Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Marine Lance Cpl. Pedro Contreras

27, of Harris, Texas.
Contreras died from hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on June 21, 2004.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Marine Lance Cpl. Pedro Contreras.

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"Hey Tio, it's been 12 years since you have passed and not a day goes by that I forget the legend you are for our family. I'm 18 now and I graduate from your high school hopefully (si díos quiere) in may 2017 and it's amazing how time flies by so fast. Many times I try to recall memories from you and it's hard because I was so young but I remember glimpse every now and then. You were energetic, funny, and an extremely fun Tio. Like everyone said you were the "light of the party". I hope grandma is really happy now and in peace joining your side in heaven. I really miss y'all and I know someday we will meet again. I love you so much Tio with all my heart. Take care of grandma and keep watching over our family. We will meet again, I promise."
Jasmine Contreras of Houston, Texas/ Harris County

"Hope that your always walking along side us everyday. I miss you, and there isnt a day I dont talk to you. I guess its okay, that I dont get a response back, because I am sure people would start asking whats wrong with me, right. I just want to say that Stephanie, the children and I are doing ok. You didnt get to meet our son or daughter, but I always talk to them about you and who their uncle was. I remember the day you called. I remember you telling me you didnt want to go back. Dam bro, I should of broke your leg so you wouldnt have to go. I know you went as good Marines do everyday, but I never thought you were not coming back. When you and lopez came down for the last time and you gave me the CD, i told you i would return it when you got back, but that never happened, I am sorry. Maybe, I should have went with you bro, because there is no way I would have allowed this to happen to you. At least if I would of went, I would be with you right now. You were right, I am lucky for having a wonderful family. Life hasnt been the same, but I want you to know that I never quit marching ahead for you guys. I thought things would get a little easier, but then Noah Boye was killed, and I thought to myself, when my turn would be next, and I have lived with that feeling ever since. Everyday I wish you were around, because I feel guilty I wasnt around for you. I know you would tell me that it wasnt my fault, but I really wish you would have came over the day you called at 3am. I would have taken a bat to your leg, to force them to let you stay. God has good men up there, good friends, people that I miss today. Contreras, Boye, Calderon, Lopez and all Marines, I never have given up guys.. I have tried hard to do my best for you, and while I have failed in some areas, I have made up for them in others. I respectfully request that you guide me in the right direction, because I know that you are looking out right now. I might have to get out on June 21, 2013 if I dont get promoted. Is it a coinsidence that it fell on June 21st? I think not! I hope one day we meet again, but until that day Ill do my best for you here. I hope you guys are proud of me, since then I have earned a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice for you Pedro, a Masters Degree and working on a PhD. Thanks brothers, you and the guys are never forgotten. Maybe, one day again we can role out play the guitar, sing rancheras, and have good old fun.. May God keep you well, and may he allow you guys to always be here for me. I need you guys, and hope that you know how much I appreciate everything you did for us. Semper Fi Marines"
Sgt. Oliver Garcia of 14820 Elmwood Dr. Woodbridge, VA 22193

"I will always remember u bro, there isnt a day that goes by that i dont think of the time we shared. thx u for all u have given bro and may u rip Marine!"
Doc Bowles

"To the family of:Pedro Contreras
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"2-2-11"

"Today Im going to the Wreaths Across America Ceremony to honor our soldiers at Veterans Memorial in Houston. I will be taking my five year old and tell him that Pedro gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we could be free.How we must not let him down by living our life to the fullest and to make the best of every opportunity this great country has to offer. I went to high school with Pedro and Noe. I still remember like it was yesterday his great smile but also his gift of making other poeple laugh."
Jose Duque of Houston,TX

"Hola hijo, Hi! my dear nephew,
en mis momentos mas triztes
te recuerdo con cariño
y me río a mis adentros
tus travesuras de niño.
Your aunt and cousins: Ramiro, Richard, Rudy, and Randy, from Brownsville"
Ma Socorro Contreras-Rey of Brownsville, Tx. USA

"I was cleaning out a box of old family pictures and there I found pictures of you and my brother from back in your Junior High Days. I also found the newspaper clippings of your tragic and untimely death. I attended a ceremony that the City of Jacinto City held in your honor. And I most remember your father comming to my home, knocking on my door and informing me and my family of your death. I was shocked that a fellow neighbor and childhood friend had expired...Yet I was PROUD that you were a SOLDIER, upholding your duty to our United States. I glanced at your mother and father and cried during the ceremony. I saw your brothers after so many years, grown up to be men, Like yourself. A MAN of GLORY, A Defender of my Country and if I knew your family well enough a MAN of GOD. Thank you PEDRO for your Service. Thank you PEDRO for the smiles and laughter and for just being you. You are truly missed and never FORGOTTEN.
A Childhood friend and neighbor."
Yolanda (Salinas) Hamlet of Marco Island, Florida

"WAS UP BROTHER

WOW BRO U TOUCHED LOTS OF PEOPLE MAN..I THINK U COULD HAVE RAN FOR MAYOR AND HAD NO PROBLEM WINNING..WELL BRO IT'S BEEN FIVE YEARS THAT U PAST AWAY NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT U....HEY BRO WE FINALLY HAD A BABY BOY..AND WE NAMED HIM PEDRO CONTRERAS II BORN 10/26/09...THE MEMORY LIVES ON....I MISS U BRO......."
TU CUATE....... of S,B.T/TX../HARRIS

"I remembered meeting Pedro Contreras in Bootcamp in the rifle range , we were station together in Camp Pendleton Ca , in San Mateo , I remembered his good laughts he used to make , a good friend and good marine. I missed u bro Semper Fi"
Alfredo Tinoco former Sgt USMC of Fort Worth, Texas

"We Love and miss our fallen soldier,but most of all miss your big heart it had no bounderies.Every day we think of you,You will live forever in our hearts, a memory that never fades.Thats how youll live on forever."
vero of baytown tx

"May 31, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Pedro Contreras:
Pedro 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

"PEDRO CRAY MAN, IT'S BEEN FAR TO LONG SINCE WE'VE SEEN EACH OTHER. I MISS YOU BRO, YOU AND YOUR CRAZY WAYS!!! I NEVER FORGET THE MICKEY MOUSE GLOVES AND DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL THE WIERD LOOKS WE GOT FROM EVERYONE. OR THE DAY THAT YOU CAME RUNNING AT ME, RABBIT, AND THE REST OF 1ST SCREEMING WITH YOUR FIRE HAT ON. YOU ALWAYS MADE ME LAUGH MAN I WILL NEVER FORGET ABOUT YOU GUYS, AND I'LL BE IN RAMADI AGAIN SOON SO WE CAN CLEAN UP THE STREETS AND I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN SOME DAY BROTHER TAKE CARE UP THERE YOUR FRIEND T-BIRD"
BRIAN TELINDA JR. of CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA

"Wondered upon this site by accident.
As I read the posts from your family &
friends, I see that you are loved and
missed.
I want to thank you for the ultimate
sacrafice you have bestowed on every
single free person in these United
States.
I am a Mexican born US citizen living in
California who is sick & tired of
hearing nothing but the bad things about
our Raza.
You are a testimony of courage and
dedication to your Beloved Family,
Friends and Country.
GOD BLESS YOU!
You have a tia, Socorro Contreras, a
name which caught my eye. You see, that
is also my name.
Only I'm a 57 old male."
Socorro Contreras of San Jose, CA

"Hi hijo, just to let you know that we went to see your parents back in August, for your dad's birthday, and hopefully will go again this weekend. I left messages on the other website too. We miss you dearly, and I know that some day we will see each other again. Please keep watching over us, and have a ball with tio Pedro. ¿Como traeran a San Pedro los dos Pedros?
Recordandote siempre, your aunt "Coco" and cousins: Ramiro, Richard, Rudy, and Randy."
Ma. Socorro Contreras-Rey of Brownsville, Tx USA

"para la familia de pedro me llamo vicente.yo estaba en la unida de pedro i todavia anos despues no puedo creer que pedro no este aqui.pedro era un gran amigo mio.siempre que platicaba con el era pura risa.no puedo creer que mientras yo estoy aqui el no regreso. Es muy dificil segir sabiendo que tantos amigos no regresaron.pero les quiero decir que pedro era un gran hombre i un gran amigo."
vicente diaz of chicago,il

"Hey, to my senior marine Lcpl Contreras, i rember the 1st time we meet, a little unpleasant becuase i didnt quite grasp the whole concept of "senior" but its all good, i rember the few times we went out and ill never forget you, you were the biggest impact on my marine corps outlook, i wish things had gone the other way when we were out there, for all of the fallen marines of 2/4, ill never forget you and the things you helped me with, rest in peace, forever you and your familiy have my love and condolences, wish you came back with us bro"
R of concord

"Hola hijo, memorial day is almost here, but with us, it does not have to be memorial day to remember you. Sweet April showers bring Spring May flowers, and May is the month you were born. We will see your Mom, Dad, and bothers again next month when they come down here. Please keep watching over all of us.
Recordante siempre, tia Coco, and cousins: Ramiro, Richard, Rudy, and Randy.
Ma. Socorro Contreras-Rey"
Maria Socorro Contreras-Rey of Brownsville, Tx USA

"Hi! m'hijo, Just to let you know that we are thinking of you, we went to see your mom, dad, and brothers, all are doing fine. Tell tío Pedro Contreras, that I think of him too. So now Pedro grande and Pedrillo como el te llamaba, están juntos. Keep watching over all of us. Recordándote siempre, Tía Coco, and cousins: Ramiro, Richard, Rudy, and Randy."
Maria Socorro Contreras-Rey of Brownsville, Tx USA

"Hi M'hijo, I wrote a small poem to you four days ago on December 24th, (and left it on the Legacy.com Memorial) and it goes like this:
La tristeza que nos invade es mas grande cada día
La navidad no es igual, sin tu contagiosa alegria.
Tu corrido está compuesto
y tiene música hecha
Así cuando lo escuchamos
es menos dura la brecha.

This I did in the spare of the moment
just to let you know that we will never forget you, and yes that's true I already composed your corrido, and most of the family members have a copy of it, and anyone else that wihes one, all they have to do is contact me, marisorey@netzero.net and ask for a copy.

Your aunt Ma.Socorro Contreras-Rey, and your cousins: Ramiro, Richard, Rudy, and Randy, of Brownsville, Tx."
Mary S. Contreras-Rey of Brownsville, Tx USA

"To my dearest uncle pedro,
tio ...were can i start?all the time i spent with you is unforgettable!!all the laughter and joy,all the smiling,all the trips to the movies.
i truely miss you...you were the light of our family"la luz de la familia"
day by day i am learning to get past all the sarrow and sadness.the pain in our hearts is slowly drifting away...but still it is dificult.
still remembering and loving you,
Marisa L. Contreras"
Marisa Contreras of Houston,Texas

"where to start with pedro. one of the craziest mexicants that i have ever known. i will love u to death man. a day doesnt go by that i dont think of you or juan on that bs day. u are terribly missed by alot of people. oh and i do a tribute to you guys with a little engineer shot almost every weekend. i think it made me deaf blind and cant smell so well. i remember when we were over there we could here your loud * screaming at the top of your longs and we all though, oh * what is he up to now. we then see this little mexican running toward our platoon with a firemans hat on making the sound of a fire truck. i got to speak about you at the memorial ceremony while we were still there. and ill tell you i felt so honored that i could do it. i love u man. god bless you. see you soon bro"
rabbit aka chris macintosh of boston mashashusetts

"The Mt.Soledad Memorial Association, in coordinated efforts with American Legion Post 275 of La Jolla, California, is conducting a Honor Ceremony on August 26th,2006 to recognize the dedicated service of LCpl.Pedro Contreras and the other 20 Marines that paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Post 275 has sponsored the manufacture of 2 granite plaques to be placed at the Mt.Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, CA.

We are deeply saddened by this tragedy; our Memorial will honor these brave Marines and the memory of Echo Co.2/4.
For additional information and photos of our memorial please log onto www.soledadmemorial.com
We would be deeply appreciative if ALL interested in attending the ceremony could call Joanie at 858-459-2314 or Steve Marrietti at 858-705-2214.
THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!"
Joanie Miyashiro-Brennan of San Diego,CA./USA

"Pedro I'm honored to have had the oportunity to have met you. You're one of a kind. "Shut up I'm sleeping!" Those were your first words before I even saw you ja ja =). And your Mickey hands those were too cute =). Just wanted to leave a little message to let you know that you were a great person and definately made a difference in a lot of people's lives. But I know you must be in a better place now up above in heave with God and now making a difference up there and for sure doing your little travesuras ja ja ;).

Miss You!"
Melissa of San Diego, Ca. U.S.

"Hola hijo, I know you can see us from where you are. You are always in our hearts, and minds. How can I forget aquel ñiño travieso that used to jump out of his dad's truck when he was leaving my house some Saturdays, because he wanted to spend the night with his cousins?, and as you grew older, how can I forget your "pero no está enojada conmigo verdad tía"? or "pero como quiera me quiere verdad tía"?. How can we forget any of that?.
Recordándote siempre, tu tía Coco, and cousins Ramiro, Richard, Rudy, and Randy. of Brownsville, Tx."
Maria Socorro Contreras Rey of Brownsville, Texas

"My sincere sympathy to Sgt. Contreras' family. I purchased a bracelet from www.herobracelets.org to help The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and received a bracelet bearing his name. I'm honored to wear it and appreciate the sacrifice he and his family have made. My thoughts are with you."
Kathy Fisher of Kerrville, TX

"Para el tio Jose Daniel y la tia Gela:
Su hijo Pedrillo (como lo llama mi abuelo quien lleva el mismo nombre, Pedro contreras) fue un ser excepcional que siempre vivirá en el corazón de toda persona que le haya conocido. Felicidades por haber traido al mundo a tan singular ser humano y por haberle inculcado siempre el amor por los suyos y por la vida. Sin lugar a dudas el primo Pedro supo disfrutar cada momento que Dios le presto en este mundo y nos permitió disfrutar de su forma tan contagiosa de bailar y reir. Bendiciones siempre,"
Patty Contreras of Los Fresnos, TX

"Pedro,
BECAUSE of YOUR sacrifice I am able to live FREE. Thanks. May you rest in peace. You will never be forgotten. God Bless all of your family."
Priscilla of San Antonio, Tx

"CONTRERAS FAMILY ,I ALLWAYS REMEMBERED PEDRO AS THAT COOL, CRAZY, FUNNY GUY, WHEN WE WERE IN SCHOOL TOGETHER. I ALWAYS THINK OF PERDRO AND NOE ALOT. ALL MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY. WITH RESPECT ALWAYS ./ PEDRO YOU WILL BE MISSED DEARLY."
MAGGIE ESCALANTE (ECHARTEA) of NYSSA OR. (JACINTO CITY TX.)

"Dear Pedro
I wish you a Merry Christmas, I thought I would drop by and leave you a little something, something. To the Contreras Familia, I wish you all the same. I hope your doing well, carnal, I know your living your life up in Heaven the best way you know how, and that is to the fullest. Thanks again for everything bro, and dont worry I kept my promise. Mr. and Mrs. Contreras from the Garcia family we would like to say that we love you all very much, and wish you all the best. Pedro is missed very much and we always have him in our hearts and prayers. He is never forgotten, and will always be our Knight to guide us through tough times. Please continue to watch over me and protect me from any danger that might cross my path. Your Carnal, USMC. SEMPER FI. P.S. if anyone of the family wants to keep in touch with me, just email me at oliver.garcia2@usmc.mil or call 808-206-8349."
SGT OLIVER GARCIA of KAILUA, HAWAII

"Thank god for those soldiers willing to fight and give their life for the sake of freedom and the presence of liberty, Pedro Contreras may you rest in peace alongside our lord jesus christ."
Carlos A. Ramirez of Brownsville, Texas USA

"OH MY GOD, WHERE DO I START!?
PEDRO WAS SUCH A CLOWN IN HIGH SCHOOL, HE WAS FOREVER FILLED WITH LAUGHTER. HE MADE LIFE LIGHT!! WHEN THERE WERE HARD TIMES, I COULD COUNT ON HIM TO CHEER ME UP, I WOULD LOOK FOR HIM IN THOSE HALLWAYS TO MAKE SURE I SAW HIS FRIENDLY SMILE!!! I KNOW THAT THERE IS NOTHING I COULD SAY THAT WOULD TAKE HIS FAMILY'S PAIN AWAY OR MINE FOR THAT MATTER. BUT BY REMEMBERING WHO IS WAS AND LIVING LIFE- AND LOVING LIFE THE WAY HE DID, I HONOR HIM. HE WAS KNOW AS THE BIGGEST CLASS CLOWN OF GALENA PARK HIGH- CLASS OF 96- NOW HE WILL BE REMEMBERED AS OUR HERO!!

THANKS PEDRO!! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!!"
NINA (BARKER) QUINTERO of DEER PARK, TEXAS, U.S. OF A - BABY!!

"Hola hijo, se que desde donde tu estas me vez y me escuhas. Every day we think of you. Your picture is in my living room, a vase with roses sits in front of it, but your mementos are in our hearts to treasure for ever.

Siempre te recordaremos,

Tu tia Coco, tus primos Ramiro, Richard, Rudy, and Randy."
Maria Socorro Contreras Rey of Brownsville,Tx. USA

"Brother you will be missed it was an honor to serve with you and I always will rember the times you made us all smile when things were bad"

"PRIMO,
I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN, YOUR DEPARTURE WAS SO SUDDEN THAT I STILL KICK AND PUNCH MYSELF FOR YOU NEVER HAVING MET MY CHILDREN. GROWING UP, YOU AND I WERE SO CLOSE. ALL OF YOUR BROTHER'S CHILDREN LOVED YOU, I KNOW THAT MINE WOULD HAVE BEEN THE SAME WITH THEIR TIO CHATO. I KNOW THAT YOU WOULD HAVE GIVEN THEM THE SAME LOVE THAT YOU OFFERED YOUR BROTHER'S KIDS. WHY? BECAUSE THAT'S THE WAY YOU WERE. AS FAR BACK AS I CAN REMEMBER, YOU ALWAYS TOOK CARE OF ME AND YOU ALWAYS MADE SURE THAT YOU WOULD TAKE THE * BEATING BEFORE I WOULD. EVEN AT A VERY YOUNG AGE, YOU TAUGHT ME TO BE ADVENTUROUS AND NOT BE FEARFUL. PERHAPS, THAT WAS WHAT TOOK YOU AWAY FROM ALL OF US WHO LOVE YOU. REGARDLESS OF WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS THE BIGGEST HERO THE FAMILY HAS EVER SEEN. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, AND AS LONG AS I'M ALIVE, I WILL STILL WISH THAT YOU WERE THERE BY MY SIDE. YOU WERE AND WILL ALWAYS BE MY MOST FAVORITE PRIMO. I WILL SEE YOU SOON. I LOVE YOU PRIMO, MY HERO."
RUDY BOLIVAR (tu little cus) of BROWNSVILLE , TEXAS

"Hola hijo, se que me vez, y se que me escuchas. THIS POEM WITH THE LETTERS OF YOUR NAME, CAME FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

Por siempre te recordaremos
Este ano y los demas ya no seran igual
Dios dijo vente y tu te fuiste
Rosas adornaron tu partida
Oremos y un dia nos volveremos a juntar

Contare los dias hasta que nos veamos
Oh! Dios ,que fuerte este dolor
Nunca imagine que pasaria
Te llevo en mi pensamiento con amor
Robaste a todos el corazon completo
En un instante todo se acabo
Ruego a Dios que perdone esos malvados te
Arrancaron de nuestro lado sin temor
Sollozando iremos siempre co dolor.

FROM: TIA "COCO", COUSINS: RAMIRO, RICHARD, RUDY, and RANDY.

SIEMPRE TE RECORDAREMOS!!"
Maria Socorro Contreras Rey of Brownsville, Tx.

"Gone, but not forgotten. Forever in my heart and my thoughts."
Susana Contreras Czerwinski of Sturtevant, WI USA

"Pedro I've known you since you where little. You where a boy with so much joy. After that we grew up and where raised in different parts you here and I in N.Y.
Last time I saw you was when I was dating your brother after that all I new was that you had left to be a Hereo. I admire you so much for doing that. I admire how you took life not caring what people would say. I remember what your brother use to say act your age not your shoe size I can imagine that is what he would say to you because he would say that to me. Well Perdo now your an Angel that is looking down at us and guiding us every step of our way. Pedro give your family the guidness that they need and give them courage to continue the journey so that one day you guys can all be together once again. Send them a smile once in a while and don't let them be sad make them feel proud that you are a Hereo and that you died just like GOD did for your family and for us. Thank you again Pedro for being that Hereo. May you rest in peace and God Bless Your Family."
Maritere of Houston

"Hola familia Contreras,quiero que sepan cuanto siento la perdida de Pedro.Esa sonrisa contagiosa nunca se va a olvidar.Yo conoci a Pedro en una manera muy chistosa.Una noche yo estaba trabajando en la estacion de camiones Greyhound en Oceanside y Pedro entro con un amigo.Iban a comprar boletos para ir a Tijuana a los clubs.De repente me pregunta que si yo no sabia de otro lugar aparte de Tijuana y San Diego para ir a bailar.Yo le conteste "pues yo alrato que salga de trabajar pienso ir a bailar un rato a un club Mexicano llamado SHOWPALACE, y tal vez quieran ir para alla conmigo y una amiga."Se que no es bueno confiar en personas que uno no conoze,pero quien conocia a Pedro y su forma de ser,me entenderan .Bueno siguiendo con la historia,decidieron ir conmigo, y a los 3 nos recogio mi amiga.Llegamos al club,nos sentamos,y empezamos a platicar los 4,alratito me saco a bailar sin saber que el bailaba como se baila en Texas.Eso no fue un probelma porque Pedro estaba dispuesto a ensenarme a bailar como el.Nos divertimos mucho esa noche.Desde ahi empezo nuestra amistad.Pedro conmigo siempre fue muy respetuoso y un buen amigo.Un dia me dijo que me miraba como una prima,lla no me llamaba Diana si no "prima".Para todo yo era su prima.Despues le presente a mi mejor amiga Yeny,y se hicieron muy buenos amigos.El le presento a todos sus amigos de Camp Pendelton y todos se reuninan para divertise. Por cierto un dia se fueron 2 de mis amigas y varios de ellos,incluyendo a Pedro,a Disneyland.Me contaron que se divirtieron mucho.Ya despues casi no lo miraba, pero Yeny me contaba cuando se reunian.Antes de irse para Iraq Yeny les regalo una tarjeta con un angel guardian a Pedro y los muchachos y se despidio de ellos.Yo no pude,pero hubiera querido haber visto a Pedro "el primo" por ultima vez.Pero quien iba a saber que Dios se lo iba llevar tan pronto.Al menos sabemos que esta con Dios y nos esta viendo y cuidando siempre. Estara contagiando a todos los Angelitos alla arriba con su sonrisa y alegria?Yo creeo que si.
*PEDRO (PRIMO) NUNCA TE OLVIDARE*
AUNQUE NOS CONOCIMOS POCO TIEMPO,DOY GRACIAS POR HABER TENIDO LA OPORTUNIDAD DE CONOCERTE.WE WILL ALWAYS MISS AND LOVE YOU!!!!!!"
DIANA OLIVARRIA of OCEANSIDE,CA USA

"I will always remember Pedro as NEVER being ashamed of who he was. I remember him in high school, during a cultural ceremony. He came down the aisle waving a Mexican flag in air, causing such patiotism among all hispanics. THat memory has always stayed with me, along with his charismatic personality. Fam. Contreras, thank you for raising such an unselfish, giving, hilarious, patriotic young man. I express my deepest sympathy for your son, our friend, our fallen soldier, our hero. HE WILL FOREVER BE IN OUR HEARTS. God Bless ..."
C.M. of Houston, Texas

"Pedro o Pedrin como yo te conocia, SIEMPRE TE VOY A RECORDAR! Tu siempre eres y seras alguien muy especial en mi vida. Siempre viviras en mi, aunque ya no te pueda ver siempre estaras en mi corazon. Te extrano mucho, aveces siento que es dificil creer que ya no estas con nosotros. Me desespero y quisiera regresar el tiempo y poder decirte todo lo que siempre quise. Pero lo que me consuela es que estas con Diosito y que estas feliz. Yo se que ahora siempre que te quiera hablar tu siempre vas a estar a mi lado. Gracias por luchar por todos nosotros y dar tu vida para que todos tengamos una mejor futuro. Eres mi heroe! Y siempre te querre pase lo que pase. Para la familia Contreras: sigan adelante, eso es lo que pedro queria. Les deseo lo mejor y encuentren consuelo en Dios. Pedro siempre los cuidara desde el cielo. Noe: Cuidate mucho y piensa que Pedro siempre esta contigo. Cuando estes triste habla con Dios porque el siempre te va a oir y te entendera. Cuidate mucho!"
Imelda De Alba of Galena Park (Houston), Texas/Harris

"To My Twin Brother I will always Miss and LOVE forever and ever:

I can't express how I feel but I know that a part of me is gone. I just wish I could have been their with him to help him in any way. But I know now that I have an angle that will always be with me. It was hard before when he was in Iraq when our B-day came around but now the only wish I could ask for is for him to come back. But I know one day that wish will become real... I have many memories with my twin but their's one in particular. We wheir both next door at our neibers house playing basketball and of course I am the good the bad * at basketball well things didn't turn out that way because he beat me fair and square but I wasn't going out like that no not me so we did a rematch and he was wining again so after shooting a couple of baskets he broke his ankle while driving to the basket all because I wanted a rematch. So he was out for the summer so he couldn't play his favorite sport for the school football. But I think about it now it all happened for a reason. Thank You for everything I wil always miss you bro...."
Noe Contreras of Jacinto City, Tx

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide comfort for your family in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. For the family/friends: May time provide happy,loving memories in place of present sorrows. God bless you and thank you."
a grateful family in arizona

"Pedro, we are really missing you and i wish that it wouldnt of been this way to say goodbye. I know that you enjoyed every minute of your life to the fullest, and that is something i always remember about you. I was proud to have been able to meet a great friend like you. Gracias amigo, for making a difference in my life aswell as stephanie's life. Everyday i pray that your family gets through ok during this hard time, i know you watch over all of us. One day i want to see you again, so tell diosito to save me a spot, and tell him that America is missing its Hero. I believe, that you knew this was coming, and i know thats why you said we would meet again in another life, i cant believe it, but i thank you for your dedication to the Marine Corps, i hope your mother and father see the love pouring down through these emails, because we all love you very much. Thank you and may god take good care of you up in Heaven.
Semper Fi
Corporal Garcia Oliver.
1stForceReconCompany Camp Pendleton."
Oliver Garcia of Oceanside, Ca USA

"BOOKERAL@1MARDIV.USMC.MIL"
Antoine L. Booker of CAMP PENDLTON, CA, US

"CONTRERAS,MAN I NEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT...NEVER. THAT YOU WOULDN'T BE COMING BACK TO US MAN. YOU ARE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS. US MARINES IN 2/4 WILL REALLY...REALLY MISS YOU MAN. YOU DID A GREAT JOB OUT THERE. THANKS.. I WISH I WERE THERE TO FIGHT BE YOUR SIDE. YOU ARE TRULY A HERO. YOU SERVED YOU COUNTRY WELL. I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU WHEN YOU CAME BACK, BUT I DIDNT THINK IT WOULD BE THIS WAY. IT STILL HASN'T REALLY SET IN THAT YOURE GONE. EVERY STEP WE TAKE WILL BE THINKING OF YOU. TELL GOD I SAID HELLO, AND ASK HIM WHY'D HE TAKE SUCH A GREAT MARINE AND FRIEND AWAY FROM US..WHY?"
CORPORAL ANTOINE L. BOOKER of CAMP PENDLTON, CA, US

"Para la familia contreras,de parte de la familia lopez.
soy hermano de juan lopez el amigo de pedro,espero que encuentren el consuelo que yo todavia estoy buscando,nuestros heroes cayeron juntos pero siempre asi los recordaremos como heroes,porque se que estamos pasando por el mismo dolor,el mismo sufrimiento,la misma pena,quisiera compartir con ustedes un poema que dije a nombre de mi hermano el dia de su despedida.
PARA LOS QUE AME Y PARA LOS QUE ME AMARON
Cuando yo me vaya,dejenme ir..tengo muchas cosas que hacer y ver,no se aten a mi con lagrimas,por los hermosos años que vivimos juntos,demos gracias a dios.yo les di mi amor,ustedes pensaran en la alegria que me manifestaron.les doy las gracias a cada de ustedes por el amor que me brindaron,pero ahora tengo que viajar solo.si tienen que llorar,lloren un momento dejen que la fe en dios conforte su pena.solo nos separemos por un tiempo,mantengan los recuerdos en sus corazones.la vida sigue adelante,no estare lejos,si me nesecitan piensen en mi,entre ustedes estare.aunque no me miren,ni me puedan tocar,yo estare cerca.sentiran el calor de mi amor en sus corazones.cuando ustedes tengan que viajar por este mismo camino,yo los recibire con una sonrisa y les dire.sean !bienvenidos! y nunca mas nos separemos.
WWW.flhas68@univision.com"
Enrique Lopez Rangel of Cahutta Ga. USA

""Pedrito"...como te deciamos todos de carino, no sabes cuanto te extranamos!
Mientras vivas en nuestros corazones viviras para siempre! Son pocas personas las que dejan huella en la vida de alguien mas y tu eres esa persona! Se te recordar siempre!
Nos vemos PRIMO!"
Julia Contreras de la Garza, EL PRIMO Jorge L. de la Garza, Jorge Luis de la Garza, II y Jocelyn Chantal de la Garza of Brownsville, TX (Matamoros, Tamps.)

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

"Pedro- Your my boy!!! I'm never gonna forget all the times we chilled back home in Houston, and out here in San Diego. You were the missing piece that I needed that reminded me of home. I'll never forget you. Me nor all of us friends you chilled with and made laugh so much. You crazy boy, your a legend...and your gonna live on forever in my heart. I love you and am going to remember you always...East Side, baby!!! Reppin' that H-town, just like you know we do it. -your girl, the "hater". But I ain't got nothing but love for you."
Esmeralda of San Diego, CA

"Neighbor,thank you for your service to our country. You made the ultimate sacrifice.My respects go to the family.You will be missed. With fraternal regard.Coach Robert,the Hernandez family,JC Tigers,and JC softball."
Robert "Coach Robert" Hernandez, jr. of Jacinto City, Texas

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

"To the family of Pedro Contreras, we send our condolences. He gave so much for our country, our freedom without hesitation, and for that he will never be forgotten. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers always.
We feel the pain and sadness as a family of a Marine."
Olvera Family of Houston, TX

"To Pedro's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Para la familia Contreras: Nuestro sincero pesame por el eterno descanso de Pedro. Nos gano el camino que todos algun dia vamos a llegar. Nunca se va olvidar al hijo/amigo heroico que tuvimos.

Pedro: ¡¡¡Gracias por tu amistad!!! Nos hiciste reir mucho con tus ocurrencias y travesuras. Y gracias por el gran sacrificio que diste. No te olvidaremos y ya nos veremos cuando Dios quiera."
Martha, Gisela, Vanessa, Maggaly, y Jailynn Garcia of Houston (Jacinto City), Tx / USA

"To the family of Pedro Contreras we will remember him allways as a hero who gave all so that others could be free. Thank you soldier for your sacrafice."
Kathy of TX

"Dear Contreras Family, God be with you during these dark times Our prayers are winging their way heavenward for you and yours. Thank you for sacrificing you son to preserve our freedom. Aunt of PFC Bradley Kritzer, killed May 5th, 2004, in Iraq."
Laurie Miles of Coalport, PA

""Yo soy PEDRO CONTRERAS....." orgulloso de ser Mexicano asi era mi primo hermano (Mi cus). We're going to miss you alot cus. We shared lots of moments together down in the valley, Matamoros (and not forgetting Control), SPI, Austin, and in Houston. You showed me how to live life in the fullest. I will miss those days we drank beer con La Vasca til 6 morning, taking shots (like the Marine shot) and calling your grils. La prima is also going to miss you alot. You will always be remember as a HERO. We will always have you in our hearts. Your cus and La Prima.
P.S.
Portate bien haya arriba. Nos vemos mas trade para echarnos unas cervesas. Te quiero mucho cabron!"
Roberto Contreras of Brownsville, TX, Cameron

"Para mi mejor amigo: Querido compadre Pedro Contreras, te extrano bastante. Ya solo me quedan los recuerdos que hicimos. No estoy triste porque se que estas con Dios. Lo que si estoy es frustrado y enojado. Jamas volveremos a reir juntos. No volveremos a platicar.Nunca mas podre darte un abrazo de hermano. O echarnos uno de tres generaciones mientras escuchabamos a los cadetes de linares. Quisiera escribirte todo un libro y platicar. Se que viviste tu vida a lo maximo. Nadie te conocio como yo. Jamas tendre aun compadre como tu, el amigo que todos deberian de tener. Sabes en el final lo unico que querias es que todos te quisieran... ahora sabes que todos siempre te quisimos. Nos vemos...mi amigo!!! Tu compadre, Tony."
Jose A. Gandaria of Houston,Texas U.S.

"Dear Contreras Family:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Pedro gave his life for this country without even hesitating. It is because of brave, unselfish, and loving people like Pedro that allows Americans to be free and safe. I will never forget his sacrafice. He will always be a hero. God Bless.
Pedro: THANK YOU. May you rest in peace."
Jessica Franco of Rio Vista, Ca

"to the Contreras family from the wahl Family. Losting anyone is diffucult. An expressing words of condolences are diffucult in these times. More so that we have lost our son. We are all very proud of your son. He is a HERO! However, he is much much more. You will find that out by all the hearts he touched in his life. God Bless!"
leonard t. wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"to the Contreras family from the wahl Family. Losting anyone is diffucult. An expressing words of condolences are diffucult in these times. More so that we have lost our son. We are all very proud of your son. He is a HERO! However, he is much much more. You will find that out by all the hearts he touched in his life. God Bless!"
leonard t. wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Pedro Contreras,

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. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

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

"To the Family and Friends of Pedro Contreras . . . my family and I offer our sincere condolences at this time. Your son, brother, or husband, will not be forgotten. Our family prays that his memories will be a source of comfort and strength to you at this time.
Prayerfully yours,
Kathleen V. Sibert & Family"
Kathleen Sibert of Redondo Beach, California

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

"Dear Pedro,
It is very painful when someone like yourself passes because of the horrible thing we know was war. Your courage to serve was selfless and the sacrifice you have made is heroic. People do not recognize enough the heroism and sacrifices of people like yourself. Thank you for being a great hero."
mark reif of winchester, VA

"To Pedro's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

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

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on