Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"B-dard. Miss you man. I'll never forget driving around in your truck in high school, looking for a place to drink tall boy Icehouse's. To go back to those days..."
Kyle of Missoula, MT

"Still remembered 10-10-16"
will of CA

"Hey brother it's Doc again. Can't believe its been almost ten years. I know you are lookin in on us from time to time and hope you approve of what you see. Miss you brother"

"hoo-rah"
bk

"Andrew,

I still miss you everyday. Your friendship, life, and sacrifice continue to be an inspiration to me. We will meet again someday."
Jason Black of Williston, ND

"Andrew,

Not a day goes by that I don't think about the time that we spent. It was a blessing to know you man, love you and see you again soon"
Brennan Wehr of Long Beach CA

"Dear Andrew,
On this Memorial Day, May 31, 2010, it has been 4 1/2 years since you were with us, visiting John and Matt, about 4 years since you called us from your station in Iraq, and a little less time since you passed into the arms of God. We miss you so much. You are the hero we can never forget, the one who helps us understand the loss all other families experience, the one who shows us how noble ultimate sacrifice is, and the one whose special place in our lives will never be filled. Your noble life and all those who have gone before you will be remembered today, but not forgotten in the years ahead. Today we formally honor your sacrifice and the sacrifices of all who have served, but tomorrow, as always, we will continue to miss you. We honor you, for you are noble, but we love and miss you because you are, as always, the irreplaceable, funny, gentle, loving, Andrew.
Until we see you and Boingo again, our love and prayers,
John, Darlene, John David, and Matt"
The Hillenbrand Family of Modesto, CA

"Hey buddy its Doc, here it is again comming on 4 years in a few days. I think about you all the time and try to live right the way you would have done. Take it easy brother and we will meet again soon."

"Hey Andrew, it was a blast going through boot camp with you in Platoon 2025. We were together in ITB and for the short time we were in Whiskey Co. together. We were seperated that day on Oct. 4th when you guys left the wire just before we did, but we will see eachother in Heaven in the Father's presence. We will all be together soon when it's time for us to go. Until then buddy, we miss you."
Mad-dog of Texas

"Bedard,
I will never forget our conversation about studying people."
Zillo of Elmwood Park, IL

"April 22, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Andrew D. Bedard:
Andrew 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

"There are still reminders of how much we miss you. You brought a quiet joy and enthusiams to your cousins Brian and Benjamin. You were a gift to all who were honored to know you."
Uncle Mike and Aunt Sue of West Point Utah

"It has been two years today, but it feels like yesterday. You will always be remembered. We miss you dearly. May you rest in peace. Love, your cousins,"
Shannon Bedard of Spokane, WA

"Denny and Michelle, My family's deepest sympanthy to you for the tragic loss of your precious son, Andrew. I think of you often and keep you in my prayers. Although I didn't know your son, I know the kind of young man he must have been to choose the path he did. God keep you and give you strength.


Mom of Pfc Nate Hintz
MCRD 6/15/07"
Pat Hintz of Missoula, MT

"Bedard you are one of the best friends a guy could have I love ya and miss ya may you rest in peace I know now that you are with angels."
Matthew Curtis of Twentynine Palms, CA

"Still thinking of you and your folks. Still missing you.
Love, your eldest cousin, Shannon"
Shannon Bedard of Spokane, WA

"I never met you but I wish I did. You were my cousin's best friend. He still misses you. My prayers are with your family and all who have fallen."
will (lcpl Vitt's cousin) of folsom, california

"To the family of:Andrew D. Bedard 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 was Andrew's vehicle commander and section leader. I was given the option to pick my Marines to be in my vehicle. So naturally I am going to pick the best. Andrew was my first selection of driver and had the tough task of being lead driver in our section. Maybe a week before his vehicle was hit the Plt. Commander and I switched vehicles. When I learned that Andrew was the one that had passed away, I had a terrible feeling in my stomache that it was my fault for having him in that vehicle. But under the counciling of our Co. Cmdr he made me realize that I wasn't the the one that planted and set off the IED. I still to this day tear up when I think of him. He had so much going for him and he'll be in my heart till the day I join him in heaven. I was later injured and lost both my legs, surviving by the skin of my teeth. I wish the best for the Bedard family as I feel I have lost a brother as well. God bless you and Andrew."
Cpl. Travis Greene of Washington D.C., Walter Reed AMH

"I was Andrew's Mortar Section leader in Lima Weapons plt. and a Vehicle Commander in Lima Mobile 2. Andrew was a great Marine, he never complained and did the job he had to do. He was a good Marine and a good friend to all. He always had a smile on his face and helped keep the other Marines upbeat when times were tough. One day we will all see you up there in heaven brother."
Cpl Neil Frustaglio of Ishpeming, MI

"my name is Cassidy and i am a volunteer for the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run. We are a group of people that have built a memorial wall in Marsielles Illinois for all the fallen soldiers in Mideast conflicts since Beriut. Your loved one's name will be permenently added to this wall. For any further information visit our website www.ilfreedomrun.org please e-mail me at me1196@aol.com to let me know that you have recived this message. If you decide to come to this memorial on June 19th, 2006, you will recieve VIP seating and treatment for the cermonies that day. ALL OUR WELCOMING TO HONOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS
**Cassidy"
Cassidy of Brookfield/ILL/red,white,blue

"Don't worry little buddy,
You won't be forgotten,
You died for freedom...""
Cpl.'s Andrew J Belet and Michael A. Aaron of 2/3 Golf Company, Jalabad Afgahnistan

"PFC Bedard was my driver in Iraq. I was his machinegunner. We had a special bond together that no body else had. We were always the first to our trucks and always knew what the plan was. Bedard was a great friend, a great man, and a great Marine. I was in that same explosion, but managed to survive. God's plan is a mystery to us all, but God had plans for Andrew and wanted him to come home. Andrew, I'll see you someday brother!
LCpl Seeley 3/7 L Co Wpns Plt"
LCpl Seeley of Covinton, WA

"I was a good friend of Andrew and I know that he is looking after me to this day. He was one of my best friends in CA and my roomate in Iraq. He was one of the nicest guys i have ever met and would do anything to help out those around him. I miss him everyday and I want his family to be proud of what he him because they raised one of the finest men i have ever met. One day we will be together again brother."
LCpl Dragoo of Ar Ramadi Iraq

"To the family and friends of Private First Class Andrew D. Bedard,

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. If you're not certain that your loved one's next of kin is registered to receive a quilt, please use our link and register so we can send our "Love Stitched Together."

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

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden...
J and T Taylor USMC
Sister of a Fallen Marine"

"To the Bedard family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers for the loss of your beloved ANDREW. Words cannot ease your pain, but we hope you take some comfort in knowing that ANDREW is an American Hero and we celebrate his life.
ANDREW - Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our great nation. You will Always Be Remembered as a Hero. God's Speed and may the Angel surround your family as they try to heal.
From the family of an American Soldier, stationed at Ft. Campbell with the 101st AVN REGT, now serving in Iraq. 10-19-2005.""
---The Erwin Family of Oregon, United States of America

"The memories will always live on and make me smile:
The Sugarcult concert - would have been squished without you.
When you suprized Rikke and me by speaking german.
What a good friend you were to Matt all the way from boot camp - always asking him to set you up with me. ;)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I send my condolances and best wishes to the family and friends of Andrew Bedard."
Sarah of Provo, UT (White Rock, NM)

"Another fine soldier from Montana - gone on ahead -- thank you Andrew D Bedard - for your service. MY sympathies to your family as they deal with your loss.
I thank you.
Darlene A
Billings, MT"

""From: Sgt Karl Clark Lippard’s book about Marines and the USMC:

“…reflect with me a moment on a statement made by the exiled Spartan King Demaratus to the Persian kind Xerxes before the battle of Thermopyle in 480 B.C. describing his beloved Spartans.

“When the Spartans fight singly they are as brave as any man, but when they fight together they are supreme above all. For though they are free men, they are not free in all respects; law is the master whom they fear, a great deal more than your subjects fear you. They do what the law commands and its command is always the same, not to flee in battle whatever the number of the enemy, but to stand and win, or die.”

To you the fallen Marine, you’ve given your life to a great and noble cause. You know hold a special place in the Marine Corp and history. Marine you have sacrificed for the greatest cause of all, Freedom. An entire country is now free for the first time in living memory and your name will forever be remembered in Marine Corp history. In the years to follow as other countries in the Middle East start to follow the great freedom principle, it’ll be men like you will stand above and look down on a safer and more secure and peaceful world.
Thank you.
Cpl. M USMC 84-88""
SM of NY

""REST in Peace dear soldier. We are so sorry -
VERY GRATEFUL for your service and willingness to help others find the freedoms we take for granted here.
A Montana family""

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

"TO THE BEDARD FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. ANDRE THANK YOU; FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY! AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. YOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN; YOU ARE A HERO! TO YOUR FAMILY REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND YOUR POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED IN THE HONOR OF ANDREW. HE DESERVE'S TO BE HONORED ALWAYS. THIS IS THE LEAST HIS COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS CAN DO FOR ANDREW. HE SERVED HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY, STATE AND AMERICA. ANDREW YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN, YOU TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. TO THOSE YOU HAVE HOLD VERY PRECIOUS MOMORIES WITH YOU. YOU REST NOW! GOD BLESS!"
leonard t. wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"TO THE BEDARD FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. ANDRE THANK YOU; FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY! AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. YOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN; YOU ARE A HERO! TO YOUR FAMILY REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND YOUR POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED IN THE HONOR OF ANDREW. HE DESERVE'S TO BE HONORED ALWAYS. THIS IS THE LEAST HIS COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS CAN DO FOR ANDREW. HE SERVED HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY, STATE AND AMERICA. ANDREW YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN, YOU TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. TO THOSE YOU HAVE HOLD VERY PRECIOUS MOMORIES WITH YOU. YOU REST NOW! WE UNDERSTAND YOUR LOST! IT WILL TAKE TIME TO HEAL. NOT AN EASY PROCESS. WE STILL HAVE TEARS FOR OUR SON GREGORY. WE LOST HIM LAST YEAR IN BALAD, IRAQ 2004. AN THOSE TEARS FLOW FOR ANDREW!"
leonard t. wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

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