Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Because of you, I was invited to the White House to meet President Trump and our First Lady on June 5, 2017. You were honored along with forty-nine other families of the fallen. On July 1, 2017, you will be honored and remembered forever by the State of Maryland on a bridge dedicated in your name. I can rest knowing you will never be forgotten. Love and missed you so much."
Your mama bear of Churchville, MD

"Because of you, I was invited to the Marine Barracks at 8th & I. I remembered so well upon your graduation from Parris Island and home on leave, you said to me one day, let's go to D.C. You said "I have some place special to show you." So we arrived at the Marine Barracks 8th & I. We entered through the main gate and because you were in your uniform and me with my military ID, we were allowed to roam the grounds of the Barracks. I remembered how you recited the history of this place and the evening parades. We weren't allowed in the Commandant's quarters but guess what. Because of you, I got to tour the Commandant's quarters and saw the Evening Parade with Chesty to boot. I spent the evening honoring another hero. A British Paratrooper who save an American Marine and received the Victoria Cross (the equivalent to the US Medal of Honor). I thought of that day with you all evening remembering how excited and happy you were. Because of you, I am able to see the things you saw with your heart. Love you forever."
Your mama bear of Churchville, MD

"So a little story about Dale. I was in 1st plt, Dale was in 2nd. We knew eachother pretty well and we shared a friend, Bill Pratt. Anyway, My daughter was turning 1. and 1 year olds dont have many friends, so I envited some Marines over to help celebrate. We werent expecting anyone to bring gifts or anything, but Dale showed up with a gift for my daughter. We opened it, and it was those little plugs that you put in a power outlet. He said he didnt know what to get a 1 year old, but he did know that he didnt want her to electricute herself... We all got a good laugh. Thank you for caring Dale. It doesnt seem like 10 years."
Pat O'Brien of Milwaukee, WI

"While laying wreaths in Arlington 2013, I was privileged to place a wreath on Dale Jr.'s gravestone. I took a photo of his stone so that I could look him up and remember him personally when I got back. I just found the photo and was humbled to read of his sacrifice. My son also served two terms in Iraq, but came back to us. God bless your family and may he rest in peace with the Lord."
Cheryl Mayer of Pike, NY

"Remembering you Dale on this 2013 Memorial Day- and everyday. You are missed!"
Lisa & Danny of Lakeside, CA

"To the family of:Dale A.Burger,Jr.
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""

"Remembering you and your dad this Memorial weekend. Love and miss you both."
Mom of Churchville, MD

"Remembering you and your dad this Memorial weekend. Love and miss you both."
Mom of Churchville, MD

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,750 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Mothers of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com. or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and bless you.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642"
Project Compasion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Been thinking of you, Dale, and all of our family. July 2009"
Lisa N. of San Diego

"Happy birthday mate"
Tim of Tasmania, Australia

"I HAD THE PLEASURE OF SERVING WITH DALE IN INDIA CO. 3/1. DALE WAS AT HOME IN THE MARINE CORPS A TRUE LEADER OF MARINES. HE ALWAYS MADE SOUND SPLIT SECOND DECISIONS THAT WERE NEVER SECOND GUESSED BY HIS MARINES. DALE ALWAYS ACOMPLISHED ANY MISSION THAT WAS PLACED INFRONT OF HIM.

DALE I MISS YOU MAN BUT I'M NOT SCARED. WHEN I AM CALLED TO HEAVEN YOU WILL BE THERE. BE VIGALENT AND BRAVE "SEMPER FI""
CPL. T.K. LANE (USMC) of NASHVILLE, N.C.

"There is no greater pain than child birth but that of the loss of a child. I only new Dale Jr. for a short time. It is as I knew him well for I have know so many like him from the same mold. A brother in arms. From reading these messages tells me that he was raised well. A man you would want to marry your daughter or sister. Martina stay strong, I will love you always."
Marty of Churchville, Md.

"Burger, I will never forget that day. I will never forget you. Semper Fi, see you at the gates. At ease..."
Razz of Fallujah

"On this Veteran's Day, and everyday, I am so proud of Dale and our Dad, Dale Sr. I think about them everyday. Thanks so much to everyone who has signed onto this page. It means a lot to me and our family and it is very comforting to read these entries. It is the essence of "gone but not forgotten". Thank you.
Love to all, the second oldest sister."
Lisa Nottebaum of Lakeside, CA

"May 11, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Dale A. Burger, Jr.:
Dale 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

"To all that had the pleasure of knowing Corporal Dale Burger:
He was one of the first Marines I had the privelege of knowing when I was assigned to 3/1. I fought with him in Fallujah, and I spoke with him the night he found out his father was in the hospital. I was also part of the casualty evacuation team that brought him out of Fallujah when he was injured. I can still remember how the handle of the stretcher felt as I was carrying him to the HUMVEE. I can still remember Cpl Matthew Merry yelling, "Move it! Burger is not going to die!" The peace that I hope everyone sees in all this is that Dale would have sacrificed for anyone of his Marines. He was a true Marine and a true man. He is with his Father now still protecting his family. He is still with all of us, just waiting. He set the standard for all Marines. He will never be forgotten, and he will always be in our hearts and minds. Right there in the front. To know Dale is to love Dale."
Sgt James C. Barber Jr. of MCLC Albany, Georgia

"Hi Dale, I miss you more and more everyday. I love you and am so proud of you :)
Love Your Little Sister"

"My name is Kris i am truly sorry for your loss, i served with Dale in the first deployment to Iraq, you should know that you raised a very fine young man!! i have a lot of respect for dale and dale Sr. without people like them where would we be? i have alot more things i would like to share with you. i can be reached at spitshine@suscom-maine.net please don't hesitate to email me i would love to talk with you!"
Kris Crawford of Brunswick, maine/ USA

"Corporal Dale A. Burger Jr., you have not been forgotten. Semper Fidelis! Thank you for your dedication and willingness to protect your brothers."
Major Matthew E. Sutton of Kailua, HI

"With your permission, i would like to create a profile for him on "Togetherweserved.com" It is a Marine Website. I am from Bay City MI and did 10yrs in the Marines. OEF Vet. It is the least that i can do do let veterans all over the U.S. know the sacrifice that you and family have made. My email is sgtsans041902@ yahoo.com"
Jason Sansburn of Oklahoma City, OK

"To the family of Dale A. Burger. I had the honor of serving with Dale. We went to many far away places. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I can remember alot of things about him but one thing stands out the most. Dale was always makeing his gear high speed. I miss you brouther Semper Fi.

Corporal Majeske J.M
India Co. 3/1
Bravo Co. 1/24"
Cpl. Jason M. Majeske of Bay City Mi U.S.A

"I had the priviledge of serving with Dale's father in Vietnam and had the priviledge of attending Dale Jr's gradutaion from Parris Island. The Fox 2/7 family salutes the memory of these two great Marines. We will forever pray for their family.
Barry Smith USMC Fox 2/7 Vietnam 67-68"
Barry Smith of Albuquerque, NM

"To have had the privilege to be a United States Marine is what many dream about but only a few accomplish. It's sad when duty calls but without those such as Cpl.Dale A. Burger jr.the rest of us would not be able to enjoy freedom as we know it. No greater love does one have. Semper FI Cpl. Frank L. Keiper F Co. 2/7 68-69"
Frank L. Keiper of Stbg. Pa 18360

"Thankyou LCPL Sema for taking the journey beyond death with your friend Dale. I will keep you in my prayers. May an angel protect you and heal your broken heart.
Peace, joy, love,"
Father Ron of Jacksonville, FL

"Goodbye, my friend. Ill see you at the gates. Semper Fi"
Cpl Loetz of Baltimore, MD

"Dale was one of my best friends and he will never be forgotten in my heart and in my mind. He is a true hero to me-in the Marines and in Life. Dale-I love you-I'll see you on the other side"
Erin of Bel Air, MD

"I went to school with Dale Jr,He was a motivated person with high goals and I have the highest respect for him, and I will never forget the sacrifice he made for his country. Harford County was lucky to have housed such an Honerable person. My condolences to his family. He will be missed."
Jeff T. of Belcamp ,MD

"Thank you Father Ron Sir for being there with Dale in his last moments. I too was with him as they took him off the battle field. I was by his side as long as I could be. I think of him every day, and I talk highly of him to whom ever will listen. He was like an older brother to me. I looked up to him in high admiration. I miss him to this very day.

God Bless"
Lcpl. Serna of CA.

"To the Burger Family: I knew Dale Sr. in High School...there was no one sweeter. I was so sorry to hear of his death and then 6 mo. later, his only son, Dale Jr was also gone. My heart goes out to all of you. Both Dales' will be missed."
Arline of Hinckley, Ohio

"I'll miss you brother, thank you for everything you tought me. I will make sure your memory lives on"
Lcpl. Dakota Blue Serna of Camp Pendleton, CA

"My Son, Lcpl Dakota (Cody) Serna fought with Dale in Fallujah. This is a great loss for him and he sits in high admiration of Dale. All gave some, some gave all. You will forever be with us."
Dawn Serna of Dimondale, Michigan

"May th e Lord bless and keep you Marine. Thank you from a grateful nation."
Kenneth J Christian of Annapolis

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

"I was on the phone to my brother in NJ when the phone went dead. I quickly e-mailed my brother not to worry. Then the phone miraculously rang. I was notified that someone was dying. I ran to the Hospital and saw Dale. We believed he was Catholic, so I anointed him and forgave his sins.I prayed the prayer of Mother Teresa of Calcutta: "The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service and the fruit of service is peace. I was oblivious to the angels around me. Dale went silent. We all stood their in the eternal silence for a long, long short moment... in awe of the moment. Then I saw his belongings. An exquisite crucifix with blood on it. I have never been so close to the Crucifixion of Jesus. There was also a medal with the five scenes of the life of Christ. Upon turning it over, I read with stunned heart: I AM CATHOLIC. CALL A PRIEST!

God bless the family of Dale. His father must have been looking over him.
Peace, joy, love,"
Father Ron Camarda, CHC, USNR, LCDR, Diocese of St. Augustine FL of Camp Fallujah/Bravo Surgical IRAQ

"you are a hero dale"
Tim Bergin of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

"Thank you for remembering my brother and thank you for linking to my webpage. I encourage others to look at it; I have tried to explain what kind of person Dale was."
Jennifer Burger of Port Deposit, Maryland

"Dale A. Burger Jr.,

You will never be forgotten. We are all so proud of you and know that you are watching and guiding us wherever you are right now. A very brave and courageous hero that gave his all to serving his country, that was what you were.

Everyone misses and loves you so much.

To all of Dale's family members, relatives, and friends:

My condolences to each and every one of you."
Joanna Kuang and Kuang family (Martina's first uncle's immediate family) of Brooklyn, NY

"Thank you Dale for the gift of freedom you so proudly defended for us all. You will be in our thoughts each day we raise our flag in the front yard. You are our hero. From a very grateful American family"
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"You will not be forgotten. You are in the hearts of many. May God bless the Burger family!"
Sheila Grable - Army Veteran & Marine Mom of Elkridge, MD

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

"To Dale'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 the Burger family from the Wahl family. We are deeply sadden by your lost. An our heart and prays are with Dale and your family. We understand you lost. Dale truely, one amazing American. He has touched many many lives. From neighbors, friends, his military family and especially his own family. God Bless!"
leonard wahl of Valley Stream Long Island

"To Dale'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

"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 Corporal Dale A. Burger Jr.,

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 Dale Burger, Jr., 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 Cpl. Dale Burger, Jr.:
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 Dale 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 Cpl. Dale Burger, Jr.:
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 Dale, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia