Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I knew Sgt.Morin i served with him in Iraq,we were on the same convoy security team and trained together shared stories ,his smile was contagious ,i will miss you and honor your life ,i was at the safety brief the day he was killed we spoke briefly telling me we had just a few minutes to get to the safety brief,always looking out for others,i remember it just like it was yesterday,your memory lives on I PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY."
Thurman Rineheart of Emporia Va.

"I never met a soldier more prepared than Steve. It stemmed from his brotherly love for all of us, he put us before himself so many times. I don't know if any one's ever brought this up, but a few days after we lost him his room mate asked me to help sort out Steve's belongings. I can't imagine handling that task alone. Anyway, he was stockpiling munitions under his bed, hidden by his Tech blanket. No one knew as you could get in trouble for a thing like that as there are designated ammo housing locations. He knew that if the base was over-run we would never be able to reach and unlock the ammo in time. That and the command was staggeringly, mind numbingly incompetent.Not only that but he had duplicates and triplicates of any gear that could be lost or break.He always made it a point to pick up treats for us not available on the base. He was such a mentor, like a father to us younger soldiers. I wish I could have sat and chatted with him one last time before I waved at him on his way to work that last day. I keep this grinning picture of him in my bible. He reminds me of the Johnny Cash song "For You". No greater love hath a man than this, that he lay down his life for us."
Sergeant Timmons of Texas

"September 25, 2005 is a day that I will never forget. A day that I was due to ride back in with your convoy team. A day I was excited to hear more about your family, about how close you were to going home, and how much you loved being a Soldier. As a wife of an Infantryman and as proudly serving Airmen, There is not a day that I dont think of your and Elizabeth Jacobson's sacrifice. My deepest condolances go to your wife, children, family and friends."
Jennifer, USAF

"A day does not go by when i do not think about all the people killed, like your self, while serving this great country of ours. I thank you and your family for the sacrifice."
Another T- patcher of Texas

"Dear Gold Star Family: With gratitude and respect we honor your loved one and the ultimate sacrifice that Steve and your family have made. We will never forget Steve's service to protect his country and defend the liberties of other nations. Most Respectfully,
Rebecca Wilson
Honor Quilt Ministry, Northside Christian Church, Clovis, Ca."
Rebecca Wilson of Clovis Ca

"”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 you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 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!
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"
Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"To the Family of Steve Morin Jr.

I served in the Navy Reserves with Steve for several years at NAS JRB Fort Worth TX. We were in the Key West Reserve Unit. He and I were both Aviation Electronic technicians. We were also both living in Arlington, TX at the time.

Steve was such a dependable sailor, always there if anyone needed anything. I remember when he transferred to the Army to follow his heart to serve this country. He know exactly what lay ahead of him and he went with it with all his might.

I am now a Chief Select in the Navy Reserves and I am putting Steve's name on my charge book box and adding his information in my charge book. In this small way, I hope to honor his life."
ATC (Select) Phillip Ruhde of Arlington, TX

"August 20, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Steve Morin, Jr.:
Steve 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

"Steve was one of my best friends who I had met in the military. Steve and I met in the Navy on the USS Constellation. Steve took me under his wing when he showed up and taught me a lot of lessons. I still go by those lessons today. If it hadn't been for Steve I would have probably had a whole different career in the Navy. Thank you Steve for serving our country proud I will forever miss you. I am deeply grateful for the things that you taught me."
Brian Jenne of Pearland, TX

"Morin was a leader for me when i was little my mom took us to watch him in the parades i remember i loved seeing my big cousin out there looking really sharp in his uniform,thruout my life growing up every time i seen him he made proud to be his cousin, Morin was a heroe and always will be for all of our family."
Eufracio Morin of Lubbock&Brownfield,Texas,USA

"To this day you are still not forgotten. When all of heard of the tragic loss in camp slayer. we mourned and greived at the ceremony cause one of our own was lost. god bless"
Spc Villani, Juliano M. of Plano Tx

"hey sarge it was an honor to sit to left on the 27th"
jon hankins of C,C Texas

"To the family of:Steve Morin, Jr. I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all 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 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"Steve was the kind of guy that would walk into a room, and instantly the world seemed brighter. He was always positive and optimistic, and I never heard a negative word from him.
He loves his Red Raiders! Man, he is a Tech fan all the way! We hung a Texas Tech flag from the ceiling of the chow hall that we all ate together in for a year.
Steve is a father figure to many of us that served with him. He personifies what it meant to be a good soldier, a great husband, and wonderful father.
He was the epitome of a Sergeant, always looking out for those under his leadership. My roommate, Andy, was a part of Steve's crew, and was also in the vehicle when we lost Steve. Andy survived due to the care that Steve put into making sure his soldiers were trained and ready.

Steve will always be a part of my life, and I carry a picture of him with me always.

God bless Steve and all Americans that have given their all for our great nation."
SPC Lee DeGaugh of Columbus, OH, USA

"Steve was a friend of mine. I knew him when we were assigned to the USS Constellation (He started his military career in the Navy). When he left the Navy we fell out of touch, and then one day another former shipmate called me and told me the news. Tomorrow is Veteran's Day, and I'll be thinking of Steve as I say my toast to absent friends. To Steve's family: I am sorry for your loss."
Jeff Sockwell of Brandon, FL

"We made it through Naval Academy Prep School and celebrated Induction Day on the town in Annapolis. We didn't have our parents to drop us off, but we were up for the challenge of plebe summer, none the less. Steve always wore a smile through thick and thin. My prayers go out to his family for their loss. I know that he served proudly.
God Bless,"
Jake Foret of Bremerton, WA

"Steve and I were roommates at Ft Hood and I was glad to be on convoy duty with him for a while before he was taken. He was a good friend to everyone in our platoon and at Camp Bucca. Part class clown, always a father to his children back home. He spoke of his wife and his plans to become an officer once we rotated back home. He cared about his mission. God speed Steve, I wear my memorial bracelet everyday to remember your sacrifice.
Best wishes to your family."
Sgt Chris Howard of Summerville, SC

"I did not know SGT. Morin personally, but I responded to the site of the attack and brought him back to the hospital in my ambulance. I also had the honor of serving on the firing party of the honor guard for his memorial service here at Camp Bucca.
SGT. Morin, for the rest of my life, I will always remember you and the sacrifice you made for your country. Until we meet again brother, God Bless You.

To his family and friends, I cannot express my sorrow with words, and my heart goes out to you. Know that everything that could be done to save him was done. If you can find comfort in nothing else, I hope you can find it in the belief that when the Lord decides it is your time, that then you will be re-united with Steve, and you will have eternal happiness together."
SPC. Jonathan Hart of Task Force Med. 344, Camp Bucca, Iraq

"I knew Steve, he taught me what I knew about driving to Baghdad. We were never close, but we spoke whenever we met. I will never for get the day, 2 days before he was killed when we spoke of going home to our familes, and how we were so close to being there. I would give anything to switch places with him. He had so much to live for, and I lost it all while I was there. Steve, I will never forget you, and I try to live every day of my life for you. You never knew it, but you influenced me, and every day after you died, I went out with a new mission, to avenge your death. I never got that chance, but I wish I could tell you that there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you and Liz. I have dedicated a song to you two, it's called "May Angels Lead You In" by "Jimmy Eat World". Rest in Peace brother!"
SSG Christopher Rush of Richmond, VA

"To Steve Morin Jr. and family,
Thank you for your service to this country. This is kind of a strange thing, I just happened to be Googling my own name and I came upon this site. I am a veteran of the Navy and understand the sacrifices that soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen put on themselves and their families. To the Morin family in Texas, god bless you and I pray for your healing."
Steve Morin of New Hampshire

"my name is Cassidy and i am a volunteer for the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run. We are a group of people that have built a memorial wall in Marsielles Illinois for all the fallen soldiers in Mideast conflicts since Beriut. Your loved one's name will be permenently added to this wall. For any further information visit our website www.ilfreedomrun.org please e-mail me at me1196@aol.com to let me know that you have recived this message. If you decide to come to this memorial on June 19th, 2006, you will recieve VIP seating and treatment for the cermonies that day. ALL OUR WELCOMING TO HONOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS
**Cassidy"
Cassidy of Brookfield/ILL/red,white,blue

"To my beloved cousin Steve Morin "flying with the angels at God's Feet",
I am your cousin Isabel Morin daughter of Cipriano and Eloise Morin your tio and tia in Los Angeles, California. My mom and dad spoke the world of you when they attended the family reunion. I'm just so sorry I never got to meet you. May God gently comfort your wife and family in this time of sorrow. I too have experienced loss in my life when I was 5 months pregnant with my son Joel the Lord took him home also. Beloved Steve please comfort my son as I know you are in heaven and tell him Mama can't wait to see him. I love you and your family deerly and pray the Lord keep the family you left behind safe. We love you, The Morin Family in Los Angeles, CA."
Isabel Morin of Los Angeles, CA USA

"To the family of Steve Morin, Jr.
We have never met, but we now have a common bond. I too lost a loved one on Sept. 28. Know that you are in my daily thoughts and prayers and try to remember that they died for our freedom and they are our heroes."
Kim Arnold, wife of SSG Daniel Arnold of Montrose PA

"To the Morin family,
We honor and celebrate the life of this American Hero and will Never Forget the sacrifice STEVE made for our great country.
STEVE - Thank you for your bravery and courage in serving our nation. You will Always be Remembered as a Hero. Gods Speed and may the Angels surround your family as they try to heal.
From the grateful family of an American Soldier, stationed at Ft. Campbell with the 101st AVN Regt, now serving in Iraq - 10-20-05"
---The Erwin Family of Oregon, United States of America

"October 8, 2005
God rest this warrior.
I send my heartfelt condolences to the Family and Friends of Sergeant Steve Morin. 'Thank you' seems so inadequate. God Bless all who serve freedom's cause!
Rest in peace, your name will be guarded in our memory."
Karla Branson of Texas

"Thank you to everyone for the wonderful words that you have expressed! Steve would be proud.He was not only a wonderful husband but an outstanding individual.He loved his country with all he had and shed his blood for what he believed in. I love him and will miss him dearly. He will be God's Soldier now."
Gwendolyn Morin of Arlington, Tx USA

"Steve was a fiercely loyal man...to his country, to his family, and to his friends. He was the salt of the earth; a rock. He was a man of unquestionable honor and unrelenting ambition. It was my great honor to serve with him in the Navy and to count him among the very closest of my friends for fifteen years. I loved him like a brother. What sacrifices we make on the altar of freedom. I will watch closely the progress we make in Iraq. We cannot fail. Not at the cost of our finest blood. To his family, you know that I mourn with you and I promise to you that I will always bear witness to the greatness and glory of Steve Morin, Jr."
Shawn Gallagher of Philadelphia, PA

"Thank you....American Hero Morin
To the family, " I am saddened to hear of your tragic loss. I too feel your pain of losing a beloved soldier. May God bring you much needed strenght. Keep Morin alive in your wonderful memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
Mrs Morin, we are both Gold Star Wives and I want you to contact me if you need anything at all..anytime
rdsonya@hotmail.com"
Proud wife of SGT Daniel L Galvan KIA 8-12-04 Afghanstan of Lubbock, Texas

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

"TO THE MORIN FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. STEVE THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. GREG AS YOU WAS WITH THE TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD. MATTER OF FACT CLOSE TO ARLINGTON, IRIVING! NEITHER OF YOU KNEW ONE ANOTHER. YET, BOTH ANSWERED THE CALLING TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY. YOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN STEVE, NOR GREGORY AND ALL OUR FALLEN. YOU ARE ALL THE ELITE OF THE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS AMERICANS. FOR YOU ARE THE HANDFUL THAT SIGNED WILLINGLY TO PROTECT AMERICA, FOR THE PEOPLE. STEVE YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOU LIFE IN VAIN. YOU ARE A HERO! TO YOUR FAMILY REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS. REQUEST A STREET SIGN NAMED ON BEHALF OF STEVE. SO NO ONE IN ARLINGTON WILL EVER FORGET HIS SERVICE. FIGHTING OFF TERRORISM AND GIVEN THOSE IN IRAQ AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FREEDOM. GOD BLESS!"
leonard t. wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To Steve'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 your soldier's bravery and sacrifice as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' sons. Our boys are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gloria.caldas@sbcglobal.net"

"I am truly sorry for your loss and for the loss of yet another brave Texan. May you find comfort and strength in God to face the days ahead.

Michele Carter
Sister of CPL Gary Walters
KIA in Baghdad on 24 April 2005"

"Thank you Steve Morin, Jr., 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. Steve Morin, Jr.:
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 Steve 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. Steve Morin, Jr.:
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 Steve, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia