Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Mick! I still remember the days of playing basketball with you in the summer time. We had some great adventures growing up that i will never forget."
Chris of Concord ca

"I have been thinking a lot about you lately. Can't believe you have been gone for this long. I will remember your laugh or your smile forever.

You will never be forgotten and will always have a place in my heart."
Korinne Garcia of Petaluma, CA

"Missing you today brother. I have been thinking about you guys a lot. Your forever remembered and missed my friend. Thank you Fox 2/1"
Calwin Bull of Tulsa, OK

"Sky, miss ya brother. It's been a few years and it hasn't gotten any easier. I remember being your A-Coxswain during the boat course and your optimism about doing "all out - all in" drills in the middle of winter in the pacific at 2am, you sure made it fun man, and hangin Out with you and owens was an adventure as well. I'll also never forget the day we were called as the react squad for the 7 ton. Hope you found peace brother."
JD Sanders of Riverside, Ca

"There isnt a day that goes by that something doesnt remind me of the time we got to spend together. Thank you for everything. You'll always have a special place in my heart. We'll always love you mick!"
Danny, Dhiii@yahoo.com of Pittsburg, Ca

"6 years. Went by to see you today, Erika was there. Doesn't get any easier with time, I miss you brother. Brought my girlfriend Christine, I wish you could have met her. I'll bring a can of brasso by sometime this week to clean up the plaque a bit. Semper Fi man."
Mike Baity of Concord, CA

"Missing you always. I love you."
Heather of Crested Butte, CO

"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

"Happy Birthday baby! I just wanted to say how nice it was to get together with your Dad and Hailey on Sunday. We raised the flags and drank Jack in your honor. There was so many people there celebrating you! I am thinking about you today, and hope that you are watching us and laughing! xoxo
7/21/09"
Erika of Reno, NV/USA

"Miss you brother."
David Owens of A-STAN

"Just missing you brother!"
David Owens of Afghanistan

"I remember when mick was a chubby baby in his walker,when he was 7 or 8,he had that child like laugh and still had his baby teeth,so full of life.we drifted apart through his high school years,all of us cousins did,time ate away at our lives.my ex-husband jim was in desert storm and i remember the day sitting in our grandmother adonna's garage when mick told us he was signing up to go to iraq.jim told him 'buddy trust me,you dont want to go over there'.but it was to be his destiny,beyond anyones understanding.today i found out another soldier i knew died in iraq,in the anbar province.cpl. Stewart trejo of whitefish montana,who previously worked at the great northern bark mill with my husband ryan.i am a pacifist and do not belive death to be proper cost for my freedom,i would rather be locked away in a cage forever if it ment we could have mick back,and to this day i would gladly trade my life for his.i support and respect the troops and hope god willing that the death will stop.i love you mick."
Bridgette valenti-frederickson of Kalispell,montana

"April 22, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Mick R. Bekowsky:
Mick 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

"Happy 232 Marine! Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice! It is men like you that make it possible for the marine corps to have a 232 birthday . You are missed brother. Love yah"
David Owens of Crested Butte Co

"Just thinking about you man. I miss you brother"
David Owens of Crested Butte Co

"I just met Micks grandma on Pogo and I commented to her about her name "Redwhtblue" she told me about her wonderful grandson and that God called him home. I had to leave a message after reading the others that where left. My heart has tears for you Mick that you left your family so young. Sadly God needed a young soldier in heaven and thats why he brought you home. I will remember you and your family in my prayers and will keep all of you in my heart! Ubaldo Panattoni"
ubaldo Panattoni of Riverside, CA, Ubaldo909@yahoo.com

"Miss you brother"
David Owens of Edmond Oklahoma

"I dont know if anyone from sky's family will read this, its been 2 years since his death. my name is tyler andrew, i served in the marines and i had the opportunity to train with sky and a few of the guys from fox 2/1. although i was a young "boot" marine i can still remember sky to this day even though we only spent 6 weeks together. i kept tabs on the boys from fox 2/1 all the way through their 2nd deployment to iraq which was during the same time as my first deployment. i dont know why it bothers me so much now that im out of the marines but i get choked up when i think of 'sky 2 years after his passing. i remember when i trained with him that he was a great marine, never quick to anger, a good leader. im out of the marines now but i still think about him often and i dont know why. i would like to say to his family that he was a great guy and im glad i got to train with him even if it was for a brief time and his death still saddens me to this day. it was a shock to see his name and face in the military newspaper that day in iraq. he will be deeply missed, i cant tell you how great of a marine and person he was. take care"
tyler c andrew peglegpetie@hotmail.com of filer idaho usa

"To the family of: Mick R Bekowsky I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"Even today I sit in my living room looking out the window which faces Micks back yard. Mick, I miss you so much, the fun times we had while you were home! The laughs, Party's and hanging out late at night. You will always be in my heart.

Mick was one of the best guys I'v ever met! The week before he died, his mother told me I should email him. I emailed Mick and told him I couldn't wait for him to get home so we could hang out and play some pool. I told him I was looking over Hailey and my sister and making sure they were staying away from "BOYS" and Trouble! In the email I received back from Mick he told me, "Cheri, if anything happens to me out here I need you to make sure my sister stays on track, make sure she's staying out of trouble, and keep the loser guys away from her, promise me you will do that? Please be her big sister!"
2 days later he was killed. Still today I think about him every day. Every time I drive by his house, every time I'm stading in his back yard. The storie's he told me about Iraq, left a last impression on me. I will always miss you Mick. God bless Mick and his family. I will always remember your son, and laugh about the good times we had together and I will keep my promise and make sure Haily is doing good and stays out of trouble. I will be her big sister."
Cheri Simmons of Concord, Ca USA

"I miss you Mick, everyday.
Love,
Heather"
heather ardis of Norman, Oklahoma

"I met Mick only once as a newborn baby. How wonderful it is that 21 years later he has touched so many lives. My heart goes out to Joan, Brian and Haley you are doing a great job keeping his memory alive, Godspeed young man you make all Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines proud to say we serve in the same Military as you."
TSgt Laurie J Tully-Butterfield USAF of Luke AFB AZ

"It's been a year since Mick laid down his life for our Freedom. Just wanted to say that he is not forgotten and that I will always remember him. I just read all the messages and it made me cry. Mick is a Hero. Thank you so much Mick. from a fellow appreciative American."
Chrissy of USA

"One year ago today was the last time I spoke to Mick on the phone. He was in good spirits and was happy to to serving his country. I thank God and the Bekcowsky family for Mick. There is not a day that goes by that I dont think about his fun loving spirit, and his brave courageous character. Mick meant so much to so many, and is missed dearly. Thank you for your son."
Heather Ardis of Nornan, Oklahoma

"It's been almost a year since you were taken away. I think about you more than I would have imagined.I knew you not as a grown man but when you were a small child. I will always remember you and thank God that you were once part of my life.

Joan, Adonna, Fred, and all the rest of Micky's family and friends, my prayers are always with you.
Scott Hansen"
es_hansen@comcast.net of pittsburg, ca

"To the family of "Mick"

My son and yours met in boot camp, and became the absolute best of friends and buddies. I can still remember our Marine telling us that he met a fellow from California that he can talk to, and share ideas with. He was always referred to as "Nygard".

Later, after SOI, I was in the San Diego area, and got to meet and know Mick. He was a delightful young man, full of respect, smiling, and ever so gracious. I bought Mick and my son lunch, after many protests from Mick, as he wanted to pay his on way. Later that evening we drove up and down the Pacific Coast highway through some small towns, laughing and telling jokes with each other. Mick was quick witted, and could really put my son in his place.

When both of our Marines went back to Iraq for the second time my son measured time by how long it has been since he saw or spoke to Mick. The few letters we did get would always say " I saw Mick 2 weeks ago, or such" We didn't hear much from our Marine while he was in Fallujah, but as the tour was coming to an end he started calling me at work, full of joy, anticipating coming back. He and Mick had big plans for college together, after the Marines.


When our Marine and a buddy came home for their first leave after Iraq we all had a ceremony, and planted a Maple tree in our front yard. The tree is there to honor Mick, and remind us every day of the sacrifice he and his family has made.

May God grant you a peace that surpasses understanding."
Randy O. of Oklahoma

"Brian, Joan, Adonna, Fred & Hailey:

I still can't believe that Mick is gone. He will always remain a cornerstone of my childhood memories. I still remember the day Mick so proudly told me that he had joined the Marines. I was so happy for him. And while I will always miss him terribly, I'll always be proud and honored to have been a good friend of a true American hero.

I wear his hero bracelet, still, as does Mom. God bless and call/write us anytime.

fiona.kelly@us.army.mil"
Fiona Kelly of Formerly Concord, CA

"My son took part in the Recognition of Service Ceremony on March 20th for Mick Bekowsky. He is a Boy Scout in Troop #429 in Concord, CA. Seeing him in the flag ceremony with the other Scouts and Marines sent chills down my spine. He carried the POW/MIA flag. I felt proud, and scared, for my son at the same time. Here's my little boy, in an honored position, at a ceremony honoring the memory of your "little" boy. I wish you & your family condolences, and healing for your loss."
Heather Myers of Concord, CA

"1/23/05
Thank you brave Marine for your sacrifice so our young grandchildren can live in a free country. We sincerely appreciate what you did for us. We will remember you and keep you in our prayers. To your family, thank you for giving the rest of us such a great example for the young to look up too. Semper Fi Marine and God Bless you, you are our hero."
Jim and Margie Shaw of Bahama Beach, Maryland

"I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST. I GRADUATED HIGHSCHOOL WITH MICK. I SAW HIS PICTURE ON CNN ABOUT A WEEK AGO AND COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. HE WAS AN AWESOME PERSON WHO ALWAYS MADE ME SMILE. I REMEMBER HE CALLED ME FROM PENDELTON TO SAY HI ONCE AND HE LOVED BEING A SOILDER. MY HUSBAND IS IN IRAQ RIGHT NOW AS WELL. I WOULD LOVE TO VISIT HIS GRAVESITE AND PAY MY RESPECTS EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE LATE. IF YOU COULD EMAIL ME AT WINEGARJUNE@AOL.COM I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. ONCE AGAIN I AM SO SORRY. MICK BUDDY I AM PROUD OF YOU. I WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN OUT THERE BY YOUR SIDE PROTECTING YOU LIKE YOU ALWAYS PROTECTED ME. LOVE YOU."
JUNE WINEGAR of ANTIOCH, CA

"MY NAME IS BRIAN G BEKOWSKY P.M.F. MY SON IS CORPORAL MICK BEKOWSKY.
THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL OF YOUR KIND WORDS.
IT IS SUNDAY 11-21-04.......FRIDAY WE LAID ANOTHER LOCAL MARINE TO REST WHO WAS ALSO KIA IN FALUJAH. LCPL ERICK J. HODGES. I SHARE IN HIS FAMILIE'S GRIEF. I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO THEM OR REALLY TO ANYONE EXCEPT REMEMBER THEM. EVERY DAY. THEY DIED SO YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN COULD LIVE IN A SAFER WORLD. WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY TO DESERVE A STRANGER GIVING HIS LIFE FOR YOU? THAT IS THE QUESTION I WOULD LIKE YOU TO ASK YOURSELF EVERY DAY.
I WILL NOT DENOUNCE THIS WAR. I HAVE TALKED WITH MY SON AND MANY OF HIS FELLOW MARINES AND THEY TELL ME THEY BELIVE WE ARE DOING A GOOD THING. THEY HAVE STORIES AND PICTURES WITH THE IRAQI PEOPLE AND WITH THE CHILDREN. YOU CAN TELL THESE YOUNG WARRIORS TRULY CARE ABOUT THEM.
I LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF OUR WARRIORS AND EACH ONE OF YOU AND ALL OF YOU FAMILIE'S HAVE MY MOST SINCERE GRATITUDE.
MY SADNESS OVERPOWERS MY PRIDE RIGHT NOW BUT I HOPE THERE WILL COME A TIME WHEN THAT CHANGES.
RDWHTNBLU1@AOL.COM"
BRIAN G BEKOWSKY of CONCORD CA U.S.A.

"Mick, I can't believe you are gone... I can still picture you and everyone else sitting on that truck right before it went out. I can still remember you telling me not to worry, you'll take care of the guys and you'll see me in two days. Well, it has been longer than two days, but I know you are taking care of the guys now in Heaven and when it's my turn I'll be back with you guys. Regardless of how much we would disagree, I always valued what you had to say to me. God bless you and your family. I'll spend everyday for the rest of my life thinking of you and the others. I live my life in honor of you guys. I miss you and wish you were still here. Semper Fidelis Corporal Sky!"
Sgt A.C Boswell, Fox Co, 2/1, 3rd Plt, 2nd Sqd Ldr of San Diego, CA

"There can be no finer or more noble people walking this earth --- than people like Mick and our other military personnel. They are the best this country has to offer."
William C. "Bill" Bradshaw of Oakland, CA, USA

"We will always remember mick. We love you and You will be missed. Thank you for being you."
Britni of Edmond, Oklahoma

"To Mick'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

"To the family and friends of Corporal Mick R. Bekowsky,

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

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

"To Mick'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"

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

"To the family of Mick,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family knows your pain as we too have suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Mick is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to this country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.nett of Tucson, AZ

"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. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

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