Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"As your former team leader I will never forget you brother. I live my life every day thinking of the joy you brought to this world. I've got your name tattooed on my arm 'til my dying day. I hope to see you again when I pass brother. Until then watch over your family and keep them safe."
SSG Kotalik of Ft. Hood

"In honor of PFC James Arellano:
My 6 year old son is part of a wrestling club in Gillette, WY. Our club is Camel Kids Wreslting and our head coach is a retired soldier. This year our club is honoring fallen soldiers, each kid was given the name of a soldier and they are Wreslting in honor of their soldier. My son was given the honor of wrestling in James' honor. I would love to share some pictures with the family and hope to be able to find some family. PFC Arellano's name is on the back of my sons shirt and he would love to hear more about James and what he was like as a kid. He is very honored to be honoring this young man who gave his life for our freedom.

My name is Terrisa Henry and you can email me at terrisahenry@gmail.com or you can find me on Facebook. Hope to be able to connect with some family to share some photos of my son who is wrestling in his honor!"
Terrisa Henry of Gillette Wyoming USA

"Gone, but never forgotten. RIP brother."
Kotalik of Fort Hood, TX

"I hear there is a wall here in Arlington where you are remembered, so tomorrow James, I am taking my kids to "see" their cousin and find your name. Love You Jody"
Jody Cooper of waldorf, maryland

"To the family of:James J. Arellano
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""

"Wow... you know... five years is a long time... and to this day I got your picture in my car from the day you graduated high school. Frontier days just came up and I was thinking about when we would all stay up, play baseball on the playstation and ride our bikes down to the pancake breakfast... its hard man... it really is sometimes. And I hope you know that you'll always be a hero to me man... you taught me a lot... in life and in death. Youll always be a brother to me. I love you and miss you."
josh sheppard, proud brother. of cheyenne,wy

"Thinking of this man today"
Bromley of Germany

"James, it's been awhile... I will never forget what a good Soldier you were. You had a lot of heart and dedication. We had some good times the short time we spent together in Iraq, with the best squad in the Army. Know your memory will never fade with me. I will always regret not being there that day. I just hope that your passing brings light to everyone else's day, just like it did when you were with us. I am proud to have been your Brother and Team Leader. God Bless,"
SSG Kotalik of Fort Hood

"You will always be remembered never forgotten, I know your in a better place, I can still hear you beating up that punching bag outside my room...."
CRUZ, ADRIAN of CHICAGO IL

"James and I went to school together. Im a veteran who is making a trip back to wyoming. The anniversary of his death will overlap my time home and I wish to pay my respects. Can someone please tell me where he was laid to rest? vvmclaugh@yahoo.com Thank You"
William McLaughlin of Fort Stewart

"”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 the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,150 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!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
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
Projectcompassion@manti.com
www.heropaintings.com"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

".... not much i can say just thank all of you for saying the kind things you did about my Brother James, yes he was, and always will be a dork lol:)but hey it made him stand out right? you guys will never forget him because i know for a fact he made a positive impact on your life. cause its just the kinda person he is.... i will never forget you. you are always on my mind. when i know i shouldnt be doing something i always have to stop, cause you always pop in my head.it was suppost to be me and you james i wish i could have you back in my life so you can straitin me out and see what happens. i love you brother and always will.. no matter what anybody says you are my hero.. i always talk to you and ask for suggestions you may not answer back but i know what to do afterwards.. you where always there for me no matter what happened.. you where always the one to comfort me.. i love you james.... i will always look up to you .. i am going to try my hardest to make something out of my life like you did... i love you and miss you and will never forget you<3"
your lil sister Darlene Arellano:) of Cheyenne Wyoming...

"Dear James,
There isnt a day of my life that goes bye that I dont think about you. Remembering your laugh smile and fun loving ways. Everytime I see a boxing match, play a video game see a pair of boots laying on the floor. You know what I mean. Words cant say what you mean to me and Aunt Rita. Yeah we get tied up in every day life and just briefly for a moment forget and then its like you say hey remember me. Dont worry. You and the sacrafices you have made will never be forgotten by the people that truly knew you and truly loved you. And where honestly there for you while you where here with us even for only a little while. I will continue talking to you every sunday until we meet again. As I have always told you and Andrew I LOVE YOU LIKE A SON. Yes Sticky you too. We have always been and will always be FAMILY....

I LOVE AND MISS YOU JAMES
Sincerly,
Uncle Scott Sheppard"
Scott Sheppard of Cheyenne,Wyoming

"Three years ago today we had the worst knock at our door. Shock set in pretty quick as our worst fears became a reality. It is good to see your fellow brothers have not forgotten you. I feel for their loss as well. You are dearly missed son."
Father-in-law Mike Langley of Cheyenne, WY

"Hey kid,
It's great to see bromley and archer on here leaving some love for you. I will not forget you ever! Its tragic what happen to you, seeing you take your last breathes. It was a great HONOR serving with you! May you R.I.P kid"
Knudson of Denver, CO

"I'll tell you whats weird about this. Its been going on three years since this happend. I remember it like it was yesterday we were on patrol and I remember looking at you . We were all sucking it was early in the morning and hot but we still did our job. Its a shame what happend to you that morning man but I never got a chance to really get to know you that well. As a fellow member of our squad and working with you that morning that happend to you and seeing it happend I'm honored to know you and to say I was apart of your life at one giving moment. I'll never forget you always boxing and playing 50 cent. may god rest your sould brother."
SGT Craig Bromley of Vilseck, Germany

"james bro i miss you everyday man im sorry i wasn't there when you got hit but i will tell you that i was the first vechiel there bro but by that time you have already passed on, i miss boxing with u in the gym and we had some good times together in iraq bro, and don't forget when we were in texas lol that was some crazy times, i love you bro and not a day goes by when i think about that day! ILL NEVER FORGET, oh and i got ur named tattood on my left forarm bro, when ever god takes me ill show it to you someday =) love ya bro."
justin archer of fort lewis, wa

"It was good knowing you, bro. It's shitty what happens."
Jon of Classmate, Adams City

"March 28, 2008
To the family of Pfc. James J. Arellano:
James 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

"i was in boot camp @ Company F. 2nd plt he was a great leader and a great friend i will miss him"
PFC ROJAS of South Gate.CA

"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.
Our nations HERO, James will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! "

"James,
Not a day goes by when I dont think of you you were a great friend who I lost contact with and I had no idea where you were but when I picked up the paper to see your face on the front page I knew that the world had lost a wonderful person. I thank god every day that I got to know you. you impacted my life in a way I don't think you will ever know. I will alway miss you and I will never forget the friend I used to watch in the boxing ring and talk to in the library the day after the fight. You always did your best in the ring and I'll miss talking to you about it. I wish I could say Goodbye and get one last hug but I know you hear me when I pray for you at night. I miss you and will always remember the real HERO. James J. Arellano"
sara of cheyenne, WY

"James,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike C of El Paso, Texas

"James,
Never a day goes by that you are not within me- in my thoughts, in my heart and in my prayers. I know you are watching over all of us and helping guide us through all the trials and tribulations of the earthbound world. I will wait for the day The Lord welcomes me to join You at His Table. I love you, brother, with all my heart."
Your Sister Vickie of Cheyenne, WY

"I couldn't begin to tell you how proud I am to be the cousin of PFC James J. Arellano. Our hearts are saddened by our loss, but in time God will heal. God blessed all who knew James just as God blessed all who didn't know James...because James gave his ultimate sacrifice for EVERYONE, whether you believe in the war or not. He died for our right to be able to choose. That is something that will NEVER be forgotten. There has been a tremendous amount of support to our family by so many wonderful people that I would just like to say, on behalf of my family, "Thank you & God Bless you." Your kind words, comforting actions, and heartfelt prayers have not gone unnoticed, nor will they ever be forgotten. James may have been my younger cousin, but I will never stop looking up to him. He is my hero. Rest in peace, James, your mission here is over. You're a soldier for God now. I'll be seeing ya when I get there! Love ya!"
Teri of Cheyenne, WY

"Wow James, I didnt realize you were on here, I was at work, looking through these... imagin that... day before Veterans Day. I was at your funeral, it was really nice. They your pictures up on stands, you were such a goof ball in some of them. You were such a brave kid. And I will never forget you. You are loved and missed by all. I miss you, and your always in my prayers."
Tyra of Cheyenne, Wyoming

"Grazie a nome di tutta la mia famiglia, a nome della mia Patria, a nome di tutti i popoli liberi. A soli 19 anni vorrei che Tu possa essere un esempio per i miei figli"
Andrea Cologni of Pisa, Italia

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