Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Thinking of you and your family today. You're missed."
Cpl. Korshak of Chicago, IL

"Love and miss you brother. Its been 16 years now. I think about you and your family. Semper Fi"
Cpl Nathan Daine of Bend, OR

"Nick, I have known you through your Mother for years, just found out you were with 1/4 (one of my units during peace time) - I can't help but feel as though I know you - same humps, same station but I know your time in the Corps was much harder than mine. I respect and thank you - your family - everyone that meant anything to you for this ultimate sacrifice. It pains me to read how it happened but I am thankful you with the brothers that loved you!

S/F - Joe Zambrano"
Joe Zambrano of Pasadena, CA

"Miss you Bro and not a day goes by that I don't think of you and my other brothers I lost over there. Until it is our time to meet again I will continue my watch here. Love you Bro!"
Hugo Andrade of Pearland, TX (281.743.0643)

"Its been over 12 years now; time passes by fast, but the memories never fade. We all remember the great times with our Marine brothers-at-arms with CAAT Bravo, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. I still remember your strong love for service to our Great Nation (and your crazy love to the Alien movies); "Thank you" for all you have done...paying the ultimate sacrifice to such honorable service. Your fellow Marines will never forget your memory, and continue to live our lives in honor of our fallen brothers. Sgt. Kirk Straseskie -another fellow 1/4 Marine who has fallen- famously said, "Life is something to take by the throat and squeeze to get as much as possible out of it"; and we will do so in your memory. Rest in peace brother this Memorial Day 2016.

Semper Fidelis Devil Dog"
Ralph J. Jaojoco, USMC/SSgt '00-13 of Honolulu, Hawai'i (rsjaojoco@yahoo.com)

"Every time I see the American flag, I thank you. Every time I see a veteran ceremony, I thank you. Every time I do anything, I thank you.
You are missed and not forgotten. As I read the previous post from family, friends, brothers I know you are dearly missed and remembered for the man you were. It's amazing to see what your mother has gone on to do and the families she has helped. I remember listening to taproot in our disc man players in math class. I will also never forget going out to lake Mohave to go cliff jumping and drifting around in a little inflatable boat. I actually brought my wife on our first date to that spot. I miss you Nick and I'm honored to be able to call you a friend."
Bryce of Las Vegas

"Nick I hope your day with our other honored warriors was as special as it was to honor your name and many like you. You still are an extraordinary man."
Master Sergeant Jack Graves of Fort Bragg, NC US Army

"Hey Nick,

It's been a long time since I thought about you and all the old gang from Bonanza High Schools JROTC.

I just want to say that I am so proud to have known you and that you and Cunha and the rest of the old Jar head wanna be's back then were what made that place so much more than just a class. You and everyone else there were great friends and to know that you made the ultimate sacrifice as many of my other comrades have says so much for the person you were.

I only wish I could have reached out to you sooner so that I could be saying this to you in person rather than in spirit.

Semper Fi marine, we shall never forget."
SPC James B. Strickler II U.S. Army Fox Troop 1st Squadron 10th Cavalry Regiment, Ft. Hood, TX and Bravo Company 8-101st Battalion/96th ASB 101st Airborne Division (AASLT), Ft. Campbell, KY of Las Vegas, NV

"Missing you today. I can't belive it's been over 10 years."
Stephanie Meyers Gagliardo of provo utah

"It's been 10 years. Missing you, bro."
Carter Hill of Newark, DE

"Nick, although I did not personally know you, I had the pleasure of knowing your brother. The way he always spoke of you for the years that I knew him makes it feel like that, in a way, I know you too. Thinking of you today on the 13th anniversary of 9/11. Semper Fi."
HM3 (FMF) Macleod of Camp Pendleton

"Nick, Brother:

Thinking of you today and every day. Forever proud of you - and all that you helped our TEAM accomplish... in a very challenging place, at a very challenging time.

Honored, as always, to have had the privilege to serve you.

Thank you.

Semper Fi,
"Chaos 6"

"MY name is Robert Brusca. I was driving the night we were attacked and anderson was killed. A day does not go by I dont think about him. He was a goofy guy always smiling, extremely tall cause i am not and very dedicated to the mission and all his tasks. when we would go to iinvite him to do stuff his response would be " no i have to clean my weapon " , with a " I got stuff to do ". He did goof off with all of us though. i remember his tall * playing football with us and running around with air soft guns we got from the MWR tents. Anderson I miss you my friend.

SEMPER FI"
BRUSCA of st.louis, mo

"Hey brother I miss you and think about you every day wish we would have switched trucks . Your in my thoughts I am no longer in the marines but still am if that makes sense. Much love for you and your family."
Will Carlsen of St. Helen's Or

"Hey Buddy,
Since you've passed away My father Also, a Marine has worn your braclet I had given to him. He has had it along time since 2004 and now its 2012 and it has finally worn out and fallen off. He was upset at this and decided he Can't stand not having Nick around so he's going to have the exact thing tattooed on his arm. We miss you brother.

"Semper Fi"
1/4 Wpns"
SSgt. Smith JA of Blakeslee Pa

"I had the honor to paint Nicholas for The Fallen Memorial art project.Today is Memorial Day so I am thinking of this hero. I would like Nicholas's family to see the portrait. I would also like to give the family a print of the portrait. Does anyone know how I can contact the family. Here is a link to the portrait of Nicholas http://portraitpaintingbyjohannaspinks.blogspot.com/"
johanna spinks of Ventura, CA

"Thinking of you brother. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you! Semper Fi-"
Cpl. Nathan Daine of Phoenix, AZ

"We all miss you so much. We think of you all the time and it hurts that you're not here. Your family is so proud of you, likewise I'm sure you are proud of all the amazing accomplishments your family has made... your brother has that smile just like you! Love you and miss you so much!"
Cousin Valene of So Cal

"To the family of:Nicholas H.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""

"Written by Nick's brother Jackson
My Brother’s Last Fight

It had been a long day on patrol around our camp, sand blowing in my face, the heat pouring down on my head, running on five hours of sleep. But this is what I signed up for. We just had this huge battle north of Baghdad in a place called Najaf. It was a cemetery city, hedge stones as tall as me and I’m six foot. These insurgents knew this place well and it freaked me out. I thought I was going to die. At any second an enemy could pop out from around the corner and that would be my end. Luckily I survived this battle but it shook me up. It was the closest to death I have ever experienced, bullets whizzing by your head and still pushing forward to make sure the guy next to you doesn’t die. I couldn’t sleep for days, up at night with images of my brothers who didn’t make it and were lying there dead in my head, their face all bloody and helpless. I never thought it was going to be this bad, this harsh and emotional. But I’m a Marine and no matter what I will stand strong and fight on.

Since we had finished our duty in Najaf, we were sent by the higher ups to a city down south of Baghdad where there were reports of a high class terrorist that was wanted dead by the international community. We travel in long convoys on the freeways for further protection against any insurgents trying to attack us. My truck was at the tail of the convoy protecting the rear. I was facing away from the rest of the cars in case of an attack from behind. As I’m scan-ning the road for anything suspicious, I notice how gorgeous the land of Iraq can actually be without the terrorists and the corruption. I started to day dream and think about home, about my family, about my fiancé, about California, about everything important to me. Like my entire life just flashed in front of me and I realized that life is the greatest gift anyone could have. I wake up from my day dream because I’m on duty and need to be aware.

We had been on the road for four hours now and the sun had set. The only lights were the lights of the cars on the freeway. It was a sea of fireflies showering the desert floor. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Just as this thought hit my head, I heard screaming from down in the truck for I was on the top gunning the turret. Before I could ask what was wrong, our truck started to swerve and we drove into a ditch and the truck started to tip over. I tried to jump but it was too late, I was trapped and everything went black.

Later that night while I was lying in the medical tent, I could faintly hear the corpsman talking about what happened. There had been a suicide bomber in a car on the opposite side of the freeway and he turned and headed straight for our truck. The driver of our car swerved out of the way just in time but he drove in a ditch and the truck rolled catching me under it. But even after that, all of the guys in my truck were under fire from local insurgents and they had to carry me to a safer location and come back to the truck later.

But that’s where I was now, lying in a tent made by the corpsman, bloody and cut up everywhere. This is it I thought, I did my best and I fought an honorable Marine. Now it’s time for me to fight for God now. Thank you for the life and I will see everyone soon. I closed my eyes and passed away peacefully.



."
Aunt Bridgette of Las Vegas, Nevada

"To Cpl Carter Hill, I read your post and I would very much like to see that. My son was in the same 1st Battalion, 4th Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force Camp Pendleton Ca CAAT B .I have a photo of Nicholas standing next to a Humvee.I have the metal bracelet that was made for him and I wear it for him. I agree his story should be told, my son graduated the week of 9-11. I didn't know Nick but my son said he was a good guy. His story is something that just got my heart, so if you want that photo I'd be happy to send it. I e-mailed it to Travis Harding sometime ago. But I still have it. Just leave a message on here if you want that."
Liz Barton of Paris, Tn, U.S

"Nick,
We all miss you, bro. Willie & I remember the look in your eyes that night on your way out of the gate. It was almost like you knew it was your time, but you were ready to face it like a true Marine. I am trying to get everyone together to write a book about CAAT Bravo, and your story will be told. No matter what anyone else did, I think your story is the most important. You enlisted well after 9/11 - a sign of bravery and patriotism. You fought valiantly and are the only member of CAAT B to make the sacrifice we all knew was a looming possibility in the back of our minds. "If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven’s scenes; They will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines." Until then, Semper Fi."
Cpl Carter Hill of Laguna Hills, CA

"Thinking of you and everyone that loved you so much. You will never be far from our minds. Semper Fi"
Liz of Paris, TN

"Thinking about you sweetheart. I miss you."
Aunt Bridgette of Las Vegas

"SF,

then Cpl Hoax"

"Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice so that we might have freedom, you will never be forgotten."
Marilyn Hunt of Columbus, Ms

"Semper Fi"
RCooper

"Thank you so much for your service to our country LCpl. Anderson. I have been fortunate to meet your little brother. Though I was thirteen when I atteded your funeral and sixteen when I met him at the Sea Cadets, I never had the heart to tell him that I was there... Jackson spoke of you with so much love and pride. He spoke of you so often that I grew to love you as my own brother.

I look up to you and I will strive to be half the great person that you were.

Semper Fidelis brother!"
Andrea of Ventura County, CA

"Thinking about you, your family and friends today, not to remember that you are not here today, but to remember that you were here. Thats what we need to think about. You took a lot of love with you."
Liz of Paris, Tn, US

"Thinking of you today and always. It never gets easier. Your presence, your smile and your valor will never be forgotten! I miss you and love you."
Cousin Valene of So Cal

"You will never be fotgotten Nick, I've been able to get to know you thru some of your friends. Semper Fi"
Liz of Paris

"It's been awhile since you've become an angel... and you are most definitely never forgotten. Miss you Nick!"
Ashley L of An Air Force Base in Arizona

"Nick,

I stood in line holding a flag with fellow Patriot Guard Riders today at the re-dedication of the Red Rock Memorial.

I looked over at the names on the memorial and saw yours and remembered what had happened.

We weren't great friends in high school, but I always thought you were a good guy. I now know that you were a great man.

Thank you for your service. Thank you for being willing to do what was right, knowing that it could cost you your life. Thank you for being a hero."
Adrian Shahbazian of Las Vegas, NV

"I rememeber talking to you in your truck the night before you died. I think we were bullshitting about music. Remember when Daine borrowed my edge dressing and forgot to put the cap on right. What a buddy *er huh. I miss you man. I think about you all the time."
Ritchie of Escondido

"Nick- I miss you very much. I just found some old pictures of us in R.O.T.C., and it made me remember the first day you came to Bonanza. I'll never forget you. I wish the best for your family. I miss you man! Thank you for your service to our country. We will never forget."
J.J. of Las Vegas, NV

"Eleanor, I continue to pray for you and Nick... My heart is torn to this day for you and your family.. May God ease that pain. Know that Nick is with your every day...."
1stSgt Joseph Kapala of Las Vegas, Nevada

"”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 1,660 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!
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 God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"NICK, NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT YOU ARE NOT IN OUR THOUGHTS. WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO MUCH THAT IT IS KILLING US INSIDE EACH DAY THAT GOES BY WITHOUT YOU. LOVE YOU, MOM AND POPPA GEORGE"
ELEANOR DACHTLER of LAS VEGAS NV

"I've been thinking about you a lot lately.
I miss you so much !"
Cousin Valene of California

"My fallen brother Nick. My pain comes and goes. I miss you"
Derek Porter of Oak Park, CA/ USA

"Dear Nick-
I miss you bro!! I think about you and your family everyday. CAAT- Bravo misses you. I know you are in a better place. I continue to pray for you and AL, Lisa, Jackson and Leana.Semper Fi-"
Cpl. Nathan S. Daine of Phoenix, AZ

"This Memorial Day we Honor you and the sacrifice you made for our Freedom. We love you and miss you so much ! Everyday I can see that smile of yours, and it touches my soul. I miss you cousin !"
Valene Marie of Southern California

"March 18, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Nicholas H. Anderson:
Nicholas 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

"Nick,

You were a great Marine,and even a greater person. We will all miss you. Thank you for all you did,and for making the ultimate sacrifice.Semper Fi"
Steve D. of Las Vegas,NV

"Happy Birthday brother! Your brothers from CAAT B will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that you made for us all. We're forever in your debt. Semper Fidelis!"

"We remember your presence and we ask that you watch over us. untill the day we see eachother again-SEMPER FI!"
CAAT B MARINE of HORNO

"to my beloved son nicholas.they say mothers day is to honor mothers. on this day i honor you. i could not have asked for a better son. i love you and miss you. mom"
eleanor andrea dachtler of lv nv usa

"Nick,
Your are still among one of the best young men i ever meet. Was a privelage to meet you when you were a young boy. Hope you are swimmmin with gods best.
You are one of the reason im back in the ARMY.

SSG Jack T. Graves Jr.
jack.graves@us.army.mil"
JACK GRAVES of Fort Polk, louisiana

"hey brother. time goes on, just like you. you may not be here but you are never forgotten. you are immortal to your brothers here. we keep going in your memory and try to teach the principles in which you lived. ill never forget brother. "in the night, when the winds die, and silence rules, i remember, and they all live again. Soldiers Live. And Wonder Why""
A Marine from CAAT B of 1st bn 4th Marines

"I miss you so much ! They say time heals but I think they are wrong. I miss that smile of yours so much. Every Christmas that passes gets harder without you. I remember the last time I saw you we talked up in Grandpa's Attic and I remember how honored you looked in your Blues. I am so PROUD of you, my cousin. I think of you everyday and I miss you so ! I have a Boyfriend over in Iraq and I know you are watching and looking out for him and all your fellow brothers. Thank You ! Im SO PROUD !

Your Cousin
Valene"
Valene Marie Waters of Victorville, California

"we still remember you, we havent forgotten. we love you."
CAAT B of HORNO

"MY DEAREST BELOVED SON,YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS AND MY HEART, THE PAIN OF YOUR DEATH IS WITH ME EACH MOMENT.I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO MUCH THAT IT IS UNBEARABLE. ONE DAY I HOPE WE SHALL BE REUNITED AND I WILL BE ABLE TO HOLD YOU IN MY ARMS. YOUR LOVING MOTHER"
ELEANOR ANDREA DACHTLER of LV. NV

"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

"well bro its been a year in a half since you departed to watch over us.its been crazy here without you, just wanted to say that we all miss you and well never forget what memorial day means to all your friends and family here .you gave up all for us and we hope we can make you pround. wish you were here to see all the new things going on. well thank you again for all the things you have done. take care bro"
travis of las vegas

"To the family, freinds and fellow devil dogs for Nicholas H. Anderson.
My heart felt sorrow for you all.
He was and is, a true hero. He will not be forgot. May God Bless you and yours. Gods Speed."
Captain Thomas N. Carter USMC 1983-1991 of Pennsylvania USA

"Hey you, I've been thinking about you so much lately. I'm out here in the ocean and I know that what i'm doing isn't half of what you did over there. I know that I need to let you go and face the fact that your gone but I just can't. I never got any closure with you. I miss you more and more each day. I want you to know I will never ever stop loving you or forget you. We all miss you."
Alicia of Las Vegas, NV USA

"I was one of the Marines from madison who attended Nicks funeral today and yesterday He is so brave and will live on threw his marine brothers forever as we continue the tradition he so bravely upheld

Semper Fi"
LCpl Marcus Majewski of Fond du Lac,WI

"I had a cousin in the war. I felt very sad. She came back though. I'm sorry for your loss."
nicholas e anderson (seriously) of lancaster oh

"nick my bro. we all miss you and were always got you in our minds. you were a great marine,friend, and brother.we all wish you were still alive. we saw the message from your aunt bridgette of las vegas. mam-no disrespect ment but we know nick should have been brought home to las vegas. us guys talked alot. when your over in iraq fighting together and watching each others back you get to know each other real good. nick was always talking about his gal and his mom, and how when his hitch was over he was going back to las vegas to live. its a shame he wasn't able to be buried where he wanted to be. we will always love our bro and never forget him. he was a true HERO.."
cpl. r. brent of camp pendleton. ca

"Hey Nicky,
Another Christmas has come and gone and I look toward 2006. Missing you, as always, but loving you still the same. Your folks are having a hard time, as is Jackson, but they do know that you are watching over them and guiding them towards smiles. I often think of you and Grandma and are very happy at the thought of you two being together. We love you both and miss you with all of our hearts. Steve and Kevin wish you were here in Las Vegas with us, though i know you would have stayed in Ventura. Gotta have that ocean close...we miss it too.
Anyway buddy, I will be seeing you in my dreams. Lots of love today and always.
Semper Fi"
Aunt Bridgette, Steve & Kevin of Las Vegas via Ventura USA

"Happy holidays Nick. You live on through your family and friends and especially the marines in our platoon who fought bravely with you in iraq. Caat Bravo misses you and we do not forget about the times we have had together. We will see you again someday. "DELIVER ME FROM THE HANDS OF MY ENEMY" Psalms 31 vs 15"
CPL DeLaurentis of Camp Pendleton, Ca

"Peace, joy, love,
I was the priest in Fallujah Iraq at the time Nick died. I was part of bravo Surgical, the field hospital. I gave him the Apostolic Pardon and great LOVE filled the room. The Angel was awesome. I lift Nick and you, his awesome family in prayers and at Mass often. "If God is for us, who can be against us.""
Father Ron Camarda of Ressurrection Church, Jacksonville FL

"stephanie whenever you look at this again this is travis please call me ive been trying to get a hold of you call me at 240-274-7669"

"Nick,
I miss you so much. I keep thinking, hoping I'll wake up one morning and you'll still be here. I keep hopeing you knew and know how much I love you. I always thought of you as one of the best friends I ever had. You use to laugh at me cause no matter how much you teased me or how mad you got me I could never stay mad at you. Travis and bobbie I'm sure know what i mean. I wish everyday I could see you again. Maybe even more than me I wish your mom could see you. I've always loved your mom but you know that I could never say enough good things about her or how wonderful a job she did raiseing you. I'll Miss you allways. Please remember me and think of me at least half as much as i think of you. Love Always Steph"
Stephanie Meyers-Gagliardo of Las Vegas

"To nick my best friend and hero . well nick thank you for everything you have done for me . i will never forget you or the bon-fires in the desert or racing around pushing over porta poties or the just good old hanging out at my apartments chillin me you and rob .me and krista and savannah miss you and love you more than any words can express . im soo sorry that i didnt go to cali with you and bobby when you went and that i never got to say goodbye . thank you for sacrificing so much for me !i know you will always be looking out for me and the family ,and of course i will always look out for mom till my times comes to an end than will can kick it again in heaven ."no greater man than this that he lay down his life for that of a brother" nick i can never tell you what you mean to me you are always in my thoughts of all the good times we had .dont worry justice wil come to those who deserve it !!! i will back to active duty on the 11th or so i will make you proud i wish you would have waited for me to go with you when you joined the marines but you were ready to go their was no holding you back . this 4th of july 05 is for you so look out for my party for ya it will be wild .and to any of nicks platoon that may read this im soo thankful for you guys you are all heroes and i would like to contact you if any of you would like my email addresse its noexcaperanger@yahoo.com .nick their was never a sad time with you we were always thinking up something to do to have fun . well nick my brother miss you and love you always . you should picked the army lol but you were a die hard marine and their was noo stoping you well tell we talk again peace and love ."
travis harding of las vegas nv

"hey brother, i know j.t. left a message from all of us but it don't feel right. love you forever my brother and hero. stay cool. were watching guard over your mom in lv.just like in iraq we take care of our own. see you in heaven. sooner than later, cause paybacks are coming."
r.b. of hatte. ct

"TO OUR FALLEN BROTHER IN ARMS-LNCPL. NICHOLAS ANDERSON.USMC. BRO- WE ALL MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU SO MUCH, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF OUR LIVES AND YOUR MEMORY WILL ALWAYS LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS AND THOUGHTS. YOU WERE SO BRAVE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE OUR HERO. WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SALUTE YOUR MOM FOR HER BRAVERY AND COURAGE, AND DON'T WORRY BRO- WE CHECK UP ON FOR YOU. THIS MESSAGE IS FROM SO MANY OF THE GUYS, I'M NOT EVEN GOING TO TRY AND LIST ALL THE NAMES. A BUNCH OF US ARE PLANNING TO GO TO LAS VEGAS TO SEE HER, WE DID NOT FORGET HER ON MOTHER'S DAY.REST IN PEACE.SEMPER FI."
US MARINES of CAMP PENDELTON

"Hey Nick, it's Memorial Day and I wanted to let you know that this is not only the day that our country celebrates its fallen hero's, this is the day that your family, friends, and I will always remember you. Semper Fi"
Don Southworth of Las Vegas, NV

"You are a true hero Nick. I am thankful for being able to go to high school with you. You always were a great soldier, even in rotc. I will always look back on the memories we were able to share. God bless"
Nick Van Rij of Las Vegas, NV

"I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE 1000'S OF AMERICANS ON BEHALF OF MY SON LNCPL. NICHOLAS H. ANDERSON, USMC, DECEASED. WHO HAVE COMFORTED US AND SUPPORTED US AND BEEN THERE FOR US. GOD BLESS YOU ALL . NICHOLAS'S MOTHER"
ELEANOR ANDREA DACHTLER of LV NV

"TO MY BELOVED SON LNCPL. NICHOLAS H. ANDERSON-EVERYDAY I ASK WHY AND NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DO NOT CRY. I MISS YOU SO MUCH AND I LOVE YOU WITH ALL THAT I AM. YOUR LOVING MOTHER"
ELEANOR ANDREA DACHTLER of LV NV

"My name is Amber. I am one of Nick's many cousin's. Here is a poem I wrote for him.

If the hands of the clock would only rewind
If we could only turn back time
The worst punishment for nothing at all
The only way for a hero to fall
You shall live forever in our hearts
We will try not to fall apart
For you to go the way you did
After all the things that you did
No one really knows how to feel
We pray and hope this isn't real
No matter what we do, you're gone
The chess board has lost another pawn
We can't forget what was lost
At such an unspeakable cost
We all stayed strong for you
It's the least we could do
Now parts of us are hollow
Becaue of our fallen hero
Now you've risen up so high
And we're just in time to say goodbye"
Amber Doney of Grass Valley, CA

"Nick,
Although our relationship did not last, I want you to know that I love you so much. When I found out about this I couldn't believe it. The time that our relationship lasted was the best time of my life. I love you and I think about you everyday. I am looking forward to being together again in heaven.
Love always,
Alicia"
Alicia of Las Vegas

"Hey I've got to leave a message to Nick's Family, Your Son Is The Best, You did a great job in raising him and , I Love You All for doing such an Outstanding Job. What a great young soldier he was. I will pray for you and your family, what a great loss, It Was The Ultimate Sacrifice For The Family But You Are All Appreciated, Nick The Most.... Love And God Bless You All.... We Will Never Forget You Nick... Always Faithful"
Liz Barton of Page, AZ

"Hey Nick,

I'll never forget you or the times that we had together. you know, every time I think of you, I can't help but to remember your goofy smile. Thank you for fighting for me and my county Nick, you are truly a hero. Save a spot for me up there man. Semper Fi!"
Don Southworth of Las Vegas, NV

"To the family of Nick Anderson, my son Lcpl Jay Barton was with your son in Iraq Ist Battalion 4th Regiment, I remember him sending me an e-mail when Nick passed and my son said how bad he was feeling that day. He also told me later how you sent boxes of thing's addressed to "Any Marine", I want to Thank You for that, my son told me Nick was a good guy with a good heart and when he got home I took him over to the quilt for Nick to have him sign it and he couldn't do it at that moment, I don't know if he ever got to because he won't talk about it right now. He brought home some picture's and there is one of Nick in there, I'd be happy to send it to you if you would like it or I can scan it and e-mail it? Of course I didn't know Nick but I think about him and I Thank him deeply for the sacrifice he made for our country. You are in my prayer's, God Bless My e-mail is nicnme2000@hotmail.com"
Liz Barton of Page, AZ

"Nick,
My name is April Seal and my son went to boot camp in San Diego with you and School of Infantry at Camp Pendelton after which you were both assigned to 1/4. My son, LCPL Garrett Keniry, was seriously wounded on Aug 6 in fighting in the cemtery in Najaf. He was given last rites on the battle field by the Battalion Chaplain, Father Shaughnessy, due to extreme loss of blood to his groin wound from the shrapnel from the mortar that hit him and killed Cpl Abad right next to him. Garrett had immediate surgery in Iraq and then was flown to Germany. I live in Okinawa, Japan as my husband is a LtCol in the Marine Corps. We got the call that Saturday morning of Garrett being wounded and my husband, Doug, was scheduled to leave for Iraq for 7 months the next Thursday. Due to the severity of my son's injuries, his General chose not to send my husband to Iraq. Garrett was flown to Germany, where he stayed for 9 days and then flew back to Pendleton. His father, is also a Marine,SgtMaj Keniry who is stationed in 29 Palms. We were all there when Garrett got back to Pendleton, as was my family as I am from San Diego. Garrett has sustained nerve damage to his left arm and hand from the shrapnel wounds. He has basically lost the use of his left hand. He has extreme survivors guilt over the fact that he made it and you, Nick didn't and he lost Cpl Abad right next to him from the same mortar blast. When I read about your death on globalsecurity.org I immediately called Garrett and told him. He was devastated. He questions every day, why you, Cpl Abad, Sgt Reynoso, who was hit by a sniper in the face, right in front of Garrett, why God took you guys and saved him. He will never be the same. He is only 19, was in Iraq for 2 weeks and now he struggles to go on. My heart goes out to you your family, especially your mom, with everything she has had to deal with since your passing. I think about your mom every day and would love to make contact with her and I think it would be good for Garrett as well. My email is aaseal@aol.com. My prayers are with your family and please know your are greatly missed by your fellow Marines in 1/4.
April Seal, the mother of one of your Marines in 1/4"
April Seal of Okinawa, Japan

"Happy Easter Nick, Rest in peace."
Ashley

"To My Fallen Brother Nick, we all miss you. We miss the laughs, the bad times, but mostly the good times. Remember hawaii? Brother rest in peace. You never left us we still carry you with us wherever we go. Watch over us and may our paths one day cross again. Semper Fidelis Tuffel Hunden."
Lcpl Anaya USMC of Camp Pendelton, CA

"Nick....I'll never forget you or all the fun times we had in High School. I have so many funny memories of you, me and Tim that I will carry on forever. This all came as such a shock i'm still not okay with you being gone but I talk to you everyday because I know your listening, I think about you everyday and I send out all my love to your family. XOXOXOXO"
Kristina Vass of Las Vegas, Nevada USA

"I'm one of Nick's many cousins, Valerie. I would like to say thank you to all of you who have left such lovely messages in Nick's memory. It's such a comfort to his family to hear these memories.

Nick's father (Al), married my Aunt Lisa, and thus became a part of our large family. We (my cousins, sister, and I) were all so excited to have another cousin, and shared so many wonderful memories together. Even though Nick had two families, I can remember seeing him at almost every family event or holiday that we ever had, and each time he was always smiling, and, I think, inspiring others to be happy.

Thank you, Nick for the sacrifice you made. Thank you for staying strong, for serving your country, and for loving your friends and family. I miss seeing your smile, but I know you're at peace. We'll never forget you."
Valerie Brown of Victorville, CA, USA

"Nick I am proud to have known you in high school. You were always so nice to me! Thank you so much for serving our country. I can't believe you are gone but you will never be forgotten. Thanks! And we all will miss you forever!"
Jennifer of Las Vegas, NV

"Hey Nick,
You have to be one of the most personable young men I have met in a long time. Thank you for standing up for what you believed in, not swaying under any liberal pressure that may have crossed your path and for believing in our wonderful country. Nick you make us proud and apprecite our freedom even more. The second to the last time I talked with you before you went off to war was my most memorable. You wanted to get a Marine Corps tattoo and your Dad sent you to get my advice since I'm quite tatted up. I could tell you are 100% commited to the Corps and want to show the world your true colors with a Marine tattoo. Your honor as a Marine is felt by anybody that is in your presense. The way you carry yourself and speak to others with respect is but part of your many virtues. I consider myself very lucky to be able to count you among my friends. Knowing you like the ocean as much as you do I can't look out to sea and not think of you. You will always have a very special place in my heart. You are dearly missed, loved by all and will never be forgotten."
Kyle of Ventura, CA

"Dear Nick,

May God's loving hands wrap around your family and guide them through this difficult time of loss and grief. My family and I send sincere condolences to your family. As friends and proud Americans, we share your deep loss.

Nick, I write this for the benefit of your loving family, particularly your brother, Jackson, a friend of my son, Shane.

I want to share my memory of you. You were about 16 years of age when our Cub Scout Pack had their annual family campout at Lake Casitas in Ojai, California. All the children were having a huge watergun fight. It seemed that all the kids gravitated towards you, especially the girls - there were about 6 of them as I recall in the age range of 2-10. I also remember the word "hottie" being used a lot that day - and it was not about the hot weather we were having, but in reference to your good looks!! Those girls and cub scouts sure got the better of you - you were the most soaked person I've ever seen! And you seemed to be having just as much fun as all of them! Your grin, that somehow seemed stuck on your face, was infectious and made all of us watching laugh out loud. I found out later that you were not feeling well that weekend - you were running a fever. Yet, you took the time out to play with the young children and really made their day. God Bless You!

You lived your life well, Nick. You will be forever in our hearts, brave soldier. May you rest in peace."
Patty of Ventura, CA USA

"Dear Nick,

You will always have such a special place in my heart. You were my step-brother-in-law by title for 5 years but you will always be family to me.It has been such a privilege watching you grow up into a truly wonderful young man. I will always admire your amazing courage and I am eternally grateful to you for your selfless dedication to our country. I will cherish the memories of the time I was fortunate enough to spend with you. My favorite memory is when we went to Disneyland with you and the family during the Christmas holidays. We had such a blast! We will miss you always."
The Shepard's of CA/USA

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

"Dear Nick,
I was honored to meet you, although briefly, through your parents Al & Lisa and your sweet fiance Mandy. You touched my life with your bravery & love for our great country. You will always live on in the hearts of those who love you, and stand as example of patriotism for us who are left behind. Much love to you and your family."
Angelique Suddock of Ventura, CA

"We also thank everyone for their messages. It does make it easier knowing that there is so much support for what Nick was doing, and continued support for the soldiers who are still in Iraq. God bless to you all. From Nick's Aunt Brenda, Uncle Mark and cousins Jeff and Tim Smith."
Brenda Smith of Bakersfield, CA

"I am Nick's Aunt Bridgette. I've read your messages and can not even begin to express the thanks we all feel for your kind words and support. There is no way to get over Nick being gone from us forever, but as you all say through your messages, the service he gave to America and the families of Iraq is unmeasurable and unforgetful. We will always hurt when thinking about Nick not being here, but we will always smile too remembering how he was when he was here with us. The family of Lance Corporal Nicholas Hale Anderson thanks you with all our hearts."
Bridgette McInally of Las Vegas, NV

"Goodnight sweet angel, thank you!"
Violeta Sepulveda of San Diego Ca

"Hey Nick,
I am so proud to say that i went to school with you and i got to be your friend. You were always there for your friends. Like you were there for our country.Nick thanks for watching over us and RIP. Miss you i will talk to you later."
Ashley of Las Vegas,NV

"To my friend Nick
I will always remember your laugh and your smile. I am grateful for the honorable things you have done in your lifetime. From cheering me up in high school to fighting the war in iraq. I will never forget your name and your memory as long as i live. And to Nick's family, just remember, you can never say you lost nick, he will always be in your heart, as in mine."
Samantha of Las Vegas, NV

"Nicholas was a US Naval Sea Cadet as a young man, prior to his enlistment in the Marines. LCDR Vahan Manoogian and Sea Cadet Winter Training 2004 dedicated its winter training schools at Port Hueneme, California to the memory of LCPL Anderson. We were honored to have members of Nick's family in attendance at our graduation ceremony.
I am a CO of a Sea Cadet Division in Upland, California, and I extend my prayers and condolences, as well as those of the SAN BERNARDINO DIVISIONof the Naval Sea Cadets to the VAN HOORIS MEMORIAL DIVISION of Las Vegas, Nevada and to the family of LCPL Anderson. We are all stunned by his death and awed by his courage and dedication. God give you comfort and strength in your time of loss.
You are not alone."
LTJG Robert G. Dickson, NSCC of Upland, CA

"Thank you Nicholas for defending the gift of freedom we all cherish. To your loved ones, take solice in knowing that when you close your eyes for the last time, standing before you with open arms will be your smiling Nicholas. Semper Fi marine. From a very grateful American family"
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"Nick,
First off I just want to tell your family how sorry I am for their loss. There aren't even words that can describe what they must be going through. I just want to thank you, Nick, for being brave and fighting for us. You were a strong, wonderful person. We will all miss you, and never, ever forget you or the sacrifices you made. Although we didn't really have too many memories, you will always have a special place in my heart. Watch over your loved ones and we'll see you soon. You've changed my life and I will always remember you."
Meredith of Las Vegas Nevada

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

"To Nicholas' 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 your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

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

"To Nicholas' 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

"Thank You for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Nicholas H. 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

"Thank you Nicholas 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 Lance Cpl. Nicholas 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 Nicholas 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 Lance Cpl. Nicholas 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 Nicholas, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia