Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hey Cuz,
It's me Luis. Its been almost 3 years since you left and I can't say there's been a day I haven't thought of you. Man you have no idea how much I miss you. When I moved to San Diego I kept thinking it'd be like old times when we were growing up together and we'd get to goof around and climb some trees like you loved to, but the very day I was supposed to move, was when we got the news. And it SUCKED, I just want to say that. I still think you're out there. Maybe I haven't learned to face the fact that I won't get to see you anymore, or that I never did get to see you to say goodbye. I miss you primo, A lot. Every once in a while I'll pop in my old FreeSpace and remember playing with you. Everytime I go to disneyland I remember chasing captain Hook with you. I REALLY miss you a lot. I haven't seen your sisters in a while, maybe I'll visit them this week since you've been on my mind more often.
One day we'll see each other again and it'll be great cousin. I love you and I miss you with all my heart. I wish I could have said goodbye..."
Luis Alvarez of Chula Vista

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Salem,

Its Veterans day again and you are constantly in my thoughts.

Your sacrafice will never be forgotten brother.

Semper Fi"
JH

"Im going to be gone on memorial day so I thought I would say thanks now.

Thanks for your sacrifice brother, see you on the other side.

God Bless"
JH

"You may be gone but not forgotten
Because of you our eyes have widen
Widen to the fact tragedy does hit home
Just know this is a journey you don't have to travel alone
You were a son,husband,friend, and brother
You were one of a kind like no other
You touched lives in ways you would not believe
You have done things other only tried to achieve
And for once I can truly say we have an Angel watching over us
Thank God in Salem we trust

Marines don't die we just we live through each other"
DerricK Bush of San Diego, CA

"I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic you died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

"Dude lets move some maps and see who can drink the most powerbar energy packets!!! HAHAH I miss you!"
Vick of CA

"I knew you since elementary school. We lost track of each other as I moved and we went onto different schools. I remember the last time I saw you. It was at the gas station at 3rd and K in Chula Vista. You were on your bicycle. We talked briefly, and you told me you had enlisted in the Marine Corps and were scheduled to go to boot camp in a couple of weeks time. I remember feeling proud and scared at the same time. Thank you for your friendship, your service, and your dedication to others before your self. I will never forget you. May you rest in peace."
Waylon of Chula Vista, CA

"Salem was the first person i ever worked for in the Marine Corps who ever cared about more than himself. As i moved out from under him on to other commands, i stayed in frequent contact with him. I hadn't seen him for quite some time, but about two weeks before he died, my unit was on it's way out of iraq. I told him that when he got back, i would be waiting there with some beer. That was the last time i can remember speaking to him. He was probably the most selfless individual i ever worked with. He was all about getting the job done not just trying to make himself look good for those above him. I have missed you for quite some time, and i will never forget you."
Anonymous of Camp Pendleton, CA

"Salem, I remember back in High School when you came over to my house to fix our computer. You were such a dork back then! My mom bought us Twix and you literally shoved all of them in your mouth...they didn't fit. You were always fun to goof around with and I'll forvever miss you. God Bless."
Johanna Groves of Vicenza, Italy

"Hey homie... I've been thinking about you. I hope you're having a good time up there. You're still in our hearts back down here. You won't be forgotten... ever."
Chris Fikany of Hawaii

"Basher... I was sitting here at my new place on Ft Irwin and i couldnt help but think of you.. Well im out of the Marine Corps now and it looks like im going to join the Army now.. lol.. no jokes punk.. you can make fun of me at the gates when i look like a homo in my baret.. lol... I miss talking to you sometime.. I can remember little things about you all the time.. like the first time we met when you were on your way to take leave and asked if i wanted anything from hawaii.. * you had only met me 3 minutes earlier and were asking me if i wanted something.. i cant help but smile thinking about things like that..

dude i have a confession to make.. and its something that will haunt me for the rest of my life.. i remember before we deployed when we were in hmmwv school.. you came to my place for lunch.. we were putting together a puzzle and talking and you said you didnt think you were gonna make it back.. last time was too close of a call.. i remember hearing you say it and i remember telling you to stay positive and that you had too much to lose.. i remember you shaking your head and saying you had a bad feeling as all of us do before we leave.. i sympothized but at the same time we both shrugged it off..

I remember having lunch (midrats) with you a few days before you left.. we were talking about you going out with HET.. and the bad feeling you had about it.. i remember telling you that i would trade places with you in a second..

and the part that ill remember the most is the day before you went out.. we had operations going in the COC.. you came in and asked me if i had a minute.. i remember hearing your voice.. and i remember i didnt even look up or shake your hand.. i remember telling you that i didnt have time.. and you told me that you were going out.. and just like that.. you were gone..

bro ill never forgive myself for not talking to you and finding out what was going on.. ill never forgive myself for not shaking your hand or giving you dap like we always did before that.. and ill never forgive myself for not saying goodbye..

i miss you bro.. i just wanted you to know that.."
Ruben Pena of Ft Irwin, CA

"I have just learned about this man from a friend of mine who was fighting along side him. I think he was very brave fighting and dying for his country. R.I.P. and my condolences to his family.

From just a guy in England"
Peter Parka of England

"March 28, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Salem Bachar:
Salem 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 never met you; in fact, I'm only a senior in high school (I go to Bonita Vista High, which is why your birthplace caught my attention). I just wanted to say thank you for your bravery. It is sad to think that someone with so much life to live had to be taken from this earth...I guess God wanted another Marine for company up in Heaven; considering what soldiers like you stand for (Semper Fi), I wouldn't blame Him. God bless you and your family."
Nathan of San Diego ,CA

"Salem, i will always remember the good times we shared before we joined. You were like my lil brother and i love you for that. I miss you and we will meet again lil brother. you will always be in my heart as well as your family. i know you are looking down on us and smiling, it seems like only yesterday we were jumping in my truck and going on some fun "adventure"... my Condolences to your Family.

"Semper Fidelis""
Sgt Sergio Torre Jr. of TQ, Iraq

"Sal,

Happy Holidays brother, I think about you everyday and I know that you are looking after us. I just want to say thank you and I know we miss you!!"
Jordan of California

"Salem & Kristi, John 15:13 says Greater love has no one than this, that he lay his life down for his friends. Salem Jesus did that for us and you layed your life down for our country and us. I am proud to call you my cousin. I look forward to getting to know you in Heaven. Patty & I are looking out for Kristi...she is strong & courageous like you Brother. We love you & miss you....Danny & Patty"
Daniel Kinoshita of Gilroy, Ca

"To the family of:Salem Bachar 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"

"Cpl Bachar,
On this Memorial Day I want you to know that I remember your sacrifice. I will forever miss our discussions in Fallujah on plotting out your options in life. You were as bright and capable a Marine as I have ever met with more to offer the world than many would ever hope to have. You are missed. Please watch over us."
Col G of Camp Pendleton, CA

"Hey Sal, I just wanted to drop by and tell you I was thinking about you on this Memorial Day. I miss you my friend. I watched a little Carlos Mencia last night but it's not the same without you here. I know you're looking over me. I love you brother."
Jairus Rice of Camp Fallujah, Iraq

"You know, you and I had a lot in common! I was not as gung ho as you were from the minute I was in high school though, far from it. But, once in, we cared about the things that needed to get done and we did it to the best of our ability. You were like a brother to me and confided in each other about a lot of things. You asked me the last time we were in Iraq together to re-enlist, do what I needed to do to make it back there with you, but I was selfish. I can't help, but look back on everything and just cry. You were one of the best Marines I have had the pleasure to lead. Head strong you were, but the best. I do miss you and laughing with you!

I am going to be purchasing a brick for you at the Marine Corps museum here during the year. If there is anyone who would be interested please send me an email: gphoebus@fredco-md.net. Not required, it is going to happen with or without you! Salem deserves his legend to live on and that is the closest I can think of with all the other great Marines."
Garth Phoebus of Frederick, Maryland

"Sal, Well I'm no longer in the Marine Corps as you know but the job over here is still not finished. I came back over as a civilian continueing the fight. Being back in this camp on the 1st anniversary of your sacrifice is very humbling. There's still not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. Just know that you are missed and remembered always. Keep me safe my friend."
Jairus Rice of Camp Fallujah, Iraq

"I frequently reflect on the day you were killed and the duty I felt compeled to do in order to honor your family. I remember feeling like a coward. I make it a point to visit you at least once a month. You are my source of motivation to do my best, to be the best Marine and leader I can be. You were a good Marine, great husband and outstanding man and the Corps and the world is a lesser place without you. Do for us in death what you did for us in life, my friend."
SSgt Dick Sierra of UCLA

"Sal, As we get ready to go home man I walk by your picture everyday in the hall and I wish you well. I know that I have seen a lot of faces come and go around here and your's is one I will never forget. We will meet again.. I love you brother!"
Jordan of Camp Fallujah, Iraq

"Sal, Happy Birthday brother. I miss you a lot man. We've lasted 231 years as the best in the world because of Marine like you. Keep looking over me and I'll meet you at heaven's gates brother. I love ya man"
Sgt Jairus Rice of Camp Fallujah, Iraq

"Dear Family and Friends,

I am so sorry for your loss. This Sunday October 29, my friend Anne Lewis and I will be running our first marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, in honor of Cpl. Salem Bachar. We are running as part of the non-profit charity Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). I am deeply humbled and honored to be running in his memory and know that his sacrifice and those of our other fallen heroes will motivate me to finish the race. Although I did not personally know him, I will never forget him. Many people have been made aware of his sacrifices as well. Your son was a hero and will never be forgotten.



Heidi Anderson"
Heidi Anderson of Alexandria, VA

"My Dearest Salem,

I am so thankful that we had the opportunity to share our lives together. It's been SO difficult without you baby. I miss everything about you. Like I had told you many times, I'm so proud of you. There has been a hole left in my heart and will be filled when we meet again. Like you always told me, this is not goodbye.... but see you later. I love you honey."
Kristine Bachar, Salem's Wife of Fontana, CA

"Salem, i was struck in the heart when i found out that you were taken from us. There are so many memories that i will always have of you, from swim qual to humvee course. From sitting in my dining room putting together puzzles (god we were so lame) to having you over to meet my wife. you helped me to learn my job and even a little bit of arabic, you helped around my house when you would come over and never strayed away from a home cooked meal. Damn bro there are so many things I'd like to say but can't think of the words to say them. I miss you and i always will. I'll see you again though, one of these days and be there to releave you at the gates, I'll even have you check me over to make sure I'm squared away. me and nat both miss you bro and I'll always see you as my brother."
Sgt Ruben M Pena Jr of Camp Fallujah Iraq

"A great Marine, a great man, and an even better friend you will be missed, brother. I'll never forget long nights in the Combat Operations Center where we would do whatever it took to keep us entertained (I believe I remember you getting a mohawk one night!). I am sure your family and friends miss you dearly as I do, but hopefully everyone can rest assured that you served this great nation with the utmost honor."
Sergeant Ryan P. Kuechenmeister of St. Louis, MO

"Cpl Bachar - your duty, your patriotism, your peronal mettle was called into question that day. You stood tall, and held your ground. The United States of America, and all whom she watches over, will be forever in your debt. May the rest of us follow the right and just path you have mortally protected, and ensure that those who come after us guard it with the tenacity it deserves. Semper Fi, Brother."
SSGT Robert Jones of Camp Pendleton, CA USA

"I'll never forget the last thing you said to me. I love you like a brother too. Save a seat for me..."
Cpl Michael A. Hernandez of Camp Fallujah, Iraq

"Cpl. Bachar - It is men like you that are the strength of our country and our Corps and you are sorely missed. Your abilities are difficult to replace, but your example is an inspiration to all of us to keep fighting to defeat this evil enemy of freedom. Our pride in your accomplishments is outwieghed only by our sadness at your passing. I am sure you are now one of the blessed of heaven and are looking out for all of us from there. You will be forver in our thoughts and your family will be forever in our prayers.

Semper Fidelis"
Maj. Alan Todl

"I miss you brother. I still hold true to my promise to carrying your memory in my heart until the day we meet again."
Adam of Reston, Va

"Cpl Bachar - your spirit remains with us and I'm blessed to have known you and witnessed your patriotism first hand. Until we meet again..."
LtCol Anne Weinberg of Camp Pendleton, CA

"Cpl Bachar the late night, early morning talks we had were what our Corps is all about. I miss our talks but I know we will meet again. Not a day goes by that we don't think about you. I remain Semper Fidelis"
LtCol Dimitri Henry of Camp Fallujah Iraq

"You'll be missed man. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to know you - that in itself is a blessing."
Sgt Christopher Fikany of Fallujah, Iraq

"Corporal Bachar was an exceptional Marine who possessed a keen intellect and sharp sense of humor. His valor was beyond any spoken words can describe. I am proud to have served with a Marine of his caliber. We are all better Marines because of his example. He will be missed."
LtCol. Ken Brandel, USMC of Fallujah, Al Anbar, Iraq

"We all miss you Salem. It's gonna be a longer deployment without you. You were a great Marine, friend, and man. You will forever be in my heart. I know you are standing proud in your blues guarding Heaven's gates. We will meet again my friend. Until then, watch over us as we carry on this fight for you. I love you brother."
Corporal Jairus Rice of Camp Fallujah, Iraq

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

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