Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army 1st Lt. Luke C. Wullenwaber

24, of Lewiston, Idaho.
Wullenwaber died in Khaladiyah, Iraq, when he was conducting a security mission and a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Greaves, Korea. Died on November 16, 2004.

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"Bit harder this year sir. I'm still sorry."
Not saying

"To the family of:Luke C.Wullenwaber
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""

"Dean and Bonnie,

Thinking of you during this Easter season."
Gentleman '02

"Happy Birthday Chas."
Love, Mom

"You are still on my mind and in my heart. This day and everyday I remember your sacrifice. With love Always,"
Carla

"I could not believe the chaplain when he gave me the news that day in Habbaniyah. I still can't believe, but I know that anyone that was lucky enough to know you was enriched. We hear that a lot at memorials, but it is so true. You're grit, strength, and the power of your positivity remains an inspiration to me in all I do. Currahee."
Jonathan Tuttell, SGT of Ft. Bragg, NC

"November 15, 2008
To the family of 1st Lt. Luke C. Wullenwaber:
Luke 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

"Luke, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't wonder if you are watching over us. I look at this bracelet and remember this young Lieutenant that took a confused Staff Sergeant under his wing that was the "old guy" when he arrived to Korea and pointed him in the right direction. You were more than a mentor, you were a colleague and a brother. My God keep you in His arms brother. "Stand Alone""
SSG (Ret) William C. Croka of Colorado Springs, CO

"Luke, while I did not know you my brother thought very highly of you and told me many stories about the two of you in Korea. My family is forever greatful for the sacrafice you made for freedom and our country."
Jeffrey F. Wolford of Erie Pa

"Luke,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and your sacrifice. I have never known a man with greater character. You were loved so dearly by so many. Just know that you remain in our hearts and on our minds. I miss you. I am honored to have known and loved you. You were a wonderful friend and officer and I know your memory will live on forever."
CPT Carla Renfro Chapman, USA of Honolulu, HI

"It's hard to believe that it has been over 3 years since that rainy December day at Arlington. I've visited him several times over the last several years, but yesterday's visit was the most poignant. All the holiday wreaths, all the gifts left at other graves - it's far from an empty area this time of year. To Wooly's family, I left another note there again, explaining how proud I am of him. Our flag flies higher, the colors shine brighter, and our nation is safer today because of Luke. To Luke's family, please accept my condolences this holiday season. You should feel nothing but pride for your son's character - once again, he was truly both an officer and a gentleman.
Best,
Edward Liu"
Edward Liu of Baltimore, MD USA

"I knew Luke through VMI's pre-CDQC program where he worked to train us to peak performance. I think of how friendly and positive Luke was, and how tragic that he has been lost to us. Luke, you are a damn good man. You will be missed.
-Matt Meyers VMI '01 (CPT, IN)"
Matt Meyers of Duvall, WA

"I will never forget the fun we all had playing football at the park on birtdays."
Jeff Kaltenbaugh, STG1(SW), USN of San Diego, CA

"Although I did not know Luke well, we were fellow classmates and officers while at VMI. His sacrifice will never be forgotten!"
CPT Rachael L. O'Connell of US Army

"Iam looking for a marine Sven Jensen, he is from San Diego Ca. If any one knows him could you pass this message on to him. lineshack@dteworld.com"
Debi Milton of Dubois Wyoming

"Luke:
You ran the race, you kept the faith. If this country only had more of you, well, maybe I wouldn't be writing this.
At the visiting room that rainy December day at Arlington, they told me there were more people there for you than they had seen for a long time.
We all looked up to you and still do, a man who saw his duty and did it with excellence, commitment and without complaint, all the way to 'the last full measure of devotion'. I promise to visit every time I am in Washington and will always remember with profound and humble thanks."
The dad of one of your VMI - 2002 classmates of California

"Luke, I received news of your death while fighting in Fallujah, Nov 2004. I'll never forget our trip to Charlston or that large mouth bass that got away while fishing with the Trent brothers. We had a lot of good times, and some mischievous ones! Bis Walhalla, Kamerad. See you in the next life."
Capt Sven Jensen, USMC of Coronado, San Diego, CA

"Thank you for your sacrifice. You are a hero. Thank you for showing what courage and bravery is. I wish I could've met you, but I know one day I will. To the Wullenwaber family- God's peace with you, and thank you for your sacrifice."
J.R. of Moscow, Idaho

"Luke,
You are a true hero, and today we take a moment to look at what you gave for us. There is nothing we could ever give to show our true Thanks. May you always know you will live on in our hearts forever! May your family be comforted knowing they are loved and supported by so many people, family, friends, and those family members of 2ID. Happy Memorial Day! God Bless!"
Nicole of USA

"To a Wullenwaber I never had a chance to meet. I thank you for your services & time spent keeping our country safe. God bless the family, Give them strength and warm memories.

Russ Wullenwaber Jr."
Russ of Los Banos Ca

"To the family Luke Wallenwaber left behind: I am the ID State Coordinator for the Home of the Brave Quilt Project. It is our group's goal to make a memorial quilt for each fallen soldier from Idaho. We are a group of volunteers that are part of a nationwide organization of volunteers who are making Civil War Reproduction Quilts for the families of Fallen Soldiers. Our hope is that the quilt we are making for your family will be a small token of our deep appreciation for your ultimate sacrifice and serve as some comfort in the many years to come. Please contact me at czelus@hotmail.com"
Cheryl Zelus of Home of the Brave-ID State Coordinator

"To the family of Luke Wullenwaber: Your son is a true American hero and our thoughts and prayers are with you."
Dave & Jean of Trenton, Mi.

"Happy Valentine's Day!"

"Still thinking of you daily. Thank you for all you've given. You'll never know how much you're loved and missed! God Bless you!"
Just a Wife of USA

"Luke,
I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas with Jesus Christ. I know that you are with your family and friends, as you're enjoying the ultimate Christmas celebration in heaven. Merry Christmas our Hero."
Nicole of USA

"Luke,
I know this Holiday Season will be especially tough for your family, but I know that you'll be watching over them. I know you and God will give them the strength they need to get through this tough time. May God always bless you hero!"
Nicole of USA

"It's been a year but you aren't and won't be forgotten. Thank you so much-"

"I will always remember Luke for his contagious smile, witty banter, huge bear hugs, white t-shirts that matched both his brothers, smooth demeanor and the ease of his conversations. He was with out a doubt a true Hero, not only as a soldier but as a Friend, Brother and Son. The pain of losing Luke is still as eminent today as it was a year ago and always will be. He will always be one of my favorite people."
Layci of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho

"Luke,
I never had the privilage of getting to know you, but my husband thought so very highly of you! You are a true hero. Please know that you and your loved ones remain in our prayers as we approach the very sad one year mark. We love and honor you daily! God bless you and your family!"
Nicole of USA

"To the Wullenwaber family,

As a member of Echo Company while at VMI, your son was my cadre sgt. when I was a rat. Although I never knew him well, I always respected his exceptional level of military bearing and had no doubt that he would go on to do great things in the Army. His death came as a great shock to us all, especially seeing how he had always demonstrated a keen physical prowess and uncanny survival skills. Unfortunately, so much of combat is random, with little predictability about who lives and who does not. I extend to you my warmest sympathies and hope that you can cope with the untimely passing of an uncommonly talented young man who met his fate at a tragically young age."
Dennis Lawrence of Maryland

"Luke and I went to high school together in Lewiston, Idaho. One thing I will always remember about Luke is his smile - no matter how down in the dumps you were, just one smile from him and a few kind words and your day was that much better. His personality and caring way could also brighten up your day. All the fun times we had will never be forgotten. From the LHS class of 1998, we all miss you, Luke. Keep smiling!"
Jennifer C. of Lewiston, ID USA

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

"To the Wullenwaber family; Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and the tough times to come. Luke will always be remembered by us as a hero who gave his life for a better world. Thank you. The Rory Miller family. (Fellow cadet of Jessie)"
Roberta Miller of Stratford, Ct.

"To Luke'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

"To Luke'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, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

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

"Thank you Luke Wullenwaber, 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 1st Lt. Luke Wullenwaber:
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 Luke 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 1st Lt. Luke Wullenwaber:
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 Luke, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on