Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"PFC Mora, I first met Michael in Baghdad Iraq when I was serving as the Headquarters Platoon Sergeant. He was one of the new replacements that we had been waiting on for several months. His hair was too long according to regulations and I wasn't sure that he was actually cut out to be a Cavalry Scout in a Deployed environment. I actually gave him his first in theather hair cut before he reported to the 1SG and Commander. PFC Mora proved to me and everyone in Iron Troop that he actually did have everything and more that it took to survive and excell as a Cavalry Trooper and American Hero! I remember talking to Michael just a few days before his untimely passing. He was telling me that he loved the Army and everything he was doing, but he had other dreams as a civilian as well. I told him if you want to pursue a civilian career after the Army just make sure you have a plan before you get out. I have to say the Michael was truly one of the best young Soldiers that I have had the honor to serve with, I often think about that night and the great young man we lost. Iron Troop was a true Family Team and it feels like we lost a brother not just some PFC. To the family and loved ones of Michael A. Mora I am truly sorry for
your loss. I have now completed three tours in Iraq and just recently retired after over 20 years of faithful service to our nation. Many times throughout the last several years I have thought of the sacrifice Michael gave for his country and wondered how me and so many others were spared the same fate. " I guess that the Big Man upstrairs was short on Angels, because he definitley got a man with a Big Heart and a
Heavenly Soul with Michael""
USA (Retired) SFC John Ray Pennington Platoon Sergeant 6th Platoon Iron Troop 3/2 ACR "SCOUTS OUT" of Rineyville, Kentucky United States of America

"To the family of Michael Mora, It was a pleasure serving with mike, I was his Section Sergeant, he was a motivated and unique soldier. I will never forget that night he passed and how I tried to help him. He will never be forgotten. To Mr. and Mrs. Mora My wife and I enjoyed spending time with you all talking about Mike and you showed us where he worked before he joined the Army and introducing us to his friends. We felt a presence of Mike while staying at your home. Thank you and God Bless you."
Rev. Michael and Rev. Shirley Gamble of Elizabethtown Kentucky

"Happy Birthday MichealAngelo... I miss you so much and on this day when I honor La Virgen De Guadalupe I remember your Birthday too. I have no words we miss you and she needs to feel you give her that hug when she can feel it mijo... Love you.... Roxy your cousin"
Roxana Gonzalez of Earth, waitng for Heaven!!!

"Eternal rest grant unto him & all the fallen heroes both sides, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen."
Moreto E. Mora of Manila, Philippines

"Its about that time again I wish we were going to the ISLA I would love to enjoy your company as a mature young Man I MISS U"
Mike Mora of Arroyo Grande, Ca

"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

"Hello, my name is Kristopher Powell. I am a retired Army Sgt, and was in 4th Platoon with Mike. That night has been with me everyday for the past 5 years and I have tried several times to get up the courage to contact you (his family) but have never been able to, and for that I apologize. I held Mike that night. He was not alone. I held him, kept him comfortable, and stayed with him untill the Lord came and took him to a better place; where the beaches are clean and the surf is always good. I spoke in the memorial we held for him in Iraq, but I never had the courage to speak with you; again, I'm so sorry. I shared your loss, probably more than you could know. Mike was my brother, or at least it felt that way. I have so much more to say, but this has been a good start. Please contact me, as I know hearing the things I have to say will be as good for you as it will be for me.
Via con dios,
Kristopher Powell
SGT, US Army, Ret.
E-mail:
green2green@live.com"
Kristopher Powell of Bellingham, Washington

"May 14, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Michael A. Mora:
Michael 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 Michelangelo Mora, I still feel the pain of your loss. I was there the night he was lost to us. Please accept my deepest condolences as he was a friend of mine. I have some pictures and stories if you are interested. My email is bezelbub69@hotmail.com"
Levi Calvert of New Orleans, La

"Hello My Beautiful Cousin, Today would of been your 24th Birthday. I Miss You Dearly.... It still hurts that I couldn't attend your funeral. I don't think I'll ever get over it. I take that Back Wen I see You in Heaven I'll feel better Because I Know then we'll be together forever! I just want you to know you will never be forgotten! For any one reading this The Family Created a Myspace page for Micahelangelo Mora here's the url myspace.com/michaelangelomorarip
Thanks for still writing. Please leave your emails so we can send eachother pictures of him. I want to Have a Memorial get together May 2009 in Memory of Micahel. For more info Please email Nancy @ motherearthsbabies@yahoo.com

Love,
Nancy M. Gonzalez Pech"
Nancy of Chandler,Arizona,U.S.A.

"To the family of Michelangelo Mora,
words cannot adequately express the loss that I felt upon hearing of your son's death. I cannot even imagine the pain that you feel every day. I had the privilege of meeting Michelangelo while I was working as Cadre at the Grizzly Youth Academy. I have a vivid memory of stepping in and talking to your son one day when he was considering quitting the program. After having showed him the accomplishments that he had already made and speaking to him at length he determined to finish what he started and he worked very hard to that end. I could not bring myself to attend his funeral as I truthfully felt some degree of responsibility. I visited his grave for the first time this last Veterans Day and have come to understand that no matter the reason, he now rests in a much better place.
I hope that you still read this page and will accept my heartfelt condolences. He will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know him."
SSG Eric Morgan of Morro Bay, CA U.S.A.

"To the family of Michael Mora,
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. PFC Michael Mora 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

"Even as the years go by I still see your face clearly. You brought life to those around you Mora; always wearing a big smile. I pray you are resting easy friend."
Devin Rogers of Tucson AZ

"Mora, you where a great trooper I had the pleasure of knowing you. I always remember you bringing a smile to my crew with your presents. As I stand ground in Iraq once again I will always remember. WolfPack "Scouts Out""
SFC Leal, Felipe Jr of Fort Campbell, KY

"Hey Mora, I miss you. I think of you often. You were one of my battles in rear-detachment at Polk. Remember that long bus ride to Fort Bliss? You sat next to me and we talked most of the way. I told you about how hard it was to leave my first born child who was only 4-months old at the time. You always gave me words of encouragement which somehow gave me hope for the future. My little girl is 5 yrs. old and I only wish she could know you. The last time I saw you, we were in An Najaf. We were the lucky ones in 3rd SQDN to take care of Sadr's army. I can not tell you how hard it was to swallow the pill of the news that you had past on, when just a moment earlier we were talking at the FOB yellin' at Haji. I mourn your passing everyday. I will never forget you Mora! As the creed goes "I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!""
SSG Michelle Cisneros of San Antonio, TX

"Michael, i know you're probly correcting me right now... "its michael ANGELO!" god i miss you... i am packing to move and during my packing my son found the michael box i have kept of every letter you wrote and picture you drew me and pictures of us... and i as i sat down and looked through it all i felt that i just have to talk to you but i cant and then i looked you up on the internet hoping to find something about you to fill the void ya know and i found this so i guess its kinda like talkin to you... well i just wanna say that i love you and i miss you sooo much... i think of you EVERYDAY!!! i talked to your mama awhile back and we meant to get together but it didnt work out and i talked to julian he looks so much like you... well my love i am coming to cali this june and promised myself i will finally go back to your grave for the first time since your burial and talk with you... god i cant see the computer now through the tears... better go... LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!"
Heather of Cottownwood, Arizona

"hey buddy. i remember the easy way you laughed and all the good times in life you looked foward to. i wish we could have gone to vegas together like we talked about. i have the picture of you and me standing together at the biap in the first page of a photo album and reflect on it often.
to the family of michael mora, know that i, as well as all of iron troop, share in your grief-even if it is only a fraction. god bless buddy, and i'll see you one day in that godforsaken fiddlers green"
jesse riley of san diego, ca

"Mora, there isnt a day that goes by that i dont think about you. you were a great soldier an even better freind.ive got your name on my shoulder and i know your always there.fourth plattoon misses you greatly. that night is burnt into my head. we all love you so much. one day i hope i will see you again."
james stratton of brighton, mi/usa

"mora, this world hasn't been the same since your departure, i believe i speak for the majority of us when i say that most of 3/2 never left najaf, and we are still wandering the desert. may you be in a better place than us, and may you know peace, i love you brother, i will see you soon.

scouts out"
PFC Van Auken, Jason of albuquerque NM USA

"Brother Mora, I will always miss your smile and willingness to go the extra mile to accomplish the mission. You have and are truly missed. I still hurt from the loss, But know God is taking care of you. I pray he continues to watch over your family and loved ones. God speed, "Toujours Pret""
SFC JOHN W. PASCO of FT CAMPBELL KY

"Happy Birthday Cuz
Wish you were here. You would be what 22 already today.
My cousin we miss you sooo much the overall love from the family to you is tremendous. Birthday wishes to you

Say hi to Tio Pepe, Tia Martha, Papa Jose, and Papa Chato.

Love you always"
Roxana Gonzalez of Here, On Earth USA

"i also served with your son in iraq. he was a fine soldier. and a fine man. i would like to talk to you all some time if it is ok with you all. i never got to meet you all but you were his family, and as such, you are a part of everyones family that ever had the pleasure of serving with him. scoutoutofiraq@yahoo.com"
SGT Haney, Joseph of Harrisburg, arkansas

"Mora was one of 4 of us who joined from California and were sent to basic training together. One of us didn't make it out of basic , the remaining three were mora , williams and myself . All three of us were sent to fort polk La, williams was sent to 1st squadron and mora and myself were sent to 3rd squadron. Williams was sent to iraq seperately from us.Mora and i were sent to kuwait and then to iraq together . When we arrived in iraq , we were to be sent to different troops. I was to go to iron troop and mora to killer troop, but right before we were sent off he requested to go wherever i go . He had said that he would feel more comfortable and thought that he would do a better job if he was with someone he knew. So with that being said,we were sent to iron troop, him in 4th and me in 5th plt. I'm recently back from my second tour and a month away from getting out from the army . I should be happy but its hard , it's hard to go back without him.
MUCH LOVE MICLO
VICTOR M. NAVA"
spc nava victor of la puente, ca .us

"Michael, you where like a big brother to me, you talked me out of alot of dumb things, im so happy to of had the time we spent together, Maria thank you so much for being there for me and my brothers and sisters. my prayers are always with your family in you will always be in my dreams, i love you and wait for the day i can see your smile once again. . ."
Deborah Lynn of Arroyo Grande Ca USA

"Michael...Ive looked for you for so long. For the past seven years Ive wanted to find you, to talk to you agian. Youve left a lingering in me since the dance we shared in seventh grade...the last dance...Ive thought about you agian and agian through the years and eventhough I moved away...I always tried in any way I could to reach you agian...I finally found you today, two years after your last breath. I miss you Michael, more then ever now. Ill miss you forever a thousand times more. You are a person in my life who has made an impact. It was earlier that I thought my search was over, but it is not...I will keep looking until I find you agian. You truly are a hero. You truly are unforgettable. and I know now, Ive loved you all along...since that december night...beyond. Goodbye Michaelangelo, the one and only Michaelangelo for me (smile) until I find you once more. Your friend, Your classmate, Yours forever,"
rosalie rivas of bakersfield,ca

""Michael Angelo Mora... What more can I say. He was a good soldier always wanting to get into the battle first. Michael and I would always argue with each other and get into it just so we could laugh later. We'd always make everyone laugh while we stood outside right before we would go to sleep in our cots. I remember the night he was taken from us like it was yesterday and I still remember the memorial. I wept like a baby. If anyone wants pic of PFC Mora. I have his pics he took in Iraq saved on my laptop. My email is djd409@hotmail.com"
SPC Davis, Danny of Ft. Polk, Louisiana

"To the family of MichaelAngelo. the sweetest boy i have ever known. i just want you to know that your son was so special to me, and to this very day, looking at his picture or reading his letters make me cry my eyes out. i have known him since 6th grade, and were the best of friends up though high school, and talked everyday while he was in iraq. usually when he would call me from there it was around 3 am. but thats ok, cuz it was michael. we made a promise to eachother that if we werent married by the time we were 30. we would marry eachother.
anyway, just so you know i think about your family just about every day. so i hope you know just how much i truley care. all my love and support.

rachel gunnels <3"
Rachel Gunnels of Arroyo Grande, California

"To the family of:Michael A. Mora 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

"Mora was my brother, both of us from california and only living a few hours away gave us a special bond. He was a good soldier, but most of all a good friend. Maybe some day we will be able to take that trip to cancun we so looked forward to while in iraq. I will never forget that night in Najaf. It is something that no one should ever forget. A good man died that night. and to His family, im sorry i couldnt call you around christmas time to see how you were doing. stay strong. next time you go see him , tell him i said hello. We all love and miss him. Toujours Pret forever"
SPC Stephen M. Jester ( Doc Jester) of Ft. Sill, OK

"To Michael A. Mora, always will I remember you and keep you alive in my mind. You were a great soldier, and one day I will see you again in Heaven. To Mora's family, it was a long hard ride with your son. He truly was "Hard As It Gets," and it was an honor serving with him in Iraq. I have a bracelet with his name, rank, unit, and the location and date on it that I wear every day in his memory. I will never forget An Najaf, Iraq."
Sgt. Conyers R. Lamb lambo889@aol.com of Ft. Benning, GA, USA

"Mora was always up-beat, even when I was chewing him out. He was a fantastic warrior and I always knew I could count on him in a fight. He never hesitated to talk to me and that says a lot about the young man as I am a very hard Non-Commisioned officer. I am truely sorry he is gone from us."
SSG Robert R. McBride of Ft. Benning Georgia

"To the Mora Family:
My husband, Spec. Michael Mathes, used to play soccer with your son. When he learned of Mike's heroic sacrafice for this country he was deeply sadened. It was an honor for my husband to know Mike, he only wished he could have said goodybye. We are both very sorry for your loss. I do know that my husband would like to say it in person on his next return to California once he returns from his second deployment to Iraq. Once again I am sorry for you loss.

Kari Mathes"
Kari Mathes of Savannah, GA

"Michaelangelo was my beloved cousin, I miss him so much, my family has alot of unanswered questions? What really happened to him, we need closure we've got like 5 different stories which one is it? I think someone is hiding something!"
Nancy of Gardena ca

"Mr and Mrs Mora, your son was a great soldier and as tough as they come, My condolences.
When he first arrived to the 4th Platoon he didnt feel as if he was a member of the team. 4th Platoon had been in combat for almost 8 months before his arrival. After every mission he'd ask? Am I a combat veteran now, Sergeant, I always replied almost Mora, almost. After proving his bravery under the most intense fighting throught the deployment, on May 14th, General Dempsey, commander of 1st Armored Division honored the platoon by its tenacity and will to keep fighting, its proficiency and Iron clad men, before our mission that night, Pfc Mora asked me, " Sergeant am i a combat veteran now!!" I had the chance to tell Pfc Mora, Yes you are Mora. One of the finest. That night he volunteered to go dismounted looking for snipers that we were unable to terminate, Pfc Mora we all Love you today, tommorrow, and forever. Mission Complete, Mora Mission Complete!
SFC Quiban
SSG Gonzales
SSG Gamble
SSG Francis
SGT Marrone
SGT Kitchen
SGT Pellett
SGT Langer
SPC Hawkins
SPC Preigo
SPC Conkiln
SPC Henderson
SPC Waldon
SPC Powell
PFC Stratton"
4th Platoon 3/2 ACR (Recon) of Fort Polk, LA (USA)

"MR. AND MRS. MORA,
I FIRST WANT TO SAY I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE WHAT IT'S LIKE TO LOSE A CHILD. MY SON, JUSTIN RODEWALD, WENT THROUGH BASIC TRAINING AND AIT WITH YOUR SON. THEY WERE ALSO BOTH STATIONED AT FORT POLK AND DEPLOYED TOGETHER. MY OLDER SON, JASON, HAD ALSO MET MICHAEL AT FORT POLK WHEN HE WENT DOWN TO SEE JUSTIN. JUSTIN CONSIDERED YOUR SON A FRIEND. I HAVE BEEN TOLD WHEN YOU ARE IN THE SERVICE YOU HAVE A BOND TO YOUR MILITARY "BROTHERS AND/OR SISTERS." I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE FINE, BRAVE SON THAT YOU RAISED THAT WAS WILLING TO SERVE AND PROTECT HIS COUNTRY. YOUR FAMILY HAS BEEN IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. IF ANY OF YOUR FAMILY WISHES TO CONTACT ME, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DO SO. MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IS csdiel@yahoo.com SINCERELY, CONNIE DIEL"
Connie Diel of Broseley, Missouri United States

"To the family, I am truly sorry for your loss of a fine person. As Mora's Sergeant at the Grizzly Youth Academy, I recall a young man who seems to have grown into a fine person. Enjoy Fiddler's Green Lad, we will meet you there soon."
SGT Keith Wolowodiuk of Squad Leader, Grizzly Youth Academy, CA

"Mr & Mrs Mora
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your son. Words cannot express my sorrow for you and your family during this time of grieving. May God bless you and your family."
SSgt Folsom US Marine Recruiter, SLO of Tokyo Japan

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

"Michelangelo: Words cannot express the deep sense of loss that we all feel. More than just your beautiful face and gorgeous blue eyes, we miss your laugh and wonderful smile. As the days pass we are learning to cope, and our resolve grows to bring your buddies home safely (and all good troops caught in a "war" based on misrepresentations). I know that I must accept that you are now in the arms of our loving creator instead of at home in our loving embrace. Indeed I know that you are now living up to your name and working side by side with the great guardian angel. I love and miss you deeply. All my love, your second mom"
Lori Redhair of Grover Beach, CA

"To the Mora family, please accept my condolences for your loss. I grew up near Arroyo Grande, CA. Now I live in Southern CA and have worked hard for over a year to support our troops by opposing the war. I am so sorry my efforts could not help in your case. I will continue to do my best to bring every single soldier home from the war before any more innocent lives are sacrificed.

Respectfully,"
Rebecca Starr of San Diego, CA starrphilosopher@yahoo.com

"MichaelAngelo we all can't believe this is the end So I refuse to think this is the end. We all want you here with us and now you are here with all of us for Always you are a true Hero, Son, Brother, Grandson, My cousin, Nephew, and Lastly a Angel for all of us. I miss your big blue eyes. That laugh, smile, Hugs and your "cous cous" Love you Baby Cousin. --Tia Yusdina and Uncle Mike thank you always for your creation. Julian MichaelAngelo loves you"
Roxana Gonzalez of Hawthorne, CA USA

"To Michael's family, I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Please know that many of us appreciate his service to and sacrifice for our country."
F.Smith of Pennsylvania

"To the Mora family,
Cathy and I both want you to know that you are in our thoughts. Your Michael is our hero too. I know in my heart he was doing the right thing and trying to make a better world. We will never forget nor stop appreciating his and your sacrifice. Both of our heroes are together now.
Sincerly,"
Chris and Cathy Baker of Atascadero CA

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

"To Michael's Family:
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

"To my Dear Cousin,the loveing Mother of Micheal Mora and his Honerable Father.No words could express the sorrow I have experienced.I am with you."
Alberto Tamayo of Santa Ana ,Ca/US

"To Michael's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.

Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"Dear Mora Family, God be with you in this tragic time. We lost my nephew, Pfc Bradley Kritzer, May 5th. Your pain is our pain."
Laurie Miles of Coalport, PA

"Thank you Michael Mora, 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 Pfc. Michael Mora:
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 Michael 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. Michael Mora:
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 Michael, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia