Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Pfc. Joseph P. Mayek


20, of Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Died after being struck by an AP round that was discharged from an M2 Bradley vehicle. Mayek was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Smith Barracks, Germany. Died on April 14, 2003.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Pfc. Joseph P. Mayek.

Links:

Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

Please report inappropriate messages

"Every year I think about Joe at this time. He will never be forgotten."
Michael Schmalle of Cincinnati

"We got to Charlie Company around the same time, different platoons, but still the same brotherhood. That gate, that day, all of us had guarded... . There isn't a day that goes by that you're not remembered. I glad we had our short time in the rear, and even more proud I was able to have served with you. Your ceremony brought a tear to my eye that day, and still chokes me up to this day. You may be gone, but you're definitely not forgotten, until final muster...
Charlie Rock!"
Josh Morrison of St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

"I served with Joe in Iraqi Freedom and I was the Master Gunner that was assigned to investigate the incident. I still, 10 years later, think about Joe everyday. By all accounts he was a motivated Soldier and his loss is still felt everyday. God Bless"
1SG (R) Jack Cooper of Columbus, GA

"There's not a day that goes by that i'm not thinking about my son Joseph, and pray he is in a better place, and some day I will see him again. Love Always Dad."
Patrick Mayek of Stevens Point WI

"Joe was a teammate and a friend of mine. After I went off to college I learned of his passing and I will never forget him. He was a great teammate, never complained and always worked hard. He was the embodiment of a soldier."
Matthew McIntosh of Rock Springs, WY

"Joe I will never forget you, or your sweet smile and bright blue eyes, the comb you always carried in your back pocket even though you had so much gel in your hair it wouldn't have moved anyways, your state championship ring from our high schools undefeated football team your senior year. There are still songs that remind me of you, I think of you often and how happy you made everyone around you."
Dorothy Stratten

"YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART MY BROTHER. HE WAS THE TRUE MEANING OF HEROE.
THAT DAY I ASKED YOU TO SWITCH SHIFT WITH ME, AND YOU WAS MORE THAN HAPPY TO DO SO, NOT KNOW THAT WOULD BE THE LAST TIME WE SPOKE..THANK YOU JO"
ABNER ELIDOR... of MIAMI FLORIDA

"Your name will forever be etched into my skin for all to know who our true heroes are. You're a very special soul and as long as we're humans in the flesh we will never understand why the good die young.
America. Freedom at the price of the ultimate sacrifice."
Livio Waits of Henderson, NV

"Mayek, you will always be in our thoughts and will never be forgotten.I am grateful for the sacrifice you made for us to continue living the freedom we have today.R.I.P"
SFC Gbassage, C 2/6, 2003" of Seoul, Korea

"Not a day goes by that I don't think of Joe and that day. I am honored to have met him and served with him. God Bless You Joe."
SSG James Masisak of Ft. Carson, CO

"My name is Margaret McFadden. I am Joseph's mom, I have just come accross this web site because of a dream I had about him last night. Thank you all for the messages. I would like to express my heart felt thanks to all of you. If any one would like to get a hold of me my e-mail address is.(dmjcjmcfadden1@msn.com)"
Margaret McFadden of Rock Springs Wy

"RIP Mayek."

"Sad to say it is a few days shy of being six years since the tragedy. My deepest sympathy- please know you are not forgotten.
Rest easy, hero."

"January 12, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Joseph P. Mayek:
Joseph 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

"Please know that you are remembered every day but especially today on thanksgiving.
REst in peace."

"Joseph,
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.

"Unity Is Strength"(6th Inf. Motto)"

"Pfc Mayek is the most laid back freindliest person that i have ever come across . Even though i only knew him for a few months when i was with 3rd platoon, C- company,in Iraq and Germany i'll remember him for the rest of my life.
my deepest condolences to Mayek's family."
Sgt Sash Balasinkam of Rochester NY

"I didnt know Joseph, but I just wanted to express how gratefull I am that he was willing to risk his life for our freedom. That takes alot of courage"

"TO PFC JOSEPH MAYEK FAMILY, IT WAS AN HONOR TO HAVE SERVED ALONG SIDE YOUR SON.HE WAS A VERY MOTIVATED AND ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE.HE WAS ALWAYS THERE TO HELP WHEN NEEDED. I TOO WAS IN 3RD PLT C. CO. TO THE FAMILY OF MAYEK, OUR NATION WILL ALWAYS BE THANKFUL FOR YOUR SON SERVICE"
SSG TOLO GBASSAGE of COLUMBUS, GA

"To the family of:Joseph P. Mayek I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,GA

"I will never forget you Mayzie and everything you sacrificed on that day as well as everything you have taught me. You have made a big difference in my life. I hope I can be the man you were."
Spc. matthew Ulrich of Chicago, IL.

"Hey brother, I'm sorry for what happened to you, rest in peace, I'll never forget you.
C 2/6 inf 3rd plt"
SGT Eckert of Fort Irwin CA

"The Salute


To those who have died,
And to those who have cried.
We Salute You.

To those who have lost,
Paid the ultimate cost.
We Salute You.

And to those who still serve,
The Red White and Blue.
Our grateful Nation,
Proudly Salutes You."
Tom Balstad of West Warwick RI

"Joseph P. Mayek...you will never be forgotten...thanks for helping keep our country safe...love you much"

"To the Family of PFC Joseph P. Mayek, I can only imagine that after two years you still are grieving the loss of your son. I was born in Rawlins and have been to Rock Springs a few times while I lived in Wyoming. I live in Arizona now and just went over 20 years in the Air National Guard; I have been part of Operation Enduring Freedom deployed to different locations. Your loss is not only a loss of an American Fighting Soldier but a fellow brother in the Armed Service. “May God bless you and your family during this time and my Josephs smiling face smile down upon you, may God provide comfort and healing to you all A-Men”"
MSgt. Paul Alexander of Arizona

"First of all, I would like to give condolences to Joseph's family. I only know of Joseph because his name was on the hero bracelet that I ordered and received a few days ago. I'm sitting here clutching it now, wishing I could find the words to adequately express my sorrow and my unending gratitude for Joseph's sacrifice. Ever since I received my bracelet, I've been looking for information about Joseph because I want his family to know that he will not just be a name to me. He will never become just a number. Tears fell when I saw his picture and realized that he passed when he was just 1 year younger than I am now. Words can't express how much of a hero Joseph was and continues to be in heaven. I am proud of his service, and his and your family's sacrifices will never be forgotten. I realize that it's been a year, but I would be interested in finding out more about Joseph, and I know that when my grandmother passed away, it helped to talk about it. If any of Joseph's friends or family would like to email me to talk about this brave hero who paid the ultimate price, I would be honored and privileged to listen. God bless all of you who were ever graced by Joseph's presence."
laura.mottram@gmail.com of Enola, Pennsylvania

"Family of Joseph P. Mayek
I am from Wyoming but have lived in AZ the last 30 years. This last weekend while in Tempe AZ I went to a memorial honoring the victims of 911 and the fallen soldiers of the war since then. They had over 4,100 flags standing in a park. The soldiers flags had yellow ribbons with information about the soldier on the flag. My granddaughter found your son's flag. At the end of the third day the flags were sold to raise funds for families of the ones being honored. We purchased 4 of the large flags, one of which was your sons. I would very much like to be able to send this to you in his honor. If there is any way I can get in touch with you please let me know. I can only imagine the pain you have but I truly appreciate your son's actions and know you are very proud of him."
Carol Cottrell of Sierra Vista, AZ

"Dearest Family of Joseph Mayek, I have just found this site. My son John and your son Joseph were good friends serving together. Joseph was a wonderful young man. Your kindness to my own son was very touching the items you sent him in Iraq. It helped him so much to be in contact with you. Thank you from a mother's heart. John misses Joe, and will never forget him. They had some good times serving together. John would tell me what a nice guy he was. Our pain is not as your own, but I wanted you to know we feel the pain and will never forget your son "Mayek" as John always calls him. John is still serving in Iraq."
Love, John's Mom of Port Neches, Texas

"JOE, IT HAS BEEN A YEAR SINCE YOU HAVE PASSED. I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERY DAY THE SAME ROUND HIT MY SKIN, ALMOST KILLING ME, YOU WHERE A GOOD PERSON I DONT KNOW WHY YOU HAD TO GO, AND YOU DID NOT DESERVE TO DIE. SOMETIMES I THINK WHY YOU AND NOT ME. BUT I KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN HEAVEN WHERE IT IS GOOD AND NOT FULL OF WAR AND HATE. WE WILL MEET AGAIN ONE DAY. HE WHO SHED'S HIS BLOOD WITH ME IS MY BROTHER.
CPL CHAD A CARMICHEAL
FT,CARSON CO, ALPHA 1/12 INF"
of COLORADO SPRINGS. CO USA FT,CARSON 1/12 INF

"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 (4/2004)

"On this one year anniversary date:
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Joseph will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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

"To your family and friends:
Army Pfc. Joseph P. Mayek will not be forgotten!
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in your sorrow.
May God's love and peace be with you."
Pat and Sandi B of Montana

"Thank you Joseph Mayek, 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

"This is PFC Carlson of the 1st infantry division Ledward Barracks Germany. I only new Joe for about 4 months and he was one of the nicest people I have ever met and he was one outstanding soldier. Joe all the boys from basic, Flores, Cody, Bubba, Astrada,Dana, Rice, King and everyone else says that you are theirs and my hero and you will be missed by everyone."
PFC Daniel Carlson of Schwienfurt, Germany

"I was one of Joe's best friends through high school. I only knew him for one year through when we played football together but ever since then he had become one of my best friends. We have memories that will last a lifetime and I will miss him."
Quentin Willford

"I grew up with Joseph, from elementary through our senior year. When I heard the news of his death I was completely devastated. I just sat down for hours and thought. I couldn't believe I would never see him again. I will never forget of the good times we have had over the years. I miss you. You will forever be remembered."
Brandon of Rock Springs WY

"To The Mayek Family,
My husband served with your son's unit and recently expressed his heartache of the loss of a great soldier. I am a soldier myself and this is a great loss to us all. My prayers go out to you and may GOD bless you. While your son will be greatly missed, I know his great memories will live on in the minds and hearts of all of his comrades."
Kristy D. Wilson of Baumholder, Germany

"Mr and Mrs Mayek, I was with the Corps TAC that your son was guarding at the airport and I was there when it happened. I pray that God can offer you some peace and consolation in the wake of this tragedy. God Bless America."
SPC Christopher Caley of Gettysburg Pennsylvania

"You will never be foregotten and always be our Hero and loved forever. And may god watch over you. love dad."
patrick mayek of stevens point WI

"Rest in Peace Joseph. Lord, please Bless the Mayek family with comfort and peace. I was with Joe at the V Corps TAC at BIAP when he passed away and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him and greive for the Mayek family. My prayers are with you. God Bless you Joe."
MAJ Bob Isaac of Fort Leavenworth, KS

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

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

"RIP PFC Mayek. We shall never forget you"
The Taylors, USMC of NC

"You will never be forgotten........ proud to say that you were part of our family."
Uncle Al, Aunt Linda, Cousin Sarah of Haywward, Wis. 54843

"My heart is broken at losing such a young but courageous man. And yet I am so proud. I don't know you but please know you are loved and appreciated, and that I am eternally grateful to you for your bravery and sacrifice. You will NEVER be forgotten. God Bless you and keep you! Rest in peace Joseph."
Cindy of CA

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on