Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Melvin was a 7th grade math student of mine at Highland East Jr. High in Moore, Oklahoma. That was back in the 70's. He was the epitame of what every teacher wanted in a student. Of all his features, his smile was not only contagious, it was perpetual. To this day, I can't see him without that smile. You couldn't help but like him. It was obvious that Melvin Blazer would one day make a difference in the world that we live in today. Thank you Melvin, and thank you Blazer family for his service to our Country and to Moore, Oklahoma."
Jimmy Carter, Melvin's 7th grade math teacher of OKC, Oklahoma(Moore schools)

"April 23, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Melvin L. Blazer:
Melvin 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

"To the family of SSGT Melvin Blazer. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I served with Mel in 1990 & 1991 in the gulf war. Mel was always a character to be around. He had the ability to make us laugh when many of us could not find much to laugh about. I remember when we went to Okinawa and mel went from STA Platoon to work in CO's office in H&S Company. He was liked by all and very highly thought of. When he got promoted to Corporal, he gained the respect and admiration of his peers and fellow Marines. Your loss of a family member is felt by all of the Marines that knew mel. I hope that many of the Marines that served with mel through the years will tell others how great mel was, by how he lived life everyday."
Joe Cottrell - Sgt USMC 1988-1994 of Vancouver, WA.

"I miss SSgt Blazer very much he always took care orf everyone he could he could make you laugh by telling us a story that happened when we were still in grade school he loved Okhaloma things he got right before his passing to his wife and children he thought about you guys all the time . He will alwasys be remembered as the hero he was"
Guy Wall of Springfield ,Il 3/5 wpns plt

"There isn't a day I do not think obout Melvin. He is the greatest man I ever met. I miss him."
SSgt Barnes of Billings Mt

"I don't think I would have made it through some of the rough times if it wasn't for SSGT Blazer. He always did the right thing even if it meant getting in trouble for us."
SGT Lanning James J of 3rd TRAX

"Best memory i have of ssgt blazer was when we were in iraq on thanksgiving he came to our track with a lil toy turkey on his kevlar. that right there made my day. you will be missed.

contreras
3rd tracks"
brian contreras of salinas, ca

"For SSgt Blazer's wife and children.
Your Husband was my recruiter in September of 2003. if it wasn’t for the dedication of this man I would be on the road to nowhere fast instead of the Marine Corps. I have no way to even comprehend your loss but I send my sincere condolences to you and your children."
Cpl Humphress of Camp pendelton, CA

"For Sgt. Blazer's family,
As Memorial Day approaches, please know that his service and your sacrifice has not been forgotten. Your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers."
Kaye of OK

"To a mighty fine Marine that I had grown to love. He was always cheerful, friendly, smiling...no matter the circumstance. He had a way to make us laugh. That's how I remember Mel. I served with Mel back in the first Gulf War '90-'91 with 1st Bn, 5th Mar. I'm very sad to see him go. Go in peace with God, my good friend."
Brian Thomas of Topeka, KS

"Dear Blazer family,
I like so many Americans are humbled by the selfless sacrifices that men like Melvin have made throughout our nations history. Men like Melvin Blazer have earned the right to be called an American Hero.I pray that your family will be strengthed by the knowledge that Melvin made a difference in this world."
Jim Blazer, TSgt USAF, NV Air National Guard of Reno, NV

"I remember giving Sgt. Blazer a hard time one night about "hound-dogging" my son and his friend. For a while, every time I turned around, there was Sgt. Blazer trying to talk my son, Brad, and his friend, Spencer, into joining the Marines. He waited at school, he waited at the football field, he waited at Brad's job. Eventually, Spencer joined but Brad continued to waiver. Sgt. Blazer joined us on graduation night as we watched our boys receive their diplomas. He later joined our families for a celebratory dinner. Well, Sgt. Blazer would be proud to know that Spencer is still a Marine and Brad is in the US Army, currently serving in Baghdad. Sgt. Blazer will be missed by many."
Kaye of Eufaula, OK

"Will the family please contact me; we are cousins and I gather and write books about family members, and would like to include Melvin and family in future writing. I share your loss and grief over another of our fallen heroes. Contact at hblazer1126@bellsouth.net"
John A. Blazer of Savannah, GA

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

"SSGT BLAZER IS A WARRIOR. I REMEMBER HIM FROM THE FIRST GULF WAR WITH THE FIRST BATTALION FIFTH MARINES STA PLATOON. HE WAS FEARLESS. HE WAS THE FIRST TO VOLUNTEER FOR DUTY. HE KEPT HIS FELLOW MARINES MOTIVATED WITH A COMBINATION OF HUMOR, KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND WORLD EVENTS, AND HISTORY. HE LISTENED TO PAUL HARVEY. HE KEPT HIMSELF IN THE BEST OF CONDITION. HE NEVER GOT TIRED. HE WAS PROUD OF HIS COUNTRY. A STATUE OR A SHIP SHOULD BE COMMISSSIONED IN HIS NAME. BECAUSE HE ALWAYS THOUGHT OF OTHERS AHEAD OF HIMSELF."
THOR C JOHNSON of DETROIT,MICHIGAN

"To the family of SSgt Melvin Blazer, my condolences to you and your family. I served with Melvin when he was in Hawaii, with 2nd bn 3rd marines in Hawaii. He was one of my best friends. We worked together in Camp Hansen rifle range, in okinawa, Japan. The last time i saw him, was just before he went to the east coast as a PMI, and I last spoke to him, at Camp Pendleton, just before i went to Iraq. I didn't even know he was killed in action. At that time I was operating at Abugharib prison,near Fallujah, with the 11th Marine Expetionary Unit. He was like my brother. Im going to missed him. To His kids, your dad was one of a kind, he was a true American hero, when you grow up and read about Operation Iraqi Freedom in youre text book, you can say that youre dad did not die in vain, that he made a difference,He help liberate and free the people of Iraq. you will be pround him and I know you are right now. My heart goes to you all. May God Bless Melvin and the family. " HE WAS ONE OF THE FEW THE PROUD " A MARINE. SEMPER FIDELIS.

GySgt Buenafe Larry
Bravo 1/4
Camp Pendleton, California, 92054"

"He will be forever remembered on the Woodring Wall of Honor. Memorial Day, May 30th 2005
Oklahoma's only living tribute to past and present servicemembers."
Elaine W. Johns of Enid Oklahoma

"Dana and Children - I never had the honor of meeting your husband and father, but since I've met you I know that he must have been a wonderful man. His love for his family is a testament of his love for his country and the belief that we all have the right to live freely. Iraq is a safer place for my son because of the sacrafice your loved one made for freedom to reign! Remember "America is the land of the free, because of the Brave"."
Kathy McMillan of Moore, OK USA

"1/26/05
Thank you Sgt. Blazer for leading our brave Marines and defending our great country. Your family should know that a stranger out here deeply appreciates what you have done for us and prays for your loved ones. Semper Fi Marine and God Bless you."
Jim of Pasadena, Maryland

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

"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 Staff Sgt. Melvin L. Blazer,

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 use our link and 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 USA

"Thank you Melvin Blazer, 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 Staff Sgt. Melvin Blazer:
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 Melvin 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 Staff Sgt. Melvin Blazer:
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 Melvin, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia