Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Not forgotten.
103rd Armor, Charlie Company-10 November 2005"
Richard Thomas of Paoli PA

"Just wanted to stop by and let Josh and his family know i'm thinking of him. I moved back home after 15 years of living in MI this past December. Would have been awesome to hook back up and have a beer with you. Miss ya man, it's been 15 years, crazy. RIP brother. Until we meet again. As you used to call me in H.S. "Steve Wren the Mother Hen" out. 11/24/2020"
Steve Wren of Coal CIty, IL

"Hey Josh, been a while since I last posted. I think about you every now and then. Ran into an old friend from high school that we both knew. Made me think of you my friend. Can't believe it's almost been 10 years already buddy. Miss ya man. Until we meet again."
Steve Wren of Midland, MI

"I miss you so much. Even after all these years."
Sara of Morris, IL

"Love you long time friend!!!"
Robert Keehn of Clarksville Tn,

"To the family of:Joshua A. Terando
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""

"Josh and I served in 3rd Ranger Batt. together. He was a great soldier and an even better friend. I will never forget the fun times we had together. I knew him as "Tornado" and will always cherish the memories of us together at 3rd Batt. I was lucky to get to talk with him before he left for Iraq, it was the same old "Tornado." I will sorely miss you Josh. RIP RLTW."
Stephen "Peanut" Johnson of Texas

"hard to believe its been five years. I love you. I miss you. think about you everyday."
Ryan dornan of chicago via motown

"Hey Josh... I hope you're doing good. Sometimes I feel so lost thinking about you. I miss you. I think about how you didn't deserve this and no soldier ever does. It drives me crazy seeing all these people disrespect the military. I just simply tell them that it's nice for them to talk about people who fight and die for them to be able to. I joined the Guard and I'll have 3 years in this November. I really wish we could have hung out more and exchanged Army stories. I think about you all the time bro. Everytime I see a uniform or wear mine. I feel like it should've been me instead of you. I'm so sorry it had to be that way. You're my inspiration and strength. And you'll always be my hero. My fiance is getting deployed in August, so if you could do me a favor and keep him safe, I'd appreciate it. Wish you were here Josh. I love you and miss you! HOOAH!"
PFC Brittany Schahczinski of Bolingbrook, IL USA

"Just wanted to stop by and let you know i've been thinkin' about ya brother. it's nice to see everyones comments and it looks like everyone has the same opinions as you, always making someone's day better. well i'll drop by again later on. my thoughts are with you and your Family."
Steve Wren of Midland, MI

"November 23, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Joshua A. Terando:
Joshua 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

"I visit you when i can at the wall in Marseilles, but it's nowhere near the same as seeing you by my side. the good, the bad and the stupid. you're my brother and my friend,always......see you later."
Ed Rice, Boilermaker of Coal City Illinois

"I visit you when i can at the wall in Marseilles, but it's nowhere near the same as seeing you by my side. the good, the bad and the stupid. you're my brother and my friend,always......see you later."
Ed Rice, Boilermaker of Coal City Illinois

"I still miss you Josh & very sorry I never made it to your "going away party". You never even read the last e-mail I sent to you in Iraq. Love you & see you later...."
Aunt Pat of Spring Valley

"JT is badly missed and always will be. I remember growing up with JT, Duffy, Doneldson, and all the rest. I don't think my life will ever be the same knowing that he won't be here. My son and Daughter salute the songs that celebrate American soldiers because even they realize what a sacrifice they make"
Erin Wahl of Morris, IL

"To the Terando Family:
I met your son through mutual friends, and he was one of those people who was always smiling. He seemed to be able to cheer you up regardless the situation. He was one of a kind and I will Miss him always!!! Josh I love you!!! xoxoxox"
Katrina Bremner of Joliet ,IL

"To the Terando family,

I am deeply moved on this the second anniversary of your son's passing. I have not yet had the opportunity to meet you, but my husband Brad Ruther, served with your son and speaks of you and he often, and with great respect and admiration. Please know that now, and always, Josh's life and service has created wide ripples in this very small pond of life. He will be remembered throughout our lifetime. His service is cherised and honored by this family made deeply humble and grateful for his sacrifice, and for your loss and sacrifice. Thank you. May God bless you, bring you peace and strength knowing that he is in a better place watching over you."
Melissa Ruther of Cincinnati, Ohio

"My husband was with Joshua when his life was taken. He ALWAYS tells me what a GREAT person Josh was. Him and another soldier wear his braclet ALL the time in order to remember him. It's been almost 2 years since Josh has been gone, and my husband still talks about him. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends."
Christine Cruise of Royersford, PA, USA

"I'm so sorry to here about your loss. I was josh's friend at montgomery manner apts, in clarksville, Tn. i have alot of good memories of him. i wish u all the best, love you Robert Keehn"
Robert Keehn of Clarksville, TN

"I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the Terando Family. I went to school with Josh at Morris High, he was the kind of guy that no matter how bad your day was going, he seemed to make it better, whether it be crackin' jokes with you or at you :). I've thought about him a lot over the years wondering what he was doing. I didn't know he was going into the service at the time, but I appreciate what your son has done for me, my family and this country. I was in town last weekend and happened to run into someone we both knew and I heard the tragic news. I'll never forget you Josh."
Steve W. of Midland, MI USA

"Josh, I never knew you in person, but heard hours of stories about your Army career from your Mom at the wire plant.Hearing those stories told me how proud parents can be of their child in the military, you had the best! When veterans day comes every year, I will remember you and every other person who gave all. Thank You!"
Dominick Piscione of Spokane, WA

"Josh, missed you today, drank a few for ya though, thank you josh."
brother Boilermaker of Grundy co. IL

"1 year later and missing you as much as ever, Let it be known you are a hero that will never be forgotten!"
Michael Duffy III of Gardner IL USA

"R.L.T.W.
Josh, you were a great friend, and it was a pleasure to serve with you in 3rd Batt!
R.I.P. brother,
Mac"
SSG McCurdy of Dahlonega, GA

"To the Family of SGT Joshua Terando:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq. Our memorial includes, as of 8/28/06, 162 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put Joshua's name on one of them. We have called our display "Arlington MidWest." It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

If you would like us to do this, please email me at arlingtonmidwest@yahoo.com.

We invite you to come to visit Arlington MidWest if you can. A friend has put us up on his website so you can see the memorial here:
www.williamgbecker.com/ArlingtonMidwest.html.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.""
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"Josh: It has been a long time since I last saw you, but I will always remember you as such an important part of your families life. I have heard such wonderful stories and tribute about you in the last few months. Our prayers are with you daily and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Love your cousin and her family."
Doreen Perez of Gillette, WY

"I served with PVT. Terando in 3/75th and was what we called a "tabbed spec four". We lived and trained as a family. Only those who have lived with that company can ever really understand. I just discovered tonight his death in the Army Times (Jun 06). My deepest regrets go to his family and our common friends. Rangers lead the way and are not forgot forgotten. As I now leave for Iraq, he will be remembered.

SSG EDWARD F SMITH
SF MEDICAL SGT
20TH SFG (A)"
SSG EDWARD F SMITH of TAMPA, FL

"Gone too young, but never forgotten. In the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. I will never forget you, Josh. Thank you for sharing part of your life with us."
Josh's Aunt Pat of Spring Valley, IL

"To the family of Joshua Terando: My deepest sympathy and support. I will keep his name and sacrifice in heart... My prayers to the fallen hero and family. God bless you."
John Hernandez of Orlando, FL USA

"My name is Cameron Schilling and I have started “Portrait of a Soldier” which donates a portrait sketch of every Illinois soldier who has fallen in Iraq or Afghanistan. All 122 sketches will be on display for a Memorial Day Presentation in Chicago, Illinois on May 26-31 at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. After the ceremony the sketches will be given to the immediate families of the Illinois soldiers. I would invite any friends or family members to come and honor these men and women from Illinois who have given their lives to our country. For more information please contact OperationHomeFront.org at 866-417-8889 which is an organization headed by the Lt. Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who is in charge of the Memorial Day Presentation. Thank You.

Please check out www.portraitofasoldier.org
To contact Cameron email cameronschilling84@hotmail.com
To contact Operation Home Front call 866-417-8889"
Cameron Schilling of Charleston, Illinois

"Josh, you were always a wonderful son, and a fine soldier. I gauged your growth and potential by your friends, and the soldiers you chose to associate with. This was proven at your funeral, when so many came, some from so far away. I thank Almighty God for them, and the healing they helped impart. I also thank all who have held your service and sacrifice in high regard, and who, themselves, value the precious freedoms that only America can offer. God rest you, son; and God bless the United States of America. Dad"
Jerry Terando of Morris, Il America

"You were one of my best friends. I miss you so much, man. But you are with me more than ever. Its amazing how often I think of you."
Dornan of Chicago, IL

"To Joshua's Family, I am so sorry for your loss. We are praying for all of you. To Joshua, you sir a true American Hero. Thank you for all you have done in Iraq and in keeping us safe at home. May God Bless you Joshua and God Bless your family."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"I wanted to find some words,
That would help to get thru it when life gets so hard.
It seems you can’t bear it – perhaps can’t go on –
When deep in the heart there’s no trace of a song.

Some words that would comfort –
When late in the night the trials return and –
You’re to tired to fight.
Or the tears flow so often it seems you’ll run dry.
And life gets so tough that you just want to die –
Or at least go and hide –
Where you’re safe from all the pain.
Someplace you can rest ‘til you find joy again.

What are the words you so need to hear –
That will help and will heal and remove all the fear –
That builds up inside ‘til you think you’ll explode –
What are the words that will lighten the load?
If only I knew the right words to say.
To encourage and Bless you or comfort you some way.
I know not the word but this I can do.
I shall offer up Prayers to the Father for you.

Gone – but not forgotten.
Thank you for sharing your marine with us,
and for the sacrifice made by you and your family on our behalf.
Proud mom of Lcpl Alex
Currently serving in Iraq"
Patricia of Bishop, CA

"Josh was a good friend of mine, I met him when we were in Ranger Batt. We all knew him as a great, easy going type of guy, but he was one in a million. I know his family appreciates everyone giving their support. We all miss him dearly. Later Josh-"
Moon Villalobos of Milan,IL

"Joshua,
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."
Mike Casey of El Paso,

"Dear thr Terando Family, Josh was in my platoon in Iraq. I met Josh when we came here to Iraq. He was one of the best soilders in our platoon. He always helped younger soilder get what they needed. I will miss Josh and so will the rest of the platoon. SPC JUSTIN KLEMM"
Justin Klemm of Shillington PA

"TO THE TERANDO FAMILY FROM THE WAHL AFMILY. DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE NEWS OF JOSUHA. ALL THIS SO SIMILAR. TODAY MY TEARS ARE FOR JOSUHA AS IT HAD BEEN FOR OUR SON,, JOSHUA THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. YOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN! YOUR MISSION IN LIFE WAS IMPORTANT. YOU MADE AMERICA ALOT SAFER SINCE 911. YOU ENABLED THOSE I N IRAQ TO HAVE HOPE FOR A NEW BEGINNING. YOU HAD BEEN A BROTHER TO OUR SON AS HE FELT THAT TOWARD YOU. HE ALWAYS TELL ME. NEVER WORRY ABOUT ME DAD. I SERVE WITH THE LOST AMAZING SOLDIERS IN THE WORLS. WE MAY NOT KNOW EACH OTHER. WE HAVING A FINE UNDERSTANDING WE ARE ALL BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S. WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER. THAT'S WHY? OUR MILITARY IS THE POWER IT IS.JOSHUA YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBER BY THOSE THAT SHARED PRECIOUS TIME'S WITH YOU. THIS ISN'T WHAT? WE ALL WANTED FOR YOU. STILL IT WAS YOU CALL, AND YOU DID YOUR JOB. MYNHEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I URGE YOUR FAMILY TO REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. REQUEST A STREET TO BE NAMED IN HONOUR OF YOU. FOR YOU SERVED YOUR COMMUNITY, COUNTY, STATE AND COUNTRY. ALL OWE YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM, NY

"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.
Our nations HERO, Joshua will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "

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