Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Yo Chevy, happy birthday bro. Just got off the phone with you sisters the other day. We laughed a lot. Gunzup"
Nate Herbert of 2/2 G WPNS PLT🤘🤘

"Chevy, somehow or another I stumbled on this page. I use to write on here all the time. It’s now Memorial Day of 2022. Can’t believe it been that long. You are still the toughest mother *er I’ve ever met. Even at 36 now I’d still follow you anywhere. Gunzup brother! S/F"
Nate Herbert of Philadelphia

"Hey brother, its been 9 years. Just wanted to let you know youre always be in my memories and everything that you did for me. S/F to Ms. Cherava, its nate. i know i dropped off the face of the earth for about 2 years. my number is still the same. please contact me. my cell is 717-404-3788."
nate herbert of PA

"Hey Nick! I just wanted you to know I think of you still everyday and miss you so much. I wonder where you would be today, how you would look......and I want you to know (I'm sure you already do)you were/are a badass brother. Still waters run deep....Cheryl"
Cheryl Cherava of Wyoming

"To the family of:Nicholas O. Cherava
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""

"Chevy,
whats up brother? Its christmas of 2011. There are some days that make me realize how lucky I am and today is one of them.There are thousands of familys just like yours who will never be able to celebrate christmas in the same way. Because of you I am able to be here with my daughter today. You have had the greatest influence on me as to the person and man I am today. I will never be able to thank you enough for everything. But thank you and merry christmas. Guns up brother"
herbert

"Chevy,
To the only man and Marine I ever honestly looked up too and tried to be like. 6 years have passed and not a day goes by where I wish there was some way I could change the outcome. I remember you always standing up for me and trying to teach me everything you knew. Some of my best memories are of you just being Chevy and flipping out and doing your own thing. I remember my first day in the fleet, you and Kenny were drunk as hell and I thought kenny was funny and you were the craziest man I have ever met. Its true.I appreciate everything that you have ever done for me. Sometimes I feel very guilty for surviving in that humvee and that day. I cannot thank your family enough for welcoming me into their lives and treating like one of their own. One day we will meet up again, until then I will pay my respects and honor you in every way I know how. semper fi my brother."
Nate Herbert

"I never had the great honor of meeting your son but I feel as if I know him through my nephew, David Martin. He was a friend of Nick's and he has talked to me several different times pouring his heart out. He thought the world of him, told me how brave he was and an awesome person to be around. He is still heart broken over the great loss of his buddy. May it give you some comfort to know that people have not forgotten your wonderful son. We are hear today because of his great dedication to our country. I understand your loss as our son was 19 when someone else took his life and it wasn't in the service. Only those who have lost a child can understand the pain that you are going through. My prayers are with you and just know that your son was loved by many and he is still remembered!"
Suzanne Cain of Sterling, Mi.

"Hey Chevs, Just took a look at the picture I have hanging up on my wall of you that your Mom gave me. Since there is snow on the ground I started thinking about the time I got us stuck out by the town crap ponds and then I closed the door and locked us out of the car. Miss ya everyday buddy. Semper Fi!"
Dave of Marquette, MI

"chevy,its been five years now. I just want to pay my repect to you for what you have done and for what your family has done for me. you have an awesome family. thanks brother"
herbert

"Chevy. Theres not a day that goes by that i dont think about u. I miss trying to make bombs out of our MRE heaters and tobasco bottles. Ur the greasted marine ive ever known and it was an honor serving next to u. Ive got one of ur cpl chevrons u were wearing the day u became a hero. I tell everybody that if i ever had a brother it would be u. Miss u bro. Cant vount the beer bottles that ive probally filled up with tears thinkin bout u n'kenny. See u one day. Cant wait to snipe squirls in heaven with ya"
sgt billy britt of lexington sc

"Chevy, my dear old friend. Its Doc Ledsome. I feel guilty for only leaving one message in over 4yrs, but to be completely honest, I have tried to forget about you...to forget about all the fallen members of our platoon. Im sorry, I havent honored your memory the way I should. You were a good man and a great Marine, and you deserve better. I'm sorry my friend, but Its the only way I have known. I hope your family has done well, and I hope they accept my apologies"

"Happy Veterans Day Marine."
herbert of chambersburg pa

"one more thing... guns up"
herbie

"hey chevy, wanted to drop a line and say that i havent forgot. like always i will have a drink in your honor"
herbie of chambersburg,pa

"chevy,
My hero, the Marine I looked up to. I always strived to be like you and to be as good as you, but no one ever could fullfill that. happy 4th of july chevy. I had a shot of Jagermeister for you. your sister christa got if for me 2 years ago and i just now opened it. take care brother and ill see you soon."
herbie of chambersburg

"I didn't know you very closely. We worked together one summer. I was stuck-up and said mean things about you. Then I felt bad and said sorry. And you didn't let any of it bother you. "No problem" was your response. I was floored because you showed such maturity and dignity... you gained my deep respect that summer, over your ability to forgive me for being a brat. I am crying this morning thinking about you on this random day."
Karianne Knepper Charbonnel of Peoria, IL

"chevy, just wanted to let you know that i still have not forgotten, ill have a drink tonight for you most likely atleast. you are the greatest marine. take care"
herbert of chambersburg pa

"Memorial Day, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Nicholas O. Cherava:
Nicholas 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

"Chevy, tomorrow is memorial day. I am going to drink in your honor. I wanted you to know that because you are my brother."
Herbert of Chambersburg

"chevy, no words can explain what happened, I just want to thank you. You are a true Marine, Brother, and Friend. I have not forgotten nor will I ever. ive got some jeagermeister from you sister Cheryl and ill drink it today in your honor. once again I thank you. Keep safe brother. Semper Fi"
herbie

"chevy, thank you for looking after me and taking care of me for you were my team leader( and boy he wouldnt let anyone screw with me) he tought me so much knowlegde about machineguns. to Ms. cherava i still plan to come out towards the end of august. i look forward to seeing you."
herbert

"My prayers are with you"
Heather V of Wyoming Mi.

"I served with Chevy as his platoon corpsman during both deployments to Iraq. I was there the tragic day this happened 6 Oct 2005. Chevy was the guy you could always count on when you needed him, whether it be for a laugh or a sickening story. He was a good man and will be missed"
Justin Ledsome of Naples, italy

"My name is Russ Elliott. I was a Lance Corporal in 2/2 Golf Co, WPNS PLT. I considered Chevy to be friend and was deeply saddened by his traic passing. I won't pretend to know your loss, but I was also hurt by the loss of such a fine individual, such a fine Marine. Chevy was the absolute perfect, recruiting-poster picture of what it meant to be a Marine, and he deserves the memorial of a hero. He was a friend of mine and I will miss him greatly. I'm sorry for your loss."
Russell T Elliott of Rising Sun, IN 47040

"Nicholas Cherava was one of the most outstanding Marines that I served with. We were friends. His professional attitude placed emphasis on mission accomplishment by whatever means necessary. He was an outstanding rifle expert whose coaching helped me to improve my own skills. I will never forget how he fed and protected a group of wild kittens that lived outside our barracks. I always respected his kind and caring nature. Even in his death Nicholas will always be a strong inspiration in my life. I will miss him forever."
NIGEL T MCCOURRY of Asheville, NC

"Iam from Seattle Washington. I just am confused as to "why"? My thoughts and prayers are with you may God bless you in your life, and know, that your son is a hero!!! again I grieve for the loss of your son and others!

God Bless,
Jeannie"
Jeannie of kent, washington

"To the mother of Nicholas,

I just want you to know that I am praying for you. I have heard such great things about your son and know that he is in heaven now with our Holy Father and loving Jesus! I know that you must feel that he was taken so soon but know that he is not alone in heaven, he is with fellow Marines and his loving father, and that your belief in Jesus means that you will see and be with him again! Know that these few years with him here in this hard world will be replaced with an ETERNITY with him in wonderful heaven! May God comfort you in these rough times and know that there are those who are praying for you!"
beth of jacksonville NC

"my name is Cassidy and i am a volunteer for the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run. We are a group of people that have built a memorial wall in Marsielles Illinois for all the fallen soldiers in Mideast conflicts since Beriut. Your loved one's name will be permenently added to this wall. For any further information visit our website www.ilfreedomrun.org please e-mail me at me1196@aol.com to let me know that you have recived this message. If you decide to come to this memorial on June 19th, 2006, you will recieve VIP seating and treatment for the cermonies that day. ALL OUR WELCOMING TO HONOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS
**Cassidy"
Cassidy of Brookfield/ILL/red,white,blue

"I miss you buddy, you have been such a great freind. I will check in on your mom and sisters once in a while for ya chevs. love ya man"
Craig Plutchak of Mass City Michigan

"I miss you Chevs

Semper Fidelis
Sirvio"
Dave Sirvio of MCBH Kaneohe Bay,HI

"Chevy you were my friend you were such a great friend to me i consider you to be a best friend i miss you cherava i miss you alot i will continue to miss you untill we meet again may i spend ten minutes with you in heaven before the devil knows im dead i shed tears for you as i shed tears for kenny and cabino i love you cherava be well always your friend o'grady"
zak of walpole,ma,usa

"Where We Love Is Home,
Home, That Our Feet May Leave,
But Not Our Hearts

-Oliver Wendell Holmes,Sr."
Allyssa Kirkley of Ontonagon,MI, USA

"To the family and friends of Corporal Nicholas O. Cherava,

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. If you're not certain that your loved one's next of kin is registered to receive a quilt, please use our link and register so we can send our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts "
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden...
J and T Taylor USMC
Sister of a Fallen Marine"

"To the Cherava family,

We extend our thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult time. We hope you take some comfort in knowing that NICHOLAS is an American Hero and we celebrate his life with you.

NICHOLAS, God Bless you and may the Angels surround you and your family. You will Not Be Forgotten and we are grateful for your service and sacrifice.

From the family of an American Army Soldier, stationed at Ft. Campbell 101st Avn Regt, now serving in Iraq."
Sharon & Craig Erwin of Oregon, United States of America

"To the Cherava family, I can never know how you must feel at this time. My name is 1stSgt Mark Massey, I was your son's Company Gunnery Sergeant in 2004 when we went to Iraq. Your Marine is and always will be a fine Marine. I talked with him on many occasions and always enjoyed our conversation with one another. I know he is in good hands for he always was the example that all Marines should want to emulate. I will remember his kindness and unslefish care for his fellow Marines. It hurts me to know that he has passed for I put my heart into the brotherhood of all Marines. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to your family for the passing of a true man. He will be missed by us all and we will always remember the contributions he made toward the safety and security of our great nation. Semper Fidelis! Always to the family of a fine WARRIOR! May the Lord our God comfort you in your time of rememberance. Respectfully Submitted, Mark Massey"
1stSgt Mark Massey of Company C 2nd AABN Camp Lejeune NC

"Thank You Nicholas Cherava for your heroism. May you now know the peace you so rightly deserve. You are truly safe at last. My heart aches with your family & friends for their loss."
Melissa Macchi (cousin of PFC Mark Barbret from Shelby Twp., MI, killed in Iraq on 10/14/04) of Roseville, MI

"NICHOLAS THANK YOU SON, FOR SERVING OOUR GREAT COUNTRY. AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. WE LOST GREGORY LAST YEAR IN BALAD,IRAQ 2004. AN MY TEARS NEVER STOPPED NOR WITH YOU NICHOLAS. THE AMAZING THING OF YOU! HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF AMERICANS TODAY. AN YOU ARE APART OF A HANDFUL WILLING TO RISK EVERTHING TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY. THAT TELLS ME WHOM YOU ARE AND THE FAMILY THAT RAISED YOU. TO YOUR FAMILY MY PRAYS ARE WITH NICHOLAS AND YOUR FAMILY. PLEASE REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED IN NICHOLAS HONOR. IT IS THE VERY LEAST HIS COMMUNITY CAN DO FOR HIM. SO THAT THE COMMUNITY WILL NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN HE SERVED NOT ONLY HIS COUNTRY, HE SERVED HIS COMMUNITY AND STATE TOO! SUNDAY I'LL BE WITH MY SON GREGORY. SITTING WITH HIM READING ALL THE SOLDIERS JOINING HIM. TO THANK HIM FOR KEEPING ME SOLID. THAT I SHOULDN'T JUST BE CONCERNED FOR MY LOST. THAT WE AS PARENTS OF A SOLDIER NEED TO BE SUPPORTIVE TO ALL OUR FALLEN FAMILIES. WE ALL DEAL WITH OUR LOST VERY DIFFERENTLY! GOD BLESS!"
leonard t. wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To the family of Cpl. Nicholas Cherava:
It is my prayer for you, that you may find comfort and peace in knowing that Nicholas gave his life with honor.
May God bring you comfort in this time of pain, and know that Nicholas's memory will not be forgotten. Many may not know his name, but they will know his sacrifice and will remember.

Thank you for Nicholas. Thank you for his courage and honor. I go to bed each night knowing that my son is safe because of men like your son.

To Nicholas: Thank you is not enough. My son will hear stories of brave men like you. You will never be forgotten, and this sacrifice that you have made, will not be one that was made in vain.
Freedom is not free, but you have helped to ensure it for the next generation.

Semper Fi Marine and rest in peace."
Evelyn Meyer of Alanson, MI

"To the family and friends of Nicholas Cherava.
I was so sorry to hear of you loss. I know all to well the pain you feel in your heart. Nicholas is a true American hero and will always be remembered. Thank God we have brave men like him.May God hold you in his arms, and may he bless Nicholas as he starts his new journey in heaven.

MaryAnn Dukas
Saginaw,Mi.
fiance of
Eric T. Burri
KIA 06-07-05
Baghdad, Iraq"

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

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