Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"May 30, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Leon B. Deraps:
Leon 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

"Dear Family of Leon Deraps:

To honor the Missouri soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afganistan and their families, the professional portrait artists of the "Grateful Hearts project" are offering to paint a protrait of the individual soldier for his family.

The 16"x20" original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrificies made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families loss.

For more information, please email us as gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net

Sincerely;
The Artists of Grateful hearts"
J.Gragg of Lee's Summit, mo

"Leon thank you serving our country. I will NEVER forget. I sat behind your family at the Blues game the other night, it was your birthday. Your family will constantly be in my thoughts and prayers."
Rebecca (Eisenhauer) Anderson of Pinckneyville, IL

"leone-
I am so sorry that we couldnt do anything more for you that night but you have been with us in our hearts this whole time. I truely take comfort in knowing that you are where you should be with god watching down on us from above, sincerely doc"
timothy donovan of california, pendleton

"Leon,
I just learned that you are with the angels. Thank you for all you have done for our country. May God put his loving arms around your wonderful family and comfort them."
M.Pauly of Columbia MO/USA

"Leon, Thank you for your true example of Christianity. Thank you for reminding us that God calls us to a life of service for those who are in need. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice so that we can continue to live a free life. The deep faith that you family has, is an inspiration to us. We will continue to pray for them and for all families that have experienced a loss for our country."
Angel Embry of California, MO

"Hi, I am Leon Deraps's sister. Leon was such a wonderful brother and friend. He will be missed so much. He was so brave and so strong..... I have so many good memories of you Leon and they will never be forgotten. We will see you again in Heaven. I thank God that you were choosen to be my little brother. I love you and everyday I think of you. I miss you more and more each day. Until we meet again, love you brother, Regina"
Regina Baepler of Thedford, NE

"Thank you for making freedom possible for us to enjoy every day. The world is a better place because of your sacrifice. We appreciate the Deraps family, especially Regina, and we will pray for you all daily."
Jason and Sadie Trimble of Maxwell, NE

"Leon, I miss you and love you! There are no words to express my gratitude to you for your sacrifice. I feel blessed by God to have known you while you were here. You were such an awesome person and are such a beautiful soul; never to be forgotten. I hold my memories of you close to my heart.
To the Deraps family, I am sending my love and prayers."
Jill of Littleton, CO

"Leon, you will never be forgotten...I love you brother! I could not be more proud to call you my brother. I miss you more every day...our time together was short but full of love and laughter. I will always keep you close to my heart I love you, your sis, Om Semper Fi"
Omie Johnson of Jamestown, MO

"To the Family of Leon,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Leon. Words cannot even begin to express how heavy our hearts are for you. I had the honor of growing up with Cedar and Regina and looking up to Dawn and Omie. I see every one of you when I look at Leon's picture. What an amazing young man. We will never forget him and the sacrifice he made for our country...for us. May God bring you peace and comfort during this trying time. You are in our thoughts and prayers always.
We love you,
Adam, Kristen and Alex Barnes"
Kristen (Clay) Barnes of Atlanta, GA

"Leon, a brave American and an excellent young man, willing to go the extra mile at any time for what he belived in, for that I can only say thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you have done for us. I know that you are with God now and that you have achieved the victory that we all as christians desire to reach. So untill we are called home its not good-bye but so long for now and we will see you in heaven when our number is called. Fallen but never forgotten; God bless the entire Deraps family, may you allways trust in the lord, hold your heads high, and look at our flag with pride. "MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS""
Doug Harris of Jamestown, Missouri

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

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