Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"TJ
As i now have have the calling to go to war your sprit goes with me. I feel its a sign coming back in that i also am with 1/2 now. Our numbers been called and we go to fight here soon. I know you will have my back. I miss you brother. I miss the good and bad times we had. You will never be forgotten"
Cpl. Joe Leusch of Iraq

"Today is 5 years. We remember you now as much as ever. God Bless"
Heather of Thornton, CO

"I served with Lcpl. Slocum in N.C. when he was in Bravo (Brave Bravo) company. I still remember entering the fleet and him yelling at me to stand parade rest when speaking to an NCO. Later-on we became friends via Lcpl Stevens and we would all watch movies together in our bunks. This was all prior to him moving to Charlie company shortly before shipping out. He was transferred due to his exceptional skills, I often wonder what if he didn't transfer, but then think of how many other (Charlie Co.) Marines lives where saved that grave day. OOHRA Slocum, Semper Fi Marine"
Pfc Zorn

"Just remembering you on Veteran's Day! God Bless your family. Your are in my thoughts eveyday!"
Heather of Northglenn, CO

"I remember meeting Slocum through a mutual friend of ours in Okinawa Round 1, when we all served in 3/4. He stood gate guard with my buddy, and then we served on KP duty in Bridgeport Summer Package together. I took an instant liking to this hard * Marine and we got along great, even though we were in different companies. When he re-enlisted I got out and went back home to NC. I found out later that Slocum went to 1/2 at Camp Lejuene. I remember thinking I saw him out in town one night, but I didn't approach. I should have, and would have, had I known it was the last time I would have seen Slocum. News of his death did not sit well with me and I turned to booze pretty hard there for awhile, then I realized he would have told me to suck it up and get over it. These things happen, don't grieve for me. I still miss the man. I offer my condolences to the family of Thomas Slocum and celebrate the life of a man I am not ashamed to call friend and brother. Semper Fi."
Cameron Hayden, Lcpl 3/4 I Co Wpns Plt Mortars Section 1998-2002 of Cape Carteret, NC

"Hey my dad and I go to fort morgan every vtrans day and I visit your site I don't know you but one of our friends went to your funeral. And every time I go to thornton recenter I see the memorial site for you and I always just go stand by it think of what you were like. Semper Fi"
Jared of Thornton

"In the Event of my Demise

In the event of my Demise
when my heart can beat no more
I hope I die for Principle
or a belief that I had lived for.
I will die before my time
because I fell the shadow of death.
So much I wanted to accomplish before death.
I HAVE REACHED DEATH!!!
I have come to grips with the possibility
and wiped the last tear from my eyes.
I loved all who were positive
IN THE EVENT OF MY DEMISE.

Words of the late and great
Tupac Shakur
I wanted Lance Coropral Thomas J. Slocum to have the last word.
In God we pray!!!"
Your cousin Shane A. DuRall of Thornton Co,

"May 28, 2007 (Memorial Day)
To the family of Thomas J. Slocum. Thomas 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

"5-14-07 Hi Tommy,

I came across this website today and read all of the beautiful messages people have left for you. You were a wonderful man and I miss you very much. I wish I had known you better. May you be in God's presence throughout eternity."
Aunt Connie DuRall of Denver Colorado USA

"I remember the day like it was yesterday. Forth grade, Mis Veraldes class, on break. Tommy had a will to live that most of us will never have, or imagine. The curly slide at bertha heid, all of us used to slide down the edge and one day he was on the edge at the top and I was coming down, when I seen him something happend and he fell to the bottom. He lived, how I don't know it was a big drop. Maybe it was big compared to how small we were then, but it was still a hell of a drop. Tommy and I became closer friends after that day, and stayed that way untill the end of 10th grade, we lost contact. The memories will always be with me. Things change, we all grow up, ready or not, it happens and sometimes your not ready for what happens, he was never ready to say goodbye, but he was always ready to say I'll help, he helped in ways that we can never imagine, giving his life to help those rights that we all take for granted everyday. Waking up and looking outside and not having to worry if our kids will get to school okay, not having to worry about RPG's or anything of that nature. He always wanted to be your friend, always wanted to give a helping hand, always there for anyone who needed him. One day we were walking down eppinger to his house and some kid had fallen on his bide across the street from Batimores house and he ran across the street to make sure he was okay and we walked the kid home, no more than 8 years old. That's the person he was and the person that we all will remember. No matter what."
Joseph Daniel Myers of San Diego, Ca Grew up in Thornton Co.

"Tom, I miss you incredibly. We will miss you at our 10 year next year. I'll always have great memories of you."
Kimberly of North Pole, Alaska

"To the family of:Thomas J. Slocum 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"

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

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"Remembering you today Thomas J. Slocum. I never knew you but came across your grave when we were visiting Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. We have never forgotten you."
Eve & Paris Saizan of Reno, Nevada

"Tommy, no Marine could ask for a better Brother. It is Marines like you who give us the name we have today. You will be missed... Simper Fi, little Brother."
T.Ray of Longmont, Colorado

"Thomas,
I have an ever lasting image of you wearing your blues at Skyview after you graduated boot camp. You looked sharp and everyone looked at you like you were a movie star. I told you that I would be joining soon. You told me that you would probably see me out there someday. I will never forget that. I am still serving and still fighting hoping to scratch the surface of what you have done for your country. Semper Fidelis"
Sgt. Daniel P Vigil of Thornton, CO USA

"We are nearing the third anniversary of your death and you are always in my mind. Everytime I see a flag it reminds me of your brave face. This poem came to me by grace and seems so very appropriate. All my love!

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of taps one night,
when everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That taps had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington..
No freedom isn't free."
Heather of Thornton, CO

"In your honor and with gratitude to you, Thomas Jonathan Slocum, I’ve planted a daffodil in your name, as have others across the country as part of Project LIVE ON, a not-for-profit program founded to memorialize each U. S. military who has died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thousands of beautiful daffodils will come up each Spring, and, like your spirit, will LIVE ON...and ON. Blessings to you, the family, as you grieve, and heal. For details, contact projectliveon@aol.com. Jan. 22, 2006."
Gretchen Forbes of the northcentral mountains of Pennsylvania

"I have planted a daffodil for you Tom, along with 50 other bulbs to represent other soldiers that have been killed in Iraq. Your flower will be seen every year and your sacrifice remembered."
Ruth Anderson of Mountain View, California

"Hey Tommy, Terry and Stan.

I head back again soon, and I sure am thinking of you folks.

Semper Fi.

Rich"

"To Lcpl Slocum's family and friends, and most importantly, to the memory and spirit of this brave young man - We are deeply honored and extremely proud to have been allowed the privilege of renaming our American Legion post - Lance Cpl Thomas Slocum Post 201, Thornton, CO. His memory will live on and his ultimate sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten. The official charter naming and presentation will take place at the Colorado American Legion State Convention in June 2005.
Words cannot express the feelings I hold in my heart for this local hero and his family. I regret that I never had the privilege of meeting Thomas. God bless you and your family, and may you forever rest in peace."
Steve Nelson of Thornton, CO

"Tommy,

I am missing you, and loving you every day! You are always in my thoughts."
Shauna Frye of Sioux City, Iowa USA

"Thomas, I remember when we were both still in High School getting ready for Boot Camp, you were fiery guy, gung ho as they come. I left to boot ahead of you, and then ran into you in Okinawa. Still gung ho, it was good to see an old friend. Then in the sand of Iraq, I couldn't believe I ran into you again. Being in two different units, what are the odds right? I didnt get the news about your sacrifice until I came home and another Marine who knew us both let me know. It was a shock to the system. I thought I was done hearing about my freinds being harmed. One thing I do know... I know you died protecting other Marines. You, more than most had a penchant for protecting your brothers in arms. "so that others may live" God bless you, see you in heaven"
Cpl Matthew Montgomery of Thornton Colorado

"Tom I did not know you but I somehow feel a deep deep loss when I think about you. For what ever reason I keep looking at web sites about you. I even have your name on a Iraqi Freedom Fallen hereos t shirt I wear all the time. For whatever reason YOU ARE my hero. God be with you your family and the girl you left behind.Please know and God willing let your family know you did not die in vain. You will not be forgotten. Semper fi"
Just me of Golden Co

"Tommy, as I get ready to head back in a 'civvy status' job, I think of you, man.

You have a kick * mom and dad (Stan), and despite her admonishment, I leave NLT 6 OCT to return to the 'ole sandy stomping ground.

I wish I could have been there for you. Maybe in the next world.

Semper Fi."
Rich of Longmont, Colorado

""To the family and friends of Lcpl Thomas J. Slocum:
I am proud to have served with Tom for over a year at Camp Geiger.I was shocked at the news of our loss after I returned from Iraq.The one thing you will always remember about Tom was his will to fight no matter what the odds.He was a great Marine and one of the greatest friends anybody could ever ask for.I wish his family and friends the best in this hard time.I will never think about how Tom passed but will always remember how he lived.Semper Fi Marine and we will see you again one day.""
Cpl Rogers USMC of Ft. Lauderdale FL.

"To the friends and family of Thomas J. Slocum:
My husband, Spc Justin W. Linden was also KIA in Iraq on June 4, 2004. I pray for all the families who have had to bare this horrible pain, and I hope it brings you comfort to know that I appreciate more than any words could say what your loved one sacrificed. These soldiers are all heroes. Remember he is watching over you all! He will never be forgoten and will live on forever in your hearts."
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

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

"I miss you incredibly, Tom. Thank you."
Kimberly of Denver, CO USA

"Tom..I miss you very much and think about you all the time. Thank you again for everything!"
Stephanie of Thornton, CO

"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

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

"To my dearest cousin. I love you so much, and miss you every day. You will always be my hero. <3"
Shauna Frye of Sioux City, Iowa USA

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

"Thank you Thomas J. Slocum. May you know that your family, your friends, and your nation hold you in the highest reguard. May you find peace in God's embrace."
CSM (R) Edward A. Slocum of Sumter, SC 29150

"Thank you so much for this wonderful tribute site.
We love and miss Thomas so much. You are in our thoughts every day.
To Terry, Stan and Tom,
How can we thank you for raising such a fine Marine?
How can we thank you for sharing him with us?
Thomas lives on in our hearts and we will never forget.
You gave all dear Thomas so that we may be free.
Our world has been a better place because we had you for a time.
All my love forever."
Becky Van Hout of Bailey, Colorado

"Tom, you, and your family and friends sacrifice will ALWAYS be remembered!

Thank you, my Brother!

I will always be here for your family, as well as MANY Colorado Marines I know!

USMC 84 - 91

Gulf War Vet"
Rich Lundeen of Longmont, Colorado

"Thank you Thomas Slocum, 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

"Slocum, I know when the Army and the Navy look on heavens scenes, and they find the streets are guarded by the United States Marines, Youll defintely be one of them."
An old buddy who stood plenty of guard duty with Lance Corporal Slocum

"We will always Remember you Tom for you Courage and Heroism. Thank you For Serving your Country and making Skyview High school a memorial place."
Brian of Thornton, Colorado

"Hi, this is TreVaun Thompson at George Bush High School and I had to do reserch on your life and how you passed in the war. Hearing about you and how you died is very sad. Reading your biography is making me want to go to the marines. I know your not going to get this letter but I know you can read this from heaven. I think your family will receive this and thank me for writting them. Well hope you are in a better place."
TreVaun Thompson of houston,tx USA

"You are still remembered in our hearts and our prayers. We miss you and thank you for the wonderful gift of freedom you left behind."
Heather of Thornton, Colorado

"your country is proud of you!"
G.D. of Thornton Colorado

"I only got to see him for a week. It was at my grandmom joans house. We were the same age. I can say that my grandmother had the house full of kids that week. It was my sister Ashley, my brother Robert,my cousins Sean,Jenn,Ryan,TJ,Zach,Jennifer,Tommy, Annie and myself. We had so much fun swimming playing and doing things that we will remember(shhhh)but I had fun. I will miss you and in my heart you will be a hero forever. To his family and girlfriend kristy I am so sorry for your loss. Tommy will always be in our thoughts and memory.xoxoxo"
Christina Pulupa Hernandez of silver spring , MD

"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 Lance Cpl. Thomas Slocum:
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 Thomas 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. Thomas Slocum:
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 Thomas, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"RIP Brave Marine. May God bless your family and girlfriend Krisit and little Zoe. You will never be forgotten."
The Taylors, USMC of NC