feeling of how proud I am to be called his mother! My son, fought hard, he was brave, courageous, and he was a warrior! I am so proud of my son, for not being the man to sit around and watch, wait for someone to get the job done, but he was a true warrior. He always looked out for everyone, he always thought of others first before himself. He was a TRUE AMERICAN HERO! He loved what he did, and he would not have traded it for anything else. Frank, I miss you so much! It will be another hard day for me as I stand there at your memorial. But, son just know that you made me proud, and I will NEVER FORGET your sacrifice. I am thankful for the years that God Lent you to me. Again, I ask myself this question? WHY DID MY SON HAVE TO DIE IN IRAQ?? because he would of not had any other way. He was a true WARRIOR. Rest in peace! LOVE YOU, MOM November 26, 2008 Anita Richards I see you all around I see you all around Yet your gone, I see you all around me I drive downtown to run my errands pass by that school you attended, I set you all around me I drive to go to Grandma's and pass by that barn you used to play in I see you all around me I go by the santuarary that you grew up at and I see you all around me I see that field that you once played football on I see you all around me Yet another day goes by me that I can't feel your face, kiss your cheek, or give you a hug but, I see you all around me The memories are embedded deep within my heart, and your spirit is yet so free but Son, I see you all around me. With love, Mom 11/26/08 Sept 4, 2008 Remus and Joyce Hunwardsen Although I didn't personally know Frank, my husband was friends with him. My husbands fondest memory includes drag racing... You will forever be missed in our family.. Thank you for protecting our future. Thank you for giving your life to make sure we all have a safer country.. Sept. 3, 2008 Anita Richards In memory of my son, my hero SSG Frank Gasper,died May 25,2008 in Najaf, Iraq. Frank was two weeks into his fourth tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, when his vehicle encountered and Improvised Explosive Devise. The last memories of Frank were when I went to visit in Colorado Springs during Spring break March 2008. I always tried to visit him before he deployed. We spent 10 days together, enjoying making home made cooked tortillas, enchiladas, carne asada, rice. Which were all of Frank's request. We were suppose to make portugee beans but found out that Colorado does not sell Linguisa, LOL! So, we just made chili beans and my son in law,Dustin made cheese drop biscuits to go with them! We had some really delicious food! We went to the park on oneday,and enjoyed a picnic, went to Old Colorado City, which was alot of fun. We were together everyday and had alot of fun. We spent Easter Sunday together, of course it snowed in Colorado that morning! I remember I woke up early that morning, took a walk then came back shortly due to the snow that was coming down. Later that day, Frank, Breanna and Devin came over for the cookout. Dustin made a brisket on the BBQ and I made scalloped potat! oes,fresh string beans,green salad and ambrosia. Paul, Gerrie, Steph and Dakota came over they brought some really yummy desert. We really enjoyed the day together. Then came time for the boys to open their Easter Basket. Frank and Devin open there's first. Frank's basket was filled with Dale Jr Hat, PJ's and candy. Devin didn't have a Easter basket from Grandma & Grandpa his basket ball, baseball & glove wouldn't fit in a basket. He got a Dale JR Lamp, and action figures. Oh, the smiles on their faces will never be forgotten. Then later it was Dustin and CJ's turn to open their basket. Dustin got the same hat, Dale JR and he got a towel of Mater and candy. CJ, was living with Dustin & Victoria at the time, got a t-shirt with candy. But, I can remember the 10 days that I was there visting, each day that we were together we're so happy. The kids would stay up late playing Guitar Hero, Rock band. I even got them on video. We laughed and played til late at nights. Frank was ac! tually the only singer in the group that could keep up,LOL! He sounded like he was austriallian,LOL! But, then it came time to leave. This was the first time Frank did not accompany me to the Airport. I remember he came over hugged me. Then, I said Frank aren't you coming. He came and hugged me again, and said" you know I hate good-byes". That was the last time I saw him. He arrived to Iraq, on Mother's day. I did not expect to hear from him. He called to wish me a Happy Mother's day! I told him how this call was the best gift I could receive. I told him I loved him and to be safe! He said, "you know I always am". You can never say it enough, you can never hug enough, you can never take enough pictures, you can NEVER be ready for the death of a loved one. But, I know that oneday, we will meet again! Until then, Rest in Peace my son, my hero, SSG Frank Gasper. June 21, 2008 Anita Richards PROUD GOLD STAR MOM SSG FRANK GASPER, 25 of Merced died May 25, 2008 when he was doing a resupply for fuel and his truck encountered an IED. He was laid to rest in his home town of Merced, CA. Frank served with the US Army since October 2002. He was a very outgoing, happy and very funny story teller. He loved what he did and loved everyone. He was very respected by his family, friends and fellow unit. SSG Frank Gasper was respected and thought of highly by his unit. He will be remembered for his extraordinary abilities and skills as a soldier, friend and brother. He served with the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, CO. Shortly after his assignment to Headquarters Support Company (HSC), 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces (A) he deployed with his unit in support of OPERATION Iraqi Freedom, I, III, V, and VI. He selflessly gave of his time to help all those around him, training and mentoring junior Soldiers and striving to bring freedom to the oppressed. Gasper's duties placed him in key locations ranging across the Continental United States and Iraqi Theater of Operations. SSG Gasper volunteered to take the lead on countless resupply operations in some of the most dangerous areas of the war, knowing that his mission was critical to the units ability to keep our Soldiers in the fight. SSG Gasper distinguished himself through selfless service to the Signal Detachment and his unit during his career with the United States Army. He mentored and developed over 25 Special Forces Communications Sergeants,enabling them to successfully join their Operational Detachments with the necessary radio and communications skills. He demonstrated a mastery of his MOS so complete that he was known as the communication expert throughoutmultipletalion. He utilized his skills to prepare and maintain communications on multiple occasions in combat. SSG Gasper personally set up and installed the Joint Base Station in 90 minutes, un heard -of even with a fully staffed section. The speed at which he set up this equipment significantly reduced the interruption to the communications network, facilitating ongoing combat operations with Special operations Task Force-Central Area of Operation. Soon after arriving to Iraq, SSG Frank Gasper assumed the position of Section Sergeant of the radio section in the 3rd Battalion, Headquarters Support Company,Signal Detachment when his supervisor was suddenly moved to fill a mission critical position in another section in the battalion. Then a Sergeant, Staff Sergeant Gasper immediately assumed control in the absence of senior leadership and took the reins of Radio Section, a position normally maned by a senior Sergeant First Class Radio Operator. Because of his maturity,motivation, and technical and tactical expertise, SAG Frank Gasper consistently outperformed his peers, all having more than twice the amount of time in services that he himself had. SSG Frank Gasper's leadership of his Soldiers was confirmed as his Soldiers excelled as communicators while providing 100 percent secure communications operations in support of the Operations Detachment's tactical mission. This motivation directly affected all aspects of his mission and his Soldier's exceptional performance. SSG Gasper's ability to execute a myriad of Special Forces missions enabled him to fulfill all tasks necessary to complete each mission at the highest level. HIs ability to train Soldiers was one of his hallmark skills that he honed to perfection by teaching numerous Soldiers in 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). His examples and dedication inspired all those around him. SSG Frank Gasper's experience in tactical driving and convoy operations made him an indispensable asset in the success of Special Operations Task Force-Central. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, Special Operations Task Force-Central, Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak leaf Clusters,and the Army Good Conduct Medal (second award). His decorations include the Combat Action Badge and the Parachutist Badge. He served our Country with such valor and distinction. It was obvious he loved serving our Country and would not be doing anything else. He wrote many letters to home and expressed how he felt about his service. He wrote" momma, I would not be doing anything else or be anywhere else than what I am doing today". He also shared his passion and said "momma, I just want to make a difference here and assist in helping to set the oppressed free". He often wrote in his letters asking about his cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. He would sometimes write each of their names and at the end would say " sorry if I missed anyone". When he would come home he ofter wanted to gather with friends and family. He loved Classic cars, motorcycles, big trucks and shooting at the range. One of his highlights of his life at a younger age was when he won the BURN OUT CONTEST in his home town at the Merced Fairgrounds. He will forever be remembered for his trade mark smile and his bravery and sacrifice serving our Country. He had two dogs named Morgan and Liberty,that he loved to spend time with and train for obedience. He is survived by his Wife Breanna Gasper, his God-son Devin Maldonado (Gasper), and his sister and Brother in law, Victoria & Dustin Beuerlein from Colorado Springs,CO. His parents Joel & Anita Richards, from Planada, CA. His grandmother, Maria Segura,his Step-grandfather, Robert Richards of Merced, CA. He is also survived by many cousins,aunts,uncles and many close friends. Anita Richards In loving memory of my son, SSG Frank Gasper. We love you so much and we are so proud of your bravery, and dedication. Althoug, our heart ache with emptiness and sorrow. We mourn not just the loss of our son, but of a hero that gave his life so that we may be free, and others may be free. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!! My son died doing what he loved and believed in. I pray for the men and women serving our country and their families. you will Forever be in our hearts. Love, Mom |
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