Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Thank you and we really appreciate your service and sacrifice for our country.
corporate event photography"
Jane A. Jones of New York, NY, USA

"While I'm not a family or a friend, I just want to let you know that some time ago I bought a bracelet that commemorates a fallen soldier (sailor). I happened to receive Michael C. Anderson's name. I just want to say he has not been forgotten (I've had this bracelet for about 10 years now). I offer my condolences to his family and friends, and also wish to pass on my thanks to all service members who have served."
Samantha Hall of Ocala, FL USA

"I stumbled across your old picture today
I could barely breath
The moment stopped me cold,
Grabbed me like a thief.
I dialed your number, but you wouldn't be there
I knew the whole time, but it's still not fair
I just wanted to hear your voice,
I just needed to hear your voice.

What do I do with all I need to say
So much I wanna tell you everyday
Oh it breaks my heart,
I cry these tears in the dark
I write these letters to you,
But they get lost in the blue,
'Cause there's no address in the stars.

Now I'm drivin'
Through the pitch black dark
I'm screaming at the sky
Oh cause it hurts so bad
Everybody tells me
Oh all I need is time
Then the mornin' rolls in
And it hits me again
And that aint nothin' but a lie.

What do I do with all I need to say
So much I wanna tell you everday
Oh it breaks my heart,
I cry these tears in the dark
I write these letters to you,
But they get lost in the blue,
'Cause there's no address in the stars.

Without you here with me,
I don't know what to do.
I'd give anything
Just to talk to you
Oh it breaks my heart,
Oh it breaks my heart,
But all I can do
Is write these letters to you,
But there's no address in the stars.


I love you and miss you soooo much daddy.... i know your watching over us always"
Amber Dawn of Wilson MI

"mike, you will forever hold a piece of my soul & i will always love you. your daughter, amber dawn has grown into a beautiful young woman. you have 2 handsome grandsons & the youngest looks like you,when you were younger. they love you&know you through memories. you will always be in our hearts."
dawn tovar megenuph. of hannahville,michigan

"7 years ago today you were taken away from us. I hope as you look down on us you find a smile on your face and in your heart. You will always be missed!"
Ashley

"To the family of:Michael C. Anderson
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"1-22-11"

"Being alone on the Forrestal once assigned temporary duty from VF-31, I can only say that I was scared. Once assigned to the dispersing clerks berth I knew I would never fit in being in aviation ordnance. The very first night before I fell asleep I heard a voice that seemed familiar to me. In walked Mike Anderson. A friend of my sisters in high school. Mike took me under his wing like a brother, and we shared many an adventure in the Med. It was one of the saddest days of my life to learn that Mike had died in Iraq. I felt honored to attend his funeral in Oshkosh as someone who had actually served with Mike. I still cry everytime I hear taps played thinking of the kind soul lost so early in life. Mike if you can hear me, I thank you for your kind heart in making my life on ship so much easier. I will never forget the things that you did for me, and how you gave the ultimate sacrifice for both myself, and our country. May peace be with you and your family. You will NEVER be forgotten. Thank you again Mike."
Tim Gehrt of Fond Du Lac, WI

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Wow almost 6 years has past and you still run through all our minds. The memories of the family trips, birthdays and parties are still so fresh. You were a great father to both myself and Brandi. Even though Brandi was your only birth daughter you always treated us the same. We miss you dearly and talk about all our wonderful memories of you often. Rest soundly until we meet again."
Ashley Dorazio of St. Petersburg, Fl

"I am a patient at the VA hospital in Denver Colorado. Several years ago the volunteers at the hospital erected a memorial wall for our fallen serviceman and women in the middle east. Each service member had a star with there name on it. As years went by, the wall got bigger and bigger until space was running out. At this point, the VA asked that the wall be removed (Why I will never understand) When the wall was removed the volunteers took every star and put each star in an envelope with each servicemen and womens information and picture on it and these where given to the many servicemen who use the VA. I am proud to say that I have Michael's envelope with his star in it. It is my honor to have this and it would also be a great honor for me to send this to Michael's family. If you would like me to send the envelope and star to you then please contact me. I think of Michael all the time and wish you all PEACE."
Richard Eisenberg of Aurora, Colorado USA

"even though weve never meet not a day goes by that i dont think of you. I wish i would have gotten the chance to meet you. I tried calling plenty of times wanting to get in contact but there was always something or someone rather in the way of us. I wish i knew why we never got to meet and often wounder if you ever thought of me? youll always be in my heart like you were before you left all of us. I love you dad and hope we get the chance to someday meet in heaven. love your oldest daughter that not to many people about... Amber Dawn"
Amber of Bark River Mi

"”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 you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 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!
Mothers and/or Fathers, of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
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 bless you.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642"
Project Compassion, Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Wow... 5 years has passed and the thought of you still brings a tear to my eye. I hope you look down and smile on us and even laugh. We love you and miss you like crazy. Rest soundly."
Ashley of Clearwater

"Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
(Mary Frye – 1932)
Rest well in Gods loving embrace brave solider. Laugh with the Angles.
You are remembered by a grateful nation."
William Taylor of Bonita Springs, Fl.

"I served with Petty Officer Anderson ("Andy") onboard the USS Forrestal and have many fond memories of him. Next month (May/08) I will be attending a retirement ceremony of another sailor who was with us onboard the "FID" and I'll be sure to raise a toast to this true American hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. He is still missed, and always will be."
Jeffrey (J.D.) Fowler (DK1 USN Retired) of Virginia Beach, VA

"March 18, 2008
To the family of Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael C. Anderson:
Michael 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

"Thank you for every thing you have written on this page about Mike. He was a great cousin and a good friend. …………Mike some day we can have a few cold ones on uncle’s harries pier on Lake Butt des morts ………RIP ……….GOD BLESS AMERICA ………..Freedom is not free ………cousin Kurt ………….."
kurt lewin of wisconsin

"Serving with Michael (Andy) Anderson on board the USS Forrestal was a true honor. My thoughts and prayers are always with the family."
Tom Traub of Fl

"Mrs. Anderson

I just wanted you to know that I still think of you, Brandi and your wonderful family often. I hope that the years since Michael's death have been kind to you. Please take care and tell your daughters, parents and sister hello for me.

Thank you for being a blessing in my life."
Chief Mark Campbell of Poulsbo WA

"THE FATHER JOHN WASHINGTON POST 1944 OF THE CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS OF AMERICA WILL HOLD A MEMORIAL SERVICE HONORING PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS MICHAEL ANDERSON AND SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS DUSTIN BRIM ON SATURDAY MAY 26 AT PRINCE OF PEACE CHURCH 600 NOVA ROAD ORMOND BEACH FL 32174 AT TEN AM"
GENE SWARBRICK of DAYTONA BEACH FL 32114

"Petty Officer Anderson and his family, Thank you for our freedom! Your sacrifice is beyond measure. Know that some of us understand where this sacrifice comes from. Heart for family, country, and self. I salute you Michael Anderson."
David Wigton of Lake Placid Florida/Highlands county

"Anderson, this was the first time we ever met. But this will not be the last. You are my hero. You will always live in my heart. I have dedicated my Purple Heart to you and my other buddies that live with me in spirit. Rest my friend."
GM2 Thomas Johnson of Charleston, S.C.

"I miss you Mike. I'll never forget you."
Dave Varga of Orlando, FL

"Michael,
If I could talk to you now I would bring back the time, that I ran past your house in the florida shine. You were there with your mom whilst drinkin a beer, and motioned for me to come join you near. You taught me so much about friendship and trust, to give of oneself a trait indeed just. I've never forgotten you, though come what may, I still wish I'd been by your side on that day. Mike, I miss you and whatever I endeavor, we'll always be shipmates and friends both forever.
Peace, Brother"
Steve M - USN of MCBH VR-51 Kaneohe Bay, HI

"Thank you, Michael. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate. God bless you."
Chuck of Dallas, Texas

"Mike, we all miss you and wish you were here now to meat you new grandson."
Ashley (Daughter) of Daytona BEach

"i am also from daytona beach florida. i am a soldiers angel. God Bless you and you will be missed. to the family if there is anything i can do just let me know. Ddragoncries75@aol.com"
daina of daytona beach florida

"Thank you for your bravery hero!"
Violet Sepulveda of San Diego Ca

"Mike we all love and miss you very much. You will never be forgotten.From your NMCB-14 shipmates.
Petty Officer Donald Rumery (aka) Sears-boy"
Donald Rumery of Gainesville,Florida

"To petty officer andersons family and friends our hearts and prayers go out to you. He is a true AMERICAN. WE WILL NEVER FOREGET. (NMCB23)"
Dave G of Virginia Beach, Va

"Thank you for all that you have done brave soldier. You are my hero
Jerri L Jenkins-Moyer
sister of PO 2nd Class Robert B Jenkins killed May 2, 2004"
Jerri L Jenkins-Moyer jjmoyer@pennswoods.net of Altoona, Pennsylvania USA

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. For the family/friends: May time provide happy loving memories in place of present sorrow. Look to the sky for in the infinite meadow of Heaven the bright shining stars bloom....the forget-me-nots of angels. God bless you and thank you."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"To the loved ones of a brave man: he is honored and remembered for his service to our country. God bless and thank you for you dedication shipmate."
Mandi Clark of Palmdale, CA

"Petty Officer Anderson, goodbye sailor and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael C. Anderson,

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

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer Michael C. Anderson,

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

"To Michael's family, I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please know that many of us appreciate his service to and sacrifice for our country."
F. Smith of Pennsylvania

"I worked side by side with mike for years in Daytona and i can say from personal expierence that he exemplefies all that is the American hero. He defined hard-working, loyal and honest.
You are thought of everyday, Mike. Your courage has brought tears to grown mens eyes on the job. We mention your name every chance we get. We tell our kids the story of great American heros the likes of You. Thank You, Dear Friend."
Chris Hicks of Sarasota, FL

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

"To the family of Michael Anderson; We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our son, Lt. T. Shane Childers, was KIA securing an oil pumping station the first few hours of the war on March 21, 2003. Also, we are a retired Seabee family. There are no words to discribe the pain we all feel, all the while being very proud of our loved ones. They are all "Hero's"."
SWC Joe and Judy Childers retired of Powell, Wyoming

"To Michael'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"

"To Michael'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

"""There is often a lack of comforting words at a time like this. However, I hope you can find some peace in that your loved one, Petty Officer Michael C. Anderson, was upholding the Seabee "CAN DO" tradition and the Seabee motto: "With compassion for others, we build - we fight, for peace with freedom."""
LCDR Michelle Breaux, CEC, USNR of Norman, OK (formerly NMCB's 74, 24 & 22)

"REST EASY SHIPMATE"

"Thank you Michael Anderson, 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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson:
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 Michael 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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson:
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 Michael, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia