Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Cheeto, on this Thanksgiving Day I'd like to say that Im thankful to have served with you and the guys at the "Det". I'm greatful that You and I crossed paths even if only for a short time. You made an impact on my life back in '03 and almost 20 years later you still impact me through memories. Sleep in peace little brother until we meet again on that Great Day."
Sgt. Johnson of El Dorado, AR 11/24/2022

"Hey, just wanted you to know that I still think about you and that you are missed. I love you little brother! Until I see you again."
Stephen Miller of Duncanville, TX

"Cheeto, it’s been a long time since you were taken from us. That day is fresh in my memory. I talked to your Mom the other day. Don’t be mad Cheeto but I call your Mom, Mom now. She is a strong Lady that has endure tremendous pain since you passed away. Your Mom has been there for me and I appreciate her so much! Until we meet again Brother! NOV 2019"
LTC Jeffrey J. Wallace... A CO Assassin 16 of Houston, TX

"Hey Cheato - Still thinking about you, brother. You were the First friend I had when I came to A company. I just want to say thank you."
Epperson of Orange Park, FL

"Jonathan,
On today, the 12th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike of El Paso, Texas

"Hey Cheetoh, just want to say that you are still fresh on my mind my friend. Your sacrifice will live in my heart forever."
Womack of Benton, AR

"Happy Birthday my son. Today is your 29th birthday. Always thinking of you and carrying you in my heart. I know I will see you again.
Love
Mom"

"Yesterday was the first 5K to benefit the Museum of Veterans in Vilonia AR. We were each given a fallen soldier to walk in honor of. I was given Jonathan's name. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort and strength. Know that he is not forgotten."
Amanda of Conway, AR

"Remembering you my son on another anniversary date without you. Your sister and I will hold our usual prayer and remember the good old days."
Mom

"I wore PFC Jonathan M Cheatham's name on my race bib this past Memorial Day. I just wanted to let his family know that he is not forgotten and thank you for all Jonathan did and sacrificed. He will remain in my thoughts and prayers."
J.Tully of Greelawn, New York

"I went to basic training with Jonathan. We were good friends, had many boot shining sessions. Spent many nights talking about his home life, and his girlfriend. We actually talked about meeting up some time in Arkansas. Miss my battle buddy, and I am very sorry for your loss!"
Alan of Orlando, FL

"My son the war has ended. All combat soldiers are out of Iraq. I thank god for allowing this to happen and for a lot of families to be with their loved ones on this Christmas. God bless America and the President for this ending. Rest in peace my son until I see you again."
Mom of Camden, AR

"Still proud of you. Eternally missing you.
Rest in Peace my son. I will see you again one day."
Mom

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON

MISSING YOU ETERNALLY"
YOUR MOM

"Dear Jonathan,
Its nights like this that I sit up and wonder why, why aren't you here when i truely need you the most. Its a lot of things that I wish I could sit down and talk to you about, things such as school, the love of my life and and just life period. I want you to know there is not a day that I don't think of you. The other day when Obama announced osama bin laden was dead was truely a joy from with in and wish that Bush would have truely targeted him from the beginning. Just know that I will do my best to make you proud, I love you and save a spot for me and mom."
Portia Cheatham of Conway AR

"Cheatham,
I will never forget our conversations together or your laugh. I will always remember your strength physically and spiritually. Thank you brother, you have given me more than you know. I will see you again in the kingdom the Lord has prepared for the faithful."
Sgt. Jason Black of Denton, TX.

"Jonathan;
May 24, 1984 you were born. On yesterday you would have celebrated your 26th birthday. You served your country, this I am proud of. You are now forgotten by the world but not by your mom and sister. You are in our hearts everyday.

It still haunts me that after seven years I still to this day do not know what really happened to you. Not knowing is like a cancer that eats at me daily. No one understands that unless they walk in those shoes. I know there are other service members families that are walking in these shoes as well. I must rest assured that god knows and he says vengence is mine. Rest in peace my son. We will meet again.
Loving and missing you
Mom"
Dr. Barbara Porchia of Arkansas

""To the family of Jonathan M. Cheatham ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"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"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Jonathan,

Man, it's been so long since I can even remember seeing you, yet those long and numerous summer days you hung out over our house (often jus to see my lil' sister lol) and at Aunt Mary's house are so fresh in my mind. You were a funny guy back then, yet so seriously intense...even now i laugh just picturing that face you always made. I dont know why I thought of you today, and I dont have much to say, but i just wanted to tell you that I did and that we all miss you. Thank you for your sacrifice, as it was the ultimate one. I pray that your mom and Portia find strength and feel comfort in your absence. May both you and your dad's souls rest in peace."
Ras Flowers of Washington, DC

"Not a day that goes by that my heart is not paining for my only son. I miss you, think of you daily. Will see you on the other side one day."
Love Mom

"The last time I saw you was at your dads' Stephen's funeral. You and your lil sister used to play with my sons when you were small. Your father was great friends with my late husband. From what I read, you and your dad were a lot alike, kind, considerate and good men. I know you and your dad are together in good company... over the rainbow...spirits released. Would rather have you than the memorial in your name...but...God knows best. Karen, Ben and Miles"
Karen of Hot Springs, Arkansas

"Jonathan,
I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Au Fort Du Combat"
(In The Thick Of The Fight)
489th Engrs Motto"

"Memorial Day, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Jonathan M. Cheatham:
Jonathan 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

"you may be related to me i just fond out on friday of the mounth apirl 25 2008 i wish i could have meet you my dad is danial clay cheatham and my grandpa is willaim bell cheatham . no matter who you are i love you and i think you for fighting at a young age you were so young."
luv rubycheatham of danville ,ky.

"JC
Hey! I was just sitting in Germany thinking about high school and everything that happened. I never got to apologize for letting someone come between our friendship. I really do regret that, you are a wonderful friend, man, and Soldier. You still inspire me daily. I will forever miss you."
PFC Sappenfield-Rice, Brandie 205th MI BDE Wiesbaden, Germany of Camden, AR

"My son;
Another anniversary approaching. I wish we were celebrating a happier occasion. I still feel you around me at times. Looking forward to my last days on this earth. I know when I see you again, there will be no more tears and sorrows. Missing you more than any other being could begin to imagine."
MOM

"Hey JC. I miss you so much. I had alot of fun with you in Spanish class laughing and cheating off each other. You will always be in my thoughts. I can't wait to see you again."
Krystal of Camden, AR originally now in Buford, GA

"you are a good person now your in heaven because god thought you should go because you fought for are country and that makes you a good person you rock"
jasmine of california

"you are a good person now your in heaven because god thought you should go because you fought for are country and that makes you a good person you rock"
jasmine of california

"I ask his Mom to please post a few family photo's of her son here so that we can see this sweet angel of hers. Some of him just being himself and happy would be really nice. May God Bless You, and Him."
Karen of Virginia Beach

"Hey Cheatham! Well it has been almost 4 years since that painful day! I think of you everyday when i wake in the morning till I lay my head down to sleep. You will always be with me everywhere I go. I know we didnt hang out much, but the times we did while in country I will remember for the rest of my life! I now wear a KIA bracelet in your memory and I will wear it always and forever. I look forward to seeing you again in heaven, I will bring the chess board!"
SGT. Cooke, Jacob 1st Platoon, 489th EN BN 2003-2004 of Bentonville, AR

"Although I served in B/489th, and didn't know you personally, I think about your sacrifice regularly. I'm sorry that your family and friends don't have the opportunity to share special events with you. Your sacrifice had brought greater clarity to my life and helped me realize what is really important. Your family and friends need to know that your passing, although tragic, has left a significant impact on how others around you, live their lives today. Your service was honorable and I thank you for all that you have done."
1LT Timothy H. Nelson B/489th EN OIF, now A/980th EN of Frisco, TX

"You are loved by so many. Its just not the same"
Sarah of Camden

"Jonathan, I wish I would have told you on the day you called me (so exitedly)about inlisting how much I appreciated your friendship. I haven't had a friend like you since. I'm sorry I did not tell you sooner but I love you and miss you very much! All the childhood memories we shared will never be forgotten.I knew you really cared for me because you were like a brother to me. Always watching my back. I appreciate you more than ever now and pray for you still. You will be missed always, your best friend, Olivia.
:)"
Candace Flowers of Pine Bluff, Ar

"Jonathan(A TRUE AMERICAN HERO), I truly hate the day that God took you from us. I can still remember that day like it was yesterday, but its been almost 3 years. I remember our conversation and lifting weights with you, while in theater and I will cheerish those memeories all the days of my life.. It was a Honor serving with you and I pray that God continues to comfort your Family... See you on the other side BROTHER IN ARMS...."
LT. Jeffrey J wallace ACO 489th EN BN of HOT SPRINGS, AR

"Hey JC! I turned 21 the other day and remembered the plans we had for this ocassion. It sucks that you're not here, but God has a reason for it, and I sure plan on asking him about it.

I love you and miss you terribly.

PS-When I go to the boats, my first bet will be for you, so I better win. LOL"
Kate of Camden

"Hey jonathan, you are still in my memories and in my heart. I will never forget you. You brightened any room you walked into and now you make heaven even brighter. Thank you for your sacrefice."
SGT. Travis Cousins (A. co medic) of Pittsburgh, PA

"I miss you so much.
Love
MOM"

"Hey bro just setting @ work thinking about the old times.

luv,"
Sgt. Klober 489th EN BN of Magnolia, Ar

"My dear son;
As I awakened this morning, I remembered that 21 years ago I had you in my arms promising to protect you and lead you through this life with the help of God.

Today you would be considered an adult legally. HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY.
WORDS WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO EXPRESS HOW MUCH I MISS YOU.

Love
MOM"

"I thank you so much for everything. For protecting my family,your family and the millions more out there. I will never forget, see you down range man."
Cook of Conway,AR

"Thank you soldier"
Jim Shaw of Pasadena, Maryland

"Dear Friends and Family of Johnathan M. Cheatham,
For our Veteran's Day Ceremony this year at school, our Historical Society passed out little white cards to everyone who entered the program. On the cards were the names of American Soldiers who have fallen during the war. I recieved Jonathan. My name is Chelsea Collins and I attend Morgan City High School. The purpose of the cards were for the students here to keep in mind all the soldiers who are out there giving their very life for us. I just wanted to say that your family and especially Him are in my prayers. Its a very unexplainable feeling to know that this young man whom I don't even know gave his life for this awesome country, for his family, and for mine. Reading all of the letters left for Johnathan on this site makes me see that he must have been a wonderful person. I just wish i could have known a little more about him and i know that if i had the chance i would love to shake his hand and tell him, "Thanks for everything." If you dont mind I would like to know a little bit more about him. My email is chel_sea@yahoo.com. I am very proud of him. Thank you so much!
You all are forever in my prayers."
Chelsea Collins of Morgan City, LA

"I didn't know Jonathan but he is greatly missed, I lost my brother-in law in November 2003.We love you and you are deeply missed."
Antoinette Brooks of Stone Mountain, Georgia

"Thank You for giving your life for our country. You are a Hero."
Angela of Morehead, KY

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..7/26/04

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.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, 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

"Jonathan,

Yesterday we remembered you with a memorial to your life. We all came together and got to remember with your Mom. She is a strong and courageous woman. We all miss you so very much and you will be forever in our hearts. That horrific day in July in Iraq will always be in the back of my mind. We all love and miss you. Sappers Forward"
MSG Thomas Raymann of Little Rock, AR

"This is a poem I wrote for JC...I love you bro!

You're Just Not Here Anymore

I can still see your face
Smiling and laughing at me
I can still hear your voice
Saying I love you and goodbye for the last time
I still have your words in my memory
The ones that meant so much to me
I remember everything about you
You're just not here anymore

Not a day goes by
That I don't think of you
Thinking of our memories together
The good and the bad
Burried so deep inside
They play in my mind like a movie that will never end
But you're just not here anymore

You were in the prime of your life
Still a teenager at that
I can't help but ask why
You had to go so young
We were supposed to go to college together
We were gonna be each other's support
We were gonna grow up together with families and all
You would've been the perfect father and husband to some lucky girl
But it's all over now
You're just not here anymore

No matter where this road they call life takes me
Or where the hands of fate place me
I just want you to know that I will always love you
You were one of my best friends I ever had
You're just not here anymore

You will be 19 forever in my mind
Never aging a day
I will grow old
My memory may fade
But I will never forget you
Not even for a day
But you're just not here anymore"
Kate of Camden, AR

"Hey JC!
Happy birthday bro! I wish you were here cuz you know we woulda partied hard! LOL! Well, I know your b-day was last Monday, and this Monday (Memorial Day) is in honor of you and your fellow soliders that have passed in wars before you. I love you so much, and I hope you know just how much I miss you. I want you to know that Michael and I are on speakin terms again. Maybe you had something to do with it, I don't know...but please watch over Michael if you can. I want him home in one piece. I love you and I'll see ya in heaven!"
Kate Fields of Camden, AR

"Hey JC!
Happy birthday bro! I wish you were here cuz you know we woulda partied hard! LOL! Well, I know your b-day was last Monday, and this Monday (Memorial Day) is in honor of you and your fellow soliders that have passed in wars before you. I love you so much, and I hope you know just how much I miss you. I want you to know that Michael and I are on speakin terms again. Maybe you had something to do with it, I don't know...God does work in mysterious ways. Anyways, I'm lettin you go now..love you always."
Kate Fields of Camden, AR

"My Jonathan,

I awakened this morning on Mother's Day without you. I know you are with me in spirit. Your memories will forever be with me and heavily on my heart.

I miss you so much.

Love
Mom"

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

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

"Hey bro i'm just sitting here thinking about you. I miss you so much and I know we will meet again one day love you"
Portia Cheatham of Camden, Ark

"He was a year younger then me. I never knew him. But I read what his family says of him, and I cant help but cry.

He shouldnt have died this way. None of these boys should die this way.
I'll work to bring them home, so that no more mothers have to cry this way.
no more lives will be cut short of their prime.

its the most patriotic thing to do.

god bless you Jonathan M. Cheathman... god rest you."
Annath of Hope

"My son. I will say to America I miss you dearly. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I could turn back the hands of time. I know this is something not even a mother can do but wishes she could. I can only imagine what you are doing in the afterlife. I hope whatever it is you are enjoying it to the utmost. Every now and then send me a hug and a kiss. I know as each day passes I am just one step closer to seeing you again. I know you will greet me on that special day and say once again MOM I am fine stop worrying about me. I know the next time I see you it will be forever.

Your sister and I will continue with this journey until God says we can come home.

Loving you eternally
Mom"

"Dear Family of Johnathan:
I just lost my beloved nephew, Spc. Michael Mihalakis, MP Officer in Baghdad Iraq. He was killed in a Humvee accident the day after Christmas. It's awful. They were so young, but I thank them both for their terrific sacrifice for our country. I hope you are healing, and that we will too. Right now, it hurts so badly. God bless Johnathan's family. I will pray for you.
Mikey's Aunt"
of San Luis Obispo, Ca

"Jonathan was not only my boyfriend for over a year but he was also my best friend. I'll never forget the times we spent together and it hurts me to know that I can't see or talk to him now. But I am also extremely proud of him for serving our country. When he told me he thought about joining, I tried to encourage him not to because I was scared of him leaving me. But I soon changed my mind and told him I was ok with it because I knew he really wanted to do it. Even though it cost him his life, I couldn't be any prouder to say that I knew him and we were close. He proved himself to be a true man. I am missing you so much right now and I can't wait till the day that we will see each other again!

Love you always and forever baby,"
Stacy Miller of Camden, Arkansas

"I've known Jonathan (JC) since I had classes with him when I was in the 10th grade. That was 3 years ago. In the short time I knew him, JC became my best friend and my big brother. He was always there for anyone who needed him and he always strived to do what was best. When he told me he was joining the army, I begged him not to. He told me it was something he had to do. Even though I didn't want him to go, I'm glad he did. I'm proud of him, and I admire him for doing something not many people have the courage to do--go fight for our country and be willing to lay down his life for us. I love him and miss him more than anyone will ever know, but I know he's in a better place. To his family, I send you my heart felt condolences. To JC, I'll see you in heaven brother. "We ride together, we die together, best friends for life."

Love Always,

Your Adopted Sissy for Life"
Kate Fields of Camden, AR , USA

"Thank you Jonathan Cheatham, 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

"I went to basic training with cheatham. Cheatham was a good man always trying to do right, he was very caring and always doing the honorable thing. i remember one night when the drill sergents told anyone that was scared to go to war step forward. only a few men stepped forward, cheatham was not one. I wanted to but was scared of what my battle buddies would say about me. Later that night me and the other soldiers in my room were talking about it, and i was saying how scared i was. Cheatham told me that thia is what i signed up for "to die for my country if i have to" he said he would die for his country if he had to. His words stuck with me while i served in Iraq. Alot of times me and cheatham didn't get along and I hate myself now for not recognizing how great of a man i was training with every day of those 3 long months in fort leonard missouri. Ceatham you were a great man! I love you and I miss you! I'm proud of you and so is your country."
PFC. Andrew Cunningham of Cincinnati, Ohio UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!

"Dear Family and Friends,
My son, Mike, was Jonathan's battle buddy in basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. He heard about his death on Oct 3, while serving in Iraq. Our heart-felt sympathy goes out to Jonathan's family and our thoughts and prayers are with you."
The Daniels Family of Woodridge, IL

"We are Jonathans' brothers. Engineers' with the 489th. WE miss you. Thank you and may heaven hold a place for us next to you."
SPC REED of Arkansas

"To the Family you are in my prayers...May God bless you. I do want to say it was a honor to have him in our military Thanks for serving our country"
Stacey (Proud Army Wife) of Zephyrhills,Florida

"To my friends and family at home. I am to sad about what has happened because it could have just as well been me. Johnathan was a talented and special boy that could have done anything, but he chose to do this instead like myself and many others. All my prayers go out to all the family and the only way that we can look at this is that we know that he is in a better place.

Love Always and Forever
A fellow friend and student of Camden Fairview Senior High School"
LCpl Eboney Y. Anderson USMC

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Jonathan Cheatham:
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 Jonathan 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 Pfc. Jonathan Cheatham:
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 Jonathan, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia