Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"we will never forget you <3 <3"
lisa of Middletown

"thinking of you! :) <3"
Lisa

"i'll just sit right here at the edge of this pier and watch the sunset disappear and drink a beer and think of you <3 <3"
lisa <3 of usa 05/14/2021

"THINKING OF YOU. <3 :("
L of CT

"03/05/2021
heard a song and thought of you as I do often. xo always think what would have been.<3 <3 hugs"
xoxo of ct

"10/31/2020
May we honor the lives of those who have fought for our freedom with the way we choose to live our own, I was chosen because of a very close friend who served with the 48 Marines and Corpsmen who sacrificed it all; to read each story, to get to know a small piece of their lives through families and friends. I chose to honor each of them with a bible verse:

David J. Coullard 8/1/05
"A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." - Proverbs 17:17 (Brotherhood)"
Haleigh Kilgore of West Virginia

"THINKING OF YOU TODAY! <3"

"Thinking of you."

"Happy Birthday! <3"

"Your 44th Birthday is coming up. <3
I will celebrate you. <3"

"I pray for your mom for god to give her strength. She has honored you everyday you have been apart. She is an amazing woman. <3"

"Happy New year, wish you were here. You will be in my heart and mind <3"

"Thinking of you. Hoping you can here me when I talk to you."

"Merry Christmas Dave. You are the sunshine in the cold. xo"

"Dave,
My heart hurts. Miss you."

"I do not stand at your grave and weep for you are not there. You do not sleep. You are a thousand winds that blow. You are the diamond glints on the snow. You are the sunlight in the sky.
You are the gentle Autumn rain. When I wake up in the morning hush you are the swift uplifting rush. You are the quiet birds circled flight. You are the soft stars that shine at night. You are still here in so many ways.xoxo"

"A piece of my heart lives in Heaven <3"

"Always on my mind.12/05/2016 <3 xo"

"I think of you every day, tears stream down my face and I wonder what if."
Lisa of USA

"Remembering Dave this 2016 Memorial Day. I knew him in Glastonbury HS and hanging out outside of school, and he was always so adamant and focused on serving as a Marine. He was definitely someone to admire because of his conviction, but also his gentleness and kindness. You are never forgotten Dave, and we are all better for knowing you. God Bless your mom, Anita, he adored you. He talked about you in the highest regard always. Miss you Dave. XO. Kimberly Ward, Bristol, formerly Glastonbury, CT"
Kimberly Ward of Bristol, CT 06010

"My name is Michael Coggins, I served in Iraq with Sgt Coullard. He was an outstanding Marine who embodied the meaning of US Marine. I am running today in his honor and memory in the Wounded Warriors Memorial Day 100."
Michael Coggins of Northport NY

"Hi David, I was just thinking of you. I found your first jean jacket. Love mom"
Anita Coullard Dziedzic of East Hartford, Ct

"I was just driving in Acton, MA and was behind a white van with "In Loving Memory of Sgt. David J. Coullard painted on the rear window. I had to look him up and tell his family Thank You!!! He is a hero. Sorry for your loss, and he'll be in my prayers."
Cindy of Acton, MA

"Dave, it has been a long time. I know you are still with all of us, I can feel you. I served with you in STA 1/25 2000-2003 and remember so many of the good times we all had. Mostly because of your hilarious personality. I learned a lot from you and am thankful to have met you. I just watched a movie about Lima CO. 3/25 called Combat Diary and I cried just as hard as when I learned of your death. It did not mention your name but it didn't have to. I miss you and when I think about you, it brings me back to the best times of our lives, youth, brotherhood, innocence, laughter and dedication. You helped make me stronger my friend, in life and in death. Not a day will go by that I will forget you or any of our brothers who gave everything for us and how lucky we all are to have this moment together in this short lifetime. May God bless you and your loved ones forever. Keep your vigilant eye on the scope and keep watch over us my friend.

To Dave's Mom and family:
It has taken me a long time to write something to you about Dave and for that I am sorry. I could not verbalize my feelings and felt sure that you probably had enough people telling you that they are sorry about your loss. I know that the feeling will never go away, it is always there. Your son was a great Marine and a close friend. We laughed and cursed with each other during our time in the service. As a parent now, I can only wish that my child has as big a heart as your son did. I was told that when you get the chills thinking about a lost loved one, it is proof that they are still with you. EVERY time I think about Dave, I get the chills and it consoles me to know that we have not lost him completely but are only temporarily separated. Dave was and still is a very special man, and I know for sure that he looked up to his Mom for guidance and strength. Be strong together and use your son's bright light to guide you through the darkest of days. Respectfully Submitted,"
JS of Boston, MA

"David, I think of you EVERY day....."
Alison of Hartford, CT

"Dave,you are a hero to so many...the world got a little less safe the day you past away.....Rest in peace ,my friend..."
Melissa Bouchard-Cafazzo of Glastonbury,CT

"Dave, I rember playing soccer agianst you .I rember at GHS walking in the halls you smileing alway had a smile. I dident rember the day we all lost you not that i wanted to forget but i wish we dident lose you your mom gsve us a chance to have a part of you ill never forget my piece of miss you"
neil O'Brien of colchester ct

"i couldnt get you out of my mind the past few days david.. then i finally realized the date.. and thats why..wow five years have passed and i still will never forget you.. i miss you"
kerri howard of new york, ny

"david, not a day goes by i dont think of you.. remember your voice.. you kept your promise you called me everday.. i will never forget you.. its been years now.. its never lessened your absence..watch over all of us..this world will never be the same without you"
kerri howard of new york , ny

""To the family and friends of Sgt. David Coullard: Anita, we met last night at S & S and I want you to know how deeply I was moved by your story. Although I did not have the honer of personally knowing David, please know that he was my brother and he will never be forgotten. You and your family are now added in my prayers along with all of the others who have fallen. Welcome home David. SEMPER FI."
Jack Walls, USMC 71-73 of Glastonbury, CT

"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
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"He touched so many lives and will be remembered forever."
Heather of CT

"July 1, 2008
To the family of Sgt. David J. Coullard:
David 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 the family of Dave. I was honored to read your son's name today at the September 11th memorial. I will be back again next year to read his anem again, and the year after that. He is far from forgotten."
Kim Gallicchio-Petters of Va Formally Glastonbury)

"Remembering your service and life this Memorial Day...5/27/07...Thank you."
Bela

"To the family of:David J. Coullard 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"

"A difficult day for all of us who mourn the loss of our beloved soldiers. You are in my thoughts and prayers. 5/29/06"
Bela Beaupre of Woodbury, CT

"Dave-I miss hugging you and smelling your neck. I miss the days of going shot for shot with a bottle of Jim Beam. I miss you teaching me how to shoot. I miss your laugh. I miss you taking FOREVER to get ready. I miss you making fun of me and I miss your temper. I just miss you!"
Amy Brown Hackney of Paducah, KY

"Dave,
They say that time will heal the pain and I suppose in a way it will- but there hasn't been a day that's gone by that I haven't thought of you. I think about the good times we had and remember when we met- in the warmth of summer when life was so much simpler. Seasons change and years go by, but those who make a true impression on our lives are always close to our heart. You, Dave, are one of those special people in my life. I met you when you were only 19 and I was 16. We were young and had so much more to learn but after talking to you just last month when you called, the butterflies were still there 13 years later. Nothing had changed. We had so much distance between us yet it was like time had stood still. If I only knew it would be the last time, Dave, there's so much more I would have said. We talked about seeing eachother again and I thought I would have more time but that is the harsh finality of life. It's shown me that you just never know if today's your last day so you better make everyday count. I replay that phone conversation over and over in my head. I don't believe in coincidence- there was a higher power behind it and I am truly grateful for that last "goodbye". Goodbye for now Dave, but not forever. You WILL live on as an American hero- Semper Fi my friend. Rest in peace.
Love, Brenda"
Brenda Bertolini of Long Beach, CA

"Sgt. David Coullard
It has been a great honor to have served with you, and the greatest honor to have have known you. I extend my gratitude, and sorrow to your family. I will never forget your service to family, country, and corps. You are a real american hero in the very meaning of the word. God Bless and Semper Fi"
Michael W. Peckham of Ledyard, CT 06339

"David,
Greg and I miss you so much. Your a brave man and a strong man. I have told you these things before so I knew, that you knew that we felt this way. We did meny things and I'm glad we took time for each other. you made a differance to meny peoply, so meny people. we love you! But you know that.
xxxxx Mom & Greg ooooo"
Anita Dziedzic of East Hartford, ct ,usa

"Dave, It tears me up to hear that you have passed. As a close friend, you will always be in my heart. You are a true hero to have fought for our country. May God Bless You"
Dallas Powell of Roanoke VA

"To the family and friends of Sgt. David J. Coullard,

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 use our link and 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

"Thank you brave soldier for defending our country, for keeping us free and safe, and for making the world a better place. You will be remembered always. To David's family and friends, love never dies. It lives on forever in our hearts. May the Lord help you through the days and years ahead with comfort and with His love. You are not alone. From just another family who lost a loved one last year in Iraq."
Bela of Woodbury, CT

"God bless

SEMPER FI."
Grant of Avon, CT.

"To Sgt. Dave Coullard,USMC: I just wanted to tell you....
Dave, I always looked up to my Grandfather, like many children do. I call him my hero because he did so many incredible things in life and overall, is a wonderful human being. His name is Col. Richard D. Weber, USMC (Ret.) He served in WWII and was a JAP POW for over 4 years (North China Marines.) He is approaching the age of 92 and his health is failing fast. No matter what the circumstances, when I look at him or talk to him, I see and hear a Hero. Just being his granddaughter, I feel so much pride. I can’t wait to see him and hold him (he lives in VA.) and I can’t wait to hear his voice- as soft as it has grown. I never thought I could hold someone in such high regard as I hold him, but that has changed. You always made me laugh and smile when I saw you- and whether you knew it or not, you exuded a warmth that made others feel at ease… so these things I wrote to you, my Hero…
Coullard! Thanks for the laughs- and for just "being"... I am glad our paths did cross- for I believe that everything happens for a reason, - and I'll never be the same because of you-no one ever will be the same again, because of YOU. Dave, you and the way you LIVED your LIFE is breathing & living in every one of us-
You are the HERO that all of us long to be. Sometimes we wish to be heroic our entire lives and in some capacity- to someone, somewhere, we may be some kind of hero- but YOU and YOUR strength MOVE me- YOU are so ALIVE in me. Dave- you will never die or ever fade. You are in the sky, the stars, the sun and the rain- you are in the flowers, trees and in the endless ocean. I can feel you in the chills I get when singing OUR ANTHEM, in the tears I get when listening to TAPS, and the overwhelming PRIDE that numbs me when I watch OUR FLAG sway in the breeze…. And YOU are everywhere, and I thank YOU, DAVID COULLARD- Everyday, for as long as I am able, I thank YOU. To Dave and my Pop-Pop, SEMPER FIDELIS…
Love & Admiration,
Amanda "Mandy" Mayne"
Mandy of Hebron, CT. USA

"I went to high school with David Coullard and knew him for a few years after, and I remember still now admiring his determination in knowing that he was going to serve his country as a Marine. It was all he ever talked about and I was just in awe that someone at that age had it all together, knew what he wanted, and never doubted that he would accomplish it. He did accomplish his dreams, and he did it with absolute grace and courage, the likes that most would only wish to achieve. I pray for his family now. To David's mother: You raised a fine man, and we are all extremely greatful for it. God bless you."
Kimberly Ward of Middletown, CT

"My heart and prayers go out to the family, friends and comrades of David. May God bless you and give you comfort."
Marine Mom 3/25/4th of Western NY

"David,
I will miss you so much. You are so brave. I will always remember you. I have told your baby cousin Caleb about you. Im so glad you got to see the pic of him. God Bless you.
Love your cousin."
JANESSA of MANCHESTER CT USA

"Dave,
Your sacrifice will not go unappreciated, and your memory and name will live on with those who served with you. Semper-Fi."
SGT. Michael & Merryll Macek of Niantic, CT

"7 AUG 2005
MARINE SGT DAVID J. COULLARD -
You are an American hero whose ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten by a grateful nation. Rest in peace Marine. You will be remembered for always being faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of David and may memories comfort you during this very difficult time and always.
AMERICA SALUTES MARINE SGT DAVID J. COULLARD"
DOROTHY E. BURT of PORTSMOUTH, RI

""David, you are a hometown hero in my eyes and your service to our country will not be forgotten. I pray everyday for our soldiers and am greatful we have men and women like you. Thanks and Rest in peace. Condolonces to your family and friends."
jessica iudiciani of Wethersfield, CT

"Dear Family of David Coullard: I lost my son, LCpl Chad Maynard, on June 15, 2005 in Ramadi. When I heard the news on the radio about your son, it was like I was reliving that day all over again. It's hard for me to type this even now. I'm so sorry for your loss. On the temporary head stone on my son's grave is the saying, "Not In Vain". That is truly what my son believed and what we, as his family, have to believe every day. Please know that I feel your pain and loss, and I cry with you. They say time eases the pain, and I guess they may be right, but with every new report, I feel the ache of missing my son so much. Always remember, you are not alone. There are others who love you and care about you and know exactly what you are going through. Thank you for your son and his service to us all."
Cindy Maynard, mother of LCpl Chad Maynard and Cpl Jacob Maynard of Kennewick, WA

"Dave- You were one of the best Marines I have ever had the honor of serving with. RIP brother. STA 1/25 will NEVER forget your quiet confidence and all the fun times we shared. You are a hero."
KA of Tampa, fl

"Rest In Peace Tuefelhunden.
J and T USMC NC"

"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

"Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Sgt Coullard. Your hero will never be forgotten."
Proud Sister of a 3/25 Marine based in Akron, Ohio

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"my heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of your son David, momo of a lcpl in iraq"
Bonnie Sponable of Parish,NY

"David,
You will be truly missed by all. My prayers are with the Coullard family at this time. We will never forget you, Semper Fi"
AnnMarie of East Hartford,CT

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

"David will be truly missed he is such Hero With all my sorrow and Deepest condolences.He will always be remember and in our Hearts."
Sue Burhans of Newington Ct USA

"david will be truly missed he is such hero with all my sorrow"
sue burhans of newington ct usa

"To the Coullard Family, I wish to offer you my deepest condolences. Your David is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. We are praying for all of you. May God Bless you all and God Bless David."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

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