Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"My prayers are with you. I enjoyed our talk about your wonderful grandson today while you visited my shop in Eagleville, TN. May God fill your heart up with wonderful memories so that you will no longer feel this terrible pain inside. May God Bless You."
Rhonda of Eagleville, TN USA

"I am a fellow Marine and a Shelbyville native. I was recalled to Iraq in 2007 and as I sat the day before I deployed I heard a story told by my Sgt Maj of a young Marine killed in Afghanistan. That Marine was you and I knew who you were and where you were from. The very next day another fellow Tennessean and Marine I was sitting next to from Lebanon died in his sleep. I feel a great pride and honor for both of you. I know that I will someday get to know you and thank you for all you have given. I believe god sent Sgt. David Clark to meet you in heaven."

"Daniel,
I just found this website and started searching for guys that I know and found your page. It is great to see all the messages from guys you served with, your family, some people we went to school with, and even total strangers.
I got to meet more of your family a couple years back when me and your uncle rode out to visit you. You are truely a missed man. I try to get with your uncle every year since and ride out to see you on your day. I hope you are enjoying the new flags, those old ones were getting too worn. I still like going out and talking to ya when I ride out to the Flatcreek market, plus getting to cross your bridge on the way and racking off the pipes of my bike as I cross. I get out to the market and have Sally throw in a pizza for me and while its cooking I hop on the bike and ride out to see ya.
You will always be remembered, and the rare times I walk around without a shirt on and people see the memorial tat with your name on it, I get to keep your memory alive by telling others about you. Its hard to believe that in 10 days it will be 8 years of you being gone. My memory tends to miss big chunks. I may not remember what I did 8 days ago, but I still remember 8 years ago walking into the recruiting station in the boro and seeing you right after you finished boot camp.
Semper Fi brother"

"I never met Daniel, or his family, and wouldnt know who they are if I saw them on the street. But I do know one thing, that there are many people, whom have gone through the same thing. I lost my childhood sweetheart, victim of an IED. My heart pours out to you, still, 9 years later, it hurts.... I have since moved forward and have three beautiful children and a loving husband, but I think of my soldier every, single day. Keep your heads up and remember to keep moving forward. And always know that your solider is in your hearts forever"
Kim of Missouri

"To the family of daniel- I received a fallen heroes bracelet with his name on it that I have worn every day for the past year. Just wanted to let you know that everyday someone asks me about it,and even though I never met him and didn't know him, his memory lives on at University of Maryland ."
Emily Leonard of College Park,MD

"To the family of:Daniel B. McClenney
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"1-30-11"

"As one of the Marines that went to ITB and to 3/6 with Danny, i just wanted to leave a Message he would understand. GET TO ZE CHOPPA. Rest in peace my friend."
Cpl W. F. Lenz of Ronkonkoma NY

"Although I did not know you, I feel the need to acknowledge your sacrifice to our great nation......"
Scott McClenney of Little Rock, Arkansas

"November 18, 2007
To the family of Pfc. Daniel B. McClenney:
Daniel 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

"PFC DANIEL B McCLENNEY I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU OR THACKER. I REMEMBER YOU KEPT TALKING ABOUT YOUR GRANDMOTHERS COOKIES AND SAYING HOW GOOD THEY WERE HOW MUCH YOU LOVE YOUR SISTER. HOW ALL YOU WANTED TO DO WAS MAKE THEM PROUD OF YOU. WE ARE ALL PROUD OF YOU FOR SERVING YOUR COUNTRY. I AM HONORED TO HAVE SERVED WITH YOU IN THE WAR. YOU WERE OUR BROTHERS. I HAVE TATTOOS TO REMEMBER YOU AND THACKER. I WILL NEVER FORGET!!!"
SGT. REYNALDO PEREZ of ORANGE COUNTY ,CA USA

"I was on leave in Colorado visiting family and friends when a woman left this note, which was written on a napkin, on my mother’s car in a Target parking lot. She didn’t have to do it but she took the time and effort because she thought it was important. After reading it and showing it to my family and friends I thought it deserved to be shared with as many people who will take the time to read it and pass it on. I didn’t know PFC McClenney, but I am sure he was a good Marine. I did some research and found out that he was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions in Afghanistan. He and many like him have given their lives in this War against terrorism. We must never forget 9/11 and we must remember that freedom is not free. PFC McClenney is not forgotten. His girlfriend will be remembering him in her own way on the 4th of July. What will you be doing? God bless PFC Daniel B. McClenney and God bless America.

Semper Fi,
LtCol Scott F. Stebbins, USMC

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Hello,
My name is Meagan DeCouto and walking by I saw a sticker on your car that said your son is fighting for my freedom. I want to thank you and your family for being strong for him and our country while he is away. I stopped in at Target to buy flowers for my high school sweetheart that was killed 3 years ago today in Afghanistan. He is buried in Tennessee, but I am going to the cemetery here for him just the same. On the 4th of July I will be by Carl’s Market on 120th with my flags, posters and an oversized card to be signed to mail overseas. I am doing this not just for my Daniel passed, but for your son still fighting. May god bless you with a beautiful day and send a hug to your son in a card for me.

With many warm wishes and prayers for a safe return,
Meagan DeCouto

Semper Fi
PFC Daniel B. McClenney
11/86-6/24/2004"
LtCol Stebbins, USMC of Jacksonville, NC

"To the family and friends of Daniel McClenney,
I was trying to find the author of a poem which contained the words, " You will NOT be forgotten, my brother," and ended up here. I wrote a song and would like to leave the chorus as a tribute to Daniel.
He's from ANYWHERE, U.S.A., American born and raised,
When he punches in, it's just another one of them 24 hour days,
He was just a boy, 'til he made the choice
To walk in the boots of a man,
He ain't going home tonight, THANKS TO HIM I CAN!
Rest in Peace, Brave Warrior! Thank you for your service and sacrifice, and for allowing me to live in the greatest country that ever existed!"
doug brzak of Farmington Hills, MI

"Dear family members:
May God's grace be with you at this time.
Bless your Marine for the sacrifice he made for our country! We love our "Devil Dogs"."
Liz Romagosa of Lincolnton, NC

"We Will Never Forget!"
Family of Shelbyville

"I only knew you a short while, but you were one of the great ones. God bless you and thank you for your sacrifice, bro."
Cpl Forshtay, Peter 3/6 Kilo Co of Camp Lejeune, NC

"To the McClenney family from the Wahl family. Daniel is in our heart and prays as is your family. DANIEL IS A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. AN BOTH HAD NOT KNOWN ONE ANOTHER. BROTHERHOOD IS UNDERSTOOD SO CLEARLY BY THOSE THAT SERVE. 4th of July in Gatlinburg is the midnight celebration with a parade and fireworks. many fallen families will be attending and enter a float. To honour our fallen and to ask American's "TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS""
leonard_wahl@hotmail.com of Spring texas

"God Bless.. Never Forget"
Tammy McClenney of Virginia Beach, Virginia

"To the family of Daniel B. McClenney, I am very sorry for the loss of your brave son. I admire his courage and the great amount of love he had for his country. It is people like Daniel that make this beautiful and free country what it is. Daniel will never be forgotten. God bless him."
Greg Benenati of Ofallon, Missouri.

"Never in my wildest dreams would i have thought that such kind people would be leaving these special messages to all of us in Daniel's family...i'm Daniel's cousin and i was very, very close to him and i miss him with all my heart...but i was just wanting to let you all know that i appreciate all of your kind words...Daniel could always make your day a 100% better!he will be greatly missed...."
Megan Smith of Shelbyville, TN

"To Daniel's Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I had the honor to under go recruit training with him in the same platoon, 3098. Like most Marines, I wish I could trade places with any of my fallen brothers of the Corps. My heart truly goes out to all friends and family. Daniel, all of your brothers from plt 3098 will miss you terribly.
Semper Fidelis. Bruno."
LCpl Nascimento, Bruno M. of MCB Quantico VA MSGBn HQCo

"MARINE PFC DANIEL B. MCCLENNEY -
You are an American Hero whose ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten by a grateful nation. Rest in peace Marine. You will be remembered for always being faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps.
AMERICAN SALUTES MARINE PFC DANIEL MCCLENNEY"
D. BURT of PORTSMOUTH, RI

"What can I say but God really did break the mold When he made Daniel,he was such a Good Person.We miss you so much.Gone But Not Forgotten.I Luv You My Buddy.The Pain In My Heart Will Never Go Away."
Aunt Zedia of Shelbyville,Tennessee

"Daniel was recently awarded the Silver Star on April 22, 2005. He was a friend and was and still is an inspiration to me. You will never be forgotten, R.I.P Devil Dog."
Matt Adams of Shelbyville, TN

"Thank you Pvt McClenney for so bravely defending the freedoms we all enjoy. How brave you are to take the fight to those cowards that attacked America and would have done so again had it not been for your deeds. You will be thought of each day we reaise our flag in the front yard. Semper Fi Marine. God Bless you. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"I would like to thank Daniel B. Mcclenny for everything he did. I am currently serving in Iraq with the Marines as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have lived in Shelbyville, TN all my life so it really affected me that a brother from home and my brother-in-arms had fallen. He is truly a hero. My heart goes out to all his family and friends. Thank You."
LCpl Matthew B. Smith of Shelbyville, TN

"To the Family and Friends, I would never be able to find the words to say what I feel. There is so much appreciation for the sacrifice Daniel and you have made. I did not personally know him, but I have been able to know him through the words of others. He will not be forgotten. My nephew, Luke served with Daniel and he speaks "Very Highly" of Daniel. Daniel was very young, yet he touched many lives and he still continues to have a positive influence on others. As I celebrate the holidays, Daniel will not be forgotten and neither will you. I continue to remember you all in my prayers. I realize this will be the first of many holidays you will not have Daniel here, but it is the first one he will be celebrating in Heaven with loved ones who have gone on before. I would like to have your address if possible-please e-mail it to melvaspad@yahoo.com. Thank you again for Daniel-his memory lives on."
Melva Lilley of Columbia, NC USA

"Family and Friends of Pfc. McClenney,
I graduated bootcamp with your loved one and I can't even begin to understand your loss. He was a brother of mine as well. He and I and the rest of Plt. 3098 suffered together and rejoiced together. I'm sad to say that I hadn't heard from him of of him since 21 Nov. 2003. Such is our business as Marines that we form unbreakable bonds with our fellow Marines but do not maintain them. I only just heard of his death. My prayers go out to you and yours. My thanks goes out to Daniel (although I never would have dreamed of addressing him that way in bootcamp). He will not be forgotten. Rest Easy, Devil Dog."
Lcpl. Pryor, Steven P of G4,HqBn, MarForRes, New Orleans, LA

"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"

"I just found this site, sort of like homecoming! Daniel was a true hero and a soldier for the Lord. Though I'm his uncle, an Air Force veteran, and 26 years his senior, Daniel became my hero! His love for the Marines, his patriotism, his disarming smile, and his belief in freedom for the Afghani people is a lasting legacy in honor of this fine young man. A few weeks ago, Afghanistan had their first democratic election...people like Daniel made that a reality.
To Megan, I think of you often and your grief. I was honored to be able to comfort you in those days during the visitation. To Heather, my niece, we all feel that emptiness without Daniel around. My faith and strength comes from the knowledge that he was doing exactly what he wanted to do and was ready to lay his life on the line for something he believed. May we all aspire to have the courage and conviction of our beloved Marine hero."
Mark Welsh of Shelbyville, Tennessee

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

"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

"To the family of Daniel B. McClenney
Although I never met your son I consider him a hero not because he died but the the fact that he had the guts to go over there. Men like like him make me proud to be a Tennesseean and he exemplifies the reason why our state is known as The Volunteer State. God Bless America and Daniel B. McClenney"
Carl Smith of Memphis, Tennessee

"Dear Family and Friends
I was doing a report on a hero when I stumpled upon this name. Just what I was looking for in my report, a hero. As I began to read It was no longer a report but a gift from god. My uncle is in the army and about to go to Iraq. This story made me realize that every moment I had spent with him was precious. Also that all the soliders are heroes, evan my uncle. For he wasn't just my uncle but a heroe ready for combat for his Country. Thank You. And please write my grandmother would love to hear from someone that had or has someone in the war or in camp.
With all our love and prayers out to all. If you want to write, please write to:
saroxy4eva@yahoo.com"
Tia of North Carolina

"To family and friends of PFC McClenney
our thougts and prayers are with you all. My family feels your pain and sorrow. PFC McClenney thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice of yourself for your country. You are a great american hero.

The widow of SFC Robert J. Mogensen
3rd SFG KIA 5/29/2004 Afghanistan"
Tanya Mogensen & Family of North Carolina

"To Daniel's family and friends, he was truly a hero along with his team mate LCpl Juston Thacker, they gave their life to protect others. They would tell you that was their job. Thank you for being willing to do such a fine and noble job. "Freedom is not free" you paid the ultimate price. May you always be remembered and your name be written in the book of heroes. Thank you Daniel."
Tom @ Dixie Sisk of Princeton, WV

"I just wanted to say that I hope the loved ones of my fellow brother understand and I know they do... that Daniel has given the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I could not be any prouder of any Marine than I am of him and the and his friends guarding the gates of heaven. His path in life was the right one.... He is a true patriot and in times like these when the fight is going on, a country can really find out who really is willing to do what he did. ..... and the reply is..... not many. He's truley one of the Few and the Proud. And I'm honored to be in his band of brothers. Rest in peace Devil Dog. You will be missed. Semper Fi!"
J. A. Hale , PFC, USMC Headquarters MC 4thdivision MP bn. of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

"Wow, never in my wildest dream did I think that I would be reading such sweet condolences from perfect strangers on behalf of the Late love of my life Daniel "Wart" McClenney. Thank You all so much for such sweet and sincere words. Tomorrow I will not only be celebrating my birthday alone, but the 1yr. anniversary of the day he left for bootcamp as well as the 2 month anniversary of his passing. Through kind words, I am beggining the healing process. Thank You all again, You will forever be in my prayers. Sincerely, Girlfriend of the Late Pfc. Daniel B. McClenney
e-mail: loser23lovesyou@hotmail.com"
Meagan DeCouto of Origin: Shelbyville, TN now residing in Yorktown , Va

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

"To Daniel's family:

Such sacrifices will never be forgotten. America is greater for the brave men and women who've given their lives in her name. My heart and undying gratitude is with his memory."
Dana of Bakersfield, CA

"My son knew Daniel and told me he was not just a good friend to him but to all the guys over there bravely fighting for our freedom. It's been hard for them as he was well liked. Rest in peace Daniel...and God bless you, till we all meet again."
Debbie of CA

"In Loving Memory Of PFC Daniel B. Mc Clenney, US Marines
Hello, I would just like to thank everyone for your kind words, Daniel and I were so close, we werent just cousins we were bestfriends, we did everything together,we even attended school together, he picked me up every morning and then we'd head off before school and eat breakfast at hardees, he was such a wonderful person, and I am really very proud of him. I am only 17 and already I feel like my world is falling apart. Once again thank you all for the kind words I will deffinetly be back on to check up on everyone."
Heather Fanning of Shelbyville TN

"To Daniel'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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"I am very saddened by the news of Daniel's death. I attended the same elementary school as Daniel, and I still remember his smiling face. He was a truly good young man who will be sadly missed. To Daniel's family: my thoughts and prayers are with you constantly. I pray that God will give you all the strength to get through this."
Sally Cook of Shelbyville, TN

"To Daniel'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

"Your family was lifted up in prayer last evening at Edgemont Baptist Church in Shelbyville as our country and its military were honored. I pray that Daniel is at home with God. May you feel the loving arms of our Lord around you in this time of sorrow at the loss of your loved one."
Linda of Murfreesboro, Tn

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