Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Sgt. Larry R. Arnold, Sr.

46, of Carriere, Mississippi.
Arnold died on in Owesat Village, Iraq, when his armored personnel carrier was hit by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the Army National Guard's 150th Combat Engineer Battalion, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Lucedale, Mississippi. Died on June 11, 2005.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Sgt. Larry R. Arnold, Sr..

Links:

Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

Please report inappropriate messages

"To SSG Larry Arnold,
I appreciate the sacrifice you made in the name of freedom."
Fred of Lebanon, Pa

"”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 1,550 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"
Kenna - Project Compassion of Manti, Utah USA

"To Sgt Arnold and Family i just want you to know that i appreciate everything he has done for me he tought me everything i know while we where in iraq, now i better myself in the Air Force, and have taken my knowledge with me. Love you sgt and will never be forgotten as a leader or a father figure."
LaDarius of Pascagoula, MS

"March 28, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Larry R. Arnold, Sr.:
Larry 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

"Melinda and family;
I served with Larry many years ago in the army as his platton sergeant. Just prior to his death, we had made contact after so many years and planned to meet at camp shelby. I did come to camp shelby but was unable to find him with what little time I had. So I had planned to find him on my very next trip which is when I recieved the sad news via email from his loving wife Melinda. I regret not seeing Larry and my heart goes out to his family.
Now let me tell you something about Larry. I was stationed at fort leonarwood Missouri from 1979 thru 1982 as a plattoon sergeant in the 52nd combat engineers. I had 32 of the finest combat engineers in the United States Army under my command. Of those 32 soldiers, I relied heavily on Larry for many things because I knew he would get the job done. He was hard working, dependable, dedicated and trustworthy. He was the kind of person you could always count on, not to mention he was always a gentleman, polite, kind and considerate. As I recall, there was never a task he could not handle, including his involvement with the installation of the night fire fireing range at fort leonarwood Missouri. This was a complicated and extensive project, requiring a great deal of skill and proffessionalism. Larry was a fine soldier and a good man. My salute to Sergeant Larry Arnold and my prayers with his family.
May God Bless and keep you."
Phillip LaCoste (US Army retired) of Foley, Alabama

"Melinda and family. I hope you are doing as well as can be. I am sure some days are better/ easier to bear then others. I want to call but don't know what to say. I cry everytime I try to call. I don't want to make you more sad then you are. Every day is a struggle to get up and get dressed. You are not alone in your pain. Larry was a great man and he is missed."
Laura Cooley of Ocean Springs, MS

"THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.""
Sgt. Ross of Mississippi

"Merry Christmas From Heaven

I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold wintery nights

I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you
to help set your place

You don't have to be
perfect all of the time
He forgives you the slip
If you continue the climb

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
In a new special way

I love you all dearly
now don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year"
Vangi & McKaLyne Lunsford wife & daughter of the Late Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford of Batesville, MS

"To the family of:Larry R. Arnold,Sr I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"There are many who bear the name Larry Arnolds, this is just a message from one Larry Arnold to the family of another. No man is an island said John Donne. Any loss diminishes humanity, and I am strangely touched by the loss of another who shared the name of Larry Arnold. May God be with you."
Larry Arnold of Coventry UK

"I did not know the late Larry R Arnold, Sr. or his family, but I am a wife of the late Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford. I feel for the families who have gone what I have gone thru and are still going thru! We ask sometimes, Why me Lord? But we can't question God. Just leave it all in his hands. He brought us this far and he'll keep us under his wings! I pray daily for the families of lost loved ones and for the ones still there fighting for our freedom! Freedom isn't free. From the bottom of my heart and my 11 month old daughter, McKaLyne, we love you and THANK YOU for giving! Thanks is not enough for what you have gave up! Please keep us in your prayers as you are in ours!"
Vangi & McKaLyne Lunsford of Batesville, MS

"To Sgt. Arnold's Family, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to you. Your Larry is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"To The Arnold Family,
Our Family, Our City, Our Country grieves with you. We are so saddened by your loss. Your Soldier is OUR HERO! We will never forget him or the others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You and your Brave Soldier.."
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"TO THE ARNOLD FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY; WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN. LARRY HAS NOT GIVEN HIS LIFE IN VAIN. HE HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF MANY. TO THOSE IN HIS COMMUNITY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, HIS MILITRAY BROTHER'S, SISTER'S AND HIS LOVING FAMILY. LARRY AMERICA IS ALOT SAFER FOR YOU SERVING OUR GREAT COUNTRY. AN THOSE IN IRAQ, DO APPRECIATE ALL YOU AND THOSE SERVING FOR THEM HAVE DONE. LARRY THE MILITARY WAS YOUR CALLING IN LIFE. AN NOT MANY AMERICAN'S WILLING TO SERVE FOR HIS OR HER COUNTRY. I'M VERY THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL TO YOU' FOR MANY REASON'S. WE LOST OUR SON LAST MAY. AN ALTHOUGH, YOU AND GREGORY HAD NOT KNOWN ONE ANOTHER. YOU ARE BROTHER'S THAT WATCHED OVER ONE ANOTHER, EACH OTHERS UNIT AND EACH OTHERS BRANCH OF SERVICE. YESTERDAY, I WAS DOWN AT GROUND ZERO! (WORLD TRADE CENTER) SOMETHING I DO! THAT GIVE'S ME A BETTER UNDERSTANDING WHY? LARRY, GREGORY AND OTHER'S SERVE OUR COUNTRY. AN SINCE 911, YOU ALL HAVE MADE US ALOT SAFER! MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"For Larry R. Arnold, Sr.
Each time I see a waving flag, my eyes see so much more, The ones who died to save us from an evil at our door. The Army and the Navy, the Air Force and Marines, Have paid the price so I am free to live and see my dreams. The Army Reserve and Coast Guard, always at the country's call, To serve, protect and help us as they daily give their all. And though this country still is young; we're strong and we have power, Because of those who sacrifice, who'll go at any hour. I call you friend, my soldier, for someone who'd give their life, Is more than just a friend to me, for you were there to fight. And fight you have for freedom and the rights we hold so dear, You fought so we can live in peace and not live life in fear. I know there's nothing I can do that can and will repay, The debt of gratitude I owe when I woke up today. For when I leave my home today, I know that I can be, And speak and go where I may want, and that's because I'm free. This country is so blessed to have the soldier brave and true, So I salute you now my friend; my hat is off to you. Because of you I have a choice of where I go to work, Or where I live or go to school or where I go to church. I have the right to speak my mind and freedom of the press, The right to have a weapon or to start a street protest. But rights and freedoms would not be at our foundation's core, If you'd not fought the battles and the long and bloody wars. For those who don't believe in war or going out to fight, Are those who cannot understand the reasons we have rights. And those who think that war's a crime and want to live in peace, Are blinded by the devil's lies, for war has made us free. We're free today because of you; you've suffered, bled and died, Not one has ever died in vain for God is on our side. To thank you seems so incomplete for words cannot contain,The gratitude that's in my heart for wounded limbs and pain. The families that you leave at home, the friends you leave behind, Are proud of you and thankful for the sacrifice of time. No matter where you go or fight, where you may live or serve, Please know that there are those at home who mean these grateful words. Because of you this country lives in freedom, peace and wealth, And I don't take for granted every battle war has dealt. Though grateful words are not enough and they can never be, I'll say what's truly on my heart - because of you, I'm free."
J. Harrod (Veteran) of California

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

"Thank you Larry Arnold, Sr., 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 Sgt. Larry Arnold, Sr.:
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 Larry 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 Sgt. Larry Arnold, Sr.:
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 Larry, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on