Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"PO2 Baez was the LPO in the Ortho Clinic in Point Loma - Liberty Station, a Branch Clinic of NMCSD. I was on recall for OEF and worked directly with him before he deployed. I think of him often and am thankful to have known and worked with him as he supported our clinic mission. On this Memorial Day, I honor the memory of Petty Officer Baez. I shall never forget. Many continued prayers in support of his family."
CDR K. Bartku, MSC, USNR (Ret) of Tampa, FL

"It breaks our hearts but salute to Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Cesar O. Baez. Thank you for your service. Your family surely proud of you. brain teaser games for adults"
Lucille F. Parham of Los Angeles

"Cesar,
I have an interesting story for you... When you were serving in Iraq in 2005, so was I. You didn't know me, and I didn't know you. I was deployed to Baghdad International Airport and am active duty Airman for the U.S. Air Force. Towards the end of my tour (December 2006), I decided to acquire a memory bracelet, much similar to a POW/MIA bracelet. When I submitted my order, I stated I don't care who it is and what service they are in, I just want to remember one of our fallen who gave their ultimate sacrifice. Well, the silver bracelet the company sent me had your name on it "PO2 Cesar O. Baez, USN 15 JUN 05 IRAQ" I want you to know from one service member to another, you will never be forgotten. Ever since that bracelet arrived to me in 2006, I wear it every single day (on duty and off). I constantly am asked who the name is on my bracelet and I tell everyone that you were my fallen brother. So, rest in peace brother, and know that even complete strangers are remembering you and paying respects to you and your family on a daily basis.

With much love,
Master Sergeant Ernie Rude
Active Duty Air Force
rudedawg78@gmail.com"
MSgt Ernie Rude of Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida

"Ceasar my friend! You made me look good in Field Med, and I was lucky to have you with all your unselfish wisdom on my team! You were killed 1 month after I returned from Iraq where I was in Falluja fighting house to house, during Phantom Fury and lost 2 other friends. I was crushed to see your name on the list. I thank god I was able to see you in the O.R. at San Diego in 2003. I have tried to write something on one of your memorials a few times but like now I always start to ball like I am now! You would probably say something like suck it up Fish this is what we do, do you wanna live forever? But man I miss you. I think about you often and I wonder why its so true that the ones Killed in this War were truly the Best! You were such a good Guy and anyone who knew you would have gladly took your place. It was an Honor to know you and an Honor to learn from you. Without you I would still be lost out in Camp Pendleton somewhere. I am retired now for 3 yrs and having my 1st baby! A son I can only hope he grows up to be Half the man that you were. I struggle with the fact that I survived and guys like you did not. Its really hard at times. I thought this would help me in someway, but it seems to have just made me miss you more, and reopened my unhealed War wounds! Its just such a shame we lost such a great Man. You know? There is so much more I wish I could type here but I guess we can catch up on the other side.
Mike Fisher HM1 USN(RET)"
Mike Fisher of Cebu Philippines

"Love you, Miss you everyday"
Rosanna Baez of Humble tx

"Sid it's been 7yrs since I was forced to say goodbye to you Brother but in those 7 yrs I always speak of you and when i do I still get choked up b/c you were the true meaning of a Devil DOC and when I made Chief it pained me that I could only look to the sky and hope that you and all our brothers from 2/5 were looking down smiling I owe a lot of my success to you bro You will neva be forgotten as long as I draw Breathe Brother!!!"
HMC Maurice Cornish of Sasebo, Japan

"HM2,
You were very excited when you have told me that you will deploy in Iraq, you also mentioned that we will see each other again overthere. I was tasked as an augmentee to 1st MLG on 2007 in preparation to OIF, I was in some field exercises when our tents were named after a fallen sailors. On my last day, my tent was broken down and all of our seabags were stacked together in one place. I saw a piece of paper that were sticking on the side of my seabag and it was surprising that your name is in that piece of paper... I kept that piece of paper in my seabag till now... Thanks for everything bro... I know that you are still guiding us here in this world especially those who are still in battle and those who are left behind. God Bless You Bro..."
HM1 (SW/FMF) F. T. Hernandez of San Diego CA

"I am proud to say that I served with "Sid" in Fox Company 2/5 31st MeuSOC. I am honored to have served together with a man like Doc Baez... He is the best man I've known...Fair Winds and Following Seas my brother... SEMPER FI Marine"
Doc Perry of Cape Cod

"I was in Hospital Corps school the same time Baez was... RIP brother..... Raul Perez its Ramos from corps school ..good to see you on this thread."
Eric Ramos of Grand Prairie/Texas

"Libo! Miss you bro,Semper Fi!"
Raul of PA

"Sid I still remember the first day u came into to the BAS it was May 1999 and u were this bad azz 3rd putting everyone in check making sure we diid our job right and we looked out for each other I remember you told me DOCS stick together and that I better watch out for my Brothers, Sid you were the best brother I miss you man I keep pushing forward and fighting to get ahead in the Navy to Honor your memory you will neva be forgotten in my lifetime RIP Brother"
Doc Cornish WPNS 2/5 1999/ H&S 2/5 2004-2005 of Sasebo Japan

"Thinkin about you today brother"
Andy Barker of Virginia Beach, VA

"SEMPER FI BROTHER!"
Raul of PA, USA

"hey baez i still remember the when i met you in 1995 and you would share all of your stories with me... i would tell you how i wanted to be like you and you jokenly told me that no one could be as bad as you and after so many years i know that what you told me 14 yrs ago is true because you are a HERO and are amongst many other HEROS.. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU DOC....."
SIERCKE FOX 2/4 - 2/5

"hey baez i still remember the when i met you in 1995 and you would share all of your stories with me... i would tell you how i wanted to be like you and you jokenly told me that no one could be as bad as you and after so many years i know that what you told me 14 yrs ago is true because you are a HERO and are amongst many other HEROS.. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU DOC....."
SIERCKE FOX 2/4

"hey baez i still remember the when i met you in 1995 and you would share all of your stories with me... i would tell you how i wanted to be like you and you jokenly told me that no one could be as bad as you and after so many years i know that what you told me 14 yrs ago is true because you are a HERO and are amongst many other HEROS.. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU DOC....."
SIERCKE FOX 2/4

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Semper Fi Brother!
I have not forgotten!"
Raul of PA

"There is an inscription, on a Gate at Arlington, National Cemetery, that reads 'Rest easy, sleep well, my brothers. Know, the line has held, your job is done. Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up, where you fell, the line has held Peace, peace, and farewell't"
The Taylor Family of Florida

"Cid
You taught me alot about being a Doc and a friend.

Thx BROTHER"
HM3 (FMF) Gabe Botello of Nashville, Tn

"Cid, it has been 13 years since your paddle party at the point but I remember those times well. He was a good man and a good recon Marine."
Tonto of Warrenton, Virginia

"Hey Cid,
Tony sent me this link. Even though we didn't know each that long, it was like we had known each other forever. I was with Raul the day we snatched you up from the barracks and brought you down to Chicago taped up in the backseat of my car. Miss you bro. I know you're up there looking out for us."
HMC(SS/FMF) Andy Barker of Virginia Beach, VA

"Cid, Its been a very long time since we had your "Paddle Party" on the point at Schwab. I came across your picture the other day, alot of good memories of working NTA with you. Fair winds and following seas, brother Recon!"
Anthony Coleman of Minden, NV

"Unselfishly, you left your fathers and your mothers, You left behind your sisters and your brothers. Leaving your beloved children and wives, You put on hold your dreams, your lives. On foreign soil, you found yourself planted To fight for those whose freedom you granted. Without your sacrifice, their cause would be lost But you carried onward, no matter the cost. Many horrors you had endured and seen. Many faces had haunted your dreams. You cheered as your enemies littered the ground You cried as your brothers fell all around. When it was over, you all came back home, Some were left with memories to face all alone Some found themselves in the company of friends As their crosses cast shadows across the land. Those who survived were forever scarred Emotionally, physically, permanently marred. Those who did not, now sleep eternally Beneath the ground they had given their lives to keep us free. With a hand upon my heart, I feel The pride and respect my reverence is revealed In the tears that now stream down my upturned face As our flag waves above you, in her glory and grace. Freedom was the gift that you unselfishly gave Pain and death was the price that you ultimately paid. Every day, I give my utmost admiration To those who had fought to defend our nation. ~Author Unknown~"
William Taylor of Bonita Springs, Fl.

"Cid,
It's Janruary 6, 2009.I was looking the the wall of fallen heroes, hoping to not know anyone. We were former Recon Marines, who for some ungodly reason, decided to become corpsmen in 1996. We terrorized a lot of boots and corrupted just as many. Micah, AKA Powder, actually became an officer. I remember when Holloway helped me drag you out to Chicago in your green PT gear, because you were going to spend time studying.No way Brother.I often tell the story about your jump in Okinawa, where you hung in the tree overnight. You are a hard dick and are greatly missed. Semper Fi Brother!"
Raul Perez Cpl.USMC,HM2(FMF,DV,PJ) of Hummelstown, PA

"I went through FMSS in the same platoon as Baez. He was always the first person I looked to for an example, and every memory I have of him, he is in front. Leading.. Fair winds and following seas brother."
HM3(fmf) Diesch, Eric of Seattle, Wa.

"Cid,
Not sure why but it's taken me a while, sorry. All I can say is thanks for the memories, miss you and Semper Fi."
Doc Minesinger of California

"Cid, I think of you always and ask many times each day for the strength and admiration you had for the military. I have the pictures from Bridgeport and remember you taking on that much needed leadership role while we were in Horno. I miss you ole buddy and have a special place in my heart for men like you. 2/5,
RCT1 and a lot of laughs. Chuck Minkowski HMCS(FMF) Fair Winds/Semper Fi
fshman21p@yahoo.com"
Chuck Minkowski of RET Pensacola

"From a fellow old "Doc" (67-75).
Semper Fi and Rest in Peace."
Dan McDevitt of Chicago, IL, USA

"March 28, 2008
To the family of Petty Officer 2nd Class Cesar O. Baez:
Cesar 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 still have a shirt that Cid drew the design for when he was with 3rd Recon. If his family or son would like it I will be proud to send it to them. I can be contacted at david_eckrich@yahoo.com"

"Cid was a funny guy and a great artist. Even though we haven't spoken in 10-15 years, his loss is still a tragedy to those that knew him, and to America as a whole. He was the best of us."
Dave (3rd Recon) of St. Louis

"Cid,

Fairwind and Following Seas! I am so sorry we lost touch over the years. I think of you often, and miss you and Rosanna very much. You two were alwyas the best of friends and family. You WILL be missed!!! I love you Compa!"
HM3 (FMF) Jason 'J' Allen of Groves, TX USA

"Cid you are a man among men you stood for what many others could only hope to stand for. I will never forget you brother, there is not a day that goes by that I dont think about you and your family. Semper Fi Blackhearts for life. I hope to meet up some day and get in a game of spades."
Christopher Vandling of Mahwah, NJ

"RIP DOC.
You are not Forgotten."
navy seabee of USA

"To the Baez Family, I am sorry for your loss. Cesar was a fine man and an outstanding Sailor and Hospital Corpsman. I met him several times in Ramadi. I was a board member for his Fleet Marine Force Warfare device. I am honored to have known such a man. I am thankful for his service and his sacrifice. He will always be remembered in my mind. God Bless You and Keep you Forever!"
HM1(FMF/PJ) Estevan Pacheco of Okinawa Japan

"Doc was one of my greatest friends....I miss him alot...I just wanted to say that there isnt a day that goes by that I dont think of him.

I have a sign that I made up that sits out in front of the house, in remembrance of him and some of the other guys that fell in Iraq, during all military holidays...He was a Funny guy and a blast to hang out with...he was always able to get you to laugh...and was about the only corpsman that I trusted 100% with my life....He will be missed...
Take care my FRIEND know that you are missed..."

"You were an amazing Sailor, Corpsman, Shipmate and person. Thank you for your service."
Scott of San Diego, CA

"To Cesar Family
Sorry about your loss.

To Cid:
Semper Fi Cid
you were great buddy and friend. I served with Cid in 1996 with 2/5 Marines."
SSG Keene, James of colorado springs, CO

"To the family of:Cesar O. Baez 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"

"I personally worked with SID at NMCSD orthopeadics dept. he was as great a LPO as any and a great man and father to his kids. To this very day he is still missed and will always be remembered."
HM2 Mark Pierre of San Diego, California

"Cid,
Semper Fi. Recon Brother.(3rd Recon93)
To the Family of Cid,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am now at a Naval Hospital and there are fellow Corpsman here who served with Cid, I knew him in our previous life in Oki, He will be missed greatly, please know that I extend my deepest sympathy. If you ever need anything at all please feel free to contact me.
linus4sally@aol.com"
Marc Nelson, LTJG of Lemoore Ca,

"Sid, There is not a day I do not think of you. I am a better person for have knowing you."
HMC R. J. Lewis of Oceanside, CA

"Thank you. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate. God bless you."
Chuck of Dallas, Texas

"May your family be comforted in this time of trial, and may you always take pride in his service. God bless your FMF Doc...

Semper Fidelis."
C. Nordstrom of Biddeford, Maine

"To all the Baez family.

You have my sypathy and love. Cid was my senior corpsman with 2/5 from 1997 to 2000 when I left. He was a great man I will miss him.

Much love
HM3(FMF/SW) Shaw, Michael J"
Michael J Shaw of Naval Hospital Yokosuka Japan

"To Cesar O Baez and Family,
Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for our country that you have served for numerous years as a former Marine turned Corpsman. I served along side you in OIF1 3/1. You have given up so much in you life for a greater cause and I salute you and your family."
HM3 Keosibounheuang, Kevin of Okinawa, Japan

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

"I served with Cid at NTC for 3 years. I transferred to Okinawa when he went to Camp Pendelton. He died serving his country which is something he loved doing. I will never forget him and he will live on forever within our hearts. You all are in my prayers and if you need anything, please e-mail me at johnvickimolly@gmail.com. God bless him. He will be missed."
Vicki Brantly of Okinawa, Japan

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Cesar O. Baez,

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 use our link and register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts "
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, California USA

"My prayers are with you. When I heard the news, my heart broke. I know that it hurts, and the hurt will stay in your heart, just remember the good memories you had and the sun will shine through. God Bless."

________________________________________
"ANYWHERE, ANYTIME
God has a way of directing our lives.
In the Navy Hospital Corps, his love surely thrives.

I don't know why we were chosen for the medical field.
But, God's reasons were soon revealed.

Compassion and strength that we never knew we possessed,
Was given to us by God, so the way to heal could be accessed.

He chose both men and women to serve,
Then gave us what it takes and a lot of nerve.

The Navy Corpsman can express his innermost feelings,
Like when he holds a sick baby in his arms and his love is so revealing.

Where does the courage come from, a Corpsman will never boast.
He will never back down when his comrades need him the most.

The Navy Corpsman does not fear the mud and the grime.
He is ready to go Anywhere, Anytime.

How can he charge into adversity and face certain death ?
With nothing but his-unit one and a prayer on his breath.

A Corpsman's responsibility is great, but his charges he will protect.
He will look after the sick and dying and never neglect.

When he is finally alone and there is no one to know,
The tears in his eyes will finally show.

What is on the Corpsman's mind is between him and his God.
It will never be revealed, no matter where on earth he will trod.

On judgement day, God will probably say, Corpsman Up! your place has been reserved.
For all the deeds you did while on earth, your heavenly reward is well deserved."
------O.W.(Smokey)Cleveland
(c)1996"
HM2(AW) Kelsey, M. of USNH Guam

"To my cousin Cesar,

I remember our times as young kids together at your house, my house and at grandma's house. I remember a photo that we took together in which we were proudly showing off our stick on tatoos, but that was many years ago and now we both have served our country, we have seen war, we have families of our own. I will forever cherish our times together and will offer those memories to your family if they wish as those were some happy times. I know that at your memorial service, I will attempt to remain strong and will offer your parents, brothers, and sisters my condolences as well as your wife and kids. I remember when you asked me advice about military service based on my own service and my only regret is that I could not be there with you to watch each others backs. I will miss you always "piggy", may God keep you in his tender care and for your family, I offer whatever service you may need that I can provide.

PS: I know that the streets of heaven are guarded by Marines, so don't try to get out guard duty by telling them that you are a sailor. You may be a sailor, but remember the saying; "Once a Marine, Always a Marine."

Semper Fidelis Cesar, I love you"
James B. Flores (Dino) of Oceanside, CA

"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

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

"to the baez family,
i met "SID" back in 99 when we were at 5th Regiment and again through HMC Mata and i served with him during OIF I, we were at 3/1 togther. he was a true friend and great example of a sailor/ ex-marine. i am sorry for your loss. my prayers are with you and your family. he is a hero to me & to us all and will never be forgotten.

i love you carnal thank you for your sacrifice."
HM2(FMF)Richard Nevarez of MCB Camp Pendleton

"RIP SHIPMATE"
US Navy Sailor

"TO THE BAEZ FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE LOST OF CESAR. HE HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF MANY. AN THE MANY WILL NEVER FORGET HIM. THIS WAS CESAR'S CALLING IN LIFE TO SERVE OUR GREAT COUNTRY. AN ALL AMERICAN'S ARE ALOT SAFER BECAUSE OF HIM. SINCE 911 HE HAS FOUGHT AGAINST TERRORISM AND TO HELP OUR FORCES AND THOSE IN IRAQ. HE IS AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A SPECIAL HEART FOR OTHER'S. AN SO THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL OUR SON'S SERVED TOGETHER. OH, I REALIZE NEITHER KNEW ONE ANOTHER. SERVING TWO DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF SERVICE. YET, BOTH ARE BROTHER'S IN ONE AMAZING MILITARY FAMILY. TO ALWAYS WATCH OVER ONE ANOTHER AND EACH OTHERS UNIT. WE LOST OUR SON LAST YEAR. MY TEARS ARE WITH GREG, CESAR AND ALL THE WOUNDED AND FALLEN. CESAR YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. FOR YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN. THOSE SERVING IRAQ WILL MISS YOU. yET, YOU ARE IN THEY HEARTS AND PRAYS. AS YOU ARE IN MY HEART AND PRAYS. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Navy Petty Officer Cesar O Baez,"thank you" isn't enough for the ultimate sacrifice you gave to each of us. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.""
Jerry & Toni Longville of Akron, Ohio

"Thank you Cesar Baez, 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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Cesar Baez:
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 Cesar 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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Cesar Baez:
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 Cesar, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia