Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Time passes, but the pain hangs on. My Son, oh how I miss you. I see you in every Marine I meet. My hero, My Son, I missed. My tears has slowed somewhat, but the hole in my heart is still open."
Your Dad Art Taft of Cypress Texas

"My son, time has pass but not the pain. I miss you so much. Wish I could just hear your voice one more time or to look upon your smiling face yet another day. My heart will never heal. I know you served and believed what you were called to do. Marine to Marine I say well done Marine! Semper Fi! Father to Son, I say, I love you and I miss you"
Dad of Cypress Texas

"to Jeremy, thank u for your service and sacrifice, I wore your dogtag that I got from the freedom riders , I felt honored to wear it. you were remembered reverently. thank you! memorial day 2018"
shari of hickory hills il usa

"My son, it's been 11 years plus and I still find myself with a hole in my heart. The sadness still stands, and I am still very proud of you and your service. I love you and miss you."
Your Dad of Hanfor CA

"There are no words. There never will be. NO mother ever loved a son more than your sweet Mother loves you. Your life was a gift she gave to this world. She raised you alone... all alone with so much love. NO help from anyone. She gives everyday to the children she teaches in your name. I watched you grow up across the street from me. I watched you play with my children. When we moved in I watched you and Connie across the street as we unloaded the truck. I watched you become friends with my kids.. Watched you ride your skateboard and bike with Ammon. Watched you climb our trees, go to scouts, camped with you and your Mom and sister at the lake. Sat in church near your family. Had dinner, birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas with you. Experienced my first roller coaster ride with your family. Saw you in many school programs with Jennifer singing next to you. I saw you brake your arm.. called the ambulance.. signed your cast. Ammon loves you still.. he talks of your "adventures" together...sneaking to ride the bus to Hanford..(what the heck!) playing in the cornfield near our homes.. he misses you... so much. You were his dearest childhood friend. How did 8 years go by .. It seems like yesterday I sat at the curb in front of your house after you died. Wishing your Mom would talk to me.. yet she spoke to no one because THERE ARE NO WORDS for this kind of PAIN..I sat and watched the front door for 7 hours through the night. They called me.. from the church that day.. told me I had to come... after the marines arrived there and told her the horrible news. She ran... out the door of the church in bare feet... never stopped just ran all the way home...they called me to come help her said she would speak to no one.. what could I do ... THERE ARE NO WORDS... I Jumped in my car and drove 3 hours to your home... she would see no one.. she wanted no one ..just you. She wanted to hold you one last time..fall on the place where you died.. where you took your last breath.. she knew.. she knew before they came... she felt it...your mom called me and told me she thought you were gone... I told her no.. he just couldn't call today.. but she knew...There are no words...she was alone.. raised you alone and she was so in love with her children.. you were her life.. both of you.. you..in her heart and mind.. There are no words... we love you and miss you Jeremy. Please dear GOD never let them forget what you gave up for us all... never let them forget."
Miss Lucy of California

"To my best friend the marine, who served our country for what he believed in to support his family, both his fathers his friends, his loved ones... I'll never let you die in my HEART! YOUR FAMILY MISSES YOU JEREMY, BLAKE, BOTH YOUR FATEHER'S, YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR SISTER..."
Leonel J. Brown of Vallejo Ca...

"i wish you were still here to laugh with me and play chess with"
leonel brown

"Dear Jeremy,
I wish I could talk to you...and let you know what impact your sacrifice has had on my life. As one of your younger cousins, I didn't fully understand what was going on when I attended your funeral, but that day has been forever burned into my mind, because even though I didn't understand, I saw. I didn't know I would eventually marry a Marine, I didn't know how often and fervently I would cry for you, and I didn't know how precious your sacrifice would become to me as I became older and began to understand. We miss you Jeremy. My tears today and those of others who still love you are, and always will be, evidence of that. You are never forgotten."
Anonymous of USA

"It's Memorial Day. I will be going to visit your gravesite today. Thank you so much for your sacrifice. I remember you and honor you today and always."
Jenelle Vogan Arnold of Lemoore, CA

"Time has yet to heal my pain and the hole in my heart is still bleeding. I miss you. I understand that you are with our Heavenly Father and all is well, but I still miss you."
your Father, Art Taft of Hanford Ca

"Just thinking of you as I often do, and I wanted to take the time today to thank you for your sacrifice. You still mean so much to so many people. We miss you my friend."
Jenelle of Colorado Springs, Co

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"thinking of you...god i couldnt sleep one bit last night...i miss you.."
whitney of Bellevue Nebraska

"wow...its been awhile...and i find mysef thinking of you... you know i never told you i had a little girl. I named her Gabriella..i have so close to naming he mackenzie...only you would know why but i thought that was something i want to stay between us...anyways i think of you often and when i think of our memories in hawaii it all seems like a fairy tale...but it was real you were real...i miss you so much.. i dont think ill ever find a guy like you...you were the one.."
whitney of than honolulu now nebraska

"LOVE YOU FOREVER"
of hanford, CA

"LOVE YOU FOREVER"
of hanford, CA

"June 27, 2009
I cant believe its almost been 5 yrs since you passed-but there has not been a time when you haven't crossed my mind, my friend. You are greatly missed and the memories we share I'll ALWAYS keep close to my heart."
Melissa Lawhun of Lemoore, CA

"to my best friend... i miss you..."
leonel brown of lemoore ca

"April 29, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Jeremy D. Bow:
Jeremy 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

"hi Jeremy and whom ever else might be reading this. i have heard alot about you from Whitney, i'm sure you remember her ;) i've never met you, but you sound like a good guy and she still loves you to this very day. i dont think a day goes by where she doesn't think of you. i hope you're watching out for her and her daughter. good luck."
Ellen of Bellevue, NE

"My son, as I listen to a song by Tim McGraw called "if you are reading this" my heart hurts and the tears floods my soul. I can hear you saying these words to me and your mom. Jeremey, sometimes I wish you didn't follow in my shoes and join the Marnies. I miss you so much. Just as I was getting to know the young man my son had grown into, you were gone. Hero is such a small word, but it speaks of you in my heart and my life. Love you Dad."
Art Taft of Hanford Ca USA

"You were one of my best friends most of my life. I have so many good, and many funny memories of our summer adventures as kids growing up together living across the street. You teaching me to skateboard, keeping my secrets, truth or dare, etc. Makes me laugh. I hope your Mom knows what a kind hearted person you were. You were always a friend to the friendless, I'll always admire you for that. Even when you were made fun of for it in school. There is not a week that goes by that I don't think of you. I'm proud of your decision and what you did for our country. You will ALWAYS be a hero to me."
Jennifer (Fulton) Hatch of Selma, CA, USA

"My Son, it may have been two years ago, but my heart still tells me it was just yesterday. I want to be able to look into your eyes and tell you how much I love and how proud I am of you. You are missed my son, but now you are out of harms way. I love you. Your Dad, Art"
Art Taft of Hanford Ca USA

"Jeremy you were my best friend growing up, we had our good times and bad, i learned from u and you help me become who i am today, i can never tell you how much you mean to me but i will always remember you, as a hero, who not only to our contry and as a man fighting for our life liberty and freedom, but as my hero to me as your friend, you are more like a brother i thank god every day that i new you, and know that what you did was right and admire your courage to lay your life down for the people of america, because you are a hero, your life lives on hrough all of us, and we will never forget you. I will never forget you, i know some day well meet again. RIP brother."
ammon of ridgecrest ca, usa

"Jeremy, its been two years and still my mind often wanders and thinks of you. I know you're watching over us all, and I know you are doing the work where you are at!! I wanted to write something, but my mind is coming to a blank and Im just thinking of you and your smile. We still miss you! You are in my heart every day! God be with you till we meet again my friend!"
Jenelle Arnold of Colorado Springs, CO

"I still remember the fun times we had together in junior high school and high school. Though I am sad that he is no longer with us; thinking of him would always bring a smile to my face; he always knew how to make me laugh. I like to think that his responiblity to his country would bring great joy to his family and friends. i know that i am proud of him and I hate to think he died for nothing. At night I will always remind myself that god takes the good ones young. I will always be thinking of you."
crystal of lemoore

"Jeremy- Though your time on this earth was cut short, you have a much greater journey ahead of you. May God be with you till we meet again.
And may the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at the last day into his Kingdom, to sit down in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the word unto this people, Be sober. My son, farewell. Alma 38:15

We Miss you and Love you Jeremy. You have done us proud."
of Lemoore, CA

"How I wish you were here. I was talking with a Master Sgt in the Corp yesterday and I was telling him all about you. I miss you my son and I am very proud of the choice you made to serve our country, but still the pain continues. You will always be my hero."
Dad of Hanford Ca

"I served with 1st battalion 7th marines 81's plt during OIF I. I also had the pleasure of serving with Lcpl bow on recruiters assistance. I just want to say Semper Fi!"
SGT. MAHLON MACK of Sacramento, Ca

"I miss you so much Jeremy! Family gatherings are not the same without you. You touched my life more than you will ever know. We will meet again I'm sure. RIP cousin, I miss you!"
Karen of San Diego

"Today they unveiled a wall with those who gave their lives for this Country in the court yard here in Hanford. I saw you name a the very top. Son, how I do miss you and wish I would have had more time with you. No one knows the pain in my heart or the sadness I feel. You are missed and I will always remember you."
Your Dad of Hanford Ca USA

"In your memory, I join your fight. We'll always remember you bro."
Donald of California

"We still remember."
anonymous of USA

"""As a veteren of K Co 3/3 and a very short stint (2 Months with G Co)(1986-1990)MCAS K-Bay it saddens me to hear of the loss of my brother Marine but I know he left us bravley fighting to keep my family safe from the evils of the world keeping with the highest traditions of the Corps. I'm now to old to reenlist but if I could I would."""
Lcpl. Robert Blaylock of Lakeside CA, USA

"I am a Iraq 1/3 Bravo Marine now retired due to medical.I have never met you and will one day but still have to write.Down in the deepest parts of me I have feelings I never knew existed come out for my fellow Marines of 1/3 and really THE MARINES.I never met him but feel like he was related, it hurts.We all remember and gladly do what we do for America and the future of our families.
i am not sure why i wrote but I feel like I had to.Good luck.

Cpl.Bergey
Bravo 1/3
semper fi is alot more than a word"
BRYAN BERGEY of HUNTINGTON BEACH,CA

"It's been a year and I still miss you just as much as I did last year. My son, I wish you were here just so I could touch you and make the nightmare go away. My hero, my son, you live on in the USMC. Your Dad"
Arthur Taft of Hanford, CA

"Hey Sift. I will never forget you man thank you for everything that you have given, so that I can be where I am today hey remeber how we used to play your dad's guitar when he was gone and then we would put it back like it had never been touched, good times huh?
-Rob"
A1C Robert King of Incirlik Turkey

"Miss you more and more each day my son. Wish I could hear your voice and see your smile. A proud Dad."
Art Taft of Hanford California

"8/15/05
Thank you Jeremy for bravely taking the fight to those who would kill us all. Men like you make it possible for the rest of us to live in freedom. My family will think of you each morning we raise our flag. Semper Fi Marine and God bless you and your loved ones. From a very grateful American family."
Jim & Margie Shaw of Pasadena, Maryland

"Jeremy, I miss my little boy very much. I miss the young man who joined the Marines twice as much. You are and will always be my HERO.I never forget the little boy I carried on my shoulders. Or the young Marine that carried the price of freedom on his shoulders. I love you son. Your Dad"
Art Taft of Hanford Ca USA

"I left i message awhile back when Bow died. Its now may and everybody is back from iraq at least 1/3...i am so sorry for everybody who has lost someone. I wish everyday that things could be different. I only saw the lose from my point of view and i saw ramos' s mother another guy who died and i then understood how a mother would feel and i saw what it did to her..i am so sorry to his family i honestly am, i cant really say or do anything to make this situation better..but just know he is in a better place and you will see your son and brother again...take care he is watching over us so no worries..."
whitney of honolulu hawaii

"To the family of Jeremy D. Bow, 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."
Polly Ballew of Covington, Ga. U S A

"I'm painting Jeremy's likeness for "Faces of the Fallen: Never to be forgotten" when it comes to my school this month. I never met this man, but i feel a very deep connection and i wanted to offer my condolences for his family"
Emily of Syracuse NY

"I was in 1/3 back in the early 90's. It pains me to see this. I feel deeply for his family, friends and Marines. We must ensure that his loss is for something, a new democracy and a better Middle East."
Shane Wagner of Charlotte, NC

"My deepest condolenses to you and your family. My son LCpl Andrew Riedel died with your son on Oct. 30th. I pray every day that we make it through this and remember that our son's had courage and so must we. I would like to have your address if you are willing. Mine is 9808 Rapp lane, Northglenn,co,80260
In Christian Love
pmm of LCpl Andrew Riedel"
Sherri Busch of Northglenn,Co

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

"To the Family and Friends of Jeremy Bow:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I did not know him but my husband died with him, LCpl Travis Fox.

FOREVER, PROUD MARINE WIFE! OOORAH!

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6"
Casie Fox of Greer, SC

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

"hey this goes out to whitney and the family. im prayin for all yall and you will always be in my dreams. whit your my best friend and we will get through this together. we have met the greatest person in the world and that is bow, he will never be forgot in my eyes and i will always smile when i think about the good times we had with him. he was like my older brother and he will be watching over us all. he was the greatest person i ever met and their will never be anyone else like him. Jeremy bow or in other words bow bow, you'll always be missed and we love you. not only is this going out to him but to the other marines out their. you guys are my hero and without words i cant thank you enough for what you do for me every day. bowbow your whit's superman and a hero to us all. whit i love ya and to the family i dont really know you but i would love to, i really dont know how it could feel to be one of the family's of these guys that layed their life for us but my wishes go out to the rest and i cant say enough how we are gonna make through this whitney together. it will be hard but we can do it. Bowbow will always be with us and when you get up in heaven you guys will be together again. i will never have a brother like figure i will miss the most than bowbow, if anyone would like to email me it is sezythug16@excite.com or littlebritt808@excite.com thanks"
brittany of honolulu hawaii

"RIP Tufelhunden. Semper Fi. The Taylors in NC USMC"

"Jeremy was an inspiration to me through boot camp. We would talk about how much we missed our wonderful families. I could tell that that he loved his family. It hurts deeply to know that a friend has given the ultimate sacrifice. It has finally given me an understanding that the war in Iraq is real and unforgiving. I only wish that I could have been there for him we he needed it the most. If there is ANYTHING that I can do for his family please let me know. He will always be my brother. ( to the family... please call if I can do anything 970-396-7527)"
LCpl Shepherd, Daniel C. / USMC of Greeley, Colorado

"My deepest sympathy, our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. May God bless you and help you through this time. Forever in our hearts a HERO Jeremy D. Bow."
Amy & Aaron Monier of Waterford, MI.

"thank you my hero for the ultimate sacrifice,im sorry, so sorry..you will always be in my prayers..rest in peace my brother"
a very grateful person of calfornia

"hey sorry to keep coming back but this is the only thing that gets me threw the day is to read how much people respected my baby..it brings tears to my eyes and a smile on my face to know that everyone is praying for him...i love his family and pray for them everyday.. jeremy or bow as i called him we met in the summer and he was my first love...i will never forget you..if anyone wants to talk or whatever my email is babygirlwhit808@excite.com and im praying for the rest of my boys to come home safe in feb. i love you bow.."
whitney of honolulu hawaii

"Thank you for going out there and protecting your country. We all love you and miss you guys so very much."
Samantha of Washington

"To the family of Jeremy;

Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Jeremy is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. Our family has also suffered the loss of my nephew in this battle for freedom. May God bless you during this difficult time."
Vic and Tammy McClain--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"jeremy i love you more then words can explain. yoou are the love of my life i miss you...together for 7 months"
whitney of hawaii

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Jeremy D. Bow,

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. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

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

"On behalf of the Childers Family, we send our condolences. Our prayers and thoughts are with you."
The Family of Lt T.S. Childers, USMC Co. A 1/5 2nd Plt.,KIA 3/21/03 of Powell Wyoming

"To the friends and family of Lance Cpl. Jeremy Bow,

There are no words that can possibly ease your pain but please know that many across this country are grateful to your son and you. His bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Please accept these words as a token of my heartfelt sorrow for your loss.

Respectfully"
Rebecca of Rudman

"THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT WILL EASE YOUR PAIN.. JUST KNOW THAT YOUR SON DIED FOR WHAT IS RIGHT....AND TO NEVER GIVE UP THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM..THANK YOU JEREMY ..YOUR LOVE AND BRAVERY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN"
TAMMY NORTH of PETERSBURG VA..USA

"To Jeremy'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 soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

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

"To Jeremy'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

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Jeremy D. Bow.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you at this most difficult time. We too have lost a son, Sgt. Andrew Brown, to this war on Oct. 8th. We share in your pain. May God bless you."
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Brown of Pleasant Mount, PA

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Jeremy D. Bow.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you at this most difficult time. We too have lost a son, Sgt. Andrew Brown to this war on Oct. 8th. We share in your pain. May God bless you."
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Brown of Pleasant Mount, PA

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