Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To the Family I can only say that I hope you find peace, This is part of a letter that was written by President Lincoln that I think says it best. Godspeed

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,"
Chris Meyerson of Reisterstown

"Hard to belive its been 7 years amigo. Some things time doesn't heal, you'll never be forgotten.Rest in peace brother.Semper Fi"
Noah Pieprzyca of texas

"Hey David... Got to thinking about you today. Missed ya. I remember the last words you told me when you pulled me out of that hell whole. I can only hope that I made you proud as you are one of the many reasons why I chose life. There is nothing but laughter, warmth, and smiles when I think of you and Medina. Thank you for giving me a second chance and risking your neck getting me out of there. I am in your debt always!!! Your brother in arms."
Cpl. Joaquin (The SaVaGe) McCurty of Mescalero, New Mexico

"Dave Branning and our Son JJ were in 2d Squad of 2d Platoon in B Co 1/3 and were roommates on their first deployment. Brian Medina and DaveBranning went through the gate and the machine gun opened up; Cpl Ethridge,Ayala and JJ were wounded returning fire and trying to get you out; those Marines will never forget you;See you in heaven Marine!"
Andrew J Aguirre of Fayetteville,NC

"April 29, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. David M. Branning:
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

"i dont know you, but you & my brother, brian, died together. im sorry you had to leave the world so soon & im sorry i could never meet you.. maybe one day in heaven. thank you for all that you sacrificed."
jennifer medina of maryland

"To the family of:David M. Branning 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 went to the Waldorf School with David, we were good friends then. i only wish i could have kept contact with those i knew when i was younger, i will always miss David, he was a great man"
Jesse of Baltimore Maryland

""Dave I know I was the last one to hold you in my arms before you left this world, but I never got to tell you that I was sorry from what I said the night before. I miss you so much my brother and there is not a day that does not go by that I don't think of you. You were a great friend and I just wish we could have went on a few more runs together, but that will have to wait until the Lord calls me home so that I may see you again. I truely love everyone of you the guys that was in our platoon and like you Dave they are my brothers and I hope and pray one day we may all be together again. Love DOC""
DOC of Somewhere in this world

"Lcpl Branning, I too was a member of 3rd Marine division in K-Bay from 1992-1998. My heart it saddened to think of any fellow devil dog that has left us prematurely. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and may they know that your sacrifice was not in vain. Semper Fi brother!!"
Marcus Garrett of Tucson, Arizona 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

"Just this hour and day (Fri, Nov 18th), I learned of David's passing when I heard David's name spoken by Rep. Wayne Gilchrest of Maryland on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

I was a close friend of David's mother. David has an older sister [Annie] whose 8th Grade teacher I was. David was a warm, deep gentle and wonderful soul.

David -- you most assuredly shine as brightly this moment in the invisible Lands of Light that surround us as you did when you were among us. Go with God, and may His loving arms enfold you."
Bill Turgeon of Laurel, MD

"I'm Bill Perry, a Paratrooper-Combat Veteran of the Viet Nam war. Just like you, Dave, I was incredibly proud to take the Oath to defend our Constitution. Unfortunately, the politicians representing the Investor Class in my War, as well as your War,really stretched in their definition of protecting America.
I am now incredibly proud to work with your Mom, Tia S, and Cindy S, Lila L, Sue N, Celeste Z, and all the wonderful Moms & Dads who are working SO HARD to save the lives of all our Brothers & Sisters in Harms' Way.
I know you're really proud of Mom, too !
Bill Perry, A/1/506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st AIRBORNE Division, Viet Nam, 1967-1968"
Bill Perry of Levittown, PA

"My name is Barb Fischer, I am a member of the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run that erected and maintains the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles,Ill. On June 18th 2005 over twenty thousand motorcycles rode again to a rededication of the wall to update it and pay our very deepest respects and gratitude to those who have given their lives in these conflicts. Each participant was given a set of dog tags to wear with a heroes name on it. I was most honored to receive David's name. I wore his dog tag and was extremely proud but humbled to even think of representing his spirit at the dedication. I hope David was looking down and was pleased. God bless him and his family and friends. I would be more then happy to making a rubbing of his name from the wall for any of his loved ones who would like to have it. You may contact me at Blikawolf@sbcglobal.net or visit www.ilfreedomrun.org to see the monument or receive directions to come and visit. Thank You Barb"
Barb Fischer of Downers Grove, Ill

"Maryland misses you Marine. We all miss you and we thank you for your sacrifice. We keep your family in our prayers. Hopefully we can take care of them, as you looked out for us. Thank you from a grateful nation."
Kenneth J Christian of Annapolis

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

"Thank you brave Marine for so proudly defending our nation. Your are our hero and will be remembered each day we raise our flag in the front yard. Semper Fi. From a very grateful Maryland family. God Bless you."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

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

"To David'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 David'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:
May God Bless you and keep you in this time. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you always. My husband, L.Cpl Travis A. Fox 1/3 Bravo 3rd Plt, was killed in the car bombing on Oct. 30. Our families know what you are going through.
"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
Keep your eyes upon the Lord and he will get you through. If you need me for anything, please don't hesitate. casieeasterlin29@hotmail.com"
Casie Fox Proud Marine Wife FOREVER of Lcpl Travis Fox KIA 20041030 Iraq of Greer, SC

"Thank You for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal David M. Branning,

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, Ca

"Thank you David Branning, 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. David Branning:
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 Lance Cpl. David Branning:
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