Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"to Mrs. Bunda:
I met Chris back in 2002 in sniper school. from the few weeks ive known him there, i learned alot from him. from more accurate map reading to humor in the army. although rare to see a friend from another battalion in a country at war, i ran across him a few times in iraq and didnt hesitate to shake his hand. he was a friend of mine and will be greatly missed. my prayers are with the Bunda family."
Andrew Haskie of Navajo Reservation, Chinle, AZ, USA

"I never knew SSG Bunda, but I respect everything he did for our country. I was the one who recovered his body from the Tigris river. All I could think of was I finally got him and now he can go home. I was a member of the 74th Army Dive Team. He will always be remembered by me. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. He is my hero."
SFC Conner of Camp Blanding, FL. USA

""Christopher Bunda was my classmate. We belong to the same section in High School. Free spirited and jolly "TOPE" as we called him. Surely the batch will definitely miss him. My deepest condolences to the family he left behind""
Glenn Cuaresma of Manila, Philippines

"I met SSG Bunda in Ft. Benning. We attended BNCOC at the same time. I didn't know him for very long, but I remember him as good NCO. To his family, I will not forget the sacrifice that SSG Bunda made for our nation."
John N of Camp Red Cloud, S. Korea

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Hi, My name is Joel Ramas and Ssg Christopher Bunda was my classmate in High School here in the Philippines. I just heard of his passing just today from one of our classmates from high school. My condolences to his family, sorry that it's far too late. But just the same let me share my fondest memory of him from way way back then. He was a simple guy and always very cheerful. Always willing to share a light moment with his friends. I never saw him as a soldier one day. I share your grief and also join with you in thanks giving that God had allowed him to be among us in this lifetime even for a short time.

Again my heartfelt condolences to his family."
Joel Ramas of Manila, Philippines

"I did not have time to build a family, I knew love. Such a wonderful feeling. I did not fulfill all my dreams. I knew brotherhood with my comrades in arms, Unforgettable. I lived rare and hard times, Indescribable. Now, laying at eternal peace I still visualize, ponder,smile and hum my favorite tunes, but no one living can see or hear me. We are now alone and we share in death what united us in life: Love for Freedom. Facing the stars shining in the sky, as I have so often done before, I will offer another prayer for world Peace.(author unknown)"
A fellow Veteran of Florida

"I thank each and everyone of you for all your kind words and prayers. I would like to be in contact with all that served with him. Pease contact me by email Michele0327@aol.com or myspace.com (zchele). Thnx
God Bless!"
Michele Bunda

"The soldiers do not speak. Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them? They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts. They say: We are young. We have died. Remember us. They say: We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done. They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished no one can know what our lives gave. They say: Our deaths are not ours: they are yours they will mean what you make them. They say: Weather our lives and our deaths are for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say: it is you who must say this. They say: We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning. We were young. they say. We have died. Remember us:"
William Taylor of Bonita Springs, Fl.

"SSG. Bunda was my squad leader before Iraq, and we spent a month bunked together in Fort Bragg before the war. To say he kept me going while we were trying out for SF would be an under statement. It's taken me four years to say anything about him, I still don't know what to say, a day doesn't go by I don't think about him. He was a better man than most of us, it shouldn't have been him. "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13"
SGT Michael Jack Hill of Kensington, CT

"CHRIS U R PART IN MY LIFE I KNOW THAT WE HAVE MISTAKE RELATION BEFORE WE GOT 1KIDS CIELO BUNDA SHE ALWAYS ASK ABOUT U ITS HARD TO SAY WHERE U ARE BUT NOW MY SIS SEARCH THAT U ALREADY PASSED AWAY I FEEL SAD THAT U NEVER HAVE CHANCE MEET YOUR DAUGTHER BEFORE WHEN YOU ALIVE SHE'S VERY BEAUTIFUL N SMART TALENTED IN SCHOOL ITS SAME COPY YOUR FACE BUT I ALSO THANK'S THAT I HAVE BABY LIKE HER ITS REMEMBRANCE FROM YOU TO:MICHELE N ALL FAMILY CONDOLENCE"
ELVIE SARMIENTO of PHILIPPINE

"Dad i juz few days that my auntie search that u already passaway now i know n clear in my mind that u already n heaven i feel lonely that i dnt have chance to meet u before now im already 7 yrs old i read also that u have 2kids 2 ur real wife god bless them its hurt 4 them 2 that u have another kids but its pass already my mom told me that u r smart n good brain they always tell me that we are same smart n same face as of now i study 'CONCEPCION CATHOLIC SCHOOL MAY THE GOD BLESS U where ver you r"
Cielo bunda of philippine

"TO. MRS. BUNDA, I WAS SSG. BUNDA DRIVER AT THE TIME OF HIM DEATH IN IRAQ. WE ALL FELT THE LOSS, HE WAS NOT JUST A LEADER, TO ME BUT ALSO MY FRIEND. I JUST LOVE TO SAY THANK SSG.BUNDA FOR ALL YOU KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU PASSED ON TO ME NOW I AM PASSING IT OWN TO MY SOLIDEERS. ACO 2/3 IN 3RD PLATOON."
SGT. ROBINSON, JAMES C. of FORT LEWIS WA

"I've known Chris since our days at Drum back in '95, then again when we bump into each other in Korea in' 99...he always have that mischievous grin on his face...I could not describe how I felt when I learned he was gone...he is a great friend, an excellent Soldier, a caring husband and a loving father...Pare ko, saan ka man naroroon, lagi ka sa isipan ng iyong barkada..."
SSG JOCEL C TIBURCIO of COB SPEICHER, IRAQ

"February 17, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Christopher Bunda:
Christopher 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 was fortunate to know Chris, but wish I had known him better. We went to highschool together, but only knew each other in passing. I met him again at Ft. Lewis, we were in the same battalion and would chat in passing. Then we were both transfered to another company and ended up being team leaders in the same squad for a few months before we were transfered to Korea at the same time. Chris was one of the best soldiers and human beings I have ever met.

Chris you will always be in my thoughts, I miss you buddy."
Kevin Biggs of Bremerton WA

"i had the pleasure to serve with ssg bunda i was the medic in the platoon and it was a tragedy what happened and he really was a person that made a difference and made me and all his guys feel good about themselves and what we were doing and if u need ne-thing from me call 228-806-6017 and ssg anderson was one of his closest soldiers and ne-body from the platoon cann call me ne-time"
james mapps aka doc mapps of gulport ms

"Friends come and go Brothers are forever……
Nothing more can be said about one of the best men I have ever been fortunate enough to be in the presence of. Chris I miss you and you have never left my thought, I am back in country right now and have a since of calm that covers me every night knowing that you are here with me. I carry your name on my right arm so that you will always be with me where ever I go, I would follow you into the gates of hell with out a thought…..Thank you for all you gave…you are a true American hero.

Your Alpha Team leader SSG Clint Anderson"
Clint Anderson of Iraqi

"Michele, 11/06 I'm trying to get ahold of you to get your permission to raise a banner in Bremerton to honor your husband's courage. Can you please call me at (360) 440-6497?"
Lynette George of Silverdale, WA

"I had the pleasure of knowing SSG Christopher Bunda for several years, first in hq company 2/3 infantry then joining his platoon in Kuwait. Even though its been almost 2 years I still remember him very well. I will never forget him."
Tom Davis of Ft. Lewis, WA

"To all you soilders out there that know Bryce Essex please look out for him.
Thank You"
Brandy Martin of Columbus IN, 47203

"To the wife of SSG Bunda, your husband was a great man and soldier. I served as his platoon sergeant from 97-98 in 1/24 Inf. I wish you the best, and can never understand your loss. All I can tell you is your husband gave the ultimate sacrifice and I'm forever in his debt for that. I just want to say sorry and thank you for what you have given to keep your country free."
Johnathan Seegrist of Fort Lewis, Wa.

"My son, Sgt.Christopher Lord, is currently serving his 3rd depl.to Djibouti, Africa. I don't want to see him name here, but will know that if it should be, I will be warm in my heart that he'll be serving in even greater company afterwards.
I am loving all of your families,
Jennifer Lord, Burlington, NC"
Mrs. Lord of Burlington, NC

"I Know SSG Bunda From Korea from 1999-2000, He was a very inspiring man and as a fellow filipino helped me cope from being alone in Korea with out my family, SSG Bunda is a great man and i will always remember the time we spent in korea. To the family of SSG Bunda, my family offers our condolences."
CPL Mario Umel of Fort Lewis, Washington

"I knew chris from Korea, we hangout and played basketball on the same team... I want to let the family of chris bunda, his wife and kids, and everyone who knew him, we all know that it was a great loss. my condolense to all..."
bobby white of colorado springs CO.

"A sad day of loss was realized the day I learned Christopher Bunda was lost. All who knew him can tell you about how friendly he was and how he always wore a smile on his face regardless of the situation. His memory will remain with me and his company will be missed.

Although his loss is felt at a much higher level by his family and loved ones I can’t help but feel robbed by his death. I feel this way because he is the first student , to my knowledge, that I have lost in the War on Terror. SSG Bunda came to us as “a wet behind the ear” Sniper Candidate and I was impressed how well he took in all the information that was blasted at him in such a small amount of time. And all while wearing that smile on his face. Even when the Sniper Class was being given “extra P.T.” Sniper Bunda always had a grin from ear to ear. I am infinitely impressed with his character and willingness to learn and accomplish anything set before him. He is an unmeasurable loss to the Sniper Community and to the U.S.Army.

SSG Christopher Bunda will be included to the Memorial of Fallen Snipers at the U.S. ARMY Sniper School at Ft. Benning, GA. In the future you all may visit the Memorial at www.sniperassociation.com and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Jason M. Gallahair
Editor in Chief
ARMY Sniper Association/ Sniper Made Products"

"To the Bunda Family. I met Chris at Sniper School at Fort Benning, right off the bat we started a great friendship. Chris was a great and honorable man and always made it known how much he loved his family and friends. I ran into Chris from time to time after we finished sniper school and he always came to with a smile and a friendly handshake. I will always remember Chris and have his memory in my heart. We will miss you Chris thank you for being who you were a great man and a hero."
Chris Galka of Ft.Lewis Wa USA

"To Chris' family:

Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice in the loss of Chris. Chris follows a tradition of hero Bundas who have given their lives for fellow soldiers. My uncle, Sgt. Milo Bunda, gave his life in New Guinea during WWII, while trying to save his battalion. My uncle was awarded the Bronze Star posthumously, as I'm sure Chris will be.

I thank the good Lord everyday that my daughter, Cpt. Julia Wold, returned from serving in Iraq so my heart goes out to your family. Please be well and may God bless."
Susan Bunda Weed of Madison, WI

"We Will NEVER FORGET !" Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Christopher, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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

"To the Bunda family, I am heartily sorry to the lost of your loved one Christopher Bunda.He is a great man, a hero and will never be forgotten. His memory will live through because of his courage in giving up his life for his country.With deepest sympathy."
Katherine Fernandez of Bremerton, Wa

"My name is Cathie Longstreth and I was the grandmother to Duane E. Longstreth, killed in Baghdad on August 7, 2003. I am also a member of the "Bridge People" of Outpost 122. The members of the Bridge Team rally at Outpost 122 (the exit 122 off I 5) every Saturday in an effort to support the troops of Ft. Lewis, McCord AFB and Camp Murray (Washington State National Guard). We have the honor of greeting hundreds of military members and their families every week. The response from the troops is heart warming and welcomed .

I am writing this message to the other families in Washington State that have also lost a family member while serving our country, since September 11, 2001. My family would like to display a picture of the fallen hero, with the name and possibly the date of death, on the bridge while we are rallying. It is intended to honor them for the sacrifice they made but will not be used by us as a personal political statement. We hesitated to replicate the pictures we find on the many web sites without the express permission of the surviving family, as we have had our own experience with the media attempting to use our loss to support their political position.

If you do not object to us using your loved ones picture, please email me with your permission at one of the email addresses below. If you have a special picture that you like us to use please email that as well, otherwise we will be using one of the pictures already posted on the web.


chilstad88@aol.com
clongstreth@multicare.com"
Cathie Longstreth of Tacoma, Wa.

"REST IN PEACE Brave one....have always been our heart spoken words to each hero on this site. May God rest your soul, bless your family and friends. At night you are the brightest shining star shining down from heaven. Thank you for your duty to our country and paying the ultimate price. We will never forget you."
The Taylors USMC of NC

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