Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Hey Dan, I miss you buddy. I think about you all the time and will always remember the great memories I had with you at the Ryan's house. I looked up to you and thought you were the coolest person. Thanks for always writing me letters and keeping in touch. Thanks for everything you have done for me and taught me. You were a truly amazing guy and I'll never forget you."
KRISTY GILLIES of Florida

"McCollum Family and Friends,
It was over a decade ago that I studied with your son in flight school. He was truly one of the nicest guys I have ever met and would go well out of his way to help others in any capacity. I retire on December 9th and will be honoring him and his service during my ceremony. He will always be remembered as a true friend and a dedicated family man. His death will never be forgotten nor was it in vain. Anyone who knew Dan was indeed blessed. Best Regards!"
Major Tom Knepper of Kansas City, Missouri

"Dan You will always be remembered!! Thank you so much for all that you did, and for just being you. You were a great guy, and Irmo misses you. We lost a great human being when we lost you. love always"
Tess Bryant Lachance of Irmo, SC

"Bro, it's been six years today. Still hard to believe you and Surender are gone. Dave, Jay, Russ, Chris and me all talked about you today and prayed for you and your family. You will never be forgotten. Love you bro."
Maj Tom Lankford of LRAFB, AR

"Thank You Dan for every life you have touched. Many years have gone by and I still think of you for inspiration. God Bless You and Your Family."
William Snow "Bell" of SC, USA

"May 4, 2007
To the family of Daniel G. McCollum. Daniel 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.
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Thank you for giving all you had to make the world better for us"
Dpeuty Kendra Smith Brown of Lexington, SC

"To all who have left a message...Thankyou for your support. The past 4 years have been the hardest 4 years that my sister, Dan's wife, has ever had to endure. Dan died doing what he loved to do, and for that we can all be thankful for the lives we are living today. So, again, I say thankyou for your ongoing support."
Katy of Cape Girardeau, Missouri

"To the Family and friends of “Marine 7”, Your Marine will be forever in my memory. Our unit set up the base/tents/fuel system in late Sep. 2001. The Sep 11 attacks were still fresh on our minds. The day your Marines deployed to our forward location. I was asked to help set up the grounding wires for their aircraft on the parking ramp. As an Air Force member I was amused and impressed by the rock “sidewalks” around the Marine tents. On Jan 9th I had flags flown on a KC-135 for my Family and friends. The next day I found out a Marine plane had been lost. I sat down on a fuel bladder, saddened by the news. I wondered if I knew any of them or if they had come to listen to country music cd’s we played down by the beach. I can’t say I knew them, but they were ours for a short time. Everyone mourned their death. A “Soldiers cross” memorial service was held at the theater. Later when I presented my flags to Family and friends, I told them of the sacrifice your loved ones made and how they should always remember our “Freedom isn’t Free”. Thomas Jefferson 1787 "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

Our Military isn’t for everyone, but some do more than just volunteer and show up. They go to the tip of the spear, where the fight is. God Bless you for raising a Marine that did more.

MSgt William “Bill” Cordes (USAF Retired)
Moody AFB Ga.
William.cordes@moody.af.mil"

"Dan,
It's been a couple of years now, but I still wanted to say, "thank you", not only for fighting for our country, but for being my chilhood bestfriend."
Capt BJ Pringle, USAF of Osan AB, ROK

"Capt. McCollum,
Sir, I would like to say thank you to you and the other Marines who were on that KC-130 with you. And to your family, I wish to exend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"My prayers and thoughts go to the family and friends of Capt. Daniel Mccollum.I was watching the TBN channel yesterday night (Sept 4, 2005) and saw Mrs. Mccollum give her story and as she gave her story i cried and cried sooo much because im also a military wife and my husband is also leaving soon to Iraq again after 6 months last year ( this year for 1 year). I know God will keep him save. I believe in God so much and in his promises and i know he'll bring him back. I feel so sadden by the loss of your husband Mrs. Mccollum and i will pray and keep praying for you and you beautifull son that you have. Please pray for me too. God bless You and your family."
Stella Pacheco of Ft. Campbell, KY

"Thank you Sir"
Mike McAteer of Conrad, IA

"To a brother Marine I regret I had not seen since high school. Thank you for your devotion to our country and the wellfare of our future generations. You will not be forgoten by either myself or my children. Semper Fi."
Stewart Ackerman of Atlanta, Georgia

"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

"To Capt. McCollum's family,
I am the wife and daughter of a Marine, and respect the courage that you are portraying now. Your loved one fought for the greater good and will never be forgotten. God Bless and our prayers are with you."
Mrs. Cpl. J.L. Brown of Colton, CA

"Semper Fi and RIP Skipper/brother!"
Mike (USMC) of Indianapolis Indiana.

"Captain McCollum, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Thank you Captain. Because of leaders like you, we here in the states, the entire Western world for that matter live safer, free lives. God Bless you."
The Estes Family of Phoenix, AZ

"Thank you Daniel McCollum, 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 Capt. Daniel McCollum:
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 Daniel 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 Capt. Daniel McCollum:
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 Daniel, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia