Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I can't express enough gratitude for your loyalty to 2nd PLT, Ghost 2/2 back during our Iraq endeavors 2003-2004"
Ghost Trooper of Texas

"SSG Bandonill, just wanted you to know that your old 1SG remembers you and the service you gave to this country. Although 15 years have passed I for one will never forget. Rest easy young man, I’ll see you in Fiddler’s Green! Scouts Out!!"
Daniel Johnson B- 1/75 CAV of Long Beach, CA

"SSG Bandonill was my best friend when I got to the 101st airborne. I was in 3rd brigade at the time and he was in 2nd. We became good friends during a school we attended together. We spent that last 4th July together drinking and enjoying time in the states, for we where all heading to Iraq very soon. I never heard from him since. The last time I seen him was that 4th of July night. It was raining bad that day. I left home that night with my family and kids and we exchanged hugs and I told him to keep his head down and we will meet again in Iraq or stateside. I never got to see him again. several months went by and I did not hear anything from him. One day on a 24 hour duty, I picked up the newspaper and was reading an article about the fallen. That was when I seen his face and smiling like he always did. I couldn't believe my eyes. He was killed that same year I was there and I didn't even know about it. I just want to say to his family that he was a great friend and was really brave. we joked around a lot all the time and we where so proud to be part of the 101st Airborne. GOD BLESS my bro! And his family. I know he is in heaven looking down. I miss you B! see you when I see you. SSG BUENO"
Elvis Bueno of Louisville KY

"My name is CPT Jeffrey Baldwin. SSG Bandonill was my roomate when I was an a enlisted Soldier at Ft Carson. He was an excellent Soldier and friend. I miss him and wish the best to his family this Memorial Day weekend"
Jeff Baldwin of Watertown, NY

"April 2009
To the Family of Metodio Bandonill
First of all, I want to express my deep condolences on the loss of Metodio (Mitoy). He is a true American hero and his service will not be forgotten.
I am trying to locate the wife and parents of Metodio, and if anyone reading this message can help me, I would greatly appreciate it.
I am part of an organization called Home of the Brave Quilt Project. It is our goal to make and give a homemade quilt to the family of every service member who has died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have made quilts for Mitoy's wife and parents. So far, I have not been successful in reaching either his wife Charmaine in Colorado or his parents in Hawaii.
If anyone can help me, I would appreciate it if you could call me or write me an e-mail.
thanks and aloha,
Dawn Kucera
808-677-9709
dawnkucera@mac.com"
Dawn Kucera of Waipahu, HI

"I was stationed with Metodio in FT. Polk La. and was with him on our first tour to Iraq in 2003. although we did not always see eye to eye he was a good Soldier. He is the true example of an American. He was native to this country and in her hour of need, he answered the call of duty and fought for his country. There is no greater Honor. Metodio I will see you at fiddlers Green. God Speed my friend"
SSG Aaron Williams of Coeur 'd Alene Idaho

"April 13, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Metodio A. Bandonill:
Metodio 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

"SSG. B WAS A BIG PART OF MY LIFE AS A SOLDIER SERVING WITH HIM AS A DRAGOON AND AS A WIDOWMAKER- SSG. BANDONILL WAS MY SECTION SGT DURING OUR SECOND TOUR TOGETHER IN IRAQ- WE SHARED MANY STORIES AND MANY ARGUMENTS BUT HE WAS A GREAT LEADER, A GREAT HUSBAND, AND A GREAT FRIEND- HE WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH !! BUYA!!!!! WHO ARE WE?"
SGT BRYAN RODRIGUEZ B-TRP 1/75 of HOLLISTER, CA

"Babe you were always in my heart..i love you and im missing you so much..but i know you are safe and happy were you are..i will always remember you for making me laugh and comforting me everytime im down..tHANKS for all the HAPPY MEMORIES I WILL TREASURE IT FOREVER..But i know you were always here beside me as my GUARDIAN ANGEL..YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BABE..MY HERO.."
CHARMAINE BANDONILL of LITTLETON COLORADO U.S.A.

"Bro, I miss you.I know you're much happy where you are right now. You may not be with us physically but in spirit I know you're always there.."
Maria felomina A. Bandonill of Honolulu, HI

"To the family of:Metodio A. Bandonill I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief. He died a hero defending freedom and we are so grateful for anyone defending our freedom.
Know that I am praying for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding for you and that one day we will all meet in Heaven where we will rest in the arms of Jesus.
If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with please call my Pastor at Gateway Community Church, Reverand John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd Covington Ga. 30016 Phone 770- 787- 1015 (fax)770-787-8215.Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew"

"I served with Bandonill either in Korea or Fort Knox basic traning. I really think it was Korea though 1998-1999. He was a awesome soldier and a friend of everybody, he was always very professional even when he was a young private. I can see it paid off because he made it to Staff Sergeant. I am sad for his families loss, and i know he is in heaven because he was a great person. He will be missed and just have faith in God that we will see him again. This is not the last stop for any of us, there is always a reason for everything and we should know GOD is in control. God is real and don't let anybody tell you otherwise, the proof is in everything that we see everyday. Bandonill will always be missed by everybody I am happy that I served with him. I know life is hard sometimes but we have to stick it out and never give up. God Bless"
Jermaine of Pittsburgh, PA/United States

"As Metodio's ex-Wife, I am very saddened to hear of his passing. Mitoy was a great part of my life, and of who I have become. I was shocked and dismayed to hear that our world had lost such a great soul. I was very happy to hear that he had married, and touched the life of someone so wonderfully right for him. I know that his family in Hawaii and in Ireland are experiencing a terrible loss. Mitoy was a huge part of my family even after our divorce, befriending more relatives than anyone could imagine. He was a great uncle, brother, husband and son. I know that in my heart he will always have a place, and his family will always have the memory of a man that lived the true American Dream. I not only loved him, but appreciated his valor and respect for our country. His memory will be treasured, and I will miss him greatly. With a heartfelt goodbye, I wish him the best in his journey with G-d."
Leslie Bandonill of Grand Junction, CO USA

"I was Metodio's Mother in Law from his first marriage to my daughter Leslie Bandonill. This news has come as a great shock and deep sorrow to the entire family.They had married very young in Colorado Springs CO in Feb of 2000. It was not a long marriage due to their age and inexperience, but we got to know Mitch, to love him, to respect him in so many ways. He was a loving husband, son in law and uncle. He adored his adopted country. We adopted him. He was fun and helpful with a ready smile. We grieve his loss deeply. We were so happy to know he had moved on and married such a lovely girl. We were always wishing him the greatest happiness and success in his life. We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to his family, his mother, father, brothers, sister and nephew, and to his lovely wife Charmaine. From his ex in-laws, his memory will always be one of love, laughter, gentleness and strength. He is a true American Hero. God is fortunate to have him by his side. With greatest respect and love."
Patty Burney of Grand Junction, CO USA

"MY NAME IS SGT BARROWS, I SERVED UNDER SSG B. PLEASEIF HIS PARENT OR FAMILY GETS THIS, CAN YOU PLEASE CALL ME, I NEED TO TALK TO YAH, I MISS MY FRIEND ALLOT. 253-651-5824"
DONALD of WASHINGTON

"SSG Bandonill was my wingman in Iraq. To a great leader and an even better friend may God be with you and your family. I miss you and your leadrship, see you in Fiddlers Green. Scouts Out."
SSG Killian of Ft Campbell

"Our memorial dedication ceremony program on August 26, 2006 at Punchbowl, will list your name as one whose sacrifice gives us the duty and priviledge to carry on your legacy of liberty and freedom. Mahalo from Oahu Chapter 858, Vietnam Veterans of America."
Luis Parker of Ewa Beach, HI

"I had the honor of knowing this great man, as both a friend and a leader. He was my section sgt, and I his squad leader. I was with him at Ft Polk, in 2/2 ACR and in B TRP 1/75 CAV untill his faithful moment.

"B" as we called him always talked of his wife, Charmain, His parents, and life growing up in the philipeans. I remember the day that he became a US citizen, and how excited he was when he took leave this winter to Ireland to get married.

Ill see you at Fiddlers Green one day friend, and we'll mount up and ride together again."
Chris Smith of Eastman Ga (Iraq)

"First of all, my condolences to the friends and family of SSGT Bandonill.
SEEKING ASSISTANCE. As of 7/18/06, Matson Vehicle Processing Center (Honolulu), has received a vehicle belonging to SSGT Bandonill, but Matson doesn't have any contact info to a Charmaine Bandonill. Please contact Mae at (808)848-8385 or myself at (808)842-2019. Again, any assistance would be greatly appreciated to return the vehicle. Thank you"
YN2 IDELBONG (USCG HONOLULU) email: klaudio.t.idelbong@uscg.mil, of Honolulu, HI

"I personally knew SSG Bandonill. He was my close friend. We were stationed in Fort Carson, CO. We spent many days together, hanging out joking and laughing. He was a good friend and an outstanding NCO. He cared for his country and his family alot. I am very saddened and suprised when I heard about his death. He is a hero and will always be in my memories. My deepest condelences goes to his family."
Moses of Falls Church, VA

"I knew SSG Bandonill from Ghost Troop, 2/2 ACR where we served in OIF. He was a great NCO. We reported together here in the 101st ABN DIV (AASLT) and I was shocked to hear about his sacrifice here in Iraq. May God bless his family and you will always be remembered, Metodio. Lest We Forget..."
SSG(P) Derek L Duplisea of FOB Normandy, Iraq

"I servered with Bandonill in Colorado for 1 year. I am proud to say I knew him and very sad to hear of his passing.
Thank you for your service and my prayers are with all his loved ones."
James Stewart of Whittier, Ca. U.S.A

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

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

"I served with SSG Bandonill for 2 years, at Fort Polk, LA and in Iraq. He was a great person who always seemed to care more about others than himself. He was a good friend, and he was always there for you if you needed help. I am deeply saddened by his death and I offer my condolences to the Bandonill family. Farewell my brother
SGT Brian Nunes"
Brian Nunes of Chicago, IL

"Although I never met Metodio, I know the pain you feel for his loss; we lost my brother on this day last year. May you find an inner peace and strength in God as you face this journey.

Michele Carter
Sister of CPL Gary Walters
KIA in Baghdad on April 24, 2005"

"Thank you Metodio Bandonill, 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 Staff Sgt. Metodio Bandonill:
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 Metodio 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 Staff Sgt. Metodio Bandonill:
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 Metodio, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia