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"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"Talked to a few Marines today, We would like to set up a fund for his wife and daughter. If anyone is interested Please contact me at Bigmase654@yahoo.com. We owe it to the man who made us Marines to take care of his family..."
Mason of Jacksonville, FL

"Some Marines you never forget. When I read the name Channell it took me back to the blistering summer of 1986. I knew it was the same man that sweat,ran,drilled,sounded off,and bled along side me to become a United States Marine. We were all regular participants on the quarter deck in platoon 1061. My yankee ears thoroughly enjoyed the way that Recruit Channel spoke. He made many of us grin and sometimes laugh outloud. You could sense that everyone really liked him. He will never be forgotten. Today, I am a member of Detachment #1085 in the Marine Corps League in South Hill, Virginia. On behalf of our Detachment, we send our most sincere condolences to the family of Robert William Channell, Jr. If there is anything I can do to help Robert's wife or daughter just look me up. Semper Fi."
Mark Roncinske of South Hill, Virginia

"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.

"You were the best of the best! You taught me how to be a man and to stand up for myself. You taught me how to be a Marine. Nobody could drill like you, nobody! I just randomly came across this and my heart fell when I did. I still remember the time I bumped into you in Oki. Man it scared the hell out of me to see you again. You were so cool and down to earth. We both laughed our asses off. At that point I was a Marine, not just some lost recruit trying to prove himself. I'll never forget you and what youve taught. Rest peacefully Warrior!

Semper Fi"
Garth of Florida

"Rob, my heart sank when I got the news you'd been killed. I heard it on the radio not too far from you in Iraq. I lost a brother and a true friend that day. We served together as Drill Instructors and other duty stations. We had some really great platoons and good times together. We was fair and harsh but above all else we loved what we did and loved and cared about the product we made "Marines" It wouldn't have been the same experience with out you there. You read my mind many times with out me saying a word when I was the Heavy. And kept me out of trouble when I wasn't. I learned from you. You was a total Marine. One of impeccable character and a poster child of what a Marine is supposed to be. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of the times we had and think of the loss your family endures with you being gone and for that I hold my family dearer to me because the pain must be totally unbearable. I know you are in a better place. The Corps lost an incredible person, the world lost a truly remarkable man.
May God Rest your soul and Love you as those you left behind do.
PS, you ride with me everywhere I go with your knees in the breeze as I do on the Hog thanks for watching out for me
Gysgt Anthony S.Grow USMCR nextagefx@hotmail.com"
Anthony Grow of Twenty nine Palms Ca, USA

"Rob,

It's been a while since you left us physically but spiritually you'll always be here!! Semper Fi!!"
CWO3 E. E. Pido, JR. (Retired) of Munhall, PA/USA

"I'll never forget that day in November 1994 that I met Drill Instructor Sgt.Channell (as I knew him back then)as soon as the Senior Drill Instructor said "Drill Instructors, you got "em!" he jumped on a bed rack (hanging from the side)and was yelling at us so bad that a Recruit ran out the front hatch terrified. Even thugh I only knew him a short while I will never forget him for the rest of my life. He taught me Corp values that influenced how I would make decisions for the rest of my life. I'll never forget his love for "Close Order Drill". I could go on and on about him. Forever my HERO."
David Stephens, Plt. 1052 of Alexandria, VA

"CWO Channell was my Senior Drill Instructor when I went to Paris Island. I was part of his last Platoon on the Island, 1080. He demanded perfection from us, and we gave it to him, there was something about this man that made all of us want to our very best for him. And we did, we were the best Platoon in that Battalion, we won everything. The morning he dismissed us I went and shook his hand nervously and left that place as quick as I could. On the way home to Florida my father told me that he had said that he thought I was going to do great things in the Marine Corps. I was awe struck, As I am now, How do you thank someone like him??? You don't. You live on thinking about them and telling people about them. To his family I am so very sorry about your loss. Sir, Thank you for making me a Marine,I'm sure my childrens kids will know about you. You were a great man, and a United States Marine. Semper FI!!!!
P.S. I guess you were right, I made Sgt. in 4 years"
Mason Dwyer Sgt. USMC 1995-1999 of Jacksonville, FL

"January 12, 2008
To the family of Chief Warrant Officer Robert William Channell, Jr.:
Robert 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

"Gunner Channell,
Sir, I would like to say thank you to you and the other two Marines who were also killed in that explosion for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. After reading all the reflections left here for you, all I can say is that I wish that I had the honor of serving with you when I was in.

Semper Fi Gunner!"

"Rob,
We will remember you and your brave endeavors in Iraq. Thank you for being the friend you were to our nephew, CWO Andrew Todd Arnold. God bless you and your family. "Remembering 04/22/03""
The Dr. David Jeselnik Family of DeFuniak Springs, FL

"It's been a few years since we lost him, but not a day goes by that I don't think of him. The greatest leader and mentor I ever knew, every day I strive to be more like him. The world, his family, and his Marines were robbed by is untimely death. His family and Marines will forever be in my prayers."
Sgt Joel Extine of Bowling Green, KY

"My dearest friend I know you are up there in with the angels looking down on us girls. I will never forget the sacrifice nor your beautiful bride and daughter. They are forever in my debt of gratitude and hope we all will meet again in the best of yet to come. Your sacrifice is the ultimate for any man to give to his country. Forever in our hearts as the four year mark is upon us. We will never forget."
Pokorney girls of Phoenix az

"May you rest in peace sir. Semper fi."
Corporal. Phonexai Siphanthong (Former) of Fort worth,TX/USA

"My uncle was and still is a brave man. He taught me the value of life. He was always there any time I needed to talk or just to sit around and watch Alabama play football. I think about you everyday Uncle Rob and I will always remeber every moment we spent together! I love you and I am proud of everything you stood for. Thank you to everyone who took their time to share the stories and memories that my uncle left you with. May God bless you."
Brooke of Tuscaloosa, AL

"To the family of CWO Channell. I served with CWO Channell. He was a great leader and a true example of a United States Marine. If I become half the man he was I would call myself lucky. Know that his memory and his sacrifice will not be forgotton. God Bless."
Cpl. Jason Love (Former) of Denver, CO USA

"The Salute


To those who have died,
And to those who have cried.
We Salute You.

To those who have lost,
Paid the ultimate cost.
We Salute You.

And to those who still serve,
The Red White and Blue.
Our grateful Nation,
Proudly Salutes You."
Tom Balstad of West Warwick RI

"2005-07-13

Rob, I only found out yesterday that you had been killed in Iraq, My prayers for your family..You will grow not old as we that are left grow old, Age will not weary you, Nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun and in the morning We (and I) will remember you [Not my words but those of one who witnessed first hand the horrors of war in WWI)

God Bless,Rest and Speed"
Mark Hurst of Fredeicksburg, VA

"I knew him as Drill Instructor Sergeant Channell from August to November of 1994. I thought, as we all did, that he would live forever. In my mind he will. Rest in Peace Sir."
Matt Peterson of Ladera Ranch, Ca

"Rob,
You will never be a fading memory to Taylor and I but a light in our future for all you gave us when you joined our dearest Fred in the Heavens.
We will never forget your sacrifice and will always see you live on in your wife and darling Bethany.
We have learned the lessons Fred taught mus and will always be grateful for the good people in our lives.
I will forever remember collecting chocolates at the Hail and Farewell and will always be there for your family.
God Bless you."
The Pokorney girls of New York

"To the Chanell family. I was in 1052 with Vince Garcia from nov94-feb95 where Sgt Chanell was our heavy drill instructor. When I first meet him under those circumstances he was my worst enemy but after 3 months molding by him I realized that he truly did care for all the marines below him and his teachings made me a better marine while I was in and a better man since I have left the corps. His wisdom will be missed but his teachings will live on with all the marines former and present."
christopher smashe of Raleigh, NC

"Going a little further back, I was a marine in Plt 1052 under DI Sgt Channell from nov94-feb95. He was not a senior yet but had already been nominated DI of the year once I beleive. We learned a great deal fro Sgt Channell about what it really meant to be a Marine. I am out of the Corps now but will never forget Sgt Channell and the example he set."
Vince Garcia of Woodbridge, VA

"To the Channell family, I am sorry for your loss. Robert Channell Jr was also my Senior Drill Instructor for PLT 1080. He was very tough and he pushed us, but as the other former Recruits have stated, he made us the best! Thank you and SEMPER FI! Senior Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant Channell, Sir!!"
Anthony Basile of Orlando, FL

"Our Song: My one and only prayer is that some day you care. My hopes, my dreams come true. My one and only you, no one will ever know how much I love you so. I miss my husband Deeply. No one knows the constant pain that a family member endures each and every day after such a tragic loss unless you have been there yourself. Keep us all in your prayers. I pray that many people on this earth experience what Rob and I had and still have because love transcends heaven and earth. Semper Fi, my love.
Always Your Loving Wife,
Joyce"
Joyce Channell of Coker, Alabama

"C.W.O. ROBERT W. CHANNELL is my baby brother.Every sunday we would talk about work and family.I miss his calls.. I miss his stories about his guys..I miss his great big bear hug..If I could have one wish,it would be to tell him that I am so PROUD of him.I just want to hug him one more time!!!!I MISS YOU SO MUCH....love your big sister Tammy...twoolbri35404@yahoo.com"
Tammy Woolbright of Tuscaloosa,Alabama

"RIP SIR"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"I had the privilege of meeting Rob Channell in Feb of 2001 as we embarked upon the Warrant Officer Basic Course in Quantico, VA. As roommates, we spent the following 3 months “joined at the hip”…likewise, as part of his fireteam (with Pido and Rob2) I benefited greatly from his Alabama wisdom and words of encouragement when the load seemed too heavy or the objective too far. Never before have a met someone with such a natural ability to inspire those around him, through both words and actions. I can attest to the positive things said about Rob on this webpage because I witnessed those attributes first-hand. To Joyce and Bethany, I can’t begin to express the sorrow I feel for your loss. You were the most important part of his life and that was obvious by the way he spoke about both of you. Please try to take comfort in the fact that Rob lives on in everyone he inspired during his brief stay here on Earth. I am a better man for having known him. Semper Fi, Rob."
CWO Matt Frazier of Okinawa, Japan

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

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 MARINE! Semper FI!!! We will NEVER FORGET!!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN (4/2004)

"I would like to second what Recruit Eyster said several messages below. I was also a member of 1st Bn. Charlie Co. Platoon 1080 that graduated June 2, 1995. I just ran into this and my heart is breaking as I type. Senior Drill Instructor Sergeant Channell was the man who indoctrinated me into the Marine Corps and he was the quintessential Marine Drill Instructor. I remember when he told us "1080 I want a pair of boots", meaning the boot trophies that are given to the platoon that wins initial and final drill. We were without a doubt the most squared away Platoon on the Island because of his dedication, and we won our Senior both trophies. CWO Robert William Channell Jr. was without question one of the greatest Drill Instructors to grace the Parade Deck at Parris Island. I am more than honored that he was my Drill Instructor. I will remember this great American/Marine until the day I die and I know I speak for every Marine from Platoon 1080. Inside any recruit that was lucky enough to be in his presence lies a piece of CWO Robert William Channell Jr., his voice will echo in our heads forever. May God Bless his wife Joyce, daughter Bethany, and the entire Channell Family. We could not have done that stack arms without you. Semper Fi, Sir. "5-4-3-2-1 done Sir""
Recruit Jon R. Duffett CPL/USMC Plt. of Long Island, New York

"I remember Robert from Drill Instructor Class 3-93. An outstanding Marine and leader. I am deeply saddened by your loss. A warrior and an example for junior Marines. May God bless the Channell family, our country and the United States Marine Corps."
David Cooper of Texas

"Thank you for your great courage, and sacrafice. May God bless all your days.
SEMPER FIDELIS,and GOD SPEED."
Cpl Brandon L.Champion of Camp Pendleton Ca. by way of Tuscaloosa Alabama

"one year later: We 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, Robert will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"CWO Channell was my Senior Drill Instructor when I was a recruit in 1st Battalion, Charlie Company, Platoon 1080 in 1995. He drove our platoon hard, but it was because he wanted to make us into good Marines. Consequently, Platoon 1080 won Initial Drill, Rifle Range, and Final Drill, among other things. He made our platoon the best in the company, and arguably the best on the Island! Everyone thinks their platoon is best, but he made us earn it and prove it. Those were glorious days, when we marched around Parris Island to his cadence. God Bless you "Senior Drill instructor Sgt. Channell", and may God watch over your family. Semper Fi, sir."
John Eyster of Wilmington, NC

"To the Family of CWO Channell Jr.,

It is with a heavy heart that I write these words to you and other family members of Marines who have fallen. I come from a long family line of Marines; I too am a Marine Corps veteran. His service to his Country and his Corps will live forever in the minds of his fellow Marines all over this country.

While I never personally met this Marine, every Marine is my brother and it is with love and respect to his family that I say to them the words of retired GySgt Ermey, "The Marine Corps lives forever, and that means you live forever."

God Bless and Semper Fidelis"
Rob of Iowa

"Warrant Officer Channell, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"I remember you from Parris Island. May you rest in peace Devil Dog..."
The Taylors/USMC of NC

"Thank you Robert Channell, Jr., 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

"I worked with Rob's mother, Eva for many years. While we still work at the same facility, I do see her occasionally. I do remember how proud she always has been of both her children, and remember all the stories she would share of Rob, year's ago, in general chit chat at work. My prayers are with Eva and family as well as Rob's wife and daughter, during this difficult time. I know he is watching over them from above, and all those he left behind, in his military family too! You are sooooo missed by all!!
Regards,"
Sandy Fondren of Tuscaloosa AL

"He was my Drill Instructor on the Island. The Marine Corps have lost a great warrior, he will be missed."
Sgt David Beeler of Jacksonville, fl

"To the Family of CWO Robert William Channell, Jr.

May you find comfort and strength in knowing that your loved one will not be forgotten. His heroic deeds and convictions for his country have really blessed my family. I pray that the memories you have of him will be a source of comfort to you at this time.

Respectfully Yours,
Proud Military Family in Southern California"
Sibert Family of Redondo Beach, California

"We thank you for the sacrafice Robert made for us. Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave warrior!"
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"Each name I read on this website makes me so very sad at the loss of so many fine Americans. Yet I also feel a overwhelming since of pride that we have so many who are willing to defend our great country when the time comes to do so. Thank you seems such a small word during these times, but it is said with the most sincere honor and respect to Robert Channell Jr."
Terri Curtis of Green Forest, Arkansas

"He was my friend and my brother Marine. Every-day for the rest of my days my friend will be remember. God Bless, Him and his Family."
Ssgt Clements (usmc retire) of Hubert N.C. USA

"To the family and friends of CWO Robert Channell, Jr.:
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 Robert 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 CWO Robert Channell, Jr.:
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 Robert, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia