Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I didn't know Nathan very long. I only went to school with him our senior year. Shortly after I moved there he came up to me in the hall way and asked if I was doing all right, since I was new there. That was the first thing I remembered about him when I heard of his death. The second was our award ceremony where an officer from the marines spoke of how proud they were to have someone like Nathan join them. He was truley an amazing person and will be greatly missed."
Crystal Hook of Howard, Ohio

"Nate
It was a terrible year! Lost you and your friend (my brother) Here it is 4 years later. You lay side by side now and I visit often.
I can just see the 2 of you in heaven together getting in all the mischief you did when you were growing up.
I will never forget!!"
lost 2 ....big sister of Howard Ohio

"March 18, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Nathan R. Anderson:
Nathan 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

"Nanderson, I will never forget you or the things we did. I am saddened to have known you for so little time."
Doc Garcia 1st Battalion 8th Marines Bravo Co 3rd Plt Corpsman of Silver City, NM now in Raleigh, NC

"Nathan,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I saw the CNN news program about your unit-Bravo Company 1/8 in Fallujah and what you and your fellow Marines had to go through. I served in the USMC in the 80's and fortunately it was peacetime, but I feel honored to be able to say that I was a member of an organization that has brave men like you and your fellow Bravo Company Marines in it.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow Marine;former member of Bravo 1/8 '85-'89"

"Nate,
You will always be in my heart. You were a brother to me and will always remember all of the wonderful times we spent together. I have a picture of us when we went to my 8th grade homecoming and you just had to go so I singned you in as my date. It has been at my bedside for the last 3 years and will stay there. You always knew what to say to me to make my day better. The thing you told me at your birthday party the May before you left, I hope I have done a good job at doing what you asked me to. I love you Buddy and miss you everyday."
Nicole Bell of Newark,ohio USA

"Nate,
i will never forget your courage and your strength. i think about you everyday. i miss you buddy. thank's for being that wonderfull friend that everyone loved. i love you my brother."
osvaldo mora of albuquerque, nm

"Wow! Nate, my friend, you are very loved. I mean I knew this already. I was one of Nate's Top 10 best friends. In High School, our group of friends (Especially, Nate and I) was inseparable. We played sports together and spent most of our free time attached as well. He was more than a friend to me. He was more of a brother to me. He had the best laugh; he was always happy and smiling. He made it a point...Made it a point to keep people happy. To make people happy made him happy. I think that is what I got from Nate the most. The self-sacrifice of happiness. I am sorry if none of this makes sense, I have been trying to think of something good to say for a few years now. And figured now is a good time as any. Nate would have turned 25 in a few weeks. We always celebrate his birthday, like he never left. We celebrate his life. The way he would have wanted it. Everyone. Together. That was his biggest fear. His fear was that our group of friends was going to fall apart and never see each other again. Nate put me in charge of this before he died. I have failed in some areas. I am getting better though. So I am planning a b-day celebration. If you are a friend or family member interested in coming or helping me plan, PLEASE email me joshuajbailey@gmail.com . Thanks. I will always love you and never forget you! My Brother."
Josh Bailey of Columbus, Ohio

"We live in Boardman, Ohio and my daughter Meghan who is 8 and in the 2nd grade, has chosen Cpl. Nathan Anderson as her hero for a school project. He was a true hero!!!"
Candi of Boardman, Ohio USA

"I WASNT LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE MEET NATE,BUT AS AN ARTIST FROM DANVILLE OHIO. IT WAS A REAL HONOR TO MEET NATES FAMILY AND FRIENDS. THIS YOUNG MAN WILL BE MISSED, HIS MEMORY WILL LIVE IN OUR HARTS . I WILL NEVER FORGET HIS SACRIFICE TO HIS COUNTRY. MR.BRYAN YANKULOV OHIOSHEROES@ECR.NET"
BRYAN YANKULOV of DANVILLE, OHIO.

"I just found this site today, Nov. 2, 2006. It has been almost 2 years since Nate passed away and I was informed of the news. I went to high school with Nate and graduated the year after him. I was here at college in NY when two of my friends back home called me and informed me of the news. Being so far away and coming home for break soon I was unable to leave to attend the funeral. I continually checked the paper online to keep up on what was going on and called Stacy on occassions to see what was going on there. I heard and read of the line of people alongside the streets and wished that I too could have been there to show support for my friend and hero. I feel blessed that I was friends with Nate. He was a great friend and he will always be remembered in my heart as a great hero as well. God Bless and take care."
Mel Williamson of Howard, Oh

"Nathan R. Anderson gave his life for freedom. May he rest in peace. My name is also Nathan R. Andersen. I was searching the web and found myself at this memorial."
Nathan R. Andersen http://www.pianochordfinder.org/ of New York, NY

"Anderson, Fourth Platoon Misses You. Semper Fidelis."
jason komlosy of n. royalton ohio

"To the Family of Nathan R. Anderson:

My name is Nathan R. Anderson. I didn't know your Nathan, but learned of him by visiting this site. It is obvious to me that I am not half the man he was, as he has laid down his life for the comforts and freedom of the millions who enjoy this country. I will never be able to repay him for his courage and sacrifice. But every day in his honor I will try harder to live up to the name he and I share.

Respectfully,"
Nathan R. Anderson of Plano, TX

"To Nate's Family,
My name is Lcpl Mike Godoy, Nate was my teamleader during our deployment. Not one day goes by that I do not think about him. I still have not accepted the reality, I dont think I ever will. I am one of two chilren in my family, my sister being 34 years old,making us 13 years apart. During my years growing up, I felt like I had no siblings because my sister was married before I got to understand our relationship as brother and sister. But I found my big brother when I got to 1/8. Nate is the reason I came Back, because he trained me well, as he did the rest of the marines. I owe my life to Nate, and I feel that every day.I wish I could express more how I feel, but no words can come close. My deepest condolences to your whole family, and I apologize its taken this long to say.

I would like to keep in touch, email me if you'd like, ydoujockme@aol.com"
Michael Godoy of Brooklyn NY

"Thank you to Nathan for being such a brave young man. He will be greatly missed even if I have never met him before."
Jodie Hjelmstad of Bismarck, ND

"Nate I miss you so so much man. You were not only my cousin but more like a brother to me. I remember all the great times at the farm sneeking out walking around and just talking. When ever there was an event at the farm you were the only person I wanted to hang out with. It was so great that the day I graduated from High School you were the first person I saw and shook my hand and give me a hug. There is not a day that goes by where I dont think about you and all the time we spent together. I'm so glad I'm in the Marine Corps now fighting for you and the rest of our ramily and the rest of America. I hope I make you proud of what I do. I'm so honored that we had the same blood running through our veins. All of your frineds that I hang out with tell me so many great stories that you guys had and it brings tears to my eyes everytime that I hear them. You were a great guy Nate take care of grandma and grandpa Bradish. I cant wait for the day when I see you again. Thanks for every memory, advice, and love that you gave to me in your lifetime. I love you and miss you so so much. RIP"
John Bradish of Camp Lejeune, NC

"My best memorie of him is having fun, seein' his family and knowing that if I were the one that fell He would act the same to me. Brother I miss you, you were a great friend in the core."
CPL. Billy Hoogsteden of Dayton Ohio

"My name is Josh Sands the best memories of him is when ohio wone the campionship and we all went sliding in the mudd out side of the barics on base. I trained him good but it was my fault i didnt train him good enugh."
Cpl. Josh Sands of Knoxvill tennessee

"My name is Josh Sand the best memoriy or him is when ohio wone the campionship and we all went sliding in the mudd out side of the barics on base. I trained him good but it was my fault i didnt teain him good enugh."
Cpl. Josh Sands of Knoxvill tenness

"God bless you Nathan, thank you with all my heart....for your selfless bravery and sacrifice. I think about you and pray for all of your loved ones....I envy them for knowing you in this life-i pray for this honor in the next...i miss you every day, but my heart breaks all over again today. You are a true hero...Love, Christina Gavriel 11-12-2005"
Christina G. of NYC, NY USA

"I am receiving a message each day this month, a tribute to a fallen Marine, killed in the fight for Fallujah. Today, one year after Nathan was struck down, I read, weep, pray and send my deepest appreciation to you, his family, for raising such a hero. It is not in vain."
Gary Fitzgerald of Syracuse, NY, USA

"always faithful. that's the way you were,Nate.Whether it be on the football field, in the band of pride, or as a Marine. i wish we all could find a way to be like you. always true to ourselves. that's the way it should be. SEMPER FI!"
kristen of howard, OH

"Nate, i think about you every day. you were my best friend, and my brother. i cant put into words the pain i feel knowing that i cant call you at 2:00 in the mourning after the bars close and talk *. you know what i mean. hey man we'll always have ohio state. i love you."
kulbis

"To Nathan's family,

Not a day goes by that I dont think about him. I just wanted to remind all the loved ones left behind, that there is a girl in NYC who thinks about Nathan more than once a day, everyday.

I doubt that brings any comfort, or probably not much, but I look around where I live in lower Manhattan and I see tourists walking around the WTC site like it's freaking Disneyland, taking pictures, and I have to look away. They dont realize the price we've paid, and it takes just about all my self control not to yell out the names of Dimitri, Nathan, Demarkus, and the rest of the guys...and tell the roach-tourists that no, it isnt Disneyland.

Its why our brothers are no longer here. Anyways, i didnt mean to go off on a tirade, i just wanted to let you know Nathan will forever be in my thoughts, no matter how much time goes by. if it seems like people are starting to forget, and the reminders dont come around as often...at least know that Nathan is alive in my mind all the time, every day.

God bless him and all of his loved ones. Semper Fidelis."
Christina Gavriel of NYC

"I know he was the best."
David Anderson of Los Alamos, NM

"To the family of Nathan,

I wish you courage, love and peace. My prayers are with you.
Semper Fi, Nathan.
Robert Bliss USMC (Ret.)
Vietnam 1967"
Robert Bliss of Woodstock, New York

"Dear Anderson Family,

My name is Robert Plemmons, I had the honar of serving with you son on the 26 MEU. I met him once we got on board the USS Nashville. He was always a true leader and an outstanding Marine. There are no words to express the loss of your son and our brother. God Bless you all!"
Cpl Plemmons R.E. of Alpharetta, GA

"Dear Anderson Family,
My name is Mike Sicard and I am a former Marine of 1/8, Bravo Company, 1st PLT. I got to know your son very well during our deployment to the Med Sea during the summer of 2003 aboard the USS Nashville. Before, during, and after 1/8 deployment with the 26th MEU I had the honor of seeing your son grow into a great man and MARINE. As soon as your son arrived at 1/8 he led from the front with his toughness, courage, and passion for what it was to be a Marine. No words can express the loss of losing a great Marine like Nathan. God bless your family and Nathan.
SGT SICARD, usmc0721@yahoo.com"
SGT Mike Sicard of Richmond, VA

"To the Nathan Anderson Family,
I did not know your son personally, but I was one of the people from Operation Santa and happened to have Nathan as my Marine. When I received his name and some of his interests, I went shopping for things that I thought he might enjoy, Hot Rod magazine, a race car video game, etc. When I received the news that he was killed in action, I really didn't know what to think, but a very strange feeling came over me, like I had just lost someone that I knew for a long time.
I have two sons of my own, one twenty-five and one twenty-three, so maybe it was just knowing that you had lost a son about the same age as mine and I just couldn't imagine what I would have done if that kind of news had come to me.
Karen has kept me informed, and I wish that I would have sent this to you sooner. I have a card that I am still planning on sending, hopefully soon.
God bless your family and Nathan will be remembered as a true hero to me."
D. Richter of Suttons Bay, MI

"tracy and family i just want let you know how sorry about your lose my brother nates squad leader was also killed Sgt. Lonny Wells and it was your son Nate that pulled Lonny out of arms way also Nate had to go to all the troops to tell them my brother has went to be with god and now my brother and your brother tracy are looking down on us i feel like i know Nate just from talking to people from the 8th id they tell me nate came to squad and told them lonny is gone to be with god. i thank you so much for such a great man you have in Nate and the sacrifice he gave to our country god bless the andersons u can reach me anytime at iceman15690@yahoo.com thank you again"
lawrence wells jr and family of Vandergrift Pa

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

"You are a true blessing, thank you!"
Violeta Sepulveda of San Diego ca

"To My Aunt Mary and Uncle Neill,
I am truly broken about your lose, and I only wish there words to fix this tragedy. I am so honored that I got to grieve with you both, it was comforting in a way. I will never forget our Nate, and what a sweet boy he was. I will always hold the memories close. I love you and wish you well. I hope the days will get easier."
Love and Prayers, Kimmie and Family of North Olmsted,ohio

"Thank you Nate for your sacrifice,for protecting me and my children and for being our hero. We hope and pray that your reward will be great in heaven. To nate's family we pray for you and will never forget your sons courage, or the price he paid for our great country. may you find peace in gods love and know your son will always be with you and you will one day be reunited.I hope and pray that all americans are grateful of our men and women sons, daughters, mom's,dads,brothers,sisters,husbands,wifes,and grandchildren who are fighting for our freedom while we enjoy our lives in the comfort of our own homes. Nate you will never be forgotten and will always be our HERO forever and always. God bless you nate and your family and God bless america"
Amy of Ohio

"May God bless and comfort you all. Likewise, I pray that we all can trust God's will, even in times like this when understanding His will becomes difficult to do."
Jason of Columbus, Ohio

"To the Family of Cpl. Nathan Anderson,

I only knew him as Cpl. Nate Anderson--"a buddy of mine out here"--from a letter written to me by my brother, LCpl. Dimitri Gavriel, KIA 11/19/04, also of the 1st/8th/2nd.

Dimitri said that Nate wanted to be a firefighter after the Marines, and asked me to send him requirement info for the FDNY (my boyfriend is a 12-year veteran), as well as an FDNY patch because he said Nate would "get a kick out of it". I sent my boyfriend back to Queens to get one for me right away.

I mailed everything: the patch, the requirement info, and a note from me to Nate the next morning. I dont know if he ever got it, I hope so.

I never watched the news, I specifically avoided it. I couldn't handle knowing what was going on, I just prayed for and assumed the best until the Marines showed up at my parent's door...something I prayed would never happen.

It happened on 11/19/04. I clung to the thought of Nate, how he was the only name I ever heard from my brother, and prayed for him to make it back more than ever. He was my lamb. I wanted to save him especially, so I could meet him when he came home safely. I saw my brother on the casualty list the next day. I did not look under Anderson, I just couldnt. I didnt want to know. I didnt want to see him listed. I needed someone to hope and pray for. That person to me was Cpl. Nathan Anderson.

It's been almost a month since I lost my brother. I lost Nate last night. I forced myself to look under his name. I thought if there's any justice in this world, he wont be there. But he was. I just cried, and cried. I felt my already broken heart crumbling into even less. He died a week before my brother.

All I can say is I'm sorry...more than you could imagine. I feel like I lost my brother all over again. The devastation is complete.

As a sister and daughter--now an only child--I share your sadness, the alternating feelings of pride and grief, the pain in losing a hero. I lost my hero, my big brother Dimitri, my only brother, who I loved and adored above anything. I couldnt imagine a feeling this unbearable.

Please know that you are all held in my heart as family. I will pray for Nate everytime I pray for Dimitri: all the time, each and every day until we meet again.

If any of Nate's family would like to contact me, I'd be honored: ckgpharmd@yahoo.com"
Christina Gavriel of New York, NY / USA

"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, Nathan, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To Nathan'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"

"I just want to first of all thank you for having such a great son. I recently found out that your son was one of the Marines who pulled my brother from the streets of Fulluja to try and save him. Unfortunately it was too late for my brother (SGT Lonny Wells). But your son was very brave for doing such a great thing. I am very sorry for you loss as I know all too well what it is like to loose someone you love so much. He is a true hero to me and my family."
Angela Ackles of Fort Hood, Texas

"To Nathan's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank You for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"Please know that your great sacrifice will not be forgotten. Thank You Nathan for keeping us safe."
Mrs. Arthur's 4th Grade Class of Nelsonville, Ohio

"To the family and friends of Corporal Nathan R. Anderson,

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

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