Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Nothing I can say will do you justice, so I will just say this. You were my brother and it was an honor serving with you.

Semper Fidelis,"
Cpl Duke of Syracuse, NY

"Thinking of you Eric 8 years ago today. All of us Syracuse Marines miss you brother."
Sgt. Rob McIlroy of Camillus, NY

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINE, I FEEL SAFE KNOWING THAT YOU ARE PATROLLING THE STREETS OF HEAVEN. SEMPER FIDELIS AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE YOUR COMMITMENT IS WHAT MAKES THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS LIVE ON. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND MAY YOU LIVE THROUGH YOUR DAUGHTER. BROTHER, UNTIL WE MET ON THE STREETS OF HEAVEN MAY GOD BE BY YOUR SIDE AND MAY YOUR FAMILY BE BLESSED WITH YOUR MEMORY. SEMPER FIDELIS MARINE. AGAIN AS WE CELEBRATE THIS 234TH YEAR I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SCARIFICE."
A MARINE FROM SYRACUSE of SYRACUSE, NY

"Getting ready for the Marine Corps Ball this year 2009. Eric is not forgotten. Marines in Syracuse will be thinking of thier lost brother."
Mark Moon SSgt of Penn Yan , NY

"Lad, I did not know you. I met your family. I knocked that night and left a part of myself at that doorstep. I think of you often and what you have sacrificed for this republic, THANK YOU. March is a hard time.. My prayers are with you and for your daughter. Semper Fi Mac!"
Hunter of unknown

"My Dear Brother,
Just want to say that I love you and miss you so very much. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of your smile, laugh and love that you gave to our family.. I just want you to know you are the best and always will be. GROUP HUGS!!!!
Love you always,
Melissa"
Melissa Haffa of Lancaster, NY 14086

"I'm sad to report Cameryns mother lost her battle with Breast Cancer this week."
. of Buffalo, NY

"It's been five years since that day. To some it is just a day to mark off on a calendar. To a Grand Mother, a father, and especially, a daughter, it is a day when the world came to a stop. A day when a bright sun rose but suddenly it became dark.

Eric, we never met, since I left Buffalo before you were born but, your Grand Mother is my God mother, and I know how much you meant to her, her heart still breaks today. I want you to know that I will do everything that I can to ensure that your service will not be in vain. Our country is in strife today based only on political advantage. Some don't see that there is evil out there, and they disdain those who "Walk the Wall." To them, I say only that freedom isn't free, brave men walk that wall to allow their those people to wallow in their apathy and self pity . Sometimes there is a price to pay, and those of lesser conviction gladly let their betters pay that price. They can't understand, "Duty, Honor, Country." We reached a mile stone today, 4000 died for 3000. Those that don't understand is that the American fighting man would do the same for one.

Sleep well Marine for, you were one of the "Few, the Proud, and the Brave." Robert E. Lee may have said it best when he talked about Duty "....is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things ... You cannot do more; you should never do less." God knows you did your duty for that you can rest in peace.

Semper Fi.

Your cousin with great respect.

Thom"
Thom Blas of Gulf Breeze, FL

"The day that Orlowski died I had pull his next of kin information so that my Captain could start the casualty call to the states. I was so saddened when I saw that he had a daughter the same age as my son. Four years later and I still think of that day and wonder how his little girl is doing without her daddy. My two little boys will always know and appreciate Eric Orlowski and the sacrifice he made for this country."
Maria Ramirez, Sgt USMC of Lexington, KY

"I first met O-Dogg during CAX 2001. We were on the same tank together. I later transfered to a another unit and heard of his death just days before shipping out to Iraq. Eric was a gentle giant and an excellent Marine. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Sgt Alex (Dirty Chuck) Charlanow of Niskayuna, NY

"Hello. I have written a book that I would like to dedicate to Eric, in honor of his sacrifice. I learned of Eric through the NYT article last weekend, and it inspired me to get my website up and get going. The website is www.ripgerber.typepad.com and the book is called The Journeyman. I am donating proceeds to organizations that support the families of those who have fallen, and hope that people will hear about the book. i would like to send you a copy at no charge, in honor of Eric. If you could let me know where to send it, or in care of an organization if you don't want to disclose your address, i would appreciate it. I also welcome comments on my site. Yours, Rip Gerber - email - rip@ripgerber.com"
Rip Gerber of San Francisco, CA

"I was "the Big Orlowski's" roomate in tank school. He was a good marine and he was awesome to have around. My thoughts and prayers go to he's daughter and family. You will be missed brother. Semper Fi"
Sgt Palafox of San Diego, CA

"On this day beore memorial day, I remember "SKI", I was the Duty SNCO that took the casualty call the day he died. I was also his "DOC" at 8th Tank Co, Bravo CO. Semper Fi"
HM1(SW) Michael A. Venezia, USN, Ret of Cleveland, NY

"May 22, 2007
To the family of Eric J. Orlowski. Eric 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

"May you always remember him as the hero that he was. In giving his life for his country, he earned our grateful thanks."
Lorene Meacham of Monument, CO, USA

"Eric,
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.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"Hello.First and foremost I'm so sorry about your loss.I also have a loved one who is in Afghanistan right now.The reason I also wanted to write is because last march I got a memory bracelet with his name on it-from hero bracelets.org.I did not ask for anyone specific and when I received mine with Eric's name on it I looked up his name on the internet to learn more about him.Many people have asked about the name on my bracelet and I've told them about Eric. I don't take it off,I wear it so people will not forget what price freedom is .He is a Hero.May God Bless your family."
Christina Szewczyk of Syracuse, New york U.S.A

"To the family of:Eric J. Orlowski 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 am posting this message because my fiance was a close friend of Eric. Jeff was in Iraq when he died and thinks of him often. We wanted to let the family and everyone know that he is always in our thoughts. I also felt that I should tell you that we have a 1 year old son, Eric named after Eric J. Orlowski. I would love to be able to share pictures and keep in touch with his family and let them be a part of my sons life. If you would like to contact me please feel free: maslyn_jl@yahoo.com"
Jessi of Clifton Springs, NY

"I knew Eric for a long time, he was my brother's best friend. Eric was the kindest and funniest person we have ever known and most trustworthy. Eric will always be in our hearts and in our prayers. We will also keep his family in our prayers for we know how much this has pained them. We love & miss you Eric."
Christine Roach of Cheektowaga, NY, US

"We are all proud of you."
Bill Orlowski of Arizona

"My name is Kathryn Orlowski, I was on google and I came across the tragic story of Eric Orlowski. We are not related (that I know of) and my heart goes out to his family and friends. God bless"
Kathryn Orlowski of Shawnee Mission, Kansas

"Semper Fi to you and your family. I have a soft spot for tankers and fellow Western New Yorkers."
Jessica of Richmond, VA - Buffalo, NY

"God looked around His garden and found an empty place. He then looked upon this Earth and saw his face. He put His arms around him and lifted him to rest. God's garden must be beautiful he always takes the best. He knew that he was suffering, He knew that he was in pain, He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, so He closed his weary eyelids and whispered peace to thine. It broke our hearts to lose him but he didnt go alone for part of us went with him the day God called him home."
Kristy of Depew, NY

"I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss, but I can say that I understand. My husband, Spc Justin W. Linden was also killed in Iraq on June 4, 2004. These soldiers were all so brave, strong, and courageous. Though they are in heaven now there memories will live on forever in our hearts. So many great American's pray for you all every day, and I am one of them! Stay strong and remember your never alone!"
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"I was in Iraq with Erics unit. He will always remain in my heart and mind. Semper Fi Brother..."
Lcpl Anthony . J Nunez . Jr. of Rochester NY

"Memorial Day, 2004
Today I attended the "Arlington West" memorial on the beach in Santa Monica, California. 800 crosses were placed on the beach in memory of those who gave their lives in Iraq. They had a list of the fallen and people could write a name and place it on a cross along with some flowers. I chose Eric's name and just wanted you to know that he was remembered out there on the beach today."
Lynn Soban of Beverly Hills, CA

"Hi my name is Taylor. I am in 7th grade. When my loved ones died I was told that they were chosen by god. Also they were chosen for a reason. Also they were serving a higher purpose. Last that they were not in any pain. I would like to tell you that I am sorry that your loved one was chosen.I had an Outstanding life,

I rarely did not think about ,
the people I Love,
I have an Out standing family,
Who I love
I have a Sweet
and Kind wife
I have a 3 year old daughter who I love."
7th grade student of Barker Middle school

"Eric was one of my good buddies in Tank School, back in 2000, we always hung out and went to the gym in the barrcks together. He was a very cool guy, I am so sorry to hear what had happened to him. When I first heard about the incident I was in total shock, I couldn't believe the news, I needed to see a picture to believe it. My thoughts and prayers go out to his daughter and his family. He was a good Marine!!!!"
Cpl. Richard Velasquez of Upland, California

"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.

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

"We Will NEVER FORGET !" As the first anniversary of the death of your loved one arrives;
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Eric, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"O-Dogg was my loader for 2 years until he was killed in Iraq. He was the greatest friend anyone could ever have and a great crew memeber. His knowledge of '80s hairband songs kept us entertained in Kuwait and his impression of Jim Kelly was spot on during our pick up games in the desert. Big O, you will always be missed."
Sgt Adam (Beans) Bienas of Lockport, NY

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

"To the Family of Eric Orlowski,
I send my love and thoughts to you. Elaine Orlowski, daughter of Gunny Richard Orlowski."
Elaine Orlowski of Virginia Beach, Virginia

"RIP IN PEACE DEVIL DOG"
The Taylors of USMC NC

"Thank you Eric Orlowski, 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

"I was in Eric's unit, and was there that night. We all miss him terribly, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten by any of us for the rest of our lives. He is a true hero, and one of the best men I have ever had the honor of serving with. Rest in Peace, O-Dogg. Semper Fi."
Nick Bausch of Hamlin, New York USA

"I just got back from Op. Iraqi Freedom last week when I heard the news of Eric. I went to boot camp with him and I just want to say I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy and an outstanding Marine. It was an honor just to be able to meet him."
Lcpl. Mike Deutsch of Bel Air, Maryland

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrifice will nerver be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"Thank you for protecting us all! He gave the ultimate sacrafice to protect us all now and to insure his daughters freedom in the future!"
The Wright Family of Bradford, PA

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Eric Orlowski:
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 Eric 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 Lance Cpl. Eric Orlowski:
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 Eric, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"Thank you for allowing your hero to protect our freedoms!"
Holly of VA