Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Marine Lance Cpl. Demarkus D. Brown

22, of Martinsville, Virginia.
Brown died as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on November 19, 2004.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Marine Lance Cpl. Demarkus D. Brown.

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"We remember and think of Demarkus daily .
God Bless"
Chris and Lynn of Fayetteville ga

"God."
...

"I would Jus like to thank everyone for their comments.. And here it is 2013. 9 yrs later & I still feel as bad as I did when I first found out he was gone. I love & miss u Mark.. you will never be forgotten .. your truely missed."
Diane Brown of south carolina

"TO the Brown family its honorable servicemembers like your loved one that inspire young men like myself to fight for our country with honor. Lancer Pride"
AMN Lewis Blackstock

"To the family of:Demarkus D.Brown
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""

"say brown is gone and there is no coming back if i could rewind time ill be there brown believe that damn i know its hard when u lost someone u love but when it rains i can feel your tears from above i see your family how they support the troops brown is gone but 21 gunz salute from the battle of fallujah to ground zero u didnt died in vain cause your my hero...................... rip marine i remember u doin yuh kicks an flips u was wild brown damn we miss u"
lcpl benny of nyc staten island

"Brown,
hey bro, it's me... you know what it is. I miss you so much man, I will never forget the day. I know you're smiling from heaven, and still kicking * in karate. Even during the darkest moments, you kept a smile, and your head up. I wish I could be strong like you.
To Brown's Family, we met way back @ the memorial service, we didn't speak much, because of my lack of words to express how I felt. It was an honor to have served with Demarkus, and even greater honor to be his friend. My condolences goes out to Mrs. brown & family.

I would like to keep in touch, email me if you would like. KamHC85@gmail.com"
Kam (1/8 Bravo. 1st PLT) of Rochester, Ny

"Mark, I miss you soo.... much i cant stand it!!!i would do anything to be able to talk to you one last time!!!you wouldn't believe how fast im growin up!!!i got my permit a few months ago!!i wish you were here because i kno you would take me drivin!!!i know that you're with me everyday in my heart!!!i love you!!<3
love,your step-sister Tia"
Tia Smith of pobox254 blcksburg,sc

"Mark, I miss you soo.... much i cant stand it!!!i would do anything to be able to talk to you one last time!!!you wouldn't believe how fast im growin up!!!i got my permit a few months ago!!i wish you were here because i kno you would take me drivin!!!i know that you're with me everyday in my heart!!!i love you!!<3
love,your step-sister Tia"
Tia Smith of BLACKSBURG, S.C.

"to my big brother mark, i love you and pray for you everyday at least twice.i won't ever forget you.hope to see u in heaven one day.But until then keep your eye on me.i still need my big brother ya kno. lol. love you forever your baby sister,shiana a.k.a.booty girl age 11"
step sister shiana of po box 254 blacksburg,sc

"to my big brother mark, i love you and pray for you everyday at least twice.i won't ever forget you.hope to see u in heaven one day.But until then keep your eye on me.i still need my big brother ya kno. lol. love you forever your baby sister,shiana a.k.a.booty girl age 11"
step sister shiana of po box 254 blacksburg,sc

"Hey mark, words couldn't even come close to explaining how much that u r loved and missed... I still make 2 cheesecakes every year for your birthday. one for you one for the rest of da family.lol. you always were that person who could brighten up the the darkest days. your smile was my sunshine. i love you my son.i pray each night that we meet again.that god will bless me with one more hug.one more look at your beautiful smile.you were always my hero,my friend as well as my step-son.like my r.i.p. tat says"you will never be forgotten".i love you,then,now and forever.your step-mom,cricket"
cricket brown of pobox 254 blacksburg,sc.

"May 4, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Demarkus D. Brown:
Demarkus 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 just saw Demarkus' picture on the CNN's fallen hero webpage. Demarkus looked so much like a buddy of mine from the Marine Corps. I just wanted to say to the family from a fellow former jarhead that I think about the young men and women who have given their lives for this country and I want you to know that plenty of us civilians still think about your sacrifices and your family members left behind. God bless you. Demarkus, I know you are keeping the roads of Heaven safe for all the souls who have made their way to those golden streets. Semper Fi Brother."
Casey of Marion NC

"Demarkus,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other Marine who was also killed in that ambush for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I saw the CNN documentary about your unit-Bravo 1/8 in Fallujah. I served in the USMC in the 80's and fortunately it was peacetime but I feel honored to be able to say that I was a member of the same organization that has brave men like you and your fellow Bravo Company Marines in it.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow Marine;former member of Bravo 1/8 '85-'89"

"Demarkus,
It's been almost 3 years since Falujah. I think about it all the time and I remember you. I told Jeffery that my son will know who you guys were and what you did for America. We trained together, laughed togehter, and fought together. We sure do miss you buddy. Look down on us from time to time and know that you will never be forgotten."
Cpl. Danna Berry of Jacksonville, NC

"god bless he was a hero and a true american"
pete dow jr of manchester nh

"In honor of those fallen an event recently took place at my university where students wore names of those who have died in service of our country, on this day wore Demarkus' name and remembered his sacrifice for my freedom; I am terribly sorry for the loss to his family.
My thoughts are with all of those who have experienced loss in this plight and I thank everyone who has served our country."
melissa of bellingham, washington

"Our town, Fishers, Indiana has a cemetary that flies about 3000 flags in memory of servicemen and women and 9/11. We have the chance to buy a flag and ours flew in our yard for 2 years in memory of Demarkus. It is in shreds and we had to replace it today. We wanted you to know we were proud to have his flag in our yard and thank you for the service Demarkus gave to our country...we appreciate our troops."
Judy & Al Mejia of Fishers, Indiana

"I recently heard a radio program on National Public Radio about a book by a medic where he described his experiences in Iraq. He mentioned that his job was to patch soldiers up and get them back to the front lines as quickly as possible. He mentioned the unbelievable spirit of inured soldiers who cosistently were anxious to return to support their comrades rather than remain at the field hospital. The medic specifically mentioned Demarkus Brown, who after sustaining a lip laceration, was treated and anxiously chose to return to his battle group. Tragically, it was told that he was mortally wounded a short time thereafter. I was moved by this story of dedication, courage and heroism. We are truly blessed by the selfless, personal sacrifice of such a warrior. Surely the effect of his life,freely given as an offering of peace,will be eternal."
Tommy W. Sherrill of Rowlett, Texas USA

"Not a day goes by that my heart does not ache.I appreciate all your kind words and would like to thank all of you for sharing your precious memories of my brother. May God Bless You!"
Latasha Carter of Greensboro, NC

"August 26, 2006
VIRGINIA MEMORIAL QUILT PROJECT
The Friendship Circle Chapter of the Richmond Quilters’ Guild has begun a new project. Our goal is to make a memorial quilt for the closest relative of each soldier that gave his or her life from the State of Virginia in Operation Iraqi Freedom. We are inviting the other six (6) chapters of the Richmond Quilters’ Guild to join Friendship Circle in this Project. The entire Richmond Quilters’ Guild represents approximately 300 individuals. Check our website richmondquiltguild.com and select Virginia Memorial Quilt Project for further details and updates.
We are committed to provide a memorial quilt to each family who sustained the loss of a family member in this military conflict. We are asking family and friends of a fallen member of the armed services from Virginia to contact either Debbie Elam at debelam1@aol.com or Mary Biggs mary_biggs@verizon.net to give us information so we may write a letter to the immediate family asking if they would accept a quilt from the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. We are committed to treat this information with the utmost confidentiality.
PLEASE help us reach out to the families from Virginia who has lost a member of their family in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Debbie Elam ~ 800 Hallsboro Road ~ Midlothian, VA 23112
debelam1@aol.com
(804) 794-6364"
Debbie Elam of Richmond, VA

"We think of Demarkus each and every day. We will always remember Demarkus."
Chris and Lynn of Fayetteville, Ga.

"Dear Brown family and friends,

I never met you or Demarkus but I saw his tribute
on Nancy Grace. I have seen all too many sons lose their lives in this war and have felt so helpless. So I chose to write to you. As a mother of three I cannot imagine your shock and agony. When you think you simply cannot make it through another day, I want you to know there are so many people just like me across the nation who care very deeply about your loss. I thank Demarkus for his courage, his integrity and the supreme sacrifice he was prepared to make. If I could be there I would give you all a giant hug and bake you some cookies. But I'm from Connecticut. Just know that you and Demarkus will be in my thoughts and my nightly prayers. God bless and keep you, Catherine Rondeau"
Catherine Rondeau of Milford, CT

"Demarkus was a friend and a hero to us all and he will be remembered in our hearts forever. I still remember the day when i picked up a newspaper and saw his face. I looked at him like a brother and my heart breaks for his family and friends because anyone that knows him knew what a light he would bring into a room. I will always love him and I only hope that noone ever forgets his sacrifice to save this country."
Angela Clifton of Martinsville, Virginia

"Time goes by and memories fade, but not for Demarkus. I just wanted his friends/family to know I still think about him and the other guys pretty much constantly.

There's no 'moving on' for me...I cant and wont ever forget these men.

To Demarkus's mom: it was a pleasure meeting you back in March. i know it's been a while, i was just glad i got to meet you and wanted to make sure i said so...even if it's months later.

i know i didnt say much, it was a difficult day for all of us.

but i hope everything i wrote about Demarkus on here previously sums up my feelings about your son. God bless him and keep you."
Christina Gavriel of NYC

"I'll never forget the day I met Chicken. It was the day his goddaughter was born. The baby's mother is my "daughter". I didn't give birth to
her but she's called me mama for a long time. I was really worried about Jessica. Chicken sat with us and kept us entertained with stories about him and his friend, Julius-- the baby's father. I'll never forget what he did for us that night. I'm proud to say that I had the priviledge of knowing that fine young man. He was always happy and made others happy being around him. I want to tell his mother--I have a 17 year old son and hope he will grow up to be the fine young man that Chicken was."
pat of martinsville, va

"I was very blessed to know Demarkus Brown or as I and many others called him "Chicken". I have never been a jelous person, but I am jelous of the angels because they have my friend. I will never forget his smile, his laugh, and honesty and sincerity. Chicken always greeted you with open arms because Chicken loved to give and get hugs from his friends. He was not only a good friend he was my "God husband" because my God-daughter is his God-daughter and we used to say we were "God husband and wife". Chicken loved to laugh and to make people laugh and if he felt you were having a bad day he tired even harder to make you laugh or smile and would hug you even tighter. There was a video game called Virtual Tennis or something like that and me and Chicken would play for hours and hours untill our fingers were sore and our eyes went blurry. Chicken wanted to be a Marine more than anything and I am proud to say that he died for our country. He loved life, he loved his family, friends, and Jesus, he loved playing the keyboard, and he loved his country and being a Marine. Semper Fi I love and miss you Chicken."
Michelle of Mt Airy NC USA

"This is Demarkus D. Brown's mother, Thank you so much for your prayes and condolences.God is keeping him in peace until I see him again. God bless America."
Chynita Belcher of Martinsville, Va. 24115

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

"Demarkus fought beside a relative of ours. We sent a Christmas stocking to Demarkus. I am very sorry to his family for the loss of their dear one. We deeply appreciate his sacrifice for our country. We wish there were no need for war and we will never forget you, Demarkus, for serving and doing your best for us. May your family be comforted in many ways in the times ahead when they miss you so much."
Mark & Annette of Traverse City MI

"Demarkus:
Though I don't know you personally, my brother did, and because of your bravery and loss, we are family forever. May God bless those your life has touched."
A Marine Corps Sister of New York, NY

"Demarkus is more than just a brave hero in my eyes. Although I never got a chance to meet him, his life has become a part of mine.

I think about Demarkus every day. I pray for him every day. I thank him, for being the person he was. For all he ever did in his life, and all he didn't. For laying it all on the line in the name of freedom. For making the ultimate sacrifice.

Most of all, I thank Demarkus for being next to my brother on the day they were both sent to heaven. For making sure he wasnt alone. For his infinite loyalty, in life and in death.

For being a brother to my brother.

I can't repay any of these things personally to Demarkus, but I can promise one thing to his family and friends left behind: his memory will be kept alive in my heart until the day it stops beating.

I want his family to know how much my family cherishes him. We ask God to bless Demarkus's name when it is spoken. His photo is kept in our home. He is dressed as a Marine, but we see an angel.

There arent any words to describe how deeply my father was affected by his loss. There have been many tears shed for Demarkus.

I know this may not help anything, but I wanted to make it known, out of respect for Demarkus, and for the chance--hower slight--that this may bring comfort to those who suffer the pain of his loss.

It is a pain I know far too well...like a ton of bricks sitting on my lungs while a vise tightens around my heart, purposefully stopping just a hair shy of where it would burst. And I doubt it will ever go away.

I know that my brother wouldnt want me to check out of life and just sit around waiting to die. Particularly not on account of anything he did or the way he lived his life. I dont want him to see the rest of my life dissolved in grief. It's a better feeling to think he'd be proud that I didnt. This is the only thought that keeps a fight in me.

A man like Demarkus, his fallen brother in arms, is even more inspiration for me to embrace the rest of my life and all the freedoms I am able to enjoy. Every hero over there deserves this as a testament to their sacrifice.

One person appreciating the liberties given to them as an American ensures that nothing lost in the name of freedom is ever in vain.

LCpl Demarkus Brown, please hear me with all my heart...

Thank you."
Christina Gavriel, proud sister of LCpl Dimitrios Gavriel KIA 11/19/04 of NY, NY

"To The Family of LCpl. Demarkus Brown
May God give you the strength that you so desperately need at this time. Words cannot express my sorrow for the loss that you have suffered, but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Demarkus has given all for our freedom and he will never be forgotten. He is a Hero and will now stand guard at the gates of heaven.
My son, LCpl. Hopper, graduated from Boot with Demarkus and remembers him well. He told me that Demarkus was a "Good man", and he grieves with you.
May God Bless You and bring you peace."
Mary Jo Vermilyea of Ironton, Ohio

"To Demarkus' 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 Corporal Demarkus D. Brown,

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 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

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

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

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on