Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"again I think of you and thank you for your sacrifice."
Rhonda of The Villages, Fl. USA

"Always thought of, always missed."
Rhonda Clapprood of Florida

"Sgt. Belanger,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"In Memory, Greg. Today, 9-11-13 and Always.... We will Never Forget."
Rhonda C of Lady Lake, FL

"I remember the day i was informed of SGT Belanger's death. I knew Greg well, i wrestled with him at Frontier and hung out with him many times. Greg has made the ultimate sacrifice and will not be forgotten. My condolences go out to his family and friends."
Petty Office Jamie Ball of USS George H W Bush CVN 77

"I served with Belly in the 325. He asked me to take a photo of him to send to his fiancee back home, since I had a printer. I often wonder if he ever sent it, but if she's reading this, he talked about you often."
E of Balad, Iraq

"Hey bro,
I did it and had my daughter, like we talked about those nights in the desert. I know I haven't been around to see you, but you understand. I miss our chats, they helped me keep my head in check out there. I'm gonna do my best to make everything count."
M of Mass

"I will never forget the beaming smile and the willingness to lend a hand, a hug, or an ear... anytime, all the time. You are missed and will always be remembered for the man you were and the sacrifices you made for us all. I trust that you are resting in peace, watching us all."
of Massachusetts

"Wrote yesterday, but today is the 10th anniversary of 9-11-2001 We can Never Forget ...A day that we all will always remember....because of that tragic day....we lost you 2 years later while you fought for our freedoms and hope for humanity..Thanks again........RIP Greg"
Rhonda C of The Villages, Fl

"I think of Greg often....8 years.....thinking of his family and friends."
Rhonda Clapprood of The Villages, Fl/US

"As another Memorial day draws to a close and all is quiet, I am thankful to all the people who took the time to remember Greg and other military men and women on this day. We talked and told stories on email, phone, facebook, church, with our friends and family, at Memorial Day services, and even on TV and radio. Gregory thank you again for your sacrifice and and for defending our freedom. R.I.P Greg, we all miss you!!!"
Aunt Lorraine of Colorado Springs

"I met his grandmother, Rita, and she told me about Gregory. My heart breaks for his family. I too lost a son in Iraq in 2004 and I truly feel your loss."
Beverly Fabri of Hobe Sound FL

""To the family of Gregory A. Belanger ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"Your sacrifice is not forgotten. You have my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers."
Linda Heminway of Plaistow, NH, USA

"Kathy - Thinking of you and your family on this Memorial Day - God Bless"
of Deerfield

"It has been four years.. I remember as if it was just yesterday the memorial service in the hanger, SGT Belanger you will never be forgotten, you are always remembered in my prayers."
SSG B-G of CA

"April 22, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Gregory A. Belanger:
Gregory 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

"God bless Belly.He was a great soldier and will never be forgotten."
Spec.Gary Cosgrove of Wallingford ct

"Gregory Belanger is an American hero...
his parents and friends will grieve his loss forever, but their grief is shared by so many other Americans who understand their pain and their sacrifice....My cousin was the first Rhode Islander who was killed in the Viet Nam War...we expected his tour of duty to be completed two days later and were preparing to welcome him home ...instead came the news of his death ......we still grieve for him every day and know what your pain and suffering is like....I will pray for you."
Peggy of Pawtucket, RI

"I was with him that day, not in his vehicle but in the convoy. He was the driver of the rear escort vehicle. I still remember the boom as the blast went off. We had no idea what had happened. We acted as we were taught, and moved on with the meission. The NCOIC of the escort detatchment broke procedure, sent us on, and went back to fend off enemy forces from the disabled vehicle's position until reaction forces could get there. This was our welcome to IRAQ. When we hit base, we did not celebrate. We had made it to Balad, with 100% of OUR personnel. We were informed of his death and were greatly saddened. We knew his sacrifice was for us. He made sure that we arrived safely. I still remember his memorial in Iraq. I remember Roll Call. I remember how our tears fell and they called "SGT Belanger", "SGT Belanger", "SGT Gregory A. Belanger". He would not answer. The Boots, Weapon, Helmet, and ID Tags on the podium were his gravestone.

I owe my life to this brave Soldier. I could never repay him or his family for what he has given me. Instead I want to thank you all for my life. I thank you for my four sons, all born after I returned from Iraq. I thank you for the safety of our great nation. I will always weep in my heart for all the fallen, but this one I knew, and I will weep for him most of all.

May God grant you all happiness and success all your days. May he also continue to improve SGT Belanger's mansion in heaven, as he not only died for our safety, but lived for all of our freedom."
SGT Heath W. Mills of Pelion, South Carolina

"Four years have passed, and we have not forgotten you, Greg."
Francine Weinandy of Agawam, MA

"I did not know Sgt Belanger, and I know my thanks don't add up to a hill of beans for him now, but his family should know that his sacrafice is greatly appreciated. His fellow soldiers obviously thought very highly of him. Their writings of him elsewhere on the internet brought me to this website."
Patrick of Scottsdale, Az

"well, i dont really know how i stumbled apon this page... but even though its now been over three years i just want to express my sympathy to the Belanger's. Also on that same day a very important person in my life was taken from us, as im sure was especially hard for jeff seeings he was a good friend of Matthew Mason's, 16, at the time. These past few years havent been easy for anyone, but the one good thing that i hope has come out of all of this for everyone is that we should all be learning not to take anything forgranted, it may sound cliche, but LIFE IS WAY TOO SHORT!!as too many people have had to learn. One thing that helps me "get by" is that i belive everything happens for a reason, no matter what it may be and we may not even understand it for a long time, but it helps and eventually we may understand it, somewhat.
i have recently joined the US army reserves, i never thought i would join in a time of war, ive been wanting to joing since i was 16... i waited until i was almost 22, i dont really know what made me change my mind, but i feel i made the right decission. My brother tony, 33, is in the National Gaurd, and though i would never want another family to go through what so many families have had to experience i feel we are doing what we need to be doing.
thank you for having a son who was brave enough to do all the things he has, no one will forget him and all the great things he has done."
PVT Jennifer Lynch of Greenfield, MA (94th T.C)

"Growing up, in Western Massachusetts my family has known the Belangers for a long time. My brother even graduated with him. I was on the wrestling team and greg taught me alot after all he was my captain too. Take care greg."
Dave Scott of Buckland, MA

"I served with SGT Belanger in the 325th MI.. I didn't know him well, but I will never forget the sacrifice he made for our country and fellow soldiers. You are my hero now and till the day I die. I tell your story to everyone, so that you live in my memories. Its been almost three years now and I still tear up. To his family members, I am sorry for your loss. He was a great soldier and friend to anyone who interacted with him. May he always live in our hearts. HOOAH."
SSG Shiffer of Devens, MA

"To the family of Gregory Belanger: My three daughters sleep in peace tonight because of people like your son who protect us all. God bless you. I read about your son in our paper just this morning, and tonight as I put my eight year old to bed, she asked me to explain Iraq. Your son was a major part of my story. We will remember him, and keep you in our prayers as well."
Keith S. Krummenacher of St. Louis, Missouri

"SGT. Belanger's Family,

I worked with Greg at the Coast Guard House, and I loved him like a brother. Greg was one of the best people I have ever met, and I miss him everyday. I thank him, and his family, for defending the United States from our enemies, both foreign and domestic, and you will always be in my prayers."
Jack Bergersen of Wakefield, RI

"I suspect that Gregory was a distant cousin whom I never knew. My great-grandmother was a Belanger from the same town in western Massachusetts. Thank you for sharing the story with Yankee magazine, where I first read about him. We all need to keep in mind the individual family tragedies and respect and honor the fallen and get out of places our military doesn't belong."
Karl of California

"I am very sorry i hear about your lose. My heart goes out to the family of this wonderful man. I am about to embark on a tour of duty in Iraq. I am leaving behind of wife and soon to be new kid and my 80 year old mother. once again i am very sorry to hear about your lose. I will pray for your family. If you want to email me it is james.e.burnham@us.army.mil"
Spc. James Burnham of Cranston,RI

"To the Belanger Family,
My name is Timothy Biltoft and I was a childhood friend of Gregory's. I can't remember how old we were when you moved away but I have always remembered Greg's friendship. Greg is an inspiration to me. God bless you and thank you."
Timothy Biltoft of Colorado

"Dear Belanger Family

I am very glad to have met you at Arlington the other day. You are a family of great strength and love for Gregory, an American hero. God Bless You All."
Greg Wood of Redondo Beach, CA

"To GREGORY A. Belanger's Family:
I am Honored to wear a Hero Bracelet with the name Sgt. Gregory A. Belanger. Thanks!"
Kenneth Benton of Wilmington, NC

"Hey brother, not a day a goes by we don't think of you. Members of the 325th will always remember you and the day we lost you. I know your looking down on your family and doing what you can from up there. God Bless"
Gervais of wallingford ct

"Greg, you were a great friend. when you left i never had any idea i would never see you again. i always thought that you would be back we would have more good times together but now your gone. i always wished you were still here even before you were really gone. you ment a lot to me. i can't belive that i will never see you again i miss you so much and i wish that this pointless war had never happened i wish you had never left. when i found out you were gone i didn't know how to feel, you were gone but i had always thought you would be back, and now you are gone for ever"
Ben Dahl of NH

"Greg: My brother...My hero... The person I looked up to and who's opinion mattered the most. He impacted my life more that he will ever know. His brilliant smile told so many stories-- and his laughter will NEVER be forgotten. There are not enough words to explain how much he meant to me. The emptiness that is left will last forever. Each and every one of us that knew Greg will never be the same, for he truly was an extraordinary person!"
Allison of MA

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..8/27/04

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"What can I say to you Greg, but you are missed so much, by so many. Today I celebrated your life by attending a picnic your mom so proudly threw. She wanted us all to remember you, and what a nice turn out it was.

I will never forget your beaming white smile and your blue eyes. You made a lasting impression on me and I will never forget the sacrifice you made. It was a pleasure to serve with you and an even greater pleasure to have known you. Rest in peace!"
Kristine Stevens, SSG, USAR of Connecticut

"I am a seventh grade student who attends Barker
Middle School. Your son did not give his life in vain. I know how it feels to lose a loved one. My Grandfather died two years ago in Febuary. I think about him everytime I go to my Grandma's house. I still can't get over the fact that he is gone for good."
David of Gasport,N.Y., United States

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

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

"Thank you Gregory Belanger, 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

"My name is PV2 Archambault. I am assigned to HHSC 1MI out of Weisbaden Germany. SGT Gregory A. Belanger was not in our unit, he was an MP escourt who was in our convoy.

He is a hero that I would like to thank. He did his duty and died because of it. He will always be remembered by me, and the soldiers of 1MI Bn."
PV2 Archambault of Balad, Iraq

"My thoughts & prayers go out to all the Military men and women who are at war and especially those who have lost their lives. May God bless you forever. Thank you for everything, you are my hero! Rest in peace."
Amanda K Casas of San Diego, Tx

"My husband is currently serving in the same unit as Sgt. Belanger was assigned and I can not imagine what this family is experiencing with this loss. I so appreciate his selflessness and his heroism that he was willing to lay down his life to secure the freedom of thousands of innocent & voiceless victims over there. Sgt. Belanger and his families sacrifice will resonate throughout the generations to come and in that way he will live on. He has now joined the ranks of the past heroes who are now asleep at Arlington and wherever freedom rings, he will be remembered, and because of that, he will never be forgotten.

"Greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for a friend"."
Michelle of Douglasville, Georgia USA

"To the family of Gregory
Thank you for sharing a bit about your son and his photo with the media. I think it's important for those who did not know him to be able to know a little about the man and his family who have sacrificed so much for this nation. My heart goes out to you and you are in my prayers. May God give you comfort and strength at this most difficult time."
Kellie

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Gregory Belanger:
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 Gregory 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 Sgt. Gregory Belanger:
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 Gregory, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia