Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"On this Memorial Day 2016. You are gone but not forgotten Hermano 🇩🇴
A true Soldier. May God continue to give your family strength and peace today and forever.
God bless the United States of America!!
Jamás te olvidaremos!!"
SFC (RET) M A Merritt of Panamá

"Wow, 7 years, and it still feels like yesterday. I'll never forget the sacrifice you made, along with the good times we shared. We miss you."
M. Al-Arif of Raleigh, NC

"to my brother franklin, man today marks 7 year of lose and pain that i can't get out of my heart and chest, how i wish that i could turn back time bro. it finally hit me that i won't be able to see you until my time comes, but i want you to know that i have you in my heart and mind everyday that i wake up breathing in my life. i miss you bro and here i sit trying to hold back my tears but i can't. thank you for keeping me safe thur out my deployment, that day it could have been me, but instead you took my place and i think that's one of the reason i can't sleep at night, thanks bro until god unite us again."
robert rodriguez of shindanda, Afghans

"Thinking about SGT Vilorio and his family today, Memorial Day, 2012. May you all know peace."
BG Brian Layer of Rock Island Arsenal, IL

"My brother, My friend there will always be one of you we all really miss but know that you will never be forgotten and you are always be in my prayers. Never Forgotten brother. We miss you."
SSG Peralta Jose "JP" of Germany

"To the family of Franklin Vilorio I Want to give my prayers and thoughts out to his family. franklin was a good friend to everyone. We meet when he was stationed in germany toghether me and my wife new mim from 5th maint. and now I get to see him everyday at Ft Stewart Memorial walk which I visit every day. I still can't beleive he is gone, but he did what he loved to be doing is defending his country. What could anybody ask of him he did his best and will always be in our prayers."
Leach Family 5TH MAINT COMPANY (matthew & Dagmara) of FT STEWART GEORGIA

"I didn't personally know anyone who was killed fighting to defend our country. But I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry at times. I understand, in theory only, that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the grieving families and friends pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott Edward Steiner (6/9/10) of Worthington, OH USA

"October 26 2008
My name is SSG Marlowe I was with SGT V on the 6th of September. There is not a day goes by that I dont remember that day. To the freinds and family of V I will continue to pray for you. SGT V I love you and miss you and you will always be my guardian angel."
SSG Bobby "Provider 6D" Marlowe of FOB Kalsu Iraq

"August 22, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Franklin R. Vilorio:
Franklin 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 family of:Franklin R. Vilorio I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief. He died a hero defending freedom and we are so grateful for anyone defending our freedom.
Know that I am praying for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding for you and that one day we will all meet in Heaven where we will rest in the arms of Jesus.
If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with please call my Pastor at Gateway Community Church, Reverand John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd Covington Ga. 30016 Phone 770- 787- 1015 (fax)770-787-8215.Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew"

"I'm SSG Hector Martyr, Franklin Vilorio was my soldier. Met him in Germany, got extrmely close to him. Went on several missions together. I finally said good bye to him and kept in touch via e-mail. I still can't believe it that a good man like this would leave this earth. I missed him dearly."
Hector Martyr of Germany

"Franklin, we all will miss your jovial spirit and your hearty smiles. You have left a void that will never be filled. Your memory will forever remain alive in our hearts and your contribution to our lives and to that of the Iraqi people will forever live on. May you rest in perfect peace till we meet again buddy."
SGT Leo O. Arong of Fort Stewart, GA/USA

"SGT "V", I THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DID FOR ME. YOU HAD CONFIDENCE AND FAITH IN ME MORE THAN I HAD IN MYSELF. YOU SHARED YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE WITH ALL. YOU'VE TOUCH MY LIFE FOREVER. I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU. YOU MAYBE GONE BUT "NEVER" FORGOTTEN! YOUR LOSS HAS LEFT US ALL WITH A GREAT VOID. HOWEVER, WE KNOW THAT WE SHALL SEE YOU AGAIN ONE DAY MY FRIEND. UNTIL THAT DAY, YOU SLEEP AND REST THAT HEART-WARMING SMILE. MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY YOU LEFT BEHIND AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THEM ALL."
STACEY ABDUR-RASHEED of Medina, NY, USA

"One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during
the low periods of my life
when I was suffering from anguish,
sorrow, or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints,
so I said to the Lord, "You promised me, Lord,
that if I followed you, you would walk with me always.
But I noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I have needed you most
have you not been there for me?"
The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you."

TO A SPECIAL FRIEND INDEED
There are heroes who walk among us
never looking for glory or praise
They don't seek recognition
for their thoughtful, caring ways.
Living lives of deep commitment
providing for those they hold dear
Steadfast with a quiet strength
through times of laughter and tears.
You are a person like that to me
The most selfless man by far
So (Name), I'd like to thank you
For being the HERO that you are."
MSG Eric S. Magee of BTB, DSB, 3ID, 4th PLT

"to the mother of sgt vilorio i am sgt laracuente the man you got to meet in GA your son was my best friend my only friend in GA it was an honer to meet you and your son and his doughter and his wife,we always kept in contact, he even came to my fob. he was a true friend you dont know how hard my job has become out here in iraq when i found out of his departchur but i know he would have wanted me to "cojerlo suave loco" but as long as i live he will always be in my thoughts and in his words "cuidate loco""
SGT LARACUENTE ROBERT of FT STEWART GA

"SGT "V" WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS THE GREAT LOSS WE ALL FEEL WITHOUT YOUR INFECTOUS SMILE TO BRIGHTEN OUR DAYS. YOU ARE EXTREMELY MISSED! TO THE VILORIO FAMILY THANK YOU FOR SHARING HIM WITH US. WE NOW KNOW WHAT YOU ALREADY KNEW.... WHAT AN AWESOME MAN SGT "V" WAS!! I WANT TO THANK YOU AND SGT "V" FOR YOUR SACRIFICE. AS LONG AS I LIVE I WILL ENSURE IT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! I WILL TELL MY CHILDREN, FRIENDS, FAMILY AND ALL WHO WILL LISTEN ABOUT BY MY COMRADE BUT MOST OF ALL MY FRIEND! LOVE AND PEACE TO ALL!!"
DAVID DUREN of DETROIT,MI

"Found this Poem by accident and as I read it...I felt i should share it with Everyone... It Truly Represents our lost Brother!

NO OTHER NAME BUT “SON”
Tears may mask the sorrow, and grief may hide the pain.
But, how do we cope tomorrow, and keep ourselves sane?
A light went out when we lost you,
Our darkest hour has come.
For the beautiful person you where to us.....
Our precious beautiful son.
----------------------
A son who held our future,
Who to us, was a life SO rare.
Who had much to gain in this life,
How unfair, he didn’t get his share.
But, a short life can be as precious, and can touch as many hearts.
Where the pleasure was, in knowing you,
That remains within equal parts.
-----------------------
To know you, was to love you,
That outreached, and touched those near,
A love, that was unconditional,
Even in the midst of fear.
A fear, that marked your future,
And even though, you felt it near.
Your job would be the purpose....
The reason for being here.
--------------------------
But through your job, you gave your all,
A nations son, now lost.
Many more will follow...
So each life taken, but at what cost?
Is life worth so very little,
That we never count its cost?
Do we forget those left behind,
Left to live, with that great loss?
----------------------------
We only know, our life has changed,
Our hopes and dreams gone too.
Our lives have lost their purpose,
Because they died along with you.
We now hold dear, the memories,
And pictures, record your smile.
Because through them, we still have you,
That we’ll cherish, til’ the end of time.
--------------------------
Silent tears, now fill our moments,
Silent thoughts, we see your face.
Days are long, and nights are lonely,
Because no-one, can ever take your place.
Oh, how we long to hear you,
If only, for a little while.
Where a million words would be said,
That no doubt, would bring a smile.
----------------------------------
But for now, we must walk the empty path,
Without you walking near.
The road no doubt, will be lonely,
With it too, we will shed many tears.
But tears, will aid the healing,
As life begins anew.
Because, each life has a special meaning,
The perfect creation, which was you.
------------------------------------
So, we now give thanks, for the beautiful you,
So perfect in every way,
We can only hope, a greater purpose,
Was the reason, you could not stay.
Perhaps one day, we’ll meet again,
This hope will keep us sane.
As memories, keep flooding back,
As we silently, say your name.
--------------------------------
An empty place, within our hearts,
A space, no-one can fill.
What you left behind, was priceless,
And cherished thoughts, are with us still.
So, even though we grieve your parting,
Our hearts are proud, as we recall,
You gave your life, in place of others,
Many saved, meant few did fall.
------------------------------------
Thank you, for your selfless act,
Through our tears, we can stand tall.
As the world, heard of your courage,
Your part in it, may seem so small.
Records will write, of sacrifice,
We will proudly read these lines.
How a war, was fought for others,
But for you, it was your time.
------------------------------------
Generations too, will learn much,
They in turn, will tell the tale.
How the fight for victory, was fought,
A fight, that could not fail
This fight we hope, be soon over,
Before more lives, are still lost.
That through the rubble, will be courage,
That overcame the cost.
------------------------------
Our cost, cannot be measured,
But our lives were enriched, because of you.
Memories, that will last a lifetime,
How your life touched others too.
You’ll never know the lives you touched,
Or the families, given hope.
They’ll live without the fear,
This new life, will help them cope.
-----------------------------------
They’ll build again the city,
That war had caused to fall.
Bricks cemented with courage,
Buildings will now, stand tall.
Our son’s life, wasn’t wasted,
His courage shown, we shared with all.
Children’s faces, will smile again,
"Peace at last, the voices call."
------------------------------------
Our son’s quest, changed our history, A role of honor, bears his name. We will constantly, honor his memory, Now others, can do the same.
So thank you, for the privilege,
You gave us, - As our SON.
Someone.. unique and special,
No other name, - but our PRECIOUS SON.
Written by: Ailsa White (Mrs) Belfast. N.Ireland. March 2003.

DEDICATED TO THE MANY SONS, WHO LOST THEIR LIVES, IN THE WAR IN IRAQ. THE SONS.. WHO DIDN"T COME HOME.
I will leave this, my favorite verse with you-
WE SEEK NOT THE ANSWERS, THAT WE MAY THEN BELIEVE. BUT IN BELIEVING, WE ACCEPT WHAT WE DO NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND"
Michelle Guzman (La Tiguera) of Augusta, GA

"I met Franklin(El Tolete)in Korea.. He was like a brother to me... This news has come as a shock to me and my heart is very saddened...I know he is in a better place but it still hurts...God called one of his Angels back home...

My condolences and Deepest sympathy for his family...

Tolete...Que dios te tenga en su Gloria...

Tigga(La Tiguera)
tigerrchek@aol.com"
Michelle Guzman of Augusta, GA

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your
Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the loyal service and sacrifice that was made and
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Our cousin LCPL Michael Smith Jr. gave his life on 4-17-04 fighting for freedom.
Please know that this was not in vain and these American Heros will FOREVER be honored.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"In the short time that I knew Franklin we the hispanics out here grew to be a tight family and Franklin was definetly part of it. Franklin you left such an impact in our lives and beautiful memories in our hearts. We love you and miss you everyday and I know that you are watching over us from heaven, smiling down at us and keeping us safe. My life is so much better in having the pleasure to have known you and becoming your friend. You are and will always be MY HERO. Thank you for the 8 months of your friendship that we got to share. To your family, my prayers and thoughts are with you. He was and is a GREAT man. Franklin is gone but will never be forgotten."
SPC Jackie Reyes of Iraq

"SGT "V", we miss you so much and wish you were still here with us. You have made an impact on all of our lives and we will never forget you. To Sgt Vilorio's family: our hearts will always be with you as Franklin watches over us."
matthew al-arif of Lancaster, Pa

"HEY SGT VILORIO WE LOVE U AND MISS U ALOT. SGT V'S FAMILY IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND IM SURE HES IN A BETTER PLACE BUT HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE A PLACE IN MY HEART AS A FRIEND AND AS A LEADER. HEY BUDDY JUST WANT U TO KNOW THAT WE MISS UR EXTREMELY EXAGERATING STORIES AND EVERYTHING BOUT U. A TU FAMILIA LO SIENTO MUCHO Y ESPERO QUE SEAN FUERTES. CON DIOS Y LA VIRGEN"
LUIS M. CRUZ of IRAQ

"I am truly sorry for your loss. May God give you the courage and strength to face the days ahead.

Michele Carter
Sister of CPL Gary Walters
KIA in Baghdad on 24 April 2005"

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

"TO THE VILORIO FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. DEEPLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOST. AN OUR PRAYS ARE WITH FRANKLIN AND YOUR FAMILY. WE LOST OUR SON GREGORY. AN FRANKLIN YOU TWO NEVER KNEW ONE ANOTHER/ STILL HAD COMFORT THAT YOU BOTH SERVED WITH SO MANY CARING SOLDIER'S. I REALLY DIDN'T WORRY ABOUT GREGORY! THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY AND ALONG SIDE OUR SON. FRANKLIN MY TEARS NEVER END! I PRAY THAT YOUR FAMILY WILL HEAL. FOR YOUR LOST HAS EFFECTED US ALL. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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