Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Jacob,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldiers who were also on that Blackhawk with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike C. of El Paso, Texas

"Baby Brother, I miss you!"
Sonja of Alaska

"It is Memorial Day 2007 and we honor you, Jakey! You will never be forgotten as a fellow service member, friend, and brother... We Love and miss you !"
Diane Ducat ( Thomas) of March ARB, CA

"I grew up with Jakey and his family,they have always been "family" to me ! It is Veteran's Day 2006 and I am sad to have to remember my friend as "fallen" but, honored to have had him in my life ! Jakey you are a HERO, we will always love you and miss you!!"
Diane Ducat (Thomas) of California - (originaly Palmer,Alaska)

"Auntie Sarah,
Thank you for giving us Uncle Jacob. I know you must miss him, I miss him too. Remeber the day you told us you were getting married? We screamed and hollared, laughing and tackeled Uncle Jacob yelling, "you get to be our uncle, you get to be our uncle!" And when you married him at the river and I got to hold the ring. He was a good husband for you. You two were supposed to be together. Even if it was just for a little while. I love you Auntie Sarah. I'm sorry. I would rather have him home racing go carts with us, but I guess he was just meant to be a hero."
Philip Ling, 11yrs of Sutton, Alaska

"Dear Mark and Teresa,

Our hearts break daily for you. There is not a day goes by that we don't mourn for you and with you. We just did not have him with us long enough. Philip has made a beautiful tribute to Jacob on his bedroom wall and misses his Uncle so much-no one else knows how to have fun quite like Uncle Jacob did. He really did know how to have fun, didn't he? I just want you to know that he lives on in the hearts of these two little boys and we thank you for sharing your son with us. We love you both."
Ling Family of Sutton, Alaska

"Dearest Friend,
I would like you to know I am GREATLY appreciative of Jacobs courage and honor. His loss was not for nothing. I was in the Army for 8 years and am very proud of our service men and women. I don't know if Jacob had any children, or a wife, but I would like to send them something in his memory if he did. Please contact me (ronm@gci.net) and let me know. Fathers Day is coming up and if I could do something to help Jacobs family, I would be honored. God Bless you all, my prayers go out to you and hopes that you heal quickly."
Ron McCallion of Wasilla Alaska

"To the family of SPC Melson:

You don't know me, and I don't know you, but my brother proudly served with Jacob at Q-West as part of 101st. He is from the CT ANG (G-126). He often told me of playing on the xbox with Jacob. He made a deep impact on my brother, and he deeply misses him. Our nation is truly forever in the debt of people like Jacob who have made the ultimate sacrifice. He has told me he will be building a memorial to Jacob, and the other heroes from ICY 33, upon his return to the states.

He has earned his place is Valhalla."
Charles Rooney of Hebron, CT

"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.
Our nations HERO, Jacob will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "

"Thank you Jacob Melson, 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 Spc. Jacob Melson:
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 Jacob 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 Spc. Jacob Melson:
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 Jacob, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia