Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I cant believe it was almost 6 years ago. I was bunked next to Sekula in Soi and roomates with 3 more for a while in 2/7. He was an upstanding man and had a faith in God i could only strive for. My best memory of him is having to watch out when i walked by his door because he would rope your foot without you knowing it. Great man and still remembered."
John Sorensen of Phx Az

"April 20, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Dustin M. Sekula:
Dustin 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

"Although I am years younger than Dustin, I am however ENHS alumni and there is no greater pride I feel than saying "Dustin Sekula was a COUGAR!". Everyday I drive by the Library built in his honor on my way to work and I think of all the pride, honor and joy he brought to ENHS, the city of Edinburg and our great nation. Thank you Dustin!"
Laura Mtz of Edinburg, Texas

"Dusty, I've heard all about what an amazing Godly man you were. You were such an inspiration to our church and community. The world could use many more Dustys. You will not be forgotten brave soldier. I can't wait to meet you up in heaven someday, Maybe you can even teach us how to rope. Thank you for giving the greatest sacrifice. I know you are finally with Jesus. know you are loved and missed."
Tammy of Pharr Tx.

"Dan, Lisa, Danielle & Derek,
I promise I never ever forget Dusty! I miss him so much, yet I'm so proud of the Godly example he set for all of us. I miss his hugs & smile, we still laugh and talk about all our great memories. He has impacted our lives forever! I love you Dusty!"
Denice of McAllen, TX

"DUSTY I NEVER MET YOU BUT THAT WAS ENOUGH FOR ME TO ADMIRE WHAT YOU DID FOR ALL OF US. I TRUELY THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HEROIC ACTIONS AND FOR FIGHTING FOR OUR LIBERTY!

THANKING YOU ALWAYS
JULIE!"
JULIE! of EDINBURG TX.

"To the Sekula family.
My name is Sgt. Peter Anderson. Dustin and I were best friends in boot camp and school of infantry. I recently got out of the marines but my wife is currently deployed. I've been looking for a way to contact you to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I feel like I lost a brother too in Dustin. We were such an odd pair, we went out on liberty together every weekend during SOI since we were the only two marines in the infantry that seemed to have any semblance of morals. I bet people were wondering what we were doing together since I was raised in the suburbs of MN and dressed the part. I'd be out in my khakis and polo shirts with Dustin in his cowboy boots, huge belt buckle and cowboy hat. What a pair. I had planned to invite him to my wedding after our first deployments but unfortunatly I never got the chance. He always used to ask me "how my lil lady" was doing. Anyways I'm so sorry for your loss. If you ever feel the urge to call and hear some of these stories my phone # is 410-869-2776. Dustin was a great guy and is missed by my whole family, who always heard about him but never had a chance to meet him."
Peter of Columbia, MD, USA

"brave brave marine...miss you brother"
Horse of 2/7

"My heart is still saddened by the loss of such a young and wonderful man. He is among the many soldiers in heaven continually watching over our country and families. Rest in peace brave hero."
Cristina of Edinburg, Texas

"Dustin,you will NEVER be forgotten.You gave up your life so that others may live.And for that I am truely grateful.One day,if need be,I will gladly do the same for others.When you died,that was not the end.It was only the begining.Your life is not in vain. YOU ARE MY HERO."
Rachelle Braaten,17 of McAllen,TX

"To the family of:Dustin M. Sekula 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"

"Dusty, I Never got to know you so well as i had hoped but what i did know, i admired. i will miss you and you smile and patience. your confidence in man. your love for your family. even when things were tough and you didn't know what to do. i won't for get the night at twc when you told me you wanted to be a marine. i asked you about your future as a roper and you said that didn't matter anymore that you wanted to doing something that mattered more something on a much grander scale, i encouraged that and supported you in that choice. i will never forget you and am looking foward to seein you once again!"
Caleb Finley of Kansas City Mo

""Death before Dishonor"

Semper Fi Sek!"
Petty Officer Joseph Palmer of Brunswick, Maine

"Dear Sekula Familiy and Friends,

I knew Dustin very well. I was his fireteam leader. I was there that night on April 1st when he went to be with Jesus. I have had a hard time accepting that he is no longer with us physically. But I do know he is with us in spirit. For a long time I felt like it was my fault. That I could have done more to prevent this. That I could have done something differently that night. But I know he is in a better place now.
When Dustin came to us after S.O.I. he was assigned to my squad and my fireteam. During training his enthusiasm and strong will to succeed was well known. He gave everything 110 percent. He always had a smile on his face. Come to think of it, if he was ever in a bad mood he didn't show it. His passions in life, behind the Lord, was ALL of you(his familiy and friends), that special girl he had back home, his horse(which he loved more than life), and team roping. These things were all I ever heard him talk about.
In Kuwait, I asked Dustin if he was afraid of death and without one bit of hesitation he said "nope, I know my place is next to Jesus, but the only thing that I am afraid of is to die before I can do my job as a United States Marine." Dustin didn't die in vain. He faught protecting the lives of his friends and fellow Marines right up the final second of his life. Just know that I miss him dearly and that I will always remember him, as a brother.
To Dustin--- Mission accomplished. Well Done. Just save me a place up there little bro. Know that I miss you and that I was and still am very proud of you. Fair winds and following seas...Semper Fi Brother."
Cpl Steven Melick of Metamora, Michigan

"Dustin was a great man and a great friend. I knew him well in highschool. We both took ag and were in the FFA together and had took art. Gosh i remember one time we were barley gonna go to are first class of ag and we all were roping a fake cows head for practies, then somehow the conversation got that I was to fast to be rope and crazy me believed it. But not ohh Dusty he said he could still get me so you know we did a little bet. Ofcouse i had my distance to run and he missed a couple of times, by then i was a cocky and believed he could get me. But ohh man on the third time I felt that rope wraped around my ankle as i hit the ground lol, but you know while everyone laugh not Dustin he we the worried one out of everyone to make sure i was oky he even went to help me was up lol. You see its small things like that keep Dustin M. Sekula in our hearts and mind. He will never be forgotten of how he was and what hes done for us. Dustin will always and truely be a friend of mine untill its time we meet again to have another chance of trying to get me with that rope lol:)."
Rye Acosta of Edinburg, Texas

"Dustin,
You will never be forgotten by all your friends from ENHS. We love you, and we miss you! You will remain a hero in our eyes and hearts. We are so proud of you and your courage! We know you are in a better place waiting for us...Hopefully you have already met up with Jeramie Espinoza!
We miss you a lot!
Until that day we meet again...please watch over us and know we keep you in our hearts!"
Zully of Edinburg,TX

"To the Sekula family:
I never knew your son but I am still eternally grateful for the sacrifice that he made. He brings great honor to Edinburg along with Freddy Gonzalez and the many other fallen soldiers of the Valley. You did a great job raising a boy into a brave man."
Ronnie of Ediinburg, Texas

"I met Dusty while I was a recruiter in McAllen. Although I personally was not his recruiter and interacted as much with him, I got to know him well. He used to brighten the gloomiest of days with just a few words. I had the honor of seeing him come home and witnessing the change in him. The last time I saw Dusty was right before his deployment. He said he was anxious to go and make a difference. I never thought the next time we would meet would be as I helped unload his coffin from an airplane. It was one of the greatest privelages for me to serve as one of his pallbearers. I am currently in Fallujah, Iraq and am constantly thinking about Dusty and all those other brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Every time I have to go out and put myself in harms way I know that Dusty is right there beside me helping me along. To the Sekula family I say be strong and know that Dusty will never be forgotten. Take care of each other and may God bless you."
SSgt David Martinez Jr. of Fallujah, Iraq

"Dear Dustin and Family
My name is Brian Acevedo,I was one of dustins NCOs while he was with us. I met dustin the first night he got to the fleet from S.O.I. I connected with dustin very fast seeing how we had very much in common like , country music, firearms, and nature. He use to tell me stories about the ranch he had groun up on and all the hard work he'd done raising and caring for his horses,man he loved his horse! He use to talk about bringing his horse out to the palms after the deployment.some times we would carry a conversation for hours. when we deployed to iraq I really did not see much of dustin becouse we were in different sections except for the occational "How you do'in Cpl." between patrols. I will never forget the morning I found out dustin had passed on, My heart fell to the floor and broke. During his memorial I stayed strong only becouse I was in the presents of my marines, truth be told when I racked out for that night I cryed. It still hirts but I know he is still around all of us.It made me very proud when he told me when he picks up cpl. he wanted to be like me.I thank god for every day for the time I had with dustin even thought it was short, I will always miss him.

SEMPER FI BROTHER
CPL. ACE"
Brian Acevedo of Chicago IL

"Dustin, you're fine Marine and a fine Man! You will not be forgotten! RIP little brother! Semper Fi!"
Capt J. Sun of Fallujah, Iraq

"I was in PLT 2007 Fox Company during boot camp with Dustin. He was a great guy to talk to, he was always on top of things trying to get everyone to do what they were supposed too. He is in my memories. Your son made a sacrifice for his country, corps, and family so the people of america can sleep safe. God bless"
Andrew C. Sprague of Camp Lejeune, NC / USA

"Soldier, I miss you. You truly were a gentleman. You were and continue to be such a blessing in my life, and that of my family. Thank you for your sacrifice. I'll keep my word to you, Dusty. Semper Fi!"
Baby Doll

"To the Sekula Family,
I am not much with words but I definitely know what you have gone through because as soon as I found out another brother of mine from the valley was killed it made me feel heavy and sad. Yes I am a man and I cry like any other human being but as a former Marine and having lost Marines in the past from your my own unit and having to identify them is something that stays in the back of my mind and believe that is why I dont sleep well at night because of the reoccurneces I have in my dreams. Ive learned now that I am out of the Marine Corps the true meaning of "Once A Marine Always A Marine" we are a band of brothers that do not leave one another behind. We might not agree to everything but as the saying goes in the Marine Corps when the S**T hits the fan we got eachothers back and we dont leave any Marine behind. A former marine from my unit was killed and I wasnt able to return home or escort the body home to Brownsville so my parents attended on my behalf and told his family that I was side by side with their son so upon my return his family wanted to meet me to ask me questions about their son but wasn't able to face them because all this time I have been wanting to put everything behind me and it is hard. I have driven past your home from time to time and just stare when you had the Marine Corps flag flapping in the air and have seen your daughter on capmus in the Business building but can not bring up the courage to go up to her and tell her how I feel. Tell her how I feel because even though I never knew Dustin he was one of me the smallest of all branches of service..."The Few, The Proud, The MARINES....so I leave you with this...SEMPER FI!! and God Bless You all
J.D. Garza Jr.
former Cpl USMC
HMH-361 Flying Tigers"
J.D. Garza Jr. of Edinburg, Tx

"Thank you Dustin for the gift of freedom you so proudly defended for the rest of us. Your family can take solice in knowing that when they close their eyes for the last time, standing before them with open arms will be their smiling Dustin. From a very grateful American family"
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"Dear Sekula Family, I never knew Dustin but not a day goes by in which your son Dustin is not my thoughts. While he he led a noble and honorable life and we know that he is in a greater place, one cannot dismiss the fact that he is deeply missed. My heart aches for your loss. Mrs. Sekula, your strength has moved me and I pray each day for you and your family and while you may not be on those front lines in some war torn country, your sacrifice is inmeasurable and heroic. Dustin was and I'm sure would be so proud of you. When I look at the sky and listen to my children at play, I give thanks to all those men and women who like your son, have given all so that we may live in a safer place. God Bless You Dusty, and God Bless your family. May you give them strength as they go through this most difficult time in their lives."
Mrs. Oscar Meade of McAllen,TX USA

"I didn't know Dustin but he is greatly missed, I lost my brother-in law in November 2003.We love you and you are deeply missed."
Antoinette Brooks of Stone Mountain, Georgia

"I reflect often on how lucky our families are to have such brave men and women serving on our behalf. I am among the lucky ones who's brother returned from duty in Iraq. My brother served with Dustin and his other “brothers” that day in Iraq. My family, my brother, and I am so saddened by your loss, your grief. There is not a day that goes by when we do not reflect on the sacrifice your family has made for our freedom. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as do all who have lost a loved one in this time of war. We pray to for those who are there or who will be serving, that they meet the call of duty as honorably as Dustin and his marine brothers did that day."
Shannon Link of Louisville, Kentucky

"To the Sekula Family,
My name is LCpl Mark Zambon; I was in the same platoon as your son in boot camp. It's hard to get to know someone there, but from going to church with him and the 5-10 minute talk when one of us was roaming on fire watch, you could tell how much he cared about people, and how much subtle respect you got from his honesty. One Sunday Morning when we were up at Edson Range, we had just got back from our first week in the field, I was bugging him to go to church with me, and he got all mad and was like I GOTTA WRITE THIS LETTER TO MY FAMILY..the man was serious about that business. And then the day he got promoted to squad leader, we were next to the chow hall and one of our drill instructors asked who wanted the spot and he was raising his hand. So the drill instructor was like, "You think you can handle this Sekula" so he says yes, but I may-- the DI cut him off and was like, nope. We are taught not to elaborate, but he had to make sure the DI knew the whole situation. It was one of those light moments that you paused and were like 'Good call Sekula':) Cherish the good memories, I’m sure you all are, thank you Dustin, and God Bless. I'll see ya when I get there.
Semper Fidelis,
LCpl Zambon
2D Combat Engineer Battalion
OIF II USMC"
LCpl Mark Zambon of Marquette, MI

"Thank YOU for YOUR service & sacrifice to our great country. Another great Marine, Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Alfredo Gonzalez, also from Edinburg, Tx., paid the ultimate price."
Anonymous Veteran of Melrose Park, Illinois

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

"To the Sekula Family
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I met Dusty through my fiancee who is also stationed at Twentynine Palms and was sent to Iraq. I deeply admired him because of his beliefs and I know that the rest of the guys did too. I can remember how polite he was and how he always had a smile on his face. Know that he will never be forgotten."
Daniela Carrillo of Twentynine Palms, CA

"As former Marines who have recently discharged, we are so saddened by the loss of our "brother." Our hearts go out to Dustin's family. We know that he gave his life for our great country and is still protecting us. Even though we did not know him, we share a great bond as Marines. God Bless you and your family.

Semper Fi, Dustin."
Luis & Jennifer Robles, CPLS, USMC of Mission, Texas

"Mr. Sekula and Family,
Sir, I send my condolences on your loss and I hope that the best comes toward your family in your time of greivence. I am the proud son of Jose B. Munoz of McAllen and long time friend of Ramiro Olivarez. I didn't have the honor of meeting your son but I do weep with you because I have lost a fellow Marine, a brother. My best wishes.
Remember: It's not goodbye, It's I'll see you later..."
CPL ROBERTO J. MUNOZ of PRESIDENTIAL HELICOPTER SQUADRON ONE, QUANTICO VIRGINIA

"I miss Dusty very much, me and him were good friends and not a day goes by that I don't think of him. I'm so proud of him and wish things could have been different but they're not. This is what he wanted more than anything, which was to serve his country and if that meant he put his life on the line then thats how it was gonna be. I remember, everyday after he told me he joined the Marines, he would always try to recruit me and everyone else in class. He even signed my yearbook "I still think you would make a good Marine". He and I also liked to talk a lot about politics. We were exactly the same when it came to that. We would also fight for the highest grades. That boy was smart but not smarter then me haha jk. His favorite thing was roping people, YES people! To Dan, Lisa, Danni, and Derek my heart goes out to you. I don't know how it feels to lose a son or a brother but I know how it feels to lose a friend and I've lost to many friends in the past year. I hope y'all are doing ok! The rest of you reading this. I have one favor to ask of you. I have friends who just left for California and leave for Iraq in august. One is related to Dustin. If everyone would just keep praying that God keeps the rest of the soldiers safe I would appreciate it. To Dustin thanks for being a great friend and I'll be seein' ya. Tell Jeramie I said what's up."
Lori Longoria of Edinburg,TX

"Bless Your Brave Heart and Soul."
Ewa Sekula of Orlando, FL

"Dustin is my hero and I ask that the family take this as something from God. Remember that Jesus loves us and blesses those "who mourn." NO MORE WAR..."
Jose of Michigan

"My heart goes out to your family. I lost my nephew PFC Leroy Sandoval on 3/26/04 and i know the pain the family is feeling. Our hope is that we will reunite one day in heaven. Dustin is smiling down on his family and i know he is with Leroy and his fellow soldiers in heaven,and i believe they are still protecting us as our guardian angels. My prayers go out to you and family. Keep your eyes on Jesus."
Olivia Burdick of Houston, TX

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

"I never had the pleasure of knowing Dustin, but he will always be a HERO in my eyes. I just lost my Fiance and feel the pain that you have but please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God Bless you and give you the strength you need to get through this.
*Proud Fiance of Cpl. David Vicente, 29 Palms, 2/7 Echo. KIA Iraq 3/19/04"
Alexandria of Methuen, MA

"To The Family of Dustin Sekula,
My heart is so saddened by your loss. Please know that my prayers are with you during this time. I can only imagine your pain but know that he is a true hero in my eyes and the eyes of many.
May God grant you His peace and comfort to face the days ahead."
Connie Sylveste of Cynthiana, KY

"This is one of Dusty's best friends,Chloe. I would give my life to give Dusty back his. But Dusty's heart is so big and his life was so pure, that God decided he'd have him for himself. I love you Lisa & Family, You did not loose Dusty, but God found him."
Chloe of Mission,tx

"I pray that God gives the Sekula family comfort in this difficult time. Remember though...Death is only temporary. Eternal life is ...forever. God Bless You."
M.V. of Harlingen, TX

"To the family and friends of PFC Dustin M. Sekula,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort
in love's everlasting connection.

There are many loving and caring Americans from all over the United
States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has
made for our Freedom. In the Support section of this web site you
will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial
time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a
quilt to the next of kin. Please register so we can send you
our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Member Of Marine Comfort Quilt group, and Proud Marine Mom"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"To my friends, The Sekula Family:
Words cannot express how proud we all were of Dusty. He was the true definition of a gentleman. When he came home after boot camp, we sat at your kitchen table and he told me of his experiences. I couldn't be prouder! The love and pride that you shared with him was so contagious! He will truly be missed. The adorable little boy I once knew grew up to be the best of the best, A Marine. I can only hope that our children will have that kind of love for us... the kind of love Dusty had for you. We will all see him again, through Our Lord Jesus Christ! I hope that can bring you comfort. I love you all!"
Tweety of Edinburg, Tx.

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

"God Bless You, Dustin.
You will never be forgotten."
Bob Mull, USAF (Viet Veteran) of Orange County, California

"To the Sekula family: I know the pain & grief you are experiencing. I had a cousin who was killed in fallujah on the 26 of march. The only healer of this pain is Jesus and through Him we will one day be reunited with our loved ones. My prayers & condolences go out to the family of PFC. Dustin Sekula."
Albert Gonzales of Rio Hondo, TX

"On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincere condolences to you. We share the same loss...the same pain. Our prayers go out to you and we thank you and your brave son for making the ultimate sacrifice.

From the Family of Capt. Ernesto Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/03"
Gloria Caldas of San Antonio, TX

"Dustin was the guy you prayed would date your daughter. He was a throwback to the days of manners and courtesy. The Marine photo they show does not show the beautiful, gentle smile that graced our school for four years."
Judith Krommendyk of Edinburg, Texas

"i am truly sorry for Dustin's death. i'm sure he was a great marine and died in honor."
bran of georgia

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden"
The Taylors USMC of NC

"To Dustin's Family:
There aren't words to express how truly sorry we are for your loss. God Bless you!"
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To Dustin's Family,
I had only talked to Dustin on the phone a few times , while he was in 29 Palms my fieonce' PFC Scallan was his room mate . He was a great guy , he was a great guy for serving his country. Ill keep you guys in my prayers."
cara of houston , tx

"To Dustin's family,
I am very sorry for your loss. It was very courageous for your son to stand up and fight when so many others did not have the courage. He did a great duty not only to the USA, but also to the world."
mark reif of wincester, va

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