Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Thinking about you brother."
Mike

"Thinking about you brother."
Mike

"We love you Will! I wish I was there with you. You check on your family from time to time and give them warm hugs in this cold world aright buddy?"
Freiburger of Jackson, MI/USA

"Just attended the Marine Corps Ball last night in Ottawa Canada and during Taps, played over the fallen's table, my thoughts went to that day, and you, just as they did at the USMC BD celebrations I attended in the middle east, veterans day, memorial day, and odd days throughout the year. To be frank, I think of you with great difficulty and a catch in my throat, every time I hear taps and have every time since the day it played for your farewell at CBT Outpost. I did not know you personally we did not meet in the normal way. At the time I was an Army MAJ, but we were attached to 1st Marine Div and your BN was attached us-1st BDE, 1st ID. Our Soldiers and Marines were so intertwined, my Gunner was even a LCpl. It did not matter, the reality that was Ramadi, stripped any service rivalry away, we simply locked eyes. I was the last person to see you before God welcomed you into his embrace. I was the convoy that passed you, seconds before the explosion. You were in the median on Route Michigan just past CBT Outpost clearing the way. What stands out in my mind every time you visit me, was the pure look of peace on your face. Professional, vigilant, and on mission for sure, but you exuded a tranquility, a professional satisfaction, a peacefulness behind it all; you did your family and your Corps proud in that moment and you captured me. If not a second before I would be at your side now. Unarmored Humvee, repeated trips on that route, and numerous close calls over my 8 months in country, the Russian roulette drive missed me again that day. I got banged up a bit, but my family welcomed me home alive 5 months later. You and your family gave all and all I could do was make sure you made it home to them and stand vigil at your service. I will never forget that day, the helplessness, the aftermath, the frustration, that moment.....you. I internalized, learned, and lived the true meaning of the last line of the Warrior Ethos that day: "never leave a fallen comrade". Know that I did all I could to ensure that I did not fail you in that oath. Only a glance of you seconds before, but that glimpse seared into me and I felt a camaraderie as profound and as deep as any I have had. There has been no fade to that feeling over all these years. That fleeting moment is as clear as it was that day and would still be even if the explosion never happened; cannot explain it any better than that. From a Duty First Soldier, I just wanted to tell you, on this birthday of your Corps, Semper Fi!; you are not forgotten Marine. You will always be faithfully in my thoughts and prayers."
Mike Wright, USA of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

"I don't know whare to start, the only way is if I try, the way I found out about Williams death was one day I was driving onto the 215 freeway and saw a decal saying in loving memory of William wiscowich I thought to myself it can't be possible, I have known him since elementary school... 2 years later I see on TV a tribute to those fallen in Iraq I got to see Veronica with there little one and I started crying thinking how hard it is to loose such an amazing person from what I'm reading he is the Same person he has always been. Last night I had a dream of him and this whare it has led me a chance to say goodbye to Willie and my memory of him will always be embedded in my heart. To his family you are an amazing strong family, I myself can't hold back tears as I write this. So I end my message by saying goodbye to a wonderful friend and thanks for our fun memories love you."
Veronica Gonzalez of San Diego

"Unc Willie ... You were loved and always will be I think of you all the time .. Miss you and love u.."
Niki Myers of Highland ca

"Willie sweetheart, you r in my heart all the time! I think of the days when u are running around playing with Shan, and just being the sweet lil guy u were. I think of u so much and wish things could be differn't, but I am trusting that there is a plan at the end, a plan that God had for you sweetheart, and for all of us! I don't really know what to say except that I will always love you! Thank you for what you did for our country does not sound right to say , thou I say it to other members of the service that I talk to! I guess all I can say is I feel honored to have been a part of your life and I know that you are up there with our heavenly God lookin down on all of us, and I pray that you are giving extra strength to your family, to help them thru all the times that their hearts are so heavy with pain from missin you,and just giving them that warm feeling in their hearts that YOU are there with them, then and always...and I don't know what else to say but sweetie, u will always have a special place in my heart, only for you!!I know that you are in a great place with our Lord, and I pray that your family is too in their hearts in a good place with God, and knowing that as long as they are with him, that some day they and I, and everyone that you loved will again see you some day. Untill then my son, I love you sweetheart !!! Always in my heart....Cindy"
Cindy Wheeler of Rialto Ca

"still miss you after all these years,
RIP willie, memorial day 2011"
pearl juarez of apple valley ca USA

"Love you Whiskey! Hugs!"

"Its been a long time since I last saw you Whisky, I miss you. Your smile could put out a fire, your laugh made the mood better. I'm glad I had the honor to serve with you brother. Thank you for being my motivation when it sucks. See you soon bro!"
SO1 David Nino of Coronado, Ca.

"Willie I just wanna say that I love you. You were always so sweet to me. A great friend! I miss you. I miss your smile. Your smile could just light up the room. Nobody could ever be in a bad mood around you. I see that in your daughter every time I look at her. She has your spirit. So you live on thru her. Im lucky to have known you. Thank you for always having my back. RIP Willie. mmmmuah"
Lani

"WHISKEY MISS U MAN. YOU MADE BEING IN A BAD PLACE A LITTLE BETTER WITH YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR. SEMPER FI. SUICIDE CHARLEY."
MIKE

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. 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 families 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 E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"willie its been a long time man but still to this day b4 i knew wat i wuz gonna do with my life cuz i was so young you and my brother were friends and u and i had r birthday together @ my house pool party n u had da jocks over man ill never 4get u and my heart man is still hurting and n disbelife that ur gone u were a good man wish u had a longer life here your n a better place and may ya name live on 4ever thru your family and frineds i love u man i still think about that time when my dad ma and i came over one nite and i playd like i had my ears peirced cuz u had yours dunn n i wanted 2 b coo like u n u wuz like let me c man no u dont no u dont n i showed u man i miss u bro 4real even tho we may not have been close but it would have been great 2 c u now with your daughter rest in peace in ill c u one day again"
Jason Ross of martinsburg,west virgina,usa

"To the family of my dear friend William "Wiskey" Wiscowiche.
I met Wiskey in Engineer School Court House Bay North Carolina and we became friends instantly, that was not hard being the friendly person he was, we stayed close friends even though we in different Unit aboard Camp Pendleton CA, I had the privilege of present the national flag to his family at his funeral and will for ever be honored. I think about him and my other fallen friends every day and will continue praying for then and their family as long as I am alive.
"All gave some, some gave all""
SSGT ANDRAE DIXON of CAMP PENDLETON CA

"Whiskey, you were a great mentor and leader as my fireteam leader in Ramadi 04. I can't tell you how much I miss you and wish you were still here. Rest in peace dear brother."
Jordan Johnson of Cherry Point, North Carolina

"March 21, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. William J. Wiscowiche:
William 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

"Lcpl Wiccowiche... You were my Rack mate in bootcamp and in M.C.T. I will never forget the funny things we did in bootcamp and the trouble we always got into!! I dont think anyone did more push-ups than we did in the pit. I remember you shouting words of ecouragement while I was ready to give up on the cruicible and climbing the Reaper. You made a tough time pass fast. You will never be forgotten and will always be missed! My heart goes out to his Family sorry for this tragic loss. Its been a few years but I still think back all the times we had. You were a Hard Nose Marine and very Motivational.!! See you one day upstairs devildog.... Guard those gates of Heaven!"
Sgt Dossett, Justin J of Ocala Florida

"The Mt.Soledad Memorial Association, in coordinated efforts with American Legion Post 275 of La Jolla, California, is conducting a Honor Ceremony on August 26th,2006 to recognize the dedicated service of LCpl William Wiscowiche and the other 20 Marines that paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Post 275 has sponsored the manufacture of 2 granite plaques to be placed at the Mt.Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, CA.

We are very saddened by this tragedy; our Memorial will honor these brave Marines and the memory and tribute will be forever on our walls.
For additional information and photos of our memorial please log onto www.soledadmemorial.com
We would be deeply appreciative if ALL interested in attending the ceremony could call Joanie at 858-459-2314 (e-mail:Joaniem7225@soledadmemorial.com) or Steve Marrietti at 858-705-2214.
THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!"
Joanie Miyashiro-Brennan of San Diego, CA/USA

"I MISS YOU WISKEY,I'M PRAYIN FOR YOU GUYS. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME. GALLANJOE@HOTMAIL.COM. I WROTE A LONGER VERSION AND IT GOT LOST. AND IT'S TOO PAINFUL TO WRITE AGAIN. LOVE ALLAN"
ALLAN J GAY, CPL-USMC of SAN MARCOS CA

"To the family of:William J Wiscowiche 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"

"Even though I knew not William, God knew him and is keeping watch over him and those who follow in his path. I pray that God will comfort his family and be with others who suffer the same loss."
Elin Crawford of Dover, Florida, USA

"The Veronica, Arianna and the rest of the Wichowiche family: Willie was a person no one could ever forget. Watching Willie pay football at Victor and his personality. Willie will always be the High Deserts Hero."
Crystal Deaton of Victorville, Ca

"I stumbled upon this site looking for info on 7bn engineers... My heart is saddened and humbled by the sacrifice of this courageous young man. God's speed and Semper Fi."
G. D. Roosevelt of Las Vegas , Nevada

"lcpl Wiscowiche was a great man and a great marine. i served with him in california, and iraq. he will always be in my thoughts and i will think of all the times he made us laugh often, his sacrafice will always be remembered. To his faimly....the world is at a loss with out him....you have my deepest respect and sympathy for your loss. may god watch over him."
Sgt Justin S Prue of olathe kansas usa

"Many of my friends and I knew Willie from school. He was such an amazing person, I can't even describe it. His funeral was beautiful and sad at the same time. I remember how much his death effected our small community, people who didn't know him felt pain. Willie, you will never be forgotten and you are forever in our hearts! We love you!"
Nikey of Victorville

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

"i would like to say that i am sorry to all of the families out there and i could not find just one to write about so i chose the one that dies on my birthday-god bless"
kerri lane of bellingham,wa,us

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

"I will miss you until the end of my days....I love you my puerto rican brotha! Thank you for bringing to a smile to my face when I was down...and making me laugh...."

"Willie was the kind of person you look too. A good person and a great friend. People will always remember him for the good person he was and the hero he has become. "Willie you will always be in our heart and the memories that we hold of you". "Thank You Willie""
Lois Turner of Victorville, CA USA

"Willie was the kind of person you look too. A good person and a great friend. People will always remember him for the good person he was and the hero he has become. "Willie you will always be in our heart and the memories that we hold of you". "Thank You Willie""
Lois Turner of Victorville, CA USA

"To The Family of Willie Wiscowiche:

I had the previlege and honor to meet and shake the hand of Wille when he and his family attended services at Grace Baptist shortly after he got out of boot camp. He was there with his Father and Mother and the look on their face I will never forget, they were so very proud of their young soilder son.

Willie knew my son Brian who was a school mate of his and was currently in boot camp himself. I felt this need to go up to him and tell him just how proud I was of him, I will never forget how handsome he looked in his uniform.

I also attended his funeral with my son, what a sad but beautiful cermony. We were all there to celebrate his life and sacrifice.....I will never forget you Willie."
Yvette Avera of Oak Hills, CA

"To the family of "Whisky"
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and always. I served with your son when attached to 1st CEB Delta Company supporting 1/7BN for the 8 months + that he was in Kuwait and Iraq the first time he was there. He was one of the best people I have ever met and was always full of smiles and contagious energy. His happiest moment was when he found out that he was a father... he could not stop talking that night. We were all happy for him. I regret not being able to be at his side this time around.. for I wish I could have made a difference if I was there with him, next to him like I was those countless other times. He was a good person and will always be my good friend. I will never forget him."
HM2 David Nino of Naval Hospital Portsmouth Virgina

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal William J. Wiscowiche,

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

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

"I served with "Whiskey" in Iraq last year. He was attached out to us and rode in the same tracks as we did. It was never a dull moment with him around. I send my condolences to his family and everyone who knew him. If you were ever around him you were laughing. It is a huge loss of a friend and a Marine."
1/7 Suicide Charley of 29 Palms, Ca.

"to the williams family"
i am a marine,i have seen death and beyond...i have seen courage...and i have also see the best and worst of it all...my depest respect and gratitude go out to you for making such a fine man who was able to serve his country...i too was wounded and lost a leg and fingers.....every day i think of the fallen heros that have and will die....and ask god to guide them to heaven....so with this i leave you with a salute...and a thank you for a brave marine who fought along side with the best and worst of it all....may god bless you all and william's soul...."
jose of los angeles ca/usa

"To William's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. Maybe God bless you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"I can't explane how sorry I am for the loss of Willie. I'm here for you and my thoughts and prayers are with you.. I love you guys."
Kashara (sister in law) of Belen, New Mexico/USA

"To William's family,
I am so sorry for the loss of William. He was fighting for a noble cause and his sacrifice has made the world a safer place. He will always be a hero for standing up to evil and not backing down."
mark reif of winchester, VA

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden.
Semper Fi
The Taylors USMC
North Carolina"

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