Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"While I have never forgot my extended family the Gils. I have never let go of Carlos in my mind and heart. Crazy that Im in Iraq just returning from a convoy while Im typing this message years after you were taken from us. This guy and his family are a blessing to have shared memories with. I still remember when you moved to Florida and all the crazy times with Ernest, David and all the rest of the guys. Those days have long pasted but never forgotten. The month of Feb. will never be the same for me. Your Birthday and mine were only 3 days apart. I'll never forget the call I got from my brother Ernest the 19th of Feb in the Bronx thinking he was wishing me a early happy birthday but rather the sad news. This month is my 9/11. I will never forget.
To the Gils (Mom,Dad,Karla,Jose and Edger),
I love you guys and thank you for being that family all of us needed. I will miss you cousin.. ALWAYS!"
Sgt. Rosa, Steven of Aco 121BSB FOB HUNTER IRAQ

"I served with Spc. Gil in 2/2 Het. By far he was the nicest guys one would ever meet. The Lord will enjoy his company. He has a sence of humor like no other. On top of that he was honest and a hard worker. We could only pray for more soldiers to be like this man. May God Bless anyone who had the oportunity to know this great man!"
SGT Sipp of Fort Hood, Texas

"I was stationed at LSA Adder, I am a chaplain's assistant. I was present when Carlos was loaded on a transport to go home for the last time. We took good care of him, and honored him well. I will never forget him, nor those that took care of him. Thank you for your gift to us all, Carlos...the gift of freedom."
MSgt Greg Volkman of Travis AFB, CA

"To the family of Sgt Gil
Although I didn't have the honor of knowing Carlos in his daily life since we were not in the same unit, I was honored though to have been able to pay my last respects to him on 18 Feb 2005. I was part of the convoy security detail that took Carlos' unit to their destination that dreadful day. I was also part of the group of men that escorted and carried Carlos out of the wreckage and into one of his soldier's vehicle. I can tell you that carrying him away was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do but you must also know that the group of us who carried Carlos did it with every ounce of compassion, love and care that could be mustered in such a difficult moment, I also would want you to know that even though we were walking in that piece of highway half way on the other side of the world that we gave our utmost highest level of honor and respect to our fallen brother. On that day I found a new hero and his name was Carlos Gil. Escorting Carlos that day has become a memory that will remain with me until the day I die. To this day I still often think back on that day and wonder about his family and can't imagine what impact loosing Carlos must have had on you so on this Memorial Day I needed to share my heart with you and tell you that Carlos is not forgotten and never will be. Sometimes I feel as I did know him..........so his memory will always remain with me. "Semper Fi""
MSgt Giuliano Guevara USMC (ret) of Grayson, GA

"To the wife of SGT Carlos J. Gil, I hope and pray you can find some sense of peace in your loss. I was a SSG, squad leader in 2PLT with 377th Trans I still find myself thinking of the quite professional and miss him dearly I only hope you are coping okay. I know it is extremely difficult at time and my prayers are with you. God Bless you and Take Care"
SFC Flynn, of Q-West, Iraq

"January 17, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Carlos J. Gil:
Carlos 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

"Sgt Gill, thank you for that great sacrifice that you made in protecting our future. The most honorable thing on earth that could have been done. You knew my brother Sgt Matthew Tucker at Fort Riley Kansas. I have also met you at his wedding. I have always heard awesome things about you brother. I know that you are resting in a better place than this world. thank you for you service to our country. My prayer go to your family and the loved ones that you left behind. God Bless them and may the good lord bless each and everyone of you. AMEN. Thanks Gill. Mark Tucker Army Recruit E3 Shipping Jan 6 2009, Chaplins Assistant."
Mark Tucker of BG, Kentucky

"dang dude, i miss you so much! It was funnyto see you when you were in 2nd het and then to come back to iraq in 377th. Long convoys and trips to the dfac on that little bus. It felt like we sat there all day waiting on darn bus.I love you like a brother... you are my brother. I think about you everyday man, i mean it. It just didn't seem right for them to send you over there so darn much man. You are by far, the best soldier i have ever served with. your brother sgt. mac"
SGT Matthew Mcleroy of mannhiem, germany

"Gil, I to this day think about you, I talk to my kids about the person you were, and i let them know that you were the model human being. I still think back to the 17 feb. 05 when my truck was hit, and you were the first one to check on me. I asked you what was goin on and how the fam was doin, and you gave me the usual response, "chillin". Man, I was real proud of you when we got our stripes in germany. I talk to my soldiers about you, and they all know about you. You will always be missed, loved, and never forgotten. De Corazon. Que Dios te Bendiga."
SGT Jimenez,Anthony of KAF Afghanistan 2/2 INF.

"Thank you all for taking time to remember my brother and his memories. He is certainly missed dearly as Im sure you all have spent wonderful memories with him as well. He was a vibrant spirit. When I think of him I think of his big welcoming smile. He was gentle,kind and courages person. We truly miss you brother and we all are still suffering your departure...."
Karla Michelle Gil (Sister) of Orlando, FL 23825

"To the Family of SGT Gil, Thank you for allowing us to have him for the short time we had him. I enjoyed being around him, He had a smile out of this World. To this day I still see that smile I am back in Iraq and in the same building i still remember were he sleep. I just like to say thanks Gil for everything. I will see you again."
SSG Deleston, David of FT Bliss, TX

"I SERVED WITH SGT GIL IN 2/2 COMBAT HET AT FT. RILEY KANSAS, WE SPENT FOUR YEARS TOGETHER AS BROTHERS IN ARMS. I WAS IN TAJI IRAQ WITH 1452ND COMBAT HET CO. WHEN THE 377TH TRANS UNIT CAME INTO RELIEVE US TO RETURN HOME UPON COMPLETION OF OUR TOUR IN COMBAT. I SAW GIL AND VISITED WITH HIM A WEEK BEFORE THE TRAGEDY. SGT GIL WILL LIVE IN MY HEART EVERDAY THAT GOES BY. THE SHOWTRUCK THAT I HAVE BUILT WAS BUILT IN DEDICATION AND REMEBRANCE OF HIS SACRAFICE. THE VERY FIRST MODIFACATIONS WERE PERFORMED WHILE GIL AND I WERE CURRENTLY STILL IN FT. RILEY IN HIS GARAGE ON POST. I RECENTLY HAD ATTENDED AT CAR SHOW LOCALLY HERE IN NORTH CAROLINA THAT WAS IN SUPPORT OF THE HOMES FOR TROOPS, THE TRUCK AND I WERE AWARDED THE HOMES FOR THE TROOPS THREE PILLAR TROPHY FOR HIS DEDICATION, SACRAFICE, AND REMEBRANCE. THIS TRUCK WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY FAMILY AS AN ICON OF HIS HONOR. I LOVE YOU GIL

SGT TUCKER AND FAMILY"
SGT TUCKER AND FAMILY of YOUNGSVILLE, NC

"My thoughts and prayers are still with the Gil family.He was a cool guy and I will never forget him."
SPC Chuck Kelly of BIAP,Iraq

"Carlos-Thank you for everything you've done....I'm gonna miss you bro and all those times you,Jose,me and Sonny used to
hang out and get into trouble...I hope your family is well and doing fine....
I love you Man......hold it down till I get there...."
Jason Priest of Orlando Fl

"GIL I HAVE A PICTURE FRAMED OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT MY WEDDING RECEPTION. THERE ISNT A DAY THAT GOES BY THAT I DONT THINK OF YOU MAN. IVE SHED MANY TEARS FOR THE LOSS OF A TRUE AND GREAT FRIEND. WE LOVE YOU MAN AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS, I STILL GOT THE TRUCK, IVE FINISHED IT IN HONOR OF YOU MAN, LOVE YOU BRO."
SGT TUCKER of YOUNGSVILLE, NC

"Gil, im glad to see that so many people remember you. remember when we started basic training, and all you wanted to do was talk to your wife, and get some bacardi? we stayed in trouble man, but those were the days. when we got to AIT, we had alot of fun, waiting for orders to korea, when none of us really wanted to go. but we stuck it out and went anyway. then when we met back up in 2004 in tikrit, it was good to see a familiar face. but then you went to mannheim and i went back to graf. when i came back, i saw crump. you were the first name he said when we spoke. Me and Walker put you on our forearm in your memory, we will never forget you "G". I pray that your family is doing fine. I know that you're looking out for them, and the rest of us here. we miss you man, and hopefully we will meet again. much love carlos."
felipe sanders of Philadelphia, PA. U.S.A.

"Gil you will be missed and even though your gone and i feel at times i wont have you to sit and talk to i know you can still hear me thanks for being there much love (STORM RIDERS)"
SPC Ross,Micheal of Chicago,IL

"To the family of:Carlos J. Gil 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"

"SGT Gil was a very close to me and my family. I can remember clearly the fun times my family spent with him his wife farah and their beautiful daughter. I can remember when we came from Iraq the first time then shortly after loading back on to those same buses going back. I stare at the pictures and would have never thought that losing a friend in battle was so real. My heart goes out to his wife and daughter. Gil has become a Hero to me. I could not have asked for a more wonderful friend. Keep heavens gates gaurded for me my friend until I see you again."
SSG Guillermo & Jeanette Rivera of Fort Benning, GA.

"I REMEBERED WHEN WE FIRST MET IN OIF 1
AT CAMP SPEICHER.THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHICH SQUAD TO PUT YOU IN SO I SCOOPED
YOU UP. YOU BASICLY STAYED TO YOURSELF
AND YOU WERE SO QUIET.I JUST CAME OVER
TO YOU AND SAID,I'LL TAKE YOU.SINCE THEN I'M GLAD I PICKED YOU UP.IT WAS A
GANG OF YALL THAT CAME IN AND YOU WERE
LIKE THE FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK. WHEN WE GOT BACK TO GERMANY,WE GOT TO TALK A
LITTLE BIT.I WAS GLAD WHEN YOU GOT
PROMOTED TO E-5.I KNEW YOU WOULD MAKE AN OUTSTANDING NCO.YOU WERE ONE OF THE
ONES THAT MADE THE SQUAD WHERE EVERYONE
WANTED TO BE IN OUR SQUAD.SINCE 18 FEB, I LOOK DOWN THE SQUAD AND NOTICE YOU ARE NOT THERE, AND CRUMP.TIL THIS
DAY I FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENED THAT DAY. THE REASON BEING IS
I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE PROTECTED IN THE
UP ARMORED HET.I'M SORRY I COULDN'T
PROTECT YOU.OUT OF ALL THE SOLDIERS I
HAD I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD LOSE ONE.I
WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE AND MOBBDEEP
MISSESYOU:SGT WOODBERRY,SGT SNETHEN,SGT
PEARCE,SSG SCHLUCKBIER,SGT WHITE,SGT CASTILLO,BUI,EDMONDS,DILLING,LUCAS,AND
CRUMP.I WROTE THE FAMILY A LETTER BUT I
DIDNT SEND IT OFF BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT
TO BRING BAD MEMORIES.ON THAT RIGHT THERE I DIDN'T WANT TO DISRESPECT
IN ANY WAY. WHEN OR IF THEY READ THIS
I HOPE THEY UNDERSTAND. NOT ONLY DID I
LOSE A SOLDIER.I LOST A FRIEND AND A
BROTHER.I GOTTA TATTOO ON MY RIGHT FORE
ARM OF A SET OF ID TAGS WITH YOUR NAME
IN THEM.I WAS ON THE HEAVY BAG IN IRAQ
AND I HIT A WHOLE LOT HARDER THAN MY
LEFT.I'M GLAD I GOT TO BE YOUR SQUAD
LEADER.ALSO I'M GLAD I HAD YOU IN MY
SQUAD.MUCH LOVE AND I'LL SEE YOU WHEN I
GET THERE."
SSG JONES,ANDRE of MANNHEIM,GERMANY

"Carlos it seems like yesterday we were joking around back at FT. Riley and then you left. When i arrived in Germany there you were standing in my formation i thought you were following me you always had a smile on your face and was such a happy person and that is the way people will remember you. That day on the convoy really hit me hard there isnt a day that goes by that i dont think about you and your family. Your daughter will grow up and know what a wonderful daddy she has and what a hero he is. I just want to tell your family im sorry everyone that was there to help that day did all they could i promise. We know you are in a better place and will see you when we get there. You are truely missed!!!! we love you."
SGT Snethen & Family of Mannheim, Germany 377th

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

"Thank You to all who have left a message. It means a lot to our family."
Jose A Gil(Brother) of Orlando ,Florida

"A TRUE HERO WITH HIS BOOTS ON!!!! YOU WILL FOREVER BE APART OF OUR LIVES. MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY AND LOVED ONES. FARRAH QUE DIOS TE GUARDE SIEMPRE Y TE BENDIGA. GOD BLESS YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER AND THE WOMEN SHE WILL ONE DAY BE. STAND PROUD AND KNOW YOUR DADDY IS A TRUE AMERICAN HERO WHO WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN OUR HEARTS. HE WILL ALWAYS SHINE AND HIS MEMORY WILL ALWAYS LIVE ON. CARLOS JAVIER GIL THANK YOU FOR OUR FREEDOM.YOU WILL FOREVER BE APART OF OUR 377 STORMRIDERS FAMILY THANK YOU."
YOLANDA RODRIGUEZ of MANNHEIM,GERMANY

"Nunca voy a olvidar te! I have been thinking of you since the accident. I sometimes wish I could have taken your place so you could be with your wife and daughter instead of waiting on them in Heaven. Much love is sent your way and I wish your family my deepest condolences. You will continue to live through my scars until I can meet you in Heaven.

1LUV Crump, E"
Eric Crump of Brooke Army Medical Centre, San Antonio Texas

"To the Gil family: I served with SGT Gil at Fort Riley with 2/2 HET. He was a great friend and an excellent soldier. We deployed together the first time he went over. It seems like yesterday we were out at his truck joking and carrying on. It tears at my heart to know he is gone. He always gave 110%. Gil we miss you bro!"
SPC. Griffin J./ Maintenance Platoon of 2/2 HET

"To the gil family:
Sgt Gil was an outstanding soldier. We know he is in a better place. we love and miss him dearly. we will always remember him."
1st platoon, 377th Trans Co. of Taji, Iraq

"To farrah and the gil family. Carlos was very dear to us all and the good memories will last forever. He gave his life for all of us and for that I will always honor him. He will always be with us in our hearts and minds. He is in a better place now so let that lighten the load of sorrow. As his best friend the times we spent together will live forever."
David Taveras of casselberry,fl.

"To farrah and the gil family. Carlos was very dear to us all and the good memories will last forever. He gave his life for all of us and for that I will always honor him. He will always be with us in our hearts and minds. He is in a better place now so let that lighten the load of sorrow. As his best friend the times we spent together will live forever."
David Taveras of casselberry,fl.

"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

"Thank you brave american Soldier.
Thank you for save the freedom of the whole world.
Thank you from Germany
You are my Hero
Thank you from Ute of Ramstein/Germany"

"To the Gil family and friends, Please accept our most sincere condolences. We share in your pain and sorrow at this time. Trust in Jesus."
Webster and Ruth Reed (Parents of Jonathan Ray Reed who died in Iraq on January 28, 2005) of Krotz Springs, LA

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

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