Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

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

Air Force Staff Sgt. Luis M. Melendez-Sanchez

33, of Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
Melendez-Sanchez died when two CH-53 helicopters crashed into the Gulf of Aden in the vicinity of Ras Siyyan, northern Djibouti, while flying a training mission in the Godoria Range area. He was deployed to Djibouti as part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. He was assigned to the 1st Communications Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Died on February 17, 2006.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Air Force Staff Sgt. Luis M. Melendez-Sanchez.

Links:

Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

Please report inappropriate messages

"Miss you brother."
Jonathan Viladiu of San Antonio, TX USA

"Was thinking of you Lou this Memorial Day and came across this page. It has been a long time but still think of you often. The years we spent together in England were fantastic. Miss you and love you."
William Pierce of Sacramento, Ca

"“Thank you for the service and sacrifice for our nation. My condolences to your friends and family.”"
jeffrey k. Heck USAF 82-86 of columbus ohio

"Sgt,
I am a Civil Air Patrol cadet (USAF Auxiliary) here in the virginia wing. I would like to give you a final salute and thankyou for your service ;)"
C/SAmn Kaitlyn M. Benz, MER-VA-141, Civil Air Patrol, USAF Auxiliary of chesapeake,va

"Lou was a good man who is greatly missed by all who knew him"
Mrs. M of Hampton VA

"I will never forget the hard work, generosity, and kindness that you shared with us all."
TSgt Helen Ortiz of Nellis AFB, NV (formerly a member of 1 CS/TDC, Langley AFB, VA)

"Luis,
You were the best roommate anyone could have! Your generosity and kind spirit will always remind me to be a better person. From our trip to Liverpool to weekly Bible studies my memories of you will last forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to your wife and kids, may God bless them! I miss you brother."
Jonathan Viladiu of San Antonio, TX

"I remember working with SSgt Melendez in the communications squadron at Columbus AFB, MS. He and his wife were the nicest people and always did their jobs no matter what. He will be greatly missed."
Jessica D. (Jones) Player of Holloman AFB, NM

"A Remembrance has been started for SSgt Melendez Sanchez at: http://airforce.togetherweserved.com/profile/115880"
Bluehawk of Joplin, MO

"I knew Luis back at RAF Mildenhall and I remember him as a very kind person. I will always remember him in those funny videos him and his roommate, Jonathan Viladiu, used to make. My wife and I both know that the world lost a fine man, but God has gained an angel."
Chad Goldston of Harriman, TN

"September 30, 2007
To the family of Staff Sgt. Luis M. Melendez-Sanchez:
Luis 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

"SSgt Melendez,
I only got to hang out with you a couple of times, most notably when you were having your going away. From the way all of your former troops were talking about you I knew it was a big loss for them just by having you PCS, so it was an even bigger hit having you taken away from us during your deployment. We all hate that you are gone so early and wish your family and friends got to keep you around, but life is full of suprises. You are not forgotten and you will always be a hero to us for giving your life doing our mission."
Xavier Coley of Kadena AB, Japan (formerly of Columbus AFB,MS)

"To the family of:Luis M. Melendez-Sanchez 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"

"Lou,
I will never forget you. You were the first, and by far the best, mentor I have had in my Air Force career. I take pride in the work that I do in the shop just as you did before moving on to Langley. There is still so much that I wish I could say to you and thank you for. I miss you, and I'll never forget you."
Justin Desorcy of Columbus AFB, MS

"Luis,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other service personnel who were killed in that crash for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"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.
Our nations HERO, Luis will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!
"

"Thank you Luis Melendez-Sanchez, 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 Staff Sgt. Luis Melendez-Sanchez:
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 Luis 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 Staff Sgt. Luis Melendez-Sanchez:
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 Luis, 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