Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"From me and the "Mexican Mafia" we misssed you and let your soul rest in peace. But you will never be forgotten. I still miss all the jokes you used to make with us when we deployed to Iraq. I remeber you cutting everyones hair in the tint in camp coyote. I still remeber all the jokes we used to make to each other....We will miss you....Your friend and fellow Devil Dog!!!
Cpl Lemus"
Cpl Lemus of Bellflower CA

"January 19, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Jose Franci Gonzalez-Rodriguez:
Jose 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

"God Bless you"
Matthew Roediger of St.Louis, Missouri

"JOSE I MISS U N I WILL ALWAYS REMEBER U"
FABIOLA of EL MONTE CA

"Jose,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other Marine who was also killed in that explosion for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, loved ones, and fellow Marines, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"Gonzo was one of the few Marines that I kept in close relation to. I guess I can say that we started out in the Marine Corps together. I was with Gonzo throughout his Marine Coprs career except for his time in boot camp. I went to MCT, MOS school and even checked into the same unit at the same time. I probably wont be wrong when I say that I was one of his closer buddies in the M.C. I remember one time when I wanted to punch him because he was drunk and was making a fool of himself. I wanted other Marines to see the goods sides of him and not just his bad.

I remember Gonzo today as a Marine that fell down at the start of the race but learned how to pick himself and continue on with the race. He was alway full of joy and brought smiles to everyone around him. I really do miss him."
Sgt Chae of CA

"He was my best friend, he was like my brother, from cerritos san luis potosi, i remember Jose as if he was still here with us. i work around norwak area close to his home and every day i drive by i rember him.
i would like to say hello to his parents .
so if any one can give me their address i would greately apreciate it. my email address is gonzalezramosre@gmail.com
sincerely LCPL Gonzalez-ramos"
reyes gonzalez of santa ana california

""I had the great priviledge of being the butt of some of Jose's jokes. He was always full of humor, and never let the elements that we were in affect him. Even though it's been a couple of years since, not a day goes by that I don't think of him. I know that all the guys on force protection felt the same empty feeling in their stomach that I felt that day. But I also know that he is in a better place and in god's hands."
Gerardo Garcia usmc of West Chicago/Norwalk IL/CA

""Gonzo" as we called him was one of the most positive Marines out there I worked with him day in and day out until we got deployed, when I heard we were going I was scared as hell but he was all about guts and glory "hell yeah this is what I signed up for" he would say. He was the only one that was excited about going, once our unit was given the order to leave we had a formation and our Officer told us "one of you guys may not come back maybe even some of you, but remeber everything that was taught to you and we will see each other again" we looked at each other and nobody could picture any of us not coming back. We both left at the same time but went to different units. Three months before we were home we got the word. He had died. It hit home real quick, how will his parents react as he was the only son and the oldest (19). I can only reminice about all those times we would run to work in the morning because we were gonna be late,or when we were at work and his mom would call to check up on him and they gave me the phone cause I spoke Spanish and they had no clue what his mom was saying,we got on him for that, or when we would borrow peoples cars so that we could come home,he would drop me off and he would go home, or how he would walk around the barracks with his "ghetto,tire guaraches", "I'm proud of being Mexican y que?",or when we went to the chow hall only on Mexican Wednesday because that's the only time he liked to go. Our friend Garza who was his roomate took it the hardest he was a mess for weeks,Garza carries you with him I think you know that. His presance was enough to lighten the room he was always cracking jokes. On this Memorial day I want the family to know that he is not forgotten , his friend Recinos has a tatoo with the traditional Marine rifle upside down in his memory, and many of his other friends carry him with them. I was honored to be his friend even if it was cut short. Much respects to the family that raised such an all around good son,Marine,and Friend"
Nancy Soto of La Puente, Ca

"1/25/05
Thank you brave Marine! I will not forget what you did for the rest of us. From a very grateful American."
Jim Shaw of Pasadena, Maryland

"In response to Jose Balderas' message, I too wish that I could have found this site earlier. It's been more than one year, and the flashbacks of the day we received the news that Paco was killed in Iraq will never be erased. Those news forever changed my views about life and my purpose as an American citizen. The death of my cousin will never be forgotten, however, as the Nation that we are, we must unite and fight for the freedom that these brave men are fighting for overseas. We must not forget that there are still many injustices in our democracy; as a Democratic Nation here at home there is a battle to be fought on a more symbolic and political level. There are still many injustices that immigrants like Paco experience daily in this nation. In the name of peace and Democracy we must fight for the rights of hard working immigrants like the Gonzalez Family who immigrate from small towns like Agua Del Medio in San Luis Potosi, Mexico to the US- the land of promises in search of jobs and a better life. Although I am a citizen of this country, I identify myself as an immigrant because my parents are immigrants who through the years have worked hard to help their children attain the dreams they came in search of. My family, a poor immigrant working-class family has suffered a great loss in search of the American Dream. Paco will always have a place in our hearts, thoughts, and American history.
Thanks to everyone for your wonderful words. With all sincerity and humbleness in the name of the entire Gonzalez family, I Thank you. This message also goes to the members of the Armed forces, as a human being there aren't enough words I can use to express the gratefulness we owe you and repay your service to this country. Thank you all. May we continue to strive together for Equality, Justice, and most important Peace in the name of Jose Francisco Gonzalez, our servicemen, and the future of our nation.

"Es mejor morir de pie, que vivir de rodillas"
" Its better to die on your feet, than live on your knees"
-Emiliano Zapata
Mexican Revolutionary

Like paco and our servicemen, we must continue to strive and fight against injustice in search for peace in our Nation."
Alma R. Gonzalez of Compton, CA, USA

"Semper Fidelis Gonzo. I will miss you Devil"
Fmr. LCpl. Lopez, Francisco of Bell Gardens CA

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

"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

"I am in 7th grade. My favorite class is S.S. Most would think I was crazy. But I like S.S because it helps me remember how we got so far in life. For the people that knew him will never forget him. You most likely felt like you have a hole in your heart form his death.But very slowly it will start to heal. But it will never go away. The scar of his death will stay."
7th grade student of Barker Middle School

"It is hard to believe that it's almost a year that you died,however our saddness is still the same. Who would of thought that a very humble small boy from a very small town in San Luis Potosi, Mexico would loose his life in a war. We are very proud to be part of your family but also sad because we have lost you. I remeber you as this little happy, loving and playfull boy and this is the way I will always remember you."

"Francisco( Paco ) will always be in our hearts, thoughts, and prayer. Your family and friends miss you."
Rosa of Lynwood, California

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

"Private Gonzalez-Rodriguez, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"I am overwhelmed with emotion as I read these messages left by great people. Jose was my cousin, I was very close to him and when word reached us that day it was a moment that has forever been etched into our memory. Unfortunately, I had not known about this website and just found it tonite. I wish I had found it earlier to thank each and every one of you right after you posted a message. Our family, though still saddened, I believe has the passed the stage of sorrow and tears and they have been replaced with pride and comfort. The latter has been provided by people like yourselves, total strangers who have become a part of our family. I lost a cousin but I gained a nation of family members. Know that your words are held dear by our family during this hard time. I can be reached at y2joser@hotmail.com"
Jose Balderas of Santa Fe Springs, CA

"As a fellow Marine I am proud that Jose was also a Marine. The sacrifice Jose made will be known for a long time. Semper Fi."
Angel R. Gonzalez Rodrigez of Orlando, FL. USA

"Thank you Jose Gonzalez-Rodriguez, 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 was with the same group as Jose. I remember him as always laughing and making jokes. The last day I saw him, his glasses were missing a lense but he still wore them and went around the area making jokes. He was so full of life and had a great sense of humor. He is not forgotten by the Marines who served close with him in Iraq and on Force Protection."
Cpl Frank R. Pacino of Camp Pendleton, CA, United States of America

"to the family of this fine marine, hero! im saden to hear about your son/ friend. it hurts to hear of anyone in the armed forces leaving us but it gets to you more when its the same branch and so close to home, i live in bellflower and myself had just came from iraq, i did not physicaly know him but as a marine he was my brother, just know you had a hero! if you ever need anything feel free to contact me at fabian_32@msn.com"
Fabian Heredia of Bellflower, CA

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Jose Gonzalez-Rodriguez:
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 Jose for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"We thank you for the sacrafice Jose made for us. Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier!"
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. We will remember you as a brave and unselfish young Marine. God Bless your family and friends."
The Souvigney Family of Antioch, TN

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Jose Gonzalez-Rodriguez:
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 Jose, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia