Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"very impressive post, Salute to all our heroes. Have a good day! crazy kitchen game"
Lucille F. Parham of Los Angeles

"To the Family of Robert Arsiaga, My wife and I where privileged to honor Robert by carrying a dog tag with his name on it during this year West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally in Riverside Ca. While I didn't know him personally I can say that he was a great man just because of his willingness to do that which 99% of his peers would not and that is serve his country especially in a time of war when he knew for certain that he would walk in harms way. For that reason alone Robert was a hero and his loved ones will always be in my prayers. If any of his family see this post please contact me on facebook as I would like to send the tag to you along with some pictures we took during the event."
Stacey Mezenen of Barstow CA.

"Well my son, it's 10 years now that we lost you and I still lose my breath. We were invited to a 10 year reunion at Ft. Hood. I almost didn't go because for me it gets harder to be a part of these things. On April 1st I got my sign when I looked at the clock at 4:44 am. On Sunday the day we were leaving again I woke up to looked at the clock it said 4:44 so I know that I did the right thing. I got to meet so many guys that were there on that day. The one person I never thought I would meet was there. Duncan shared some things with us and I pray that it brings he some comfort and peace. I love the guys that you serviced with, they are the greatest men ever. I miss you but have my peace knowing that you were in the best of hands. Ernie, it was so good to see you again and you did what you had to do on that day. I love all the men from 2/5 cav. I will never forget you guys"
Sylvia Macias of Ft. Hoood, TX

"9 years ago today you were taken too soon. Miss you Robert, but the memory of you will never fade. I know you are watching over your loved ones from the heavens. Rest in Peace."
Monica of Mission Viejo, CA / USA

"7 years and I still have not forgotten Robert and our other Fallen Heros that fought and died on April 4th, 2004! Although I may have not done anything about it, their Families are never too far away from my thoughts!"
Ernie Avalos, 1SG (Ret) of Killeen, Texas

"To the Arsiaga Family My name is Mattew Jameson i am a senior a mount Baker high School in washington I just read a book on Robert Arsiaga an the 2-5 cav he seemed like an amazing person after this year I am enlisting in the army I wish I could have ment him and i am sorry for the loss in your family"
Matthew Jameson of Deming, washington state

"I miss you so much. This April 4th 2011 is going on 7 years and I still lose my breath. your mama"
Sylvia Macias of Midland, TX

"To the family of:Robert R. Arsiaga
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"1-7-11"

"APRIL 4TH 2010. 6 years ago, the world lost a soldier Spc. Robert Ray Arsiaga. His family lost a husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. On April 4, 2004 Robert was killed along with 7 other soldiers, one of them being his best friend, Israel Garza. We could never fathom living this life without you, Robert! God had different plans for your life. You fought for what you believed, you stood for what is right, and you gave your life for it. No words can express the gratitude we all feel for your courage. We may shed tears, but they are for us because we can’t wait for the day till we see you again. We are all better for having had you in our lives and we will never be the same. We miss you so much. your mom"
Sylvia Macias of Midland, TX

"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

"This year on April 4th 2009 will be 5 years that we lost you and I still can't believe it. We are celebrating your life this year with lots of family and friends. We have two of your friends coming to be with us to share their memeories of you. We'll be honoring all the guys that died that day with you in Sadr City Iraq. My god how I miss you beauiful face and your silly ways. I will never forget.
I love you mijo
your mom
In your honor
Spc. Ahmed Cason
Sgt. Yihjyh L. "Eddie" Chen
Spc. Israel Garza(Robert's best friend)
Spc Stephen D. Hiller
Cpl. Forest J. Jostes
Spc. Casey Sheehan
Sgt. Michael W. Mitchell"
Sylvia Macias of Midland, Tx

"To Robert's family, Just wanted to let you know I wear your son's braclet on my arm daily as a reminder of his sacrifice and yours. I work at a VA hospital. Please accept my prayers and thoughts."
Linda Macaluso, LCSW, ACSW of Buffalo, NY

"i WAs in line with him in sadr city at the chow line when we were called out that we had a squad out there stuck he went in the truck but i went in the bradley my name is sgt barajas i waS VERY GOOD FRIENDS WITH ARSIAGA I HAVE TONS OF HIS PICTURES WHEN WE WERE AT NTC IN CALI ALSO GARZA WE WENT TO BASIC AND I HAD THE PRIVELEDGE OF BEIGN WITH HIM IN TH ONE AND ONLY ALPHA 2/5 CAV FORT HOOD HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAH IF ANY ONE REMEMBERS ME OR WANT TO TALK CALL ME AT gerardo.barajasjr@us.army.mil"
sgt barajas of california

"i WAs in line with him in sadr city at the chow line when we were called out that we had a squad out there stuck he went in the truck but i went in the bradley my name is sgt barajas i waS VERY GOOD FRIENDS WITH ARSIAGA I HAVE TONS OF HIS PICTURES WHEN WE WERE AT NTC IN CALI ALSO GARZA WE WENT TO BASIC AND I HAD THE PRIVELEDGE OF BEIGN WITH HIM IN TH ONE AND ONLY ALPHA 2/5 CAV FORT HOOD HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAH IF ANY ONE REMEMBERS ME OR WANT TO TALK CALL ME AT gerardo.barajasjr@us.army.mil"
sgt barajas of california

"Little Brother, not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Jet misses you alot this year and we are all very proud. Elyja was so little when you went away. He gets to hold the American flag at his preschool graduation and knows you are watching over him. Domanik is so grown now. He knows who his guardian angel is. We love and miss you everyday. Your sister"
Angel Munoz of Midland, Tx USA

"4/4/08

Its been four years and 4/4 still is burned in my brain.

Thank you for your sacrifice."
ex 2/5 of Alexandria, VA

"March 28, 2008
To the family of Spc. Robert R. Arsiaga:
Robert 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

"Arsiaga,
It was an honor serving with you but it will be an even greater honor when we all meet again. "To be absent from this world, is to be present with the Father." So we've morned for you here but we will rejoyce with you in Heaven...Amen."
CPT Jim Miller, 75th DIV USAR of Houston, Texas

"Robert, I am sad that I never had the pleasure of meeting you, and I tell my girls about you. Thank You for what you did. I am thankful to all the men & women who protect us everyday. Thank You to those who never made it home, and may God protect those who are still over there....to Sylvia, Gilbert, Angel and Jeremy, we love you guys and it truely is an honor to be a part of your family, and I am proud to be an Arsiaga!"
Bianca Arsiaga wife of Orlando Arsiaga of Midland, Texas/USA

"I too proudly wear Robert's bracelet, I wasnt fortunate enough to ever meet him, but through the stories here and on other sites it only multiplies the amount of admiration and pride that swells inside for this fellow soldier. I feel for his family especially and his friends who are 1 less hero strong, but remain vigilant through his memory.
god bless & god speed"
Spc Joshua C Hall of 399th CSH Mosul/Al Asad Iraq

"AS A VIETNAM COMBAT VET3BRIGADE 9TH INF, DIV VIETNAM , MEKONG DELTA C2/60TH INF. BATTALION SPECIALIST EDUARDO HINOJOSA DISABLED 66-67 UNCLE OF JOHNNY PERALES KILLED IED IN IRAQ JANUARY 2006 MAY I EXPRESS MY SYMPATHY TO THE ROBERT ARSIAGA FAMILY"
ED of IRVING TEXAS,USA

"Sgt Sutherland,
Could you contact Robert's mother at sylviammacias@yahoo.com. She was wanting to know about the favor he did for you on the 3rd."
Gilbert of Midland, TX

"ARSIAGA- THANKS FOR THE FAVOR YOU DID FOR ME ON APR. 3RD, I NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO SAY THANKS. YOU ARE A GREAT MAN AND ARE DEEPLY MISSED BY EVERYONE IN THE UNIT. GOD SPEED"
SGT. SUTHERLAND of 2-5 CAV FT. HOOD TX

"Arsiaga and I were squad mates when he was killed, and I'll never forget him. We all lost a substantial piece of our innocence when he fell. I miss you, buddy."
Duncan Koebrich of Austin, TX

"I also proudly wear a bracelet with Spc. Robert Arsiaga's name on it. Seeing his picture and reading his story places even more importance for me to keep praying for the military and their families. God bless you all. And my deepest graditude to all who serve to protect the citizens of the United States. I am so thankful and blessed to be an American. Thank you so much to Robert's family. I truly appreciate your son/husband and everything he did. He made a difference. God Bless."
Peggy Janes of St. Louis, Mo. U.S.A.

"I also want to thank very one along with my daughter-in Tracey who left a message for my son Robert Arsiaga and my family. It makes me feel go to know that people think about him and all the others that have lost their lives for this war and other wars past. Robert has two brothers and a sister who were also in the milatry. Robert and he's sister were in the army and the other two in the marines. I'm so proud of all my childern and espeically of Robert who was ready to go when they told him he was going to Iraq. thank you for all the support that this country has given us and I will pray for all the guys and girls that are still there.I will miss my son and think of him everyday, but God had a plan for Robert. I have to belieive that God did'nt make a mistake when he took him. All I want now is for this war to end. Keep the prayers coming they are Helping me get through this. Thank you again"
Sylvia Macias Mother of Midland Texas

"I would like to say thank you to everyone who has given there support to my family and I and also keeping my husband memory alive and not forgotten. I would also like to give my deepest condolences and support to all the families and friends of the fallen soldiers and I am very proud for there service to this country. I am so proud of my babe's great sacrifice and unselfish dedication to make the world more peaceful and more free. I am happy to say that god blessed me with a very special soulmate and I love and miss him very much and I shall always honor his memory. Once again thank you for the support everyone has given to my family and I. I love and miss you babe"
Tracie Arsiaga spouse of SPC. Robert Ray Arsiaga of Midland, TX

"I went to basic and ait with Robert, and I have a couple pictures. He was my battle buddy, slept in the bunk next to me. I am terribly saddend by his lost and I hope that in time his family will be ok. I never got to talk to him after I left for airborne school, but I will never forget him. God bless you Roberto, wherever you are."
SSG Devin Bowman of Anchorage, AK

"I just found out through my family my cousin robert had passed away in this attack. the last time i saw robert was almost 10 years ago but i remember him like it was yesterday. this breaks my heart to no end for not only me and my family but for anyone who loses someone. I can say im truly proud of my cousin and i hope he protects us from heaven as he protected us on earth."
shane munoz of phoenix, az

"I proudly wear a bracelet with Robert Arsiaga's name. It reminds me daily of all the true AMERICAN HEROS."
Kathy of Tampa, Florida

"I am sorry for your loss. I am honored to wear a bracelet bearing his name, rank, and branch of service. When I received the bracelet, I searched the internet to learn more about SPC. Robert R. Arsiaga. When someone asks about the bracelet I am wearing, I am able to tell them something about him and show them a picture that I carry of him. He is now in a better place giving him the peace and freedom that he fought for all of us."
Frank Olivencia of San Antonio, Texas

"There is not a day that goes by that I don't in some way think about the greatest soldier ever that gave his own life for my freedom. I work closely with Robert's sister Angel and I am now and will always be a shoulder for her grief. My prayers are with the family daily! I Love You!!"
Kendra Sterling of Midland, Texas USA

"Thank you soldier for your sacrifice. May God be with you and your family. We will not forget."
Sabra Crowe of Lubbock, TX

"Tracie I feel your pain.I know that our husbands were best of friends.I will always remember the bond that they had together.Robert would be at our house almost every weekend in our refigerator, or they would be out at the lake every chance they could.Robert would always cover for Israel when he was late for work. I also remember when they switched clothes at work.They had a very close friendship. He was a good man and I am glad that they were with eachother. I know that there is nothing I can say. You are in my prayers and you always will be. I am sorry that we did not get to know eachother better.God bless you and thank you for Roberts service.

wife of Spc.Garza Israel"
Lupita Garza of Lubbock Tx,

"To the family of Robert:
I graduated from Greenwood High School with Robert in 1998. I did not know him very well, but as in any small town - we definitely knew each other. Robert was a very kind guy and he will be truly missed. I am just now finding out this news by accident and am deeply saddened - you are in my prayers.
Lauren Cotton (Maiden Name - Watkins or Summer in High School)"
Lauren of San Angelo, Texas

"I was so saddened to see this notice about Robert since we have lost touch with each other. He will always be remembered as a true friend and brother. You are all in my prayers."
Linda Lujan of Bay city, MI

"to tracie arsiaga and robert's family:
i read in the new york times yesterday about the attack on april 4 and your family's loss. i'm a middle-aged woman who reads about iraq with growing concern. i've never met your family but i think we share some basque/hispanic heritage. i'm here in seattle, looking at green trees and the very blue waters of lake washington, and both my husband and my beloved stepson are safe. i am very lucky. please, if there is anything we can do to help either the arsiaga family or send anything to robert's unit, please write to me. our prayers are with you all."
mary ann careaga of seattle, wa., usa

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

"To Robert'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
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"i knew you as a close friend to my now ex- husband clayton carver and will always remember you for the way you were then and the way you gave your life for what you believed in. thank you barbara thomas of fort hood"
barbara thomas of fort hood

"I have made a quilt block for Robert that will be included in the KIA Memorial Quilt (www.kiamemorialquilt.com)

My sincere sympathy on your loss and gratefulness for your sacrifice."
Kristie Jones of Houston, TX

"to the family of robert arsiaga. i am michael mitchell's sister, and i believe he was was also killed in this attack that took your loved one. my heart goes out to you because i know that my family is feeling the same grief, frustration and heartache. my family is still searching for more information on exactly what happened that day. we know that mike was not ordered to go out on that "patrol", but volunteered to "help out his buddies". although we know it will not bring him back, we are looking to find out more specific information in regards to that day. if you have anything you would like to share, or would just like to talk, please email me at formichaelwilliammitchell@charter.net"
christine jayroe of atascadero, ca usa

"To Robert's Family:
There are no words to express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

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

"Thank you Robert R Arsiaga, you will not be forgotten for your true heroism. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest sorrow to your family and friends. I can only hope that your memories will help you through this time of sorrow. Your son is a true American Hero.""
Sandi of Simi Valley, CA

"On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincere condolences. We share the same loss...the same pain. Our prayers are with you and we thank you for your child's bravery & sacrifice.

From the family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

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