Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Fallen but not forgotten. I know that you loved the Army and I will continue to serve in your Honor.
RIP Brother"
MSG Robles, Jesus David of Puyallup, Washington

"Its getting to be that time of year again. May you continue to rest in peace my brother."
Wayne Ashby of Lakebay, WA

"Israel,

I read all of these beautiful messages and memories and I can't help but think of so many of my own with you. I'm positive that there are so many people whose hearts you touched and whom you taught so many great values and lessons to around the world. I was a young JROTC cadet when I met you and I always respected your passion for an elective class to others but a serious role for you and what would soon become your career and devotion. Your ultimate and selfless sacrifice. For this and so many, MANY reasons, my family and I love and thank you. I cannot begin to describe what Memorial day means to me since that fateful day. I will never forget a specific Cadet Challenge in 2000 when you finished running your 400m relay and as tired as you were, you ran across that field when you saw that I felt like dropping that rifle and giving up. You said you were there with me and that you weren't going to allow me to give up. You ran next to me the whole way. Screaming in my ear and reminding me of my strength. I finished with a hero by my side. What a blessing and cherished memory. We also won first place. ;) You also shared your shoulder so many times and your beautiful smile, tight hugs, and that sight of you walking to class down the breezeway with your soccer ball under one arm and your books on the other is unforgettable. The fact that you accomplished so much by simply helping others succeed. A born leader. No one can argue with that. I could name so many more things and memories but I will remember them with a smile on my face instead of tears. Not only did you teach me so many things as an adolescent, but because of you, I have learned and grown a new level of respect for service members. Especially my husband, a US Army soldier. For that, you have gained a special place in my heart and I will keep you there forever. Te quiero mucho y le pido a nuestro Señor que te tenga en su Gloria. Dios te bendiga y bendiga a tu familia, amigos, y compañeros siempre. Thank you for your service.

Con mucho amor y respecto,
Remembering you and celebrating your life on this 2013 Memorial Day and always:

SFC Rivera and Family"
Elina Alejandra Rivera (Torres) of Ft. Sam Houston, Texas - RGV

"Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice."
Lola Herrera of El Paso, TX

"Hijo, Another year gone by since your loss. One year closer to joining you in the fields in Heaven. Family and friends will never forget."
miguel cortez of texas

"To the family of:Isarel Devora Garcia
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""

"Still feel guilty to this day about what happened to you over there. You kept after me to get you enlisted until I finally broke down and took you to join. I still kind of blame myself, but It helps in knowing that the Army is what you wanted and you would have done almost anything to wear that uniform. Trust me Blue, you haven't been forgotten here in El Paso. There is a tank on Ft Bliss dedicated in your memory and this coming April 2nd 2011, the day after a piece of me died in 06 is a bike gathering in your honor. I think it will be the biggest gathering of bikers ever seen here, and the main reason is honoring you. Ride free brother."
SFC (Ret) Shawn Kerker of El Paso, TX

"I would like to thank all of you who left us letters, forgive me but I'm Adrian his baby brother. I know that he will never be forgotten because he was the greatest there was, and not a day goes by that I don't stop thinking about him. Also I wanna thank those who are still out there serving our country my prayers are with all of you."
Adrian Sandoval a.k.a Blue Jr. of Clint, TX 211 Jaguar Ln.

"Once in a while I think of you and remember the good times. I wish that you are still around. Wish you saw how much the world and the people in it change. Regardless you are always remembered and loved. Here's to you I miss you and love you."
Kathryn Virrey of Okinawa Japan

"Hallo mein Schatz, it's your Birthday today and I lighted up a candle for you in church. I miss you so much and no one ever can replace you! You were the best that ever happened to me and I hope you know that! I will never forget you! I love you"
Sandra of Germany

"Sgt Devora was my squad leader and a nco that i have never forgotten he was there for me to pick me up and at times to give me a swift kick in the butt i was there on that day i picked him up when he fell. SGT Devora has forever left an impression on my life now that i am in his position as an nco i have always looked to the memory of him when im faced with decisions"
Sgt Richard Barboa of Fort Bragg NC

"You're in my thoughts all the time. I wish I could tell you how much I miss you. I wish I could've told you how great you are and I still remember when you were waiting to get promoted... I can never forget the letter you wrote me out in Graf... You'll never be forgotten.."
Vivian Lee of Athens, OH

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Kenna of Manti

"To this day, I still think of you. Virrey brings you up sometimes too. I miss hanging out with you."
Roo HHC 2/1 AD of Baumholder, DE

"Sarge, see you on the High ground. SCOUTS OUT!!!"
SFC Eric N. Swearingen of Ft.Riley Kansas. USA

"January 11, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Israel Devora Garcia:
Israel 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

"In the Army you run into good Soldiers and good people all the time. But its rare when you meet someone who is equally a good Soldier and a great person. Israel was my gunner during his first OIF tour. I can't think of my time in Iraq without remembering him. My buddy SFC Eric Swearingen and I put up a memorial every Memorial Day in Abilene, KS in his memory. It was an honor to him."
SFC Ricardo Saspe of Butler, PA

"We will miss you bro. You where a good man and a equaly good NCO"
SGT. Mcleod Mark of santa clara, ca

"I drove Sgt Devora From camp beuhring, Kuwait to Camp Falcon Iraq. And went on several patrols with him. i didn't know him long but he was a good NCO and i'm gonna miss him."
Carlos Pupo of Los Angeles

"Israel,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldier who was also killed in that blast for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I am from Horizon City and I attended your funeral in Clint-there were at least a couple hundred people there and members of the Patriot Guard as well-it was a very impressive turnout.

"Unity Is Strength"(6th Inf. Motto)"

"Devo, you were and still are a great trooper. I'll see you at Fiddlers' Green. SOLAMF."
SSG Christopher Cruse of Formally of Ft. Riley KS

"may you rest in peace. We all miss you in Clint. You were a great role model. We all love you so much. Your family and you will always be in my prayers"
Brenda Rivera of Clint, Tx. USA

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

"My sincerest condolences on the loss of your loved one. God bless your family and may He give you the strength needed to face the road ahead.

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

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