Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hello :) my names abby and i'm 15. I go to Fairview HighSchool. I marched for CPL. David Bass in the Mountain Man Memorial March 2022 on April 23rd. I don't think I can put into words how much it meant to me. The whole 13.1 miles I ran, my mind was a huge brainfart and all I could think about was David Bass and how much he would appreciate me finishing for him and giving it my all. I talked to him in my head and he talked back to me, or I would like to believe he did. I did not care about anything else in that whole moment except David Bass. I was on a 5 person light team, so no rucks. I broke my foot in four spots and I have nerve damage so I am still recovering but I am definitely going to march with a ruck next year for David Bass. I have had a very tough year and doing this march gave me hope that I was going to get better. The whole run David Bass was right by my side cheering me on, the community,and the gold star families. It made me feel good about myself that I was doing this and I am proud of who I was. Even if it was a tiny moment where I felt it. Doing this meant the world to me. As my team was about to across the finish line the rest of our team came up beside us holding our hands and finished with us. It was a very beautiful moment. I always will remember his name :) i dont know if this makes sense-- im not very good with words so i hope it does."

"On the 29th of June, we will ride up there to install a flagpole in your HEROS name, honoring him. I never knew him, but I will NEVER EVER forget him."
Bill Lowery of memphis, tn

"Seven years later and the pain is still there. You will forever be missed."
SSgt Rachel Allen of New Orleans

""No worries." He was one of the best men I ever met."
Sgt Jensen of Long Beach, CA

"I've spent today looking at pictures of David, contacting his friends...remembering. Thank you to all of you who are also remembering. - David's mom"
Tammy Bass of Hendersonville, TN

"April 13, 2008
To the family of Cpl. David A. Bass:
David 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

"Bass

more than a year has past and yet there isnt a day that goes by that i dont think of you.... i guess you never really lose those good friends you have. i miss your smile, laugh and of course your jokes. when life gets hard i think if you were still here you'd know what to say to make it easier...see you on the flip side!"
Placencia of San Diego

"David, I think about you everyday, brother. You were always like the little brother I never had. All until you stood at attention in your dress blues. At that moment, I looked up to you. I've looked up to you ever since you told me you would rather die young as a marine then die in a hundred years knowing you weren't one. I know you are in a better place with the thousands of brothers and sisters lost in history. Watch over us, David. I miss you, buddy.... Semper Fidelis"
SrA Sherwin 386 EMSG Det 1/S2 of Ali Al Salem, Kuwait

"To the family of:David A Bass 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"

"To the Bass Family and Friends:
My heartfelt sympathies go out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I tried to find a way to contact you after the accident, and came across this website only last night. My nephew, LCPL Patrick Gallagher was, also in the accident. Even though these young men did not perish in a combat related incident, they gave their greatest gift to their country,and to our freedom, their lives. I feel as saddened by the passing of these other young men as I do by my nephew Patrick. I am sure these young men know how much we love them and miss them, and as others have said, we now have our own guardian angels in heaven. With love and prayers, graceheinz@hotmail.com"
Grace Heinz of Goodlettsville, TN

"To the Bass Family and Friends:
My heartfelt sympathies go out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I tried to find a way to contact you after the accident, and came across this website only last night. My nephew, LCPL Patrick Gallagher, was also in the accident. Even though these young men did not perish in a combat related incident, they gave their greatest gift to their country,and to our freedom, their lives. I feel as saddened by the passing of these other young men as I do by my nephew, Patrick, and pray that all our service men and women come home safely. I am sure these young men know how much we love them and miss them, and as others have said, we now have our own guardian angels in heaven. With love and prayers
graceheinz@hotmail.com"
Grace Heinz of Goodlettsville, TN

"Dave was a great friend and marine. I am not a marine, just the girlfriend of one of his best friends. My boyfriend [Cpl. Zachary Litton] and I used to hang out at Dave's apartment every weekend and laugh together while watching the Simpsons or some other comedy. We shared laughs and tears, long car rides and unforgettable memories. I will never forget when we all went to Universal Studios and got lost on the way up because Dave forgot to get directions. Dave was always so helpful when I was down. He would offer some kind words of comfort and in him, I found a great friendship and trust. The afternoon of April 3rd when I recieved a call about Dave's death, I was in disbelief and still am somewhat to this day. The last time I saw him was the morning before he deployed and I was at Camp Pendleton waiting infront of his office for my boyfriend. I was sleeping in my boyfriend's car and Dave came to the car to get a camel pack and to say goodbye. The last thing he said was "See you in 7 months." I watched him race across the street to his friend's car... and he drove off into the distance. I regret not getting out of the car to give him a hug goodbye. Dave... I'm sorry. I love you and miss you like you were my brother. You were there through thick and thin for me and Zachy, and we both are eternally grateful. We love and miss you Dave. I hope you have found peace not only in heaven, but in your heart and mind. You will never be forgotten my friend... never."
Danielle Quinones of San Diego, California

"For the family, friends and loved ones of David Bass, my deepest condolences are with you. My boyfriend, Felipe Sandoval was in the same accident and God took both him and David into His arms because they were special. They will NEVER be forgotten. May our angels rest in peace. You are in my prayers.
buttercupsgirl04@hotmail.com"
Vicky of Hawthorne, CA/USA

"Its been months now, but I still think of you every day. Other memories tend to fade with me, but yours keep shining through. We still miss you."
Joyce of AZ

"I love you, Dave!!! We all do!!! Through losing a friend, we gained an angel!!!"
Jessika of Costa Mesa

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

"To the Bass family the 4th of July in Gatlinburg TN holding a midnight parade and fireworks. I along with other fallen families will be attending. an entering a float to honour our fallen and to ask america to continue to SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! I am deeply sadden of the news of David. You are in my families heart and prays. that you find some way to heal. Always be supportive toward one another with great understanding. You all can reflect. On the many precious moments each of you shared with davis. He is resting in peace knowing you all loved him as he did you. God Bless!"
leonard_wahl@hotmail.com of Spring Texas

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