Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"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"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

""To the family of Cory Ryan Geurin ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"WE ARE FAMILY TO YOUR FRIEND, KURT FROM SANTEE. WE ARE A MARINE CORPS FAMILY. WE HONOR YOU AND WE KNOW THE MANY SACRIFICES THAT YOU MADE AS A MARINE. FROM WHAT KURT TELLS US ABOUT YOU CORY, WE FEEL AS IF WE KNOW YOU. YOU ARE LOVED BY KURT AND HE MISSES YOU AND WE ARE TRYING TO HELP HIM WITH YOUR LOSS. WE HAVE LOST PEOPLE ALSO IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ. SO, WE CRY AND REMEMBER ALL OF YOU HEROES. KURT, REMEMBERS ALL OF THE FUN TIMES THAT YOU ALL HAD SINCE YOU TWO WERE 2 YEARS OLD. NOW,IF THAT ISN'T ALONG TIME FRIENDSHIP.... WOW!!!
YOU KNOW THAT KURT LOVES YOU AND MISSES YOU, I BELIEVE THAT YOU WATCH OUT FOR KURT AND YOU KNOW HIS BUSINESS AND WHAT HE IS UP TO. HE SAYS THAT " HE WILL SEE YOU ONE DAY AGAIN BRO'." RIP DEVIL DOG AND SEMPER FI. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE.
IN LOVING MEMORY....

KURT NARE,CANDICE GILTNER AND
SSgt.GILTNER AND VICTORIA GILTNER

SEMPER FIDELIS MARINE...... WE LOVE YOU.
SSgt."
KURT NARE AND THE GILTNER'S of SANTEE, CA.

"Cory was nothing short of an amazing person. I was a freshman at West Hills when he was a senior. My mom (the school nurse) and I went to a lot of his wrestling meets. Cory was a leader on and off the mat, and he was always a protector. He treated everyone with respect, and was a role model for more people than we will ever know. I know I was one of many people who looked up to him. He went out of his way all the time to make sure that everyone was doing well. I know I didnt know him as well as many other people who have posted here, but I was lucky enough to have met him. Cory, you will forever be missed."
Katie Farra of El Cajon, CA

"Brother,

I gotta tell you man, I miss you. I'm so sorry. I should have been up there with you. I can't believe it's been almost 6 years. I still carry your picture from the day before when you kept stealing my gatorade bottle. It stays in my wallet all the time. I'm sorry I haven't come out to see you yet. I don't know if I can go. You know what I mean. Thanks for being my friend. I don't know of any better. I'll see ya bro."
Adam Hand of Abingdon, Maryland

"RIP Brother. Please watch over Scotty for me. We miss you more then anything. Thanks for all you did Corey."
Anna of Santee

"Cory,

Thanks for our Freedom.
I Honor you."
JC of Alpine,CA

"June 9, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Cory Ryan Geurin:
Cory 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

"Miss you!!!"
Jenny of Santee, Ca

"Semper Fi!"
GySgt Jay Mattice of Buffalo, NY

"Hey brother, I just wanted to say how proud I am of you. I talked to you a week before you fell and I can remember the whole conversation. You said you would come back and visit me in 3 months and that you didn't care what my dad said. You may have only been my half brother and we may not have been that close before you went to Iraq but you have no idea how much I looked forward to your calls. I dont know what you would say about me joining the Marines here in 6 months but I am sure that you would be as proud of me as I was of you. I love you, and you will never be forgotten."
Charles D. Smith of Sherman Texas

"Geurin,
Words can not express how I feel about what happened to you that morning you fell from the pallace roof. Every day I asked God why I wasnt beside you at that very moment to grab you as you fell from the ledge. I just want you to know that I love you as a brother and you were the best team leader I ever had. SEMPERFI

To Geurins Father and Mother,
I want you to know he was by far the best Marine I ever served with. He was my fire team leader till the day he passed. I want you to know that I am so sorry about what happened to Geurin. I also want to thank you for giving me the chance to serve with such a great person. God Bless."
CPL Fay, Timothy S. of Melbourne, FL/Brevard County

"Just wanted to say I still wear your hero bracelet and am happy to honor your memory. Thank you for your service."
Holly of Roseburg Oregon USA

"hey i never knew you but i know a friend of yours. megan has told me so much about you. i feel almost as if i know you. i myself am a marine and know what you sacrificed. you are what makes america great. i hope all is well where ever you are. god bless and semper fi"
LCPL Justin Killgore of Kings bay, ga

"A War Not By The Gun


A shot of a gun A loss of a life
All because a war came a flight
But never to think any other way
would bring a friend down all in the same way
Friends still cry
The nation still mourns
Now not for the solder that was torn
But for a man who loved his country
No matter how you die in a war
It's considered as the same
You are a hero to everyone just in your own way
You might not have died from the bullet of another's gun
But you didn't run
Never did you hide from your job you were sent to do
We only have faith in everything you do
But now that you're gone
Our love won't disappear
We now love you more then it could ever appear
Faith keeps us together Love keeps us strong
All because of you we are as one"
marley of el cajon ca

"He was like a big brother to me and he has remained in my heart and the hearts of so many other people that he touched. You are greatly missed, but never forgotten! OOH RAH!!!!"
Megan Fedeli of San Diego

"Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Semper Fi and God Bless"
Jenn of San Diego, California

"Cory was by far the most awesome person i have ever known. He always worked hard at what he did, form little league baseball all the way throught high school Cory always had to perfect himself to be great at whatever he did. I love Cory for who he was and what he stood for..... FREEDOM. My heart still goes out to his family and friends. I cant wait to be with you again brother!!"
John Klemenz of Santee, CA- Phoenix, AZ

"OOH RAH, JARHEAD, OOH RAH!"
Joe Clingan of El Cajon, CA

"Remebering a soldiers dream
remember not my name,
but my mission.
remember not the pain,
but the hope.
remember not my bravery,
but my willingness.
remember not my anger,
but my joy in God.
remember not that I had cried,
but that I had laughed.
remember not that I had died,
but I had lived... the American dream."
A friend of Santee, CA USA

"Life for my family will never be the same- It has taken me until this time to leave a message here. I am so glad to have had Cory in my families lives. He will forever be in our hearts-forever! I often talk about Cory with my son's and I often find them reflecting on memories of Cory. Our hearts will forever ache, everyday, but for Cory we will go on. Thanks to all who serve and their families- Keep the faith"
Cara Smith of Former Santee- Current Columbia MO

"* YOU .. YOU DID THE RIGHT THING!! YOU *IN GRUNTR... I CRY EVERY YEAR BECAUSE OF YOUR *!! LOVE YOU MAN"

"I dont think i met anybody like him. He was the person that I always admired when I was in elementry and he was in high school with my old brother Ryan Kagiwada. Cory had a strong personality and I could never get tired of being in his presence. God bless Cory's family and the rest of the men and women serving in the war."
Tyler of Santee, CA CO,MO

"To all that have left messages on this website, God Bless and thank you. I am just now able to read the messages that have been left. I didn't realize how many lives Cory touched in his all to short life. We always knew he was special, but hearing from you all makes us even more proud.
Many of you are familiar, you have been in our home as a friend to our son. I will always cherish those memories of , wrestling matches, little league baseball and making pancakes on Saturday morning for whoever Cory happen to invite over.

Cory was our pride and joy, our life. These last two years without him have been a nightmare. But it is people like you who help ease that pain and help us remember that he died doing what he wanted to do, being a Marine and defending our country. He made a difference in the world both here at home and in Iraq. We are reminded that his dad and I are not the only ones grieving for him. We are reminded that there are people in this country who are thankful for the job he did and the sacrifice he made and the sacrifice other young people continue to make by serving their country.

TO his military friends I say GOd Bless you for your bravery,honor and committment. May he keep you safe and return you unharmed to the arms of your mother and father and the people who love you.

Semper Fi and God Bless
Mrs. Darlene Geurin
Cory's mom"
Darlene Geurin of Santee, CA, USA

"I am sorry about your loss. Just remember to never lose hope and to keep going in life. May God bless you!!!"
Cassie of Bridgeport, Texas

"I heard of a site called herobracelets.org. they put the name, rank, date of passing and branch of service on a black bracelet. I ordered two and cory is one of them, my wife is wearing cory's bracelet. I want corys family to know that their sons life and service will always be remembered and honored by myself and my wife."
clinton and holly waddell of roseburg, or

"To Cory's Mom and Dad;
I am saddened greatly after hearing of the death of your son. My son, Aaron just found out last week and relayed the news to me. I do not claim to know the anguish and grief that you have felt and are still feeling as a result of Cory's passsing. I do know that Cory touched my life and was a pleasure to have around. Aaron and he spent countless hours together playing and goofing off, as young boys. Aaron sure enjoyed being at your house. I will be praying for you and the family. May God comfort you and bless you. "No greater love hath a man then he give up his life for a friend"."
Mark Luhr of Santee, Ca

"I was Cory's best friend from childhood...We were pretty much brothers. We somewhat lost contact on behalf of living far from each other. I just recently found out about his death. He was one of the best friends I have ever had. The world is a worse place without him. He was a good man with a lot of dedication for whatever he was doing."
Aaron Luhr of El Cajon, Ca

"I didn't know Cory but he is greatly missed, I lost my brother-in law in November 2003.We love you and you are deeply missed."
Antoinette Brooks of Stone Mountain, Georgia

"I had the wonderful opportunity to live with Cory and his famliy for a short time the summer after our graduation from High school. They treated me just like I was part of the family. I had some of the best times of my life that summer. Cory was such an awesome guy! He always knew how to make me laugh! I just wish that I could have told him that I'm sorry for how I treated him shortly before and during boot camp..... I hope he knew how much I care for him. I hope his family knows how much I care for them too. Cory is truely my Hero."
Taylor Looney-Roberts of Santee, Ca

"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.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, 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

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

"Lance had good reports from all of his comanding officers like that he never was getting in trouble. One of his buddies from boot camp in McAllen, Texas said that he really put his life to the marines."
7th grade Student of Barker Middle School

"I have never meet Cory or his family but I am fighting for the same thing he was in the US Army I lost friends of my own in this war. Even though I have never meet Cory I consider him a lost brother in arms. I would like thank Cory and his family for their love and dedication to this GREAT country. God bless you!"
ARMY Pfc Joseph Perry of Alpine, CA

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

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

"To the Family of Cory Ryan Geurin, We miss Cory. I don’t’ think there is a day when we don’t think of him and you, sometimes the pain can be overwhelming, but Cory provides us with inner strength, we knew him, and in knowing him he wouldn’t allow anyone around him to be unhappy. He would do something to get a smile out of you. Cory was A Good Man, A Good Marine and A Good Son. It has been an honor to know him and the both of you. He brought so much joy when he would drop by for his regular visits and give the Cory updates. He was a Gift from God who touched so many lives in ways we will never understand. He gave his physical being in support of a just and honorable cause. We believe his sprit is still with us. As the rain touches our face, a cool breeze by our ear a bright beautiful butterfly lands and allows us to see its splendor in the cascading sunshine. Just as Cory appreciated these small gifts. Cory’s graciousness his tenderness and his true inner love for his family, friends and comrades shown were ever he was. His sprit will live with us forever for if a man is remembered his sprit shall live forever."
The Strouse Family of Santee, CA

"Fighting side by side with Cory in Iraq is something I will never forget, he made my job as squad leader much easier.
Cory had a drive inside him that enabled him to be the best, and to demand the best from his marines. He had things that you can't teach; character, honor, and selfless love for his brothers. I had a chance to talk with him a couple nights before he fell, and I am thankfull that we were able to talk as friends and brothers as opposed to senior and junior. He did a great job and I never really told him that until that night, and I want to tell his family that we did all we could and that he was my right hand man.
I love cory like a little brother and as a peer, but also as a marine. To those who don't know him, it is too bad.
He was a stone in all of our ponds, and the ripples from that stone continue to touch all of us. Cory wrote a quote on his post, " I shall not fear death, for it is a part of life. " To a great man and friend.. Semper Fidelis,
Cpl Jake Thomas, baker co. 1/7 1st sqd ldr..."
jake thomas of 29 palms, CA, USA

"Cory Geurin was a great friend to have, always made me laugh in class. I just found out today that he passed. Cory well always be in my heart.To Cory parents my condolences go to you.I will never forget all the good times we had during high school. love you"
Joey Hornberger of San Diego

"I've never met L.CPL Geurin, but I had the honor to meet his father today as he brought L.CPL Geurin's best friend and sister to visit him at the cemetery. As his father spoke to me, I was very touched and wished I'd met his son. Mr. Geurin, a man I had never met before, was filled with so much love as he hugged me goodbye. After his family left I decided to go look for L.CPL Geurin's resting place and pay my respects. Miraculously I was lead right to it. As an Honor guard member I attend many funerals, but the short conversation I had with Mr. Geurin about his son will stay with me forever. He told me to do him a favor, to hug all my love ones before I leave on my call of duty. I realized something so simple can be so meaningful. Mr. Geurin do me a favor, and continue to spread the love and memory you have for your son. Your son and your words will always be with me. All our soldiers just want to be appreciated, loved, and remembered. L.CPL Cory Geurin I hope I have the honors of meeting you someday. Semper Fi."
SPC Abraham, E. of San Diego, Ca/USA

"Thank you Cory Geurin, 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

"I saw someone running the Philadelphia Marathon in honor of Cory Geurin so I looked up the details. Cory, thank you from a civilian enjoying freedoms you laid down your life for."
of Washington, DC

"One day towards graduation at SOI I was by myself on the rack, just thinking a lot, feeling not so good. All of a sudden a MARINE from the same barracks walked up to me, he asked me if I was thinking about the war, I told him yes, I dont recall in exact words what he said after that, probably, "dont worry im with you" something of that meaning, but somehow that moment meant SO MUCH to me. The Marine was Guerin. Didnt hang out or talked to him that much. I talked to him enough to know that he's a Californian like me, and a little bit about libo etc. Heard that he died when I was in Iraq, But if his family, friends, or whoever that knows this man is reading this. Just want to tell you that he's a good MARINE, and I'll always remember the MAN. With all respect, rest in peace brother. Semper Fi."
LCPL KAMLANGEK of Valencia, CA

"I went to boot camp with Geurin (PLT 2102) and to SOI with him (Delta Co.). I can tell you, nothing meant more to Geurin than being a Marine, and doing his job.
He was a professional at what he did, had great honor, courage, and commitment to being a Marine and a defender of our nation.
From the first time I met him in boot camp, I knew this was an exceptional Marine. He gave his life for us, and for other Marines.
Semper Fi Geurin and Oooo Rah"
LCpl Vargas, A of McAllen, TX

"There is no need 2 worry;) "The overall situation in Iraq is improving daily" president bush... how fast... as much as possible."

"Cory was a excellent Marine and an awesome friend. I went to the School of Infantry with him. We hung out all the time when we got done training. One of the best times of SOI was at his house. God Bless. He died doing what he loved to do, defending his country. SEMPER FI and GODSPEED--Lcpl HIRSCH, SCOTT U.S.M.C."
Lcpl Hirsch, Scott pfchirsch@mail.marinecorps.com of Kingsbay, GA USMC INFANTRY

"I would like to thank you for allowing my son into your lives and giving him a younger brother that he always wanted. They had such great times together and Cory taught him a lot. Wrestling was a great time for them both including Prom, Graduation and the girls at the beach. Cory's smile and great outlook on life will be missed greatly. Thank you again for having such a beautiful son and sharing him with many others."
Debbie Timmons Proud Mother of AIC Marc N Major & Sgt Ricardo Meza III of Windsor, CA

"Cory was my best friend. I lived with him and his parents for the end part of my senior year. He taught me more than he could have ever known. He was like my other brother and I loved him like he was blood. I will miss him greatly and cherish every moment we spent together Prom, Graduation and of course Christmas. I miss you bro rest in peace."
A1C Marc N. Major of Deployed-Pakistan

"Marine Lance Cpl. Cory Ryan Geurin

This is the young man that we lost.

No words can tell more than those that Cory’s Sister said durning his service. “(There are many here today some that knew Cory, and others that did not, for those that did not know him I am sorry, and those that did)”-
Well I can say I was one of the lucky ones that had the honor of knowing him. Cory was an incredible Energy- fun loving -up beat and always had a smile on his face, a beam of sunshine in the lives of all that knew him.
He will be so missed by all, for to know Cory, was to love Cory- God Bless You CORY! For you will always be remembered.
To my Son, and all of Cory’s friends, Remember his smile remember how it would make you smile, remember laughing together as you were clowning around, Remember how Proud and Grand he would walk around. What an honor it is to have spent time with him, Remember the person he was to you, And learn from the person he had become. He will live in our Hearts always.
To his parents -there are no words that can express comfort to you both at this time, with your tragic loss, my heart goes out to you.

Cory makes us all proud to be AMERICANS!!!!!"
Pam Humphries (John Klemenz) of Santee, CA/USA

"To the Family you are in my prayers...May God bless you. I do want to say it was a honor to have him in our military Thanks for serving our country"
Stacey (Proud Army Wife) of Zephyrhills,Florida

"I don't know what to say except I think it's important to acknowledge the sacrifice Cory made. My heart goes out to his family and friends. He won't be forgotten. May God bless and offer you comfort."
Kellie

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Cory Geurin:
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 Cory 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. Cory Geurin:
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 Cory, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia