Remembering / Michele Kaniewski (his friend's mom )
Dear Shirley, Brad and Kevin, I'm thinking of you today especially because it is Craig's 22nd birthday. I want you to know that I think of Craig everyday and will always remember his sweet nature and his smile. I will always what he did for all of us. I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you on this very special day. I wish for you peace. Love, Miki Close

Craig / Stephanie Peterson-Ferrel (cousin)
It's your birthday today, and I finally have the courage to write you. I'm just so *sorry* -- about everything. There were so many things to do, and I kept putting them off thinking there'd be time. Then some stupid war and some stupid people took all our time. I miss you, Craig. Every, single day. And every, single day I hope that you know I never meant for time to get away from me. I love you, Craig. I hope you know that, too. Close

Thank You  / Michelle Boeding (UCHS Alumni 1999 )
I just wanted to say that I am so thankful for the people from our small town that are serving our country.  It is unfortunate that the outcome was not how everyone had hoped it would be.  I send my deepest sympathy to your family and Craig's friends who knew him so well. I have no way of knowing what you are all going through, but just know that he has touched everyone's lives whether they knew him or not.  When I heard the news it came from my older brother Dustin who is now in the Navy.  He called to see if I had heard about Craig, but unfortunately I had never gotten the chance to know him.  My brother said he was one of his buddies who came into Harding's to hang out when he was working there.  It sounds like Craig was the perfect example of what people from Union City are all about.  Thank you again to his family and friends.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Close

Thinking of You  / Danielle Marten (Best Friend )
I am thinking of you everday. I expected it to get better with time, but i think it is only getting wrose. I continue to miss you with everday that passes. I am just blessed to know that you are always with me. I am coming back to Union City this weekend, and you better believe i will be right there by your side as soon as i can. I will love you always and forever. Close

Missing Craig.....  / Nancy Drake (2nd MOM )

Craig.....where do I begin?  How do I put into words how much you meant to us and still do?  Its almost unfathomable to acknowledge your gone - forever.  I cant even stand by your grave.....the memory of you ALIVE is still so strong.

In retrospect, you're probably the only 'true' friend Corey ever had.  Sure, he had his 'hang-out' buddies, but when push came to shove, you were the only one who I can honestly say loved Corey no matter what.  You are the true expression of a lifetime friend.

As for us, you were a part of our family.  The door was never shut to you (even though you had a really bad habit of squishing your face on the outside kitchen window when you thought it was).  You were welcome, no matter the circumstance, no matter the time - we were all very comfortable with that.  And like a family member or good friend, we grieve that you're no longer here.

We all miss you so much Craig....I hope you know how much you were and still are loved...and how much of a part of our lives you really were.  We are touched by ever knowing a gentle soul, such as yours.   One day, I'll be able to say that directly to you....

Love you,
Nancy
Mom #2

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To the family of one of America's Fallen Hero's  / Patricia Perkins -. Kard

If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not here to see,
if the sun should rise to find
your eyes are filled with tears for me;
I hope you will not cry the way you might that day,
just thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me and you know that I love you,
and each time that you'd think of me,
please know I'd miss you too;

 

If tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name,
and took me by the hand.
The angel said my place was ready, in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye
for all my life, I'd always thought, that I would never die.
I have so much to live for, so much left yet to do,
it seems almost impossible, that I'd be leaving you.

 

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
the thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
But then I walked through heaven's gates,
and felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you,
today your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day's the same,
there's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.
though there were times you did some things
you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
and live in peace with me?"

 

So if tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me, I'll be there in your heart.

Author David M. Romano

 

Gone – but not forgotten.

Thank you for sharing your loved one with us,

and for the sacrifice made by you and your family on our behalf.

Patricia Perkins-Kard  -  Proud mom of Lcpl Alex. Currently serving in Iraq

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From and Army Mom  / J. L. (stranger)
To Craig's family: My sincere condolences. My son is serving in Iraq and will spend his 21st. birthday there. I can only imagine the pain you are going through. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Close

hey buddy  / John Rutan (friend)
hey craig just wanted to say hi and let you know none of use have forgotten about you. when ever i am hanging out with friends at a party or something i think of you and think to myself that you would be enjoying this and that town isn't the same anymore and it seems that we are starting to fade apart as friends tend to do as they get older. well i guess that i will talk to you later buddy Close

2 months now  / Jamie Deaton (Brother)
Hey craig it has been 2 long months, I keep hearing about the war and hating it I know I shouldnt because u were there for a purpose. We all miss u and I really hate the fact u didnt get to meet ur nephew. I know u see him though and u r watching over him for me and u will meet him someday I will always tell him what a great man u are. I miss u brotherkeep a good eye on mom and dad ok and the boyys they need your guidence. Let them feel your love. Love and miss ya. talk to you later bro!!! Close

Missing You!  / Danielle Marten (Best Friend )
I have been missing you so much lately, i can't believe it has already been two months, how fast the time goes. You can count on me coming to visit soon, whenever i make it back to the good ol' UC, i will be right there by your side. I miss you and love you like crazy! I'll be talking to you soon :) Close

Hey brother man  / James Deaton (Brother)
This is to all our friends and family, Craig would have been telling you all to cool it lol he was such a good kid and man but I will always remember my brothers as they were when I left home KIDS!!! they wernt old enough to date or drive or even go out by themselves but now I must admit I am VERY proud of all 3 of them! Craig I miss you and I hope you know even though we had our differences what brothers dont!! I love you and miss you!! Jamie Close

Thank you my HERO  / Mary Heigert (stranger)
When love has touched our lives, it remains forever in our hearts.  You are a the shinest star in the sky.  I am so sorry God took you from your Mother.  You will always be a team together within in her heart. Close

missing you...  / Nick Pensari (Good Friend and Teammate )
Hey Craig, I've been missing you alot man, its tough knowing we'll never get to see you again. I hope you enjoyed the beer we drank with you on saturday, we figured you would want one too. I just want you to know that I could never ask for a better friend or teammate. And I've always believed that as long as your in our minds and in our hearts, you are never truly gone. See ya later. Close

Just missing you buddy  / Sean Miller (Good Friend )
Hey Craig I just wanted to say hey. You know it never really hit me that I wouldnt see you again until I moved back to UC the first couple of days were really hard. I have been wanting to go up town and see you, but I didnt want to go alone. So me and Cheddar are going to come up there and share a Miller Lite with ya. I am getting a tattoo done for you to. I went today to have it drawn up and I should be getting done here in a couple of weeks. We miss you buddy. Talk to you later.

                                                                          -Sean...Ugly Twin #2  Close

Hey / Jamie Deaton (Brother)
Craig;
 Hey buddy I miss ya but guess what you were right. I can hear you now saying "I told ya" Life goes on I guess. I will chat at ya later. Close

My Best Friend  / Danielle Marten (Best Friend )
Craig was one of the best friends i have ever had. We had some really awesome times together. We could also fight better than i have ever seen anyone esle fight. Everyday i think about him and miss him and wish i had a chance to say goodbye. I am so proud of Craig for fighting for what he believed in. Now i read articles and look at pictures of the two of us and wait for the day we will be together again. Close

God Bless  / Lisa Church (Mom to angel Holly )
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In my heart forever  / Michele Kaniewski (his friend's mom )
Dear Shirley, Brad, Kevin, Jamie and Jay, Craig was so brave in serving our country. I appreciate so much the sacrifice that he made for all of us. Craig was such a sweet boy and had such a sweet nature. I want you to know that I will never forget him. He will remain in my thoughts and in my heart forever. I read somewhere that everytime we think of a loved one that has passed on before us, they can feel it and it makes them happy. I think of Craig constantly and remember him. I believe that you will be with him again someday. What a happy celebration you will have with him then. Close