Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Remembering them on memorial day is what most do for only one time a year, im sure you are just like me and think of your brother, son, everyday...i didnt know him very well but i did meet with him a couple of times and when i did we got a long ok...he had the same mantality like me...well i am still going strong in the LAANG and Im getting promoted to SGT/E5 in a couple of weeks. Well i hope everything is going better for yall these days and wish you the best of luck...thank you to another fallen hero that will never be forgotten!! Im sure Lee, Matthew and My brother are up there looking down at us and waiting for our time to come..but until then we will keep them in our prayers and thoughts each and everyday..."
SGT Christopher Powell of Eros, LA

"Barnes, I've done two more deployments with 3/6 since we lost you and I can't stop thinking about you and Rusty. Your rosey red cheeks and blonde hair and Rusty's accent. Take care brother, lots of good 3/6 Marines up there with you now. God bless you and your family. Semper FI!"
Former 3/6 Marine of Quantico, Va

"I'll never forget. God Bless you Matt! From the PA guy of the TX Truck Platoon."
Sgt Doug Shuttlesworth of Washington, DC

"I remember Mathew before he was awarded the title US Marine. I went to church with him and his family; I babysat his brother and him when he was in middle school. It seems like yesterday. Back then he was a typical junior high kid, except he was smart, quick witted, and dogmatic. I lost touch when I joined the Navy to later serve with infantry Marines as a grunt Corpsman. I have been to Iraq twice and experienced the loss of a fellow warrior. To now find out that the brash, smart and responsible young Mathew Barnes I knew as teenager is another fallen warrior makes me heavy hearted. His choice to selflessly serve as United States Marine shows the quality of man he became. I am proud of his decision. His loss is freedom's gain; may the ones whom his life impacted always cherish that Mathew Barnes gave his life for a cause much greater then his own. I will alway remember his smile and will honor his sacrifice in my continued service to this great nation. God bless you Mathew Barnes, you are not forgotten."
HM2(FMF/SW/AW)Paul "Doc"Turner of Twentynine Palms, CA, USA

"I miss hearing your smart * comments...I will never forget you Matthew R. Barnes."
Joao G. Miranda of Camp Lejeune

"April 13, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Matthew R. Barnes:
Matthew 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

"hard to believe its been two years today. we all still deeply miss you and think about you and rusty all the time. rip brother and we will meet again one day."
former 3/6 marine of central tenn.

"I didn't get a chance to speak at the memorial overseas that day and it still bothers me till this day not being able to share with all those guys how well he knew his job as a young marine. Its rare that you know a Marine who has a sense of humor and still able to do a job that not many can't do. God Bless

"Semper Fidelis""
Sgt Lott Jason of East Hartford, CT

"To the family of:Matthew R. Barnes I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief. He died a hero defending freedom and we are so grateful for anyone defending our freedom.
Know that I am praying for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding for you and that one day we will all meet in Heaven where we will rest in the arms of Jesus.
If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with please call my Pastor at Gateway Community Church, Reverand John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd Covington Ga. 30016 Phone 770- 787- 1015 (fax)770-787-8215.Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew"

"Matthew was a buddy of my son's... I'd spoken to Matthew several different times when I would call my son.

When my son found out we'd lost Matthew he called me and we both cried.

We were together near the anniversary of Matthews death and I want you to know, we will never forget Matthew or you, his family.

My heart is still crying.

Semper Fi

A very proud Marine Mom"
Christine of TN

"As a Marine Mother to another Marine Mother, I want to say how proud we are of our Marines who have served our country. Matthew was a hero! May God bless him!
We love our "Devil Dogs"."
Liz Romagosa of Lincolnton, NC

"I didn't know him, but he is still a brother."
Cpl Hymel, C. J. USMC of Slidell, LA, USA

"I never had the honor of meeting Matthew,but I did have the extreme honor of helping bring him home. I'm a sheriff's deputy in the parish he lived in and I was given the duty of arranging for help from the local and state law enforcement agencies in 2 states. I had only expected the help of the local Mississippi sheriff's department with escorting my deputies who were bringing the family and hearse to the airport to pick Matthew up and bring him home. It was a last minute decision to ask for assistance from the other agencies,actually it was just a few hours before they were to leave for the airport in Mississippi,so after sending the message out for help I was a little concern on the response I would get. Lucky for me God was helping to make sure Matthew got the escort that a true hero deserves. When it was over with I had over a dozen or more agencies between here and Mississippi helping. I wasn't able to see first hand but I heard that every entrance ramp was closed off for incoming traffic as the escort went over there and the same happened on the way back. I'm sure that was a pretty awesome sight since it meant blocking the entrances to I-20. I was able to watch from one of those blocked entrance ramps as the escort came through Monroe and it will be a memory I will never forget. It was an eerie sight to behold,it had just stopped raining and it was a little foggy and since all the entrance ramps had been blocked there was no traffic heading westbound. As the escort approached where I was all I could see was the red and blues lights of the units breaking through the fog. As the escort passed the entrances the units blocking them joined in behind. There were several people who had gotten out of their vehicles to pay their respects along with me as the escort passed. At Matthew's funeral the out pour of support for his family and thankfullness for his sacrifice was seen on each and every face that was there. I never met Matthew but I'll will never forget him. May God bless and keep his family close to him in their darkest hours of grief."
T. Linton of Monroe,La

"I really don't know what to say, or who is going to read this.. but not a day goes by that i don't think of you and rusty. i miss you guys and i'll never forget the great times we've had. i'll never forget the gas mask and the poncho liner and poly pros. miss you bud"
paul houtz of camp lejeune nc

"To the family of Matt Barnes...I share your pain. We live in the same home town and unfortunately, my husband Chad W. Powell was also killed in Iraq. I'm sorry that I couldn't be at the visitation or the funeral, but I did make something for you and your family to help comfort you all. I know it's still hard for you as it is still hard for us to deal with our loss, but when you feel ready, I'd like to meet you and give you your gift. Anyway, all I can say is that I know how you feel and when I cry, I cry for you as well. I visit the cemetary often and I not only visit our Chad, I visit your Matt as well. I want you to know that they are in heaven't gates together in a hero's platoon where there is no pain, no sorrow, and no tears. God bless your son and his brave soul!! We will never forget him or the sacrifice he made for his country. We will always keep you in our prayers."
Love- Danielle Powell, Proud Widow of Cpl. Chad W. Powell of Monroe, La

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

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