Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To the family of:Richard B.Gienau
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""

"On 29 AUG 09 there will be a memorial dedicated in honor of 2LT Gienau at the University of Northern Iowa for ALL fallen Soldiers. These memorials are set in stone so that we NEVER forget those who sacrificed everything so that we can live in freedom. We will NEVER forget!"
LTC Paul A. McNamara of Camp Dodge, Iowa, USA

"”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 1,600 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- Project Compassion of Manti, Utah USA

"God Bless You and Yours Trooper Gienau"
Colonel Robert Stavnes of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

"January 17, 2009
To the family of 2nd Lt. Richard B. Gienau:
Richard 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

"LT it was an honor serving with you while we were down range in Iraq. You trained us hard to handle the stresses of Combat and you did a great job. You, LT. Gienau will always be in my memories. Hooooah LT !"
Spc. R Gaines of Richland Washington

"It was an honor to know him. His sacrifice to a grateful nation will never be forgotten. More than that, his life and his name will live on through his his son and his friends. Keep the faith and always smile as he did! Hooah"
Paul A. McNamara of Camp Clark, Afghanistan

"I am with the 109th Med BN in Iowa City, IA. I just wanted to let you know how proud of you we are. You and your families are in our prayers.
We miss you."
SGT Camie Van Ginkel of Iowa City, Ia.

"Rest in Peace Brian. You were the best Platoon leader a soldier could ever ask for. To his family, and especially his son, I wish to extend my condolences. Brian was well loved by all of us in 2nd Plt. A Co. 224th. He will not be forgotten."
Spc. J. Edgington, A Co. 224th Eng. Bn., IANG of Burlington, IA

"Brian, you were not only my brother in arms, but my friend. I will forever remember our many talks, and the laughter we shared. I remember giving you a hug goodbye before you left the medical station at Camp Dodge in November, and had I have know it was going to be the last I would have given you another. I miss your laughter, your kind and encouraging words, and that contagious smile of yours. You are gone, but never forgotten. I thank you for your selfless service, you will always be my hero. I send my condolences to your parents and to Katie. I'm glad we had a chance to meet Katie that day at Famous Daves. Brian loved you very much and was proud of you. My heart goes out to the love of Brians life, his beautiful son Keenan. He loved that boy more than life itself. I pray that he will one day know what a wonderful man, friend, and soldier his daddy was. I miss you, Brian."
Spc. Joyce Simpson of Des Moines, IA Camp Dodge

"Rest in Peace Brother, we will never forget...."
Spc. Aaron W. Olson, 224 Eng Bn of Washington, Iowa

"Brian was an outstanding person. The members on the 224th EN BN will never forget him. He always had a smile on his face and a great energy about him. His troops respected him. My condolences go out to his family and his son. Brian was someone you could never forget. Our prayers are with you."
1LT Snead of Ar Ramadi, Iraq

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

"Dear Gienau Family, I was stationed with Brian at Cecil Field, when he was in the Navy, I just recently saw his picture in a Memorial Day tribute in the Marine Corp Times and was truly saddend, as was my wife. I can remember him as a very level headed guy who worked hard and never complained and always seemed ready to give a helping hand. When I showed his picture to my wife she said I remember Brian he was always very sweet. Know that you are in our hearts and prayer's"
Ens Matthew Mravlja and Family of Pensacola Fl

"To the family of Richard B. Gienau:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"Please accept my condolences on the loss of Richard. He was a true American hero, having served in both the Navy and the National Guard. He was helping to keep us free and safe and trying to extend that freedom and safety to others. We, and they, will not forget that. Now, he watches over all of us, still keeping us safe."
Ted Cagley of Pontiac, Illinois

"To Richard's family and friends

I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to you all at this sad time. Richard gave his life for the most noble of causes - so that others may live in freedom. This world is a safer and better place because of Richard's life and work, and we honour him."
A grateful New Zealander of Auckland, New Zealand

"TO THE GIENAU FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE LOST OF RICHARD. WE LOST OUR SON LAST MAY 2004. SO THANKFUL THAT, ALTHOUGH OUR SON'S DIDN'T KNOW ONE ANOTHER. BOTH ARE MILITARY BROTHERS WATCHING EACH OTHERS BACK. RICHARD HAS TOUCHED MANY MANY HEARTS. AN TRUELY, IS A HERO! AN MUCH MOR TOO!. HE IS ONE OF THE ELITE AMERICANS FOR SERVING OUR GREAT COUNTRY. RICHARD WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART ALONG WITH ALL THE FALLEN! GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"I want to send my heartfelt sympathy to Lt. Gienau's family. My little brother was recently killed in Iraq while on patrol. I hope that you have all enjoyed the support that we have received from our community. I have a feeling you did. Our loved ones died heros, and they will not be forgotten. Your family will be my prayers and thought. If you would like to exchange emails, my email is celestialhoney2004@hotmail.com. Again, I am sorry for your please do know many to grieve with you. Thank you and Lt. Gienau for your sacrfice.

sincerely,
Jo Giles (Sister of Pvt. Landon Giles)"
Jo Giles of Bakersfield, CA

"I never got the pleasure of meeting Richard. I wish I did. In 2004 my family and I started a project called Troops Tribute Across Iowa. It was a way to honor our fallen heros of Iowa in our own way. We got permission from the families and placed them on our derby car. If anyone has any information on Richard or his family PLEASE contact me at: queenie_20035@yahoo.com. Please and thank you. God Bless Richard and his Family!!"
Ashley Farrier (TCB Demo) of Washington, Iowa

"I had the privelege of knowing Brian during the time he attended Hawkeye Community College. I assisted him in getting his GI Bill Educ. benefits. He was a favorite of the many students I have worked with over the years. He was so amazingly kind and respectful and I remember his smile that spoke of his sincere love of people. We have set up a scholarship in his honor and hope this speaks well of the good and honorable man he was. He was a good soldier and a man of integrity."
Robin Stock of Waterloo, IA

"There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"I was good friends with Brian while we were together at UNI and serving in the Iowa National Guard. He was great person who I will never forget. I have countless fond memories of talking to him in class and some quieter moments when we really got to know each other. I even remember meeting his son, Keenan, many times in the past. When I heard that he had died, I couldn't believe it. I thought for certain that he would come home safely to his family and friends. I wish that I could have had one more conversation with him. The Lord has you by his side now. Your friends and family will miss you. And I will miss you, too."
2LT Kyle Mahannah of Cedar Falls, Iowa

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

"Thank you Richard Gienau, 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 2nd Lt. Richard Gienau:
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 Richard 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 2nd Lt. Richard Gienau:
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 Richard, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia