Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"TO JJs Family,

He was the guy I loved to work with, he never let m dwn when I needed anything. My Soldiers and me enjoyed everytime his vehicle had problems because he would screw around and keep our spirits high. Sometimes even to the point where we would forget we were in a war. Dewitt and me are in Korea thinking of you daily, and your family may god and you watch over them forever and to all those that never new Jacob, there will never be another replacement for such a great man. RIP my brother!"
SFC Beck, Scott of Seoul , Korea

"I remeber talking to Jacob at his graduation, he sounded stoked about joining the military. He asked me a few questions about deploying with the military. I remember his speach at that graduation. I knew he had great potential and he proved it by making Sgt. at a young age. I have lost alot of friends in these two wars and Jacob will never be forgotten. We develop a brotherhood with eachother, we have something special that no one else has. We put everyones life before ours and are willing to lay it down so that this prosperous nation can endure its freedom. We are Guardians of our country, peace keepers of the world. In memory of Jacob Dones. Thoughts and Prayers to the Dones Family. Bravo Company 4th Platoon Baghdad, Iraq."
Aaron Arguijo

" "
Townsend, Janis N. of Brooklyn, NY

"Today I looked at the pictures Jacob (SGT Dones) and I took the week before he was killed and I decided to write a blog about it (note) on my facebook page. He is not forgotten. His heart was huge... he was a bright star. His name still rings in my ears and his words still live in my head. Thank you to his family. I feel so deeply for your loss and the loss of others right now."
Sgt Townsend, USMC of Brooklyn, NY

"August 30, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Jacob D. Dones:
Jacob 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

"I only knew JJ for the short time we were at Hitt together. We worked the election polls there and hung out some when we were traveling from different areas. He always had a great attitude about everything, wore a smile, and loved to sing. He was a great friend and person and will never be forgotten."
SGT Christopher Bell of Bruce, Mississippi, USA

"jj your always in my prayers ans even though i dont know you you will always be in my prayers miss you lots"
Amber SAnchez of Dimmitt Tx

"It's been over two years, yet I can rememner JJ's smile like it was yesterday."
Deputy Sheriff Matos of Riverside County

"Sgt Jacob Dan Dones was one of my cousins even though i didnt know him that well i still have this memory of JJ and me and some other cousins playing football at the city park and i remeber he was always smiling and i miss him for that and a whole lot of other reason well thats all i got to say that and i love you cousin.=)"
Justin Juarez of Lawton,OK/USA

"On behalf of Sgt. Jacob Dan aka "J.J." Dones Family. We would like to express our heartfelt thank-you's for all the phone calls, prayers and acknowledegments for our devasting loss of our beloved J.J. We have acknowledged that he was doing a noble thing by serving our country and trying to preserve all the freedoms we hold so dear. Our family knows that we are being lifted up by all your prayers and that Our Dear Lord will bring us comfort and understanding someday. We will miss you deeply... Until we meet again.. Love, Your Family"
Janel Beecher of Dalhart. Texas

"we all going to miss jj his smile and his happines. but most of all i have a hero that is sgt jacob dan dones i will always remmber him. if you passing through dimmitt tx stop by the post office. the building was name in honor of sgt jacob dan dones god bless you."
joe alvarez of dimmitt tx

"JJ, as days go by, It gets harder and harder. I miss you SO much. I love you and I know your in a better place, but I wish you were still here. I wish that I could still run up to you and give you a big hug. People tell me it will get better as time goes by but it doesn't. I miss you so much. I wish you were here to see me get married. I wanted you, Daniel, Jason, and Danny to walk me down the isle. Now we can never fulfil our dreams together; like we planned. I miss you so much everyday.
For everyone that has written to my family, thankyou. Thankyou for your sympathies and encouraging words."
Priscilla Dones of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Dear Dones I know you can hear me I just want to thank God for having you as a good friend and Im always going to have you in my hearth, I was blessed by your friendship, im going to miss you, but one day I will see you again."
SGT Ramos of San Bernardino, Ca

"J.J as the days go bye you are greatly missed I really miss hanging out with you but i know that you will alwayz be in my heart Thank you for everything and for keeping our country safe we will never forget you I LOVE YOU PRIMO"
Alyssa Saenz of Dimmitt, Tx/USA

"Jacob, you will be dearly missed by all your family and friends. It broke our hearts to see someone so young and full of life leave so soon. You were a brave soldier and for your courage you will always be remembered. You are dearly loved by all of your family and countless friends. You will live in our hearts forever. God Bless You JJ."
Nena Montemayor of Lubbock, Texas

"Jacob Dones was my best cousin. He was my close one too especially when he lived under my parents roof for about 6 months my parents put everything of them to help JJ graduate from Dimmitt High School also, to help him go to the Army me and him had alot of fun while he was here at my house we joked around who's muscles were better but of course who would always win?? JJ would he was the champ of everything he would say when he would go against something... But he was a very kind and sweet Cousin to some of us, Friend, Brother, Husband everything... He was always there for anyone when they needed some one there...But it is hard for some of us but we just got to be brave through it knowing he fought for our and his country Thanking him for all the hard work he did if it was not for none of them we would not be alive i thank him and the others that are fighting in Iraq every morning for keeping us alive each day i open my eyes... but i love him... he was cool!! See you "latta" JJ...
I would like to leave a message for the other family who has gone through the same thing " Families out there, i would like for you to know i have every each of one of yall in my prayers, my words to you are "keep your head up do not let nothing put it down" love yall lots!"
Mari Beliz aka Tana of Lazbuddie, Tx, USA

"Sgt Jacob Dones was one of the finest Soldiers that I ever served with. One of the only soldiers I ever served with. I only knew Sgt Dones for about a week during the October 15th Elections. I was on the Election Support Team with him. He was always so happy and never complained. His smile melted my heart every time I saw it. I have pictures of myself and Sgt Dones and of Sgt Dones and SSgt Matos during the elections. I just found out (Dec 22) that Sgt Dones was killed and it hurts so very bad. I send my condolences to his family and I have a flag and squadron patch from my unit that was flown in his honor to show my appreciation of the security he provided for me and the other females on our election support team. It was flown before I knew he was a fallen hero. Please contact me for pictures at: zakared@acemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil. I would love some help in contacting his family as well in order to send his flag to them. Thank you Jacob for the way you made me laugh and feel no fear when I was on the streets of Hit with you. I will never forget you, the way you made me laugh and I will never forget your smile."
Sgt Elizabeth Zakar, USMC of Al Asad, Iraq

"I had the honor of serving with SGT Dones in Iraq. He was one of my best friends in the army. I will never forget the good and bad times we shared together. From all of us in third platoon H company, you will always be in our hearts."
SSG Mariano Matos of Al Hit, Iraq

"I worked with Sgt Dones for two days on the Election Support team, Oct. 14th and 15th. We worked in a team of 9 Marines and Soldiers. There were 4 female Marines, including myself, who were sent to work with the Soldiers on Hit. During those two days, Sgt Dones had me laughing so hard. I was scared but he was having a good time. He was yelling, "Abebe, Abebe" ("I love you, I love you") to the Iraqis... he was dancing with them and singing... I just found out yesterday (Dec. 13 2005) that Sgt Dones passed away, it hurt. But I know that if I only knew him for two days that the people who knew him 'forever' have to be hurting so much more. He was so 'alive' and he was living in the moment... happy, not complaining, yelling on the megaphone with a huge smile on his face. I have pictures and video from those two days, not a lot but enough that I know the family may want to have it. My email is townsendjn@acemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil"
Cpl Townsend, Janis N. of Iraq

"Our HEROS will never be forgotten!!!Thanks to each and everyone of you for keeping the family in your prayers.May god bless you and be with you all."
Leticia of Lawton,OK (FT. Sill)

"Sometimes people write things about the ones that have passed that may have been their "better" side but I want to say that Jacob didn't have a bad side. The things written about him here are EXACTLY who he was. A friend, a soldier and a great American. I had the honor of serving with him in his squad in Iraq. The world is a darker place knowing he is gone. So long man, you'll be missed. "All gave some, some gave all.""
Kevin Averre of Colorado Springs, Colorado

"Siento la perdida de un ser humano, pero este es el precio a pagar de la guerra, piensen que jacob estarķa vivo si no fuese por george bush, una guerra totalmente injustificada, solo ampara intereses de las personas encargadas del gobierno norteamericano, solo piense que pasara si alguna de las hijas de el presidente bush estuviese en el lugar de jacob. solo imaginenselo."
Manuel of caracas, venezuela

"See you some day JJ. Although you left here early,you are a Martyr for our Christian Nation.You fought the enemies of our Lord and for that you will be rewarded.We all miss you,but will see you again.Love always."
Chris casas of Los Angeles

"One of the best soldiers that I have ever served with. Those of us that knew him personally were blessed by his friendship. You will be greatly missed Jacob."
SGT Jerrod C. McClure of Colorado Springs, CO

"As my driver in his first tour in Iraq, I knew I could always depend on him. He had a smile that made you feel warm inside. He became a great NCO, and I know he will be missed by his men. He is missed by his brothers that served with him before, and we know that he is watching over us today. I love you Jacob and I will never forget you."
Sgt. Walter Padilla of Colorado Springs, CO

"JJ was the type of person that you could count on for everything. He was a true gentlemen. He always had some words of wisdom when you were down or in trouble. I will always remember him for his smile and sense of humor. I treasure my memories of hanging out with him in school and in CCD classes at church. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Love
Dana"
Dana Gonzales of Dimmitt,TX USA

"It's hard times for those of us that knew JJ (as everyone who grew up with him know him). He was dedicated to his duty. May God have him in his glory. From the Class of '02 and all his endless number of friends, our most sincere condolences. I have so many fond memories of the times we had together on trips and in phone calls just like I'm sure many of us do. Thats how we must remember him and keep those memories alive in our minds and in our hearts. Gob Bless all of his family and friends."
Melissa Maldonado of Dimmitt, Texas

"Jacob was one of the nicest, most giving people I ever served with. He always had a smile and a joke to set you at ease. As a soldier, he was steadfast and responsible - and as a driver his skill was unmatched.
He never complained about his duty, and he was proud to wear the uniform.
Everyone who knew him and served with him liked him and respected him.
The Army has lost a great NCO, and my condolences go out to the Dones family."
SGT Jeremy Bechthold of Payson, Utah

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

"To Jacob'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 your soldier's bravery and sacrifice as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' sons. Our boys are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gloria.caldas@sbcglobal.net"

"I am truly sorry for your loss and the loss of another fellow Texan. May God
give you the strength and courage to face the days ahead.

Michele Carter
Sister of CPL Gary Walters
KIA in Baghdad on 24 April 2005"

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