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.

Hey Gabe, Hannah, Gabriel and the rest of the DeRoo Family..
Its been a long 2 years, and Ive missed Gabe for every single one of them. He has made such a positive impact on so many peoples lives, including mine, even to this day. I am proud to call him the single greatest person i have ever been in contact with in my whole life. I miss all of you so much, and hope I can come to Washington again for a visit in the near future. I love you all.

THIS American and his family will be forever grateful for the sacrificial gift you've given to us. We pray God's mercy and grace and love on you, and that you will know His peace that surpasses all understanding. God bless you all!
Joe, Tina, and little Remington Norman

Our Fallen Hero
in loving memory of Sgt. Gabriel G. De Roo
by Lisa M. Wakefield
(she finished writing this on Aug. 30, 2006 - the day of the funeral)

A Soldier for the Lord for me and you
He gave to people he never even knew
He was making a difference that's what we were told
Fighting for Freedom with a heart of gold.

He was for sure all that he could be
Living Christ's example for all to see.
A husband, a father, a brother, a son
He now walks with Jesus his work here is done.

As soldiers for the Lord we can't go wrong.
In our time of weakness Jesus is strong (II Cor. 12:9)
Gabe wwould tell us to do what's right
He'll see us again; we win the fight.

We can't help but stand with tears in our eyes
As we try to say our last goodbyes
Lean on Jesus to quiet our fears
He will bless all of our tears.

The memories in your heart will keep him near
The love you had and hold so dear
The kindness, compassion & love so true
Are the part of Gabe that lives on in you.

It's Memorial Weekend. It use to be just a fun celebration of the beginning of summer. Then it became a De Roo Family gathering day. Since August 20, 2006 it has become a time to reflect on the sacrifice of all the men and women that have given so much for our country and for me. Thank you Gabriel. Miss you.
Love,
Mom

Brother Deroo's testimony goes on and touches lives thru the tract written about him. I was blessed and edified to learn about him while in-processing at Ft.Lewis,WA. I am thankful to the Cadence ministry and in particular to Bro.Ron Hand[Al and Marilyn too!].
I ask prayers as I do my military duties and seek to lead other soldiers to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ! Thank you!
www.peterschissel.com

Dear Hannah, I haven`t talked to you in forever. I just found out about Gabe`s death from your sister Ruth, at her husband`s music concert at my church. I can`t believe he`s gone. I remember when you first met Gabe at Kristel and Brent`s Bible Study. There was obvious chemistry between the two of you : ) I remember how the both of you always wore flip flops even when it was freezing out because you were both beach people. I remember how he gave you a diamond necklace with three stones representing the past, present, and future and how he had your sister hide a pair of diamond earrings in your stocking for Christmas while he was in Iraq. I remember saying, " When he comes back I bet he`ll give you a diamond ring to complete the set," and you just smiled chewing your gum. Then when Gabe returned he did propose! I remember how lovely you looked at your wedding just like a princess, Hannah. I still have the picture you sent me of you and Gabe standing in front of an open door in a brick wall. He looks so handsome in his uniform standing slightly in the open doorway and you look so beautiful smiling just off to the left. I feel deeply for your loss but knowing how the Lord orchestrates everything according to his master plan, I can only say, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away blessed be the name of the Lord." I pray God will continue to work His perfect will for your life and the life of your little son Gabe. May the Lord make His face shine on you! Sincerely, Shaina

Happy Birthday, little brother! I love you! I miss you SO much!

Hannah, Gabe was my brother, Matt's best friend. There are very few memories of me growing up without Gabe in them. He wasn's just my brother's best friend, he was like family. I wanted to let you know that I still think of Gabe often. He may be gone, but he is certainly not forgotten. I want you to know that I pray for you and your son. Having two kids of my own, I am so happy for you that you have little Gabe. I pray that he grows up knowing the kind of amazing and Godly man that his dad was. May God bless you in incredible ways, Katy

I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Thanksgiving, 2007

So much is owed to so few........

I have a three year old son. Gabe gave ME all of my days with my little man by sacrificing all of his days with his son. The scope and depth of that sacrifice is almost too much for me to appreciate! I am overwhelmed and overcome! I wish everyone in this great Nation could appreciate and understand the tremendous sacrifices that are made on our behalf. Please be assured that THIS American Family is forever in your debt for the gift of Freedom and Liberty that you have paid such an awful price for.WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!

May God bless you all of your days, and may his peace that surpasses all understanding surround you till that day when you see and talk with Gabe again. I know I look forward to meeting him!

Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences,
Joe, Tina,
and little Remington Norman

Hello,
My husband and I met Laura Deroo in Washington, D.C. in September, and I am wondering how to get in touch with her, since we did not get her e-mail address before we left.
She and I sat together on the train going into the city, and I told her about a booklet that I had for her. I would love to send one to you and her.

Thank you for responding.

Dear Hannah, My name is Jose Santiago Deroo and I were in Basic Training together and also at Ft. lewis. I just want to say i'm very sorry for your loss. Deroo was a great person, I don't think I ever met anyone who was as genuinely nice as he was. I hope you and the family are doing well I will keep everyone in my prayers.

DEAR HANNAH AND FAMILY,

I TOO A SGT.-- USAF 1964-1968. I KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WONDER IF GOD KNOWS WHATS HAPPENING. 12 DAYS IN THE RAIN AT 4500' WITHOUT A RAINCOAT AND A CAN OF TUNA ON THE 2ND DAY, HANDFUL OF BERRIES ON THE 5TH. STUMBLED OUT ONTO A LOGGING ROAD ON MY OWN POWER. NEVER A MOMENT OF FEAR.

Dear DeRoo Family,

it always hurts to read about the good men and women sacrificing their precious lives for our freedoms - may they always be remembered for their noble service and ultimate sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers are with you and our allies - I thank him for his service and his bravery.
Blessings to you and your family

I just wanted you to know that you and your son are constantly in my prayers and thoughts. Matt Haas is my brother, and Gabe was not just his best friend, but he was very much a part of my family and he is greatly missed and thought of. Little Gabe should be incredibly proud of his dad, he was an amazing person and soldier. In Christ, Katy Flanagan and family

HANNAH SORRY THAT IT HAD BEEN SO LONG I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU THAT I THINK ABOUT YOU AND GABRIEL II ALL OF THE TIME AND HOPE THAT YOU ARE DOING WELL IF YOU EVER NEED ANYTHING PLEASE CALL YOU HAVE MY NUMBER

Dear Hannah,

I was just given this web site by my Daughter Mary and felt I had to write you. My Son PFC Charles B. Hester served with Gabriel in Iraq. Charlie was killed on May 26, 2007 when the Stryker he was driving went over an IED. My heart goes out to you and your family as I know the pain you feel. Charlie was a big lovable guy and he was holding Gabriel in those big loving arms when he died. It hit him real hard and he got to come home for R&R one time after that, last Thanksgiving. Charlie was so dedicated and loyal to his friends that he felt guilty for being home. Please take comfort in knowing that Charlie was there for Gabriel with that big bear hug that I miss so much.

To The DeRoo Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Gabe was a wonderful person. Although I hadn't seen him in a few years he made an impression on my life. I enjoyed working with him because he was always in a good mood and so pleasant to be around. He really encouraged me in my walk with God. I've thought of him often over the few years. I was so shocked to here of his death. I'm sure he is with the Lord and being rewared for all the lives he touched.

Dear Hannah and families, I am sorry for your lost. I did not know Gabe well, but did work with him for a short time at felpaush. He seemed like a down to earth & friendly guy and it is a tragedy what happened.

Best wishes
Tim Staggs