Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"SFC Marshall was my old Plt Sgt at 3ID 3-15th INF .
he will always be remembered as a great man who gave all for our great nation ."
Scouts Out

"SFC Marshall led from the front. led with strength. and held all the traits we as soldiers and leaders hold dear. A true role model for me as a joe and even more now as an NCO. your legacy lives on John in the men that were with you that day. Can Do"
De Gosh Reed of Ft Benning

"I remember John from high school. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. It's been too long a time. My prayers and condolences to his family and friends. My thanks to John. His was a great sacrifice to this country and freedom for us all. Thank you John, you are missed."
Cynthia Sexton of Federal Way, WA

"Marshall,
It has taken me a while to be able to leave a message as you already know this because I talk to you all the time in spirit almost daily. I often tell others about the 3-15th Infantry and the times we had as we drank the MRE coffee in the mornings on the side of the 2 1/2 ton truck almost everyday in Iraq. You kept me going and you were my inspiration when times got rough. I am proud to have served with a true Soldier. I love you man."
SFC Charles Jennings of Colonial Heights, VA

"I am proud to wear
Sgt.1st class John W. Marshall's
fallen heroes bracelet.
rest in peace."
Andree Dimaggio of Scottsdale Az.

"There is not a day in this we call life , that my memories are taken back to that faitfull moment. I was SFC. Marshall's Driver. Big Cruz, that's how he refered to everyone close to him, I will never get to say good bye to him, but at least I have an annecdote to carry me every day for the rest of my life! My last words to him were! Hey SGT. Marshall, we are going to St. Louis (in reference to an arch)and his reply was "that's right big time". No words will ever resonate more in my mind than those mentioned above!!!!To a True HERO, To a FRIEND and a MENTOR. I will NEVER FORGET YOU!!!!!!"
Angel Cruz of Barceloneta, P.R.

"To the family of SFC John W. Marshall, I served in Iraq with him, he was an inspiration to all of us. He will never be forgotten. I wish you the best as you continue on with your life."
SGT Wester, Jackson of Ft. Lewis, WA

"Thank you fo showing me the way."
SSG Nathaniel Kezer of Charlottesville, VA

"January 6, 2008
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class John W. Marshall:
John 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

"I was in 3-15 with SSG Marshall. Both him and SSG Stevers were good guys. They will be remembered"
SPC Thomas of B 3-15 INF 3RD ID Ft Stewart GA

"i hear you are rebuilding your life and i want you to know that we've all been there."
Ambie of lancaster, CA

"Hey sgt it s me tomlinson ,just wanted to tell you im think of you up there bro.I remmber the Ft Ord days well .Loved to ride with ya"
tim tomlinson of dayton ohio

"SFC Marshall,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. After reading all the reflections here, I can you were one hell of a soldier and Senior NCO who cared about and looked after his men. You didn't have to take that lead position and man that gun but you did and that says it all.

"Can Do"(15th Inf. Motto)"

"My heart goes out to you and yours.Your loved ones will never be forgotten. You are all in our thoughts and prayers."
Rebecca of Oregon

"Thank you for all you have done and did. We honor your courage, bravery and gift of honor and integrity. We appreciate all you did and may God be with your fellow soldiers and family. God Bless"
Jo Ann Overfield of Evansville, In

"SFC Marshall, it was a privalege serving with you. I recently through chance met your ex-wife and was very moved by the rememberence of you. My your memory live on in the soldiers of the China Battalion."
Adam Gregory of Los Angeles, Ca

"I served with SFC Marshall in Korea as a member of the First Tank (1/72 Armor) Scout platoon. SFC Marshall was my platoon leader and I was a Spec 4 at the time. This man exuded professionalism at all times and is the epitome of a soldier. We had our bumps in the road but nine years later I fully understand why he was so hard on us. He led by example which is evident by the way he left us all. God bless you SFC Marshall and your family. I'll see you on the other side. Scouts Out!!"
Joe Perkins of Washington, DC

"Jennifer, your poem moved me to tears. Your father must have been an incredible person. I grieve his loss along with you. He won't be forgotten."
Donna Murphy of Riverside, CA

"I had the honor of serving on SFC Marshall's track at my first duty station in Ft. Stewart. He was the consumate professional, quiet, yet exacting, firm yet fair. I hope to be half the NCO you taught all of us to be. See you on the high ground brave Scout!"
SFC Bob Blume of Ft. Knox, KY USA

"hope you stay strong jennifer"
Amber of tx

"i think he must have been some soilder to risk his life i hope you guys are ok"
ember of texas

"I served with SFC Marshall and remember that fateful day on the way to Baghdad. John was definitely the best soldiers I have ever served under. We'll see you on the other side John>
White One Golf out"
SPC Ryan Ray of Tucson, Arizona USA

"I was moved by the interview with Denise Marshall that revealed her courage and dignity in the face of a government and military that has shamelessly ignored and abandoned her and her family. Mrs. Marshall, you are not forgotten, nor is your husband's sacrifice. I'd like to contribute."
s. garfield of Des Moines, IA, USA

"Rest in Peace. I will pray for your family."
JLW of Sarasota, FL

"I was touched by your story on NPR yesterday and moved by your loss. You truly are a hero, Mrs. Marshall, because you carry on every day. I pray for you and yours and pray that the US Government will award the death benefit increase that you deserve. Hang in there and surely things will improve. As one single mother to another, I am proud of you."
Kathleen Alexander of Woodbine, MD USA

"Ditto below. I heard Denise's story on NPR yesterday and wanted to help her. It's the least I can do for what a great sacrifice her husband made to insure the quality of life I am able to lead in the USA."
dave martin of Atlanta

"I heard John's story on NPR today, and wanted to contact his wife to help her. Just send a little a money. It is the least I can do. I looked on the NPR website, but I did not see anything that would let me do so."
Pete of Houston, Texas

"my name is also John W marshall and i want to be a marine when i get older and i jus wanted to say u got sum balls being n the army or the marines an john was a hero...if it werent for people like him then we wouldnt b here today an thats a fact! oorah to sgt. marshall"
john of riverview FL

"To SFC John Marshall, it was my privilege to serve with you on the road to Baghdad. You will always be our hero and our brother. Your sacrifice brought freedom to the oppressed, and will never be forgotten. God bless you and your family."
LTC Denton Knapp of Fort Stewart, GA

"I was the Support Platoon Leader for 3-15 Infantry. John Marshall was escorting my platoon convoy the day he was killed. He positioned his vehicle in front of mine so his was the lead vehicle. It was the only day during the war that my vehicle was not the lead vehicle. Had he not done that, the RPG would have killed me and not him. He was also manning the MK-19 grenade launcher mounted on his Humvee, he told his gunner to sit inside the vehicle. I was manning the MK-19 on my Humvee as well, so I know that RPG would have hit me had he not volunteered to take the lead position. I am indebted to this brave man. I will never forget him as long as I live. If you want to learn more about John Marshall you can read about his sacrifice and the story of our unit in the book "Thunder Run" by Dave Zuchino."
CPT Aaron S. Polsgrove of Fort Campbell, KY

"I am SPC John H. Davis II I was stationed with SFC Marshall I was a medic in his 3rd BN 15th company. I just want to say that he was an awsome NCO and he will be greatly missed. May God Bless his family as we endure the troubled times in History. My God bless you all."
John H. Davis II of Honolulu.HI U.S.A.

"May the price John paid be remembered for generations and be honored by all."
Kenneth W. Marshall of Indiana

"To loved ones of SFC Marshall,
I'm currently serving in OIF and I recently ordered a KIA bracelet from Ranger Joe's and I received John's name. I just wanted to let you know that he will remain on my wrist and in my heart. He will always be a HERO."
SPC Erin Stewart of Johnston, Iowa (serving in Iraq)

"I offer my hand shake ,feel my strenght,i wish to pass it on to each and every one of johns family and friends.spf5 in viet nam now a dirt farmer and father of two,i love my country and all who defend her!"
bret salladay of novinger, missouri,USA

"i felt like you where there
saving us to spear you are
my future with out you here
my life would be hurt without
you my soul wouldnt be true
you look at my future and took
away my blind and now i thank you
for every thing thank you for every thing you have done thank you i can finally see the sun shining bright
on me i hope you and the marshall family are ok"
lonley 5th grader of california

"thank you for every thing and i hope the marshall family is prod so cheer up
he was a good and wonderful solider"
sedella of texas

"To John Marshall's friends and family. I am sorry about your loved one. I thank him because he died for our country."
7TH GRADE STUDENT of BARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL

"Dear friends and family

I am sorry about your loss of your loved one. He is in a good place. I am in grade 7 and I am learning about the army."
7TH GRADE STUDENT of BARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL

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

"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 (4/8/04)

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

"Thank you John Marshall, 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

"God Bless and be with the John Marshall family. Thank you for your son's sacrifice."
The Horne, Baskin, Marshall, Jones, Atkins and Ford Families of LA, AZ, TX, & CA USA

"John Marshall was a soldier's soldier. He was an inspiration to all who knew and served with him. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy of service will echo through the halls of the US Army every time the names of the real heroes are spoken. I remember John Marshall, not for his ultimate sacrifice, but for his ultimate dedication to his Army, his brothers in arms, his community and mankind. I first met John Marshall in the early 1990's when he would meet his single soldiers at the museum to work on vehicle restoration projects. I remember how much love and dedication he showed those young men, and how they returned it in kind. Every soldier who served with him wanted to be just like him. Buck Meeks, Curator, Fort Stewart Museum"
Walter W. Meeks, III of Fort Stewart, GA

"Thanks to SFC John W. Marshall for the ultimate sacrafice he made in Iraq for our freedom here in America."
Marsha Branch of Baxley, Georgia/USA

"This is to a brave and honorable man.The truest soldier. I was in SFC Marshall's platoon , he will be remembered always.For us younger soldiers he spent every waking moment to make us the best we could be,ready for anything.This I thank him for.To his family; thank you for sharing him with the rest of us.For all the lives he touched, he will never be forgotten.Soldier to the end.Always with us."
PFC Sappington,Jeffrey L of Hinesville,GA USA

"To The Marshall family - Johnny will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are always with you. Love"
Muriel Glass of Stockton, CA USA

"We thank you for the sacrafice John made for us. Our hearts and prayers are with you during this time. Thank you John, May God keep you in His care."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class John Marshall:
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 John 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. 1st Class John Marshall:
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 John, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"RIP Brave Warrior"
The Taylors, USMC of NC

"Thank You John for your sacrafice to protect our country,and make us safe, God be with you and your family always. We remain free because of brave men and women like yourself!! Denise,Chris,Tiffany,Richard,Jennifer,& Kevin our thoughts and prayers are with you always, We love you All,
THANK YOU SGT. 1ST CLASS JOHN W. MARSHALL FOR YOUR GREAT SACRAFICE FOR ALL OF US AND OUR COUNTRY!!"
Carol , Ashley,Sarah,& Josh Snider of Muskogee,Okla./USA

"Thank you for your great sacrifice brave soldier. Rest in peace. Many stay free because of you."
Nancy of Ocala FL