Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"May you still be resting in peace "Mr. Furley". I still remember the first day your family moved into the neighborhood on Leal. It was like it was yesterday, riding your bikes up and down the street. I can't imagine it's been this long already.

You're in my thoughts and prayers and keep watching over your family."
Luis "Louie" Valdez of Medford, MA

"Lost contact after Fort Bragg. Rod and my self served in the 82nd Airborne 3/325 AIR...A good person, friend and soldier was lost but never forgotten..."
SGT. Almon S. Bame of Lancaster, CA

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,150 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Projectcompassion@manti.com
www.heropaintings.com"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Hey Gonzo. I was in Iraq with my unit in 2004 when I ran into someone we both knew who gave me the news. At the time, it really didn't hit me, y'know. Having just come back from 8 months in Afghanistan and then back to the box for Iraq, the names were just all starting to blur together. As time has passed, I've made it a point to take the time to remember each of you who gave the ultimate sacrifice as I was able to wrap my head around it. This is your time, Gonzo. I miss ya, buddy, and I know a whole bunch of other people who do too. God bless you and those you've left behind."
SSG. Cory Kennybrook ('96-'05) of Fayetteville, NC

"May 21, 2007
To the family of Rodrigo Gonzalez-Garza. Rodrigo gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Rod, its been a long time, but i will always rmember you. It was an honor serving with you at Bragg. I wear your bracelet everyday and it was with me in Iraq. I miss you brother and i hope the best for your family. God bless you"
SGT Julio Gonzalez of Federal Way, WA

"Gonzo #1,
Hey man! I miss you. I still remember going through my first flight training simulation with you. First Sgt told us "You two Gonzo's better not get sick on my chopper". You laughed at me, and I laughed at you and we both threw up. Good times. Thank you for giving me the strength to go on through training, and thank you for your positive influence and all of you wisdom throughout the short time I got to meet you. We all love you and your family is in our prayers each day."
MSgt A. Gonzalez "Gonzo #2", USMC of Ramstein Germany

"Gonzo,
I only knew you for a short time in Gieb, but you touched everybody you met with your kind smile and love for life. I will never forget you."
SGT Sutton

"Rodrigo,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldiers who were on that Blackhawk with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"Thank you for being a great friend and great person. You will always be remembered, missed and loved."
Elizabeth Gonzalez of San Antonio, Tx/USA Fox Tech Class of 1996

"I STILL REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I MET YOU AND CHUCKY IN THE 4th GRADE IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY, I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU. TRUE HERO"
SANTIAGO GONZALEZ of KUWAIT

"I Love you Bro. and I will never forget you. Your twin Richard."
Ricardo Gonzalez of San Antonio, Texas

"Thanks Rod for being such a great friend. I miss you a lot and wish everyday you were here with us, but I know what you did was couragous. With in the hearts of family an friends you live on. And you namesake is a child that is much like you, a fighte, and a friend."
Mykaela Seveyka,14, friend of the family of San Antonio, Tx, Usa

"Specialist Gonzalez-Garza, thank you for allowing me to serve with you. You did what your heart led you to do. You served with your heart. I spent guard duty with you the day before you left and with a soldier like you in heaven I know we are safe."
SGT Stewart

"To the family and friends,

Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved ones bravery and sacrifice. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. Your loved one is a hero. Greater love have no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

God bless you.

Home Front Ministries
Shepherd of the Hills Church
Porter Ranch, CA"

"Thanks for stepping forward when America needed you. To the family - Thank you for your contribution to our liberty and freedom. I'm sorry for your tremendous loss."
Ronald Carlson of Montrose, MN

"Specialist Gonzalez-Garza, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"dont worry i'll take care of arnold. i love him and i will always love him!"
his girlfriend of san antonio

"We are so very grateful for this man's service to his country. We all live safer thanks to people like he."
The Estes Family of Phoenix, AZ

"Thank you Rodrigo Gonzalez-Garza, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Spc. Rodrigo Gonzalez-Garza:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Rodrigo for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Spc. Rodrigo Gonzalez-Garza:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Rodrigo, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia