Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"I served with Chris during his time as a Geiger Tiger with 8th Marines TOW. What a clown, what a kidder, what a good guy! We all lost a true no-nonsense military professional 17 years ago."
Don de Hagara of Jacksonville, NC

"So many years go by and we still often think about our fearless friend, Pipes. Until we meet again, rest in the presence of Jesus."
Jeff Wardenaar of Apex, NC (formerly Boston, MA)

"You’re on my mind often, I wish there was more I could’ve done to get to you sooner. I’m glad you made it home so your family could say goodbye. A day that forever is on my mind, I replay that rescue over and over again. Much love to your family!"
Jim Gisclair of Henderson, NV

"15 years, your memory lives on.!! You would not like America now. You’d be frustrated by the fact we are still in Afghanistan. You’d hate Americans thrashing at each other over made up BS and hate when the real enemy still awaits us overseas. You’d be upset about Covid19 and worried about your family and brothers and their families. You’d still be a Sheepdog in a world of sheep. I miss you Brother and your brothers. Rest In Peace."
1SG Dan Gill of Cottage Grove, Mn

"Remembering Christopher Piper sergeant of Marines 1st Battalion 25th Marines S.T.A."
SSgt. Callahan of Sullivan N.H.

"Great friend- Good Marine-Outstanding Family. Broken hearted to hear about losing Chris.Spent half my Marine Corps tour with Chris and Steve Tobin outstanding Marines. Special Forces got a great man I am sure Chris was an outstanding operator. My prayers are with his Dad and sisters. I had a lot of great times with Chris and Steve. Often Steve and I would spend our 72-96's in Marblehead with Chris and his friends, and not ever going home to our families in Whitman or Quincy. Semper Fi to Chris and family and Special Forces. This leatherneck will NEVER forget Chris"
John "Rock" Lothrop of Titusville, Florida

"See you on the other side Pipes.
You got the first round."
Frogman Leader of Little Creek, VA

"AS I head back to Afghanistan this July I cannot help to remember all the help Chris gave me my first tour there. I will take all those lessons and pass them on to the many young soldiers I supervise over the following year. I cannot believe it has been five years already. I hope to come and wake you and share a beer when I return next summer, as I had planned to to do this year. To all that made the journey to Marblehead so less painful and to Chris's Family- God Bless. Piper will never be forgotten."
1SG Dan Gill of Minnesota

"You don't know me but my family and I will remember you and your sacrifice not only for your country but ours too, for you fought for the worlds freedom"
Paul of Australia,Victoria ,Langwarrin

"As we begin the month of May in 2009, I will try to live up to the American Values of Liberty, E Pluribus Unum, and In God We Trust, that have been so bravely defended by you.

I will end the month remembering your sacrifice. God Bless Your Family and Rest In Peace.

."
Rosco Jones of Fullerton, CA

"I am a member of Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers, an organization which since October of 2007 has sent out over 2,900 hand knot prayer shawls to the families of fallen soldiers. There are over 235 knitting groups throughout the country dedicated to reaching all of the families of fallen soldiers. If you would like me to knie a prayer shawl for you in the memory of your husband please contact me at barbconway@comcast.net or by phone at 774 487-8618.

Thank you for your husband's service to our country
Sincerely, Barbara Conway"
Barbara Conway of Cape Cod MA

"When I saw how my old childhood friend had died I was inspired to write this song about the town we loved . . .

MARBLEHEAD ON MY MIND

From the heart of

THORNE PETERS

There's a seacoast village with a lighthouse, on a rocky shore
And I won't be home again till I am sprayed by that harbor
Where the moonlight over Salem shines through my bedroom window
And I meet my friends of Sunday at The Willows

I've got Marblehead on my mind
Watching sailboats drifting by from West Shore Drive
I've got Marblehead on my mind
My grandfather lays at rest in Waterside

Down a tree-lined street with amber leaves, I ride across the years
As the song “Marblehead Forever” is just ringing in my ears
Over land that the Naumkeag nurtured with their hearts
Stands a township for the ages like a history mark

I've got Marblehead on my mind
Hear the drum & fife from Front Street to Abbott Hall
I've got Marblehead on my mind
Imagine "Old Ironsides" under fire at Fort Sewall

When Marbleheaders took Washington across the Delaware
The hamlet came to be known for the seas that they would fare
As the “Ye Navy” set sail to be master of the waters
From the seaman of the Hanna to the yachters

I've got Marblehead on my mind
Where the summer breeze blows a breath of brine
I've got Marblehead on my mind
Where the starlight and the ocean intertwine

I've got Marblehead on my mind
Watching sailboats drifting by from West Shore Drive
I've got Marblehead on my mind
My old friend lays at rest in Waterside

Rest in Peace, Pipes"
Thorne Peters of Memphis, TN USA

"To comrade Pipes on Memorial Day. My three finger salute with misty eyes. Semper Fi. See you again someday."
Rafe of Swampland

"Remembering your courage,honor,heroism and sacrifice on this Memorial Day. Semper Fi from your cousin."
Eagle of Mountaintop

"they serve our country with pride"
jonh Anthony of Salem,MA

"12/20/2007

Happy Birthday Pipes.Your memory and sacrifice will live forever."
A Marblehead Brother of Marblehead,MA

"Pipes was a hero to not only this community but to the country! He faught for what was right against the terrorist who hated this country. He faught like a man and died a legend.
forever R.I.P Christopher N. Piper
"Marblehead forever"
To us who knew you we will never forget"
marblehead forever of marblehead Ma

"October 14, 2007
To the family of Staff Sgt. Christopher N. Piper:
Christopher 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 Nevada

"I'd like to thank this man for his patronage and service to this country. Though his life was ended here on this earth, his spirit will live on forever. Also, it will live on through me, a soon to be soldier in the US Army."
Kevin Krenc of Bensenville, Illinois, USA

"Chris,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just in OEF, but also for your service in Lebanon and Iraq as well. You fought the extremists who hate our Country long before most Americans even realized the danger. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"To the family of:Christopher N. Piper 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"

"Many Thanks
SandHill 1991"
Samuel of Boston

"Many Thanks
SandHill 1991"
Samuel of Boston

"My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family as we all head into this first holiday season without Chris. May you find joy in his memory and in fond memories of holidays past that will carry you all and hold you. God Bless."
1SG D. Gill of Minnesota

"As a mom of five young children, I am so grateful for the sacrifice of this brave solder Christopher N. Piper. You are loved by many. Words can not express the emotion. He payed the ultimate price for our freedom. May God be with his family in this time of sorrow and may you find comfort in the fact that we think about Christopher's sacrifice for the love of his country. May we NEVER forget! Thank you!"
Jill Hughes of Houston TX"

"God Bless men and women like Chris Piper. He died for a cause. He died for a noble cause. My son died from hypothermia. He was mentally ill.
He did not die for our country and freedom. We owe a great debt of gratitude to those who see the importance of stablizing that part of the world. It may be too late. But to do nothing is not of the American character. Once again my thoughts of loss for Chris are deep as they are of all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice."
Joseph Dupont of Gillette, NJ

"To SFC Chris Piper
Let us remember that what lies within us all is a profound strength.
Of Character.
Of Courage.
Of Country.
And the sure knowledge
That America will always be the land of the Free because it is the home of the Brave .
We Love you "Pipes" You will NEVER be forgotten! Our Friend ,Our Brother ,Our Hero

Rono,Cubby,and Pie"
SSGT Ron Knight of Balad AB/LSA Camp Anaconda Iraq

"To Christoper's Family, I wish to extend my deepest condolences on your loss of your Christoper. Christopher is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"TO THE FAMILY OF SSG. CHRISTOPHER PIPER,
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE LOSS OF YOUR SOLDIER. I ALSO KNOW YOUR PAIN, AS MY SON SSG. TONY B. OLAES WAS KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN IN SEPTEMBER 20, 2004. HE WAS ALSO STATIONED AT BRAGG IN SPECIAL FORCES. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND COMFORT YOU DURING THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME.
ORIGINALLY FROM MARBLEHEAD, I ESPECIALLY FEEL A KINDRED SPIRIT WITH YOU, GOD'S BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL"
TERRY A. WARD of WESTMINSTER, S.C.

"I served in the Marine Corps with Chris until his 2nd enlistment ended in 1987. He was an incredible mentor to the junior Marines of our platoon. I was deeply saddened to hear of his death and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Rich Knochel of Atlantic Highlands, NJ

"Chris was a man that my husband was proud to serve alongside. His experience and commitment to his job created an environment that was encouraging for the men he worked with. As I mourn for Chris, Leroy, and Charlie...I also rejoice in the pride we have for each of them. Chris was a solid man committed to the good of our Nation...for that he will always be remembered."
Laura of Fayetteville, NC

"We are so sorry for your loss.
Christopher will always be one of our nations heroes! God Bless You."
Sandra of USA

"To Christopher'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 son returned safely from Afghanistan, only to lose his life in Iraq. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice. Our sons are true heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto "The Big Ern" Blanco-Caldas
82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.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, Christopher will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

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