Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Happy Birthday Eddie my son. Today you would of been 30 years old. You will always be in our hearts. Happy Birthday Eddie from Mom,Becky and Jennifer."
from Mom(janie) of Brownsville, TX.

"To the family of:Edward J. Anguiano 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"

"I watch you as a child and you grew up to be a young man with a future ahead of you nobody deserve the credit then tony he took good care of you he was like a father /mother at the same time
thank you tony for all you did to help
edward"
Vicente Anguiano,jr of brownsville,tx

"MISS YOU EDWARD YOUR FRIEND ALWAYS OSCAR TORRES CLASS OF 2000 HHS"
OSCAR of BROWNSVILLE

"IT'S NOW 2008.
STRANGE. I ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR NAME,
AND REMEMBER WHEN THE NEWS CAME OUT THAT YOU HAD BEEN KILLED IN ACTION.
AND THAT YOU WERE FROM THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY.
WHAT A BRAVE SOLDIER.
YOU JOINED SUCH A PURE, ELITE COMPANY.
YOU ARE NOW WITH ALL THOSE GREAT BRAVE SOLDIERS THAT HAVE DEPARTED FROM US.
REST, SOLDIER. YOU'VE EARNED IT.
TO THE ANGUIANO FAMILY:
WE, THE VASQUEZ FAMILY, WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR SON/BROTHER. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS YOUNG HERO FROM THE RIO GRAND.
BENJAMIN C. VASQUEZ, VETERAN
U.S. COAST GUARD. SEMPER PARATUS
BROWNSVILLE/RICHMOND, TEXAS"
Benjamin C. Vasquez of RICHMOND, TEXAS, USA

"If you are able,
save them a place
inside of you
and save one backward glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can
no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.
Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.
And in that time
when men decide and feel safe
to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.
Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam. America has been built on the blood of Heros and Brave men of Honor. A fellow Veteran thanks this American Hero for his Bravery, His Service to Country, and for the Ultimate Sacrifice he has made.Thank you for our cherished Freedoms your sacrifice has protected. May you rest well in Gods loving embrace Brace Solider, and may God bring peace to your family and loved ones."
William Darby Taylor of Bonita Springs Florida

"What a handsome young man. I just want the family to know that he is not forgotten. Through my journey I have been able to put a face and personality to each young life lost. They are all heros and America is proud of our soldiers. It saddens me that we have lost so many bright young people. May God bless you and comfort you."
Shirley Billingsley of Huntsville, AL

"Edward As I'am writing to my son tears are coming down my face. Sometimes it's hard to accept that you are not here with us. I miss you so much only God knows. Today is your birthday you would have been 29 years old on earth but in haven your 4 years old so Happy Birthday My Son. Jennifer,Becky ,tony and mom will always love you and we miss you dearly. Love you always Your mother janie"
janie (mom) of brownsville,texas. USA

"Edward As I'am writing to my son tears are coming down my face. Sometimes it's hard to accept that you are not here with us. I miss you so much only God knows. Today is your birthday you would have been 29 years old on earth but in haven your 4 years old so Happy Birthday My Son. Jennifer,Becky ,tony and mom will always love you and we miss you dearly. Love you always Your mother janie"
janie (mom) of brownsville,texas. USA

"May 30, 2007
To the family of Edward J. Anguiano. Edward 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

"I went to high school with John... Graduated as part of the same class. I was devastated when he went missing and crushed when he was found dead... Here it is, May 19, 2007 -- and he is still unforgotten. I later found out his two younger sisters were part of my bible study when they were still teens... I still pray for them and their mother.... I wrote a letter to the editor on John's behalf when he went missing, encouraging our cities to use yellow ribbons showing our well wishes to his family. I will never regret writing that letter, even if he didn't return alive like we hoped and prayed for. John isn't forgotten... And never will be....
Blessings,"
Veronica Lucio, HHS Class of 98. of Brownsville, TX

"WOW MY LAST NAME IS A VERY STRANGE NAME IT IS ALSO ANGUIANO I AM SORRY TO HERE OF LOST I JUST WONDER WERE U MY RELATIVE"
Maira Anguiano of yakima Wa

"A GREAT FRIEND WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. YOU WERE ALWAYS SMILING AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR SMILE.I REMEMBER YOU FROM LOS FRESNOS TX. WE RESIDED NEXT TO EACH OTHER FROM LAS PALMAS PROJECTS AND YOU WOULD ALWAYS BE IN THE BACK OF YOUR HOUSE WEIGHTLIFTING AND MY HUSBAND WOULD ALWAYS CHAT WITH YOU. WE WERE STAYING WITH MY BROTHER MOISES ALEJANDRO {SMILEY} . I PRAY TO GOD FOR YOUR FAMILY AND MAY GOD HAVE YOU NEXT TO HIM .TO YOUR FAMILY; MY SENCIERE RESPECTS AND BLESSINGS.MRS ANGUIANO GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTERS."
NEREIDA ALEJANDRO AND SMILEY of NEWTON GROVE NORTH CAROLINA USA

"I miss you dearly my bother but not a day goes by that I don't remember the days we shared together.You've always looked out for me and I know your watching every day of mine. God did not take a bother from me, he just gave me the best gardian angle there was and thats you. You are my hero you always have been. Be talking to you, Edward. I love you!!!"
Rebecca Garzoria of Brownsville, Tx

"Edward had a great heart. Great in the sense that he loved his family, his friends, and his country, and great in the sense that he was willing to sacrifice himself for his country. His death was a great loss for his country and for those who knew him. We think about him every day, and we will never forget him."
Joseph of Brownsville

"Edward,
I would like to say thank you to you and all the other soldiers from your convoy who were killed in that ambush for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I read how you went down fighting and after reading some of the reflections left by some of your fellow soldiers, I know you must of have been one hell of a soldier."
Mike C. of El Paso, Texas

"I remember you always. Never a week goes by that I do not think of you. Taking care of your health was a major part of my time with you. My heart goes out to your family, one and all, as you are missed by so many. Three years have passed; your memory and life has not passed from us. We miss you very much. Thank-you for being you. God Bless you, your family and our soldiers. "Ready To Roll".
Ready Roc (Ancient)"
Doc Arnold of Fort Stewart, GA

"My name is Miguel Figueroa and I never got to meet Edward personally but I would ocassionally waive at him as we were neighbors at Fort Brown in Brownsville, Texas. This was around 2001/2002. I never really saw him again until the news from Iraq came. My wife and I were shocked. Years later, as I changed employers, I met a gentleman with the same last name and I curiously asked him if he was a relative of Edward and he acknowledged. We ocasionally have a chance to talk but once in a while we do speak about Edward. Edward may be gone physically but he is still around somehow, in memories and conversations. God Bless you Edward, thanks for serving our country and we will never forget."
Miguel Figueroa of Brownsville, TX

"I have been wearing Edward's MIA bracelet. If any family members would like to have it, I would be glad to send it. I can order another bracelet for myself. Email: djcaliendo@aol.com"
Mary Jo of Andover,Ks.

"THE FINAL
INSPECTION

The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.


"Step forward now, Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"


The Soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.


I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.


But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.


And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.


I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.


If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.


There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.


"Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

~Author Unknown~"
RA of El Paso TX

"R.I.P. my fellow solder on the 3 year annivesary, WE WILL NEVER FORGET."
adam mcmurdy of mv. ca

"Edward was one of my great buddies in high school (Hanna HS)..We hanged out in school and after school.Sometimes, when he used to work at Antonios restaurant here in brownsville, he would drop by here at home and just hang for a while before he gets home. Ever since high school he was like a soldier,gettin a job while in high school and just walking home from work in quite a far distance.. He used to like " American Ninja" the movie and the plot for that story was about an american soldier very skilled in martial arts, single-handedly takes on mercenaries in the Philippines. He really ended up as a soldier fighting a war, a war caused by a bad leadership/dictatorship from the other land..many brave soldiers had fallen and Edward was one of the brave ones fighting not only for the U.S but for peace and freedom for the other lands which is the world.You will always be remembered Edward and I know you're with God now..you're a hero to all the people in this world..
Love and Peace to the Anguiano family.."
Alain Nuval of Brownsville, Texas

"A Song for our brother SPC Anguiano. You are truly have been missed. Love, Peace, and Grace goes out to the Anguiano family members. He's a friend indeed!

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see.
Twas grace that taught my heart
to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hours I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils, and
snares, I have already come;
'Tis grace hath bought me safe
thus far, and grace will
lead me home.

Part of Our Hearts Forever

Could we ever forget your sparkling eyes
or the way you brightened each day,
or your smile which is etched in our memories,
so you're never far away?
Could we ever forget those priceless moments?
The answer, of course, is never.
For you were part of our lives for a brief time,
but you'll be part of our hearts forever.

In Loving Memory of SPC Edward J. Anguiano."
MSG Eric S. Magee of Fort Stewart, GA (3D Forward Support Battalion)

"I went to Kosovo with him in 2001 and he was a geat mechaniac, person, and soldier...he will be missed"
George Simmons of Columbia, SC

"Edward we miss you so much!!! my mom thinks about you everyday!! You will always be in my heart!! I LOVE YOU!"
Victoria of Pembroke Pines, FL

"Eddie,
It is hard to put into words what kind of friendship we had. Even though you are not with us anymore I can feel you near. Its funny that not long after you died I found myself in the 3rd ID and now in Iraq myself. Funny how friends fallow each other around. But deep in my heart I know you are looking out for me here just like when we used to play ball in Brownsville all thoughs years ago. Your loving friend always."
PV2 Pete Casango of Baghdad, Iraq

"To the family of Edward J. Anguiano,
I am saddened by the loss of your son. I saw this website and felt saddened by the loss of this young man's life. At the same time I feel much pride in the knowledge of having such a wonderful young person whom I may or may not share a heritage, fight for his country. I am also an Anguiano, of the Harlingen, TX Anguiano's, however I was raised in Mexico. I will keep you in my prayers. May God Bless all of you."
Hector Anguiano of Palmetto, FL / USA

"Hello,

I am so sorry for your loss. I too lost a loved one to this war.
We have formed a group for those of us who have experienced
the ultimate sacrifice. Gold Star Families for Peace.
www.gsfp.org.
Love and Peace to you,"
Dede Miller of Bellflower, Ca

"I am sad that you are no longer with us, but I know we will meet again. I will always remember you and the great times we shared throughout our adolescent years. Thank you."
Debbie of Austin, TX

"Edward, I am truly sorry that I did not have the opportunity to know you, I can't help wondering if we were related. My grandmother was named Vicenta Anguiano. She was from Monterrey and had family in Texas.

I am proud of your committment to your family and your country, I know you were a great son and soldier. My heart goes out to your loved ones especially your mother. She was very proud of you as were your sisters. I visited the memorial that was set up in Monterey California at the windows on the Bay. I wept to see so many fallen in battle. I found your marker and left you a necklace of flowers. I will always feel a strong kinship to you though we never met. We will honor you always.

Thank you to the warrior may he never be forgotten."
Margaret Serna Bonetti of Salinas, California

"Anguiano,
Remember when we were in Kuwait in January and it was cold in that enlisted fest tent and I went into my Supply Truck and got those space heaters for you all? Well you were the only soldier to say thank you in my seven years of thankless service as a Supply Sergeant. That meant something to me. It meant, that out of the thousands of soldiers US and Korean that I have lead and supplied, your simple thank you reminded me that my work didn't go unoticed. You keep SSG Buggs in line up there, and make sure he continues to do PT. Thank You for all you've done for me and Gators"
SSG Derrick Peay derrick.a.peay@us.army.mil of Ft Stewart, Georgia

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow and need. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. You will not be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona.

"TO THE FAMILY OF EDWARD MY NAME IS ELIZABETH VARA I HAVE GRAND RESPECT FOR YOUR SON I REMEMBER WHEN HE AND MY BROTHER (LEROY) WILL ALWAYS BE TOGETHER HIS KIND AND LOVING HEART IT IS SUCH A GREAT LOST TO LOSE A CLOSE FRIEND WITH LOVE ALWAYS TO A BRAVE SOLDIER.WE MISS YOU! MAY GOD ALWAYS BE WITH YOU. THE VARA FAMILY"
LIZ of SAN BENITO TX

"Hi, my name is Kim and I go to Barker Middle School. As soon as my teacher found the fallen heroes website she thought it would be a good idea if all of us found out some information about 2 or more soldiers who passed in the war and write to their relatives about their brave, positive influence on our economy. I know some of the pain your going through. I lost my Grandparents just 2 Mrs ago and it still hurts and it never stops hurting , like a hole in your heart but the pain fades out over time. Even though Edward passed young he passed for about the most honorable thing a man or woman could die for. He must have been very loyal to the U.S.> and everyone who cares respects him for what he did and how much he risked for our country. If I was related to him I would be very proud an I'm sure you are.

Edward
compassionate, courageous
fun-loving, caring, respecting
Solider"
7th grade student of Barker Middle School

"In loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"We Will NEVER FORGET !" As the first anniversary of the death of your loved one arrives;
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Edward, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Edward Anguiano for you service to our country. You will not be forgotten. And to the family my deepest condolences. Your son was a brave man in the face of danger."
Mark Anguiano of Austin, Texas

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

"Thank you so much for sharing these pictures…it’s great to have the different photos to go with a Hero’s name. It does allows me to become closer to a person that I don’t even know – someone who has risks his life to take this war away from my door. So, young and handsome, so full of life it’s easy to see how much he loved his Country and you must be so proud of him! Dear Family and Friends; I am truly sorry for your loss. Please know he is still one of our angles and he is now watching over you as he continues to protect his fellow men and women. My words alone will never heal your pain and time can only ease the pain of your loss. Know that your son, brother, uncle, friend, etc. will never be forgotten in our hearts. I sincerely appreciate his strength and bravery, and the honor he took in protecting me – a person he never knew (our Country). Thank you again for bringing up such a fine young man who has allowed me to feel safe here at home in the USA."
Kittie Burleson of Oklahoma City, OK , USA 02-07-2004

"TO EDWARD,A TRUE FRIEND SINCE ELEMENTARY IN VICTORIA HEIGHTS. THANK YOU
FOR DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY MAY YOURE SOUL REST IN PEACE OLD FRIEND."
MAURICIO ALVARADO of AUSTIN TX.

"Thank you Edward Anguiano, 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

"It's hard for me to sit here with my family this holiday season, just having returned from Iraq. I served with the 3rd ID, and came back. My first son was born while we were in Baghdad; I can't express in any words what it's like to have to know that some of the men and women I served with will not be able to do the same. I know, even though the 'news' doesn't show it, how much good we are doing for the cause of liberty. The peoples of the Middle East may not yet be prepared for the difficulties of freedom, but I HAVE to believe that the soldiers died for a serious and worthy cause. We can't let the media or the rumors of corporate greed tarnish this. I am very proud to have served my country, and I am very, very sad to know that I have friends that will not be able to see all the good they have done. God speed and may the peoples of this crazy world one day realize what a serious contribution, those who are not with us now, have made. With profound sorrow I write this and may God look after those in uniform this holiday season. LT from 3rd FSB Fort Stewart - "Rock of the Marne""
LT of Rock of the Marne

"TO EDWARD ANGUIANO, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR GIVING YOUR LIFE SO THAT ME AND MY FAMILY COULD LIVE OURS. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO AND EVEN THOUGH I NEVER MET YOU, I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. TO THE ANGUIANO FAMILY, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND REMEMBER THAT YOU HAVE A NEW ANGEL WATCHING OVER YOU THAT WILL ALWAYS BE THERE TO PROTECT YOU THE WAY HE PROTECTED US."
AMY of SAN JUAN

"edward j anguiano alot of us out there still miss you,how could this happen to you only god knows we will never forget you, god is with you and always be."
junior of brownsville,texas

"edward john anguiano you will always be with us the american people thank you you did your best a true fighter to protect our country as many have, you are a true american l thank you edward j anguino for giving me that freedom"
a veteran who served his country of brownsville,texas

"My thoughts & prayers go out to all the Military men and women who are at war and especially those who have lost their lives. May God bless you forever. Thank you for everything, you are my hero! Rest in peace"
Amanda K Casas of San Diego/Corpus Christi, Texas

"Edward had kind eyes. He must have been a gentle soul. I am truly sorry for you. God bless you in this difficult time."
Michelle of Canada

"Edward
i regret that we grew apart last time we seen each other we were saying good bye .who would of thought we would not see each other again .you called once like a couple of years back saying u where coming up north to see us .but it never happened .we did not get a chance to see or know the man you grew up to be . you will always be a little boy to us. we love you and we are proud of you.
love you always,"

"I would like to say sorry to the family of Edward. I went to high school with him when he went to Los Fresnos and had classes with him. He was always a nice/quiet guy. He will always be remembered."
Jennifer of Houston, Texas

"I would just like to say my condolences to the family of Spc Anguiano. While the pain you carry is great Spc Anguiano and his fallen comrades fought with courage and will be long remembered by all americans who understand what they went thru. May god be with you and confort you, your Edward will always be remembered as a hero"
H padilla of Los Angeles Calif

""I would like to donate a canvas portrait to the family of Spc Anguiano. Our portraits have been well recieved. I have been donating these portraits to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom because they last forever and no-one will be forgotten. You can see what our donation portraits look like at http://lionheartcreations.net/honorfallen.htm I have wrote a poem called Fallen and we put this on the canvas portrait along with name rank and branch of service. We will ship the portrait right to your home. This cost you nothing. This is our way to serve and honor our fallen. Please let us serve you. You can email us to make arrangements for your portrait and this can all be done over the internet or US mail. Making the portraits only takes a day or so. Our email address is on our website or you can email carlosshelter@aol.com Thank you and God bless""
Carlos Kathy & Ashley Jones of Middletown Ohio

"To the family and memory of Edward Anguiano~
What Spc. Anguiano accomplished and stood for throughout his life, even unto his last moments, was remarkable. His heroism stands as an example for us all. He answered the call of his country when it was in need and he died to protect his nation and preserve freedom. He loved and honored his country, as he loved and honored his mother. The manner in which he lived and died is a testament to the goodness of humanity. God bless him in heaven and those who survive him here on earth.We will hold him in our hearts and in our prayers always. He is a true American hero."
The Kelly Family of New Braunfels, Tx

"I always remember seeing Edward at high school...he would ask me about the Army and what he had do to enlist. He was a true patriot before he ever came in uniform. I was already proud to know him as a patriot, and am now filled with more pride to know him as a hero. His loss came fighting not only for freedom, but for his friends. He will be remembered with honor."
SFC E Lopez of 1st Armored Division

"I would like to say to the family of Spc Anguiano, that your son was a true soldier. He had such a hooah hooah attitude, and I know that he did his best serving his country. I send prayers to your family and for Anguiano. He was a cool guy to be around. Sincerly, Spc Martinez. 3FSB, Ft Stewart. Aco"
J L Martinez of San Diego.

"To the family and friends of Spc. Edward Anguiano:
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 Edward 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 Spc. Edward Anguiano:
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 Edward, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia