Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Cpl Chuck!! Never forgotten Brother. Been many years and can still see you smile and always cool. Rest easy Brother. Semper Fi"
Sgt Ramirez of San Antonio Tx

"I didnt know this young man personally but I wear my bracelet with his name on it daily. Thank you for your service and sacrifice to this country - this American will never forget. Much love to your family!"
Brandi Withers of Portland, OR

"Always grateful."
Christin of Texas

"Been a long time brother. I remember when you guys all got to Charlie 1st could never remember your name so I called you "Camel poo" outstanding MARINE. From my family to you and yours, Thank you brother SEMPER FI"
Sgt Craig Anhalt of Reedsville, WI

"For being over 10 years, it seems like just yesterday we were all together. You helped make everyone a better person. Miss you brother."
GySgt Donaldson of Camp Lejeune

"chuck...you and bitz were charachters, we will always be 2/8 charlie/fox....I found your tags chuck..., broke my heart.... miss you my friend..."
james of yuma az

"I will think of you not just on Memorial Day but all throughout the year. Undying gratitude to you and your family."
Christin of Okinawa, Japan

"Cpl Chuck. I still flashback to Iraq quite often my friend. I remember hearing the news of you and it still hurts. Thank You for your sacrifice brother. To your family, I'm sorry for your loss. Please know that your son helped me a lot when I first got to 2nd AABN, and I will never forget."
Landaker of Fairview Heights, Il

"YAT-YAS Brother. I didnt get to serve very long with you but I will never forget you. I was mad when they put two boots in my barracks room with me (you and Ives). But I grew to love you both as brothers quickly. Thanks for being my designated driver all those times and thank you very much for your greatest sacrifice!"
Justin M. Jackson of Spencer, Ohio

"Eight years Chuck, this is a hard time of the year but still getting by. YAT YAS brother. SEMPER FI"
Travis Neal CPL of Searsmont Maine

"thank you for your service"
cyrus of japan macas

"Hey Chuck. I'll always remember the small time I spent with you in 2nd Platoon. I'll always remember the time on the Med float in 2001. You were always happy and proud to do your job. My son is going to be born tomorrow, and you can bet he'll here about you and your sacrifice. Semper Fi"
Cpl. Jason Miles of Portland, OR

"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
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Semper Fi Brother! Rest in Peace! Thank you for your sacrifice..."
Sgt Montoya, Gerald USMC of Camp Lejeune NC

"Its hard to think of you gone my friend! You are one of the the few guys I really remember from plt 2073. You impacted my life from the very moment we met. You were a bright spot in the tough days of bootcamp. Laughter where there should not have been. I am honored to be able to call you brother. The fondest memory I have of my time on Paris Island was that rainy,day assault corse. You were in front of me inline and You told me you had to pee but you were afraid to ask the D.I. so I said your already wet man just go! so you did. The most hilarious situation I have ever been in. almost got myself in trouble from laughing so hard! You were a great man and true hero.A person I strive to be more like and a person I will never ever forget for as long as im blessed to live! rest in peace my friend. May God bless your family and freinds."
Chris Parlor of charleston sc

"Hey Brother,

Was sittin here thinking about you, Boot camp and the times we had there. Anyways man I wont ever forget ya, Semper Fi

Filbeck"
filbeck of Waegwan Korea

"Dear Kemaphoom,
I never knew you but I reflect on your service every day. I've worn an MIA bracelet with your name engraved since April 1st, 2003.
Your sacrifice, along with your fellow contrymen's, is something for which I will be forever grateful. You are a daily inspiration to me, sir. I wear your name on my wrist with such great pride.

Om Mani Padme Hum"
Joe Zook of Grand Rapids, Michigan

"Happy memorial day Chuckles. I'm grateful we had a chance to hang out before we rolled into Nasiriyah. My prayers are with you and your family today. Nothing but love brother. Till we meet again, Semper Fi."
J. Brockbank 2/8 of Seattle Wa

"Cpl. Kemaphoom "Chuckles" Chanawongse, it has been a long time and I reflect on our time serving together, partying, and just enjoying life in general. I remember the day I heard you was pronounced MIA when I was on recruiting duty, it tore my guts out daily, then the worst news was confirmed. I miss you more than mere words can express brother. I am sure that all of C 1st miss you greatly. I am sure I speak on behalf of your brothers, Hernandez, Stewart, Dospital, Whittle, Pitman, Beatty, Davis, Rios, Bittner and all the rest of the gang. We miss you, but know that as we welcomed you to Court House Bay, you will welcome us when we all get to Heaven. R.I.P. Brother !!!!"
Allen Carpenter formerly Sgt. Carpenter at ascarpenter04@yahoo.com of Morganton, NC, USA

"CPL Chanawongse (CHUCK) It's been six long years, 3/23/03-3/23/09 . You are in our thaught's and our minds every day of every year. Semper Fi Brother. CPL Neal"
Travis Neal CPL of Searsmont Maine

"I did not know him but glad that I read about him in school. I am so sorry for his family and what they lost that day. At least he died doing what he had to do. For the freedom that we have now."
Keri of Sumner

"I had the priveledge of serving with chanawongse in bootcamp we were in 2nd bt hotel co 2073. I was at jahaliba air field when i heard the news that chanawongse was mia. for five years i have often wondered what happened to him i did a search tonight and found out. I will never forget his humor and positive attitude. He was always full of pride and spirit. I was deployed with 1st marine div camp pendelton ca the same time he was and i have never forgotten his name being called out by the chaplin in Iraq in march 2003. My deepest graditude goes out to him and his family for his service and life given for this country. Chanawongse you will be missed. Sincerley Sgt Baker, and cpl keith. USMC"
Sgt. Matthew Baker of Ringgold, ga

"Each year, as the stress of trying to do the best job we possibly can, organizing and sponsoring the Annual Chanawongse Scholarship Run, starts to get to me, I visit this site. It helps me become grounded again and realize what an honor it is to have even a small role, in keeping the memory of such a fine young hero alive. "Ahn" was a special Marine, and young patriot and he is missed and so very much by his family and his community. It is a true privilege that Paul and Tan allow me and my fellow Freedom Riders USA, to participate in a small way, helping to keep his memory alive. Thank you Paul and Tan. Thank you "Ahn", we will try to do the best with your run, toast you and your heroism again this year at its conclusion, and know this where ever you are, "this Old Senior Chief owes you a salute when we meet up at "Morning Quarters" somewhere in the sky."
Dave "Husker" Anderson, FTCS/SS (USN Retired), Freedom Riders USA Charter Member of Waterford, CT

"Cpl. Chuck, you always looked after us younger Marines. Its hard for me not to tear up when I think of comming home without you and seeing your family. They were the first people to meet us off the bus. They all wanted to hug us and shake our hands. I miss you. But well drink a beer together when we meet up"
Cpl. Chris Garrett, 2nd AA Btn. of White Pine, TN

"I didn't know Corpoal Chanawongse. Infact, I wasn't even in the Marine Corps at the same time he was. But what makes really makes the Corps is the fact that we have people just like Corporal Chanawongse coming from every country in the world; in a band of brothers that fight for eachother. You embodied what most people can't fathom Corporal.

Oorah and see you soon."
LCpl King of Washington, D.C.

"hey chuck, i remember when you and all the new "boots" came to the platoon, and during the 1 time we got to do something fun for p.t you whacked me in the back of the head with a softball as i was rounding 3rd base. r.i.p. brother."
Erick Hardt of Chicago, Il

"Chuck, I miss you brother. I am forever in your debt. I think about the time we served together all the time. You are a good friend. I will see you soon. Rest in peace Brother. Semper Fi."
Josh Hunziker, SSgt USMC (joshhunziker@gmail.com) of Tampa, FL/USA

"Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay that day,
to laugh, to love, to work or play.
Task undone must stay that way.
I found peace at the close of the day.
If my parting left a void,
then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with time of sorrow.
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one touched.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
but don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me.
God wanted me now, He set me free!"
(Author Unknown)
America has been built on the blood of Brave Men of Honor. Heros who answered the call to defend all of our Freedoms. A fellow Veteran pays tribute to this heros commitment to duty and the ultimate sacrifice that he has made for all of us. Thank you. May you rest well in Gods loving embrace Brave soldier, and may peace come to your family and loved ones for the sacrifice they have also made."
William Darby Taylor Jr. of Bonita Springs Florida

"chuck, I love you man. We had great times together. I think about you when I look through the old pictures. See ya soon brother! Yat Yas"
Ken Reynolds of Camp Lejuene NC

"May 30, 2007
To the family of Kemaphoom A. Chanawongse. Kemaphoom 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

"Forever grateful for your service and sacrafice. Thank you. 5/27/07"
Bela

"Kemaphoom,
I would like to say thank you to you and all the other Marines from 2nd MEB who were killed that day in An Nasiriyah for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"You are remembered and honored this Memorial Day, 2006. We will never forget you. God bless your family & friends."
Bela Beaupre of Woodbury, CT

"you know i still visit here often, i still miss you and think about you everyday. When i read the messages left behind, i remember the names, Whittle, Donaldson, Arroniz, Nova,Kim, and it just helps me to remember the good times with everyone. it helps me knowing that no one forgets. i'll never forget you. we'll never forget you. your always in my prays. my father thinks of you often also. he says hello. and he says hello often in his own way, like we all do. i'll see you again one day. talk with later"
Sgt Eric Ives of iveseric@msn.com

"I miss you man, I still dont want to belive that day happened. but i know your in a better place.Amber and the kids say hi and they miss you everyday also. Rest in Peace and we all love you"
Sgt Jeremy Donaldson of Camp Lejeune

"A outstanding marine that i had the pleasure of serving with,semper fi "chuck" you will be missed"
Matthew Whittle of Longview TX

"To my AAV brothers,
May you Rest In Peace and thank you, you will never be forgotten."
The former Sgt. Colón of Nothern, VA

"Thank you for your service to our country. Just want you and your family to know that you will never be forgotten. May God's blessings, comfort and love shine on you forever. 07/04/05"
Bela of Woodbury, CT

"We still miss and love you...always will"
Lindsay Dunnigan of Waterford, CT USA

"RIP Marine."
Paul of Illinois

"Kemaphoom, You made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for all of us Americans to have the freedom of living here, and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My sincere condolences to your family."
Liz of Port Washington, NY U.S.A

"It is an honor to say "thank you" for the sacrifice your Marine has made for his country. My son is awaiting graduation at Camp Geiger. He is expecting deployment in the late summer. As a mother I am filled with emotion. May God bless you and fill with His Peace that passes all understanding.
Catherine Dozier"
Catherine Dozier of Columbia SC

"Rest in peace my brother, we have the watch!"
REV of Camillus, NY

"I just wanted to tell you that I am sorry for your loss. I know Kemaphoom will always be remembered, and never forgotten. I know this cause I went on line to www.herobraclets.org and I got a braclet with his name on it. I where this braclet everyday and will continue to. He is a true American Hero and will be missed greatly."
SSgt Williams of Texas

"I just wanted to tell you that I am sorry for your loss. I know Kemaphoom will always be remembered, and never forgotten. I know this cause I went on line to www.herobraclets.org and I got a braclet wiht his name on it. I where this braclet everyday and will continue to. He is a true American Hero and will be missed greatly."
SSgt Williams of Texas

"Hello,

I am so sorry for your loss. I too lost a loved one to this war.
We have formed a group for those of us who have experienced
the ultimate sacrifice. Gold Star Families for Peace.
www.gsfp.org.
Love and Peace to you,"
Dede Miller of Bellflower, Ca

"I served with Cpl. Chanawongse in the same company in Iraq and in the same Battalion in Camp Lejeune. God bless you and your family. There has not been a single day that has gone by without me thinking about you and the rest of our fallen brothers. You will never be forgotten."
Uriel Arroniz of Santa Maria, Ca

"bro, you're in my thoughts everyday, can't help but reflect back on the times we chilled together from CA to NC. I love ya bro, one day we will meet again. Rest in Peace."
Cpl. Nova, Luis of Sarasota, FL

"bro, you're in my thoughts everyday, can't help but the times we chilled together from CA to NC and in the Med. I love ya bro, one day we will meet again. Rest in Peace."
Cpl. Nova, Luis of Sarasota, FL

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"Hey bro, its been a while since I wrote here, but you and Mike are in my thoughts and prayes everyday. I miss you man. Until we meet again, rest peacefully. Semper Fi."
Ives of NJ

"To the family of Cpl Chanawongse, my son ,Crpl Patrick Nixon, also died at the same action that yours did. What you might not have know is that his uncle in Thailand and Pat's uncle, who lives there are close friends, and on the day that we learned of their loss they were praying for both of them. Time and space have come together. Now Pat and your son are also together guarding the gates of heaven with other Marines. May God Bless and keep you."
David Nixon of Gallatin,TN

"To the Family of Cpl. Chanawongse,

It is with a heavy heart that I write these words to you and other family members of Marines who have fallen. I come from a long family line of Marines; I too am a Marine Corps veteran. His service to his Country and his Corps will live forever in the minds of his fellow Marines all over this country.

While I never personally met this Marine, every Marine is my brother and it is with love and respect to his family that I say to them the words of retired GySgt Ermey, "The Marine Corps lives forever, and that means you live forever."

God Bless and Semper Fidelis"
Rob of Iowa

"In loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"hey how u doin brother, i havent written anything in a while but imma do you something better. ill be coming to see you on april 28 so wait up for me, man I miss you like crazy. You know what iv been thinking, if i should join the army hahahahha i know marines to army dramatic change but it seems like the army boys are gettin all the action now uh days, it seems like this will not end anytime soon and im kinda tired of the civillian life anyway, so whatcha think chuck should i join and go back for round 2. ill c u when i c u brother RIP "no fear""
chal li kim "Sgt Kim/USMC of glenburnie, MD

"We Will NEVER FORGET !" As the first anniversary of the death of your loved one arrives;
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Kemaphoom, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Dear Kemaphoom and family:

I realize you do not know me personally, but I am with you spiritually. You are a true hero in the eyes of all Americans. I want you to know that all your efforts were not in vain. I appreciate the ultimate sacrifice you paid so that all of us can live in a free and safe society.

The ultimate sacrifice in life is to take action and protect those whom you love. You were there in Iraq because you love this great country and your fellow citizens and you choose to place yourself in harms way in order to protect the sovereignty of our country. In the eyes of God you have given the greatest gift of all for your friends and loveones; you gave your life. I just wanted you to know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers each and everyday. Thank you for giving me the greatest gift in life which is the gift of freedom.

To the family of Kemaphoom A. Chanawongse, please except my sincere condolences on the loss of your son. Your son has a special place in my heart, and in the hereafter with all the rest of the saints. If there is anything I can do please let me know.

Sincerely,

Carol Annino
Newington, CT 06111"
Carol Annino of Newington, CT/US

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

"TO THE FAMILY OF THIS FALLEN BROTHER TO WHOM I SERVED WITH FOR THE LAST FOR YEARS, I AM SORRY HE IS NO LONGER WITH US IN THIS WORLD BUT I KNOW HE IS UP THERE LOOKING DOWN ON US ALL. I MISS "CHUCK" EVERYDAY, AND THE BRACELET WITH HIS NAME ON IT DOESN'T COME OFF MY WRIST. CHUCK, I'LL SEE YOU AGIN SOON. REST IN PEACE BROTHER, YOU'VE SERVED YOUR TIME IN HELL. SEMPER FI MARINE."
CPL.ERIC IVES of TOMS RIVER, NJ

"RIP Marine.

Semper Fi"
The Taylors in NC of USMC

"I saw a news story on Kemaphoom A. Chanawongse when he was still listed as missing and I was so touched by his life's story and his loving family that I prayed and followed his story. I was receiving DOD announcements when his name appeared as being found. I was so crushed. It's now coming up on a year soon and I just want the family to know that your son has touched my life and my prayers are with you. I'll never forget, your precious son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend."
Debbie of Boston, MA

"Thank you Kemaphoom Chanawongse, 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

"Kemaphoom I wanted to let you know of the love, respect and admiration I have for you and your family. You fought and died for me, for your family and for freedome so that those animals wont be able to change America. Maybe they did change America on September 11 but not the way they wanted. They changed us into action so we can bring these people to justice. I think you and your family for you paying the ultimate sacrifice. I only wish there was something I could do for you or your family to help assuage the grief that must be permeating everyone who knew yhou. Rest assured my prayers are with you and your family. If I can do anything for your family whether it be someone to pray with, or talk to please email me. ctpoet1@yahoo.com"
Chris Decker of East Windsor CT USA

""Chuckie", I'll miss you brother. We'll sit and have a Thai chicken dinner when we regroup. I know you are smiling brother. Semper Fi."
Gunnery Sergeant Oliver 1/2 of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Hello my name is Cpl Marcy M. Martinez-Smith, I'm originally from New Haven, CT and currently stationed in North Carolina. Though I did not know him, he was my brother in the Corps. He will never be forgotten. Take care and God bless the family."
Marcy Martinez-Smith of Camp Lejeune, NC originally from New Haven, CT

"Me and Chanawongse were friends sinse bootcamp and later, I found out that he was in my unit(2nd Assault Amphibion Battalion) so we started to hang out, I can tell you this 1 story when my car broke in Charlotte, NC which I might say is 4 hours away and he came and helped me out for a couple of days and hung out with me to keep me company until the dealer opened up on the following Monday, and we got my car in the shop and everything else was history. He was an excellent friend, 1 that will be missed. And to his family I feel that I owe him the respect to come and give you my thanks in person. So please contact me at 443 618 8435. I always tried to contact you sooner, but never knew how till this."
Sgt Kim C.L of glenburnie,MD

"I would like to pass on my prayers to the family of this fine soldier. Not only was he a Marine, but a son, and my Connecticut brother and comrade-in-arms. It breaks my heart to not be side by side with them all. I pray the Blessings of the Lord upon the family."
A1C Joseph Salmoiraghi of Buckley AFB, CO (orig from Bristol, CT)

"My name is Sgt munoz. I went to boot camp with Cpl. chanawongse. He was a fellow brother who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He will always be a hero to me and his country. Rest in peace marine. Semper Fi!"
Sgt munoz a.r of bohemia n.y

"To the family of Kemaphoom A. Chanawongse
I am honored to have served with your son during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His dedication to the Marine Corps has made him who he is. Semper Fidelis and God Bless his soul."
Cpl. Ruel A. Dasalla of Staten Island, NY, USA

"To the Family of Cpl. Kemaphoom A. Chanawongse,
May the memories you have of your son be a source of comfort and strength to you at this time. Thank you for raising a man of great character, whose brave acts won't be forgotten.

Respectfully Yours,
Proud Military Mom in Southern California"
Kathleen of Redondo Beach, California

"To the Family of Cpl. Kemaphoom A. Chanawongse,
May the memories you have of your son be a source of comfort and strength to you at this time. Thank you for raising a man of great character, whose brave acts won't be forgotten.

Respectfully Yours,
Proud Military Mom in Southern California"
Kathleen of Redondo Beach, California

"To the Family of Cpl. Kemaphoom A. Chanawongse,
May the memories you have of your son be a source of comfort and strength to you at this time. Thank you for raising a man of great character, whose brave acts won't be forgotten.

Respectfully Yours,
Proud Military Mom in Southern California"
Kathleen of Redondo Beach, California

"To the family and friends of Cpl. Kemaphoom Chanawongse:
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 Kemaphoom 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. Kemaphoom Chanawongse:
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 Kemaphoom, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"Thank you Cpl. Chanawongse for the sacrifice you have paid for your country. You will always be in my heart an American hero. I hope one day the Iraqi people will know the great freedom we live each day because of men like you."
Terri Curtis of Green Forest, Arkansas

"May our Lord have you, brave warrior, guarding the gates of Heaven. You have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country and for that you will forever live in our hearts."
Astrid Valdivia of Anaheim, CA

"Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice in the service of this great country.Yours is a sacrifice that will not be forgotten..God Bless you and keep you close to him."
ap of ky