Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I have gone many years thinking about Nate. From the times we spent together in high school to the times we spent together wearing this uniform. I know it has been many years but he is always in my thoughts. As I close in on my 20 years wearing this uniform he has always been with me through my journeys. Nate will always be watching over us!"
Charles English

"I still think of Nate to this day and what a devoted Marine he was. I miss you my friend. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice."
Jessie Dennis Melchert of iowa/usa

"I can never express how much I miss Nathan, I was his crew commander and also exposed like Nathan during the blast and to this day I wonder why him and not me? Why him and not Both of us? I feel like a failure as I should of spotted that IED but I failed to do so. I want to apologize to Nathans Family for my mistake, I want to apologize again for not showing up to the dinner our platoon had in Honor of Nathan until the very end. I was too ashamed and embarrassed. Nathan you truly are a hero and may God bless you, I hope you are in the arms of Jesus and feel no more pain my brother. I will see you up there someday soon. You will never be forgotten. Again I am sorry bro."
Eric Tavegia of Portland, OR

"Today marks the 7th year of his passing and it still hurts me like it happened five minutes ago. I was his teamleader, and even though I understand the risks we took, I feel like I failure. He was a great man and an even better Marine."
Luis A. Zabala of Warrensburg, MO

"To the family of:Nathan B. Clemons
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""

"It is memorial day here in Okinawa and I think of Nathan. My husband was with Nathan when he was in Iraq and was talk of him often. He is never forgotten.Our hearts ache and I see the pain in my husbands eyes when he talks of him. My heart goes out to his family.
Nathan is never forgotten."
Angela Conboy of Okinawa Japan

"Dec 27 2010
Nathan, your mark on the world is lasting, your name will not be forgotten. You have answered the call of duty, and gave all for what you cherished and loved most in this nation. Your presence is ever echoing in the shadows of history in it's path to the present, and evermore into the future, and when we wake up in the glory of redemption, it would be my full and everlasting pleasure to meet you as the man everyone has told me you are.

That day will come, and the trumpets of celebration will sound, and never again shall a tear be shed.

God bless you, Semper Fi!"
Anon of USA

"Dear Nate,

As I sit here and think of what to type , all I can think about is the memories I share with you. We had some good times man. I miss you dearly. I always remember you helping me out with my demons. I remember when you came back from Boot Camp and you were a new man. You seemed so mature, you were a man amongst boys. You really showed me to appreciate my possessions as I worked hard for them. I'm glad your positivity not only affected me, but anyone who had the pleasure of being your friend. I never told you this, but thank you. Thanks for everything man. Although your life was cut ever so short, you accomplished so much more than most people in it. I am proud of your demise too, as I can only hope to die an honorable and memorable death as well. - "I'll never forget and I'll always be your friend, I'm gonna see you on the other side." I love you, I miss you.

Yours Truly,

jAmes"
James of 25Jax

"Nate, I think of you always, but especially on your birthday, 9/27, you were such a special ray of sunshine and we miss you everyday. We will be with you one day, according to the promises of God, and it will be a great reunion, keep the "light on". You are loved and missed greatly. You are our hero!!"
Aunt Deb of Jacksonville, Fl

""Always remembered and Never forgotten...!" I thank you for everything u did for all of our friends, family, n country...! Everytime i look at my tattoos(which is everyday) i think of you Nate Dawg...! I love n miss you... till the day we meet again... RIP BRO...!"
A.T. of Jax, Fl & Mob, Al

"Well, we came again to visit you on that perfect mountain of yours with our gifts to you and got caught by your grandmother and uncle greg. You are missed each day and I can't believe it has been five years next week. You are with God and watching over your loving family in TN and FL."
mrs. "b" to you always of jax,fl

"i can't believe its been this long, it still feels like just yesterday when i got the news. i still get tears to my eyes when i think of you... i miss you so much... thank you for the sacrifice you made so selflessly. you died doing what you believed in and for that you are a true hero. till i see you again; much love!"
erika of jacksonville, fl

"”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 1,550 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!
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 God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Kenna - Project Compassion of Manti, Utah USA

"i'm glad i knew you..miss you man"
jordan

"Nate Dawg
Damn man, it’s been 3 and a half years now... still can't believe it. I heard about the dedication of your statue in Tallahassee, when I read about it, it made me smile. I'm glad you're not being forgotten. We can talk about it all we want, but thoughts aren't tangible and can get away from us. With this statue, we now have something that will tell the world your story my friend."
Jeremy Marrero of Al Ali Salem, Kuwait

"May 31, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Nathan B. Clemons:
Nathan 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

"Well I didnt know Nate as well as some, but I was with him in Charlie Company. He was a hilarious guy who took his job seriously. When he died it hit alot of us hard and he was greatly missed."
Justin

"Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you made in defense of these United States of America.
"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." - John 15:13"
Peter Matcau of Miami, Florida

"Remembering you on this Veterans Day, Nathan. The Hazlett family will never forget you or your sacrifice."
Lisa Hazlett of Washington, DC

"Nathan, I never knew you, but your selfless contributions of freedom of these United States brings us and myself the highest gratitude. You will never be forgotten ever."
J. Zag of Atlanta, GA

"NATE DOGG,MY FLORIDA BOY,THE WORLD LOST A HERO,WE ALL LOST A BROTHER,AND A FINE FLORIDIAN.WE USED TO STAND IN THE PHONE LINE EVERYDAY TOGETHER,LOL,YOUR GATORS DID IT MAN.THEY DID IT FOR YOU.I WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE MAN.BE EASY,GO NOLES BABY"
HM3(FMF) PLUMMER of FLORIDA

"HEY BRO,
I didn't know you but I knew a lot of your Docs. I was Corpsman at the STP In Korean Village. We made sure you got on your bird home. Im sorry Man!
Your A HERO!!!! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
SEMPER FI!!"
HN(FMF/SS) TIMOTHY CHACE

"My boyfriend was with Nathan during his tour in Iraq and tells me he was so funny and a great friend. I wish that I could have met him... rest in peace, Nathan."
Emily of Norton, MA

"On this, the morning of the 5th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks I came across a car on Phillips Hwy with a memorial message on the rear view window for their fallen grandson. Although I don't know them nor did I know Nathan, something moved me to write down his name and research if there was a website where I could let his family know just how much Nathan's sacrifice means to me and my family. It is the men and women of the military of this great nation who provide us the opportunity to truly be free. Without them, without Nathan, our lives would be so different. It has not gone un-noticed, nor has it been in vain.

May God bless you and provide comfort to your family."
Rikki Bruinsma of Jacksonville, FL

"I didn't know Nathan, but I support everything the heroes do for us. I know his friend Peter and I am truly sorry. Nathan will be missed greatly and he will always be in our prayers. God Bless"
Jonathan Garrity of Medford MA / US

"I may not have known Nate.. but i am 100% for the military and support the troops 100%.. RIP.. u will be missed"
Kristy of Jacksonville, FL

"to the clemons family, i along with other fallen families. will attend an event on the fourth of juluy in gatlinburg tennessee a parade and fireworks (midnight) we plan to enter a float to honour our fallen and to SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!*************NATHAN THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY. AN FOR YOUR BROTHERHOOD TO OUR SON; AS HE FELT OF YOU. YOU HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN! YOU ARE REMEMEBERED TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER. YOU ARE AN AMERICAN HERO! HEALING IS A SLOW PROCESS. TAKE IT ONE DAT AT A TIME! BE SUPPORTIVE AND UNDERSTANDING WITH ONE ANOTHER. YOU ALL SHARED MANY FOND AND PRECIOUS MEMORIES SHARED TOGETHER WITH NATHAN. THAT HE IS STLL IN YOUR HEARTS AND ALWAYS WILL. HE IS RESTING NOW ONLY PRAYING HIS FAMILY HAS HAPPINESS. HE DOESN'T WANT ANYONE UNHAPPY. NATHAN WAS AMAN THAT ANSWERED A CALLING TO SERVE HIS COUNTRY. THE VERY ELITE AMONG AMERICAN'S. TAKE' A VERY SPECIAL INDIVIDUAL TO BECOME A SOLDIER. YOU HAVE TO BE WILLING TO GIVE THE ULITMATE SCARIFICE FOR ALL AMERICAN'S."
leonard_wahl@hotmail.com of Spring Texas

"When I think of Nathan all, I can do is smile.I met him after he and his family moved to Winchester,and he had me from "Hello".He was so fun to be around,and a wonderful friend.He taught me so much about giving and compassion.He had big smile and an even bigger heart.He brought out the best in everyone.I will cherish the many GREAT memories that we made together!!! Nathan, you a true hero,and I proud to have known you.I love you and will never forget you.I can't wait til we meet again."
Stephanie Limbaugh--Scott of Baumholder,Germany

"Nathan, Nate, Nate Dogg.....
I miss you so incredibly much. Everything remind me of you! You are always on my mind, and not a day goes by that I don't say a prayer for you. Please watch over all of us still on this Earth. I can't wait to see you again. I love you with all my heart... And until we meet again...."
Lucy Haddad of Jacksonville, FL

"PFC CLEMONS,
All the way Marine. You are a Hero.. All the way. You served this Nation with Honor Devil Dog, That will never go unknown. What more could a nation like ours ask for? I am proud knowing that my family is safe knowing there are guys like us serving for their protections and freedoms, And that through our duties, it makes me sad that some of us must fall for those freedoms. You now have a new Mission ahead of you Marine. Carry On.

Sgt. T. L. Bradley USMC 92'-05'"
SGT. TROY. L. BRADLEY of WILMINGTON, N.C. USA

"To the Clemons Family:
Our thoughts are prayers are with you! We are sooo sorry for your loss...
Thank you to your brave marine for making the ultimate sacrifice for our Safety & FREEDOM! Nathan is a TRUE HERO and will never be forgotten!
Rest in Peace Marine! Semper Fi!!"
The Grogans of TN...

"Happy birthday Nathan. It's comforting to know that you are celebrating it in a place where we all dream to one day be. You are on my mind everyday and I miss you with all my heart. I love you."
Catherine Bekkedal of Florida

"Nate was a great person he was always there for you when you need someone to cry on. We all loved him and he will deeply miss.."
Carrie LaFrance of Jacksonville,Fl

"It has taken me almost three months since Nate's death to write this. I knew Nate for almost 10 years. He was one of my best friends. We grew up playing in the worship band at our church. Nate was honest, outgoing, passionate, and always so fun to be around. He was the life of the party. He was always so motivated, and especially gung-ho about the Marine Corps. Nate wanted to go and fight in Iraq, and I can not think of anything less selfish than to leave your family and friends to fight to protect the freedoms and liberties that we have today because of people like Nate. I know I am not the only one that misses Nate terribly, and wonders why God took someone that had so much going for him. I have asked God this question everyday, and yet to recieve an answer. However, I know that Nate not only impacted me but everyone he came in contact with. I know he died doing exactly what he wanted to do, and now he is in a better place with God. And even though Nate is not here with us physically anymore, I know he is still here with me and all of his friends and family forever. He is an American hero and will be loved and missed always.
David and Linda: Your son was an amazing person and an awesome friend. I am and will continue to pray for ya'll. I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice he made and I am so proud of Nate.
To everyone: Please continue to pray and support the troops that are still in the Middle East, and those that will be deployed soon. They atleast deserve that."
Stephanie Strong of College Station, TX

"Of all the occupations that a person can be called to, nothing exemplifies the Christian's life more than that of SOLDIER. A soldier walks the thin line between this life and the next. He is prepared to walk into that next life. He is already dead, or he is ineffective. He lives a wartime posture that should mark the attitude of every believer. We are in fact at war. Every morning we are off on a war footing. If we do not know this we are blind to the spiritual, unseen world that is real and lasting. The discipline, accountability to authority, self-denial, training, and a call to serve unto death is a picture of the Christian, the true Christian. Without shame Paul tells Timothy, "be a good soldier". I am proud of Nathan. I regret your loss, but he stepped out of a Marine combat uniform into paradise. A man's life doesn't get better than that. That, my friend, is what SEMPER FI means.... Always means always."
Britt Taylor Collins of Berkeley Lake, GA

"I met Nathan at church the week before he left for Iraq and I prayed that he would return home safely and he didn't , I guess God had different plans for him. I didn't know him well but He seemed like an amazing and responsible person . I consider him my hero and I remember him every morning I wake up . Please noone forget him , I know I won't ."
Jamie of Tennessee

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

"Dear Friends,
I learned of your loss thru the CATO officers. I lost my son on June 6th, (Jonathan Smith). I wish to express my sincere thank you for his dedicated and patriotic service. May the Lord comfort his family thru these darkest days.
Remember the final verse of the Marine Hymn. I beleive that Nathan and my Jonathan are now together, guarding the streets of heaven.
Semper Fi"
Garry Smith of Eva, AL.

"To the family and friends of Private First Class Nathan B. Clemons,

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, California USA

"Nate in three words was MY BEST FRIEND. He led me when I thought there was not a path for me. He helped me overcome many things in my life, and for that I am grateful. Nate was a beautiful person inside and out. There was never one bad thing that anyone could say about him. He would give his last shirt off his back to anyone that needed it. Without question. Nathan taught us many things. He taught me that love will conquer all. No matter what the situation may be, love from your family and friends will get you through it. In memory of Nate, I am going to make sure that i pass this along to everyone. To his family, I know that myself and all of Nate's friends, we are here to stand beside you and help you conquer this rough time. Let us not mourn his death, but rejoice in the fact that he is in heaven watching us. I know he is my guardian angel and I know that he is up there watching all of us grow. Especially his niece that he was so proud of. GOD BLESS!"
Katherine Christopher of Jacksonville, FL, 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

"I went to high school with Nate, and he was one the funniest, most outspoken, fun, and caring people I had ever encountered at Parker. We share some crazy but fun memories, and I know that I will never forget the impact that he made on my life, as well as the impact he made on others. There is not one person who knew him that had anything negative to say about him...he was just awesome. Now is not a time to cry, and be upset. It's a time to put on our happy faces, as hard as it may be, and show Nate the kind of love that he deserves. And we all miss him, and will always love him. .:* We love you Nate, forever and always *:."
Lindsey Perez of Jacksonville, FL

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

"RIP Devil Dog.....

http://capwiz.com/yo-demo/webreturn/?url=http://www.heraldchronicle.com

You were a fine young man and now you are with the Lord guarding over all those you love. J and T USMC NC"

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