Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"15 years never forget r.i.p brother"
Corporal Mason of Jupiter, Florida

"Derrick, another memorial day has passed and we filled our day with prayers about you and your loved ones. I will not forget who you were and what you stood for.
Semper FI"
David Dunn of San Diego CA

"We never met but I met your wife and she loved/loves you so much! Even when we were in Boot Camp, all funky and green...but thru all of that I could still see the intense love and bond that you two shared. I had the honor of hugging her while she wept after just finding out about your ultimate sacrifice and for being there for her up until the last moment before she went home to lay you down to rest. Before she left the Island I told her that more than anything, I thouhgt you'd be so proud if she came back and became a Marine. I know I was when I found out that she did.

I have the great privelege and honor to briefly tell your (yours & hers) story to the public in a play called The Telling Project: Tampa Bay. I know It's easy to be lost in the numbers, countless numbers, but for those 5 evenings you will be introduced and remembered forever. I finally found a way to honor you properly my brother-in-arms. Semper Fidelis."
Mcvay (Farmer, Jessica E. of Palmetto, Florida USA

"Just was at work thinking about the fun times in college we had. I'm proud to say that we were good friends for the short period of time we knew each other. Glad we were roommates, wish you were still here brother... Miss you"
Antonio High of Atlanta Ga

"Still Thinking about you Baby Hulk! Always keeping the Cothran family in my prayers"
GySgt Dunn of Miramar California

"I do remember and celebrate your SERVICE to our Country. You, your Sons and all your loved ones are always remembered by me. Especially the days I see our National Ensign flying high, fortunately for me I pass by many bases and government buildings throughout D.C. and Maryland. My Salute to you all....Bob from China Lake"
Robert Sinohui of Lexington Park, MD

"Ted Sr. We worked together on China Lake Naval base. I have not forgotten what you did for us in Vietnam. What Ted Jr. has done for us and my home has not forgotten Derrick. I mention his name when ever we talk about the cost of freedom. I'm sorry our continued freedom is so high. Soon, my son will be joining the military, probably Air Force....he has a long line of Family Military to follow. God's blessings to you and all your beloveds.....Bob const. elevator operator."
Bob Sinohui of Ridgecrest, California

"Derrick used to bounce the football off of my helmet during warm-ups at Curtis football practice. He said it'll make me tougher. He always was strong and confident. I'm very proud of him and I miss him too much. R.I.P Derrick"
Lil Moldy of Lafayette, La

"June 2, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Derrick J. Cothran:
Derrick 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

"To the family of Derrick Cothran...I am truly sorry for the loss of such a grate soldier and friend. It has been years since I have last seen Derrick, but his servitude to this great country will always be remember among the likes of another great soldier from this state, Lionel Ayro. May his soul RIP and may he always be remembered in our hearts and prayers."
SGT Doucet, Brad US Army OIF III and OIF 6 liveforthepeopledieforthepeople@yahoo.com of Germany

"To the family of Derrick Cothran...I am truly sorry for the loss of such a grate soldier and friend. It has been years since I have last seen Derrick, but his servitude to this great country will always be remember among the likes of another great soldier from this state, Lionel Ayro. May his soul RIP and may he always be remembered in our hearts and prayers."
SGT Doucet, Brad US Army OIF III and OIF 6 of Germany

"To the family of:Derrick J. Cothran 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"

"i'm very sorry for your lost, my dad was killed with him along with two other guys. i know its hard with what you're going through but we can get throught it. i will put you in my prayers..."
Stephanie Mayorga of Wilmington, NC United States

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the Cothran family for the loss of such an awesome young gentleman. Our children grew up with Derrick, Antoinette and TJ it was always a joy to have them over. Even as a small child Derrick always chose the GI Joe when they played with barbies and ghostbusters, so it does not surprise us that he chose the Marines. Derrick stands for what every American mother hopes for their child. Couragous, honest, fearless do not begin to discribe him. We were not fortunate enough to met his wife, but she must be someone very special to capture his heart. We thank not just Derrick but all the men and women who give of themselves so selflessly for the belief that freedom is for everyone not just Americans. God bless you guys."
Savell Family of Waggaman. La

"to the family of derrick, i am so sorry for your loss, though i never knew derrick, i live in the same town and was fortunate enough to meet derrick's family during a recent wedding of derrick's brother(tj. by meeting his family, i know he is a great guy and will be sadly missed."
scott of avondale,la.

"I served with Derrick in Scout Platoon, 2nd Tank battallion for a short period of time, and I feel honored to have known him. He was a great guy and a great Marine. I had the pleasure of being his teamate on the battallion football team and he was an all around amazing athlete. My heart and prayers go out to his family and his wife who is currently in boot camp at Parris Island, Sc. May Derrick rest in peace, knowing that his sacrifice was not made in vein. We miss you and you will never be forgotten, brother. Semper Fi."
Cpl. Andrew Gush of Marlton, NJ United States of America

"I grew up w/ Derrick & his siblings. They were such awesome people...Derrick was a great person. He definately didn't deserve to die. May he rest in peace & may God bless his family & friends. Also...TJ be safe out there. <3"
Megan of Covington

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

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