Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"My friend Kelley, I think of you quite often and miss the times we had as 0211 brothers. To the Courtney family I offer my condolences and prayers. Forgive me for not posting sooner."
Joe of Virginia

"Dear Courtney Family,

As another Veterans Day nears Courtney is once again on our minds. I currently teach kindergarten and make a point to discuss Veterans Day versus Thanksgiving day. Thanksgiving is something children can learn generally from going to the store. Veterans Day and the understanding of what a veteran does and the sacrifices the family makes is something that must be specifically taught. Our classroom door says thank you veterans with names of veterans past and present. Courtney's name is predominantly displayed in the middle with white heart on purple paper. My kindergartners asked me to read all the names. I read everyone. Kelly is still in our hearts and forever on our minds....David & Jeannette"
GySgt Wersinger of Merced, CA

"I can't believe it has been 10 years since we lost Kelley. I just want his family to know that he has not been forgotten."
Jerry Lindevald of Stockton, CA

"Every day that goes by I think of Kelley. I hope the best for his family."

"On this Memorial Day, I pay tribute to Sgt Courtney, who I knew while we were stationed together in Okinawa, Japan. You are missed and may your memory live on."
Clifford Yee of Okinawa, Japan

"Thank YOU ALL FOR the comments about Kelley my brother. I am forwarding this page to my mom just in case she hasnt seen it. Lots of LOVE to you Kelley your brother Joey"
Joey Fernandez of Macon

"Courtney family,

Several years ago, like 6 years ago, I found a website that makes silver bracelets to remember our fallen.....I, married also to a Marine, had not lost anyone close so I chose to receive a random name....it was Kelley's.....I wear his name everyday , I pray for his family and thank him for the sacrifice he made to keep me free. Nicolestockmann@yahoo.com"
Nicole Stockmann of missouri

"My heart still aches everyday....WE miss him and our lives will always be changed....He is now living through my children.."
C.Courtney

"I miss you bro---"
Joey of Macon

"I have so many memories of Kelley I think about him all the time. He was a great friend to me and I miss him very much!! I will never forget you Kelley!!"
Jessica Lewis of Macon, GA

"Our husbands worked together in SC. please email me at gullicksonfamily@gmail.com we just found out! My hubby was the one who was with him in Sgt school in NC when they came home and he got his speeding tix... hope all is well with you and the kids! Steve talks about your keg party :)"
Lea & Steve of Gullickson

"August 30, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Kelley L. Courtney:
Kelley 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

"We miss and love you so much, Kelley.
Chuck, Brion and Little Brion Mashburn."
Chuck Mashburn of Fort Valley, Georgia

"Like Sgt Jonathan Heesch, I was a memeber of 31 MEU S-2. (RadBn Det) In garrison of what is now Courtney Hall, I was right accross the hallway from his section. 3D Intel Bn is an everybody-knows-everyone-else unit on a small Camp Hansen. I wish I could walk the halls of Courtney Hall after it was dedicated. He was a great man that worked in what could be considerd the Marine Corps' most demanding MOS.

Sgt Heesch, I know you remember me. After reminding you about how you hit me with the HMMVEE while ground-guiding you in Kuwait, I'm sure you remember now. If you read this, please drop me a line at billoftt@yahoo.com
I really want to know what the building looks like now."
Sgt William Ahlers of Trenton, SC

"dear courtney family,
i met kelley in summer school at southeast high school. i remember attending his graduation with him because he graduated from summer school. he was a great friend then and was years later when we rode dirt bikes back behind timber ridge together. he is missed."
chris hamlin of macon ga

"Kelley holds a special place in the hearts of the Poole family. Mark Foley, my oldest son and best friend to Kelley and Donny, has a whole in his heart from losing Kelley. We love the Courtney family and we will never forget the sacrifice that Kelley made defending our Country. Kelley your smile is embedded in our minds forever, and your warm heart is missed by our family. We would give all we had to hug you one more time."
Marty, Linda, and Matthew Poole of Macon, GA USA

"To the Courtey Family-

I lived five feet away from Sgt Courtey on the USS Essex. I worked with him daily and had the honour of eating dinner and lunch with him while we were enroute to Iraq. Almost two years later I still think about him everyday. It pains me to think about what his family is going through and that I wasn't there... I don't even know what to say... I feel like I failed him and his family. I just wish it was me and not him."
...

"DEAR COURTNEY FAMILY
I SERVED WITH SGT COURTNEY IN IRAQ WITH THE 31 MEU I DIDN'T KNOW HIM PERSONALLY BUT I DID MEET HIM ONCE AND HE WAS A PERSON THAT CAN HOLD A CONVERSATION WITH ANY ONE ITS MARINES LIKE SGT. COURTNEY THAT MAKE MARINES LIKE ME BECOME GREAT LEADERS I'M VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, BUT I KNOW FROM THE HEAVENS ABOVE HE IS WATCHING US AND PROTECTING MARINES LIKE US THAT GO ON DEPLOYMENTS, MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND SGT. COURTNEY MAY HE RIP"
CPL. PENA of PERTH AMBOY, NJ /USA

"To Kelley's Family, I am Sgt Jonathan Heesch and was a fellow member of the 31st MEU S-2 with Kelley. I delivered the Eulogy at his memorial service along with Justin Holmes in Iraq. Kelley was a great guy and today I visited Courtney Hall on Camp Hansen here in Okinawa Japan. They have an excellent memorial of him up there and it left me tears. The Marines there young and old know of him and supported me while I visited. I stood at attention and saluted his planted rifle and boots and stepped off out the door. I leave the island tomorrow and the Marine Corps in a few days. As I seal this chapter in my life know that I will always carry Kelley's memory in my heart. May G-d bless his soul, his wife and children, and his family. Thank you."
Jonathan Heesch of Urasoe, Okinawa, Japan

"Dear Family of Kelley Courtney,
To honor the Georgia soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, the professional portrait artists of the Atlanta Fine Arts League are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family. These 16 X 20” original portraits are being offered completely free of charge in recognition of the sacrifices made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families’ loss. Please visit our website www.AtlantaFineArtsLeague.org or email us at AtlantaFineArtsLeague@Yahoo.com for further information. –The Atlanta Fine Arts League"
Lisa Gleim of Marietta, GA

"From another Georgia Mom of Sgt Pat Tainsh KIA 2/11/04 Baghdad.I would like to connect with parents or other family member of this great hero. May peace find its place in your heart. I can be contacted at heartofahawk@msn.com / www.heartofahawk.com"
Deborah Tainsh of Midland, Ga

"RIP DevilDog. You will be missed. DOC Johnson"

"To the Courtney Family,
I heard Gina Courtney interviewed on NPR earlier this week, and I was moved by her grief. I wanted to let her know that we will never forget her son's sacrifice. My brother, Major Michael Donnelly, USAF retired, died this past June from ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease, caused by exposure to nerve agents during the first Gulf War. I can't begin to claim to know a mother's grief, but I want so much for the Courtney family to know that I understand the depth of their loss--and that they are not alone. You are all in our prayers and thoughts. Thank you for raising a brave son who had the courage to act on his convictions."
Denise Donnelly of Boston, MA

"Rest in peace CI brother, and for the Courtney family, Kelley, though not known to me personally, was a brother Marine in the same MOS. Accordingly, his name and legacy will continue to be fondly remembered by those of us who continue the good fight that Kelley was a major part of in his military career. God bless you all and your family will remain in our prayers. In time, we will see brother Kelley, in a better place under better circumstanes when God finally wipes away the tears and sorrows of this life as the former things are passed away. God bless and Semper Fi"
Gunnery Sergeant David A. Pedraza and Family of Miami, Fl

"To the family of Kelly L. Courtney. I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to please call or writemy pastor at Gateway Community Church: Rev John B. Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga.30016 phone 770-787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington Ga.

"To the Courtney Family,
I didn't have the pleasure of serving with Sgt Courtney, I served over 20 years in Marine Corps CI, but he will be in my heart and you will be in my prayers. Deepest sympathy."
Bob Gregory, MSgt, USMC CI Ret. of Virginia Beach, VA

"To the family of Kelley Courtney:
I heard about this tragedy through Colleen. I am so sorry for your loss. My husband is leaving for Iraq next month. Like you, we have small children and they worry for their daddy as I worry for my husband. I do, however, have a huge amount of pride in him and what he is doing and nomatter what happens to us in the future, our children will always know their daddy is a hero...just as Mr. Courtney will ALWAYS be a hero! I promise you with all my heart that as long as I'm alive I will remind my children to always remember the men and women who have fought and died for this great country. Hopefully, they will continue this with their own children one day. I pray for all of us!"
Gina Heathcock of Hattiesburg, Mississippi/America

"Dear Cindy, I am very sorry for your loss, My son Cpl. Christopher J. Lapka was killed with your husband on that terrible day. My heart goes out to you and your small children."
Tina Lapka of Peoria, Arizona

"Our son's died together and are in heaven together. Your tears are my tears, your anguish my anguish. Please know that my prayers are with you at this time and always. Remember that our son's courage and faith can be drawn on by us and with that and God it should become less painful as time goes by. I would like to write to Kelley's mom if you wouldn't mind giving me the address; my address is: 9808 Rapp lane, Northglenn, co, 80260
In Christian Love
pmm of LCpl Andrew Riedel"
Sherri Busch of Northglenn,co

"To the wife:
I am in a state of shock as well. And really at a total loss for words. The void of my husband is greatly felt. It is getting worse. If you would like to contact me via email please do. casieeasterlin29@hotmail.com"
Casie Fox Proud Marine Wife FOREVER of Lcpl Travis Fox KIA 20041030 Iraq of Greer, SC

"To the Family,
So sorry for your loss. Kelley will be missed by many of his fellow Marines as well."
Doug Brower, GySgt USMC of VA

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

"To the family of Kelley;

Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Kelley is a true American hero and will always be remembered by us for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice he gave to our country. Our family has also suffered the loss of my nephew in this battle for freedom. May God bless you during this difficult time."
Vic and Tammy McClain--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"I do not know my distant relative, but I am proud for anyone that serves in the services that protects our country and our families. Thank you for all that you have done to protect us from another 9/11."
Kathy and Samantha Walker of Atlanta, Ga.

"To the family of Kelley L. Courtney:

I did not know him but my husband died with him, LCpl Travis Fox.
They will not be forgotten!
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

FOREVER, PROUD MARINE WIFE! OOORAH!"
Casie Fox of Greer, SC

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

"Thank you for the gift of freedom. I will honor it in your memory. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"RIP Tufelhunden..Semper Fi..The Taylors in NC...USMC"

"To Donovan Courtney and your family;
Our condolences go out to you and we pray for you and all the soldiers and their families. Thank you to your brother, Kelley, and all the men and women for what you have done and are continuing to do for our country."
Tony and Brandee Roberts of Columbia Maryland

"To Kelley's Family:
Please know that all of you are in our prayers. We appreciate so much Kelley's bravery by going into the military service of our country knowing that it was possible that he might have to give his life for us. Such courage! He will be remembered with thankful hearts. God bless you all and we pray for God's love and comfort to be with you."
Carl and B.J. Barker of Macon, GA, USA

"To the wife, children and family of Kelly L Courtney: Your loved one gave the ultimate sacrifice for me and my family, to protect us and to help ensure that we will be free. He will always be a HERO to us. I know Kelly is in Heaven watching over all of you and you will always feels his love. May God keep you in His warm embrace."
Penny Mazzola and Family of Gray, GA

"To Kelly's immediate family and all his friends, thank you for your bravery to serve our country and protect us. You will never be forgotton by many people who came in contact with your family. You are a hero for protecting our people and your deeds will always be remembered. To your wife and children, know that you will always hold a VERY special place in the hearts of many people who cared. We pray that God will keep you in his care and carry you into a gentle future remembering all the wonderful things Kelly did to make this world a better place."
Frank & Brenda Irby of Gray, GA USA

"My deepest sympathy, our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. May God bless you and help you through this time. Forever in our hearts a HERO Kelley L. Courtney."
Amy & Aaron Monier of Waterford, MI.

"Thank you all for your kind words, they are all very much appreciated. I cant express how proud I am of my hero, my brother."
Sgt Donovan Courtney of Columbia, Maryland

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Kelley L. Courtney,

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 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

"To the friends and family of Sgt. Kelley Courtney,

There are no words that can possibly ease your pain but please know that many across this country are grateful to your son and you. His bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Please accept these words as a token of my heartfelt sorrow for your loss.

Respectfully"
Rebecca of Los Angeles

"To the family of Kelley L. Courtney he was a good guy and a friend of mine in school. He is a true american and we appreciate everything he has done and stands for. My condolences go out to his family and friends. He will not be forgotten he was a great man. I am glad I got the chance to know him. Everyone will miss him and this world will not be the same without him."
Heather M. Wade of Lizella, Ga USA

"To Kelley's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To Kelley's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

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