Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Always on my mind Dan."
Brian Collier of Clarksville, Tn

"2-6-2022
Dan!!!! Tomorrow would have been your 40th birthday!!!! ❤️ I’ve been gathering my pictures of you to do a little slideshow on Facebook for your birthday. Oh my gosh! I just miss you so much! It’s been nearly 20 years, my friend! I think tomorrow, to celebrate, I’ll go to Sonic and order us some “super sonic sheeze burgers” 😂😂 Man, you could make us laugh so much!! You are never forgotten. Love you!

I wish I could get in touch with Matt O’Brien! If anyone knows how, please let me know!

Cristijane.stevenson@gmail.com
Cristi (Ryan) Stevenson on Facebook"
Cristi (Ryan) Stevenson of Odessa, Texas , USA

"May 29, 2021 You are always on our mind and in our heart, Dan.
Aunt Flossie"
Florence Cooke of Calverton NY

"I remember, still, always. Thank you for saving me."

"Dan the last thing we did was go see Friday night lights with our girls. Thanks for everything semper Fi brother"
Jon Huse of Vass NC USA

"Dan, I will always remember the conversations we had while you were my A-Driver. You were a pleasure to be around and always kept a smile on our faces. Remember the joke about the priest? I always will. Myself and Navarre were devastated when we heard the news. We were the men that retrieved you from the cloverleaf, we had no idea what we were doing at the time but are honored we had the chance to do so. R.I.P Brother. We look forward to seeing you guarding the gates."
Jake Dingess of Omaha, NE

"Hey brother, hard to believe it was ten years ago today that we lost you, you were a great Marine, and even better friend.. I also wanted you to know that my daughter was born on the sixth of March and that I have given her your last name as her first in hopes of keeping your memory and story alive. Her name is Amaya Paz (Spanish for peace.) O'Leary... We love and miss you man, and you will never be forgotten.

Semper FI brother!
gspirit1984@hotmail.com"
Thomas O'Leary of Salt Lake City, utah

"It is incredibly hard to believe it has been 9 whole years since we lost this great man. I think about you all the time. So much has changed in 9 years. I can't help but find myself wondering where you'd be living, what your hair would be like, what funny thing you'd say or do next. I miss you terribly and wish you were still here with us. I still take out letters we wrote and laugh at your slanted hand writing! I'll never forget in 8th grade history class with Mrs. Loveless, you were writing on the board and you had no clue you were erasing every bit of it as you went along because you're a lefty. Your face was priceless!! The whole class got a kick out of you, as did everyone who knew you, I'm sure. :) You never had one enemy. And when the path you chose gave you one, they took you from us. I'm bitter from the irony of it all but I have had to let it go because I know you were doing what you loved and what you always talked about doing. You're a hero. Our special hero. On this Memorial Day, I say, love you. Miss you. Thank you.

XOXO
Cristi
May 27, 2013"
Cristi Ryan Stevenson of Odessa, Texas, USA

"Danny... We still think of you often and remember your very charming goofiness. I''m always so happy when I look at my wedding pictures and see you in your little white tux...my handsome little ring bearer. I love you. Aunt "Joey"anne 5/26/13"
Joanne of Centereach, NY

"I'll never forget you friend. I still don't celebrate Easter ever since that day. Just don't have the heart for it anymore. Your not forgotten and your story still gets told brother, even all these years later. Rest in peace friend"
Sgt. Lanner USMC of Costa Mesa, Ca

"Dan, I miss you every single day. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and beg you to stay here with me but I know in my heart that you truly wanted to be a Marine. You were a great person and my true soulmate. I wish i'd have not been such a scardy cat and that I would have come to see you much more, it's true what they say, you never know what you really have till it's gone. Even after all these years I still find myself picking up the phone and dialing your number to tell you something funny or just to hear your voice, but then I remember that your voice wont be on the other end. I hope you forgive me for I have not been able to go to see your mom because when I just think about it I cry. I know you left this world doing something that you loved and believed in and I know it's selfish that I just want you back here in Odessa. I can't wait to see you again some day, but till then I'll continue talking to you and hope that you can hear me. I love you and always have.GOD made you to be one of the GREAT men of this world and you lived up to that more than 200%! Dan, my sweetheart, I will never forget you not only because of you sacrifice but because you made me a better person for knowing you and because of all the happy memories you aloud me to share with you. I pray that you knew how much I loved you before you left us."
Michell Anderson (Harrison) Cheerleading Partner of Odessa Texas

"My friend, brother, and HERO, you are not forgotten!! I love you my friend! Watch over us down here. I hope we make you proud! Damn 7 years went by fast. Seems like just yesterday we were having a beer and a laugh in Oki. Save a spot for me up there my brother!"
Cpl. Patrick McBride of Portland, OR

"I was almost asleep and you popped in my head. I started thinking of the times I got to hang around with you at Bangor. You were such a positive person to be around and you are much missed. Your sacrifice was truly honorable and my condolences go out to the Amaya family."
Aaron Garza / Former SGT USMC of Othello, Washington.

"Dan, having a couple of cold ones thinking of our time together. A time I will never forget was all of us at the e club at Camp Schwab before we left for Iraq. Good times!!! Take care brother. If anyone knows how to find Cpl Matt O'Brien from Kilo, shoot me an email at Snapson0311@yahoo.com."
Sgt Z of Burlington, WI

"28 may 2010

Dan,

Hey buddy, I am back here in the sandbox. Funny thing is, Its coming to an end. I wish You could be around to see how different it is now. It wasnt in vain, I promise you that. I still have your picture hanging on my wall. You were quite possibly one of the funniest guys in jr high and in high school that i knew. Im glad thats how everyone remembered you. I hope you are up there smiling down on us, as I am sure you are definitely watching over your Devildog brothers and sisters. Don't forget about your army buddies too :). I just wanted to let you know, it wasnt in vain, its almost over here. I will never forget..."
Spc J. Miranda, US Army, OIF I Vet, currently serving of currently, Iraq, SA is home, Odessa is where the heart is at

"4/13/10

To the family of Daniel R. Amaya:

I went to High School and was close (until we lost contact recently), Joe. I never really got to know Daniel very well since he quietly kept his distance from his big brother's friends. He seemed to be a quiet and young kid with a good temperament. Joe never had anything bad to say about his half-brother and seemed to be very close to him. Myself, and many in El Paso, were saddened when Daniel was killed in action all those years ago. When I first heard the name in the news, I wondered if it could be Joe's little bro...and as I looked into it more it turned out it was. It was personally even more heartbreaking since I am aware of the tramautic death of Joe's younger sister and the devastating impact it had on the family. I personally consider Daniel and others killed in battle fighting for their country as heros. Joe and the entire Amaya family should be proud to have been related to an American Hero and they should never forget that Daniel did not die in vain."
J. De Leon of El Paso, TX

"Just want to let Cpl. Amaya's family know he will never be forgotten! I was a Marine from 1988-1996, and I wear a Hero bracelet with his name on it everyday as a reminder of those who gave their life for their country and for those who could not or would not fight for themselves. Cpl. Daniel R. Amaya is remembered everytime someone looks at or asks me about my bracelet. Semper Fi Cpl. Daniel R. Amaya!!!"
John L. Raburn of Alvarado,Tx

"Dan, Remembering you and your Mother this month and especially on April 11th. Sarah"
Sarah Stokes of 29 Palms, CA

"It has taken me a long time to tell your family thanks for raising a knoble son, even in high school you was always helping people. when we was in washington you would make me laugh and even in 3/4 you keep everyones laughing. Thanks Amaya for everything Miss you Bro"
Jonathon K. Huse of Camp LeJeune, NC 3rdBatt 9th Mardiv

"Dan the man... Words cannot express how much I miss you. I see the names of so many others that we served alongside that have left you messages. It doesn't seem fair that so many of us made it home, but the best of us didn't. Say hi to Dean if you see him... I'll never forget you. Guard the streets of heaven my brother. We will meet again..."
Rhys Hartung, fmr Sgt, USMC of Santa Ana, CA

"Our condolences to the Amaya, Carpenter,& all of the families. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted."
Chuck, Laura Twombly of Schaghticoke, NY USA

"Dan... I miss you more everyday. It still hurts all these years later... I just celebrated another Easter... not one goes by that I don't see your face. I love you, more than you could have ever known. I'm so sorry that I was too chicken to tell you before it was too late..."
~D of Washington

"R.I.P Daniel R. Amaya. We all thank you for serving our county and answering the call. You will be missed by many."
Bryan Nieves of Queens, New York, North America

"I had the honor of serving with Dan while in 3/4 Kilo Co. I didn't know him all that well but Matt Obrien was my team leader and a good friend of mine, and Dans good friend. I was taken a small team back for water and chow resupply that Easter morning, when I heard the shots. As the medivac passed me my heart stopped when I saw who was in it. I didn't know it then but your son and LCPL Gray would play a huge role in making a difficult decsion later on in my life. My enlistment was up about 3 months prior to Kilo being shipped over again and I was in a squad/team leader position. It was Memorial Day and I was at home trying to decide if I was gonna EAS or not. A part of me wanted to cash in my chips and walk away after three tours. I made up my mind that I was done and turned on the TV to get my mind off of the topic. As I flipped through the channels I saw a very familiar name on CNN. It was Dan's and shortly after I saw Torrey's. At that instant I knew what I had to do. I extended and went back with my brothers for one more go around. As I said earlier I didn't know Dan very well, but his dedication to his brothers and to the corps was something to be very proud of. I sit here now writing this while on watch in Morro Bay Ca in the Coast Guard safe. Far from the war, Fallujah, 3/4. I thank God every night that there are people like you and Torrey in heaven standing firewatch looking over us. Semper Fi..."
Albert Benavidez of Morro Bay Ca

"To the Amaya Family,
Hello, I know you don’t know me, but I knew your son, Cpl Daniel Amaya. I don’t know if you’re going to read this but I hope it does not bring up old feelings. I was his platoon corpsman in Iraq on the day he passed. I am deeply sorry for your loss, I wish everyday that there was something we could have done. Cpl Amaya was a great leader and friend, he was defiantly someone I could go to and would listen to what I had to say.
I hope this brings some relief to you. When I was called up to treat him, not even a couple of seconds after the squad entered the house; he had was already gone and did not suffer. I am only writing you this cause I would want to know if a loved one went quietly. Your son will never be forgotten, every time I hear of Fallujah, Iraq, I think of the great man we lost there. God Bless Chris"
HM3 Christopher Belsky (ret) of Colorado Springs, CO

"I wish that I could have been with you over their my friend. I remember "Dan the Man" from Washington as I was stationed with him there. He was my fire team leader when I first got their. He took me under his wing and gave me so many great memories! You will never be forgotten my friend and brother. This is so very hard even now years after it still brings tears. Thank you!"
Josh Demlow of Ashland, MT

"The soldiers do not speak. Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them? They have a silence that speaks for them at night and when the clock counts. They say: We are young. We have died. Remember us. They say: We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done. They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished no one can know what our lives gave. They say: Our deaths are not ours: they are yours they will mean what you make them. They say: Weather our lives and our deaths are for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say: it is you who must say this. They say: We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning. We were young. they say. We have died. Remember us:"
William Taylor of Bonita Springs, Fl.

"Hey Dan; I constantly am lost in thought of who and how you were as a friend and as a Marine. I remember that night in Okinowa when a bunch of us threw something personal into the ocean to symbolize that we were leaving something very important behind us, and that all that matter was each other until we all returned again. I miss you man, i was laughing the other day when i started to think about how i first met you. we were just finishing up our first tour over there when you linked up to us there in iraq. I got up early in the morning and went looking for Hall, i went over to his sleeping bag that he was burried deep in and started yelling his name at him and then started to kick him to at least get his head out of the bag, LOL but it wasn't him, it was you. you popped your head out of the bag and said; "What!" I was confused as all hell and thought for sure i had just picked a fight with yah. i asked you;"Who the hell are you dude?" You said your last name and then just rolled back over and went to sleep. I'm in Afghanistan with the Army now man, got a divorce because of the Corps, and finally met the women of my dreams, in fact she's my guardian angel, and the answer to my prayers...wonder if you had anything to do with that, seeing's how you are where you are now, watching over all us other dumb Marines. If you can see inside my heart, you would know that there is something i want you to say to someone up there with you, just tell them that i am so so very sorry. Good bye bud, Semper Fi
SPC O'Leary US Army,
formerly CPL O'Leary, USMC
3/4 Kilo Company thomas.j.oleary@us.army.mil"
Thomas O'Leary of Morgan City, UT/ Currently in Afghanistan

"To the family of:Daniel R. Amaya 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"

"dgdfg"
gffg of gdg

"O for a voice like thunder, and a tongue
To drown the throat of war! When the senses
Are shaken, and the soul is driven to madness,
Who can stand? When the souls of the oppressèd
Fight in the troubled air that rages, who can stand?
When the whirlwind of fury comes from the
Throne of God, when the frowns of his countenance
Drive the nations together, who can stand?
When Sin claps his broad wings over the battle,
And sails rejoicing in the flood of Death;
When souls are torn to everlasting fire,
And fiends of Hell rejoice upon the slain,
O who can stand? O who hath causèd this?
O who can answer at the throne of God?
The Kings and Nobles of the Land have done it!
Hear it not, Heaven, thy Ministers have done it!"
A friend of Tx

"I only knew Dan when we were teens, in Jr. High, but he was a great guy. I've been out of touch for years (obviously) so this news just reached me. Although I disapprove of the war entirely, I am proud of Dan. My condolences to his family."
Bruce Goheen of Lubbock, TX

"Thank you Amaya for the ultimate sacrafice you are and always will be a hero.. My brother had the honor to know you and to serve with you LCPL Gray. To the family of Amaya Thanks for your sacrafices as well your son, brother, uncle,friend will always be forver in my heart THANK YOU"
Courtney Gray of Colorado Springs

"Thank you Amaya for the ultimate sacrafice you are and always will be a hero.. My brother had the honor to know you and to serve with you LCPL Gray. To the family of Amaya Thanks for your sacrafices as well your son, brother, uncle,friend will always be forver in my heart THANK YOU"
Courtney Gray of Colorado Springs

"CPL Amaya not a day goes by that I do not regret not extending to go back with you and 3rd platoon You stayed trued all the way through."
LCPL Gray, Everett of Denver, Co

"March 22,2008
To the family of Cpl. Daniel Amaya...

I was not fortunate enough to know Dan in this life, but I feel a small connection to all of you. I am a friend of Dan's brother, Joe...I know what it is to lose a brother, and my father was a Marine - and a Marine he stayed in his heart until the day I lost him too.

To the family: I've been on this site many times and occasionally scroll back thru all of the wonderful stories left here about Dan. Although I never knew him, I can tell exactly the type of man he was by all of the powerful emotion left in each of the memories posted here. And having understood thru my Dad, the passion and amazing dedication one has for his Country as a Marine, and reading about the ultimate sacrifice that Dan made that morning...I can't help but somehow know that he would have done it all over again if he had to - a Marine never puts themselves first - ever. I can only imagine how proud you must be of Dan and all that he stood for.

To Joe...Losing a sibling is something we never really get past...especially when losing them at such a young age, and so tragically. I believe that our lost loved ones are always around us, watching over us. I believe they know just how much we love them and miss them. And I do believe that Dan will be there to be the first to greet you when it is time for you to meet again. Reading about Dan and knowing you the way I do, your parents must be very proud...sounds like you both turned out pretty wonderful.

To all of you...I think of you now during this time of year - and my heart goes out to you. Although Dan passed in April, it was also Easter morning. I suppose you get a "double-whammy" regarding the day of his departure. Tomorrow is Easter - my heart and my thoughts are and will be with you - and will be again, in April."
Laura Carroll of Pennsylvania

"March 18, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Daniel R. Amaya:
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

"To the parents of Dan
My name is Kiel Perreira,
I just read about your son in the book, blood stipes. Even just by reading about him let me know that he was a Marine's Marine. He was also more than that, he was a man who loved his country enough to lay down his life for it and to protect his brothers. i dont know of you read the bible but if you can read john 15:13 it reminds me of the ultmate sacrifice that your son and so many others have given. i plan on re-enlisting in the USMC my self and i pray to God that i am as good of a leader and a man as you son."
Perreira, Kiel S. of Bixby, OK orginally Kauai, Hawaii

"Dan, I miss you so much still. I know you are watching over me just know I love you and think about you constantly. Thank you for all you did for me!"
Alana (Kennedy) Wood of Odessa, Texas

"I have worn this KIA metal bracelet in remembrence of your sacrifice since shortly after your departure of this world. I keep it on day and night and think of you when life is difficult. It reminds me that the simple battles that we face in life only require a fraction of the bravery that you had. It reminds me to enjoy each day as much as possible. It gives me great pride for people to ask me who you were. My response to them is a brave Marine warrior that has earned his place in history like so many other fallen Marines fighting for our country. I will always tell people about you and ensure that my children know who you were, where you were from, and what you did for us. Although I never met you, we are connected as brothers through our Marine Corps blood stripe. Thank you for your sacrifice CPL Amaya. Semper Fidelis"
Roger Palomino (U.S.M.C. Cpl. 1990-1994) of Round Rock, TX

"To the family of Dan Amaya, My sincerest condolences. I served with your son for four years. We were stationed at Bangor together, and we were both transferred to 3/4 together. I spent my first tour in Iraq with Dan from Camp Margaritta Ca. to the streets of Baghdad. I was with Dan the night before Vigilant response and we were talking about the mision to follow, I was a little pretensious about the mision but Dan in his cool and collective way put things back into perspective for me, and we smoked one last cigarette and said goodbye. That was the last time I saw my friend. I miss him terribly. There is not a day that goes past in which my friend does not cross my mind.I would like to visit Dan's grave so if anybody has any information on where I can find his location please contact me at
936-443-5364 or you can E-mail me at
turtledave1976@yahoo.com."
Sgt David H. Trull of Houston Tx.

"I met Daniel Amaya in boot, 1stBat Bravo company, platoon 1129. Hey was very quiet but worked extremely hard. I was his squad leader for most of the time before i got hurt. my prayers are with your family. You are missed but not forgotten"
Chris Etchieson of Dallas, Tx

"Dan, We miss you very much. As a memorial to you, my son, who will be born in October, will be named after you. Haydon Daniel Amaya Kearney. Semper Fidelis"
Shaun Kearney of Rio Rancho, NM

"I cannot believe it has been so long and that I was unaware of such a wonderful website. Dan was, and still is, one of the most precious people in my life. He always wore a smile and made people laugh by the minute. He was my dearest, truest friend. I miss him so much.

It may seem selfish, but I am a bit angry that Dan is not here to meet mine and Tarak's new son. I catch baby Tobias staring and smiling into my ceiling. At his age, he can only see at max, 8 inches in front of his face. It is said that when newborns smile they are seeing angels. Little Tobias is 3 weeks old now and I wish he could meet Dan. But, I am certain they have met many times. Still, it is just hard to fathom that my son has to miss out on having such a wonderful person is his life.

Dan always told us he didn't want to be forgotten. Well, Dan the Man, no worries buddy. Love you."
Cristi Stevenson (Ryan) of Odessa, Texas

"Daniel paid the ulitmate price for my freedom. Thank you. I placed a flag in his honor at the First Baptist Church in Orlando, Fl on May 27, 2007. God Bless all of you."
Glenys Haine of Kissimmee, Florida

"Danny boy, I miss our laughs together and your shananigans. Great Marine and even a greater man. Always gone never forgotten. Kung Fu, you will always be missed. Love ya brother."
Sgt "Z", Zmudzinski, Brian J. of Racine, Wisconsin

"To the family and Friends of Cpl. Amaya,
I sat next to Daniel on the helicopter that transported him to a base in Northern Iraq after he passed. It was at that point in my eighteen years as a Marine that I became consumed with the sobering reality of war. For the forty-five minute flight I thought about the sacrafice Daniel and the five other fallen Marines on board have made for our country. The memory of that flight has touched me forever."
Gunnery Sergeant Thaggard, USMC (Retired) of HMM-764 Edwards AFB, CA

"Thank You, for all you gave to make our country a better place. You are not forgotten."
Jori Pearce of Odessa,Tx/USA!!!!!

"Almost three years and it feels like yesterday. Keep on lookin out for us buddy. We will always love you and never forget you"
Matthew O'Brien of Eugene, Oregon

"Cpl Amaya I still look back at the short time we shared in the old dirty third. You were an amazing Marine and someone I still emulate to this day.To your family I am sorry for your loss just know dan will live on forever in our hearts and minds."
anthony johnson of Milwaukee WI

"I was browsin the net for pictures of 3/4 Kilo Marines and Sailors and I came up on Cpl Amaya's memorial page. I remember you Cpl. believe it or not. Docs never forget the Marines they serve with. Not one single one. The last memory I have of you is of you smiling and crackin jokes. But guess what Cpl...Memories is not all that is left you. Not to me anyhow. See you around brother. Semper Fortis-

Doc Santos formerley of 3/4 Kilo Co 2nd & Wpns plt."
Hm2(FMF) Santos of 1st MSOB Camp Pendleton

"I can't believe we're coming up on three years, I miss you buddy."
HM3 "Doc" Garrett of San Diego, CA

"Amaya saved two lives that day. Walter Shellabarger and my own. I was a Teamleader under his command. I was in that house on Easter Sunday. I was on point, watching three doors to our direct front. I was going to enter and clear the first room with Walt right behind me. I stood up and before I walked in he yelled and told me to stop, before I turned the corner. He then instructed me to keep my focus on the three doors in front of us. Now he was going to enter the room after Walt. He then quickly realized that Walt did not have the correct weapon to take point and that he also that he did not have the proper optics to enter a pitch dark room. He then made his decision to lead. Every decision he made in that house was tactically perfect. In making good decisions he saved lives. My life. Walter's life. It has been hard for me to accept what happened and also to get past what happened that day. I don't think I ever will. There was a writing on a wall that I noticed after we made it out of Fallujah. I don't know who wrote it but it was a tribute to Amaya. I wrote it down on a small pice of scratch paper that I had on me at the time, and I keep it with me in my wallet wherever I go. It said, "I offer neither food, nor water, nor shelter. I offer hunger, thirst, forced marches, battle and death. Let him who loves his country in his heart and not with his lips only follow me. Rest in Peace. Cpl Dan Amaya 04/11/04 3/4 Kilo.""
Dusty Ladendorf (Laddy) of California

"Cpl Amaya was an incredible mentor and leader. He always pushed us to be better and do our duty with honor and courage. With the most incredible example of courage I will ever see, he stopped a fellow Marine in his squad, LCpl Shellabarger, without any hesitation or thought of his own safety ,and volunteered to lead the assault into a dark and treturous room. Being in that building with him will forever be a lasting memory with me and shape my perception of Honor, Courage, and Commitment until the day I die. Mrs. Amaya, you have my sincerest condolences and gratitude for raising an American hero and a true inspiration to us all. God bless you and your family."
Joseph Temple of Henderson, NV

"Cpl Amaya was and always will be a Marines, Marine I only wish i had more time to know him. I was A Platoon Sergeant in his Company that horrible day, and i can only say that he displayed all the traits of a true leader. I am conducting a warrior study on his story. So other Marines who didn't know him can learn from his leadership and selflessness.
My deepest apologies for your loss."
Michael Stout of 29 Palms, CA

"This is to "Dan The Man" Amaya I miss you so very much, not a day goes by that I don't think of you! You were the BEST friend I have ever had, & my hearts breaks because you are not here! I love you & miss you! Thanks for being such a brave Marine, like you told me before you left it's like the PHS OHS game, you've trained for this very moment! God Bless you!!!"
Alana Kennedy of Odessa TX

"To the Family/Friends of Cpl Daniel Amaya: I only knew Cpl Amaya for a few months, but I knew there was something special about him. He never let anything get him down and he always led from the front. He always put the wellfare of his fellow Marines before his own and he loved them as brothers. Daniel's death was extremely hard for me to take, but he gave his life to protect a fellow Marine from 3rd Platoon. I know all the Marines from 3/4 K, 3rd Plt will always love and miss Cpl Amaya. Semper Fi and God Bless You all."
LCpl Jimmy Hall of Calhoun, GA

"Hi there:

My name is Rachel Ascione. I am the sister of the first Marine killed in combat while serving in Afghanistan, Cpl. Ron Payne. My brother was killed May 7, 2004. He was my only sibling and as some of you have probably experienced that loss is indescribable. Through this journey I have discovered that there are few, if any support groups designed just for us siblings. I received your email from all your postings on the Fallen Heroes website. I have started my own group that will work as a support system specifically for siblings suffering from the loss of their brother or sister. The name of my group is S.O.F.T (Siblings Of Fallen Troops). I am just in the beginning of it and my website should be up shortly. I hope to be able to offer some kind of network for those of us who feel no one understands this pain. I will be having local meetings here in FL but will have cyber meetings as well.

I hope that if you are or know of a sibling of a fallen troop you will feel free to contact me or pass my name to them. My goal is to have a solid strong support system and we can only do that with the love of others.

My your family be blessed for the sacrifice that you have made. It has and never will go unnoticed or forgotten.

Respectfully,

Rachel Ascione
Sister of Cpl Ron Payne
USMC, KIA 05-07-04, Afghanistan"
Rachel Ascione (RaeRie81@gmail.com) of Winter Haven, FL

"To all those who knew our son,

Dan was my step-son since the age of 11. He was a smart, funny little kid. As he grew up we had our problems, but, we struggled through. I never had a doubt that Dan would do his duty and be a great leader. His mother and I miss him each day, but as I come to this site from time to time, I see we are not alone. I am so glad to see that he was so greatly loved and respected by so many. Thank you all. Always Faithful and GOD Bless you."
David Carpenter of Odessa, TX

"Cpl. Amaya, It is hard to believe it has been 2 years since that day in Fallujah, you were one of the good marines. You will never be forgotten. You left a me a really good squad and that is because of your efforts to train and develop them. Sergeant Garcia, 3rd Platoon "dirty third", 3/4"
Victor Jesus Garcia of Cicero, IL

"To the Amaya Family:
Daniel, was a great friend of mine from he first day that we stepped foot on the yellow footprints at MCRD to the time that we graduated from MCSFTCo and went to seperate assignments. I fought with a different unit, but the same battle in Fallujah that Dan passed in, but didn't learn that he'd passed until recently. My deepest condolences go out to you on the loss of a great friend, a great Marine, but most of all a patriotic American who answered the call, and for that we are all greatly in his debt."
SGT Mike Bailey of Belle Chasse, Louisiana USA

"I just want to say thankyou to Dan's parents for raising such an upstanding, honorable, and fearless son. Daniel saved my life that Easter morning by literally stopping me inches from the doorway and trading places with me because I didnt have the right gear to go into a dark room. Dan was my Squad Leader, role model, and friend. God bless you all.
my email is balltongue45@hotmail.com"
Walter Shellabarger of Muscatine, Iowa

"Cpl Amaya,

You will always be a Warrior, Devil Dogs never die. You will always be in our hearts.

A warrior considers himself already dead, so there is nothing to lose. The worst has already happened to him, therefore he’s clear and calm; judging him by his acts or by his words, one would never suspect that he has witnessed everything.”
Carlos Castaneda
20th century mystic and Toltec warrior"
Doc (HMC) Cerros, USN of Edmond, Ok

"I knew Dan for a very long time. Since SOI. My husband was in 3/4 with Dan. He was one of the funniest people I had ever met. He always made fun of my accent. I have so many good memories of him that I will always keep close to my heart. He was a courageous man and the true definition of a MARINE. I miss him everyday. God Bless your family!"
Ashley Lewis of Parris Island, SC

"I miss my brother dearly and there is not a day that goes by that I dont think about him. I still cannot believe the impact that Dan had on people. I miss you Dan and hope that you are the first to greet me."
Joe Amaya, joeam@verizon.net of Allentown, Pa

"To the Amaya family,

I knew your son well At MCSFCo Bangor. We were Texans, high school football rivals, and brothers in arms. Your son was one of the finest men I have hever know. Words can not express my sadness over the loss of your son. I will miss you Dan. Thank you for enriching my life in the 2 years we served together at Bangor. Semper Fidelis."
Cpl. Joshua Ayers of SOI EAST, Fox Company Instructor, Camp Geiger, NC

"SENDING MY BLESSINGS TO FAMILY OF DANIEL R. AMAYA. I WAS ON THE INTERNET AND I CAME ACROSS THIS NAME. WHAT CAUGHT ME WAS HIS LAST NAME IT IS A RARE LAST NAME AND NOT VERY MANY PEOPLE HAVE IT. MY GRANDFATHER'S LAST NAME IS AMAYA. I HAVE SEVERAL REALITIVES IN CALIFORNIA W/ LAST NAME AMAYA. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE E-MAIL IS tvbj_1028@yahoo.com god bless you all."
VIRGINIA AMAYA MENDEZ of LUBBOCK, TEXAS

"We, the proud family of Cpl. Daniel Amaya, would like to thank all of you wonderful people for all of your love, concerns and prayers. God has blessed us with His sweet peace but we certainly miss Dan so VERY, VERY much. I believe my baby boy (and proud Marine) is now with Jesus. Thank you all. Semper Fi."
Kacey Carpenter of Odessa, Texas

"i just wanted to say it was a pleasure playing "ill simply sleep in peace" in memory of Daniel"
Jacob Martinez- Senior at OHS of Odessa, Texas

"Your are a real life angel, rest in peace!"
Violet Sepulveda of San Diego Ca

"Cpl. Amaya is a part of some of the great Marines and Memories that I have from our Marine Corps. He will never be forgotten. To his family I say this, he is a part of so many fellow Marines lifes, who will remember him from Boot Camp, Bangor, and the FMF. He lives on in all who knew him and in the Corps itself. Semper Fidelis.

Peeff, Jacob A.
SGT/USMC"
of Walnut Creek, CA. USA

"To Cpl Amaya's Family and Friends: My deepest and sincere condolences to you for the loss of your loved one. I am indebted to those who have fallen on behalf of our country like your son. Thank you Daniel and God bless you."
Sabra Crowe of Lubbock, Tx

"Cpl Amaya was one of my good friends and a squad leader in my platoon at Bangor and in Iraq. He was always positive no matter how bad the situation. Sometimes I find myself wondering why him and not me but I know he would have done anything to protect all of us. He lead all of us with great pride and care. He was a great person and a great Marine."
lcpl race of 29 palms, ca

"Cpl Amaya another Bangor Marine lost from 2nd Platoon My heart goes out to his family Cpl Amaya was always smiling always eager to please his leaders,lead his subordinates and befriend a stranger. Cpl Amaya volountered for Toys for Tots and other community outreach programs at Bangor he gave of himself freely a true American Thank you Amaya Family for raising a American Hero."
SSgt David Petersen USMC of Virginia Beach

"CPL. Amaya was my motivation to do what's right everyday. No matter how he was feeling he always put out 100% everyday and I think of him and miss him everyday. We Love you DAN THE MAN.Fellow platoon member in 3/4."
LCPL Jason E. Swaim of Twentynine Palms, CA

"I just felt the need to express my sincere condolences.
I would like to express for AMAYA family we are so sorry for your lost
we know your pain,we lost another marine at the same time and the same day,I completely understand the pain you are going thru.
God Bless America."
Family Jimenez, of Washington Seattle

"Thank you Daniel for serving our country. I want to thank the brave men and women who are serving our country and those who have sacrificed their life for a better future."
Keifer of Odessa, TX

"Thank you brave MARINE soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude.
May G-d provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten.
A grateful citizen and a Proud Marine Mom, (purplelily219@yahoo.com)"
Lily of Wakefield MA

"dan was the best friend a man could ever hope for and i miss him more then words can express. dan showed us all that you cant take for granted the little things in life. He will always be my hero and he will never be forgotten"
cpl matthew obrien of fallujah, iraq

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

"Dan was a wonderful person. We were friends in high school, which, was not that long ago. I would like Dan's family to know that he will never be forgotten. I will always keep his family in prayers."
Chalace A. Cavender-Burks of Odessa, Texas USA

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

""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.

"To the Amaya family:
My self and the Vicente Family are so sorry for your loss, we know your pain. We pray everyday for the brave Heros that are taken from us & for the men and woman that are still there.
*Proud Fiance of Cpl. David Vicente, 29 Palms CA"
Alexandria of Methuen, MA

"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 (his mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"My wife and I were really hit hard by the news and you are in our prayers everyday. Not a day goes by at work where "Dan the Man" Amaya is not part of the conversation with those of us who knew him in Bangor. The people he has touched in his life will remember him forever."
Cpl Logan Ash and Misty of Camp Lejeune, NC

"For Daniel,
Your sacrifice of your life for your family and friends and complete strangers is so touching.You fought well for what you believed in and should be admired for that.A true hero to all.May god bless your family and let their pain be eased by knowing that you are with the angels now.With my love and respect."
Susan Kelly of Northern Ireland

"To the family of Cpl Amaya: I didn't know your son but a few short weeks while we were in Bridgepot California for a training exercise. But, in the time I knew him he was a good person and a great Marine he always to the time to motivate other Marines. It is a great pleasure to say that I served with him. I just wanted to send my condulances to the family of Cpl Amaya. If the family ever reads this you can e-mail be back at carle02@verizon.net. And to Cpl Amaya Thank you for your faithful service in the name of FREEDOM. It is something some people may never know and other people take for grantite. I would like to say thank you, and I will never forget you. One more time THANK YOU Cpl Amaya and your family!!! Semper Fidelis!"
Cpl Carle of 29 Palms, CA

"No loss is ever worth its price. Semper Fi Marine. May God watch over your family."
SSgt Wingate (retired) of Mays Landing, NJ

"To "Amaya's" Family:

I know him as Amaya...simple and short. My husband was roommates with at Bangor for a year and a half until Daniel was reassigned to 29 Palms. He was a truly amazing man and a great friend to my husband. He was proud to be a Marine and serve his country and gave the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved. My husband and I are so very sorry for your loss and you will be in our prayers."
Leslie Gladkowski (wife of PFC Greg Gladkowski) of 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines 2nd Marine Division Camp Lejeune, NC

"Your family loves you dearly. We all miss you very much. You were and still are a wonderful person. God has blessed us with knowing you."
Cousin Kimmie of Topeka, KS

"To Daniel's Family:
Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your great hero. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"From one Marine family to another
"Though you cannot always see the bird singing, if you listen with your heart, you can always hear his song.
Though the ones we love may leave life as we know it, in our memory, the love we knew will always carry on." unknown author
Our heart and thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Your precious Daniel will not be forgotten. He was a true American!"
Charles Davis family of Kailua, Hawaii

"Semper Fi, Marine. May God bless you and your family. Thank you for your ultimate sacrafice."
D.Spenn of Columbus, OH

"God bless you, Daniel R. Amaya. May God reign down blessings on you and yours. The sacrifice you made will never be forgotten."
Monica of Sul Ross State University

"To Cpl Amaya's Family:

Cpl Amaya's fellow Marines at MCSF CO Bangor would like to extend our condolences. Cpl Amaya was an outstanding Marine and human being. The sacrifice he made for our country and the Iraqi citizens is truely humbling. He will be forever remembered a hero."
SSGT William Finch and Family, SSGT Larry Briar and Family of Bangor, Washington

"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. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To the family and friends of Cpl. Daniel R. Amaya

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find
comfort in love's everlasting connection. In the Support section of
this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at
this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored
to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and
caring Americans from all over the United States that will never
forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom.
Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden....Semper Fi"
The Taylors USMC of NC"

"To Daniel's Family:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences to you. We share the same loss...the same pain. Our prayers are with you and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

From the family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

"Daniel,
As an American, I am eternally grateful for your service to our great nation. Fighting a War for the people of America is no easy task and I am sure you did it well. Your courage and honor are values that are in scarce supply in today's world and I thank you for possessing such high amounts of them. You did not die in vain. All of America remembers you."
mark reif of winchester, VA

"Thank you Daniel Amaya, 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 Cpl. Daniel Amaya:
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 Cpl. Daniel Amaya:
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