Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Luis M. Melendez-Sanchez

33, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
Melendez-Sanchez died when two CH-53 helicopters crashed into the Gulf of Aden in the vicinity of Ras Siyyan, northern Djibouti, while flying a training mission in the Godoria Range area. He was deployed to Djibouti as part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. He was assigned to the 1st Communications Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Died on February 17, 2006.

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"September 30, 2007
To the family of Staff Sgt. Luis M. Melendez-Sanchez:
Luis 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

"SSgt Melendez,
I only got to hang out with you a couple of times, most notably when you were having your going away. From the way all of your former troops were talking about you I knew it was a big loss for them just by having you PCS, so it was an even bigger hit having you taken away from us during your deployment. We all hate that you are gone so early and wish your family and friends got to keep you around, but life is full of suprises. You are not forgotten and you will always be a hero to us for giving your life doing our mission."
Xavier Coley of Kadena AB, Japan (formerly of Columbus AFB,MS)

"To the family of:Luis M. Melendez-Sanchez I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"Lou,
I will never forget you. You were the first, and by far the best, mentor I have had in my Air Force career. I take pride in the work that I do in the shop just as you did before moving on to Langley. There is still so much that I wish I could say to you and thank you for. I miss you, and I'll never forget you."
Justin Desorcy of Columbus AFB, MS

"Luis,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other service personnel who were killed in that crash for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.
Our nations HERO, Luis will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!
"

"Thank you Luis Melendez-Sanchez, 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 Staff Sgt. Luis Melendez-Sanchez:
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 Luis 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 Staff Sgt. Luis Melendez-Sanchez:
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 Luis, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on