Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hey Brother, you were a great Marine, a great friend, and a great role model. I miss you like crazy and wish you were still here. I will never forget what you taught me and you will live on in my heart and mind forever. I miss you and love you BROTHER!

1st Battalion 4th Marines
81's Platoon"
Cpl Adam Dekkinga of Grand Rapids, MI

"I remember that day like it was yesterday. I have re-lived that night several times, and the one thing that I come to every time is that CPL Abad was finally at peace. It was a pleasure serving with such a great Marine! I will never forget!"
HM2(FMF) Michael S. Haller of Chula Vista

"Hey brother, it's been a few years. Miss you a bunch. I'll always remember December 2000. You were a great friend. Your sacrifice is not forgotten."
Jason Haugen of Ocean Springs, MS

"Thank you Roberto for your sacrifce."
Cortnay of Washington

"February 24, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Roberto Abad:
Roberto 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

"Fallen Hero, rest in piece."
-Nag- of TX

"hey whats up ....my name is michael and i was in the same platoon as sgt raynoso in najaf..wow guys time goes by fast and ill never forget that day ....."THE YARD"...SEMPER FI!..formaly lcpl costa""
SSG COSTA/ U.S ARMY of FT HOOD ,TX

"Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this great country.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13"
Peter Matcau of Miami, Florida

"To your strength and courage we thank you for all you have done. You will never be forgotten for what you did for our country"
of IL

"miss you brother, thinking of you guys all the time."
hm3 fmf perdomo of camp pendleton, ca

"I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family. I am doing a report on Cpl. Roberto Abad and am very thankful for his service to our country."
Allison of Riverside, CA/USA

"This is my first message to a "Fallen Hero" other than that of my late husband Capt. P. Christopher Alaniz USMC. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Roberto Abad. Roberto's ultimate sacrifice is remembered and honored everyday that we as a nation wake up and are able to live and breath another day with freedom. I am grateful for his sacrifice and I hope that as time has passed God has brought peace in your hearts and healed some of your pain. It is a difficult journey to continue without your loved one but always know that you are never alone and Roberto is now sitting in God's grace.
Peace Be With You on Memorial Day and Always,


Please contact me if anyone in Roberto's family needs any help or guidance with any post military affairs. I am still tied to the Miltary community and would love to help in anyway.
tialaniz@gmail.com"
Thelma I. Alaniz of San Diego, CA.

"My name is Jeff Vaughn and I flew Cpl Abad off of the battlefield along with Cpl Cuevas and another Marine that night in Najaf. I want to tell the family that I have no idea what your loss was like, but I know mine. I was the senior Crew Chief in my squadron and responsible for the training of all of my junior Marines. I told them that if a Marine was hurt, that we would go get them no matter what the bad guys had to say about it. That night I had Corey Louton and Matt Schmall (the Doc) with me. When the call came in, we were up and on the way in about 8 minutes. We got to the landing zone and waited for all of our Marines to arrive. I was told that we had two WIA and one KIA. As the ambulance came in I was ready for the worst. We loaded all three Marines, Cpl Abad, Cpl Cuevas, and the other Marine aboard. I would just like to tell the family of Cpl Abad that I flew two Casevacs that night. I had his ID card in my pocket, and Cpl Abad with me for about an hour and a half. When we landed at our base of operations which was about 6 miles from the battle, Everyone of my Marines was there to help me carry Cpl Abad to the next leg of his journey home. From my heart of hearts I want you to know that I would have fought with my bare hands to keep him safe and to get him home to you. I flew many wounded and killed Marines in those few weeks, but I want you to know that I will NEVER forget Cpl Abad."
Jeff Vaughn of Yuma Arizona

"I am so sorry for the loss of Roberto Abad. A True Hero , is he.
if you need anything, for the brothers or sisters please contact me at:karen@goldstarsiblingsinc.org"
Karen of Indiana

"to all of the love ones he left behind.i did not know roberto abad.but he is my hero itshard to lose a love one that young.but he is a hero he gave his life for our great country america.god bless and keep you.he is my hero and someone i am very proud of.god keep you and please god help ease ther pain"
victoria harris of henderson nc. usa

"I make myself look at the casualty lists that CNN posts on their Specials page, to remind myself of the very real and sorrowful sacrifices that are made on behalf of our country. Cpl. Abad's photograph is the first one that greets me when I pull up this page, and I will carry this image with me to my own deathbed. I will never be able to show my gratitude to Cpl. Roberto Abad or any of the other service men and women who have given their lives, so that we can live ours. No one ever will."
Heather of Olathe, KS

"Today is August 6th, 2006....2 year "anniversary" of the Cemetary and all the fighting we did in Najaf. Cpl Abad will never be forgotten, him and Sgt Reynoso will be with all of us who served with them forever, he taught us all alot and we will miss him. Tonight in his, and Reynoso's honor our platoon is getting together to celebrate their lives, just like they would want us to do. Semper Fi"
Cpl Kevin Knight, 1/4 of Camp Pendleton, CA

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Roberto Abad. Roberto will not be forgotten,his courage and sacrifice will forever be remembered by those who know all to well the cost of freedom. Roberto, may you now be at peace with your brothers in arms who have gone with you."
Briana Wall of Connecticut

"After vising my Son n Law's page I decided to start at the A-Z. As I read about Roberto he sounded RESPECTED and Loved. As a mom and the mother n law of a Fallen Soldier Also I will keep you in my heart. I will also keep your comrads who are still with us in my thoughts and PRAYERS ALSO."
Tanya Bush of Centerview,Mo. USA

"To the family of the fallen solider: Your love one was very brave and courageous. You all are in my thoughts and prayers."
Lynsey McQueen of Jackson,MS USA

"Saya ucapkan turut berbela sungkawa yang sedalam dalamnya, semoga arwah Mr. Abad diterima disisi Allah Bapa di surga dan semoga mereka yang ditinggalkan diberi kekuatan dan ketabahan. God Bless"
Natha of Pontianak, West Borneo/Indonesia

"Damn, I couldn't even read all the messages with out falling apart. It's been almost two years. roberto was my good friend and very level headed, he keeped all of us inline but but with a great sence of humor too. man he was such a cool cat, always knew what to do! the crazy times at the factorys etc...if i was half the marine he was.... besides that day in the cemetary everyday I will always think about how funny he was and how much he made us all laugh even though he was quiet. miss you bro. Semper Fi !!"
Sgt. Jesse Carrico of Camp Pendleton,ca

"Always in our hearts and prayers. We salute you, Roberto...a true American hero."
Jeanne of Beaumont, TX/USA

"MY NAME IS HM3 JOSHUA BUNKER. I SERVED WITH ABAD BOTH TIMES IN IRAQ, AND WAS ONE OF THE CORPSMAN WHO TRIED TO SAVE HIS LIFE. I ALWAYS LOOK AT THIS SITE AND HVE NEVER DRAWN THE COURAGE TO WRITE ANYTHING YET, SO HERE IT GOES...I MET ABAD IN NOV.2002 AFTER RETURNING FROM OKINAWA JAPAN. WE BECAME FRIENDS RIGHT FROM THE START. ONE OF THE THINGS I REMEMBER MOST WAS HIM AND I ALWAYS GOING TO JACK IN THE BOX AT LIKE 2 IN THE MORNING TO GET THE DOLLAR MENU STUFF CUZ I HAD ALREADY SPENT MY MONEY ON BEER! ANYWAY I COULD WRITE FOREVER ABOUT ABAD, BUT I JUST WANT TO SAY THIS...I MISS YOU BROTHER! THERE IS NOT ONE DAY THAT GOES BY THAT I DONT THINK ABOUT YOU AND YOUR SON. BEST WISHES TO HIS FAMILY.
JOSH BUNKER setexas13@yahoo.com"
HM3 JOSHUA BUNKER of HOUSTON, TX

"You gave the ultimate sacrifice. we will never forget"
selvena of ft riley

"My husband is a US Marine with VMGR234.. I want to say thank you to you and your family for your sacrifice.. Semper Fi"
Nicole Warren of Ft. Worth,TX

"I'm a Marine in 1/4 81's plt and have heard alot of great things from Marines that served with your son. I never got to meet him but from what I've heard he was one of the best Marine ever. My prays are with you and your family. My god bless you I'm so sorry for your loss."
PFC Curtis A Combs of Camp Pend, Cal

"God Bless You Always, Semper FI"
Marine Mom of Downey, California

""My brother, Sgt. Joseph Perusich (Sausage) served with Corporal Roberto Abad for several years. My brother prays for his fallen brother every single day and has a tattoo on his right arm, with the names "Abad" and "Reynoso" for Sgt. Yadir Reynoso surrounded by clouds with a cross in between the names. Whenever someone calls him a hero, he looks to his arm and says "These are the heroes, these are my heroes." I never met Sgt. Reynoso or Corporal Abad, but I love them as if they were my own big brothers, for they were vigilant in their care for my own blood brother, and they gave their lives so that he might fight another day. Semper fi, you will live in the hearts of my family for years and years. God Bless the Abad family for giving life and raising a man whom my brother calls his hero.""
Dan Perusich of Chicago, Illinois, USA

"Cpl Roberto Abad My son, LCPL Garrett Keniry, was injured in the same mortar blast that so tragically took your life. He has been medically retired from the Marine Corps and received 100% disability from the VA. None of this can ever bring you back to your family and son you were never able to see. I have spoken with your aunt Patty, it made me feel much better. Garrett lives in San Diego, I live in Okinawa, Japan as my husband is a Marine. I have been home to San Diego 8 times since Garrett came back. He just isn't ready yet to speak with any of the family about those last few precious moments that you and he endured. I hope and pray some day he will be able to meet your family and know that you did not die alone. He was found laying next to you and was put on the same helicopter as you. He respected you so much and asks every day why God took you and not him. You had a baby on the way, that's the first thing he told when I spoke to him the first time. I have a copy of a newspaper article where you and he were given last rites in the cemetary where you were fighting by Father Shaughnessy. I can send that to anyone that would like a copy. As a Catholic it means so much to me that Father S was there at your passing and to pray for my son that did recover although he will never be the same. My son is also getting your name tattooed on his chest in rememberance of you and Sgt Reynoso. He also will never take off the bracelet that has your name on it so he can always remember you. I pray for your family every day.
April Seal
aaseal@aol.com"
April Seal of Okinawa, Japan

""Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us re-consecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”
--Dwight D. Eisenhower""
Veteran's Day...2005

"My heart breaks for your family. We too lost our son PFC Jesse Mizener 1/7/04 I believed they died as honorable men doing an honorable job. Hold your head up high! I do!"
Jesse'mom Becky Mizener of Stockton, CA

"Freedom is not free God bless you"
Randall Smith of Jacksonville nc

"7 Aug 2005
Marine Cpl Roberto Abad - You are an American Hero whose ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten by a grateful nation. Rest in peace Marine. You will be remembered for always being faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps. America salutes you."
DOROTHY E. BURT of PORTSMOUTH, RI

"" I had the pleasure of knowing Roberto and serving with him in Iraq.While I only had a short time with him he has made an impact on me to last the rest of my life. He was an awesome Marine and one to emulate. I will miss him dearly but never forget. God's speed and fair winds my friend. Semper Fi.""
ssgt. Ian Bonnell Wpns Co 1/4 81's Plt of Colorado springs Co.

"To the family, friends, and comrades of Cpl Abad: I'm deeply saddened by your loss. The world will be a better place because of him. Thank you.

Very Respectfully,
SGT Paul Dayes
United States Army
Operation Iraqi Freedom 1 & 2"

"WE too lost a loved one in Iraq. Jason Redifer, 19, January 31, 2005. We share your sorrow and thank you for your Marines service for our country. God Bless"
avis winfield of stuarts draft,va/usa

"hello im very sorry about your loss. Ilost my uncle Lance Cpl John T Sims Jr. in Iraq as well. He was stationed in Camp Pendleton California as well as your young soldier.Jt died April 10, 2004 at the age of 22. He was like my brother but he ws my uncle. He is missed as well as Roberto Abad. I just want you to know he is in mine and my families prayers.
SEMPER Fi!"
Shelby Waid neice of John Sims of Birmingham Alabama

"hi and hello well iam a former marine with your son i known your son for a long time i miss him alot tare care semper fi jaton junior aguon usmc sergeant"
jaton of guam

"Ijust wanted to say you are blessed ,your son died,yes, but he died for a reason, for the land he loves.
Iam 13 and I have to write about a HERO .So I am writting about your son .
And I am very sorry for you loss."
Tiffany of Oklahoma,Gyspy School

"Bless your son. I am truly sorry for your loss. I did not know him, but he is a hero to me. I pray for peace in your hearts knowing he died to save so many people from living in fear of their lives."
DR of BS Missouri

"there is no words and no way to thankyou enough for what you have done for us! Thankyou for fighting for us!
with love"
catrina of okc oklahoma

"I would like to give my thanks to Roberto Abad, To the family of Roberto may god bless you and keep you in prayers"
charlie of Alaska

"I am so sorry for your loss. I am very grateful for Roberto's contribution to our freedom. He will always be a hero to us."
Catherine of Houston, Texas

"God Bless you and your family I am sorry."
Trevor of NRH,Tx.

"To the family of Marine Cpl. Roberto Abad: It is our hope that knowing that thousands of people are praying for your brave son and soldier will bring you comfort. Trust in Jesus."
Webster and Ruth Reed, Parents of Jonathan Ray Reed who died in Iraq on January 28, 2005 of Krotz Springs, LA

"I am sorry you have passed on. You are a true hero!!!"
Violet Sepulveda of San Diego Ca.

"GODBLESS you and your family.I am sorry for your loss."
brad elliott of ramsey IN

"THANK YOU"
BUDDY of SPOKANE USA

"Semper Fidelis, Marine"
MSgt Santiago, USMC (Ret) of Oceanside, CA

"WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS OUR GRATTITUDE, YOU'VE MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE."
RAUL of ROCHESTER,NY

"IM SO SORRY"
MARINE MOM

"May you have peace in the thought that Roberto is with the Lord.

We are deeply grateful for his service to our country."
Estrella and Nick of Central Valley, CA

"To the family and friends of this fallen soldier, i pray that you find peace in your heart and courage to bare the loss of your loved one."
Justice of Charleston, SC/USA

"Thank you. You will be remembered."
Bob

"Roberto no he podido conocerte pero se que eres un angel que nos ha defendido, por esa razon te rindo tributo como artista, como ciudadana y como madre. Un gran dolor me desgarra con la perdida de tanta juventud y es por eso que les rindo homenaje como Artista y como Directora del Latino Art Museum y durante todo el mes de Diciembre llevaremos a cabo una exhibicion de 100 Angels en Claremont, representando a ti y a todos esos miles de jovenes que se han ido contigo. Mostraremos a nuestra comunidad un libro en el cual estaran cada uno de ustedes "Angeles de la Patria" con sus almas elevandose en forma de Angeles y deseando que verdaderamente esten descansando en paz.
250 w. first st. Suite 100
Claremont, CA 91711
909 447-6699"
Graciela Nardi of Claremont, CA 91711

"God bless your family. Sorry for you loss. My prayers go out to you and your family."
claudia a proud sister of a marine and army specialist of salida , ca

"Through the shadow of the night and the sunlight of the day they stand up and fight for what they know to be right… they lay down and die for this same right they hold true to there hearts always willing to pay this high price…. But if we are asked what freedom means to us… we know it was our brother or son, husband , friend, cousin, our daughter, sister , or mother the one we stayed up night after night preying they would come home safe and finally the call, the knock on the door that this was not meant to be… and all our dream are set free … set free for another life… another time when we will all reunite…. And we the few we know the true price to freedom…. We know with every tear we cannot forget those who did not make it home… So we live with them in our hearts everyday and know that we will meet again some day.. To all of you how know what freedom is… don’t give up… we will never forget them… if you wish to contact me to just talk or whatever in this time of need prinzel010103@yahoo.com ….. God bless and keep all of you"
Sarah of USA

"Roberto, you will not be forgetton. We know niether you nor your family personally, but your sacrifice has allowed your spirit to be felt across the miles. May God be with you and your family."
The Hudson's of Ft. Bragg, NC

"I want to thank you, Roberto, for your service and your sacrifice. I honor your
spirit. I offer my heartfelt condolences to your family, friends, and community."
Melissa of Lyons, Co, USA

"To My cousin Nena (Roberto's Mom), May the Lord give you the straight to continue on with your life and may he give you wisdom and understanding, Roberto has died a hero and has made our family proud. He will live forever in our hearts."
Esequiel Bonilla and family. of Long Beach, Ca.

"To the family and friends of Corporal Roberto Abad,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca

"Hijo Roberto tu simpre vas estar en nostros corzones. Tu Familia simpre vas a faltar tu presencia te quiero mucho tu tio y tia Ismael y Pati y familia

Robert you will always be in our hearts, our family will always miss your presents, we will never forget you, you are our HERO even though you thought it was your job. We love you,
your tio Ismael and your tia Pati and Family
VIVA ROBERTO ABAD"
ABAD FAMILY of OJAI, CA, USA

"My condolences go out to you. May God bless you during this time. Roberto is a HERO!!"
Another Marine's mom of VA

"I attended Roberto's Funeral Service. I am a good friend of the family. The presence of family friends and colleagues was enourmous. People say that you die how you live, He died with many people around him, saluting him till the very end. He left behing a girlfriend 3 months pregnant. My condolences go to the mother of this Fallen Hero, and his family. He was an extrordinary young man. May he rest in peace and continue to watch over all of us."
Anonymous of Bell Gardens, CA USA

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude.
May G-d provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten.
A grateful citizen and a Proud Marine Mom,"
Lily of Wakefield MA

"Corporal Abad, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, 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. Your HERO, Roberto will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To the family and friends of Roberto:
We express our deepest sympathy to you in your time of sorrow. Roberto will always be remembered as a Marine who gave his life to keep our country free. We will keep him in our prayers. My family also lost someone that same day in Iraq."
The Crochet family of of Chauvin, Louisiana

""To the family and friends of Roberto ~
Our deepest condolences go out to all
in your time of sadness.

Roberto will forever remain in your hearts. His spirit lives on.

God bless Roberto ~ A true
American Hero""
The Alloway ~ Redrow Family of Pine Hill, NJ

"To Roberto's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To the famiy of Roberto Abad;

Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered a loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Roberto is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to his country. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time."
The McClain family---azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"Thank you Roberto Abad, 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 Cpl. Roberto Abad:
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 Roberto 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 Cpl. Roberto Abad:
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 Roberto, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia