Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I am sad to say I didn't get to know David as well as I knew Anne, we played basketball together in high school. When I learned of David's death, my heart immediately sank for Anne and your family. I did know David to be kind, generous, and constant in his humaness toward others. Never a finer man, or family have I known. I hope God holds you all in comfort, and my sincerest thanks for your courageous sacrifice."
Jama of Syracuse, IN

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Fribley,

I attempted to send this letter shortly after reading about the sacrifice of your son. I do not know if it ever reached you. I came across this memorial page and decided to repost it here nearly five and a half years later. My gratitude and admiration for your son has only grown in that time.

*****

As a father of four, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies for the death of your son, David. I read the article written about him in the Times-Union, which another web site provided a link to. As I read about your son, I was moved to tears with the thought that David is a son any father would hope for. I say that as a father of three young boys. The world would certainly be a much better place if it consisted of more men like your David.

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). I'm certain that if I'd had the opportunity to meet your David, I would have counted him a friend. Therefore, I consider his death to be a sacrifice on my behalf and that of my family. He has, in David's own words, given his all to provide my family "with the comforting feeling of safety that [we] have each day." May God reward him abundantly.

I wish to thank you, as David's parents, for raising up such a fine young man. He is certainly one of the best America has to offer. I pray that God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, will heal this wound that you will bear the rest of your days."
Nick Haight of Sacramento, CA

"Gary & Linda,
My name is Ranielle Harris formerly Cox, and I went to Atwood Elementary then Warsaw Middle & High School with David. It saddens me greatly when I think of the wonderful man that we have lost. David was always there to lend a hand or an encouraging word when needed. I live here in Virginia now, just outside DC, and he will be forever in my thoughts as I pass by the Marine Corp Museum and Arlington Cemetary. I am so very sorry for the immense loss that you have endured."
Ranielle Harris (Cox) of Lake Ridge, Virginia USA

"Gary & Linda,
I don't know if you check in here or not, but I can't find your phone number, so I wanted to let you know we're thinking about you. The 5th "anniversary" is coming up, like ours. I can only hope that David & Jason are up there watching over all of us. We'll be thinking on you this Sunday. We know how hard it is. If you want, you can contact me at: blueandgoldmom-in@sbcglobal.net I know that you have another serving like we do. You're in our prayers,"
Deb Meyer of South Bend, IN

"David was a brother, a teammate, and truely a dear friend. I went to middle and high school with him, I knew him, his sister, and their "little" brother. We hung out together with other friends played football together and ran track together. It has been five years since you were taken from us, but apparently you were needed elsewheres. You are still thought of with many great memories, by many people. I know that you would call all of us silly for leaving these memos calling you a hero, but that is what you are. I spoke to your Dad afterwards, trust me when I say that you will be missed always, by everyone you have touched in your life, and even those you never spoke to.

Mr. and Mrs. Fribley you are a very blessed set of parents to have raised the family you have. Thank you for all you have done for all of us that serve.

SEMPER FI, My friend!"
AW1 Nicholas D. Wood, USN, WCHS class of 1997

"I went to Atwood Elem. w/ David. He was by far the most honest, compasionate, friendly person you could ever meet. He will be missed forever."
Lisa Shepherd of warsaw, indiana

"To David and his family, I am so sorry for your loss.. I know I've told you this before it has just hit me harder that ever since then. David was and is a damn good man. He picked me up from the airport the day after leave because I got snowed in. He just couldn't stop asking questions about what might happen when we were deployed. I just kept saying I don't know in a very annoyed way. Like this guy wasn't helping me out. I never once told him how greatful I was for that ride. I'm sure I will get chance eventually because I know he is one of the great ones Guarding the Gates of Heaven against those stupid rag heads, where I hope to have the honor of seeing him again someday!!! Semper Fi!!!!! BROTHERS!"
Brian Niebauer of Bisbee AZ

"I cant say that i knew David as well as i would like to have. , we were on the track team at Indiana State together , I now have a family, 3 boys, when they are old enough, i am going to bring them to your grave to show them what a real hero is. I think of you often and will never forget what you did for me..and teach what you did for them..never forgotten"
Bill Hulsey of Plymouth, IN

"Can't say we had too many good times in 3061 or SOI, but I am glad to have known ya. Thanks for everything, you taught me what it meant to be a Marine."
1stLt Wengel of 2d Bn, 3d Marines

"If you are able,
save them a place
inside of you
and save one backward glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can
no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.
Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.
And in that time
when men decide and feel safe
to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.
Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam"
William Taylor of Bonita Springs Fl

"May 30, 2007
To the family of David K. Fribley. 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

"Can't believe it's 4 years since that firefight in Nasiriyah.

Rest in Peace Lance Corporal Fribley."
Mark of UK

"To the family of:David K Fribley 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"

"To David's Family:
I got to know David in the summer of 1995 when I worked with him and his mother at Crystal Lake at our family farm. We spent a lot of time together that summer and I knew right away that he was someone very special. On numerous occations he would do something silly to make me laugh -- he was someone I could count on and someone that made me feel better just being around.

I'm truly sorry for your loss. David was a great person who did great things."
Tawnya Sowerwine of Mesa, Arizona

"David,
I would like to say thank you to you and all the other Marines from 2nd MEB who were killed that day in An Nasiriyah for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"My name is Jason Dias, I am a professional speaker. I have shared David's story and sacrafice with over 10 thousand people across the country. I am proud to do it. I am a Desert Storm Vet and guys like David prove my belief that the new generation of soldiers is as fine as those that have preceeded them. God Bless you David, and your family."
Jason Dias of New Braunfels, tx USA

"Today is March 23rd 2006 and it's 3 years to the day that you made the ultimate sacrifice for what you believed in. I am thinking of you on this day and every March 23rd for as long as I live, for you are the kind of person I strive to be.

I do feel that the world is a lesser place because of your passing but also, I am sure that you are an inspiration to many people, especially in your community. God works in mysterious ways. The messages posted on this memorial page are a testament to the kind of person you were.

RIP Lance Cpl Fribley.

Semper Fi Marine!"
Anonymous

"'There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.' Frib, because of men like you, laying down your lives, we are free. Thank you, a thousand times over, thank you."
Jon F. of Warsaw, Indiana

"I am so sorry that you were not able to spend this recent birthday with your loved ones.

I still think of you often. Your selfless sacrifice is more than words.

God Bless You David."
Mark of UK

"David would have been 29 today - February 15th, 2006 - He will never be forgotten. He lives in my heart now and forever."
Shauna of West Palm Beach, FL

"I went to school with David at Warsaw. I never knew him very well but was friends with his brother Steve growing up in Atwood, IN. The day I found out about the tragedy I was a week from deploying to Iraq and it really touched me when I heard of the news. David was with me in my heart during my year long deployment. He is one of the reasons why I made it home safe. God bless the family of David K. Fribley."
SGT Adam Grimm of El Paso, TX

"I knew David and his brother while we were in High school. I joined the Marine Corps prior to David but I've not met many men of his calibur nor do I think i ever will. Dave you are sorely missed my Brother Semper Fi."
Sgt Wilkins, Jerry D of MCLB Albany Georgia

"MY NAME IS SPC (ARMY) SEAN P. BUNDY. I KNEW FRIB (AS WE CALLED HIM) WHILE I WAS PLAYING FOOTBALL AND RUNNING TRACK AT INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY. I WILL REMEMBER HIM AS I ALWAYS KNEW HIM. KIND POLITE AND ALWAYS WILLING TO LEND A HELPING HAND. I WAS IN BASIC TRAINING AT FT. BENNING, GA WHEN I HEARD OF HIS DEATH. WHEN I MADE MY WAY TO IRAQ THIS PAST YEAR AND A HALF... I VOWED TO TAKE A COUPLE FOR HIM. I GOT 5 POSSIBLY 12. DAVID'S DEATH WAS MOTIVE FOR MY MISSION IN IRAQ. SO THAT HE WOULD NOT HAVE DIED IN VAIN. I WILL ALWAYS HOPE THAT WHAT WE DID THERE... THE SACRAFICE HE MADE AND FOR YOUR LOSS... THAT SOMETHING ANYTHING GOOD WILL COME OUT OF THIS WAR. I HAVE ORDERED AN HONARARY KIA BRACELET WITH HIS NAME AND INFORMATION... I WILL WEAR IT WITH PRIDE AND IN REMEMBERANCE."
SPC. SEAN P. BUNDY of SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HAWAII

"You were always a gentleman, no matter what time of day or night, nothing was ever more important what someone else was asking you to do for them. Thank you for your kidness and giving to others is such a selfless manner. I will never forget your kindness to me and those around you."
Em of Indiana

"I, like Dave Bonnett, was one of Dave's pledge brothers in our fraternity. We went through a lot together, but I always knew I could count on him. For example, I had left school, and about a year after I left, ran into some trouble, called Dave, and without a question, was there at my side. I miss him, and will always hold a place in my heart for him, as will my wife. To those of you who knew him, please, share your stories with me. Send me an email at vantrim@ma.rr.com. I am making a huge scrap book, and any information would just add to it. Dave...I miss you, and know that you are always looking down on Brother Pappy."
Vince "Pappy" Antrim of Indiana

"To David's Family and the City of Warsaw,

I have had the rare privilege to know two of your fallen in the Global War on Terror.

It began in 1996 when I met a young aspiring track and field athlete, David Fribley. He and I became good friends quickly. He joined my fraternity, the Kappa Alpha Order, that same year. He was always a young man that I could count on for anything; ranging from homework / studies to girlfriend troubles. Dave always did and said the right thing. I was on active duty orders and far from home when I learned of the events in Nasariah. A fact I wish I could go back and change.

Today I am again deployed to Afghanistan with my unit, the Headquarters of the 76th Infantry Brigade. On March 26, my life was once again touched by a member of your nearby community, Milford. I met Capt. Todd Fiscus at Camp Atterbury when we were preparing for the current deployment. He struck me as a determined officer that understood what our mission is, and how to ensure its accomplishment. He could keep several of us from our homesickness when he spoke of the celebrities that he often flew across the nation in his civilian job. He also could find subtle humor in the daily grind, when I would wrap myself too tight in my job.

Your city, and our great nation, were well represented by these two outstanding defenders of Freedom."
Jerad D Myers of Kabul, Afghanistan / Danville, IN

"i met David when i was rushing our fraternity, and he was on the people that convinced me to join. his warm heart and stupid jokes always made me laugh and seeing this website i know that he touched many people. i will miss him."
jordan of lafayette, IN

"Frib and I met in college in the same rush class for our fraternity. I remember how we used to crack each other up doing silly cartoon voices while trying to stay awake during rush classes. We shared many an email after we both left college and we talked many times about his need to serve his country. He wanted to be the best and take on the toughest of challenges, which is why he joined the Marines. Being a former NCO in the Army, I am honored to have David as a brother fraternally and militarily. He is as honorable and kind hearted as a friend can be and I will always hold him in the highest regard. Frib is an original and I am honored to have known him as a friend, bonded with him as a brother, and served alongside him in the defense of our nation. You are truly one of a kind, brother."
David M. Bonnett of Woodbridge, Virginia, USA

"Dave and I went to college together and he is a fraternity brother of mine. While we were in school, I had to chance to observe Dave in many different capacities including: work, play, academics, sport, social, and one-on-one. What I noticed was that in every aspect of his life, Dave put forth his very best. He made some very tough decisions that most people shy away from... but he always chose "the right thing to do". And Dave always showed his loyalty to his friends and to those close to him. It was never a bad time for "Frib" to come and listen to a problem, never an inconvenience for Frib to walk a girl home, never a problem to Frib to make a trip to Walmart a O-dark thirty. His marine comrades who knew him know what I mean. Dave, we love you buddy. We pray for your family and honor your ultimate sacrifice... and we think of you often. Thank you, brother."
P. Anderson and the brothers of Kappa Alpha Order of Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana

"I am sad to hear of your death and my heart goes out to your family. I can say out of all the recruits I have trained, you are one of the few that I can put a face to. I worked hard to ensure you knew how to shoot and as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor, I would say that you were an outstanding Recruit. You work hard at everything I had to teach but there was no way to prepare you for what you had to face. I am very sorry that I couldn't teach you more for what was to come. To the Family of Lance Cpl. Fribley, it was a privelige to instruct your son. Thank you for your sacrifice."
PMI Sgt William Tinney of Parris Island, South Carolina

"My heart broke in March 2003 when I learned that a fellow classmate of mine from high school had died while continuning the fight for my freedom. He is always in my mind for the sacrifice he made."
Erin of IN

"Being brave to fight for your country is a feeling that a few of us know. David was one of the heroes who will never be forgotten."
Anthony of Worcester , Ma

"To the family and friends of David,
I am so sorry for your tragic loss. You have to know that David's death was not in vain. He was fighting for a cause he believed in and his actions did help make a difference. My boyfriend, Cpl. Jared Martin, was very close with him and thinks about David everyday. As he heads back over to Iraq, the memory of David will help him stay strong. Thank God our country has men (and women) like David to protect us. God bless."
Sarah of Gilbert, AZ

"Definitivamente la valentia de david es a toda prueba , fue capaz de dar su vida por un ideal , y eso no cualquiera lo hace : adimro el valor y el coraje que este joven diņ por el mundo.

Un abrazo de un ser humano que admira a david , dejando una vida comoda por sacrifio , el mas grande .DAR LA VIDA POR EL PROJIMO.

Alfredo Alegria Raymond
Santiago, Chile"
Alfredo Alegria Raymond of Santiago, Chile

"To the friends and family of David K. Fribley:
Your loved one will never be forgotten. Standing strong and brave he gave his life trying to help make so many other lives better. I know he was a great person and soldier! I bare the pain of a loss with you. I lost my husband Spc Justin W. Linden on June 4, 2004 in Iraq. These soldiers are all heroes and watch over us from above all the time."
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

"Still thinking of you David. My hero isn't some movie star or Basketball player. It's you. Your selfless sacrifice, bravery and devotion to your country is the mark of a true hero. Rest in Peace David and may God Bless you. Semper Fi Marine!"
Mark of UK

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

"Never knew you David but you still inspire me,pray for everyday Semper Fi!"
MFR of USA

"I am a junior high student. Some Americans don't realize how great their life is. Some are willing to take it all away. David, your son, sounds like a great guy. There is a time for grieving and there is a time to remember. He will not be forgotten.I am glad that there are people out there trying to make everyday safer for their country. Everytime something new begines something else dies. Yesterday I saw my 1-day old neice (born 2/25/04). At first I didn't think she was real. I thought she was one of those dolls you buy in the store. But every detail in her face was perfect, nothing destroyed god's creation, untainted by this world I felt love for the tiny little thing."
7th Grade student of Barker Middle

"To Remember Them..In loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"Well, it's a year ago to the day that you lost your life. Even though I never knew you, you've made an impact on my life. You were such a brave and inspiring person. God Bless you Lance Cpl. Fribley and your family. May you Rest in Peace. Semper Fi Marine."
Mark of UK

"I never knew LCpl Fribley, however I was deployed to the middle east with a Marine who had gone through boot with him. Fortunately my unit did not have any casualties, but when his buddy told me of his death the war left a sour tatse in my mouth. I have done all I can to study the life of David Fribley, though I never met him he is my brother in arms and therefore mourned by me on this date. Semper Fi David, God Bless you and your family and when I get to the pearly gates of heaven I would be honored to stand guard duty at them with you!"
Derick of Miami, Fl

"We Will NEVER FORGET !" As the first anniversary of the death of your loved one arrives;
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones 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. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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

"To the family of this brave soilder. I was priviledged enough to attend Platoon 3061 at Paris Island with David. He was a man of honor and served as a leader to others. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He was a good Marine and truly set the example for his fellow troops. He will never be forgotten by all who knew him. God bless you David for what you accomplished and what you stood for! Semper Fi Marine"
LCPL Matthew Hoyle of MCAS New River Jacksonville NC USA

"Thank you David Fribley, 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

"My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of David Fribley. I knew David when I worked for an insurance company in Florida. I insured him and had the pleasure of speaking with him a few times. I will always honor him in the fact that he died fighting for something we all take for granted...our freedom. He is and always be a hero to me and I can't thank him enough for that."
Tom Gilligan of Point Pleasant, New Jersey

"To the Fribley Family,
I shared an apartment with David in Florida during our college internship. I was deeply saddened by the news. I am truly sorry for your loss. David touched many lives and will not be forgotten. God Bless."
Emily of PA

"To the Fribley Family,
My daughter is in 4th Grade and has been asked to write a report about a fallen hero. She chose David Fribley for her report for his kindness and unselfishness and for his love of country and of mankind. God Bless you all. Even though we never met him, we feel blessed to have come to know him through the many articles written about his achievements and his kindness. We know we have one more guardian angel looking out for us. David was so brave and courageous. God Bless You All."
Lisa G. of Leesburg, Florida

"I had the great honor to be a member of Recruit Training Platoon 3061 at Parris Island SC. LCpl David Fribley and I were squad leaders together and shared racks next to eachother for much of boot camp. Once the lights went out David and I would sit up and talk, sharing stories and memories. One would think we would have been talking about how bad boot camp was, or cussing our Drill Instructors. Our conversations were quite the opposite. We talked of home, family, girlfriends, and college stories. These conversations helped David and I get through the rigorous days behind us and ahead of us. I was tremendously saddened upon hearing the news of Davids death, but proud at the same time. David was a Marine, and a Marine by his choice alone. He knew the dangers ahead of him and eagerly accepted them. I will miss my friend but feel confident knowing he is now in a better place amongst his fellow Marines. Semper Fi my friend."
LCpl Adam Beranek of MCAS, Cherry Point, NC/USA

"To Lance Cpl. David K. Fribley and family. You were a man of honour. I am 23 years old I strive to be the kind of person that you were. RIP Marine. Semper Fi."
Mark of UK

"You once said in a letter to me, "I'm loving you," know that the same is true for me. You're in my heart forever."
Your Hawk of West Palm Beach, FL USA

"To the Family of Marine Lance Cpl. David K. Fribley,

May the memories you hold so dear of your son be a source of strength and comfort. Thank you for raising a MAN of integrity, courage, and honor. Your son will not be forgotten.

Respectfully Yours,
Proud Military Family in Southern California"
Sibert Family of Redondo Beach, California

"Words can't express our grief for you and your family. Your son is a hero and we hope you find comfort in knowing that we loved him without ever meeting him. I pray for peace for your family as you go through this tough time. God Bless you all."
DiGiacomo family of Cape Coral, Florida

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrifice will nerver be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. David Fribley:
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 Lance Cpl. David Fribley:
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

"I want to thank you for the sacrafices you made for the freedom of people you never even knew. The military people are true heroes."
Josh of Franktown, Colorado

"Everything I've heard about David exemplifies what an extraordinary person he must have been. I'm sure to the residents of the retirement home he meant the world to them and now through his brave sacrifice and love for this great nation he means the world to all of us. May God hold you and keep you and to your family we give all our love and support."
Jay, Allison and Daniel Buono of Hendersonville, TN

"To the famlies and friends of those that willingly gave their all, so others might someday have the freedom we all hold so dear.We love you,Gods speed,Gods grace.Bless you and your families.The heart of a nation weeps with you for your loss."
The Stewart Family of San Angelo,Texas.

"Thank you Brave Warrior for your sacrifices..for going to a place to help people that could not help themselves...for protecting our freedom. We shall never forget you. RIP Marine...."
The Taylors, USMC of North Carolina