Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"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

"Tony, was looking through some old pics today, found one of you and me in SOI, miss ya bud. kinda had a rough moment my second deployment when i stumbled on your letter in Newsweek, found it on post, stumbled over the words and broke down. Im proud of you. And the so are the rest of us. You are a true hero of mine, Rest in peace marine, and know, your always in our hearts and minds...
semper fidelis"
Cpl Farmer, Austin J of Camp Pendleton, Ca

"We were not friends nor family; we never spoke, but we served together in war. I will never forget the day we layed our nations flag over you. You gave something that could never be given back. In my heart you will always have a place and in my mind you will be forevermore. I will never forget the sacrafice you gave and I honor you.

"There was a silence all around the throne.
Where the saints had often trod,
As the Marine waited quietly,
for the judgment of his god.

Step forward now, Marine,
You've borne your burdens well,
walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Dear Butterfield Family,
You have lost greatly and I want to say thank you for your son. It is men like him that make this country safe for my children while they sleep. I cannot began to say how greatful I am to have served with your son."
Sgt. Sebring, WZ of Hanahan, SC.

"Dear Butterfield family:
Mrs. Butterfield,



I am writing to request your presence for the July 27, 2009 launch in Central California of The Mission Continues – flyer attached. This 501(c)(3) organization places wounded and disabled veterans who have served since 9/11 in volunteer Fellowships with local organizations. Your presence would have a significant impact on the introduction of important civilian reentry opportunities to Central California, home to so many active military and OEF/OIF veterans.



Our keynote speaker, Eric Greitens, is a Navy SEAL and Purple Heart recipient who used his combat pay to found The Mission Continues. He will speak to veteran-friendly organizations and individuals from around the state and Central Valley about The Mission Continues and how its programs can benefit our veterans and their home communities.

The Mission Continues is currently active in several major metropolitan areas across the U.S. Through the Fellowship program, a qualified veteran contributes volunteer hours to a local organization while completing a mentored project and receives an educational stipend (not taxable to the Fellow) of up to $6,000 to help with basic living expenses during the term of the Fellowship. More information is available at www.missioncontinues.org. More information on Eric's personal story and books he has written is available at www.ericgreitens.com.

We request to receive your RSVP no later than July 10, 2009. Thank you for your attention in this matter. We would be honored to have your support.



Sincerely,



Anne H. Bacher



Regional Outreach Coordinator

The Mission Continues - Central CA

abacher@missioncontinues.org

559-307-8273

Operational Excellence Ombudsman Human Resources - Pelco

abacher@pelco.com

559-388-3302



-"
George Dillon 298-9719 of Clovis, Ca.

"To the family of Lance CPL. Anthony Butterfield,
I am very sorry for your loss. When I read the letter your son had written in NEWSWEEK, I was moved to tears. As a composer, I felt called to write a composition for cello and piano in his honor. The piece has been recorded, and I would like to share it with you if it would be ok for me to mail it to you? I know that this little piece of music cannot give you back your loved one--I wish it could--but it is one small attempt to honor his memory.
Sincerely,
Mary Alice Rich
richwit@sbcglobal.net"
Mary Alice Rich of Dallas, TX

"Tony my brother, it seems like just yesterday that you were taken from us. Not a day goes by that I do not think about you. You will always be in our hearts. I wish we could go back in time to the days that we shared. I know your up there watching us until the day we meet again. Gone but never forgotten, we love and miss you TB"
Eric Contreras of Phoenix, AZ/ Clovis, CA

"SO SORRY"
LARRY BUTTERFIELD of ST LOUIS MO USA

"To the family of:Anthony E. Butterfield 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"

"I wanted to forward this Daily Bread Devotional about General Daniel Butterfield during the US Civil War. Of course, it made me think of the sacrifice of your son.

The web address ends with aspx, with no quotation mark at the end.
http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2008/05/26/devotion.aspx"
Jamie Athans of Los Angeles, CA

"Dear Butterfield Family,

I think often of Tony, and of his family. I have wonderful memories of Tony playing baseball, and of Tony laughing. I know the pain of his loss is terrible and unexplainable. I pray for the Butterfield family often and hope that God can comfort them. Tony is a son, a brother, a friend, a Hero, and now he is with our lord. For all of those who know him he'll always be in our hearts."
Ken Bird of Salt Lake City UT

"May 11, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Anthony E. Butterfield:
Anthony 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 Butterfield:
I know you remember Mclure. Well he happened to be in town a little while back and told me about what had happened. I hurt for your loved loves. I miss memorizing the patterns on the back of your blouse while we marched in boot camp. You always gave me energy and hope. That soothing cadence that was always in your head sticks in mine to this day. I can still hear you and I will often sing along. Thanks for always thinking of others first."
Lcpl Ellis of Lubbock, TX

"Tony my brother, even though your in a greater place the world is worse with out you here. I know you're up there watchin over us and tryin to make us laugh. You'll always be in mine and everybody from the OTC's hearts. You're not forgotten... It's almost been two years and the ribbons that were on the tree's when you were taken to the stairway to heaven are still there. Just wanted to let you know. Love you and I'll see you someday bro."
John Gennuso of MCAS YUMA

"Tony...It was just yesterday we were in boot camp, and now look how things have panned out. I just recently heard of your passing. I found out from your girlfriend at the time. I sat in a chair for about 30 minutes in awe. I couldn't believe such a great friend that I went through hell with was gone.

Semper Fi Tony. You'll be missed always and forever"
Cpl Owens, Ryan (Delta Company 1098) of San Diego, CA

"Tony....I pray for you everyday in hopes that God is watching over you and taking care of you. Lots of love from your second cousin....."
Kerri Cisney of Palm Springs, Ca

"hey buddy remember everything we did coming into the marine corps all through boot camp you were a good squad leader and a friend"
cpl foland shea of 29 Palms, Ca

"Hey bud, see you really soon. Sorry that it was you. I cry every day wishing it would have been me."
of austin texas

"so young..."
p butterfield of uk

"I wanted to say thank you to Anthony and his family for the sacrafices they have made in order to make our country and world a more peaceful place to live. I have a younger brother who has been in the Navy for almost a year and I never thought I would miss him as much as I do. Hearing about how strong the Butterfield's have been gives both my family and I the stregnth we need to get through each and every day. Again, I thank you for all you have done and will forever keep you in my prayers. God Bless."
Analyse of Fowler, Ca

"i just wanted to say thank you for what you did. your a true hero to eveyone. You died for our country to fight for freedom. i give my condolences to your family. i know what its like to lose someone you love. my brother SPC. Patrick William Herried was killed in Rawah on Feb,6 2006. my prayers and thoughts are with you. stay strong and think of the positive."
Bailey H of Bemidji, MN

"To Tony,
I dont even know where to begin, i go to your grave almost everyday that im home. We all miss you mom and dad are trying there best but its hard. bailey and brit are just going day to day. and as for me it finally hit me. i didnt know what it was but i just stopped what i was doing and just let loose. i dont ever remembering crying not even when i got the news i just thought that it was a joke or it wasnt real. they let me see you one last time but only i was able to. i miss you and i will say it now i love you and you will always be my little brother. as bailey says "my brother my hero"
love your brother
jeremy"
jeremy of clovis, ca

"Anthony,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other 3 Marines from your unit(3rd LAR)who were also KIA that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"Thank you Anthony Butterfield, 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 Lance Cpl. Anthony Butterfield:
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 Anthony 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. Anthony Butterfield:
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 Anthony, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia