Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Happy Birthday Gooden"
Ricky Weir of Afghanistan

"hi my name is sgt.luke j holden this is very hard for me gooden was agood man and i am also from ny and i was with him in not just that fight but all of them. he did his job like a true marine. the same day he was hit i was shot in both hands when i got the word that he was hit it hert me so bad i cant get it out of my head stil to this day i was the med. driver. i just want all of yous to know that he cpl.gooden is a true hero...my # is 518-605-8610 luke j holden"
luke j holden

"It's rainin' but there ain't a cloud in the sky
Must of been a tear from your eye
Everything'll be okay
Funny, thought I felt a sweet summer breeze
Must of been you sighin' so deep
Don't worry we're gonna find a way"
Inner City Sports Little League of Brooklyn NY

"Never met you but I came along after your tank was hit. Later at Matilda I asked your brothers in 2nd Tanks why they had that vision block from the drivers station of your tank. They told me it was the last thing that deflected the RPG. I remember you, Semper Fidelis, Devil Dog."
Sgt Anthony Giguere, 4th MP Co 4th Mardiv of Pembina Border Patrol Station Pembina ND. Anthony.p.Giguere@cbp.dhs.gov

"Miss ya buddy. You were always joken even in the heaviest of moments. Semper Fi, Brother!"
SGT Towery, J. Manse of Canton, GA

"Cpl Gooden, you are truly missed. Keep the streets of Heaven guarded for us."
SSgt Braxton of Newport News, Va

""Lil Sergeant Major"
Its been 6-7 years and still i go back and look for my Marines. You were a good man and Marine, bro. You were a brother. We miss you man."
SGT Darrius Willis, "Doc" Willis at the time. of Fort Polk, La.

"Hey bro sorry I missed ur day april 4th i was too busy w school.. I just want u to know that we miss u lots n thank u for all u did u are the best marine i met i will always remember that bro ..oh yeah i mite be going to jamaica over the summer cant wait brother..i wish u were coming w me but one day we will meet again n go together god bless u"
Velluttini of virginia

"”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 the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,000 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!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
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
Projectcompassion@manti.com"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Goody...I just ran across this..seen remarks by some of your other brothers and brought a smile to my face...you were always a hard charger man...was an honor serving beside a marine like yourself....I think we should have won our talent show in Kuwait bro...I still watch that video"
Cpl. Devo of Michigan

"For my brother of the Corps. You are loved and missed, your bravery is an encouragement to your fellow marines. Though you have payed the ultimate sacrafice, your honor and legacy will live on brother! Semper Fi"
Adrian of virginia

"Happy Birthday brother.... You are missed by all that ever had the pleasure to now you . There is not day that goes by that I dont think about you or your family. You will always be loved and miss by all the Marines God Bless You and your family.. I look forward to seeing you again some day.."
Pete Nicholsen of Cape Coral Florida

"Hey brother hard to believe 6 yrs has gone by. You were my best friend and for that reason i will always have a void in my heart. Sorry you didn't make my wedding, but i know you were watching from above. Happy Memorial Day Devil Dogs like you are impossible to find. No matter what you always were motivated and for that reason i stayed motivated. After you were killed i was never the same. Six years later i still find myself remembering the good times, like the time me, you , and Watchell swooped up to your moms for the weekend and we got lost walking through the Bronx @ 0200 in the morning. Or when your car broke down and Shaq Shaq hooked us up and fixed it quik so we wouldn't miss PT on monday. Or the trips to Augusta to hang @my house and just get away from it all. We had some good times and i just cant wait till the day that we meet again in heavan and continue where we left off."
CPL Weir, Ricky H of Atlanta, Ga. USA

"I want to show my deepest thanks for the honor he gave for our country. Some gave some and some gave all. To the family, this was one of the finest soldiers with a goal that I have ever heard about. God bless this 6 years after..Fallen but not forgotten by Rick or I.
Debbie Weir, mother of Crpl. Rick Weir.. semper fi"
Debbie weir of va/alabama

"I will always have you in my heart. And you are the best cousin i've ever had. I missed you so much. Rachel, Mrs Gooden and auntie stay strong and GOD bless! (954)975-8351"
Renoula Francis of North lauderdale, Florida U.S

"Cpl. Gooden I just want to let you know that I always think about you, and I still remember that a day like today you went away 6 years ago ..wow it has been 6 years already bro!!I know you are in a better place and one day we will meet there so I can finally teach you how to dance salsa...god bless you brother... Semper fi"
adrian of woodbridge,va

"January 29, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Bernard G. Gooden:
Bernard 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

"Hey B,
I came across your site tonight. Just searching the web for old photos and memories of Iraq. You were a good person and friend to me all those times I was sitting on the Ammo by myself at gunnery. Take care. RIP-Gooden and McPhillips"
Cpl. Boudreaux of 24408 Gemstone dr. Loxley, AL 36551

"CPL. Gooden your sacrifice will never be forgotten. What we expericened in Iraq will never be forgotten. I will always remember you. Your family will always be in my blessing."
Doc, HM2 Mcclain, Marcus then HM3 Mcclain of USS Anzio

"December 30, 2007
To the family of Cpl. Bernard G. Gooden:
Bernard 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

"To the Family and Friends of Cpl. Bernard Gooden;
I went to college with Bernard in Toronto, Canada. Bernard was one of the most intelligent individuals I have so far had the pleasure to meet. Thank you Bernard for your bravery, intelligence and ambition for life. I miss you and you will never be forgotten."
Amanda D. of Toronto, Canada

"Cpl. Gooden,
It,s your driver. I can't remember how manny times we were on firewatch together but you always kept me laughing. Even when everything sucked, you always had something funny to say. It was an Honor to fight with you. There's not a day that goes by I don't think of you. You always had the shiniest boots, most pressed uniform and your cover was starched to perfection, you would have hated the new boots and uniforms . You were good exaple for me and all the Marines who served with you.

I miss you brother"
Sgt. Grant Hinds of Kennesaw, Ga

""Bernard,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I wish that I had the chance to have served with you.

David, Christiana, Jamaica
Retired MSGT, USMC
Semper Fi Devil Dog!""
David Newman of Suffolk, VA, USA

"hey gooden i just wanted to wish you a happy memorial day. your in my prayers every day. i miss you brother. remember all the good times we had out and lousville and when we first got to the fleet. i know i do. well brother just wanted to say a couple of words and like i always do ill share a beer with you today. love ya brother"
Cpl. Pete Nicholsen of Cape Coral Fl

"Bernard,
On today, the fourth anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. After reading all the reflections that were left here all I can say is that I wish that I had had the chance to have served with you.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"How are you doing hard charger? I never had a chane to tell you, "you are a great Marine and person." It was great being your roommate. Take care up there. Semper Fi"
Sgt. Gary Gwilt of Phoenix, Az

"I had the fortune to go through basic training with Gooden together. We used to box, and I remember he was one tough soldier. When I heard the news, I was grief-stricken, I can still remember that very night. Gooden was good man and may God rest his soul."
Martin of Toronto

"Cpl Gooden, I was Just a Pfc when went to Iraq, you thought me a lot about tanks and how to be a good marine.I still remember the night before you were taken, trading cd's with you.. I got ur reggae cd's and I gave you my salsa ones,I remember you telling me that when the war was over and we got back to the rear I will have to teach you how to dance salsa. I miss you man!!! but I know you are in a safe place and always ready to go!!!God Bless You Cpl. Semper Fidelis You will always be in my heart!!!!
Ready to kill
Ready to die
Never will!!!"
Adrian Velluttini of Woodbridge,va, usa

"Cpl Gooden, I was Just a Pfc when went to Iraq, you thought me a lot about tanks and how to be a good marine.I still remember the night before you were taken, trading cd's with you.. I got ur reggae cd's and I gave you my salsa ones,I remember you telling me that when the war was over and we got back to the rear I will have to teach you how to dance salsa. I miss you man!!! but I know you are in a safe place and always ready to go!!!God Bless You Cpl. Semper Fidelis You will always be in my heart!!!!
Ready to kill
Ready to die
Never will!!!"
Adrian Velluttini of Woodbridge,va, usa

"We will never forget you and your sacrifice. Semper Fi, and may you rest in peace. Thank you on behalf of Scout Platoon, 2nd Tanks."
Cpl. Andrew Gush of Marlton, NJ United States of America

"It's hard to believe that it's been 3 years now since Brent was taken from us. I was one of the last ones to see him when he fell in battle. It was 12 miles outside of Baghdad, on April 4th, 2003. I can still remember it like it was yesterday, I just wish that I would have taken/destroyed more of the bad guys maybe Brent would still be here.

We had a plan after we all got back from deployment, we would all go to Jamaica, Mexico (where I am from) and to Brazil (where Cpl Tinouco is from) so it was going to be fun times. But that was taken from us.

Well, it's been hard for me to let go and sometimes I feel bad that he died and that I survived. I have been deployed twice now a total of 20 months in Iraq fighting for Democracy and the War on Terrorism. I have volunteered to go a third time but my Captain won't let me go. He said that I need a break from Tanks. Well as for me, I am currently going to college after hours and I will hopefully become an officer in the Corps. Well if you want to know more about that faithful and dreaded day you can contact me. As I said, I was one of the last persons to see the event happen. I love you brother. Fair Winds and Semper Fidelis!!!!

Keep Heaven Safe and I'll be there sooner or later. I will report to St. Peter with my Orders.

shinoby_obie_wan_kennobie@yahoo.com"
Sgt Alonzo Miranda, J.M. 2d Tank Bn of Camp Lejuene, NC 28542-0091

"It's hard to believe that it's been 3 years now since Brent was taken from us. I was one of the last ones to see him when he fell in battle. It was 12 miles outside of Baghdad, on April 4th, 2003. I can still remember it like it was yesterday, I just wish that I would have taken/destroyed more of the bad guys maybe Brent would still be here.

We had a plan after we all got back from deployment, we would all go to Jamaica, Mexico (where I am from) and to Brazil (where Cpl Tinouco is from) so it was going to be fun times. But that was taken from us.

Well, it's been hard for me to let go and sometimes I feel bad that he died and that I survived. I have been deployed twice now a total of 20 months in Iraq fighting for Democracy and the War on Terrorism. I have volunteered to go a third time but my Captain won't let me go. He said that I need a break from Tanks. Well as for me, I am currently going to college after hours and I will hopefully become an officer in the Corps. Well if you want to know more about that faithful and dreaded day you can contact me. As I said, I was one of the last persons to see the event happen. I love you brother. Fair Winds and Semper Fidelis!!!!

Keep Heaven Safe and I'll be there sooner or later. I will report to St. Peter with my Orders.

shinoby_obie_wan_kennobie@yahoo.com"
Sgt Alonzo Miranda, J.M. of Camp Lejuene, NC 28542-0091

"You will be remembered by all of 2nd Tank BN and the world from now until forever for your actions and bravery on that day. We will never forget. Semper Fi Marine!"
Dan Steuber - formally of Scout Plt, 2nd Tank BN

"hey man!,
how is heaven?
hope your doing fine up there
see ya"
maygon rene' of ohio

"I never had the privilige to meet him, but it's an honor to have fought with him in Iraq. Semper Fi!"
John Dale of Miami TOWs

"Semper Fidelis till the end"
Sgt Lopez of Los Angeles, CA

"TO THE GOODEN FAMILY WE THE FALLEN FAMILIES OF NEW YORK. NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE FOR OUR DAUGHTER'S AND SON'S. TO GET A AFGHANISTEN-IRAQI WAR MEMORIAL IN ALBANY, YESTERDAY. BERNARD AND OTHER NEW YORK FALLEN NEED TO BE REMEMBERED NOT FORGOTTEN. LWAHL1@sears>com. YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY BERNARD, TOMORROW AND FOREVER!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"I am an officer currently assigned to 2D Tank Bn. I did not go to war with Cpl Gooden but I was a member of the Battalion during that time. I just want to tell you that all I have heard about this brave young man has been that he was an exceptional individual and an exceptional Marine. I am sorry for his loss. Every one with in the Battalion still feels the pain of the loss and he was remembered by nameing a room in the Battalion CP after him. "The Gooden" room is filled with pictures and memories of him and will always be a reminder to future Marines of the Battalion of his sacrifice and courage. Semper Fi Marine and stand at ease."
1stLt Michael L. Aldrich of 2D Tank Bn, Camp Lejeune, NC

"Bernard 'Brent' Gooden was one of my top students at Christiana High School in Christiana, Jamaica West Indies. I was also his instructor in the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force(i.e a paramilitary organization for high school students).
Bernard was a hard working student that became Head Boy and Validictorian.
If all soldiers can be judged by Brent's standards then they are the best young minds among humanity.
If my young son should become half the man that Brent was, I will certainly be one proud father!!
My student, my brother, my friend - You are always in my heart.
REST IN PEACE"
Richie W. Lindo of Gastonia N.C. U.S.A

"Bernard 'Brent' Gooden was one of my top students at Christiana High School in Christiana, Jamaica West Indies. I was also his instructor in the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force(i.e a paramilitary organization for high school students).
Bernard was a hard working student that became Head Boy and Validictorian.
If all soldiers can be judged by Brent's standards then they are the best young minds among humanity.
If my young son should become half the man that Brent was, I will certainly be one proud father!!
My student, my brother, my friend - You are always in my heart.
REST IN PEACE"
Richie W. LIndo of Gastonia N.C. U.S.A

"To Bernard's Family,
I will always remember him. Even though I only knew him for a short time, it meant a lot to me because he made me feel special. I am sorry for your loss from the bottom of my heart. I miss you Bernard."
Mackenzie Miller of Murray, Ky USA

"1/25/05
Thank you Brave Marine for what you did for the rest of us! You are our hero and we will remember you each day we raise our flag in the front yard. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"Bernard, I remember us doing push-ups together, training together. You were one tough person that thought me a lot.
I still have pictures of us then, you were strong and you are special. To his mom,my friend Bernard was a great man, who wanted peace for all human kind, on course he always talked about his school on strike... all the time.. and how he wanted to finish school.
God bless his family and till we meet again Bernard, stay strong.

Joedada "Chimo""
Joseph Dada of Ottawa, Ontario/canada

"You will Never Be Forgotten marine. Sapper."
S of Canada

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

"Dear family of Bernard,
Bernard was a good man and he enjoyed life. I would like to thank him for his bravery and dream of making a difference. Bernard G. Gooden died a HERO.
I am a seventh grade student who feels your pain.
I am so sorry for your loss you are in my prayers."
Seventh Grade Classes of Barker Middle Scool

"Bernard,

I just read the story in The Globe and Mail about how proud your parents are of you for serving valiantly in the US Marines.

http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20030409.usold0409/BNStory/National/

Thank you for representing Canada alongside American soldiers in Iraq.

Rest in peace"
Ryan Rowe of Montreal, Quebec, Canada

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

"Bernard's my cousin i love my family thanks for everyones support love you family can't wait to see you"
Reid of New york

"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 (4/4/04)

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

"Thank you Bernard Gooden, 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

"Bernard's cousin Maygon Palmer is married to our son Erik Ylitalo. We feel as if we knew Bernard because Maygon has talked so fondly of him. We will keep Bernard and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,"
Ellen and John Ylitalo of Annapolis, Maryland

"Although two months have passed since the loss of your loved one, I want to offer my sincere, heart felt condolesence."
dsc of nc

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrafice will never be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"I'm deeply sad for your loss. For I have lost another great hero too, my uncle, Staff Sgt. James W. Cawley. He was also killed in a friendly firefight. Both of them will never be forgotten."
Lindsey Seamons of Allyn, Washington

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

"May his family take comfort in his bravery and devotion to the values that
make America free. He is our hero."
Brenda Berry of New Rochelle, New York, USA

"RIP Cpl Gooden. We will always remember you and the brave Marines that died for our country when we look up at the sky at night and see the bright shining stars...."
The Taylors, USMC of North Carolina

"I had the honour of working with Bernard Gooden when he was a reservist with the Canadian Forces. He had heart, confidence and courage. He always had the ability to make people around feel better through his unique sense of humour. The world is truly a darker place with out him."
Spr. Dan Vernon of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

"Cpl. Gooden was fighting for what he believed and he bravely died doing so. He will be remembered as the first Canadian to be killed in the Iraqi war.
All Canada is proud of this young man and we morn with the Marines who served and fought with him, and with our American friends."
Alex of Langley, BC Canada

"Cpl. Bernard Gooden was the most unlikely solider one could ever hope to meet. That was my first thought when he told me he was a reservist with the Canadian Armed Forces. Ironically, I thought it again when news of his death in Iraq came on the news. It came a blow to hear that the young man I knew at York University's Glendon College was gone. I won't aspire to feel the pain and grief that his parents and girlfriend must feel-but I honestly believe everyone that knew him has lost. He was a good man. He was an intelligent man. He was always a gentleman. He was a proud Canadian. He was a friend. He was a part of the Glendon family-my family. He will be missed."
Kae Wilkes