Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I am a volunteer with Flags of Valor STL and have flag that flew in St. Louis, MO. on 9/11 in honor of the fallen soldiers after 9/11. I need the next of kin to send the flag. If someone can help me, I would appreciate it. Please email any information to amyandnick@sbcglobal.net
Thank you in advance.
Amy"
Amy Pandolfo of ST. Louis, MO

"Remembering you still... I hope your son is doing well. I wish I could show him the tapes of you singing and the pics you shared with me."
Everardo of San Diego

"I still remember and miss you. 05/25/2015"
Ev Romero of San Diego CA

"On this the tenth anniversary of your passing, we feel your presence and we miss you. With all our love - Christine, Kathleen, and Justine."
Christine Friello-Fini of Millville, NJ

"It's been 10 years now since you've been with us. I know there are those who still miss you and will never forget you. I'm sure your little man isn't little anymore and he's thinking about you right now.
And to think you are right there just feet from my parents. I'll come by and say Hi the next time I'm up there.
Rest easy my friend..."
Tony of Baton Rouge, LA

"I had the privaliege to serve along side of Sgt Jimenez in Iraq... She was a very cheerful person even though she was in a lot of pain... She never showed it, she was always talking about getting home to her baby.. The day we (s1 command group administrations) found out about her passing we took the news extremely hard because we had just spoken to her in our office and we were all joking and laughing...

I love you Sgt and you will never be forgotten.. To the family she was a shinning light of hope and determination. I'm greatful have known her and served with here. May God continue to Bless and Keep you all."
Spc Jackson of Fort Polk, La/ USA

"8 de noviembre de 2011
Nunca voy a olvidarte."
Geordine of York, PA

"July 8, 2011
You are always in my heart and in my thoughts. Happy birthday, Linda. I love you and I miss you."
Geordine of York, PA

"My beloved mother passed away on Thanksgiving Eve 2010. Shortly following, I took an hours-long walk in rural Saratoga County, New York. Through teary eyes, I spotted a small American flag lying on the ground at the side of the road. I picked it up and dusted it off. As I held it in my hand, I began to think about what my mother had taught me: our flag represents freedom, sacrifice, hope and love. Thoughts of her love of America pushed aside my sorrow. I thought about her pride during the time her son, my brother, served in Vietnam. I remembered my Mom and Dad, all those years ago, bundling up their seven children and taking them to see the Albany Veteran's Day Parade each year.

I then found attached to the flag a yellow ribbon with the neatly hand-written words:

399 Army Sergeant
Linda C. Jimenez 39
Brooklyn, New York

The flag I had found was one among hundreds from a front lawn Veteran's Day display of remembrance and patriotism.

I needed to know more about the person whose flag had escaped on the wings of the wind and into my path. Who was the American soldier who had helped me through my grief that day?

I learned that Sergeant Linda C. Jimenez, who was only 39 years old, was serving in Iraq when she suffered mortal injury. I learned she was a highly-respected soldier and the loving mother of a young son. I learned she left behind many loved ones who miss her and remember her dearly.

Linda, I believe God left your flag and yellow ribbon for me to find that day in order to remind me that love lives on beyond our passing, whether it be in a mother's teachings or a soldier's final act.

Thank you for reminding me of all that I have to be thankful for. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice and know that I will forever keep your flag in a place of honor in my home and your memory in a place of honor in my heart."
Valorie Colligan of Schenectady, New York

"In loving memory of a childhood friend. God bless you Linda. We miss you. With all our love, Christine, Kathleen, and Justine."
Christine Friello of Philmont, NY

"Siempre recordaré."
Geordine of York, PA

"July 8, 2010
Happy Birthday, Linda. I love you, and I miss you."
Geordine of York, PA

""To the family of Linda C. Jimenez ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.She died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"”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! Over 1,850 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 some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we 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"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"miss you always"
Em

"Recuerdo."
Geordine of Kingston, PA

"Happy Birthday Linda (8 Jul). I miss you..."
Tony of Prairieville, LA

"November 15, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Linda C. Jimenez:
Linda 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 of Linda Jimenez,
On 25 November 2008 at 11:00 AM the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment and the 2d Cavalry Association will gather in Vilseck, Germany, to commemorate a monument to our fallen brothers from Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Linda Jimenez will be honored on that day. His name will be engraved on the face of a permanent black marble monument along with his fallen comrades. The monument will be located in a park of 50 trees which will form a living memorial to these fine young Soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation.
On that date and at that ceremony we will also honor the families of these Soldiers. We truly hope that the families can participate in the ceremony. It is the wish of the 2d Cavalry Association and the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment to place a personalized flag case and flag for each of these fallen heroes in the hands of a family member.
We are requesting that these families contact us via email at deddygetty1@comcast.net to learn more about the ceremony and how they can participate.
Toujours Pret!
Dave Gettman
2d Cavalry Association"
"Tacoma Dave" of Washington

"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

"The first time i meet Linda was in the Orderly room at AVIM TRP at FT. POLK. I was new to the unit coming from Reg. Headquarters. She was the first person I meet and the first person to befriend me. We became close friends while in Iraq. She would talk about her son all the time. He was the main reason she lived for. The day she got hurt I couldn't beleave it. But she was a strong willed person and I knew she would be alright, and then to find out she passed on, I was shocked and completely caught off gaurd. She will be missed and always be in my prayers and so will Mateo her son. May God watch over you and so will your mom. I miss you Linda."
SGT E / AV26 / ED of Leesville, LA

"The first time i meet Linda was in the Orderly room at AVIM TRP at FT. POLK. I was newe to the unit coming from Reg. Headquarters. She was the first person I meet and the first person to befriend me. We became close friends while in Iraq. She would talk about her son all the time. He was the main thing she lived for. The day she got hurt I couldn't beleave it. But she was a strong willed person and I knew she would be alright, and then to find out she passed on, I couldn't beleave it. She will always be in my prayers and so will Mateo her son. May God watch over and so will your mom. I miss you Linda."
SGT E/ AV26 of Leesville, LA

"My friendship with Linda started as a pen pal in the 80's. She was a very talented singer and a very funny chearfull giving person. We never got a chance to meet in person even though we talked about it often. We did spend a lot of time on the phone and writing letters before the internet. I did hope to one day meet her. I can still hear her laugh and can just hear her tell me I am such a nerd. Our conversations were mostly of things that made us laugh. I pray for her family and Mateo her son, and hope they know how much she she is apprciated for who she was here on earth and the happy memories she leaves me with of my youth.

I miss you Linda."
Everardo Romero of San Diego

"I have the "Hero Bracelet" made for Sgt. Jimenez. May she rest in peace."
Bruce H. of Kentucky

"To the Family of Linda, America will be so much less with her sacrifice. Rest in peace Brave Soldier."
Mary & Ray Dickson of Gautier, MS, USA

"To the Family of Linda, America will be so much less with his sacrifice. Rest in peace Brave Soldier."
Mary & Ray Dickson of Gautier, MS, USA

"To Mateo and Linda's family,
Linda will always be remembered as good friend and outstanding soldier who did her best to help those of us fortunate enough to have served with her. Her smile and professionalism will be missed by us all. Be proud of what she has done for her family and her country. I know she's watching over Mateo and smiling down upon us all. God bless you Linda."
Paladin 07 (98-99) of Baton Rouge, LA.

"Linda, You were a good friend and a outstanding salsa dancer, I will always remember the year in Camp Page, Korea. God Bless your soul and give your family strenght."
Ssg Doel "Salsa King" Quiñones of Camp Victory, Iraq

"Linda, you were a special friend during our time at Camp Page. Our late night dining facility raids and movies will always be in my memories. My prayers go out for you and your family. I will love you always. Your personnal Army Cook."
SGT Timothy Lee of Camp Page, ROK/Phoenix, AZ

"Linda, I still can hardly believe you're really gone. I never took the time to thank you for being my friend and looking after me after I got divorced and for cheering me up when it seemed my whole world was falling apart. You were always there for me when I needed you no matter what. I'm stationed in Balad Iraq now and I wonder often if you were here where I am now. Did you see the same sights, eat in the same chow hall, sit in the same building? The questions could go on and on. I believe that you could hear me and you knew I was with you in the hospital. It seemed to mean a lot to your dad that I gave you one of my BDU tops. I just wanted you to have it. As much as it saddens me that you're gone, I can find some comfort in knowing that a piece of my heart went to heaven with you. I will meet you again; and until that day comes, you will live on in my heart and memory. Goodbye, my friend."
SSgt Wes "Big Daddy" Hawkins of Balad, Iraq

"Sgt Jimenez and I were stationed together at Ft Still, OK,(she was a PFC back then) and then she became one of my soldiers in the Regimental Support Squadron, 2ND ACR (AVIM Troop). Your dedication,professionalism and warm smile will forever be in my heart. My God continue to bless your son and family."
CSM Vera F. Harris (Muleskinner 7) of Al Kut, Iraq

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

"My Friend Linda,
I will miss you, my wacky friend who was my bride's maid and life of the party at my wedding. I'll never forget your smile and free sprit. I miss sharing our conversations about our relationships and the good advice you gave me, which I took. I know life was not good to you the last few years, with the exception of having your son. You had it hard. I will miss the good times we had in our high school years and there after. Love ya..SMILES!!"
Marion Bush-Sierra of Bellmore, Long Island

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

"Thank you Linda Jimenez, 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. Linda Jimenez:
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 Linda for the sacrifice she 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. Linda Jimenez:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. She 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 Linda, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia