Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Jay
I am only 13 but i hear what the others are saying. You are missed and always well be missed by your friends and family.I had to do a report on somone who died in the iraqi war/operation iraqi freedom. And I read your profile and dicided to do my report on you because you did somthing that is and always well be honored. It is a sad story and I give sorrows to you friends and family that lost you. I somday wand to enlist in the military. Still diciding what one but i am leaning toward the air force or the marines."
Jacob Molitor of Nicollet/Mankato MN

"i bought a memorial bracelet because i felt that i wanted to honor our fallen Maine soldiers. i did not know anyone who had died from Maine so i just picked someone close to my age. i am currently 37 and Maj. Jay Aubin was the closest to my age. i will wear my memorial braclet with pride for the sacrifice he gave for our country and our safety. my husband was also in a helicopter crew in the military so it has a special meaning that i will never forget."
Marcy of Poland, Maine

"Jay ... you are missed by so many. God bless you and your wonderful family"
Dave of Carlsbad, CA

"Jay,
Never forgotten,semper Fi. You are always in my thoughts and your family is always in my prayers.

Semper Fi"
Scott of Sanford Maine

"Just thinking of Jay today. I served with Jay in VMA(AW)-242 for a couple of years. Have reunited with some from that unit and talked about him with them. All I have to do is look down and see the sterling band that I have on my wrist, that bears Jay's name. Thinking today of what I am able to enjoy and what he gave for his country. Always remembering he carried a smile any place he went."
MSgt Sean Palmateer (Retired) of Statham, Ga U.S.A

"I served with Jay in HMM-268. I was a ground maintenance officer (AAMO) and I held the pilots and aircrew in high regard. Jay briefed that first mission and after hearing his brief it was apparent why he was there. Simply put he was one of the best. I didn't know him that well but he impressed me by his humility and calm demeanor.
I pray God's grace on his wife and children."
James E. Rollins III (Trey) of Sewanee, TN

"I think of him from time to time when I think of my time served in Iraq. When I first seen him in Ali AL Salem Air Base it was a great relief to see the Marine Corps bring together the finest people to carry out this mission. It also brought back a distant feeling of comradery I shared with the 1999-2000 265 Dragons. He was my OIC then along with Maj Presto one of his other friends. I shook his hand and like always he had a big smile. We talked briefly about our careers. He never distanced himself from the enlisted like other officers and that made him more than an officer.

My Condolences to the Family."
Sgt Cochise S Diaz 265/364 Vet of San Jose CA

"My thoughts of Jay.... We were in Skowhegan High school band. He could always make you smile no matter what the situation was. I think of him often and am proud to have kown such a postitive person. I thank you JAY for fighting for our country, We love and miss you dearly. Your sacrifice will make this life a better place..... Lot of love.. USA!!!!!"
Cindy of Canaan

"My thoughts of Jay.... We were in Skowhegan High school band. He could always make you smile no matter what the situation was. I think of him often and am proud to have kown such a postitive person. I thank you JAY for fighting for our country, We love and miss you dearly. Your sacrifice will make this life a better place..... Lot of love.. USA!!!!!"
Cindy of Canaan

"I was stationed with Maj Aubin at MAWTS-1 in Yuma, AZ. I was one of his Flight Equipment Marines, and remember him as being a prankster and joker. I spent a 24 hour duty with Maj. Aubin then Capt. Aubin and remember trading many stories throughout the night with him. All of his stories seemed to be about his family. I, then a young NCO recall saying to myself this is a true man, American, father, and husband. I think back on that night occasionally and ask myself, am I a man that other men can look at and say same about me as I had said about maj. Aubin? Maj. Aubin I knew you for a short period of time, and though we were not personal friends I feel that you made a great impact on my life by showing me as a young man, that you can be a brave man but yet still have a kind and gentle heart, and to that I say thank you."
Dave Shaffer of Philadelphia, PA, USA

"This man was my first OIC when I got to 265 in Oki as a young PFC. It was a honor and priveledge to have served with you. You will be truly missed by all those who knew you. God speed and Semper Fidelis. Once a DRAGON always a DRAGON!"
SSgt Timothy Hanson of Quantico, Virginia

"Maj Aubin,
It was a pleasure serving with you. May GOD bless your family.
"Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon""
John Barnes of Munford, TN

"The Real Hero"
Pavel of Czech republic

"This is a time for rememberance and I will always remember sweet Pea. semper Fi"
Scott of Maine

"May 22, 2007
To the family of Jay Thomas Aubin. Jay 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

"May you always remember him for the hero that he was"
Lorene Meacham of Monument, CO, USA

"I served with Maj Aubin (Capt Aubin before he left Oki.) in Okinawa while we were both attached to HMM-265. He was always an officer that I and other enlisted Marines could talk too. I'll never forget when he came to the squadron on his off day to wish me and several other Marines good luck before we went on a meritorious promotion board. A few days before he left 265 to go to his new duty station in CA he pulled me to the side and wished me luck before I put in my MECEP (Meritorius Enlisted Commissioning Program) package to become an officer. We found out that he had passed when we were in Korea. We held a memorial service in his honor and it only made me realize how much he would truly be missed when I saw my MGySgt, one of the hardest SOB's I've ever known, shed tears. Major Aubin, you'll always be missed, and never forgotten.
SEMPER FI!!

Sincerely,
Sgt Demetrius E. Martin
USMC Veteran"
Demetrius E. Martin of Cincinnati, Ohio

"I love you and miss you!
Love your god daughter."
Bridget Willette of Colorado Springs, CO

"Uncle Jay I am so proud of the work that you have done. The family misses you dearly. We think about you everyday. You will always be in our hearts. We love you!"
Thomas J. Aubin (nephew), Ashley and Camden of Skowhegan, ME

"In loving memory and to the best young Marine Officer who served in MAG 36 during my tour as Commanding Officer (1999-2001).

Jay or Sweat Pea, as we knew him, was a special person. A proud husband, father, and Marine...in that order.

We all miss him, but was honored to know him and serve with him."
BGen (USMC) Thomas. L. Conant of Alexandria, Va.

"Maj. Aubin,
Sir, I would like to say thank you to you and the other men who were on that '46 with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"To the family of Jay Thomas Aubin, I honor your sacrifice and I honor Major Aubin's service to our country. To those of you who loved him, please know that there are families in this nation who understand your loss and appreciate all that is being done for our safety, our nation and our way of life.

May God grant you comfort as you remember your loved one."
Kim Shenberger of Chicagoland, Illinois

"Jay, you were always an inspiration to me. You kept my fat out the fire quite a few times, more than you probably should have. That's the sign of a true brother, taking care of his own. Trudging it out in Yuma with you will always be one of the best times of my life. We're all gonna miss you Sweet Pea. Once a DRAGON always a DRAGON!"
Jason Coxwell of Alexandria, Va

"To the family of Jay Thomas Aubin, please accept my heartfelt condolences.

I founded Project LIVE ON, a program to plant daffodils in honor of every U.S. military man and woman who has died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Last Fall (2005), I planted thousands of daffodils on my land in honor of and gratitude to Jay Thomas Aubin, and to each fallen service man and woman. Others, too, have planted daffodils in his name. I encourage as many individuals, families, businesses, places of worship, organizations, local and state governments across the country to do the same. Please contact projectliveon@aol.com. Bypassing all political ideologies, not-for-profit Project LIVE ON seeks to remember and honor our fallen U.S. military heroes.

Beautiful daffodils rise up each Spring, and, like the memory and spirit of those who have died, will live ON...and ON. The daffodils then, become a forever reminder of the sacrifice of your beloved, and the thousands of others who gave their all. Blessings to you as you grieve, and heal.Jan. 18, 2006."
Gretchen Forbes of the northcentral mountains of Pennsylvania

"Well I would like to say to say I wish you all the best! Although I didn't know Mr. Aubin I go to school with his daughter Alicia. She has told me much about him, so when I stumbled upon this website something told me I should leave a message. Any person who fights for there country deserves to be honored, but a man who fights for his country and dies deserves to be remembered as a hero and a respectable man. I wish your whole family the best and hope you find not only peace, but happiness. Thank you so much for the sacrifice your family gave! Jay and all his family will always be remembered in my heart."
Shayna Fields of Temecula, CA

"Mrs Aubin,

I served with your husband during Officer's Candidate School in 1993. We were in the same platoon, B3. Jay was always an inspiration to everyone he came in contact with. We had a special relationship due to the fact that we were both prior enlisted.

After OCS, I only saw him again at TBS, but we had a great conversation and we wished each other luck. I found out about Jay while I was on ship in the Persian Gulf waiting to offload in Kuwait. I must say that I privately shed a tear for him and wrote you an email on his military account hoping that you would get it before they closed it.

I think of him a lot! It was like him to make big impressions on people that spent even a little bit of time with him. In OCS, you really get to know a person's character because of the hard times you share. Jay was a spectacular individual and a professional Marine!

I hope that we see this thing through as a nation so that he and the rest of our heroes wouldn't have died in vain.

I will continue to keep Jay and your family in my prayers!

Semper Fi!"
Major Mike Landree of Quantico, VA

"Sweet Pea,
Just wanted to let you know on this Memorial day that I still think of the year I spent with a brother Marine. For all of Jay's family, he was a person that touched the lives of everyone that he came in contact with. THAT IS WHAT A
MARINE DOES. HE IS A HERO, SEMPER FI

USMC 81-85

Semper FI, Major Aubin"
Scott of Maine

"My family lost a very special friend in the VietNam war. He was listed as KIA and i while i know i don't need to go any place specifically to think of him, i never had a place to bring flowers to. One day i was watching the news and saw a report of a soldier that had been buried at Fort Rosencrans cemetary, which was near where i lived at the time. I decided on that day that Jay Aubin's grave was the place i had been waiting for. So in his honor and the honor of Seargent Joseph A. Matajov, i lay flowers and thank all the soldiers of the world for my freedom and life in this wonderful place i call home. God Bless you all."
Lisa Forrest of San Diego, CA

"I am honored and blessed to have been given the priviledge of serving and flying with Maj. Aubin. This man was a Marine's Marine, always looking out for those he served with, never forgetting his time in the enlisted ranks. The Dragons were deployed in Korea when we recieved the word, the entire command was devistated, that is how much Sweet Pea meant to the squadron. During our memorial service there was not a dry eye amongst the hard charging Marines. The command has since established a quarterly award to honor Sweet Pea and dedicated the hangar in Okinawa in his name. This Marine will never be forgotten by those fortunate enough to have served with him before he was called home by the Lord. I cherish my flights and motorcycle rides with this unbelievable Marine, father, and giving spirit. Those that didn't have the priviledge of meeting him, he loved you as well and would have helped you if you needed it. I challenge anyone to find a picture of him without a smile on his face. This Marine is the Chesty Puller of my lifetime. Thank you Maj. Aubin for the time that you shared with me.
Semper Fi HMM-265 Dragons "Best of the Best""
MSgt Timothy Rohman USMC of Fredericksburg, Va.

"Maj Aubin was one of the only Dragons who always took the extra step in making sure I was on the right foot during my first months at the squadron. A great officer who always looked after the younger Marines. Semper Dragonus"
SSgt Yannutz of Virginia Beach, VA

"Maj. Aubin was one of the few officer that I have looked up to. A person who understood Marines and set a clear example of how to be great altruistic human being. Ther are no words on how to express his lose, in this world. I can only hope that I may even come close to understand the good nature of this man. Once a Dragon, always a Dragon."
Juan G. Gutierrez AKA Buckey of Stony Brook Univercity, NY/USA

"The best Marine Corps officer that I ever served with. The only one that had my back when nobody else did. ONCE A DRAGON ALWAYS A DRAGON Semper Fidelis"
rob winkler of rochester ny

"Jay we all miss you. We know you were doing what you believed in and we too believe. Every time I see a helo I can't help but think of you. You were an awesome marine, husband, father and friend. We are so proud of you. Rhonda, Nathan and Alicia are well. There is a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. WE love and miss you this New Year."
Candice Fowler (sister in law) of Etiwanda, CA

"Aloha. We were stationed at MCAS Yuma during the time that this tragic loss occured. My husband was also serving in Iraq , but God Blessed us with his eventual homecoming. Please know that our hearts go out to Major Aubin's friends and more so, family. I once asked my husband why he decided to become a Marine. His response was that he loved freedom so much that he would sacrifice all so that his family could continue to live freely. Most give little, some give all...and we Thank You, Major Aubin, for giving your all. Aloha A Hui Hou Malama Pono."
The Campbell Ohana--Terry, Keala, Calista, and Kawena of Kailua, Hawaii, United States of America

"I want to start by saying I am sorry. I should have spent more time descovering who these soldiers were before my husband joined them all in heaven, and this should have been posted before now. My husband, Spc Justin W. Linden was KIA in Iraq on June 4, 2004. I have made a decision to take the time to personally get to know who all these soldiers really were. Before I even began researching though, I can already say each and every one of them are heroes with wings! To the family of Jay, I hope you are all doing okay. I understand your pain and I will pray for you all. These men were all strong, brave, courageous, wonderful people. I promise to always remember that about your loved one, and every other soldier who died made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of freedom!"
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

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

""Hi....I just felt the need to express my sincere condolences. My brother passed away on May 3rd and I completely understand the pain you are going thru. It is a very hard time but we can be so proud of them and what they stood for. Semper Fi!!
My email is
bwalady@yahoo.com if anyone would like to just talk or whatever.
"God Bless to everyone in your family.""
Kelley_sister of Gunnery Sergeant Ronald E. Baum of Altoona Pa.

"Your son sounds like one of the nicest people I've heard of. He must of been a really hard worker to be a Marine. He will never be forgotton. I am in Jr. High and writing this letter for Social Studies. I enjoyed reading and learning about your wonderful son.I wrote this poem about him.
Joyful
Aspiring Yuma was his home Thoughtful
Highly deserving
Outstanding
Maxium heart
Arizona inhabiter
Sweet pea
Alicia, his daughter
Understanding
Buddy
Immortal
Never forgotten"
7th Grade Student of Barker Middle School

"For Jay a brave soldier.Bless you and your family.God called you home"
Susan Kelly of Northern Ireland

"Jay, we knew you as "Sweet Pea" and rarely has a callsign been more fitting. You were truly one of the finest men I've ever known and your service and sacrifice to this great country will never be forgotten by those who loved you. May God go with Rhonda, Alicia and Nate. Your memory will live forever with those who knew and were touched by you. Semper Fi Marine"
Chris of Poland, Ohio

"To the Family of Maj. Aubin,

It is with a heavy heart that I write these words to you and other family members of Marines who have fallen. I come from a long family line of Marines; I too am a Marine Corps veteran. His service to his Country and his Corps will live forever in the minds of his fellow Marines all over this country.

While I never personally met this Marine, every Marine is my brother and it is with love and respect to his family that I say to them the words of retired GySgt Ermey, "The Marine Corps lives forever, and that means you live forever."

God Bless and Semper Fidelis"
Rob of Iowa

"In loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Marine!!SEMPER FI!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"We Will NEVER FORGET !" As the first anniversary of the death of your loved one arrives;
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, JAY, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"It has been a year now since Major Aubin lost his life. I'd like his family and friends to know that he has not been forgotten and his service to this country is very much appreciated. I know this day will be so hard for you. May God comfort you and ease your pain."
Kelli of USA

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

"Thank you Maj. Jay. My dad is proud to have served with you. Once a Dragon, always a Dragon."
Glenn Yri of Okinawa

"Jay your memory will never be gone. Once a Dragon always a Dragon."
SSgt Derek Hartzell of Quantico, Va

"Dear Family and Friends; I am truly sorry for your loss. After reading the messages below from people who knew your son, husband or daddy easy to see how much he loved his Country and flying in the big blue sky – he’s still watching over you right now. For bringing such a fine young man up and in to this world who has allowed me to feel safe here my own home in the USA, I would like to say THANK YOU!"
Kittie Burleson of Oklahoma City, OK, USA 02--2004

"May you find comfort in knowing how many people share your sadness. HE is a TRUE HERO! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless YOU ALL! We Will NEVER FORGET! SEMPER FI!"
The Grogan Family (USMC) of Lakeland, TN

"Thank you Jay Aubin, 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

"I never knew Jay, nor do I know any of his family or friends, but I am filled with hope in hearing his story. A story of amazing bravery. I have hope for our wonderful country and for peace in the world. Because of Jay and others like him, I know that peace is in or future. Jay, you make be proud to call myself an American. I hope that Jay's friends and family can take some strength in the fact that Jay's sacrifice is making the world a better place. I am so thankful for people like him. Thank you Jay."
Kelly Hanson of Antrim, NH

"Jay you will never know how much we love and miss you. I remember all the times at memmre` house when you would play with all the younger cousins. you were always fun to be around. We all look up to you still even though you are gone. we love you Jay and will miss you very much!!!!"
Tami Varney ( cousin to Jay) of Plymouth, Maine

"My thoughts & prayers go out to all the Military men and women who are at war and especially those who have lost their lives. May God bless you forever. Thank you for everything, you are my hero! Rest in peace"
Amanda K Casas of San Diego, Tx

"To the Family of Jay T. Aubin. I will like to say my heart goes out to you all. My husband is a Black Hawk pilot who is serving in Afghanistan. We both grew up in Maine and are from separate towns, hubby from Bath, I from Topsham. Hearing on the news a helicopter went down made my heart ache. Knowing that a soldier/pilot from Maine paid the ultimate sacrifice made my heart weep. Taking someone from our home state brought it to close to home. My father said they did wonderful tributes to Jay. Which helped me with the connection to home and to Jay even though I didn't know him personally. I didn't know him but I still weeped for a man who was from my home state and was my age when he perished. Thank you Jay for giving of yourself and paying the ultimate sacrifice to keep my children safe. I hope you watch over my husband and keep him safe. He needs an angel from home..because he is so far away from home. ~May you soar forever into our hearts~"
Stacy Stegemoller and kids of Ft. Drum, New York

"Hey Don S., I'm sorry I'll never have the chance to know Jay as you do. You have always spoken so highly of him, not only as a Marine but as a loving and wonderful human being. I know your heart aches and you miss him deeply. My Love to you and yours and also to Rhonda and her kids. XXOO"
Robin Kohler of Iowa, USA

"Jay, you are always in our hearts and souls. You are more than just my brother-in-law, you are my best friend!
Rhonda, Alica, Nathan are in good hands and miss you more than words can describe.
SEMPER FI."
Don Smith (brother-in-law) of San Diego, CA

"I wrestled with Jay in high school for 2 years. He was a dynamic leader even back then. He had a way of making the underclassmen feel at ease. You rarely saw Jay without a great big smile on his face. The Marines, Maine, and the USA lost a great man on March 20. God Bless you Jay! Thank you for your service to this great country."
Ron Dexter of Skowhegan, Maine

"Thank you for sharing some of your memories of Jay and his photograph with the media. It's important to know those who have sacrificed so much for this country. My heart goes out to you. He will not be forgotten. May God and time help to ease your pain."
Kellie of Montana

"""I would like to donate a canvas portrait to the family of Major Aubin. Our portraits have been well recieved. I have been donating these portraits to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom because they last forever and no-one will be forgotten. You can see what our donation portraits look like at http://lionheartcreations.net/honorfallen.htm I have wrote a poem called Fallen and we put this on the canvas portrait along with name rank and branch of service. We will ship the portrait right to your home. This cost you nothing. This is our way to serve and honor our fallen. Please let us serve you. You can email us to make arrangements for your portrait and this can all be done over the internet or US mail. Making the portraits only takes a day or so. Our email address is on our website or you can email carlosshelter@aol.com Thank you and God bless"""
Carlos Kathy & Ashley Jones of Middletown Ohio

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrifice will nerver be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"Love and Prayers to the Family"
Nina of Bangor, Maine

"To a Hero:

Thank you so much...God Bless your family and friends!"
sarah of forestport newyork

"To the family and friends of Maj. Jay Aubin:
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 Jay 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 Maj. Jay Aubin:
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 Jay, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"Reading the article of Jay Aubin filled my eyes with tears at the loss of such a fine sounding man. I will remember him and all of the others each day as I count my blessings for being an American."
Terri Curtis of Green Forest, Arkansas

"Jay will always be a hero to America and to his wife and children. He was an amazing man and will be missed dearly!"
The Ratledge Family of Yuma, Arizona

"Thank you Marine. RIP"
J and T Taylor of NC

"Thank you for allowing your hero to protect our freedoms!"
Holly of Charlottesville, VA

"Thank you for your sacrifice"
Ginger Smith & Family of Hillsboro, In