Dear Hannah,

Not a week goes by that I am sure someone in our graduating class doesn't reflect on Gabe and the inspiration that he gave us all. Still today I think of him and you and your precious baby. I wish that I could have attended the memorial service but wasn't able to make it. What a wonderful person Gabe was and his testimony will continue to live on. He was a true warrior for our Lord and we are all honored to have had him in our lives at one point. I was just going through old photos of school and his smile was infectuous. That is something that appears to have been passed on to your son. I hope all is well for you and your family and please remember that he will never be forgotten.

Dear Hannah and the Deroo Family,
Derek and I can hardly fathom it has been three years now. We talk about the wonderful times with Gabe often. I cried when I heard Derek tucking Jackson into his crib one night telling him about a hero he knew named Gabe and how Gabe was with Jesus but always watching over us. We miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you guys.

I think of your husband, son, and brother often. I was in attendance of his memorial at the Fircrest church and was moved by the way he led his life, so honorable. I had just returned from my first tour in Iraq and after his memorial my wife and I decided to name our son Gabriel Robert.

Your son lives on in spirit and is still touching people he never knew. Though his absence in this world hard, he sits next to the Lord and continues to watch over us all from Heaven.

Robert

We are saddened to learn of Sgt Gabriel Deroo's death, and we pray the Lord will comfort his family and the friends who knew him. We are deeply indebted to Gabriel and all those who have given their lives for the cause of freedom.

Phil and Julie Mattern

My husband grew up in Lawton, so I read the Courier Leader often. When I read the story of Garbiel Deroo, i was so moved and the tears were a mixture of grief and joy. His testimony had to be shared - i sent his obituary and story to everyone in my address book. I wanted people to know his testimony and his wifes, because I know they both made that decision for military service. May God bless Hannah and her children and it will be great when those who believe on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ meet in Heaven. May his legacy live on through his children. And even these few years later, I still share his testimony unto the Glory of the Living God.

I liked your site.

My daughters (7yrs&6yrs) greeted me at the door today saying they had met a real soldier. They handed me the Mission Accomplished pamphlet that talks of Gabe's life. A few soldiers had visited their school today talking about their service and sharing what happened to Gabe. They said he was their brother. What an amazing person and great example for me to be able to share with my kids. Thank you for creating this pamphlet and sharing Gabe's life with us. We will pray for you and your beautiful son. I look forward to meeting Gabe one day.
In Christ, Mike

"Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers is an organization of over 235 knitting groups throughout the country. Since October of 2007, we have sent out more than 2,900 prayer shawls to the families of our fallen soldiers. If you or a family member would like to receive a hand knit prayer shawl in the memory of Gabriel, please contact me at barbconway@comcast.net or 774 487-8618.
Sincerely, Barbara Conway

Dear DeRoo Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My mom, Carol, just told me about Gabriel. We used to go to church with you, and I babysat for Gabriel a couple of times when I was a teenager. (I was Michelle Parish then). My son Andrew, was recently in Iraq for his second tour, so it hits pretty close to home. My heart is with you, and may God bless you, and peace be with you.
Sincerely, Michelle Marcus

Hello Hannah, Laura and family of SGT De Roo;
I'm a nurse at Madigan and as I was walking past a clinic, I saw a pamphlet in the waiting area with the magazines. This handsome hero's face stood out to me and I picked up the trifold of Gabe's life. My husband has been to Iraq and continues to serve our country, my husband was in Mosul just months before Gabe. I am so sorry for the loss of such an amazing man! What wonderful photos and messages of love and dedication you will show his son, Gabe II. I know as a Mother and Father what pride you must have in your son. And as brothers and sisters what memories you will have forever. Hannah, my heart hurts for you going through this journey of grief. It is something to go through rather than get over. There is no such thing. His spirit and love live in you. Thank you for sharing his life and story. I will always remember your son, husband, brother, friend - Gabe.