Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I still think of you often brother... You made a lasting impression with your selfless service. God bless the ones you left behind."
David Headings USMC of Wichita, Kansas

"It's 2015 and I still think of you often. Your were such a fun and kind person. You'll always be missed."
Amber Rice of San Angelo TX

"RIP brother, I still remember like it was yesterday how we crossed paths again since boot camp in Kuwait. Remembering you today brother! Semper Fi!"
Tomy Torres of Waco, tx

"I KNEW MARIO FROM OUR MOS SCHOOL, EVEN TO THIS DAY I STILL REMEMBER HIS BRIGHT SPIRIT, HE MADE EVERY CRAPPY SITUATION BETTER. THE DAY WE LOST MARIO, THE ENTIRE WORLD LOST A GREAT MAN AND HUMAN BEING. I REMEMBER HOW PROUD HE WAS TO BE A MARINE. SEMPER FIDELIS BROTHER, I WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU."
GYSGT. BENNETT of PROVO, UTAH

"Happy, it's 2014 and I've just found this site. We were inseparable, we did everything together. I loved you brother and so did Marco. After your death we def. excelled and removed ourselves
from 2nd Ceb and deployed 6 times again before
we both met as drill instructors in Golf co. 2nd rct. Trn. Bn. You Have inspired such a shockwave in society that me and Marco have been walking in Insoles for years."
Bryan m smith of Erie pa

"I think about you daily. I miss that smile of yours. I have so many memories with you. I will carry you with me throughout this life on earth. I know I will one day see that smile again.. Semper Fi my brother..."
CPL. Christopher Null of Hickory,NC USA

"To the family of:Mario A. Castillo
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""

"Mario, just wanted to share a story since I saw Blakes post from earlier. You were the most motivated young man I enlisted. I know that many remember you as "happy" but in my mind you will always be remembered as Lionheart..I recall all too well how you helped Blake get in shape. LOL. You also kept me engaged and focused while I had the pleasure of watching you grow from a poolee to the Marine that showed up at my door in uniform upon your return. You are missed and I think about you daily."
Gy Linahan of FTW TX

"Happy,
I miss you man. Whenever I am feeling down, I always think of our time in Haiti, and how no matter how miserable the weather or working conditions were I could always turn around and see that smile on your face. Rest Well my friend and know my thoughts are always with you."
James Walling of cody,wy, USA

"well tio munch today is 6 years that you havent been with us and we deeply do miss you and i miss everything we use to do. You were the greatest and still continue to be forever you will forever live in our lives. We miss you tio munch. Right now is a time that i need you alot with senior year coming up and school but i know that your watching down on me and helping me make the right choices throughout my life. I know i made you the promise of joining the corp but my parents dont argee with that but im gonna try to fullfill that promise to you. I love you tio munch!!! you will never ever be forgotten you live in us forever. Remember once a marine always a marine. Semper Fi devil dog"
edith of brownwood, tx

"Happy, you where such a good person and i wish i had known of this site for the last few years. we served together in fallujah and im glad that i met you. i have thought about you and andrew every single day since you 2 left us. to your family thanks for giving the world such an awesome role model. Oorah and Simper fidelis brother."
Clyde Bone of Geneseo ny

"HAPPY 26TH BIRTHDAY TIO MUNCH!!!!!! I MISS YOU A LOT!!!!! I COULD REALLY USE UR SUPPORT RIGHT NOW!!!! SCHOOL IS JUST SO STRESSING AND I MISS YOU A LOT!!!!! BUT TODAY IS UR DAY TO SHINE!!!!! HAVE A GREAT ONE!!!!! REMEMBER WE ALL LOVE YOU AND GREATLY MISS YOU!!!!!"
Edith Rodriguez of Brownwood, Tx

"what's up bro. remember the time we went to the park and you ran me into the dirt when you were try to get my fat but in shape to go to boot camp and you always helped me stay motivated. I miss you bro. I think of you and your family all the time. SF my friend"
Blake Lampson of Brownwood, TX/ Harrisburg,PA

"Tio munch,
i miss u so much not a day goes by that i don't stop to think how things would be if you were still here...what we would be doing well i know i would be up in north carolina with you and tia angie and the little cousin...now i just stop to think and imagine how i would want things to be...but now here only couple of months away until my 17th birthday how hard it is every birthday knowing that your not with me when use to you would always be with me during my birthday...i love you and miss you and i know your looking down on me where ever your are"
Edith of Brownwood, Tx

"A Happy I know u look down at us all the time. As we look up to you in the heavens. You will always be missed but never forgotten. And Mrs. Happy your still my lil sister as Happy is my lil my brother. A Happy, you playing the "P" word game in heaven. :)"
Rudy Romero of San Pedro, Ca

"I can't believe it's been five years today. Every June 10th and the days leading up to it are sad. At the same time I have Vanessa's Birthday today. I miss you, tia tio, Julie, Sonya, Ruben. It's been so long. I feel lost; I rarley talk to family, could be because I have no way to get a hold of everyone. At least I can talk to you from here to heaven. I'd really like to get back in touch with family so here's my info. Facebook http://www.facebook.com/trish.roker or by email at trishroker@gmail.com. Tia and Tio I love you."
Trish of Fort Collins, co

"hey tio munch its me again chewy...well school is going good, but can't wait for the year to be over. Today is the first day that I start working. You won't even imagine how much I miss u I really miss u a lot I have no one to talk to with no more and I just sometimes cry myself to sleep cause I still don't want to believe it yet that, that was u. I know it wasn't I know your still out there and one day you will come back home. I miss u tio munch and I love you to."
Edith Rodriguez of Brownwood,TX

"hey tio it me your niece areli i miss you on your birthday again but i still feel like your still out there. that they mistaked that was you but ya well i love you and miss you love your niece areli"
areli of brownwood texas

"i love u tio munch!!!!!! not a day goes by that i don't think of you its really hard being here without you i feel like everything is just going to fall on me without your support....but i want you to know that you wont never be forgotten ever and I'm 2 years away from joining the corp ill be strong and brave and most of all courageous like you were.... i love u tio munch!!!!!! from your chewy"
Edith Rodriguez of Brownwood,Texas

"Hey Mario today is January 18, 2010. A week away from our 25th Birthday. I will be celebrating it in your memory. I remember you were the Happiest Marine that I ever served with. I really enjoyed serving with you down in Haiti. I wish we could have enjoyed many birthdays together but I know you are with me in spirit. I will always miss you brother. Semper Fi!!!"
Mr. Jason A. Brison (CPL USMC) of St. Louis, MO

"Happy and Andy too, not a day goes by when you don't cross my mind. I'm sorry doesn't cut it. You both are in my thoughts and prayers- as well as your families. Semper fi."
Sapper Six of Hawaii

"Motivator!!! I still remember looking at you during a platoon formation prior to your platoon deploying to Haiti. While some Marines had the look of confidence and some had the look of fear of the unknown, you had a smile on your face I can never forget. It was a joy serving with you. You were truly an awesome Marine. Angela if I can ever be of any assistance to you please don't hesitate to ask. You both are still in my prayers and will never be forgotten."
Robert E. Cross Sr. 1stSgt (ret) of Havelock, NC

"Happy Dog,
I am so so sorry about what happen. I think about that day everday of my life. I miss you boys so much man and i wish there was something i could do to change the past. I know you are walking with Jesus right now, so tell him i said hello. Keep them all laughing until we meet again. I can't wait until the day i can see yall again. Love you bro. I am so sorry man."
Murray aka Madman Murdoc of Selma, North Carolina

"May 25, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Mario A. Castillo:
Mario 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

"My name is Cpl. Joshua Boston and I had the pleasure of serving with Mario Castillo, aka. "Happy". I too was in Alpha Co. only I was in the ITC area of Camp Fallujah. I was also good friends with Andrew Kilpela who died with Mario. I just wanted to say that, "Happy", as is his nickname, always knew how to bring out the best in everyone. I don't think that I'll ever meet a kinder, more soft hearted and outgoing person than Castillo. I wish to give my condolences to Angela and his family. Thank you for allowing us to serve with him.
Sincerely,
Cpl. Joshua D. Boston"
Joshua Boston of Conway,AR US

"To the Castillo family, I keep you in my thoughts and prayers each day. My daughter Michelle graduated from BHS with Mario and she also died just 2 weeks after Mario did. I was at Camp LeJeune last week to visit my brother who is a Marine stationed there. I thought of you and of Mario while I was there. I know he made you proud. He was a wonderful young man. No family should have to bear the pain of losing a child - (or a young wife to lose her husband) but we will make it as we have done these 2 years....one day at a time. I will forever be grateful to our Marines and other armed forces who sacrifice so much for our freedom. God bless you."
Kathy Edwards of Brownwood, TX

"Happy I am truly sorry for the way things worked out,but you are in a better place.You truly are one of my heros, from the first time I met you you showed me no matter what the situation was to always smile,just like the time you told me you stalked your wife until she went out with you(you just didn't know the meaning of the word quit).And lord knows during our training we tried to get that smile off your face I even told you about that and you just looked at me and smiled.You also showed me to be a little more caring and so much more.

To the Castillo family,
I just wanted you to know that I have never served with a finer Marine.Happy was always voulenteering for everything and putting everyone above himself.He would always tell me I will do it Sgt they need to rest.And try as I did to get him to rest he never would.No matter what mode any of us were in Happy could always make us laugh and forget for a short time where we were at.I wish that there was something I could say to make things easier except I am sorry.There has not been a day that I don't think about him, I just hope that some day I can make him proud.May god bless you and your entire family."
Sgt Scott A. Kittrell of Bethesda, Md

"let your soul rest in peace friend"
Brian Alaniz of comanche,tx

"To Happy: I know your watching over us right now and i just want to say im sorry things turned out the way they did but I know your in a better place now and I thank you cause i know your watching over us...to the family I just wish to say that I have never served with a better human being than Mario he was a great firend and an outstanding Marine I,m glad I had the oppurtunity to serve with him...he will be truly missed..."
Marco Martinez of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"To my beloved brother LCPL Mario A Castillo it has been a year since you have left me and it seems like it was just yesterday when it happened. I' m very blessed and honored to have had such a wonderful person as my baby brother your memories will live on always because people like you are hard to find. You and LCPL Andrew Kipela will always be my familys warriors and heros.I have grown strength from some of your friends and our family and especially angie so it won't hurt so much but my pain will never go away. The great memories you left me with will keep me going years to come. I miss you very much but I will never forget you and every moment we spent together since day you where born threw changing dirty diapers and as I saw you grow up to be a fine young man and then become one of our warrior and heros.God Bless you "HAPPY""
Julia Rodriguez of Fort Worth.Texas

"Mario, you and i grew up together. You became my brother's best friend when ya'll were kids. Then you came to be a part of our family. I have always felt as if I have 3 brothers rather than two. You became like a big brother to me. You helped me, protected me, and was always there to put a smile on my face. I have always been thankful to have you apart of my life. You truley are a hero in my eyes. I just wish others could have had the privelige to have known you, the way I have. I am thankful to know that even though you are not physically here, you will always be with me in my heart, and in my soul. I will love you always Mario A. Castillo.
Signed,
Your Little Sister.
To the Family:
Mr. and Mrs. Castillo, Sonya, Julie, Arial, Angel, Short-man. I am truley sorry for your loss. I am here for you always. I love you all and hold you all dear to my heart.
Angie stay strong. Mario remains with you always. Be proud of Mario. I know I am. He loves you with all his heart. This he has told me."
Amber Cole of Brownwood, Texas, U.S.A.

"May you rest in peace... as you probably do not know.. i am your friend andy kilepla's cousin. I've heard a lot about you.. and i understand why you and andy were friends. You guys had a lot of things in common.. and you both have a heart of gold... To marios family: i know what your're going through.. and i wish you guys the best of luck in everything.. and i'm sorry...

love andrews cousin... dawniee"
dawniee of michigan

"Mario,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY! Just wanted to leave you a little birthday wish! Angie is doing well she is very strong and when she isn't no worries cause we are here to hold her up! You keep watching over us until we can be with you. Cheers! :)"
Christina Rojas of Jacksonville, NC

"Happy,
We all miss you so much. I just wanted to let you know we love you and wish you were here with us. You are in a better place watching over us, we know. We are taking care of Angie (who is so strong). Happy Birthday Mario we wish you could have been here with us. Until we see you agian, we are always thinking about you."
Tina Kopanski of Jacksonville, NC

"To Mrs. Happy and LCPL Castillo family:

My deepest sympathy. I got to know Happy and Mrs. Happy on a trip I took to NC last November 2004, I was going to the Marine Corps Ball. My friend introduced me to both Mr. and Mrs. Happy. I asked my friend "Why do you guys call him Happy?" and he said to me "Because he's always happy even when things are going bad" and I smiled.. And yes it was true, he always had a smile on his face. I know he's in a better place and he's watching over our soldiers. Thank you Happy for serving this great nation. You are missed. May God bless you and those fallen soldiers."
Hester of Homestead, FL

"Happy,

I think of you and andy everyday, you two were my brothers. i'll never forget you two. i wish you two were here right now, i'd give anything to see the both of you again. i just hope i can justify the sacrifice you two made, for you two gave us all freedom for the rest of our days. one day i'll come and see both of you, we'll talk and catch up on old times. you two are my biggest heros. until the day we are reunited, semper fi"
Skeeter of United States Marine Corps

"Mario was truly a great American and a great human being. I had the pleasure of coahing him in Middle School and even then he was "Happy" and had an attitude of helpfulness and a true spirit of teamwork. Words cannot express how proud of Mario I am for his willingness to protect this country and to die for it. Thanks Mario."
Rodney Davis (Coach Davis) of Little Elm, Texas

"Mario was a hero. I am very proud of him. His bravery, love and strength was powerful. I am grateful to have known him as my cousin, friend and HERO. He was truly a UNITED STATES MARINE!! YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN !!!"
ELVA COBIO-GARAY of BROWNWOOD,TX

"FAMILY OF MARIO CASTILLO,
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I THINK OF YOU OFTEN. MY SON IS ALSO IN 2ND CEB A CO AND IS STILL IN IRAQ. HE WENT TO IRAQ IN MARCH WITH MARIO. MARIO WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO TO ALL OF US ESPICALLY TO HIS BROTHERS IN THE 2ND CEB. MAY THE SPECIAL MEMORIES YOU HAVE OF MARIO GET YOU THROUGH THE DAYS AHEAD."
GRAINGER FAMILY of EASTPOINTE, MI

"To Mrs. Castillo and Mario's Family, I wish to extend my deepest condolences on the loss of your fine young Marine. Mario is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. God Bless you all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Hello to all,, i am mario's wife angela , thank you to all for all the support you have given me and his family , Mario will never be forgotten !! He will always be my hero,, my Marine angel!!! i love you my marine, my hero , my best friend!!"
"yoli" AKA "angie of jacksonville,nc

"To the family and friends of LCPL Mario A. Castillo.
Our hearts go out to you in this time of deep sadness. We understand your loss, as our son served along side of "Happy" Castillo. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your son will never be forgotten. He is a HERO and deserving of the highest honor this country can bestow. He gave the ultimate sacrifice in responding to his country's call. May you be comforted in knowing that the streets of heaven are now being guarded by two of this nation's best, your son Mario and our son Andrew."
Michael Kilpela, Father of LCPL Andrew J. Kilpela, USMC of Fowlerville, MI

"MARIO I REMEMBER YOU AT MY GRANDMA IRENE'S HOUSE WHEN YOU WERE A YOUNG BOY. YOU WERE FULL OF LIFE AND ENERGY. I AM SO SORRY I DIDN'T KEEP IN TOUCH AND THAT HEARING FROM THE FAMILY HAD TO BE IN THIS WAY. TIA AND TIO MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY. I AM TRULY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. GOD BLESS."
PATRICIA PEREZ ROKER of FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, USA

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Mario A. Castillo,

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 you our "Love Stitched Together."

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

"God bless you, our prayers are with the family of Mario A.Castillo,and all familys of our fallen heroes for they will not be forgotten"
Douglas Emison of Brownwood,Tx/Usa

"To the Castillo Family,
God bless you all. We are deeply saddend by your sudden loss of Mario.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Chayo, Louis, Suzy, Adrian"
Chayo of Houston Texas

"Our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Mario Castillo. We pray for strength & comfort in the coming days."
Brownwood Human Rights Committee of Brownwood, Texas USA

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"To The Castillo Family,
Our Family, Our City, Our Country grieves with you. We are so saddened by your loss. Your Soldier is OUR HERO! We will never forget him or the others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You and your Brave Marine..Semper Fi!!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"To Mario'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 as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' children. Our sons are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"To Mario'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

"MARIO THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY! MARIO YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND A GREAT PART OF AMERICAN'S AND WORLD HISTORY. YOU AS A SOLDIER.......AHERO!; AND MADE US ALOT SAFER IN AMERICA SINCE 911; THOSE IN IRAQ THANKFUL TO BE FREE. MARIO TO BE A SOLDIER YOU HAVE TO BE SPECIAL. AN MOST AMERICAN'S DO NOT HAVE THIS CALLING. A MARINE, THAT YOU ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE! VERY THANKFUL, OUR SON IN THE ARMY HAD A FRIEND FROM THE MARIO TO STAND GUARD WITH HIM. TO ALWAYS PROTECT ONE ANOTHER AND EACH OTHER'S UNIT. SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT OUR MANY BRANCHES OF SERVICE'S. YET, THE ONE COMMON THING YOU ALL HAVE IN COMMON. YOU ARE BROTHER'S AND SISTER'S. WE LOST OUR SON LAST YEAR. YOUR FAMILY IS A VERY PROUD FAMILY AND EXTREMELY, PROUD OF YOUR SERVICE IN THE MARINE'S MARIO. YOUR FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY AND LOVE ONE'S.....COME TO HONOR YOU!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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

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