Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It’s been almost 20 years since basic I’m happy to have known you"
A. Harmann of Waukesha, Wi

"To Mike's family. I went to basic and infantry school with Mike and we served in Korea together. I was deeply saddened when I heard about his death from another Army buddy while I myself was in Iraq. I know it's no consolation. But even though he is gone he lives on in our hearts and memories. I think about him often and I miss him a lot. He was and always will be my very good friend. If there's ever anything I can do for you please dont hesitate to ask. Adam Fisher. CPL U.S Army."
Adam Fisher of moores hill. Indiana

"I knew Mike... I served with him in korea and Iraq.. He was a great guy. My condolences to his family... hell be missed by many."
Michael Morelli of Pittsburgh, Pa

"To the family of:Michael A.Arciola
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""

"Hi, my name is Jose Loya and I am a disabled veteran myself. I am really sorry for your loss. I saw you (Mrs Arciola) on The Oprah Show.It hurts to see and know of such young people getting killed. I would like to show you A sample of clocks that I make (with a vision from God) that bring honor to people who put their lives on the line or have lost their lives due to their valor. Plz send me your e-mail address and I'll send you a sample. My e-mail address is jloya12@cp.epcc.edu. Thank you and God bless you."
jose loya of el paso, Tx

"Teresa,
my name is tim johnson. I seen the Oprah show where you spoke in hopes of people not forgetting your son Michael, I hope you enjoy the memorial picture of Michael i made for you. and i hope it brings you a little comfort in knowing he is with our Lord, and he will not be forgotten."
Tim Johnson of Ohio

"Dear Theresa, saw you on a repeat of Oprah yesterday. So sorry for your loss. I am a neighbor, Nick Oddo of Briarcliff Manor. If you ever want company on your ride to see you son I would gladly drive or ride with you. You can see me and contact me on my website: www.TenStudioHill.com ps if you need help with anything local please call me as well."
Nick Oddo of Briarcliff Manor, New York

"Theresa...I am a mother of a young man who has been to Iraq with the Navy. I was so touched by your story about your son on Oprah. He looks so much like my own son, also a "born athlete." My son also loved Corduroy, and I read it to him diligently. I am a baby nurse at a Head Start program in this area, and when a new baby is born, I am always searching for an appropriate gift to give the new little one. I will now be purchasing "CORDUROY" books, and I will write on the first page to remember a very brave, handsome, strong man who also loved this little bear, and because of men like him, we have our freedom today. His name is Michael A . Arciola, and he will never be forgotten."
Lynne Laber of New Bedford, Ma.

"Private First Class Michael Arciola will not be forgotten."
Peggy Davis of Fowlerville, MI

"Dear Teresa, As the mother of a US Marine soon deploying to Afganistan I wanted to express my sorrow for your loss and my eternal gratitude to your Michael. His love of country and fearless service is what makes our country proud and strong. May God grant you peace."
Janet Harrington of Boynton Beach, Florida

"Teresa, I learned of your son's passing on Oprah. Your comment, worse fear of forgetting your child struck me. I too have lost a son..due to an auto accident. I belong to a support group,
ForMom'sOnly@ Dailystrength.org...With over 300 members we are there to support each other with love and understanding. Until you've lost a child no one understands. Should you join, my user name is "TOMTOM" Here is my email-Patsway@zoomtown.com. I can also send you a card from our org."
Patricia L. of Crittenden, Ky.

"Teresa, I learned of your son's passing on Oprah. Your comment, worse fear of forgetting your child struck me. I too have lost a son..due to an auto accident. I belong to a support group,
ForMom'sOnly@ Dailystrength.org...With over 300 members we are there to support each other with love and understanding. Until you've lost a child no one understands. Should you join, my user name is "TOMTOM" Here is my email-Patsway@zoomtown.com. I can also send you a card from our org."
Patricia Lonaker of Crittenden, Ky. 41030

"What a gift he gave us!! The gift of freedom that a lot of us take for granite my heart goes out to his mom may you find inner peace within.Bless you Michael and many thanks for the gift of LIFE you gave us"
Anne of Marysville WA

"I just learned of you and your son on television today. I know the love you feel for your son and my heart breaks for you. God bless you and your son for his ultimate sacrifice."
M. Coley of CT

"Gone but not forgotten in our hearts. Happy 5th Anniversary in Heaven."
Mrs. S. of Elmsford, NY

"I wear your dog tags everyday...i miss you..we have your picture up in our house and everytime i look at it i cry..
i love you so muchh..
you will NEVER be forgotten cousin.."
Caiti of missouri/new york

"Michael it was a previlage to be in the same squad as you. You always made everybody laugh during hard times. I remember you always joked with your boy Hilliard "Hobbit". I remember you always volunteered to do things others turned their back on, that was your character, a go getter. I will never forgget you brother. Rest in Peace"
Gert Kocani of Orlando, Fl

"March 28, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Michael A. Arciola:
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

"Its Memorial Day, but that doesn't mean you aren't remembered daily. Its been 2 years but its like yesterday...First Rock kid!"
SSG Patrick Jones of Phoenix, AZ

"My name is Leeann Gilbert and my grandmother is Anna Arciola Scalo, daughter of Tony Arciola and first cousin of Robbie Arciola. My grandmother and my family wish to extend our condolences for your great loss. She hears what a wonderful boy Mike was and we have the utmost respect for him and you all, his family. My grandmother just lost her husband, my grandfather, Bob Scalo, after 62 years of marriage and she is not doing so well. I told her I found this website and she wanted me to send her regards. We will include Mike in our thoughts and prayers."
Leeann Gilbert of New Milford, CT

"still miss you always will love you wish i was with you soon mike then i will be compleat once again tell poppa i miss him too"
proud dad of elmsford ny

"Mike your forever loved, the fam will always remember you. we will never forget the good times, your a hero as well as the rest. R.I.P bro."
Jay of Montrose ny

"Mrs. Arciola is the true definition of Love and Strenght. Any friend of Mikey's knows!!!"
Erica Green of Elmsford, New York

"There is no way to put my thoughts into words. Mikey is the best. His heart was the purest I've ever known. There are many definitions of the word "soldier". There are street and dictionary meanings. "Michael Anthony Arciola" is a true OG and He is the true image of what a "soldier" is. See you in the sky old friend..."
Erica Green of Elmsford, New York

"your blood is my blood..i send my love to Mike and Rob and the rest of your fam.From me and all the soilders at 3/327th INF 101st ABRN/AAS DIV"
Ricky of Elmsford ,NY

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

"Dear Arciola family,
We lost our son on Mother's Day in an intense battle in Afghanistan. Nicholas was clearing a cave and was ambushed by insurgents. It has been more than a month now but each day brings more reminders and bitter sweet memories of our precious son. Nicholas was our peacemaker; always with a smile for everyone. He was a gifted athlete and I now know your Michael has many of these same characteristics. I met your sweet daughter, Amanda, yesterday when we were visiting Arlington Cemetery. We live about 30 minutes from there in Fairfax, VA and are able to visit fairly often. We will never again pass the grave of your son without paying our tribute and feeling like he is one of our own. Let us know if there is ever anything we can do for you. Our email address is bethbelle@aol.com if you would like to get in touch. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless. Beth Belle; proud mother of Nicholas C. Kirven"
Beth Belle of Fairfax, VA

"Michael,
It's so hard without you. The family misses you so much. Your mom, aunt lexa and I visited you in Arlington over the weekend. We love you kid. We only part to meet again <3 "Peace on earth and good will towards your fellow man, I bid you adieu"-Michael"

"Michael,
It's so hard without you. The family misses you so much. Your mom, aunt lexa and I visited you in Arlington over the weekend. We love you kid. We only part to meet again <3 "Peace on earth and good will towards your fellow man, I bid you adieu"-Michael"

"TO THE ARCIOLA FAMILY; REMEMBER YOUR NOT ALONE! ANYTIME YOU NEED TO TALK OR INFORMATION TO HELP YOUR FAMILY. YOU CAN REACH ME AT lwahl1@Sears.com. Mr. Flecther, (MOE) lost a son too!. An we started a group to remember all our son's. It's almost April and Memorial Day is nearing. It's holidays and special dates we all need support. It's not important our families never meet. Now we all have a reason too! I was touched by your sister message Michael. You and all the other soldier will be remembered!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Dear Mrs. Arciola,
My family did visit both my son and your son today, Easter. Wer placed flowers on both graves and prayed for both our sons. To his sister, I want you to know that Steve's sister, Michaela, adored him, as I'm sure did your brother. If we can be of any support for you both, let us know. I pray God's angels will guide us and protect us through this all. I feel so waek at times, but my family is being my strength now. I know how hard this is for yoiu, too.

God be with us...
Bobbie McGowan"
Bobbie McGowan of Newark, DE

"To the family of Michael Arciola,
I am the mother of Stephen McGowan. Your son/brother is buried next to my son. I went there yesterday, Good Friday, and prayed for them both. I will return Easter morning. I would like to place some flowers there for Michael. I am praying for you; I know the depth of your loss."
Bobbie McGowan of Newark, DE

"On February 15th 2005 I lost a friend. I knew this friend since I was about 7 years old. I remember playing basketball with him everyday, as well as joking around with him in class all throughout my high-school career. He was a very good person, and a friend that can never be replaced. I remember talking to him right before you left to go to the army. I told him that whatever he does he should take good care of himself. Although you are gone you still have a special place in my heart. Mike I want to tell you that I love you and may your soul REST IN PEACE. Love James"
James Teschemaker of Winston Salem, NC

"You we're a great guy and always had a good attitude even when things didn't go your way you will be missed buddy.
A co. 2/503 IN 173rd ABN"
SPC William Holmes of Vicenza, Italy

"My brother is resting next to Michael in Arlington. They served together in Korea, fought together in Iraq, and will forever be remembered as the HEROs they are. They were ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances, and the way in which they lived had nothing ordinary about it. I know that Stephen and Michael (by the way Steve's middle name is Michael), are continuing their journey side by side, relentlessly fighting for what is right. Stephen signed his emails with the following quote: "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Micheal was a great man, and will continue to bring out the best in all of us."
Adam Freilich of Orange County, CA

"TO THE ARCIOLA FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY YOUR LOST. AN IT'S DIFFUCULT TO EXPRESS WORDS IN THESE SITUATIONS. MICHAEL WAS AN AMAZING PERSON, FAMILY MAN AND SOLDIER. AN HE HAS TOUCHED MANY LIVES. THOSE THAT NEW HIM AND THOSE THAT DIDN'T. VERY THANKFUL HE PROTECTED OUR COUNTRY AND OTHERS. I REALIZE HE MAY NOT KNOWN OUR SON. STILL BOTH IN AWAY BROTHERS AS SOLDIER AND NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN. I PRAY FOR MICHAEL AND HIS FAMILY. GOD BLESS!"
Leonard T Wahl of valley stream ny

"mike you were like a brother to me and i will miss you. all you wanted to do is fight for your country, and you were one of the best friends i ever knew R.I.P you will never be forgotten."
terrell rodney of San Diego, CA

"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

"" Thanks RC i will never forget you were a great soldier and most of all an incredible person." pfc Vic Faggiano"
victor faggiano of vicenza, italy

"For Michael's family...may you hold eachother close in this time of great sorrow, and feel Michael's love with every breath you take."
The Chantor Family of Elmsford, NY

"Thank you ,Micheal, for your bravery and dedication to freedom. You will forever be remembered as a hero who bravely defended all we hold dear as a nation. You have made the ultimate sacrifice so that our children will know a better world. May God bless your family and hold you close to Him always."
The Antenucci Family of White Plains, NY

"Thank you Michael for defending the freedoms we all cherish. Your bravery is grately appreciated by my family and all of America! God Bless you soldier and may He grant your family peace until you are together again. From a very grateful American family."
Jim and Margie Shaw of Pasadena, Maryland

"Dear PFC Michael A. Arciola, Family and Friends. You are our Hero, the best of the best. Patriotic and unselfish and giving your best to give freedom to another. God Bless you and your family. We are proud of your PFC Michael A. Arciola."
Barbara Christ of Hamilton, Montana

"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 ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Michael Arciola, 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 Pfc. Michael Arciola:
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 Pfc. Michael Arciola:
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