Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

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

Army Sgt. Ian T. Sanchez

26, of Staten Island, New York.
Sanchez died in Pech River Valley, Afghanistan, when his all terrain vehicle struck an improvised explosive device during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York. Died on June 16, 2006.

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"My best friend, my long long time buddy, Ian man, it’s unreal knowing this happened to you, out of all our friends, this actually happened to someone we knew! Brother Your my hero, like my real hero! Im proud to have known you, shared years upon years hanging out, growing older & doing really really crazy things! We had great memories, and I’ll cherish them forever! Im working hard to get our little park in the old Todt hill projects changed to honor your name, knowing a hero who grew up here and shared a major chunk of his life here, should be honored by all who known you! Until we meet again, my you rest in peace! It was a great honor being your friend!"
Martin Mastrangelo of Staten Island NYC

"I miss you ! there isn’t a day that goes by without thoughts and prayers with you in it! When we go to
Your memorial we leave you a GI joe just like the ones you played with when you were a kid :)"
Debbie (2nd Mom) of Staten Island ny

"Today marks a harsh reminder of how cruel war can be. 14 years ago we lost a great man, a friend a father a husband and brother. From Staton Island he joined my company a few months after I got there becoming my team leader for about a year and a half. All the platoons got reconfigured and optimized for our specific missions and we were split up before going to Afghanistan. I’m truly honored to have met him and able to work with and to learn how great of a man he was. I looked up to him and felt connected with him we kinda shared the same accent and a few of the same interests of course his accent was a little thicker then mine lol. He used to beat box everywhere so I used to try and rap to his beats when we had some down time I just really connected with him he was a great guy. It really sucked and I was one of the first to find out where we were and and I couldn’t tell any of my brothers because our leadership had to put it out and brief our guys. Thats just how it is and it’s ok and that’s how it should after be but that was very hard, I told my closest brother bc he read it on my face but that was it I think. May you Rest In Peace brother Sappers Forward and I’ll see you at the top, until Valhalla"
Joseph Bergeron of Warwick RI

"Sgt.Sanchez I want you to know that I love you brother and I miss you their isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. Wade.(taureandepree@hotmail.com)"
Taurean Wade of Lancaster, SC

"Ian, there isn't a day that goes by that your name doesn't miss my lips honestly if I have that silent moment your in my heart! I miss you and ur Mom, I know she is in her happy place now holding u closer than ever here on earth. Love for my fallen hero !"
Debbie Nocerino (lilstardeb0217@aol.com) of Staten island NY USA

"Just thinking of you brother!!! I wish I was able to keep in contact with your family. I miss the guidance you gave me, Im going thru difficulties in life and could use your encouragement! I feel like it I have fault because we signed up together and I went and did something stupid, which sent you by yourself. I know you met new brothers that would of did the samething I wouldve. I weighs heavy on my heart bro, just wish for your forgiveness. You are my best friend and hero and there wont be another that can ever fill your giant footprints in this world! See you at the crossroads bro!!!!"
Edwin Maldonado of Staten Island, NY USA

"Hey brother I miss you , I styll think about all tje conversations we had and all the great times we've had marcus is a complete and an exact replica of you , great kidd I seen your cousin the other day and we reminised . I know well chill again I try every day to keep everthing you've taught me and use it in my daily , I LOVEYOU BRO ."
ERIC FOSTER of STATEN ISLAND N.Y. 10305 EROXFOSTER@YAHOO.COM 307-220-3462

"Thought and prayers are with you as I just learned of Ian's ultimate sacrifice. I was scuba diving at Johnson Shutins State park this past month in Mo and in 20' of water I recovered a braclet with Ian's info on it. I did a google search to return the bracelet to the owner and realized it was a memorial braclet.
How can I locate the owner of this braclet to return it?
Sincerely, Kevin
e-mail naturenut4now@yahoo.com"
Kevin of Mo

"To the family of:Ian T. 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""

"Sgt Sanchez, Hey brother was thinking of you today not sure what led me to this but I am happy to see your memory lives on. Miss you bro Im so proud to have served with you and thank you for watching over me and our brothers on the deployments after ours. Thank you for everything. SAPPERS FORWARD"
Merlin Quiles of Houston TX

"Sgt Sanchez . Not a day goes by that I don't still see your face among others that didn't make it home I miss you man you wer different then alot of the other guys in our platoon and I respected you alot when you were my team leader back At ft drum I want you to know that... I did then and still do have alot of respect for the man that you were . Rest in peace"
SPC R montano of San Diego California

"My condolences go out to his family. I grew up with him on Staten Island. Ian was one of my most trusted friends. I truly miss him because he made me believe in myself.You will never be forgotten. I will carry your memory with me until we meet again."
Edwin T. Maldonado of Staten Island, NY, USA

"Ian was a fellow soldier and a friend I got to know well while serving together in A. Company 2nd ENG. Battalion, S. Korea. On this Memorial Day weekend, I think back to the kind of guy he was and the ultimate sacrifice he made for this country. My prayers go out to his wife and child who he left behind. I miss you friend, rest in peace."
RIchard Kim of Los Angeles CA

"you will never be forgotten Iannuch"
TCG of NPR FL

"SGT Sanchez,
On this Memorial Day I would like to thank you for everything you've done, for everything you taught me, and for giving your life for all of us. Not a day goes by that I don't think about our missions together. You will always hold a place in my thoughts, my heart and in my family."
CPT Powell, Richard of Ft.Sill, OK

"To the family and friends,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a loved on is the hardest thing in life. I am writing to not only express my sorrow for you but to let you know about a memorial I am working on. I am creating a quilt to honor the fallen soldiers from the New York City Area. Each soldier will have a panel created. I am inviting the friends and families to get involved. I tried to contact Kim but have been unable to reach her. If you are interested or would like some more information please contact me at nycfallensoldiers@yahoo.com"
Esther Kabalkin of Staten Island, NY

"September 11, 2007
To the family of Sgt. Ian T. Sanchez:
Ian 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

"Ian. I did not know you before I met you in Afghanistan. I had only known you for about 3 months before you passed. I was there before you were taken from us, and afterwards. I think of you often and always will."
John C. of New Concord, Kentucky

"Dear Ian,

I cannot express to you how much I appreciate your dedication and sacrifice that you gave to your fellow servicemembers,your family, and your country.It is because of you that I have learned to appreciate the short time we spend here on earth.I wish you peace up in the Heavens.GOD bless.Amen"
Spc. Damion Wilson of A CO 3rd BSTB,10th MTN

"Ian,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldier who was also killed in that blast for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike C. of El Paso, Texas

"God Bless..."
Jill Desmond, widow Sgt. Dennis J Boles of Homosassa, FL USA

"To the Family of Ian Sanchez. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all. I am a native Staten Islander, with a son in Iraq once again. I do not have the words my heart expresses to you at this time. Please know others care and are remembering you and will not forget Ian and the greatest sacrifice of all."
janice of Port Neches, 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, Ian 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 Ian 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 Sgt. Ian 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 Ian 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 Sgt. Ian 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 Ian, 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