Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"My thoughts go to you, as they often do. Can't believe it's been so long. I've got second child coming. Wish you could meet both of them. Wish you could have had a couple of your own."
J

"My name is Robert Smith and I'm honor to be ridding for this wonderful hero."
Robert of Desert hot springs

"Big 2015 blizzard in boston. You woulda loved it."
John of New Hampshire

"To the family and friends; of my friend Collier E Barcus, As I sit here this Memorial Day 2014. I will never forget or let others forget the great dedication and sacrifice my friend give to the nation he so loved. I long as I draw breath I will never forget nor let others forget you Collier. God Bless"
SFC Joseph Gates of Fort Hood, Tx

"Hey Col,

Not a day goes by when I don't think of you. Thanks for watching over us. I'm goin' fishin' soon - come join me?"
Kyle of Homer, AK

"To the family of:Collier E.Barcus
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"2-26-11"

"I became a friend to Barcus while he served with 1-26. I went down to sit with Barcus and Doyle in there hooch at night and we discussed alot of things, including the prospect of a reality show called Escape from Iraq. Barcus is a very smart young man. It was almost as if he knew he wouldnt come back. I can remember when Barcus was in line at the chow hall and was reading a life insurance brochure and one of our senior sergeants said put that thing away Barcus, you are going to be fine...Barcus politely protested that he wasnt sure after having so many close calls on patrol. Barcus came to me late one night as I was preparing to go on an overnight mission into Samarra, he stated that he could not sleep and wanted to go on patrol. I promptly got the permissions for him to go, and we were on our way in my truck with him sitting behind me as I drove...Barcus ended up leaving a desert camouflage handkerchief in my HMMWV and it got wedged in the right rear seat of the vehicle. Barcus came to me several times in the next couple weeks inquiring about the kerchief. I did not find it until I was cleaning the HMMWV out the morning of 08JULY2004 in preparation for an escort/combat patrol into the city. I found the kerchief and said to myself, now I can give this to Barcus today when I see him. Thirty-sixty minutes later Barcus died because of the actions of the enemy. I was one of the first soldiers on the scene, and I promise to you that we immediately avenged Barcus and destroyed the enemies involved in the attack. There have not passed many days when I have not recalled Collier and his playful demeanor. He became a good friend to me in the short time that I came to know him. Barcus was one of the best soldiers that I ever had the pleasure of serving with, and I will always remember him as being a true warrior who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms of many. May GOD bless you Barcus and your family. I will never forget you friend."
Specialist Jacob Brooks of Prattville, Alabama USA

"R.I.P. CB BLITZ, BLUE 42 BLUE 42 It really sucks not having u here anymore, its not the same family without u.
I miss u.
we all do."

"It was sad to hear that you had passed. I also attended basic training with you at Fort Benning, Georgia we graduated December 17th 2002. We also lost Sergio Diaz, Alex jiminez from our class hope you guys are doing good now that you are in heaven."
Torrez, David of Blythe Ca

"hey collier just wanted you to know i was thinkin of ya and i wanted to thank you for all you did..!! sept, 11th,2009"
jason reeves of mchenry il

"You are not forgotten Barcus. Rest in peace brother."
MG of California

"Hey B. It's been a while, but it's cathartic as ever talking to you. I'm in Iraq these days, and thinking of you now as much as ever. You're nowhere near forgotten."
J Maynard of Iraq - Massachusetts

"To the parents of PFC Collier E. Barcus,
Your son's story gripped my heart. You see, I have a four year old son named Collier who is just as mischievous as they come. Tonight, after I read this tribute to a true hero, I went to my son's room and watched him sleep. I said a prayer for your family and asked that God would allow my son to grow up to be as brave and honorable as this man who shares his name.
I cannot imagine your loss, but I want you to know that I am so grateful for the ultimate sacrifice made by your son...and by you. Thanks to your Collier's service, my Collier can grow up and enjoy the freedoms that so many take for granted.
I've printed his obituary from legacy.com and I'll place it in my son's scrapbook so that I remember to continue to pray for your family often. I will never forget the sacrifice made and the great cost at which it came. Thank you just isn't enough. May God bless and comfort you."
Kerri Hahn of Marion, IL

"A2 19 Ft Benning, Ga. I was on line one night and seen his face, he has that smile and the name to go with it you know. I just felt sad that he will never know want is like to hold his own child or just grow into a man, so young. He is one of three that I knew in boot. Ray Hutchinson, Sergio Diaz Varela and Collier Barcus. R.I.P"
Harlan Diesburg of Texas City, TX USA

"Four years have passed since you were taken away from your family along with my brother, Robert Colvill. You and your family are always in our thoughts."
Melanie Smith of Fredericksburg, VA

"April 13, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Collier E. Barcus:
Collier 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 went to Basic training with Barcus,and let me just tell you,he was the soldier that I aspired to be. He had better than a perfect PT score, and was one of the few to qualify expert marksman. It was literally all I could do to get up in the morning,yet he was always motivating himself and others. He always led the platoon in road marches,like he had been doing it for years,and if I started to fall out he would encourage me to drive on. I never heard him complain once. Im sad to say that he is not the only casualty from our platoon and company. Our class has many KIA POW/MIA soldiers, and even one of our Drill Sargeants. All this news makes me feel so guilty to be here at my house comfortable,safe, and free, but I know if I dont live everyday to its fullest,It would be a disgrace to our fallen."
Derek Saxon of Blairsville GA

"Hey buddy I just found you on here. I don't know if you remember me or not but we went to basic training together. I found out about your deather when I was home on leave and saw a picture of you come across CNN while channel surfing. I was shocked. Anyways, I have a good friend up there that goes by the name Evan O'neill. I'm sure you would get along. Take care. I'll see you on the flip side."
Matt O of OEF/OIF Veteran

"I love you and miss you. I will never get over the loss of you and to this day I still cry. You will always have a special place in my heart. You are a hero. I will make sure that baby C grows to know who you were and what you did for us. Thank you and I love you!"
English of Parma OH

"With Veterans Day 2007 in mind, I think of Collier. I am grateful for his kind soul, thinking of others and defending this country and our freedom. Our heart goes out to you and your family. Mike and Linda Gustafson and Family, Woodstock, Illinois"
Linda Gustafson of Woodstock, IL USA

"I miss you coll. i still cry when i hear the national anthem..."
micah of matthewstown bahamas

"Collier's memory lives in our hearts as we fondly remember him in the Fiesta Days celebration. Thanks, Collier for defending our country."
The Lamm Family of McHenry, Il

"Collier, will always a have a place in my heart and in my mind. I never knew where the kind of strength and bravery he showed in combat came from, until i met his mother and father when i returned him home. Though others may disagree, I believe it was for them that he fought for and because of them he became the man he was, a hero to us all."
Jason Leab, Bco 1-26th of Fort Lee, Va

"I never had the Honor to meet Collier, However I know he was a a brave man. I have a nephew named after Collier. My sister had the honor of being a close friend of Collier. I thank God every day that their are men like Collier out their to serve our country. I can't even imagen the loss that his family has had to face. God Bless You Collier and your family as well."
Laura Ann of Parma, Oh

"It is the VETERAN , not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN , not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN , not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN , not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN , not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN , not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.



It is the VETERAN ,
who salutes the Flag,








It is the veteran,
who serves under the Flag, !






ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.



VETERANS KNOW THAT THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE HAS NO EXPIRATION DATE.

We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.


God Bless them all!!!"
Missin Collier in McHenry!

"Forever in My heart!"

"I met Collier through his brother. Even when he was young, I always found him to be very polite and friendly. I can still remember the last time I saw him. A friend and I were having dinner at a little Italian restaurant in McHenry. I fell in love with the place years before when his brother, Micah, worked there. I was very surprised to see Collier behind the counter. I said "I guess you're really following your brother's footsteps aren't you?" He smiled this huge, proud smile and said, "I'm following them even more. I signed up for the army." He said that he would be leaving in a couple months. I asked if he was scared because of everything that was going on. He said, "Not at all." That's the kind of guy he was. He knew what he wanted to do. It was so much more than just following his brother. He had a goal. He knew the risks, and did it anyway. He fought for what was right, and he was very proud doing it. I didn't really know Collier all that well, but he was a very memorable man. I think of you often, Collier, and I am so very proud of you. God Bless."
Jaime Roth of Wonder Lake, IL / USA

"I am so proud that my nephew was named, "Collier Edwin". Hopefully, he will grow to be just like our beautiful hero. Thank you, for your ultimte sacrifice."
Lynn Tarkey of Cleveland, Ohio

"My name is Cameron Schilling and I have started “Portrait of a Soldier” which donates a portrait sketch of every Illinois soldier who has fallen in Iraq or Afghanistan. All 122 sketches will be on display for a Memorial Day Presentation in Chicago, Illinois on May 26-31 at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. After the ceremony the sketches will be given to the immediate families of the Illinois soldiers. I would invite any friends or family members to come and honor these men and women from Illinois who have given their lives to our country. For more information please contact OperationHomeFront.org at 866-417-8889 which is an organization headed by the Lt. Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who is in charge of the Memorial Day Presentation. Thank You.

Please check out www.portraitofasoldier.org
To contact Cameron email cameronschilling84@hotmail.com
To contact Operation Home Front call 866-417-8889"
Cameron Schilling of Charleston, Illinois

"I still miss you B, every day of my life - not a day goes by..."
John of Vancouver, Wa

"hi my name is rachel i have been to many dawn services and wish you luck for the rest of the wars."
rachel army of tasmania

"Even though it's been almost two years now since this has happened I want Collier along with his family to know you have not been left out of my prayers every night and my dreams every day. Kamryn and I still speak about the memories and about you. Kamryn will always know about Collier Barcus. You were and will always be a big part of our lives and hearts! For now my daughter will always be free and can thank her favorite man that came into her life Collier for that. God Bless you and you'll always be remembered and loved Collier!"
Shana and Kamryn of McHenry IL

"Collier was one of a kind. It has been almost two years and I still expect to see him when he comes home. I miss him so much and I can just think of him and smile. He was important to our county, our friends, and most of all his family. It's hard for me to think of him because I do get sad, but I think of how happy we were and the memories we shared. He will always be in my heart and I will keep on remembering the good times. He was always there for me when I needed him. Even Sandy helped me out during some of my rougher times. He was someone you could always count on. His mother & I still talk and she tells me to remember how he was and don't think of it in a bad way. Sandy tells me to miss him but cherish the time we had together. I do, but it saddens me to know that won't be anymore. To anyone who ever knew Collier, you know what I mean. He was great and I will never forget him. Collier...We still love you."
Rosie of McHenry, IL

"Collier was my cousin. Although I didn't know him all that well, he made a great impact on my life when he was still with us. Not a day goes by where I don't think about him and how he put his life on the line every day in order to protect this country which he loved so much. His death has made me think twice about joining the Air Force someday."
Michelle Parssinen of Mundelein, Illinois

"I think I speak for everyone when I say that the day you meet Collier, you've met a lifelong friend. I met Col in kindergarten and though I have always been an only child, Collier was truly my brother in my heart. We fought like cats and dogs but throughout my life...no one has ever been loved by me or loved me as much as Collier. He was the most stubborn, determined, loving, courageous (I could go on forever) man I have ever met. Everyday of my life I will have an empty spot in my heart saved for Collier and I live my life to the fullest just like he did for his sacrifice for this country and his friends and family is something I will never be able to express my gratitude for. We must all remember how fortunate we are in our lives, how blessed we were to have known someone like Collier, and how lucky we are that our amazing American soldiers exist to keep us safe and free. Thank you guys...your sacrifice does not go unnoticed. And Collier...I love you and miss you but know that someday I will see you again and we can go fishing and horseback riding all day - everyday."
Jessica Weith of McHenry, IL

"To the family of Collier Barcus,

I had the honor of serving with Collier at Ft. Benning, GA during sniper school. He was a dedicated and determined sniper. He loved his job, his family but most of all his country! Words can't describe the sorrow you must feel for your loss. My heart goes out to all of you. Every time i hear of a fellow soldier falling in combat a bible verse comes to my mind, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. That is exaclty what Collier did, he made the greatest sacrifice any friend could ever be asked to do. He bravely fought and gave all he had for his family, friends and his country! I will never forget SPC Collier E. Barcus, a true American...A true hero...and a true friend!!"
Sgt Jonathan B. Drew of Los Angeles, CA

"My name is Cameron Schilling. I am a college student from central Illinois. I am the first generation of my family not to serve his country. I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice you and your loved one has given for the United States. I am disappointed by the way the news media has covered this war and the deaths of our youth. The media has stopped listing the names of the soldiers killed in Iraq and people only talk about the soldiers when we reach a specific milestone in deaths. If you just started watching the news today you would not even know there is a war going on. Partisan politics have replaced coverage of our young generation who have traveled to a foreign land in the name of the United States. Whether you believe the war in Iraq is wrong, right, justified or not everyone should pay even just a little more attention to what these young men and women are sacrificing. This is what I would like to do. I want to do my part in honoring these soldiers and their memories. Along with being a college student I am also a budding artist. I draw pencil portraits of local people in my community. I want to offer a pencil portrait sketch to the immediate family of every Illinois soldier killed in Iraq. Please contact me at cameronschilling84@hotmail.com."
Cameron of Illinois

"I knew Collier quite well from being in B co. with him in Germany. When we deployed, I didn't get to see him much, but when I did he always had that big smile on his face. That is one of the things I am going to miss most. His smile and laugh were quite contagious, and could cheer up anyone. He is one of the greatest people I have ever met, or will ever meet. I am truly going to miss him for the rest of my life, no matter how long or short it is. Losing Collier affected all mankind, because he was bound for greatness."
J. Montemayor of Chicago, IL via B co. 1/26 Infantry, Schweinfurt Germany

"I served in the reserves 25 years ago. I was very lucky. There was no combat. I wore a POW/MIA bracelet for years for Commander Joe Dunn. He was lost in Vietnam. I never in my dreams thought I would be wearing another one. I never knew Collier but I am grateful and thankful to him as well as the family of him. I have read about him on the net and he truly sounds like he was one heck of a guy. To his family and friends I know it was a while ago that he passed, but I just would like you to know that someone thinks about him everyday. Rest in peace."
Bill of Merrimac Mass

"I remember meeting Collier the first few days of basic training and thinking i had met my best friend from a previous life. We were like shadows to each other for 3 months, sneaking cans of skoal out to the field and enjoying dips in the freezing rain together, getting smoked for shaving each others heads before we were supposed to get haircuts, 2 guys in the whole platoon of 40 some guys had bald heads myself and Barcus and standing in front of all of us being asked by the Drill Sgt who his accomplice was he still wouldn't budge until the Drill threatened with an Article 15 and I gave him a wink that it was alright to fess up. There's really no way to describe what it's like to know and be in the presence of someone like Collier until you've actually been there. Words like spirit and energy don't even begin to do justice to the since of excitement I got from spending those days with someone who will be my hero until the day we meet again. I know when that day comes I'll ask where Barcus is at and God will just shrug his shoulders and point toward the mountains. My second son was born August 7th and he bares the name of this Great American Hero and I dream of the day when i can sit him down and tell him what a great man he is named after.

All the horsplayin and haircuttin aside the biggest thing that stuck out to me about this great man was his desire to fight for his country, he lived for that opportunity, we talked so often about his brother and Collier's desire to follow in his footsteps. He put a desire in me that i never would have had on my own and i regret not being able to tell him that.
I am currently trying to fight this fight with just an inckling of the honor that Barcus did, and i will do very well to do that. One of the first trips i make upon returning home will be to an old friend's gravesite to pay some final respects and maybe have that beer we always talked about but never got to share.
To his family and friends my heart and soul go out to you more than i can express and i envy you for having all of the great years that you had with this hero.
i'll end with a quote from JFK's inaugraul speech that i know in my heart was going through Collier's mind when his time came. --"When the time comes to lay down my life for my country, I do not cower from this responsibility, I welcome it."--

God Bless."
Bryan Pruett, 3rd ID 3bct of peterstown, wv --via Iraq

"To the family of Spc. Barcus, I send my condolences to you. I felt great pain for you. I was one of the first ones to the scene when the carbomb went off. Barcus was one of my best friends cuz he was in my platoon in B. co. in germany before he became a sniper then we were reunited in HHC.I dug out almost all of the casualties on July 8th. I almost blame myself for what happened that day. If I had dug faster I feel like I could've helped more. I carried almost 23 people to safety and he was the last one to be found I wouldn't stop digging for him because I know he would've did the same for me. Barcus was like a brother to me and still is. I just wished I could've did more, they had to tell me and his former platoon Sgt. that he was in Speicher and safe to finally get us to stop. As soon as we arrived at base we found out he was still unaccounted for. I wish I could've dug faster and harder maybe I could've atleast found him because Brothers don't leave Brothers behind. Can you ever forgive me I wish I could've did more for him, I tried..... I tried. I'm Sorry."
Spc. Webster, Nathan W. of Wasington, D.C. Walter Reed Army Medical Center

"To the Family of PFC Collier Barcus:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 7/12/05, 112 crosses and Stars of David. We would like your permission to put Collier's name on one of them.
We have called our display "Arlington MidWest" and it is located in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
It is our expression of mourning for the indescribable loss you have suffered for our country.

If you would like us to do this, please email me at martypres33@yahoo.com.

We invite you to visit Arlington MidWest. I can send you directions and some pictures by email.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them.""
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"I had the pleasure of meeting Collier in Clark, Wyoming while visiting friends in the area. Collier was an impressive young man; polite, confident and full of life. He loved the Beartooth Range (mountains) and "Mount Carmel". My condolences to Collier's Family and friends. And my thanks to Collier for his sacrifice. God Bless You, Collier, and Your Family and all the Fighting Men and Women in this war against absolute evil."
Capt. Gene Leone (Ret.) USA/USAF of Worland, Wyomng

"I knew collier from high school we had many classes together, had a lot of fun, I am also in the army infantry as well, i am with 1/16 the big red one, his sister unit here in fort riley kansas I remember the last time I saw his face was the day I came home from graduating basic training and he would be leaving for basic about a week after words. I gave him advice and some words of encouragement we shook hands and never saw each other again. It was a great shock to hear what had happend, He was trully a hero and will never be forgotten, I have posted a picture of collier on my wall to remind me of what I am fighting for. and to never forget the face of a true american hero."
matt wolf of ft riley ks /mchenry ill

"I would like to thank all of you who have sent your reguards to Colliers friends and family he is our hero and we miss him so very much and I pray for the family's and friends of lost soldiers in Iraq as I know the pain and sadness you have suffered as my heart hurts still knowing Collier's young life was taken so soon, he was not my birth son but he sure became a part of my family as is missed like a son! God Bless all the soldiers around the world and I pray they return home safe!"
Lisa of McHenry Il

"To the Barcus family, my husband had the honor of going through basic training with Collier... He speaks so highly of him, he was a true hero... My thoughts and prayers are with you always... After basic training my husband was kept at Ft. Benning with the 3rd ID while Collier went to Germany with the 1st ID... After hearing of Collier's death in the Army Times my husband contacted Mrs. Barcus to give our condolences and to our surprise she remember him after 2 years of distance and meeting once... My husband is currently on his second tour of duty in Iraq and we are excepting our second child in August; if this child is a boy we are naming him Collier, after one of the bravest men that my husband ever met... To the family my heart is with you always..."
K. Pruett of Peterstown, West Virginia

"Your son did great things. You should be proud beyond words. Thank you. He was extremely herioc."
laura of McHenry IL USA

"My husband ssgt colvill was one of the soliders that died with your son and they all will be missed. Here is my e-mail bubblegum4u04 @yahoo.com"
Christine of N.C.

"I learned of this young man's death while watching the CBS Evening News. My heart and prayers go out to his family. Please know that your neighbors up in Canada appreciate and honor your service and your sacrifice in the name of freedom for us all. Thank you, Collier. I'm sure God has a special place in Heaven for heroes such as yourself."
Carey Janzen of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

"as an airman here at keesler airforce base my heart goes out to collier barcus, his family and to all the soldiers serving in iraq and overseas.
Army Pfc. Barcus was valiant and a true hero of our time."
amn penaflorida of keesler ms usa

"I have never met Collier, but I have nothing but respect for him. I want to thank him for defending our country. I'm very sorry that his life was taken, as well as the lives of others, everyone one is in my prayers."
Amber Salisbury of Almond, Wisconsin

"My family and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies for your loss of your son, Collier. My son had the incredible honor of knowing Collier when he was on staff at Mt. Carmel Ranch in Wyoming and had nothing but fond memories of their times together. He will miss him terribly. Our prayers are with you. God bless you all."
Barb Leibovitz of Naperville, Illinois

"Oh look at his young, smiling, beautiful, angelic face... I am so sorry that you - his family and friends - have only the memory of it now.

My only connection to PFC Barcus is that his beautiful spirit enamating from that smiling face I saw on the New York Times website just mesmerized me. He touched my soul and filled it with sadness. And the next thing I knew, tears were streaming down my face for the departure from this world of this vibrant young man.

I offer my sincerest regrets for your loss to those of you who had the pleasure of knowing the person behind that million-dollar smile so full of mirth and, I dare say, even a little youthful mischief.

This peace-loving American will never, ever fail to honor his memory, his sacrifice, and your loss.

May peace be with you."
Mandi of Austin, Texas

"To the Barcus Family, I write this short message to you for the loss of your son. I was your son's First Sergeant in B Co 1-26, I assinged him to 3rd Platoon, he was a great soldier, very out going, responsible, and very mature for his age. I selected him for a job most PFC's don't get to do. A Sniper. He left my company back in the fall 03 to attend sniper school and then was assigned to HHC 1-26. I will always remember your son, for his valor, great smile and his devotion for his fellow soldiers. We will never forget our fallen brothers. 1SG Noe R. Salinas(BUSHMASTER 7)"
NOE R. SALINAS of FT.BLISS, TEXAS

"I don't know how the man upstairs let such a great man die on us.
Collier was a great guy, a man I wouldn't hesitate to call up if I needed help or a place to stay. He was a guy with big dreams and the wits to achieve them.
We hung out for 8 months and never a harsh word spoken, there was never a time when I had anything but the utmost respect for him as a friend or a man.
He would out drink a horse and I can tell you that from much experience. I moved around a lot as a kid and never stayed in more than one place for more than a few years, although I only knew Barcus from basic training to natick he became one of my closest friends, and thats an understatement. The last time I heard from him was July 7th, in an email entitled "yo focker" - "I hope you having fun over there while im gettin shot at-haha". They broke the mold with him, there will never be another human being like him. Everyone who know B knew how special he was, there is no way to miss his aura when he is in your presence, the atmosphere is changed. I am a better person because I was his friend. You'll be missed by a lot of people.

The fact that Barcus is now dead gives me faith in a God that I never believed in before. Because I know the last time I saw Barcus wasn't the last. That much I do know.
See you later B."
John Maynard of Natick MA, Vancouver WA

"We thank you for your bravery and courage. You will be missed and remembered. God bless."
Auntie Gail of Chicago, IL

"Hello Sgt. Robert Colvill is my son-in-law, He died with Collier that awful day. I just want to express my deepest sympathies to Colliers Loved ones, family and friends. These men are our Heros and we will always be grateful to have them in our memories forever."
K.Boss of Ontario Or

"Our family's thought's and prayer's go out to the family and friends of Collier, he will never be forgotten. We have suffered the same pain and loss with my brother, SPC Shawn Davies. May God stay with you and help you heal."
Toni Peters of Cleveland, OH, USA

"This message goes out to"Hudson."Collier was a very close family friend and spoke of you in high reguard as well. He spoke of the many laughs you shared as well as the respect he had for you!Feel free to e-mail if you wish we have many memories we could share w/you! twoloons44@sbcglobal.net"
Ronnie and Lisa of Mchenry Il.

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. For the family, may time provide happy, loving memories in place of present sorrows. God bless you."
a grateful citizen in arizona

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

"Prior to going to Germany and after graduating from basic, PFC Barcus served admirably as a volunteer for research conducted at the Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Ma. This is another example of his dedication to serving his country. We extend our deepest sympathies."
Jane Simpson of Natick, Ma

"I was together with Barcus from day 1 basic training all the way up untill he left Natick, MA and headed to Germany. I was his squad leader in first squad, A company, 219 ITB in Ft. Benning Georga. Together in basic we always had so many laughs. I cant even recall how many times we would get smoked because we would be acting up. No words will ever be able to describe the pain. I'll always have a piece of Barcus in my heart."
Hudson of Natick, MA

"To Collier'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 your loved one's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"McHenry County VietNow wishes to send our deepest sympathies to the
Collier Barcus family. Collier's family, friends, community, and nation have edured a great loss. We commend Collier for his extraordinary courage and patriotism. For as the scriptures state, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for friends." (John 16:13)"
McHenry County VietNow of McHenry, Illinois

"Dear Barcus Family, My husband and I had the privilege and honor of being personally acquainted with Collier for the past three or four years. Over the years, we watched Collier make the transition from typical teenage boy into a young man with direction, conviction and purpose. I do not believe that enlisting in the military was a choice for Collier, but rather a need to do what he believed was right. He was modest, yet confident about his decision to join the Army to serve his country, and defend the freedoms of the citizens of Iraq and the world from tyrants and terrorists.

Collier always had a sparkle in his eye and a broad grin across his face. And yes, we know he was a mischief maker, of sorts. But he was always respectful, generous, kind, courteous and helpful to his friends and loved ones. He was the sort of young man, any parent would have been proud to call "Son." I would be very proud if my four sons grow up to be the type of man Collier had grown to be.

May God bless Collier. Your family and all of his friends are in our prayers."
Sharon Baseley of McHenry, IL

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

"TO THE FAMILY OF PFC.BARCUS, WE WERE VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR FAMILIES LOSS, KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR DAILY PRAYERS"
MRS. DESIDERIA NARVAEZ of SAN ANTONIO,TX.USA

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

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