Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

""To the family of Matthew D. Bush ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"Today you would have been 27 yrs old today.Happy birthday bigboy.
We miss you
From your Brother and sister"
Phillip Bush of Woodriver,IL

"My name is Phillip Bush Brother Of matthew bush.
I just wanted to say are family as been through alot over the years.
My mother has since passed away she died in 2006.
My father died in 2008.
I just wanted let people know what has been going on with are family.
This war has done alot to our family.
I thank you all for your kind words and prayers."
Phillip Bush of Wood River.IL,USA

"R.I.P THIS MEMORIAL DAY 2008.YOUR SISTER DEAN,YOUR BROTHER PHILLIP,YOUR FATHER RANDY."
RANDY BUSH of W.R,IL U.S.A.

"May 11, 2008
To the family of Pvt. Matthew D. Bush:
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

"YOU'LL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN SON.PVT.MATTHEW D BUSH MEMORIAL DAY 2007.RANDY BUSH FATHER PHILLP BUSH BROTHER DEANN BUSH SISTER.MAY YOU R.I.P. DEC4,1982-AUG8,2003."
RANDY BUSH of COTTAGE, IL MADISON

"Hi Lisa,Got your Xmas card.Thank you.Randy Bush father of Pvt.Matthew Bush."
Randy Bush of Cottage Hills ,Il 62018

"Mr. Bush, I saw your message to me. I hope your family has a good holiday and that your memories of Matthew can make you happy and not so sad. It is so much more sad to think of the war when you think of all the individual people like Matthew. I haven't been hurt by this war the way you have. -Lisa (lhubeny@sbcglobal.net)"
Lisa Kokenes of Westmont (Chicago), IL

"Lisa Kokenes,Got your mesage.Your right.Matthew is now a angel."
Randy Bush his father. of Cottage Hills,IL

"Hi. My name is Lisa Kokenes. I ran the 2006 Westchester Veterun 10K today (Sunday 11/12/06). In honor of veterans, each runner's number had a photograph and name of a veteran. My number was 1164 and Matthew Bush was on the back so I guess in a way I ran to help remember Matthew. Maybe Matthew was an angel on my heels because I ran a faster time today than I ever have before. Thank you Matthew for your dedication to our country. -Thanks, Lisa"
Lisa Kokenes of Westmont, IL/USA

"David jones please contact me at my email please at bp75_99@yahoo.com
Im matthew's older brother Phil Bush"
Phil Bush of Alton

"Mat I know you didīnt die that way, you were a heroe you save my live, iīm really sorry for all your suffer, and i miss you. Some day every one will know that you die saving my life, like really heroe. Thanks for everything you thought me, thanks for bring my brother. Staff Sgt. David Larry Jones|"
David L. Jones| of some were in colombia

"I served with PVT Matthew Bush over in Iraq. Matthew was a very hard worker and a wonderful young man. When we learned that we had lost Matthew it was the lowest moment for our Troop during that long, hot year in Iraq. I would like to express my deepest condolences to Matthew's family. I have thought of Matthew many times over the last two years and will for the rest of my life."
Brett Beavers of Germany

""Memorial Day" 2006
"MATTHEW D. BUSH"
"I WILL NEVER FORGET"
Proud Army mom of:
Pfc. Adam L. Thomas KIA:08-31-03
Afghanistan"
Ellen Thomas of Burbank, IL

"My name is Cameron Schilling and I have started “Portrait of a Soldier” which donates a portrait sketch of every Illinois soldier who has fallen in Iraq or Afghanistan. All 122 sketches will be on display for a Memorial Day Presentation in Chicago, Illinois on May 26-31 at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. After the ceremony the sketches will be given to the immediate families of the Illinois soldiers. I would invite any friends or family members to come and honor these men and women from Illinois who have given their lives to our country. For more information please contact OperationHomeFront.org at 866-417-8889 which is an organization headed by the Lt. Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who is in charge of the Memorial Day Presentation. Thank You.

Please check out www.portraitofasoldier.org
To contact Cameron email cameronschilling84@hotmail.com
To contact Operation Home Front call 866-417-8889"
Cameron Schilling of Charleston, Illinois

"Matthew take care of your mother as the Angels have taken her to you today! God Bless Barbara may she now be at peace.
Proud Gold Star Mother
Ellenethomas@comcast.net"
Ellen Thomas of Burbank, ILLINOIS

"Wow, it's been over 2 years, and just seeing his picture cause's tears to run down my face. Matt was such a great person, even when you worked with him night and day and day and night. I remember him calling me and being so excited that he had just joined the service. He said Holly after going to DeeAnn's graduation, I knew, I knew that if I was to pass away today, no one would be proud of me. He was so proud of DeeAnn that he wanted everyone else to be that proud of him. Well they were and still are today. I remember being at the funeral and just thinking this is not real. This is a dream. Well like I said it's been over 2 years and I still wish he would come home... But I know that he is in my heart forever. I love you Matt! I love your family, they have gone threw so much already.. I am proud of all of them as well."
Holly of Wood River

"My name is Cameron Schilling. I am a college student from central Illinois. I am the first generation of my family not to serve his country. I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice you and your loved one has given for the United States. I am disappointed by the way the news media has covered this war and the deaths of our youth. The media has stopped listing the names of the soldiers killed in Iraq and people only talk about the soldiers when we reach a specific milestone in deaths. If you just started watching the news today you would not even know there is a war going on. Partisan politics have replaced coverage of our young generation who have traveled to a foreign land in the name of the United States. Whether you believe the war in Iraq is wrong, right, justified or not everyone should pay even just a little more attention to what these young men and women are sacrificing. This is what I would like to do. I want to do my part in honoring these soldiers and their memories. Along with being a college student I am also a budding artist. I draw pencil portraits of local people in my community. I want to offer a pencil portrait sketch to the immediate family of every Illinois soldier killed in Iraq. Please contact me at cameronschilling84@hotmail.com."
Cameron of illinois

"To the family of PVT Bush: Name is Xavier Noronha (Former Staff Sergeant, Fox-Troop, 1-10 CAV - HQ Platoon) and I was one of PVT Bush NCO's. I was that one soldier in the same room that morning trying to wake PVT Bush up. I simply want to convey my deepest sympathy to the Bush Family. PVT Bush was a very hard worker. Every evening after a hard day of work out in the desert, PVT Bush would come and sit next to me with a bag of popcorn. The evening before him passing away - Private Bush did not show up with his bag of popcorn and his fellow soldiers informed me that he was tired and went to bed early. Mr. & Mrs. Bush - I have a copy (recorded myself) of the memorial service which was held in Camp Caldwell - Iraq. I got out in Dec 2003 and ever since then I haven't had the time to unpack my duffle bags and retrieve the film from Iraq. I am currently working as a civilian in Fort Hood - TX and finally settled down with my family in Killeen. PVT Bush was a TRUE BUFFALO SOLDIER and will never be forgotten by the Noronha Family."
Xavier Noronha (254) 220-1177 of 4311 Fawn Drive, Killeen, TX 76542

"To the Family of PVT Bush:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 7/12/05, 112 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put Matthew's name on one of them.
We have called our display "Arlington Midwest" and it is located in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

If you would like us to do this, please email me at ArlingtonMidwest@yahoo.com.

We invite you to visit Arlington Midwest. I can send you directions and some pictures by email.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them."
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"Matt was an AWESOME student-athelete-but more importantly he was an AWESOME PERSON. He was a great ROLE MODEL for EAWR High School. Matt's family was always attending sporting events and any school events he participated in. I MISS YOU and I want to thank you for your friendship and loyalty."
Joe Parmentier of Wood River,Illinois

"DEAR MR. AND MRS. BUSH, MY NAME IS INGRID STUKEY, I LIVE IN NEWTON, ILLINOIS. I BELONG TO THE "AMERICAN SOLDIER MEMORIAL PROJECT" AND AT THIS TIME IAM CROSS STITCHING A PICTURE IN HONOR OF YOUR SON MATTHEW THAT GAVE HIS LIVE FOR US IN IRAQ. I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO YOU SO WE CAN GET TOGETHER SO I CAN GIVE YOU THIS PICTURE.
IAM SO SAD FOR YOUR FAMILY AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
SINCERLY
INGRID STUKEY
ingrids62448@yahoo.com
PLEASE WRITE TO :
INGRID STUKEY
13961 N 760TH ST
NEWTON, ILL 62448"
INGRID STUKEY of NEWTON, ILLINOIS

"Happy Birthday Matthew Bush, Dec 4, 2004, Funny today is also my Birthday, but I'm a grandma. My son-in-law Scott just arrived at Camp Caldwell Iraq, gee two things in common. I have a son, Tim, in Heaven he passed from a auto accident 1998. To the Bush family I am very sorry for your loss, may all his wonderful memories bring you much comfort. You will see Matthew again some day."
Susan of Tennessee

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..8/8/04

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"Thinking of you, Matthew, and your family at this one year mark. You will never be forgotten, Hero!! "We do not remember days, we remember moments""
Widow of OIF of USA

"MATTHEW BUSH'S FAMILY AND LOVED ONES

I AM A MEMBER OF BUSH'S UNIT WHILE HE WAS IN IRAQ WITH US. I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WHILE HE WAS WITH US HE LEARNED ALOT IN A SHORT PERIOD AND EVEN THOUGH HE WAS WITH US ONLY A SHORT PERIOD, HE HELPED TREMENDOUSLY WITH GETTING OUR VEHICLES BACK UP TO OPERATIONAL READINESS. I AM VERY GLAD THAT I GOT TO MEET HIM AND SPEND TIME WITH HIM. HE HAD ALOT OF POTENTIAL AND WAS A VERY WELCOME ADDITION TO OUR SQUADRON. HE WAS THE HELP WE NEEDED BADLY WHEN OUR TROOP NEEDED AN ADDITIONAL MECHANIC IN THE WORST WAY. BUSH, I CAN NEVER SAY THANK YOU ENOUGH TO MAKE UP FOR THE SACRIFICE YOU MADE OR THE CONTRIBUTION YOU MADE TO OUR TROOP WHEN WE NEEDED YOU MOST. GOD BLESS YOU"
SGT SLIGER of FT HOOD, TX

"I HAD NO IDEA THAT BUSH HAD PASSED. TO HIS WHOLE FAMILY I AM SORRY. BUSH AND I WENT TO BASIC TRAINING TOGETHER, HE WAS A GOOD SOLDIER. I AM GLAD THAT I GOT A CHANCE TO KNOW HIM!!!!"
ASHLEY of LAUREL, MS

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

"Hello, my name is Jamie Reinhart. I am 18 years old, and I was one of Matt's close friends. It was very heart shattering when we found out that he died. I will never forget him. I am proud of him for going out there. Thank you Matt. We love you and will never forget you. Jamie"
Jamie of Wood River/ East Alton IL

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

"Thank you Matthew Bush, 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 of Matthew Bush. My name is Jason. I went to high school with Matt. He was always a good friend to me and was always there. I am sorry that he had to die, but I am grateful that he did it defending our freedom. I am a Marine, so I know what it's like to lose someone you love....someone like a brother. Take comfort in the fact that he is still with us, touching our hearts everyday. I will never forget."
Jason of 29 palms CA

"My name is Phillip Bush and I wanted to say thank you to everybody.For all the love and support and kind words that you sent us. It has ment a lot and we will never forget it.I also wanted to say that Matthew's Birthday is just right around the corner. It will be on Dec,4,2003 he would have been 21.He will be missed.He was very proud to have worn the uniform and he loved every mintue of it.He was very happy to have been in the army.Thank you From the bottom of my heart The Bush Family"
Phillip Bush of East Alton,IL

"For one young non violent, caring sweet young man, whom served for our country, and lost his life for us,..GOD bless u Mathew, thank u always, for serving our country, and being a MAN!! Your name is strong in heaven my friend !!! GBY!!"
danny of Lynn,Ma

"Words can not express how truly sorry I am for your loss. Matthew was such a brave young man and a true hero. He fought for our freedom and for that I will forever be grateful to him. I live in East Alton and I believe our town is truly blessed to have an angel among us. You will continue to be in my prayers and thoughts. May God Bless You."
Christy of East Alton

"To the Family you are in my prayers...May God bless you. I do want to say it was a honor to have him in our military Thanks for serving our country"
Stacey (Proud Army Wife) of Zephyrhills,Florida

"To the family and friends of Pvt. Matthew Bush:
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 Pvt. Matthew Bush:
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