Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"In 2003 I was pregnant with my son Tristan James Norris. You were 17. We hung out at Lake Piomingo in Tupelo Ms at our mutual friends home, Tristan “ Creg “ Farris. I remember playing video games with you. I remember the day you told me you were going to join the Marines. You were so proud. You were a very sweet, good, kind soul. I will never forget the day I learned of your ultimate sacrifice. It lives forever in my mind. Just like the day you told me you weee going to be a Marine. You were so young. You were so proud. I kept the newspaper clippings of your sacrifice. I thought of you again the day my son PFC Tristan J Norris USMC swore in at 17 years old. I still have the newspaper clippings. I think of you always. I’ve thought about you often for almost 20 years. Now, I think of you every day. Gone too soon. You were a good friend. A good person. You knew you would be a Marine and you were so proud. I hope I get to see you in Heaven one day. I know you’re there. Please watch over my Marine. PFC Tristan J Norris. You knew him before he took his first breath. Perhaps it was you that inspired him. Perhaps he heard your voice and the pride you had when talking about the Marine Corps. I thank you for your kindness when I had no one else to show me kindness. I thank you for your ultimate sacrifice for my freedom and my sons freedom. Oorah."
Ashley Worthey Stuart of Oxford Ms

"It breaks our hearts but salute to Marine Pfc. Stephen P. Baldwyn. Thank you for your service. Your family surely proud of you. word brain games"
Lucille F. Parham of Los Angeles

"7 years have passed but I think about you daily."
SgtMaj Jeffrey Dagenhart of Camp Lejeune, NC

"You are not forgotten.

Wpns Co, Ops Chief 3/8 2003-2005"
MGySgt Stewart A. Stout of Quantico, VA

"He was my best friend and I was with him during his last few moments of life, we had fun while we were there and always stuck together and helped each other out no matter what. He has and still is impacting my life like no other person I have ever known. Just as Jesus Christ did, I feel he laid his life down for us so that we might have life! I miss him so much and can't help but wonder how much more different life would be if he were here now? Baldwyn, I love ya bro!"
Brian Dunn of Rock Hill, SC

"To the family of:Stephen P. Baldwyn 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"

"On Sunday, May 25, 2008, First Baptist Church(firstorlando.com) honored American soldiers who died in every battle from World War I to the current campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. As part of the Day of Remembrance, First Orlando members placed flags with the names of fallen soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan in the “Field of Remembrance” http://www.firstorlando.com/Home/Multimedia/News/tabid/438/ctl/ViewItem/mid/1602/ItemId/197/Default.aspx?SkinSrc=/Portals/_default/Skins/FBCO_Wide/Default&ContainerSrc=/Portals/_default/Containers/FBCO%20-%20GreyRoundBox/GreyRoundBox I enjoyed the privilege of taking the flag to Honor Stephen P. Baldwyn to the “Field of Remembrance” where I saluted and thanked row after row of American Heroes. Then I posted PFC Baldwyn’s flag, said a prayer for him, his family, and fellow Marines. I continue to give a moment of silence each time I pass by the “Field of Remembrance” for our Heroes. May God Bless you and keep you!"
Mark D. Van Hala, P.E., LCdr, CEC, USNR (RET), F.NSPE, FES, M.ASCE of Orlando, Florida

"April 13, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Stephen P. Baldwyn:
Stephen 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

"Well, I just wanted to tell you we have your picture hanging on the wall and Drew already knows who you are! When I point to it, I'll ask him who you are and he says UNCLE! It is the sweetest thing I have ever heard. I wish you could be here to see him. We love you and miss you dearly."
Sister-in-law of Salitllo, MS

"HE walked tall with every step he took, and he knew no matter what the situation, we were going to follow each other. If I could descibe Stephen in just a few words, these would be them. Stephen and I have had a lot of fun times with one another. Got into trouble more than we stayed out. We still do as his mother says. He is truly a great person. The one you could count on to have your back in whatever and whenever. He was there for me way before the marines. We skipped school DAILY to do dumb stuff. Then rode together to work in the mountaineer.
Stephen has influenced me in so many ways before him leaving us. I am proud that we joined the Marines. We influence my brother so much that now he followed behind us. Stephen isnt gone and will never be, I recall all of the memories DAILY and letting them influence my life. Today is Veterans Day 2007, and saying thanks for your service and friendship isnt enough to me. So I want to say thanks for the brotherhood."
Your good Buddy of Mooreville, MS

"This is to all who have kept Stephen in their preys and memories--I want to thank all of you for your love and support. As it gets closer to his birthday and the dreaded anniversary, I hope all those that have been touched remember those that have gone before, since then, and those that are still here. Lift them up and let them all know that they are loved and supported in their efforts to make a terrrible situation better.
On a personal note...his nephew arrived on July 24th, 2006 and was named Stephen Andrew Baldwyn, "Drew" for short. His is a healthy, precious boy.
I hope that everyone knows how much their support and thoughts are appreciated. It means so much to all of us, especially me. It makes me so proud to hear all about my baby brother and the lives that he touched during his short time with us.
Anyone with personal thoughts or memeories can share them with me via mail @ 268 CR 805 Shannon MS. It would truly mean the world to me."
Big Sis, Angela Keith of Brewer, MS

"Family Members:

May the Lord embrace your Marine. The Honor, Courage and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembred. Remember: John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". We love our "Devil Dogs"."
Liz Romagosa of Lincolnton, NC

""Dear Baldwyn Family,
I don't know what exactly to say other than Stephen is a true hero. So young, yet had done so much. He is resting now knowing that he has done this country proud as well as his fellow Marines. For his bravery in serving the in most elite fighting force, he will surely not be forgotten.

Semper Fi"
LCpl Reyes of Cali

"It has been one year today since we lost you. We all wish we could see you and tell you how proud of you we are. We miss you more than I could ever put into words and it hurts everyday just the same. I wish you could be here to see your nephew, who will be here in July. I am giving him your name and one day I can tell him all about the brave Marine he was named after. WE LOVE YOU STEPHEN!"
Your brother and sister-in-law of Saltillo, Mississippi

"I knew Baldwyn from boot camp all the way through SOI. He was a man that not many can live up to. It was on that fatefull day when one of his best friends walked by me in Fallujah, I asked what was wrong, because by the look on his face somthing was wrong. He told me about what happened. And that night it hit me, he was gone forever. He gave the ultimate sacrifice that any man could for his country. He will always be remembered in the minds and hearts of everyone that he impacted through his life. God Bless you all and may he live always in infamy. Semper Fi Baldwyn"
Wayne Smith of Miami, FL

"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

"I knew stephen he was a great kid. He was really close to my big brother. I remember stephen coming to our house several times. He came over and shot off fireworks with me on the 4th of july the year before he past away. I always looked up to stephen. I knew he would be something one day. He is something no one can compare to. He is a hero. I'll miss him."
Mary Harter(hatfield) of Sidney, Ohio ,U.S

"My thoughts are with you - the loved ones of PFC Baldwyn -- Your son, brother, grandson, loved one - was a Hero -- and will live on in the memories of all of us who fight for the right to live in Freedom --
LCPL Brown, Kasey W.
3/8"
LCPL Kasey Brown of Camp LeJeune

"To the Baldwyn Family, I am so sorry for your loss, I have just read all the beautiful tributes about your wonderful Stephen. What a fine young man you raised. Stephen is a true American Hero, who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and God Bless Stephen."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"To the Baldwyn Family,
My name is Sean Baxter and I am a U.S. Marine. I am also from Saltillo and can't express to you the deep respect and gratitude that I have for you and your son. I have served at Fallujah and remember the good times and the bad. Your son had good times too. He saw the smiling faces of young children that wave and peek shyly from the edge of the road. Little ones two and three years old with that light in their eyes that can not be ignored and it just pings your heart. He felt the anger that you feel when you see the innocent attacked in any form and felt the warmth and goodness that God gives you when you do something about it. Most people will never know that feeling. Please take heart in knowing that your son knew that feeling and, through it, made his peace with God. God Bless you.

P.S. If you ever want to know anything about the Marine Corps, it's units, or Camp Lejeune, please write me at gary.baxter@usmc.mil"
Sean Baxter of Camp Lejeune, NC/United States of America

"I did not know the late Stephen P. Baldwyn 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

"Steven or Baldwyn as I called him was a good man and a great friend. I had known him for less than a year and already considered him one of my best friends and as a godfather for my new born son. I give my deepest condolences to his family and I would like to thank them for bringing such a wonderful individual into the world. No one could ask for a finer man to serve with."
P.F.C Wilson of Jacksonville, NC

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

"To The Baldwyn 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 Marine..Semper Fi!!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"To the Parents and Family of LCpl. Stephen Baldwyn.......Our thoughts and prayers are still with you all. During this Memorial Day Weekend, we will be especially mindful of the price your dear son paid for serving our country! He will never be forgotten and will forever be in our hearts a Hero! Although we have never met, we consider you as extended family because our son is a Marine (also a machine-gunner like Stephen was) and therefore Stephen was his brother. May our Lord continue to wrap his loving arms about your family as you daily take up your cross and follow Him."
Marilyn Harrell......a Proud Marine Mom of Falkner, MS

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From the family of LCpl Branden P. Ramey, KIA 11/8/04"
Sandy of CA

"My message is to my friends, the family of Stephen, I would like to say to each of those who read these words, Stephen faught a good fight, a fight that will eventually be won by our Savior. I know the blessings of heaven are showering down on us, even in our darkest of nights. As a personal witness of the Risen Lord, the words come to mind, Peace be still, Thy Lord is on thy side. Our Father in heaven can see into the past present and the future. His love will carry us through these Earthly bands of death. We can surely look to the courage and bravery of Stephen and find many great lessons. What an example, a son, a friend, a soldier and most importantly a Beloved Son of Our Heavenly Father, who gave his life for his values, for those he loved, for those he hardly knew. Jesus Christ is alive and one day He will return with His legions of soldiers. I find peace that as sure as we will one day see Christ, there to will be soldiers in God´s army, such as Stephen, marching proudly right behind Him. He, Who died for each of us so that one day we can each taste the fruits of eternal life. I so testify of the love of Christ. He will give us a Peace the Passeth All Understanding, if we will just look to Him, in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
Elder Trey Robertson of Guadalajara Mexico

"It seems like only a few days ago, i was walking down the aisle at graduation and i glanced over at stephen baldwyn. he just grinned, and i remember thinking about how proud i was of him. i never thought that would be one of the last times i would ever see him again. words cant even describe how proud he makes me feel inside knowing that he made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could go on living in this free country that is all too often taken for granted. i had some good times with stephen and i will never forget him or what he did for all of us. Stephens mother, mrs. Stephanie Baldwyn, is a good friend of mine and was a wonderful teacher in high school. Watching her grieve hurts me more than anything. I am so sorry mrs. baldwyn. I would also like to keep another great friend and room mate in everyones prayers, pfc. Travis Brewer. He is one of Stephens many close friends. I will never forget what you did for me and everyone else in this country Stephen, you are what makes America great."
Steven Estes of Mooreville Mississippi, USA

"LC Stephen Baldwyn was a lot to me: a fellow graduate, best friend, and highly honored man. The support from others across the country is very comforting. I could not be more proud of anyone as I am of Stephen. I grew up with Stephen and lived less than a mile from him. There has been so much heart-ache among his friends and family. We have another close friend of ours that should be kept in your prayers, too. Pfc Travis Brewer, Stephens very close friend in the Marines. They joined together and Travis helped lay him to rest for his new beginning in Heaven. I LOVED THAT MAN AND WILL NEVER FORGET HIM! He will always be with me and watching over this great coutntry! Thanks again for the support of American citizens and other military soldiers."
Samuel Slay of Eggville, Mississippi

"To the family and friends of Private First Class Stephen P. Baldwyn,

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, Ca USA

"We had the pleasure of knowing Stephen Baldwyn in person most of his life. Our memories of him were of his childhood coming into our family store wearing his huge rubber boots. He was always with his father and helping him every step of his way. Stephen went to school with my sister and I at Mooreville High School. Friends remember his crazy sense of humor and his smile that would light up the darkest room. He Finshed his school year in december and went off to boot camp, but was back to graduate with his 2004 class, wearing his marine uniform proudly. We all respected his courage to serve our country for our freedom. I want to tell his family Mrs. Stephanie, Mr. Danny, Angela, and Andy Baldwyn that we are so sorry for your loss and we think of you and pray God will give you the strength to get through this difficult time. We love all of you."
The Hardin's of Eggville, Ms (Stephens home community)

"I hope that the family of Stephan Baldwin will know that you are in the prayers of our family. This war seems far away to most of us, self included, but today I am reminded of the sorrow that some families must go thru. May our Heavenly Father quickly remove your sorrow and replace it with PRIDE in the fact that our children are safer today because of fine young men like your son.
GOD BLESS
Wayne Hickson and Family
Slidell, LA"
Wayne Hickson of Slidell, Louisiana

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

"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

"As a veteran and an American my heart aches with yours at this most horrible time. Please know that you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you and guide you. ProudVet5"
John Brundige of Athens, Ga.

"There are no words. My heart is broken for this family. May the Lord embrace Stephen.

Stephen and his family are in my prayers."
Susan of Zephyrhills, FL

"My deepest condolences to the family and all loved ones of PFC. Stephen P. Baldwyn. My heart aches for you, and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that the deep hurt you feel can be in some part eased by the feeling of great pride for Stephen’s valor and deep sense of patriotism.

To Stephen I would say, you have made the ultimate sacrifice and did so willingly and without hesitation. Thank you so very much for defending my freedom. It means so much to me, to the people of NYC and to the entire nation. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice in the service of the country that I love so very much. You will always be remembered as an American hero by my family.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Most Sincerely,
Pat Shoukry"
Pat Shoukry of New York, N.Y. - USA (6 miles from "Ground Zero")

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