Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hey man I miss you everyday. My self and Ricky went to Arlington, to see you man still can't believe it's been ten years man. I want your family to know that you are always thought of by us. We miss you brother."
Noah anderson of High point nc

"Grey bow I miss you more than ever. There is always that missing piece at family gatherings. I wish more than anything to feel that emptiness but I know that you are there in good spirit. I will always look up to you and love you more than anything. Thanks for the best role model. I could ask for. Love you always"
Maddie moo

"Hey brother. today is a strange day for me bro. i have been listening to Curtis blow all and and benny and the jets.
I miss you bro and i will always will remember you for what you and your family gave me. I know i have fallen short from time to time to.hell brother, don't we all.
just know i miss and love you.
Guns UP! 2/2/Easy WPNS PLT 0331"
jim Faleris of FL

"Grey-bow i never really got to spend that much time with you but i now look back and try to remember the times i did get to spend with you I wish i would have cherished those times but instead i took them for granted and i wish more than anything that i could take that back but i know i will have the opportunity one day to tell you thank you for your service. I get told all the time how I have some of your character traits. You where the best cousin ever. Thanks for being brave, loyal, unselfish and most of all for sacrificing your life for me. I loved and always will love you more than anything.--- Your little cousin!"
Madison Brooke Wright of Mount Airy, NC

"“Gray” a man of distinguished courage and ability, one who excelled in all he attempted. You were an essential part of our family dynamic, you were the rock, as the oldest cousin you acted as a role model someone we all looked to for guidance. I look at old photos of us when we were little and you were always holding my hand. When you weren’t doing that you Adam and Tanner were sitting on me or “toughening” me up, growing up with you three wasn’t easy (but I wouldn’t change it for anything). I thank you for instilling in me the strength to endure the walk of life and to aspire to be as brave and strong as you were Gray-bo. I love you, I will always love you."
Tera Wright of Hickory, NC/ USA

"Hey Grey...Its almost memorial day 2010 and I want to let you know that we all miss you down here and you will never be forgotten. I still have that lil note you wrote in your 1st tour along with Jim's letter letting me know u were taking care of him for me and making sure he was alright. May God Bless You and your family. Goes to show that life can never be taken for granted..one minute you are in the comforts of your friends and family..the next min...life can change to the unexpected. Happy Memorial Day. Semper Fi."
of NJ

"Any man that Gary Bell calls brother is my brother, too. I think of you and your family often and hope they find comfort. You will NEVER be forgotten. What we lost in a man we gained in a legend... God Bless."
Jessica Bell-Williams of Front Royal, VA

"”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 1,450 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 of Manti, Utah USA

"A tribute to a marine and to all members who created the legacy of Easy Co. But there is only one Cpl. Benny "Gray" Cockerham. We are all lucky to have lived with you. Gray, you have created life in all of us that will remain in my mind and my heart. I will remember you forever brother. I will always tell the story of a true hero, Cpl. Benny "Gray" Cockerham! And may God bless the entire Cockerham Family, and to Ben, Jill, and my brother Adam you are truly the greatest i hope to see everyone soon."
Cpl. Gary Bell of Jersey City, N.J.

"August 30, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Benny G. Cockerham, III:
Benny 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

"Graybo, it's July 4th, 2008 - 6 days after your birthday. While everyone is celebrating and watching the many fireworks celebrations, I'm sitting here at home...sick to my stomach that you are gone. I never thought I would have to know life without you - but am now faced with that heart-crushing reality every single day. Just know that I live every day of my life remembering the life I once had with you in it. I know you know...

Loving you always"
Sus

"Semper FI DEVIL dog!! I served 1985-1989......Brotherhood..Earned not given1111111111111111"
ricky of HICKORY, N.C.

"I KNOW GRAY THROUGH SCHOOL WHEN HIS MOM JILL TEACHED MY CLASSES I LOVED HER SO MUCH SHE WAS A WONDERFUL WOMAN ,I REMEMBER LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY WHEN MY MOM CAME AND WOKE ME UP AND TOLD ME AND I DIDNT BELIEVE IT AND IT'S STILL REALLY HARD TO THIS DAY TO BELIEVE, I STILL TO THIS DAY HAVE THE ARTICLE THAT WAS IN ALL THE NEWS PAPERS AND THE PICTURES OF GRAY , GRAY WAS A WONDERFUL GUY, HE WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR ANYONE, AND HE LOVED EVERYBODY, HE HAD ALOT OF FRIENDS AND WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE HIM IN OUR PRAYERS.AND WE MISS HIM VERY MUCH...."
AMANDA LAFONE of hickory,nc,US

"Gray there isn't a day that passes that I don't think of you when going by your house, as a neighbor watching you grow up and remembering all the days that made up your life, some serious and way too many episodes that just made us laugh.Your mom and I comparing our boys and wondering if we would make it through those teen years. But we did and loved every minute of it and we only wish we had them back again to complain and yes, laugh about too. You were looked up to by so many of the boys in this neigborhood and they too talk about you still as they face their teen years. I will never forget you and will always love you as another son. Alice and Larry Cote,Justin,Scott,Andy & Janet Cote. Your neighbors in Conover."
Alice Cote of Conover, NC, USA

"Benny was my best freind. There was 3 of us ME,Gary & grey. The 3 of us where the closest of all the soi marines. He brought out the best in people. I will never forget the way he fought for what he belived in.
he was the kind of man that would charm the skin off a sneak. One min he would be the prepe, don juan and the next he would be down and dirty with the best of us.
I love you man and i miss you everyday my freind. Semper FI GUNS UP"
frank the tank faleris of jacksonville NC

"Benny Gray was a man of honesty, loyalty, and integrity. He was everything we all wish to be. I will never forget the love and happiness you brought me. Thanks to you and your wonderful family, Im a much better person. I miss you dearly and I keep our memories close to my heart. I hope to tell u again one day how much I love you!!"
Amanda Cockerham of Wilmington, NC

"To the family of:Benny G. Cockerham 111 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"

"BABY BOI! ITS STILL HARD TO BELIEVE THAT YOUR REALLY GONE, BUT I'M VERY PROUD OF YOU. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND I WILL ALWAYS HAVE MEMORIES. WITH THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU AND ONE DAY I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN FACE TO FACE. R.I.P. GRAY"
KATIE of HICKORY NC

"In my thoughts and prayers- a schoolmate and friend of mine forever."
Brittni of Hickory, NC

"Benny was a great marine and a better friend you will be missed always R.I.P"
LCPL Noah Anderson of Jacksonville nc

"B.G.C. and Family

I have always considered you to be like a brother, and nothing has changed. You made everyone proud of you and we are all better for knowing you. My deepest regards to the family."
Nick Nelson of Hickory, NC

"To the loving family of Benny G. Cockerham III,

We will always keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We will stand with you always. If there is ever anything you need, please call on us.
We are here for you."
Robert and Charlene Greene and Family of Gainesville, VA

"If there is one thing I could say about Gray it would be Honorable. I know he was a fine Marine. He was always trustworthy. He always knew how to make you smile. I played ball with Gray ever since I can remember. He always played for the team and I loved that about him. Now every time I play I feel like he's there with me. I miss you Benny and I'm sure your still giving me an assist every now and then."
Tye Beach of Charlotte,NC/USA

"Benny, I think about you all the time, you will never be forgotten amongst the EASY Company Warriors. Semper FI. Gunny"
GySgt Osborne of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Benny,

Rest in peace my brother, you have done a great job. You are a great marine and I am glad I had a chance to serve with you. I know it will be ok in heaven because I know you a watching the heavens gates. Miss you bro."
"Doc" Rodriguez of Bay Point, CA

"To the family and friends of Cpl. Benny Cockerham III:
Gray was a friend of mine in whome I could count on, we were never that close in high school but enlisted into the Corps together. We both were stationed in Jacksonville NC and it's hard to believe that he is gone. He was a great person and a better Marine, I send my deepest condolences."
CPL John D Miller USMC of Hickory, NC/USA

"Thanks, I don't know you nor does my wife or 3 beautifull children. But with the upmost respect, my family and myself can only thank you and those who love you for such an ultimate sacrifice."
U.S.Family of Indialantic Fl. U.S.A.

"Gray...you were my boy you helped Adam and me out with a lot of stuff and I looked to you like a brother...I miss you more than I thought I would and I never thought you'd be gone....Later bra"
Carson Schenk of Hickory, NC

"What can I say, you're a true hero. You lived proud, died proud, and forever I will be proud of you benny (Gray). From how I see it, you died FOR your family, our friends,and Our country. My deepest condolenses go out to the rest of the cockerham family. All you can do now is remember the good times and don't forget our hero"
Stefanie Iovino of Hickory, NC, US

"We have very many memories of Gray that we will never forget, and its sad to think that he is gone. But he risked his life to protect us, and he is respected by many people. Gray and his family will always be in our prayers. We love and miss you Gray."
The Queen Family of Hickory, NC/US

"Benny Gray Cockerham will never be forgotten. He had a smile that no one will ever forget. He was such a great person, and I thank him for fighting for our country. He will definately be missed and always remembered. He was a very tough person, and he was a leader in the Marines. I repsect Gray very much, and I thank him again for fighting for our country."
Mackenzie Queen of Hickory, NC/USA

"Gray is a true hero in every sense of the word. He gave his very precious life for his country and for that I am truly grateful. I will always pray for his family, for they lost a son, brother, husband and grandson. May you find peace, strength and comfort in knowing that Gray gave his life for all of America so that we can be free. God Bless you Gray."
Laura Warner of Colorado Springs, CO

"To the family and friends of Corporal Benny G. Cockerham III,

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. If you're not certain that your loved one's next of kin is registered, please use our link and register them for a quilt so we can send our "Love Stitched Together."

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

"It's still hard to believe that such a great guy and friend is gone. He has been a friend, or more like a brother since Kindergarten and many memories with him and his family. As much as his passing saddens me and others, I just have to remember that he went with Pride, doing what he loved. My sympathy goes out to his family. We love you Gray and will miss you."
Kera Hamby of Hickory, NC/ USA

"Benny Gray Cockerham III, was and is to this day my brother...Always looked up to him and still do.."May the wind always be at your back, and the sun upon your face, and may the winds of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars..I love you "Gray"
- Your lil bro A.N.C"
Adam Nathaniel Cockerham of Hickory, Nc, US

"My brother was Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher W. Thompson. We understand that Chris and Benny had served together and were good friends. My family mourns your loss as well as ours. Chris was very proud to serve the Marines and his main goal was always their safety. He respectly referred to the Marines that he served with as "his Marines". Benny was one of his Marines and most certainly, if not by blood, family. We will cherish our memories of Chris as the fun loving kid who went to war. We will always remember Benny in the same prayers that we pray for Chris. May God be with you in this time of loss."
Jim Epley of Wilkesboro, nc

"I am very sorry for your loss. I mourn with you. My brother was HM3 Chris Thompson."
Mellisa Thompson of Wilkesboro, NC

"I will never forget what you and so many others have done defending our way of life. This community stands beside your family. My heart goes out to you. Catawba County will forever be in debt to you."
Cliff Isaac of Claremont, NC

"I'm saddened to hear about the passing of such a great friend. He was a fine friend of mine since my childhood years and my condolences go out to his family.I know we have lost a great friend but remember he gave his all trying to protect us.... HIS family and freinds. Miss ya Benny"
Michael Hicks of Hickory, NC USA

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

"Rest in Peace Devil Dog
J and T USMC NC
Sister of a Fallen Marine"

"Thank you Benny Cockerham III, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

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