Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"May 22, 2007
To the family of Brendon C. Reiss. Brendon 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

"There is nothing but pride for you, and your actions will not be forgotten. Each Marine sheds tears everytime we must loose another member of our family to the Lords Guard... But we also feel the pride. God Bless Brother, your day is done, Rest in Peace. -- Semper Fi"
Chuck Diaz USMC (Ret) of Kansas City, KS

"To Brendon's loving family,
My son Eric and I had the honor of having Brendon live with us while he attended NC High School. Many times he would sit and talk while I made cookies for all the boys. You'll remember them, Scotty, Ben, and Ryan. Eric's and my hearts will never heal, but we will always pray for you so your pain lessens. We have never met his wife, but knowing Brendon he loved her very much. I am sure he watches over her. I pray every day and thank God He allowed Brendon to be a part of our lives. We miss you son. Love in your memory."
Sheila L. Schlueter of Greenville, NC/USA

"To Brendon's Dad,

I just saw the memorial posted in our paper today (03/23/07) and it made me want to cry with sadness for you and your loss, but also for the pride you must feel for having such a wonderful son, a son who gave his all for not just you, but for all of us. I will make sure my four kids see this today and know what a true hero is.

Congratulations Dad on raising such a good boy, who became a man. Your loss is deep. I am sorry."
Mark Johnson of Port Angeles, WA

"To the family of:Brendon C. Reiss 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"

"Brendon,
I would like to say thank you to you and all the other Marines from the 2nd MEB who were killed at An Nasiriyah that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"happy veterans day bro!!! we all love you and miss you."
mike welch of iraq

"resses, i will never forget you brother!!!!!!"
mike welch of casper/wy iraq sec tour

"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

"Family and friends of Brendon Reiss, please accept our gratitude and appreciation as the war's 3rd year begins. The contribution and sacrifice is tremendous and America is fortunate to have such brave citizens."
Ronald L. Carlson of Montrose, MN, USA

"To the family of Sgt. Brendon Reiss. I never knew your son but am the widow of a VietNam Marine. My husband is buried in the same National Cemetary here in Chattanooga as Brendon is.I visit his gravesite often. After reading Sgt. Reiss's family is all out of state, I have made a point of keeping flowers on his gravesite. I can't imagine the pain you must feel from the loss of your son, but I hope this gives you some comfort in knowing his gravesite is attended to. There is another local lady that also visits. We spoke one day and she ask if I was family. I said "no, I would be proud to have a son , daughter, or husband over there now,BUT each day I thank God I don't." We agreed to make sure his site always has flowers or a wreath. The lest we can do.

Sgt. Reiss, Rest in Peace. You are in good company up there guarding the gates of heaven ."
Barbara Stander of Chattanooga, Tn.

"Brendon,
The whole country is proud of you and will never forget what you gave for us. The US Marines lost a great man as well as the world. I hope that your mom "Angie" and your sister "lindsey" are ok. You with out a doubt you are missed by all those who knew you. Fallen but not Forgoten! ---"TJ Smith"
TJ Smith of Hanna, WY / Tampa, FL

"Brendon was a close friend of mine while he went to school in Hanna but lost touch when he moved to Casper. During the time that I knew him he was a very dedicated gentleman to everything he encountered. And, I know that he was a very dedicated gentleman to the men he fought with and died for during his time of heroism as a United States Marine. I say the word heroism because that is just what he accomplished, he fulfilled a high purpose with a noble end. Those who knew him will always think of him and miss him. Even in his absence he will continue to touch others lives and set an example the way he did when he was still with us."
Tiffany (Faber) Olson of Rawlins, Wyoming

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

"I am a 7th grader and I am going to tell you with no
doubt that you should be proud that you raised such a brave boy."
7th grade student of Barker Middle School

"I am so honored to have had Brendon as a part of our family! Brendon was married to my neice, Tensley. They were such a loving couple, so full of life and big plans for the future. I will always treasure the times they spent at my home for holiday cookouts and he would also help me hang the American flag the "proper" way. His smile was so beautiful, that when you saw it, you couldn't help but smile too. You could see the love he had for Tensley by the way he looked at her and he would just glow.
Brendon was a dedicated marine and truly believed in what he was fighting for and in our country. He was proud to be a Marine Sargent and took great pride in his works and his troop. Sometimes when he would be abroad, we would email back and forth, I never knew that just "anyone" on board could read the emails, but it didn't matter. What we had to say wasn't secret. I always let him know how much he was loved, missed and how proud we all were of him. When he would come home, we would all have Sunday dinners at my parents home, a tradition in our family. Brendon loved those times,and enjoyed seeing Grammy and Grandaddy, and the rest of the family.
When he first met Tensley, he would drive 400 miles each way, each weekend to see her, from Camp LeJeune, NC to Calhoun, GA - he did that until they were married about a year later.
Now when I think of Brendon, which is very often, I think of him with great pride and am truly honored that he gave the ultimate sacrifice for OUR FREEDOMS that he and I (and all Americans) hold dear and true. There just aren't enough words to describe this wonderful person!
It has been a year now since we buried Brendon, and it has been very, very hard on both families, as we still miss him so dearly. We have just been advised by the military that Brendon will be receiving some type of medal of honor for his heroic deeds. Even though he was badly wounded, his main concern was for his "men", and he died saving all those he could at An Nasiriyah. He is truly a HERO in every sense of the word.
It touches my heart to read all the messages left on this website and the items left at his gravesite from other people, mostly people that never knew him. How amazing!
I wish people could know the Brendon that I knew and still love.
Brendon - we will always love and remember you, you are our HERO!
Love always,
Aunt Mel

If you can email from heaven, my email hasn't changed sweetie! And I know you hear our talks and prayers even today:) You are now our "Guardian" from above."
Melodie Aultman-Morris of Cleveland, TN

"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 Marine!! SEMPER FI!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"Sgt Brendon Reiss,
It's been more than a year since you've been gone but I hope you know that we still remember...you are not forgotten. I want to thank you for everything you were and the sacrifice you made so that so many could live free. Many more have made the ultimate sacrifice in the last year and we continue to think of all of you with love and gratitude. I hope that the passing time has helped to heal your family's and your friends' pain. Please watch over the troops still over there. You will always be my hero."
SSgt Dominique Atkins of Offutt AFB, NE

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

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

"To the family of Brendon Reiss:
My deepest sympathy and condolences to you. From a fellow Wyoming native to another, your son's sacrifice for the greatest military in the world will never be forgotten. I competed with Brendon in high school sports and remembered him when I saw his name. You should be so proud of your son and his commitment in our country's endless campaign to ensure freedom everywhere. I am so very thankful to Brendon and to your family for allowing me and others his age the opportunity to live free and in peace every day of our lives. Please know that your son's sacrifice and others' like his in this war effort will be remembered by so many. My prayers are with your family."
Sean Stanga of Cody, WY

"Rest in eternal peace brave soldier!"
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To the family:
Marine Sgt. Brendon C. Reiss 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 Brendon Reiss, 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 knew your son. I am so sorry. I am even sorrier to be so impersonal in saying my condolences this way. I was your sons Platoon Commander when he was a Private. He was always so eager to do well and always ready to do his job. I left 1/2 and he stayed; when I returned he had been made a Sgt and a Rifle Platoon Guide. This was unusual because he was a machine gunner, but they had sent him to Infantry Squad Leaders School and he had done really well. Then when they had a Platoon that needed some strong leadership and Reiss having that strong leadership, he was the obvious choice. We talked alot on ship,(USS Ponce) and even though he did not smoke he was always good for a cigarette and a laugh. We would usually talk about Marines we knew or home, but it usually came down to his one greatest fear. Not being able to re-enlist in the Marine Corps. If he could of seen himself as others had seen him, he would of realized how he need not worry. I remember before we left for Iraq, he was always serious, but always good for a smile. My heart goes out to you, again I am so sorry. He was a great man and a great Marine."
Jason Doran of Dallas Texas

"Semper Fi"

"Dear Family and loved ones of Sgt. Brendon Reiss, I did not know Sgt. Reiss personally but I am deeply grateful for the role he has played in my life and what he has given as well as all of you for me and for my children's future. There are no words to express that. With my deepest sympathy and love and gratitude,"
Christine Eberle of Labadie, Missouri

"I hope you are able to take some comfort in the fact that Brendon's sacrifice has so profoundly benefited so many lives. My deepest sympathy and sincerest thanks. God Bless"
Gracie of Idaho

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Brendon Reiss:
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 Brendon 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. Brendon Reiss:
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 Brendon, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"To the family of Marine Sgt. Brendon C. Reiss
I am so sorry for your loss. When I saw your son was from Wyoming it really hit home. I am from Rock Springs myself. I know the Lord is looking over your son and has taken him home. God bless you and yours."
Andrea of Ft Benning, GA

"Thank you for your bravery. Many are free because of you."
Nancy of Ocala FL