Stryker Brigade News

A Tribute to SFC Henkes - Ft. Lewis Ranger

Clackamas High graduate dies in Iraq - The Oregonian

Oregon soldier killed in Iraq - Associated Press

Fort Lewis soldier killed in Iraq ID’d - The News Tribune

Funeral set for soldier killed in Iraq - The Oregonian

I want to express my deepest sympathies to SFC Henkes family. Our family is praying for you.

This young dedicated gentleman was a true soldier at heart. Reading the articles, one can tell that it was his mission, and he always came back to it. A soldier willingly lays down his life for his family and country, of which there is no greater gift and no higher honor in heaven. May God be with his family and bless them through this heartbreaking time. You, the family, are so blessed to have raised a man of such wonderful caliber and grace. May you know the Blessings that God will bestow on your soldier for his sacrifice and love. With heartfelt sympathy to you all, I dedicate my prayers. He will be remembered as a true American Hero.

This young dedicated gentleman was a true soldier at heart. Reading the articles, one can tell that it was his mission, and he always came back to it. A soldier willingly lays down his life for his family and country, of which there is no greater gift and no higher honor in heaven. May God be with his family and bless them through this heartbreaking time. You, the family, are so blessed to have raised a man of such wonderful caliber and grace. May you know the Blessings that God will bestow on your soldier for his sacrifice and love. With heartfelt sympathy to you all, I dedicate my prayers. He will be remembered as a true American Hero.

Your soldier is a hero. May God comfort and bless your family during your time of sorrow.

I am so sorry for your loss and grieve along with you at this time. May God bless you and keep you now and always.
Stryker Mom,
Ellen

I'm sorry for your loss, During this time may God Bless and comfort your family. We are all proud of this hero. God Bless
ProudSFC Mom

Sadly, once again, another member of our brave soldiers of the 3/2 have been taken from us. Richard was a true hero as you well know. My prayers are with you. Being the mother of a 3/2 soldier in Baghdad, I grieve with you. I know that no words will ever be enough to take away the hurt that Richard's passing has caused his family. I just hope that you can take some comfort in the fact that Richard was a unique individual in that he volunteered to serve his country because he felt it was the right thing to do.

3/2 Stryker Mom,
Nancy

My thoughts and prayers for the family, especially young daughter, of SGT Henkes, may God give you strength during this difficult time. What a fine, honorable young man, he and his family has served unselfeshly. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely
A Stryker Mom, an Oregonian

To the SFC Henkes family. I am very sorry for the loss of your hero. My prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. He now joins in God's Army where he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, your mission is complete.
Many Blessings,
Sandy

I would like to say that I am truly sorry for the family's loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you.

SFC Henkes was one of the finest NCO's I've ever met. He was my first squad leader from 2002-2004 in 3/21 Infantry. The Unit was brand new and he helped build that Unit from the ground up, teaching and training soldiers and spreading his knowledge. I served the Army 5 years, and never came across another Squad Leader like him. I remember he pushed us hard physically and mentally because he cared about his soldiers, more than any other Squad Leader I ever met. There's a brotherhood in the Infantry that hard to be described, when an Infantry soldier meets another Infantry soldier, they can sense it. And we're all like a family and Sergeant Henkes was like a father in that family to us. He taught us skills not only in the field, but skills to take with us for the rest of our lives. He taught us to never quit and always give it your best. To really be all we could be.

I'll always remember the Squad BBQ's and the guitar he played and the songs he sang, and his fleece socks he liked to wear. I'll never forget his smile, laugh and always positive attitude.
I wish so much some of us could be there for your service brother, many of us are overseas.
Sergeant Henkes I'll miss you brother, we'll all miss you, you will always be in our hearts.
I believe there's a special place in Heaven for soldiers and I know he's there watching over us from above.

To his family, I'm so deeply sorry for your loss, there are no words to describe, just feelings.
Rest in peace now soldier, son, brother, father.

Michael Dickinson