Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Lance. You were a good friend to me in School. I appreciate you. Rip Brother. -think of you often."
Joshua S. of Houston, Tx

"Cpl Thompson, first I want to say that I love you and miss you. I can still remember you and our conversations we had at the shop. You were a newly promoted Cpl, and you were already one of my top go to guys in the platoon. You was a young confident man that was proficient in his MOS and always looking for a way to better yourself, and your fellow Marines around you. Which is why we trusted you to be with the forward company. Lance, thank you for your service and sacrifice. You gave up everything so we could do anything. Til Valhalla brother."
MGySgt Garcia, Michael P of Aiea, Hawaii

"Hey Lance,

I was devastated when I found out that I wouldn't hear from my fellow Thompson anymore. I was on recruiting duty, long since having left 2/5, but always have remembered the great things and great times together. You were an inspiration in all that you did and will always remain a memory of good times, fellowship as a Marine, and happiness. I miss you brother, Semper Fi!"
Brian Thompson, (Sgt, EAS 03MAY2011)) of Quad Cities, Illinois, USA

"Phil...U asked me the question 12 yrs ago! I did not hold rank over anybody! but why did we fight"

"To the family of:Lance M.Thompson
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""

"Lance,
Hey it your sister Lindsay. I miss you soooo much and it's been 5 years almost 6years in november since you died. Every year I think of you especially when people talk about ther role models. I actually just did a report on my role model in language arts, the report was on you. I know I willnot ever be as brave as you but I sure hope I can try (:

You did so much and even though we werent that close it feels like we were now. I remember you used to lock me and katelyn in our room and you wouldn't let us out and we would all be laughing (; I miss you so much! I love you and thank you for everything you have done.
I just found this page and you should see how many ppl, even just on here care for you and miss you and love you!
I love you!
Lindsayy- your stepsister, gregs daughter-"
Lindsay summers of Marion, Indiana

"I just wanted to add everytime I think about chicken I think of me and Lance on San Onfre beach catching pigeons and putting them to sleep like a chicken by tucking their heads and spinning them in a circle and setting them down in rows. I just remember how hard we were laughing and everyone calling us "cornfed" ha ha Love You man."
Robert "Spanky" Spangler of Clinton,Oh

"Lance, I think of you often and I miss you. I speak for myself and all of us from 2/5 we love you and we will see you when we get there."
Robert "Spanky" Spangler of Clinton,Ohio

"Semper Fi, Lance. I wont let your memoy die. Not on my watch"
DJ of Dillsburg

"Thinking of you bro."
DJ of PA

"Hey brother this makes 6 years and I am going back to where it all started. I know your watching over me and my unit, even through I am Army now. Every 15 Nov is a painful day for me but it is also I good day for my youngest so was born on that same day and year, so even though you were taken you sent me a true gift. I miss you bro Semper Fi"
Spc Plaisted"Plastic" of Fort Swetart Ga

"Yo bro. Still think about you daily. I hate thinking of Nov 15 when it comes and goes. It was a hell of a bad day for Whiskey Company 2/5 in Ramadi.

Semper Fi brother. Love ya. Miss ya. Thank you for giving your life for this great country we have. I am obligated forever to pay tribute to you on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and November 15."
DJ of Dillsburg PA

"Semper Fi, Cpl Thompson. Memorial day is a day for you."
DJ of Camp Hill, PA

"I miss you Lance. Below is a link to a online feature I did in your honor.

http://www.ballbearingsonline.com/features.php

Love You!

Aunt Minnie"
Melinda Stanley of Muncie, IN

"Just a hello from a Thompson from New York State. A veteran and sorry for your loss. God bless you all."
Ernest Thompson of 185 Rockdale Rd. Mt. Upton, New York 13809

"To the family of Cpl Lance Thompson;
I was with Cpl Thompson on the day of his death. I think of the event every day. I marvel at the sacrafice that Cpl Thompson, and those lost with him, made for this wonderful country. I understand that American Marines can now walk down the same street where we were hit in safety. This goes to prove that Cpl Thompson's sacrafice was not in vain.

Semper Fi

Brian O'Hara"
Brian O'Hara of Swansboro, NC

"November 15, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Lance M. Thompson:
Lance 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

"You are not forgotten."

"Lance,

Thank you for serving America. Your sacrifice will neer be forgotten"
Bill of Rome NY

"Lance,

Veterans Day, The Marine Corps birthday.

Today is the day I think of you.

Semper Fi, brother. You did yourself, your country, and your family proud.

I will miss you always, boss."
DJ Hixson of Dillsburg PA

"Lance, it seems such a short time ago that your mom and I took you and Casey to Hooters for your birthday. I have a great picture of you on the chair while the cute Hooters Girls sang Happy Birthday to you. You were truly any persons friend. You are one of the best cousins a person could ever ask for. It will Veterans Day in a few days, and as always, I will have a small prayer for you and all our service men and women serving our great country. I Love You
4th District VFW Commander 2006/2008"
Chris Englehardt of Berne, Indiana -USA

"We miss our son in law. We think of Lance everyday. We are so proud that you were a part of our lives. We love you."
Dave & Lora Case of Upland IN

"To my son Lance. To see so many of your friends remember you is very humbling for your mother. You are so missed each day. I hear your voice in so many things that happen in my day. I see your smile when I close my eyes each night. When I hear your friends remember you, you are so very close to us.

I am so thankful that your Marine brothers email and call me. They can't know what a wonderful gift they give me when they share a story about you. Even the most simple story is so special.

I heard your voice a few weeks ago when a lady in the store asked for money to get gas to go home. You said, "Mom she needs help". Lance you know that I just don't give money like that...but I listened to you and gave her money but I did ask that she remember you and the guys who had your back and the backs of all Americans. All the guys who give us freedom to be safe here at home. I feel so proud of you and your Marine brothers as I watch my students pledge to the flag each day and know that they are thinking of you all...and how you all feel about the freedoms we have here in the USA.

Then I remember the look you had as we left the CA pier to go back to the car just before you deployed. It was that look that said, "Mom I am up to something"...and you were...you were putting quarters in parking meters which had expired. You said,"that is one meter maid that won't make his quota tonight". I hear your voice as you say,"hello Mother" in that deep slow way that lets me know you will always be with us. You will be with us in our hearts as we think of the smile that lights your eyes with life. How could you know the important part you would have in the lives of so many people?

To Lance's friends...thank you for keeping in touch. Thank you for your stories. I wish you could know what a simple "Hi, I am thinking about you and Lance" means to us. To each person who comes to this site and leaves a message: God bless you...how loving you are to those you don't know. This is what America is...I've got your back. Gung Ho and Semper Fi to each one of you."
Mom, (Melanie Thompson Smith) of Westfield, IN USA

"I remember lance very well. We use to bum cigarettes off of eachother. We had long talks about anything that would pop into our heads. I mainly remember him because he was our radio guys in the company. Lance the day you were taken from us was a very hard day to live. I had just talked to you minutes before embarking on our mission that day. I want you to know that I was there on your final moment in the truck in front of you and I miss you brother and even though you are gone, you are not forgotten. Semper Fi WARRIOR. We will always remember. Job well done."
Sgt. Edgar Hunt of San Diego, CA/United States

"Lance, we think of you often. Tom and I are happy to have been able to call such a wonderful person our friend. Much love to your family and Dawn."
Chessa McCaughey of Chesapeake, VA

"I too can't believe it's been over 3 years since you have been called away from your friends and family. I think of you often and of those who love you and continue to feel your loss. Your are my brother and my hero and may God continue to bless and comfort your family and loved ones. You are loved and missed so much. Semper Fi!"
GySgt Horton of Stafford, VA

"I cant believe it has almost been 3 years since you have been taken from us brother. I will never forget you and everyone that has given the ultimate price. Semper Fi brother"
Ce3/Cpl Gregory Plaisted of Brandon, Fl

"2 Years have past, but not the memory of Lance's sacrifice. May God bless each soldier still fighting in Iraq. And may we at home continue to pray for their safe return."
Jodie of Marion, IN

"Lance
I have been Honored by S/Sgt Hixson who passed to me your rememberance bracelet on 11/11/06. I will carry your memory till I'm unable. Rest assurred when I fall it won't.
Semper Fidelis"
A Friend of Bradenton, Fl

"Hey Lance,
Today is veterans day, I thought I would just stop by to say hello.. I still think of you quite often.. Melanie and Greg, I hope you are doing well.. Tell Casey I said Hi.."
Jae of California

"Pancer,
You had always tagged along behind me, it is now I who will forever be following behind you."
Phil Thompson of Trafalgar, IN

"Lance,
Just wanted to say Semper Fi. Thank you for all you have done for this country. May you rest in peace always. It is people like you that make this world and country a safer place. God Bless You and Your family always."
Sally Bokelman of Greensburg, Indiana/USA

"2 years later. I'm visiting all of you guys on one day today, I can't take visiting you all on the exact day. All 15 of you are remembered."

"Thank You
by Lily Michaels, 2003

I can't shake every hand.
I can't put flowers on every grave.
I can't console every family member.
But I can say thank you.

You have given me the freedom I enjoy today.
Your blood was shed in place of mine.
Your family grieved so mine could rejoice.
All I can say is thank you.

There are not words big enough.
There is not a hug strong enough.
There is not a smile wide enough.
All I can offer is thank you.

You are my hero.
You are in my thoughts.
You are in my prayers.
For all you've done, thank you."
Judy D of Anderson,IN

"To Greg, Melanie, and Family,
I hope you are all doing well, I haven't talked to you in awhile. My family would like to wish you the best on this Memorial Day, Lance will never be forgotton.
Semper Fi.
Sincerely
The Whitfields and Waltons"
Jae of Rowland Heights, CA, USA

"Dear Lance,

To quote Thomas Campbell, "To live in the hearts we leave behind, is not to die." This is so very, very true. You, dear Lance, are alive in Cody. As he build's the "Hero's Field" in your memory. You dwell in Clarissa, as she completes projects for her college classes. Your name rolls off the tongue of all your cousins & brothers; stories told, memories shared, new pictures posted on our screen saver. You are so much a part of each of our lives, and will forever be. Earth hath no sorrow, that heaven cannot heal. I love you Lance, and I feel your presence very strongly."
Aunt Minnie of Muncie, IN

"Think Of You Everyday"
Your Father-inlaw Dave of Upland, In

"Greg Thompson, you might not know me but I knew Lance.Lance, you gave your life for freedom and for that you will never be forgotten. thank you for your bravery. Lance's family you will all be in my thoughts and prayers."
Danielle Case of Hartford City

"Dear Lance, A year ago the sun was shining, Birds were singing a sweet song. Flowers bloomed on the garden path and children played all day long.
Now, today the skies are weeping. All of life has turned out wrong. Our hopes and dreams have passed away, vanished like a puff of smoke. Still our hearts just keep on beating, though they shattered when they broke. Love, Grandma Reese"
Shirley Reese of Selma, IN 47383

"I knew Cpl. Thompson very well and would like to be in contact with his family to share my thoughts and feelings about him and what he meant to me. Please, if you have the time...e-mail me. djhixson@yahoo.com"
SSgt Hixson of PA

"To Melanie and all of Lance's loved ones,

On this, the first anniversary of the day Lance gave his life for our freedom, he is in my most grateful thoughts and you are in my most fervent prayers.

The memory of Cpl. Lance M. Thompson will always be honored in my home, and always be kept alive by so many patriots of this great nation.

As Lance guards Heaven's Gates, may the Lord comfort you and hold you close until we all meet at Jesus' feet.

Sincerely and with love,
Pat"
Pat Shoukry of New York City, USA

"This is hard for me to do. Its been a year. I miss the talks we had and the times we shared. I will never forget when you were taken from us. Thompson, you were such a good man.....someone family and friends are be proud of. We continue on in your memory.

I love ya brother....."
SSgt Hixson of PA

"To all of Lance's family,
I can't believe it has been almost a year since Lance's death. Today I saw so many of you again at the funeral home for his Uncle David. Sometimes we feel as if God has given us unsurmountable burdens in our lives, but He is always with us and loves us with a never ending love. Always. May He continue to be with you all as you struggle through this difficult time. And remember how many people love you all.

Aunt Henrietta is always talking about you, Lance, and I know you will be there to welcome Uncle David home."
Jodie of Marion, IN

"As Matt said Lance believed that "Freedom is not Free" and now we all know that even more than we use too! Lance has made a lasting impression on our family but especially to a little girl that everytime she hears about the fighting in Iraq she proudly tells anyone around that she and her daddy had a cousin that was a soldier but he got killed in Iraq. Haleigh will also tell anyone who will listen that Lance was a "Hero" and she is right. As long as we will we will be sure that she and her little sister know that "Freedom is not free" and that Lance is a hero for giving his life to protect us and our freedom.

Thank you Lance! You will always be remembered and our family, especially Haleigh thinks you are a hero!"
Jeremy, Riley, Haleigh and Madison Reese of Columbia TN

"Melanie Smith & Greg Thompson
I had the honor of knowing Lance. I was one of Dawns friends from work and then became her room mate while Lance was deployed. Lance was a great guy, he and his cousin Casey were extremely fun to hang around with because you would never know what they were going to do next. I hope that Dawn was able to give you the Service Flags that I was able to get for you both. If one of you could contact me, I have some of Lance's valuables that Dawn left in the apartment when she moved back home. I'm sure you would like to have them. My email address is ShaneNJae@aol.com
God Bless and Semper Fi!"
Jae of Camp Pendleton, Ca

"Semper Fidelis!! I had the honor of serving with this Marine and deploying
to Iraq with him in 2003. An out-standing Marine and an honorable man. It is an honor to say that I served with him and he will be missed. My deepest condolences to all of his friends and family."
Cpl Brooks of Yadkinville, NC

"To the family and friends of Lance-
I was Cpl. Thompson's next door neighbor in CA. My artillary battery supported his company during his first trip to Iraq. He was a great friend and a real good Marine. His loss hurts as I am currently deployed. He was a great friend and our wives were good friends. To his family I am sorry for his loss. To his family I would like to say that to me Lance will never be forgotten. You raised a great man who always looked out for others. I will always remember the times that we had shared together, wether it be watching T.V. at each others houses or eating sand covered MRE's in Kuwait, his loss brings sadness to myself and my family."
Cpl. McCaughey, Thomas of Chesapeake, VA

"To the family of CPL Lance Thompson: His 2/5 unit has now returned from its second deployment to Iraq. My "adopted" Marine arrived home safely. From deep in my heart, I believe that Lance, and the other 14 heroes who gave all on this tour, were looking down from above and helped get Marc and his buddies home safely. Please accept my condolences. Because we have these young women and men, like Lance, who are willing to serve and sacrifice, we continue to be free and safe--and live in the greatest country on earth. Semper Fi!"
Ted Cagley of Pontiac, Illinois

"lance... never knew ya but i 'know' every one of ya... you and your brothers and sisters who risk and sometimes lose ALL to bless me with the opportunity to enjoy my freedoms. thank you and God bless you... rest in peace, my 'anonymous' friend."
gary of ny

"Lance, Semper fi Marine, You will live in our hearts and thoughts forever"
Bill Mastin of Pine Grove Mills, PA

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

"Lance. My grandson. Well done Lance. We will remember you and miss you forever.
God give his soul peace and let
thy eternal light shine upon him."
Shirley Reese of Selma, IN U.S.A.

"Lance was a true soldier. He did what he thought was right. He followed his heart to keep his family and friends from harm,and to fight terrorism over in Iraq. God bless Lance Thompson! and his family! May they find some comfort and peace."
The Heinzen Family of Matthews, Indiana, USA

"Thank you all for your kind words of support. Some days can be unbelivebly hard , but I can just remember Lance and his ornery bright smile, and feel some comfort. I know he's in heaven to watch over us."The innocent shall not suffer and the guilty shall not escape justice." GUNG HO"
Aunt Missy of Selma, In

"Not many people are like the one we are all missing. Lance was special and always will be. He was a great guy, and I am very proud of him. He set his goals, followed his dreams, and accomplished many more things than what a lot of people will in there life time. I love you lance and I will continue to pray for you! Love ya Ann"
Andrea Marcum of Van Buren, In

"To Lance's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"Thank you for all of your support.
Lance was doing something he loved. He will never be forgotten. I will remember those memories and time we shared together. I know that he is with me while I'm on duty....for he is my gardain angle."
Matt Dalton, Oldist Brother of Mooresville, IN

"Bless each and every one of you, for all your prayers and words of comfort. At times, the pain of losing Lance becomes suffocating. Isaiah 57:1-2 "The righteous pass away; the godly often die before their time. And no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecing them from the evil to come. For the godly who die will rest in peace." Trust in God and through His grace, we can bear it. It truly helps to know that others also loved Lance and what he stood for. Each and every one of us.......is Lance's immortality. Through us, Lance will live on forever and will never be forgotten."
Lance's Aunt Minnie of Muncie, IN

"Thank you to all you who have written such kind and wonderful words. They are a comfort to me as well as all of Lance's family. Lance often said, "Freedom isn't free." "I am here so you all are safe at home. I don't want this to come to America." "People everywhere have the right to have the same freedoms we have in America." Thank you to each one of you who keep Lance and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Proud Marine Mom of Cpl. Lance McGregor Thompson"
Melanie Smith of Westfield, IN

"To: The Family / Proud father of Cpl. Lance Thompson
I want to expree my saddness at the passing of Cpl. Lance Thompson. I did not get to know him, but did know that he was working every minute of everday to protect me and my family. I would like, you, his family to know that I am sorry for your loss and greatful for what Cpl. Lance Thompson and all the Service Men and Weman do for us every day."
Toni Hill of Houston, Texas USA

"Your family and friends have been in my thoughts and prayers for the past several weeks. Even though I did not know Lance personally, his family members have been friends for several years. I only remember Lance as a smiling, mischevious little boy with a heart of gold. I will continue to remember your family in my prayers. God Bless."
Wanda Troyer of Huntington County, IN

"To the family and friends of Lance Thompson...
My family has been truly blessed for having known Lance. To know that he gave his life doing what he most wanted to do...be a Marine. Sometimes the only thing we can do is share the pain, but please know that many, many people are holding you all in their prayers. May God surround you with His loving arms and may the memories of Lance be bright and sweet. God Bless each of you.
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28"
The Stout family...Jodie, Ashley, Emily and Cory of Marion, IN

"Your family is in my thoughts. Henrietta is a good friend of mine and your family is in my prayers."
Cheryl Kitts of Van Buren IN

"To the family and friends of Corporal Lance M. Thompson,

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

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. 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. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"To Lance's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

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