Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Carl was a fantastic man he was the best husband father son brother. He was there when needed and more. You all say you want to help the Curran family "Dianna and Lilly" but only a few people have been there for them as I sit here reading all the memories you all share but only family has been there for them maybe two or three of the military has. Do not sit here and write things you will not even do."
of 15845

"I did not see this area to give our prayers and thoughts previously. Today is June 8 2015 Carl, I think of you every day; you are essentially why I changed careers and have a more inspired and productive life. You were my student and band kid. I thank you and still keep in contact with your family, (mom and Jess) a little bit. You are an inspiration and I hope that one day your widow and child can read this and know how much you touched this world. We have some people in our lives for such a short time that your family needs to know how much your smile and everything that just made you ..YOU meant to the rest of us and in this case especially me. Thank you I am ever and always grateful for knowing you!"
Sandra Schwab of Ocala, FL USA

"I am remembering Carl. I just found his obit from May 2004. I am his uncle. It is always a sad memory to realize he is gone.

In Memory of of Carl Curran, I am posting an essay my daughter wrote for Veteran's Day in 2011.

"Say Thank You"
These people are our heros. They serve our country, protecting the ones they love, and the ones we love. These people are veteran's. Let's say thank you.

Veterans aren't just people who serve in wars. They're also people who were doctors, nurses, cooks, drivers, dentists, mechanics, and secretaries. This day is for honoring those who serve thies country. The ones who used to serve, and honoring the ones wh lost their lives protecting others. Every year we thank thes these people for thier sacrifices, bravery, and keeping us safe. Say "Thank you" to all who served. Even thought not all veterans fought, they were still willing to leave their family to help others. That's why we should thank them.

I don't have a family member who served in the Armed Forces, but I know some of you do. So thank them for all their hard work and bravery because they're risking their life for this country. These freedom fighters are always in hamr's way, even if they're not fighting. You could get shot while doing your job. Every Veterans Day say "Thank you" to all who served.

If you see someone in an army uniform, say thanks. You should fly the American Flag and tell your parents to vote. Veterans gave you this freedom, so we should use it. So now go and say thanks to all, because you'll touch their hearts.

RAB

Thank you Carl, I know you gave your life for your country. This is 7 years past, but I am remembering you and your family at this moment.

Your Uncle"
John of New Jersey

"To the family of:Carl F. Curran
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"1-15-11"

"Remembering Carl Curran on this Veterans Day 2010 and honoring him for his service and sacrifice so that our family may enjoy the freedom he fought for...may God Bless his family and all who loved him."
The Acierno Family of Kittanning, PA

"To all of those who knew Carl, he was a great man, in many ways, he will always be missed and never forgotten, and I will be there every step of the way to help the ones he left behind, family sticks together....xxoo"
Selina of Butler, PA

"It will not let me send corrections so I will do it this way yes Carl grew up in East Brady but move to Union City with his Wife Dianna who was pregnant with their daughter Lillian before he was sent to do his retraining. Lillian was born 8 weeks early, Carl got to come home for 4 days to see Lillian while she was still in the hospital. As for his death the official papers say it was drowning and time of death was May 17th."

"he was my uncle to and now that i see this on the internet wow i miss him to much. :("
tyler lasher of union city

"Carl and I were in Boy Scouts together. Whenever we were selling popcorn Carl always had the most sales because he was dedicated to it just like he dedicated his life to his country. Carl gave his life for our freedom and everyday i think of him and thank him and his loving family for their sacrifice.


Thank You Carl. You will never be forgotten"
Paul Jones of Worthington PA

"Gone but not and never forgotten.Your memory will always be with me and that terrible night will haunt me to the day I die.Your Scorpion brother,SGT Ellison George
P.S. May God help and protect your daughter Lillian through her life."
Sgt Ellison George of Franklin,PA/USA

"May 29, 2008
To the family of Spc. Carl F. Curran:
Carl 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

"My name is Crystal. My fiance, SGT.Sliker was great friends with Carl, and served with him in iraq. I see
his sorrow everyday and I pray for the curran family.
God Bless"
Crystal of Franklin, Pa

"I didn't know Carl very well and only met him a handful of times. But Dianna's family is mine and so Carl was my brother in law, he was such a good person that even just a handful of meetings has left a huge impact on my life so much so that I think about him often, and I morn for him. Lily looks just like him and she is taking on his strong qualities despite him not being here in body. Because he is with her in spirit. We love and miss you Carl. I will see you again someday."
Carrie Lynn Peterson of Union City Pa 16438 USA

"GOD BLESS CARL AND ALL WHO SACRIFICE FOR US.
ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE EVER OFFERED TO DIE FOR YOU, JESUS CHRIST AND THE AMERICAN G.I. ANON."
SSGT FRANCIS X CURRAN USMC (RET.) of PALOMAR MTN., Ca. formerly of Philly, and the 28th Div Arty

"I pray for the Family of Carl Curran. I knew him from school and he dated my foster sister for about 9 months. He was a good man. He went to serve our country and did not return home. He was a very brave man and very proud to be serving our country. My thoughts and prayers are with him his daughter and family."
Shannon Reges of Portersville PA

"Carl was my uncle Ashland's best friend and he was mine too. I would always share my thoughts to him and we would kinda debate on our thoughts. I remember I had the biggest crush on him but he was too old. I think his personality was what caught my eye. His family is always in my heart and in my soul for what they have done for all of us. Carl made me happy when I was down. He would tell me I would find someone eventually and I knew he was right. Carl was always right about things. Curran Family if u need anything leave me know and I will be there for you. I thank you Mr. and Mrs. Curran for raising a sweet guy like Carl."
Meagen Johns of Chicora, PA

"My name is SPC John Coogan, BTRY C, 1/107th FA. I was in Carl's unit in Iraq. Carl was a great guy. Down to earth, stood up for his beliefs. If you needed something, Carl would help you out. No question. He will be sorely missed. He was a great guy, fellow soldier, and a brother. Rest in Peace Carl."
John Coogan of Franklin, PA

"To:Curran family,Dianna and Lilly
My condolences go to Carls dad and mom, his wife and daughter. I was carl's teamleader. I wish him and I was close as all of you were. He was a brother to me, we where comrades and warriors fighting the same fight. When I asked him and Mark if they were "ok" they both said yes, if I knew that this was going to be the last time I spoke to the both of them I would have said something else to both them "I LOVE BOTH OF YOU MY BROTHERS MAY YOU BOTH REST IN PEACE AND SAVE A PLACE IN HEAVAN FOR ME SO WE CAN TALK, ALSO CARL I WILL TRY TO BE THERE FOR DIANNA AND LILLY" Carl you and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I love you my brother, SCORPIONS FOR LIFE! GOD BLESS USA"
CPL ROBERT R EMERICK of MONFOEVILLE PA.

"Dear Curran family,
I am sorry for the loss of your son. I send my most heart felt condolences to you and the rest of the families who have lost their soldiers as well.

son of sgt. Kevin Swartz A co. 1/107th fa fighting in Mosul, Iraq"
Russell Swartz of Hermitage,PA USA

"Dear Curran Family,

Our deepest sympathies are with you during this time of sadness and grief. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers always, especially as we await the safe return of our soldier, SPC Christopher Bellotti, of 1/107th FA. from Camp Bucca, Iraq. As one member of the 107th FA family to another - may God bless bless you and bring you peace."
Alex & Suzanne Bellotti of Harrisburg, PA

"Dearest Curran family- We have not forgotten the sacrifice that your loved one has made for all of us. I also have a son serving with the 107th out of New Castle. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Andy's mom, K.K."
K. K. of Pa

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these guys as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace Carl, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest"
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"Dear Curran family,
My name is Alison Landy and I am in the 9th grade at Rocky Hill High School in Rocky Hill, Ct. For my computer essentials class I was assigned to write a letter after my teacher's Rabbi had the names of all the men and women who have died serving our country. When I found out about Carl, tears came from my eyes as I read about his life. I then realized how soldiers were truly giving up their lives for me. I don't think I will ever be that brave. To me, Carl was a wonderful man and a great hero. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Thank you,
Alison Landy"
Alison Landy of Rocky Hill, Ct

"Carl and I dated for about 9 months while in Karns City High school. He took me to the prom and a couple months later he went away for his Basic Training. We drifted apart, but I still prayed for him daily after I found out he was sent out for duty. I am very glad to hear that he found someone special, and my thoughts go out to his wife and daughter. Her father was a very special man, and very dedicated to everything he cared for. I miss him dearly and I know everyone else does too. I pray for him and his wife and daughter daily. My symphathy and thoughts are with you."
Miriah Migliore of Washington, Pa

"Carl and I had biology II together. He used to sit in front of me and we always would cheat off of each others papers. There was a group of us that sat in the corner (Amy, Erica, Nikki, Carl and myself)and we always seemed to end up working together as a group even though it was supposed to be independant work. There was a trip to the zoo that year and we all hung out. I was looking through pictures the other day and I found one of that day. It brought tears to my eyes. We were all standing in front of the Pittsburgh Zoo sign and we were all goofing off; happy and smiling. Carl always had a way of making everyone smile and that is what I remember most,and always will remember, about him. I just want to say "Thank-you Carl, for all that you've done for us and our country. We'll miss you. God-bless and rest in peace."
Kayla Smith of Chicora, PA, USA

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

"I met Carl three years ago at Slippery Rock University. He was a friend of the guy that lived down the hall (Ashland Johns), and I met the two of them by randomly barging into their conversation during a "hall meeting". They were more interesting to listen to than the CA's.

I remember that, for that entire year, Carl was one of my best friends. I always had someone to hang out with or spend time with, somebody to laugh with or just chill out. I remember how he'd come down to my dorm room to hang out... he'd always toss one of my bean-bag chairs up onto the extra dresser and perch himself up there to watch TV.

I was sad to see him leave school for whatever reasons he had to go, but we still kept in touch over the internet and once in awhile by phone. He came down to SRU to visit me about a year ago, maybe a bit more... told me he was dating a real nice girl and was happy... back in school but not doing very well... that was the last time I spoke to him face to face...

He disappeared for awhile before popping back up online to talk to me, tell me how he was, and dart off again. He messaged me early this year, in February, with a great big surprise: "Hey Heathyr, guess what? I'm married... and I have a daughter."

I almost passed out right then and there. Carl told me as much as he had time for about Dianna, and sent me the link to a picture of Lilly. I was really happy for him. He deserved to be happy. He was too good of a person not to be.

He popped on again, maybe a month later, to talk to me some more... he didn't really have much time, since he'd been shipped out to Kuwait. He sent me some more pictures, and I got his address over-seas and the address to send baby gifts to Dianna. I told him to be safe, and off he went.

I found out just two days ago that Carl had passed away... I had misplaced his wife's address, and felt bad for having put off sending it for so long. My original plan was to wait for Carl to get back online, ask for it again... I guess I got impatient, so I did a Google search for his name.. the first site that popped up was this one.

I couldn't breathe, just reading the title of the page. I kept telling myself as I clicked on it that it wasn't real. It was someone else. It was a joke... then I read the other messages left by visitors to the site... I didn't know what to do. I didn't know if I should cry, or if I should be angry.

Carl was a wonderful friend, and a wonderful guy besides. I don't know if I've ever met anyone who as so true to themselves as he was.

I eventually did cry, but I couldn't bring myself to cry for Carl. I cried for Dianna. And I cried for Lilly, and I cried for myself and for Ash and for everyone else who was waiting, excited, for him to come home.

I still have Carl's name on my buddylist... I can't bring myself to remove it, no matter how silly it sounds... and I still keep the picture he sent me of Lillian when she was just an infant... I look at it once and awhile... you can really tell that she's his daughter, I think... and she should be proud when she grows up to know that.

I've found the missing addresses, and I hope to be of whatever help and support I can as time thunders on... I've lost a friend that I'll never forget, and I won't let myself forget.

I can believe that he's out there somewhere, watching over those that he loves and cares for until the end of time..."
Heathyr Hoffman of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, USA

"Dear Curran Family,
I read about the loss of your loved one Carl. I know there is little that can be said at this time that will make the pain go away. I read a brochure on Hope from the Bible for our loved ones that have died. The url address is

http://www.watchtower.org/library/we/article_00.htm
I hope that this brings you and your family some comfort. If I can be of any further help please feel free to write me.

Sincerely"
Daniel Harrington of Butler, PA

"To the family of SPC Carl F. Curran, we offer our heartfelt condolences on the death of your son. There are no words to adequately express our sympathy for the loss of your HERO. Please know we are thinking of you and praying for your family."
Mother and Father of PFC Bradley Kritzer who lost his life in Baghdad on May 5, 2004 of Irvona/PA/USA

"I am in 8th grade and we were learing about how many people were dying in Iraq. He is included in our prayers. If there is a family member I would appreciate it if you could email me back at RockNRollGrlAA90@aol.com so I can write my report on this hero.""
Student at Emmet Belknap of Lockport, NY

"To Carl's family, I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Please know that many of us appreciate his service to and great sacrifice for our country."
F. Smith of Pennsylvanis

"Dear Curran Family, What words could I possibly say that would be "right". We understand your pain and lift you in prayer. Aunt of Pfc Bradley Kritzer, killed in Baghdad, May 5, 2004."
Laurie Miles of Coalport, PA

"To the family of Carl Curran,
I want you all to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Carl was the sweetest person, and I know that he wouldn't have turned out so well without the love and support of all of you. You are all a part of a wonderful family that will do anything for each other and come together when it is needed most. Carl was a blessing to all of us, and he shall never be forgotten. Remember that Carl will always be with you no matter where you are. I'm sure he will be watching over all of you; especially his daughter, Lilly.

My God bless you all and heal your pain."
Carrie Cogley of East Brady, Pa

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

"Those who have not experienced your same loss, can never know the sadness and pain you are experiencing at this time in your lives. As the parents of a fellow soldier of the 107th FA, we send to you and your family our deepest sympathy for the loss of your son, husband and father, SPC Carl Curran. His memory will be forever eternal with the 107th FA, and may the Light of His Eternal Candle Shine Forever Upon him."
Chuck & Mary Kay White of Alpha Co 1st 107th FA Hermitage, Pa.

"To the Curran Family, our prayers and thoughts are with you all. We lost our son on April 9th and know the pain you feel. But Carl is a true Hero and is now one of gods Angels. God bless you all."
Allen & Chantil Vandayburg of Mansfield. Ohio

"To Carl'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

"To Carl'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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.

Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

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