Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hey Barr, I wanted to stop by and say I miss you, love you, and hope to see you when I'm called. I have a daughter that is two and I often think how important you would be in her life as you are in mine. I talk to her about you and she sees the picture of us standing together in Kuwait (while unloading the 7-ton). I logged into my yahoo account a couple days ago and your yahoo id was there. I keep my hopes up that one day you will shoot me a message---so whenever you want to go for it! See ya man."
Justin S.

"I had the honor of going through boot camp (2024)and SOI with Barr and his brother, he then got shkp to a different unit. A little before we (2/7) deployed to Iraq he joined his brother in our unit we caught up on old times and had new good times. Miss you always brother. Semper Fi."
Luis Ramos jr. of Adrian, Mi

"Aric and Family

I still think of you everyday. Aric thanks for watching over us..."
Shane Moody of NC

"I don't remember many people at pax river but Aric is one of them. He was always very helpful to me even though others weren't... it doesn't seem like much maybe but its rare to find compassion or understanding in the marine corps. I wish i still had the video of him sledding on the back fletches jeep.
I wish i would have gotten to know him better."
Collin Brennan of Scottsdale, AZ

"My name is Gonzalo RuizCarlos and I was in 2/7 second platoon with Barr. He was my first roomate when I got to 29 Palms. I could say he was one of the best guys that I actualy knew in the Marines. I aslo was the gunner on his hummvey the day of the attack. Barr and myself were the ones with the worst injuries. I will never for get that that day like I will NEVER forget YOU BARR. I will never fortget you, I see your name "BARR" written on my back every day that I get ready to start my day. thank you for all the help you gave me in second platoon."
(LCpl) Gozalo RuizCarlos of El Paso, TX

"Today is Aric's 6th anniversary. You will always be missed by everyone that you have ever come across...I'll be with your mom, Alex, and Caty honoring your memory dude! We all love you and we know your looking down on us everyday."
Devin Coyne of Pittsburgh, PA

"In the fleet Aric was the funny guy of the group and my senior. I was in his team when they first moved me to the fleet and even though, the hazing began Aric showed me that not all seniors are in your face rude. He showed me that its ok to extend the hand out and greet your brother in arms. I remember me and him talking about tattoos and and showing each others art. I was there at his last moments and also the one who helped packed his gear. He was a soul that inspired me to smile and it was ok to smile, I will never forget what a great person he was and will always will be. God bless his soul and as I called him funny man, he will also be the brother in arm who changed my life from being serious to having fun. A good man that sacrificed his life while serving our country. 60 years from now he will still have the smile he left with me and his jokes resti empachie amigo mio. I salute you big brother."
Angel M. Carrasquillo of Medford, MA

"I would like to think I was one of Aric's best friends, almost a brother, in the short time I knew him. My name is Justin Soroka and I was stationed with Barr from 2002-2004 in Pax River, Md and in 29 Palms, Ca also to include Iraq. We share so many memories. Wether it was a night of drinking with the guys at Hogs Point and a camp fire, or the Bungalos, Barr was with me right along the way. We got tattoos together, got chased by thugs at the mall in Waldorf, Md!!! We had our moments! I miss you so much man! Everyday I think about you because I look to the wall and I see a picture where we are standing in Kuwait, both looking scared and fresh. But we learned quick didn't we bro. You were walking around with your smokes like you owned the place! I will make it your resting place Barr I promise.

***anyone who remembers me contact at jroocan@yahoo.com"
justin soroka of moline, il usa

"I have already left a message a while back. My brother has recently returned from the wounded warrior barracks. He was wounded in Iraq while serving with 2/7 Scout Snipers. It was his second purple heart. He is currently living with me so we talk alot about our time in the marines. Barr alway's comes into our conversation. He is very missed by everyone that has known him. MISS YA BUD!!!!"
Cpl Travis Fletcher of Tallahassee,Florida

"April 13, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Aric J. Barr:
Aric 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

"First of all im sorry for your loss and i hope youre doing well. This is kind of strange but i got bored and typed my name in google and Aric came up. Apparently I'm not the only Lcpl Aric Barr to enlist in the Marine Corps. I never knew him but he sounds like a great guy. Its just kind of weird that someone with same name has given their life for our country. I'm getting orders to Iraq soon so I'll get my chance to fight for my country and possibly die. But its all good because at least I'm fighting for what's right."
Lcpl Aric A. Barr of Jacksonville, NC

"My deepest regrets go out to the family of Aric Barr. I served with Aric in Pax river MD. While I was still there I learned of his passing. I was then sent ironically enough to second battalion seventh marines, echo Co. Aric is missed much by his friends and life long brothers of the corps.

In stead of mourning his loss... I choose to thank God that such a man lived!"
Nathan Anderson of St. Charles, MO

"Aric and i were in boot and SOI together. I remember him as the jokester who could always make the day a little easier with a joke or a word of advice or a helping hand. My fondest memory of the short time that i had the privilege of knowing him was the time we snuck off base and crashed a surfer chick convention. good times. SEMPER FI Devil Dog."
Lcpl Smith A.G. of Alameda CA

""I deeply sorry for ur loss.. I remember Aric from my husband who was stationed at Pax River Maryland with him.. He was a good guy.. We had his truck in our garage for the longest time.. Still to this day my husband will not give up the Lics plate from the truck it sits in his garage hung up in remembernce of his good friend.. I remember when he came to our house with a bunch of the other guys and they decieded to make breakfast and me breakfast in bed but woke me with the clatter downstairs and i came down to greese coming from the ceilings and Aric trying to make waffels and spilling the batter all over the place.. It was a BIG mess.. lol.. But it was a funny and good breakfast.. He was a great guy to know.. We will miss him deeply i know my husband does..""
The Calicchio Family of Twentynine Palms Ca

"I deeply sorry for ur loss.. I remember Aric from my husband who was stationed at Pax River Maryland with him.. He was a good guy.. We had his truck in our garage for the longest time.. Still to this day my husband will not give up the Lics plate from the truck it sits in his garage hung up in remembernce of his good friend.. I remember when he came to our house with a bunch of the other guys and they decieded to make breakfast and me breakfast in bed but woke me with the clatter downstairs and i came down to greese coming from the ceilings and Aric trying to make waffels and spilling the batter all over the place.. It was a BIG mess.. lol.. But it was a funny and good breakfast.. He was a great guy to know.. We will miss him deeply i know my husband does.."

"To the family of:Aric J. Barr 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"

"Barr also known to me as "My little LCPL" i constantly mourn the lose of a friend. When i was in the office with Capt. Kelly i heard the call. I didnt kow how to react. After all was said and done i remember going to the back ofthe building with Cpl. Rineer and i cried. Not something a marine does to often. ill always miss you and the stupid things we did while we checked in together. May your soul rest in piece."
2/7 echo 3rd platoon Lcpl. N.D.

"I hope your family is doing well due to your son's death and all. I am doing a report on your son and I think you had a wonderful son."
Summer Crouch of Cincinnati, Ohio

"ARIC BARR YOU KNOW I WAS JUST SITTING HERE THINKING BUDDY OF HOW PROUD I AM TO BE A MARINE BECAUSE OF MEN LIKE YOU"
SGT MOODY SHANE of BROOKLYN MS

"Hello Family and Friends of lcpl Aric J. Barr my name is Sgt Shane Moody I was with 2/7 and remember the night thing took a turn for the worst when the IED struck the driver side of the 1123 hummer the reason I no this is directly after the med-avac my self and Cpl Perez now a Sgt moved the vehicle from the wall of a building the same side of the ied and myself i cranked it and fuel, oil everything was leaking I backed it up it died we hooked up a chain to a 7ton and I sat in that seat of your sons my friend as the 7ton pulled me 8 miles down the road and the hummer had 4 flat tiers I had to kick the glass out because I couldn't see out of it and when it was all over I just remembered that a friend wouldn't comeback. Man you dont understand how proud I am to be a Marine beause of the fallen Marines of that 2/7 squand in Hit.."
Shane Moody of QUANTICO VA

"I knew Aric when i was in the DEP. He had just gotten out of bootcamp and came back on recruiters assistance. He came back clean cut and just the all around defintion of Marine. When I was stationed in Hawaii, I ironically was stationed with his brother Aaron. Although I was in the airwing and he on the groundside, we got to talking about home back in Pittsbutgh. I feel for the Barr family, I know hes in a better place than the one he left."
Lcpl Terek of Chicago IL

"I Knew Barr from Boot Camp,2024 him and his brother were just above me in the bay, alphabetical order. I remember everything from boot camp like it was yesterday but for some reason you cant remeber anything that had no importance before then. I was stationed in 29 Palms in 2/7 weapons company as a TOW gunner I had no idea he was in the story above me the whole time. I feel for the other Barr brother and the family, best regards and there will always be good memories. If anybody wants to send me A mail or need to talk. Jlbryan@hotmail.com"
Bryan,Justin L of Manchester T.N.

"LCpl Barr was a great guy. We went through bootcamp together. Platoon 2024... I remember Barr as being quiet. His was a quiet confidence in himself and his abilities. Barr was a good guy to have with you when the times got rough... always good for a laugh or two. LCpl Barr you will be missed... Oorah Marine and Semper Fidelis."
Sgt. Swenson of Djibouti Africa

"I knew Barr back when I lived in Maryland. He was always a really nice guy, and he will be and already is missed by all of us that knew him."
Lauren Silsbee, USAF of Ramstein AB, Germany

"Aric, i was there with ya buddy. and i know your with us now. please watch over all our buddies who went back to that god forsaken place.. love ya dude"
benny daras of 2/7 echo 1st plt..now in MD

"Aric you could never imagine how much you are missed by your friends. I only wish that there was a way to turn back the clock. Scott spoke for you at 2/7's rememberance ceremony. Steve, Jacob, and I stood along with your other second platoon buddies to wish you farwell and and to let you know that there could have been no better friend to be found in 2/7 or the world for that matter. My sympathies to your mother and your brothers.We love you Aric and we're all glad to have had the pleasure to be your friend."
Lcpl Brandon Bishop of 2/7 Echo Company

"I grew up with Aric's older brother Aaron, so Aric was kinda the lil brother i never had. Even though i hadn't seen him in a very long time his death brought back alot of memories and the thought of keeping in touch with old friends. I never got to meet Aric as a "man" but i know he was a great one. I send all my loving thoughts out to his family and hope that i can get in touch with Aaron so if anyone that knows him see's this please have him get in touch with me please!!! snowwolf211@netscape.net Thank you and god bless"
Missy Leone "Knepp" of Herrin, IL

"Barr was a great guy. He came to pax motivated, and he stayed that way,,even through the rough times. I remember talking to him all the time about himself, and Pa, I live not to far from where he lived. He was invited to be a swordsman at My best friends wedding, Sgt. Jones. He had a full Sword wedding ceremony. I was proud and honored to watch that Lcpl carry the NCO sword that day, and I was proud to watch my best friend walk under his sword. I knew one day he would carry it, and carry it well.
Rest in Peace Barr, (mini Vinni), I will always remember you for what you stood for. Even if I had to bail you and the Other devils out of the brawl after the reception (laughing). I ve got fond memories of you Aric, they will never die, and neither will You.
You live forever because your name lives forever. I hope your family knows that this is just another set of orders to a better place. See you soon devil...keep heaven's gates secure for me and all your brothers to come..
Cpl. Sands"
Cpl. Sands of MD

"I was stationed with Barr at MCSF CO. NAS Patuxent River,MD. Barr was one of my best friends while stationed in Maryland. I spent alot of time with him on post. When you stand post for with someone for 12 hours a day seven day's a week you get to know them pretty well. I remember one timed it snowed alot. We had the same day off, so we went a bought some sleds and a rope. We tied it up to my jeep and pulled each other across this open feild. I'm supprised the MP's didn't see us and arrest us. Barr's turn came up and he was all about going fast. He got up to about 45 mph and he hit a bump launching him sky high. I slammed on the brakes thinking he was really hurt. To my suprise he was laughing so hard he was crying. Barr was that type of guy alway's full of suprises. I truly miss him more than words can say. I am glad to have know Barr even for the short time I did."
Cpl Fletcher of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"I was stationed with Barr at MCSF CO. NAS Patuxent River,MD. Barr was one of my best friends while stationed in Maryland. I spent alot of time with him on post. When you stand post for with someone for 12 hours a day seven day's a week you get to know them pretty well. I remember one timed it snowed alot. We had the same day off, so we went a bought some sleds and a rope. We tied it up to my jeep and pulled each other across this open feild. I'm supprised the MP's didn't see us and arrest us. Barr's turn came up and he was all about going fast. He got up to about 45 mph and he hit a bump launching him sky high. I slammed on the brakes thinking he was really hurt. To my suprise he was laughing so hard he was crying. Barr was that type of guy alway's full of suprises. I truly miss him more than words can say. I am glad to have know Barr even for the short time I did."
Cpl Fletcher, Travis of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"II was Barr's Barber at PAX River we shared many conversations and it was A pleasure knowing him and an honor being his friend. I'll always remember him as a happy, funny yet sincere MARINE. Thanks for allowing your son to be a part of my life. He reminded me why I had enlisted in the USMC in 1979. Former Marine Cpl Wakefield Travers mos 1431"
Wakefield Travers of St. Leonard, Maryland,USA

"MR.and MRS Barr
I remember Aric growing up. We had some good times. He will be missed.
May God bless you."
Sgt Stephen Saint of Pittsburgh, Pa

"Semper Fidelis, from all of us still here at Pax. Aric was a great friend and will be missed. His sacrifice makes us all stronger and value life that much more."
The Marines still here at Pax of NAS Patuxent River, MD

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Barr,
I am so sorry to hear of the death of your son Aric. I found out by trying to do some research for some homework about the hero's of out nation that have given their lives for us. I thank you so much for having such a wonderful son who honors us all. I am honored to know that I live in a nation where young men such as himself are so smart and talented yet would give their lives for me!! I am not sad for the death of your son, but yet I am happy because now he is in a place where no one but the soldiers can get. A heaven that is so wonderful that only the truest can get their. Try to think of it this way!!! He is an example of Jesus and he will ALWAYS be in my heart. I thank you so much. I love you too we all do just thought you should know that we all do care. If you could please E mail me at Lilryry943@aol.com I would really appreciate it!! Just want to know that someone out there has gotten my message and heard what I have to say, thank you so much again!!"
Ryan Christine Dickson of Cincinnati Oh, Clermont

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these guys as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace Aric, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest"
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"Thank you for your brave service to our country. Your sacrifice and valor mean a lot to us at home."
Emily Olson of South Windsor, CT

"God be with you and your family at this time. SSGT M.L. Best is my son and he died June 20, Provience of Al Anbar,Iraq.Aric's family we care and Understand.Aric was one of the few the Proud and a Marine.Bill and Charlotte Best"
Charlotte Best of Prosser, Wa. USA

"God be with you and your family at this time. SSGT M.L. Best is my son and he died June 20, Provience of Al Anbar,Iraq.Aric's family we care and Understand.Aric was one of the few the Proud and a Marine.Bill and Charlotte Best"
Charlotte Best of Prosser, Wa. USA

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"I am in 8th grade and we were learing about how many people were dying in Iraq. As a project from our teacher my friend and I decided to find someone special that served for our country and try to get information on them. If there is a family member of Mr. Baddick I would appreciate it if you could email me back at RockNRollGrlAA90@aol.com""
RockNRollGrlAA90 of NY

"Hi....I just felt the need to express my sincere condolences. My brother passed away on May 3rd and I completely understand the pain you are going thru. It is a very hard time but we can be so proud of them and what they stood for. Semper Fi!!
My email is
bwalady@yahoo.com if anyone would like to just talk or whatever.
"God Bless to everyone in your family."
Kelley_sister of Gunnery Sergeant Ronald E. Baum of Altoona Pa.

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

"To the Barr Family:
My self and the Vicente family are so sorry for your loss. we know the same loss you are feeling. We Pray that God will help you through this.
Thank you brave soilder you will never be forgotten.
*Proud Fiance of Cpl. David Vicente, 2/7 Echo Co. KIA Iraq 3/19/04"
Alexandria of Methuen, MA

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Aric J. Barr,

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

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. 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. Please register so we can send you
our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Member Of Marine Comfort Quilt group, and Proud Marine Mom"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"Thank You for Protecting Our Country. We are very proud of all who are fighting and those who have given their Lives. You will never be forgotten. May God bless Your Family."
The Woll Family of Auburn PA

"i will pray for you im am so sorry. be proud."
jenny of moreno valley

"To Aric's Family:
Words cannot truly express the deep sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincere condolences to you. We share the same loss...the same pain. Our prayers go out to you and we thank you and your brave son for making the ultimate sacrifice.

From the Family of Capt. Ernesto Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/03"
Gloria Caldas of San Antonio, TX

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden. Semper Fi
The Taylors, USMC, NC"

"Portrait Freedom is a group of scroll saw artists who have united to honor every fallen soldier of Operation Freedom. We would like to make a custom wood portrait for the family of Lance Cpl. Aric J. Barr, free of charge. Our hope is that this small gift from the heart will be welcomed by the family as we stand with sympathy in the shadows of their sorrow. To learn more about this project and request a portrait, please visit the Portrait Freedom website.
Gary Browning of Scroll Saw Portraits

"Thank you Aric Barr, 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

"My name is Jan Lang and I am the founder of the Marine Comfort Quilts. Please accept my family's and our group's deepest sympathy on the loss of Aric Barr. A quilt is being made for your family in honor of Aric. While we started out as a group of Marine Moms, we are now a group of Military parents, Veterans, as well as the caring public, wanting to bring comfort to all of our Military families. Please go to www.marinecomfortquilts.us and register so that we may send this quilt to you."
Jan Lang of Valley Park, Missouri

"We would like to donate a canvas portrait to the family (first next of kin) of Lance Cpl. Aric Barr. Our portraits have been well received. I have been donating these portraits to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation 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. The portrait includes an American flag in the background, an eagle, and a poem I wrote called Fallen, along with name, rank, and branch of service. We will ship the portrait to your home. This will 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 U.S. mail. Making the portraits takes only a day or so. Please see that the family gets this message. 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 friends of Lance Cpl. Aric Barr:
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 Aric 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. Aric Barr:
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 Aric, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia