Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hello, I did not know this young man! But as a citizen I would like to share my appreciation by thanking him and his family! I thank Robert for his service in pertecting my freedom! Thank you robert! And my empthy to the rodriguez family."
David Camacho of St. Paul, MN

"Me and Robert were classmates in PS 62Q.
Im saddened by the loss of a great guy. May we remember the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who serve our country."
Robert A. Seda of Ozone Park, Queens, NY

"I am one of many cousins that Robert Marcus Rodriguez had. We all lovingly called him Marquito. I am a few years older than he was and remember him as a rumbunctious and happy young boy. When I'd come visit he'd always sit on my lap and I'd tikle his nose with my hair. The last time I saw him was around the year 2000. He had already gone through basic training. He had matured into a young man. He had dreams for the future and was headed in the right direction in life. One thing i can say about him is that he LOVED his family, especially his mother and his oldest sister, whom he lovingly refered to as his hyda madrina. Five years after his passing it still seems like just a bad dream. He is always in our thoughts and will remain in our hearts forever...
RIP Marquito"
Vivian turralde of Ridgewood, NY USA

"Familia Rodriguez:

I remember like it was yesterday when Roberto and I was on the John Adams Wrestling team, I even sit and laugh when I think of when we used to sneak out of school early to play some handball on those hot summer days. In 2000 I graduated from Adams and enlisted into the U.S. Army. Here as an Airborne Infantryman I was trained to "Grow-up" After Airborne school I returned home for Christmas exodus leave and wanted to visit Adams... I was here that I saw Roberto and he too was in his dress uniform. As we stood in front of Adams together talking like we never left Adams we both laughed in suprise that the only thing that has changed between us is our "Uniforms". That day was last time I saw and/or heard from Roberto. Today is November 5th 2007, I have been out and done with my required time in the military, I now have my own home and wife and child in Albany N.Y... Life seems to be ever so great until I ran in to this news that my freind ... Fellow Spartan has fallen in the line of duty.... I truely render a salute to Roberto "shorty" Rodriguez and am extremely sad. The United States Military lost a great man.... we lost a valiant Friend , Brother, Son, and Soldier. Thank you all for this page and if there is anything at all you should need please reach out... Qual quier cosa...Qual quier hora....
This Veterans Day My Flag Fly' in your memory Roberto. Thank you for being a freind.
....Siempre Fidelis....

David.V.Valentin@erac.com"
Cpl. David Valentin Jr. of Ozone Park, Queens N.Y.

"Familia Rodriguez:

I remember like it was yesterday when Roberto and I was on the John Adams Wrestling team, I even sit and laugh when I think of when we used to sneak out of school early to play some handball on those hot summer days. In 2000 I graduated from Adams and enlisted into the U.S. Army. Here as an Airborne Infantryman I was trained to "Grow-up" After Airborne school I returned home for Christmas exodus leave and wanted to visit Adams... I was here that I saw Rberto and he too was in his dress uniform. As we stood in front of Adams together talking like we never left Adams we both laughed in suprise that the only thing that has changed between us is our "Uniforms". That day was last time I saw and/or heard from Roberto. Today is November 5th 2007, I have been out and done with my required time in the military, I now have my own home and wife and child in Albany N.Y... Life seems to be ever so great until I ran in to this news that my freind ... Fellow Spartan has fallen in the line of duty.... I truely render a salute to Roberto "shorty" Rodriguez and am extremely sad. The United States Military lost a great man.... we lost a valiant Freind , Brother, Son, and Soldier. Thank you all for this page and if there is anything at all you should need please reach out... Qual quier cosa...Qual quier hora....

David.V.Valentin@erac.com"
Cpl. David Valentin Jr. of Ozone Park, Queens N.Y.

"I went to Boot Camp with Robert at Parris Island, SC in early 2000--1st Battalion, Delta Company, Platoon 1030!!! He was one of my best friends from the Marine Corps. I was in Nasariyah when Robert was killed, although I didn't find out about it until after I had rotated back to the states. He was a good man, and one of the finest Marines I have ever known. He loved his family VERY much. I miss him dearly, and I will love him always."
Terry L. Johnston of Louisville, KY usmc_1088@yahoo.com

"To the family and friends,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a loved on is the hardest thing in life. I am writing to not only express my sorrow for you but to let you know about a memorial I am working on. I am creating a quilt to honor the fallen soldiers from the New York City Area. Each soldier will have a panel created. I am inviting the friends and families to get involved. If you are interested or would like some more information please contact me at nycfallensoldiers@yahoo.com"
esther Kabalkin of Staten Island, NY

"July 4, 2007
To the family of Robert M. Rodriguez. Robert 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 Rodriguez Family, My name is SSgt Jeffrey Rodriguez I used to be stationed with Robert and the reason he was called Little Rod, I was Big Rod. He was always a person that could make a bad day good always with a smile. I remember we would talk baseball and dream of playing for the Marine Corps team and he used to say it would be cool if we both played on the same team, you know two Rods Big Rod And Little Rod. He was the last Marine I seen as I departed 29Palms to a new duty, as he worked PMO. Well Just wanted to let you know he will never be forgotten, and my children will someday hear of this Hero. If there is anything we can do for you please Ask we will be there to help. jrod79735@yahoo.com"
SSgt Jeffrey Rodriguez of Chino Hills, CA USA

"To the family of:Robert M. Rodriguez 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"

"Robert,
I would like to say thank you to you and your and fellow tank crewmembers for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"To Rods family,
I still think of your son full of laughter and smiles, always joking but willing to led a hand. I was an MP with Rod when he FAP'D over there in 29Palms. He had that special something about him and he will always have a place in my heart. My prayers and well wishes that your family may overcome your loss but know he will never be forgotten."
Cpl Carey Carlan of Delta, OH/ USA

"http://www.myspace.com/mayodayrodriguezmartinez"
of CA

"Dear Roberts Family,Friends
Robert was not just a great friend he was a brother to me. When i first met robert it was in the challenge progrem there me and robert became friends, we were assiend to the same racks which we shared for five months. Robert would always look down from his top rack to my rack which was below his and robert would talk about the military after challenge, and he would ask if i would like to join the marines with him after challenge on the buddy system which would allow us to train together and go on to do the same job together. He was always sure of himself and never secound guessed unlike me, always keep in great shape and loved the marines. He would talk about his uncle who was a marine and how proud he was of him, he always had stories to tell about him. He would also talk about his sister who was a nyc police officer, he would say how he wanted to follow in her footsteps and become a city cop as well. I also had future planes in becoming a cop, robert and i had great times together in and out of challenge after robert compleated his trainning in the marines i remember him calling me letting me know that he was home on leave, i was happy to hear from him each and everytime he was home. We had so many great times we met friends such as carl a friend from challenge we also went to the porto ricon day parade an i even remeber when he met my father for the first time my father really liked robert he always told me how robert's a good guy and very respectful i would tell my father thats my friend i know. I also remember when i went with him to get tatoos, we talked most of the time on the phone while he was in palms ca trainning. I remeber one time i took robert out and some girls attacked him and wrote there names all over his arm and he went home with these name all over his arm the next day he told me how his mom got upset when she saw his arm because she thought that he had gotten tatoos again, i joked by saying that you should of removed it before going home Roberts in my mind and in hart all the time iam truly sorry that this had happend to such a great person he will always be in my hart forever, and one day i will share my feeling and thoughts with my children i will let them know about my great and very brave friend. Thankyou for giving me this opportunity to meet such a person."
Brian McGarry of Queens,NY

"I love you brother.
Sgt Joe Duran
Squad Leader (Alpha) Hotel Company, MCT, Camp Geiger, 2000."
Joe Duran of New Orleans, LA USA

"May God hold Robert tight for all time."
John Covert of Wilmington, Delaware

"I was in Roberts Platoon; "Dirty 1030" at Parris Island. I heard of his death in a news article some time ago. I remember him very well, his character, his style, his attitude all made him who he was. Rough and Tuff. You will never be forgotten brother. Semper Fidelis and Goodbye."
SGT. H.E. GEBERTH III of Baton Rouge, LA

"WELL IM NOT THE BEST WITH WORDS BUT IM ALWAYS ONE TO LOOK AT THE GOOD AND NOT THE BAD...MYSELF AND LIL ROD HAD SOME GOOD TIMES TOGETHER..WE WERE TOGETHER DURING TANK SCHOOL..AND THEN IN THE FLEET..GRANTED WE WERE IN DIFFERENT COMPANIES THAN EACH OTHER..WE STILL SPENT A LOT OF TIME TOGETHER..ROD WAS A FUNNY CAT...HIM AND MYSELF WOULD ALWAYS CHAT IT UP ABOUT MUSIC..HE WAS A DOWN RIGHT LOYAL EAST COAST RAP FAN..MY SELF A SOUTHERN...WE JUST USE TO TRASH TALK EACH OTHERS MUSIC AND NECK OF THE WOODS...YOU KNOW HOW FOOLS DO WHEN THEY GET BORED...AND THEY ARE STATIONED MILES AWAY FROM HOME..SO YOU REMONISE ON THE GOOD TIMES YOU HAD WHEN YOU WHERE AT HOME...AND IN 4 YEARS IT WILL ALL BE OVER...WELL FOR ROD..HE WAS ONE OF THE UNLUCKY ONES THAT HE NEVER SAW THAT DAY...I DID..BUT IT WAS BECAUSE OF HIM AND THE OTHER WELL TRAINED MARINES THAT I HAD AROUND ME AT ALL TIMES THAT I WAS FORTUNATE TO COME HOME SAFE..GET OUT OF THE MARINES ..AND GO BACK TO A NORMAL LIFE..ROD IF I COULD SPEAK TO YOU AGAIN...I'D JUST TELL YOU THAT YOU WHERE ONE HELL OF A PERSON, ON HELL OF A MARINE, AND A MISSED GOOD FRIEND....YOULL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN..1 LOVE"
MATT CARMEAN of NETTLETON MISSISSIPPI

"I am Cpl. Rodriquez sister. On behalf of the Rodriguez family I wish to express our sincere gratitude for all your kindness and well wishes. We have not responded previously because it has been very difficult to read through these post. Please anyone who wishes to contact us can email me at hlopez14@nyc.rr.com God Bless."
Hyda Hernandez of Queens, New York

"PMO FAPS
The Stumps
ChalleNGe
QueenZ DA thorough 5th boro
Jack in the Crack

Lil Rod was one of the most motivated marines I have ever met in my entire time in the Corps. Every time I saw him at the gate while he was on watch with PMO he would always have his uniform on proper, his PMO 782 gear all nice and tight, always looked squared away. Even while most marines were short timing, hating Bn PT, Field Days and general BS, Rod was always motivated. He wanted to either become a Gunny and do his 20 or join the NYPD. I think he could've done anything he wanted, he was that type of guy. It would've been hot if he got out and joined the NYPD like his sister. It would've been cool to have a good friend from the marines as a cop in ny. But either way we are all better people for having known you. You gave your life for freedom."
Sgt Cho of Delta Tanks

"To the friends and family of Robert M. Rodriguez:
I would like to express my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. No words can ever take away the pain, but remember that he will live on forever in your hearts and you are never greiving alone. My husband, Justin Linden, was KIA in Iraq. I know it can be very difficult to bare this tragic pain, but his sacrifice will never be forgotten. God bless you all!"
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

"ROBERT YOU WAS A GOOD FRIEND TO ME..I REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD AT (CHALLENGE)AND AFTER..I EVEN REMEMBER WHEN YOU CAME OUT OF BOOTCAMP AND YOU WANTED ME 2 JOIN TO..I SHOULD OF,,BUT I'LL HAVE YOUR BACK MY BROTHER..I LOVE YOU ROBERT. SEE U WHEN I SEE U BRO!"
VICTOR MACIAS of WOODHAVEN,NY

"CPL RODRIGUEZ MY DEAR FRIEND, IT WAS ALWAYS GREAT TO SEE YOU, TO REMEMBER ALL THE THINGS WE LOVED ABOUT NYC. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. I MET ROD IN 29 PALMS, WE WERE BOTH FROM QUEENS AND WE BOTH WANTED TO BE NYC COPS, WHEN ROD WAS KILLED IT HURT SO MUCH, I COULD NOT BELIEVE I LOST MY FREIND. BEING HERE IN IRAQ, I KNOW ROD HAS WATCHED OVER ME AND ALL OF HIS FELLOW MARINES THRU MANY OF OUR CLOSE CALLS. THANKS ROD, I MISS YOU ME DEAR FRIEND, WHEN I RETURN TO HOME I WILL COME SEE YOU WHERE YOU ARE AT AND WE WILL TALK SOME MORE AND REMEMBER EVERYTHING. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. EVERY WHERE I GO I WILL LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT CPL RODRIGUEZ WAS A GREAT MARINE THAT HE WAS A HERO AND THAT HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND MY BROTHER. SEMPER FI ROD !!!! SEE YOU WHEN I SEE YOU !!!"
SSGT CARPIO W.F. of IRAQ

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

"Robert Rodriguez sounded like a wonderful guy. I feel very privileged that he represented our country. I am also very thankful that he died for the Iraqi people and to keep our country safe of weapons of Mass Destruction. You are loved, may we please meet in heaven BRAVE one."
7th Grade Student of Barker Middle School

"To all Robert's loved ones,
I am deeply sorry for Robert's deayh, and think of it this way he is going to a better place (Heavon)."
7th grade student of barker middle school

"To Roberts Parents,
I think your sun is the bravest person I have ever read about and I hope you can recover from his horrible death."
7th grade student of barker middle school

"Dear Rodriguez Family,
I was there in Iraq when your son was lost. I knew him and the other three Marines who perished with him. I wish there was some way for me the be there to guide them across the bridge there at the Uphraties. I just didn't know that there was a bridge there. We had been driveing for days non-stop. Scared for our lives. If only I had know there was a bridge there I would have look out for the men and their safe passage. You see we had no idea we were crossing the uphraties it was so dark. We couldn't see anything with our night vision goggles. I am so sorry for your loss. I am also sorry I did not know your son better. Please contact me if you wish to talk or if you need anything at all. My E-mail is FlemingEC@i-mef.usmc.mil"
Cpl Edwin C Fleming of Camp Pendleton Ca

"To Robert's famliy: Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. I read your Robert's name at a rememberance vigil in Denver...you are in my prayers."
Oren Briese of Castle Rock, Colorado

"To Remember Them..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!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

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

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

"Cpl. Rodriguez, was a motivated marine with lots of potential. I was in rods tank platoon in 2001 when he first came to charlie company, 1st tank battalion. I came across his picture on the internet and i was stunned. I hadnt seen him since 2002. I have some pictures of Rodriguez at his first Marine corps ball. I want to give them to his family. They can contact me at joshkennard@yahoo.com. On the other hand, Rodriguez was a little guy with a big heart and much courage.He will surely be missed in the tanker community."
J. Kennard of Traverse City,Mi

"To the Rodriquez Family:
I want to send my deepest sympathy to you. I am the girlfriend of one of Robert's closest and dearest friends Lance Cpl Guy C. Thomas Jr. He will be truly missed..."
Celestina L. Mami of Florida, Ny USA

"To Roberts loved ones,
I am from barker middle scool, and I am doing a project on a person who died for us in Iraq and I chose your sun because when I read what happened to your sun I felt bad and my friend Lauren Rose wrote to you to!"
Sarah Wagner of Barker,N.Y, USA

"I am doing a report on Robert, out of hundred of men I chose him and i want to say thank you you made a difference and you have more courage than most. I tend to take advantage of this country so thanks for fighting for right. - Lauren 13yrs"
Lauren Rose of Barker

"Thank you for the costly sacrifice you have laid on the altar of freedom. You will not be forgotten Roberto.

Dulce et decorum est pro Patria mori."
LT Eduardo Gomez of Sicily, Italy

"God bless you Robert M Rodriquez and God Bless your family.

I am sure that Robert is looking down from his post in heaven...guarding the Pearly Gates...and he is feeling the love of tens of thousands of Americans who appreciate the sacrafice that Robert made to help rid the world of terrorism.

I served in Vietnam with Robert's tank commander's (Don May) father. I know how bad it is when the bad guys are shooting at you. Robert is (...and all Marines are...) very brave, true patriots and fine warriors.

I am proud to have served in the same Marine Corps as Robert M Rodriguez.

Semper Fidelis,
.
."
John Wear of New Hope, PA...(it's near Philadelphia)

"Thank you Robert Rodriguez, 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

"One thing that I can say about Cpl Rodriguez is that he was definately MOTIVATED. When he went over to be a Military Policeman for a while, I would always come through the gate and he would say "OOH RAH Staff Sergeant". He would do the same to my wife and I loved that. If you were ever down, you could always look to him to put a smile on your face. He did some great things for the Marine Corps and he will be greatly missed. Semper Fidelis Marine and tell St. Peter we said hello. OOH RAH Corporal!!!"
SSgt Matthew E. Dordal of Charlie Company, 1st Tank Battalion

""I want to thank robert and his family for the sacrafice they gave to our country. robert, you will never be forgotten! me and my family and our country are eternally grateful!""
mangano family of ny

"In loving memory of CPL Robert M. Rodriguez"

Although he paid the ultimate price, he will not be forgotten, ever. When your family hurts, you hurt. When my son told me of his friend dieing, I hurt so much for both of them. I hope that God gives you, (the family), the peace that you seek. I know my son held a special place in his heart for CPL Rodriguez that maybe we as the families will never know, but I am so proud to have a son that was and still is so proud of your son, not just for the ultimate price he paid, but for the friendship that they shared. I know I speak for both of us as I post this message. May God be with you as CPL Rodriguez joins Gods most precious angels in heaven."
Ann Bratton PMM of CPL Daniel Bratton, of Buckeye, AZ

"my name is jessica camacho, i knew robert very well he was a real good friend of mine, but unfortunantely we lost contact with eachother, and i had to hear about his death on the news, and i miss him terribly, he is a great guy and he will be missed."
jessica camacho of queens, ny

"GOD bless and keep you close to him , and bless your family ."
sgt collins of hawaii , schofield bks

"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

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

"You have given the supreme sacrifice for your country and for people all over the world, so they may live in peace
God Be With You
Lest We Forget - We Will Remember Them"
#RP# of 5/6th RVR - Aust

"RIP Brave Marine..."
The Taylors, USMC of NC