Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"Han pasado 13 años desde que te fuiste aún sigo sintiendo ese sentimiento de tristeza desde aquel día que supimos que ya no estabas ,se vienen muchos recuerdos en la mente que hacen que mi corazón se entristece aún recuerdo todas las veces que jugaban acá en Sabinas que andaban para arriba y para abajo ,paleando,cortando ramas,haciendo tantas cosas jugando Basketball cuando íbamos a la Turbina y siempre con esa sonrisa.. ..nunca imaginaria que ocurriera eso a 13 años sigo sintiendo tu partida ...siempre te recordaré 😥"
Gaby G. of Sabinas Hidalgo Nuevo León

"one more thing.... to give you something to laugh about. I was deployed to the war 3 months before Gonzo was... and the night before we left... our platoon had a little german monk beer fest out at one of the farming villages that surrounded Gieblestadt.. AT one point... SGT Gonzo, comes out of another one of our soldiers house with a kids "Superman" blanket tied around his neck like a cape, running around like a super hero.... He was more of a hero than he ever really knew..."
John R. McDonald of Wichita Falls, TX

"Just prior to deployment, I was then Spc. Gonzalez's squad leader. He was my number two in the squad, he was the guy that helped me "make it happen". Sgt. Gonzalez is and always will be my example of what real AMERICAN patriots do. He was busting his butt to get himself, and his family to become Full Fledged American ( as I recall his stories 13 years ago). He believed in what America is. And didn't want to become an American through a hand out. To the family for Sgt. Gonzo, I too am a Texan, currently in Wichita Falls. I would be humbled, and honored, if you all ever needed anything, that you asked me. Its the least I can do to show that real man some respect. yardgnome01@gmail.com"
John R. McDonald of Wichita Falls, TX

"Never forgotten. Always remembered."
Jim of North Carolina

"Rodrigo and Family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Rodrigo was such an amazing person and I will always remember your smile. May you rest in Peace with the Angels and untill we meet again. Thank you for all the memories in high school. I know your presence will always be missed.Thank you for serving our country and giving your life for us all.
God Bless,
Nicole Molina
Fox Tech H.S. c/o 98"
Nicole Molina of San Antonio, Texas

"Spec. Rodrigo Gonzalez-Garza will be remembered and honored this evening (3/13/14)at the College Station, Texas City Council meeting. This action is being taken to remind our citizens of the high price paid for freedom. Lest we forget."
Ben Roper of College Station, Texas

"Uncle Rod, I was very young when you entered heaven. Yet even though I have such memories with you I feel like it was such a blessing for god to give me that. It may not seem much, but it is and always will be. I know where you are is safe and I can always count on you to look after me. When I see pictures of you I look and see how much of a good and happy man you were. Ive been praying for you to be strong and healthy where you are in heaven, and I hope someday I will see you again. Please wait for me near those pearly gates....I love you, I'd give anything to see you again! Sincerely Angelina."
Angelina

"Today, 10 years ago you left all your loved ones behind, you will always be in my heart, I love you uncle rod, you are my hero, And One day ill meet you in Heaven,<3"
Jasmine Valadez of San Antonio

"Next week will be 10 years that you left to be God's angel. I truly miss you, and eventho we didn't have much contact after I move. You were always in my heart. I still remember the first day I meet you in 7th grade Orientation at Irving Middle School and our date night. You will always be in my heart."
Yvonne Medrano Lugo of San Antonio, Texas

"I rEALLY DIDNT KNOW YOU....BUT I FELT LIKE A HUNDRED YEARS<3"
? of SAN ANTONIO

"I met your sister today, what a lovely woman. I see the hurt still in her eyes as she speaks of losing you. It's a pain that never goes away. Thank you for your sacrifice. Peace to you and your family. May God always watch over your brothers who are serving our Country. I pray that God wraps his arms around your family in comfort as losing a child/sibling is never easy. With much love, respect and appreciation for your sacrifice: The Stallworth Family Richard & Alexandra Stallworth
Father to Fallen Hero
Spc Tracy C. Willis Stallworth
2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C"
Alexandra Stallworth of San Antonio Texas

"I will always remember how he would ask me to repeat something funny i said so that he could laugh at it again and call me stupid. I think of you often, even 12 years after serving with you at Bragg in alpha team, 2nd squad, 1st platoon. GONZO you were always a fist class citizen to me. R.I.P."
SPC Machado 3/325 AIR of Nashville, Tn

"May you still be resting in peace "Mr. Furley". I still remember the first day your family moved into the neighborhood on Leal. It was like it was yesterday, riding your bikes up and down the street. I can't imagine it's been this long already.

You're in my thoughts and prayers and keep watching over your family."
Luis "Louie" Valdez of Medford, MA

"Lost contact after Fort Bragg. Rod and my self served in the 82nd Airborne 3/325 AIR...A good person, friend and soldier was lost but never forgotten..."
SGT. Almon S. Bame of Lancaster, CA

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,150 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Projectcompassion@manti.com
www.heropaintings.com"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Hey Gonzo. I was in Iraq with my unit in 2004 when I ran into someone we both knew who gave me the news. At the time, it really didn't hit me, y'know. Having just come back from 8 months in Afghanistan and then back to the box for Iraq, the names were just all starting to blur together. As time has passed, I've made it a point to take the time to remember each of you who gave the ultimate sacrifice as I was able to wrap my head around it. This is your time, Gonzo. I miss ya, buddy, and I know a whole bunch of other people who do too. God bless you and those you've left behind."
SSG. Cory Kennybrook ('96-'05) of Fayetteville, NC

"May 21, 2007
To the family of Rodrigo Gonzalez-Garza. Rodrigo 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

"Rod, its been a long time, but i will always rmember you. It was an honor serving with you at Bragg. I wear your bracelet everyday and it was with me in Iraq. I miss you brother and i hope the best for your family. God bless you"
SGT Julio Gonzalez of Federal Way, WA

"Gonzo #1,
Hey man! I miss you. I still remember going through my first flight training simulation with you. First Sgt told us "You two Gonzo's better not get sick on my chopper". You laughed at me, and I laughed at you and we both threw up. Good times. Thank you for giving me the strength to go on through training, and thank you for your positive influence and all of you wisdom throughout the short time I got to meet you. We all love you and your family is in our prayers each day."
MSgt A. Gonzalez "Gonzo #2", USMC of Ramstein Germany

"Gonzo,
I only knew you for a short time in Gieb, but you touched everybody you met with your kind smile and love for life. I will never forget you."
SGT Sutton

"Rodrigo,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldiers who were on that Blackhawk with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"Thank you for being a great friend and great person. You will always be remembered, missed and loved."
Elizabeth Gonzalez of San Antonio, Tx/USA Fox Tech Class of 1996

"I STILL REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I MET YOU AND CHUCKY IN THE 4th GRADE IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY, I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU. TRUE HERO"
SANTIAGO GONZALEZ of KUWAIT

"I Love you Bro. and I will never forget you. Your twin Richard."
Ricardo Gonzalez of San Antonio, Texas

"Thanks Rod for being such a great friend. I miss you a lot and wish everyday you were here with us, but I know what you did was couragous. With in the hearts of family an friends you live on. And you namesake is a child that is much like you, a fighte, and a friend."
Mykaela Seveyka,14, friend of the family of San Antonio, Tx, Usa

"Specialist Gonzalez-Garza, thank you for allowing me to serve with you. You did what your heart led you to do. You served with your heart. I spent guard duty with you the day before you left and with a soldier like you in heaven I know we are safe."
SGT Stewart

"To the family and friends,

Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved ones bravery and sacrifice. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. Your loved one is a hero. Greater love have no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

God bless you.

Home Front Ministries
Shepherd of the Hills Church
Porter Ranch, CA"

"Thanks for stepping forward when America needed you. To the family - Thank you for your contribution to our liberty and freedom. I'm sorry for your tremendous loss."
Ronald Carlson of Montrose, MN

"Specialist Gonzalez-Garza, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"dont worry i'll take care of arnold. i love him and i will always love him!"
his girlfriend of san antonio

"We are so very grateful for this man's service to his country. We all live safer thanks to people like he."
The Estes Family of Phoenix, AZ

"Thank you Rodrigo Gonzalez-Garza, 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 Spc. Rodrigo Gonzalez-Garza:
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 Rodrigo 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 Spc. Rodrigo Gonzalez-Garza:
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 Rodrigo, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia