Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Dear Sgt. Irizarry,
You gave the ultimate scarifice. When my Dad passed in May 2007 on the day he was buried I vistied your grave. I don't know why I was drawn to your cross but I felt compelled to say a prayer. Every time I visit my Dad, I visit you. Every time I ask for you to watch over my son. Though I see him every day I ask that through you he may see his way back.
This past Saturday was the Wreath Ceremony for veterans. I stood with my son and sent a pray off to you and my Dad.
May peace be with you and those you left behind."
Deb of Groton, CT

"November 30, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Henry E. Irizarry:
Henry 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

"Well Izzy. I still remebered when they switch me out for olmo in 4th platoon. This is a real weird feeling. Knowing that you and the fourth platoon (Except Olmo) is in a better place now. I will never forget the conversations I shared with you about this whole war thing. I just dont understand why someone so nice and soft spoken had to go. You were one of the few that kept a cool head during the whole mission. Right after you went with the holy one; Fulton left the Scouts, couldnt believe that. It brought alot of animosity to the platoon. As a soldier that served with you until the day you passed away. You always say keep your cool and good things are bound to happen. Just wish you were here to see all of this. I also see that your loving family have posted some great things about you. Thats awesome. As I write this note three years later (even though I just found this site) I think its a great way to honor those who served. a good friend, father and husband will be missed. You take it easy buddy.

Just wish I can trade in my Purple Heart and Combat Infantry badge/everything else of great value to get you, Lwin and Ali back."
Gilkes - Scouts in Iraq of Maryland

"I miss you Bro. I think about you all the time. I think about the times at the Point. My heart and soul goes out to you and your Fam. I know your with our King just as I know our King is protecting your family. Till my time and we meet again. You are a true HERO. Gary Owen!!!"
Cpl J. Villabol of Brooklyn NY USA

"Let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of freedom and LIBERTY. Henry some of us gave some but you were a true hero and gave all. ALWAYS ACES"
SSG. Rick Boone 1/69th inf of NEW YORK

"On 25 January 2007 my Wife and I were blessed with the birth of a son. We named him Christopher Henry in honor of a brave and honorable man, SSG Henry E. Irizarry. "Izzy" will be remembered for being a caring and dedicated soldier. He had a smile that could defuse practically any situation and a sense of humor to match. His platoon sergeant best described him as someone who would walk half way across the country to help someone change a tire. In my home he will always be honored and loved as a hero and as family."
Sam Ramos of Suffolk County, NY

"Izzy, I miss your presence and advice. How you knew what to say and do in all situations. I thank you for being there for me since the beginning and I feel graced for knowing you. I won't forget you."
Lam of 1-69 NYC

"my condolences to izzy's family
he was a great guy. it was my pleasure
to have kwon him and serve with
him. I will always remember him.
A kinder person i don't know."
Sgt Gonzalez Hector of 2044 gates ave ridgewood,ny11385

"To the family and friends,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a loved on is the hardest thing in life. I am writing to not only express my sorrow for you but to let you know about a memorial I am working on. I am creating a quilt to honor the fallen soldiers from the New York City Area. Each soldier will have a panel created. I am inviting the friends and families to get involved. If you are interested or would like some more information please contact me at nycfallensoldiers@yahoo.com"
Esther Kabalkin of Staten Island, NY

"Sabes Henry hay momentos que mesiento y le pregunto a Dios el porque de que las cosas pasaran asi.Aunque sabia que ibas para un lugar tan peligroso,pero mesentia tan segura de que Dios te iba aguardar.Pero lo que menos pense era que lo hiba hacer de esta manera,a veces le pregunto a Dios sien algo falle.Es tan duro el solo pensar que ya no estas aqui,es tan duro el tener que olvidar el tratar de dejar el dolor de uno aun lado y para poder seguir sacando la familia hacia delante.Es tan duro tratar de esplicarle a un nino el porque ya no estas,que aun que lo sabe ,pero todavia nolo entiende.Siempre me pregunta el porque yo te deje ir para aya,siempre tratando de buscar una respuesta, ese afecto paternal en cada tio o en cada conocido que se acerca a el,preguntandole si ellos pueden ser su papa ahora.Es tan dificil,perose que Dios sabe el porque de todas las cosas y que algun dia me hara entender, aunque me duele tanto pero sigo luchando por que se que algun dia te vere alla arriba en el cielo y se que tengo que seguir luchando aca abajo por mi familia y por mi para poder cumplir ese deseo y llegar aya arriba como ya tu lo hicistes,aunque hay momentos que seme hace tan dificil que siento no poder llegar.Pero se que Dios me esta guardando y que como ha hecho hasta ahora me segira ayudando llegar,porque se que sin el no ubiese haber podido echo nada.Gracias,por ser como eras,por ayudarme a crecer,por ser buen padre,buen esposo y buen amigo,porque eso si tenias donde quiera que te parabas, siempre te ganabas ala gente con esa pasta que tenias para hacerlo, siempre buscando la manera de ayudar,de aconsejar y de dejar de ser tu para ser para otros.Gracias le doi a Dios por la dicha que me dio de conocerte y compartir con tigo. Algun dia se que alla arriba nos volveremos a ver.Que Dios te Bendiga te estranamos mucho Tu Familia tus hijos y tu Esposa."
Jessica Irizarry of Waterbury,CT

"I am sorry. I am sorry I never said good bye. I am sorry I did not get to catch the ones who did this. You remain a good friend. I thank you for your friendship over the years. not a day goes by that I do not remember your smile. I try to earn my right to live in your honor. My only comfort is that you are at Christ's side. miss you buddy.-Alex."
Alex Saavedra of new jersey

"Daddy even now I can't explain how much I miss you I want you to know that even though ur gone I will still try to do my best as if you were here and continue to make you proud of me."
your son, Alex H. Irizarry of New York

"HENRY NUNCA TE VOY A OLVIDAR TE QUIERO MUCHO Y CADA DIA QUE PASA SE Q ESTAS CERCA DE DIOS Y DESDE ALLA NOS ESTAS CUIDANDO A TODOS TE QUIERO MUCHO Y NUNCA TE VOY A OLVIDAR TU TIO KIKE"
ENRIQUE MENDEZ of LAJAS PUERTO RICO

"Henry I have a picture of your friends(you know who) at the site where your life was ended. We visited that spot (and insurgents House) often. I was there the night before trying to follow up on a report of someone digging. We were a 100 meters too short. We did raid the house at 0230 am, and take in 8, but not the one that killed you. I just wish we would have gone a little further, but you know the snafus there. Rest well"
Roy Lipscomb of Biloxi,Ms.

"Tio Henry te extrano mucho! todos te extranamos! DIOS quiso llevarte te veremos en el cielo! Te extran muchos JESSICA, ALEX,MELY,DANIEL, LAISHLA,JACOB! EXPECIAL MENTE JACOB N TITI JESSICA! TE VEREMOS EN EL CIELO!
TODA LA GENTE DE LA IGLESIA APOSENTO ALTO ESPECIAL MENTE EL PASTOR DAVID TORRES TE EXTRANAN!"
YARI of WATERBURY,CT

"henry,,nunca te vamos a olvidar!!!,,para mi fuistes mas q un cunado,,fuistes mi amigo ,fuistes un verdadero hermano,,gracias por estar con nosotros el tiempo q estuvistes,,, te queremos mucho y q Dios te tenga en su gloria!!!!,, te extrano domi!!!"
Ivelisse of new london,CT

"Izy.... Words can't express the way I feel inside ever since the news came about your passing. I know in my heart that you are in a better and peaceful place. Until we meet again my friend...."
Spc. Hemmingway of 1/69th HHC - Scout Platoon

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

"izy my brother i know you are in a better place with our lord jesus crist you will always be alive in my heart may god bless your family"
SPC BURBON of 1 / 69 INF. IRAQ

"Henry Irizarry you are a HERO and you will always be remembered. My heart goes out to your family...your wife and children and all extended family members. My family endured the same loss this year so we know your pain, sorrow, and grief. I can only pray that God will comfort, guide you, and bring you peace. God bless you all."
Bela of Woodbury, CT

"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

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

"Thank you Henry Irizarry, 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 Staff Sgt. Henry Irizarry:
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 Henry 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 Staff Sgt. Henry Irizarry:
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 Henry, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia