Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

""Miss you Curtin. We were just talking an hour before you died. My condolences to your family. Gone but never will be forgotten""
SFC Green of Summerville SC

"March 28, 2015

Dear Michael,

I ran for you today as part of Wear Blue: Run to Remember, a running group that meets every Saturday in DuPont, WA to remember the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our country. I ran seven miles with you in my heart. I read that you loved the Beatles and playing the guitar- I too love the Beatles, but am nowhere near skilled at the guitar! I cherish your young life and the bravery you exhibited in traveling to a strange country and facing foes you've never met. You will be in my thoughts as I continue to run. All my love."
Juliette of Olympia, WA

"Lead the way, gone but never forgotten. I did not know you, but I thank you for your service!"
Dr Christopher Gallardo, Captain 1st Special Forces Group of New Jersey

"Lead the way, gone but never forgotten. I did not know you, but I thank you for your service!"
Dr Christopher Galliardo, Captain 1st Special Forces Group of New Jersey

"I did not know you Michael Curtin, but I have read about you and think of you and of other brave young men who gave their life for our country. On this Memorial Day I honor you and your service. Rest easy, and God grant comfort to your family."
Jeanne Guldager of Howell, NJ

"I found a memorial bracelet black. It says KIA Cpl Michael E. Curtin KIA USA 29 March 03 Iraq. at the beach on 9/3/11. If you are want me to mail it to you please email me. jjimmar0720@aol.com"
Maria of Howell, nj

"Curtain I love you and miss you always you were the greatest person I have ever known"
mark ruane

"Curtain I love you and miss you always you were the greatest person I have ever known"
mark ruane

"I still remember going to your memorial service. I never knew you, but was very saddened by your passing. You will always be a Hero to me. God bless your family."
Ray Eugenio of Howell, NJ

"”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 the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,100 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!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
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
Projectcompassion@manti.com"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Michael, it has been 7 years since your passing, and I want you to know that you are not forgotten. I pray that God in Heaven has given you peace for eternity, and that your family, especially your mother and father, is continually comforted by Him in your loss. It is sad that you were taken so young, but you continue to be a source of pride and honor for us all. You made the ultimate sacrifice, so that others can live in freedom without fear. Thank you for your service to our country. You live on, in our memories. May God always bless you and your family."
Marty Thompson of Flanders, New Jersey

"I'm thinking about you guys... it was sad going home without ya'll.

outlaws forever man."
Ronquillo

"Curtin(Jersey), I think were going on 6 years since that road block. I still go over the events that lead up to the explosion every day. You and your family are in my daily thoughts."
Ben Langan of Seattle, WA.

"Thinking of Michael and his sacrifice for our freedoms. Michael is buried with my parents and I visit his grave whenever I'm there."
Lisa of Wall Township, NJ

"RIP CPL Curtin - your service will never be forgotten. You have done our hometown proud.

-Dennis Halleran
2LT, Infantry
United States Army
-from Howell, NJ"
dennis of Ft. Benning, GA

"I have been meaning to do this for such a long time. Curtin and i was in the same platoon and he was a great soldier and friend. You are dearly missed, you were such a good guy and you made us as Americans proud. You were also a great team player and always put smiles on all of our faces.
I still think about Curtin(jersey) everyday and I will never forget him as a hero, you were a great solider, rest now and know that you will never be forgotten brother.... god bless you family"
erwin rendon of iraq

"July 4, 2007
To the family of Michael Edward Curtin. Michael 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

"I went to high school with Michael and if I could somehow sum up the right words to use to describe him, I would say that he was the most kind and gentle person I knew. His example of selflessness and patriotism will never be forgotten by any of us who are blessed to have known him. God bless the Curtin family and my prayers are with you everyday."
Bonnie of Howell NJ

"Dear Michael Curtin & Family,
I have been meaning to do this for such a long time. I have always thought that my last name was unique, it is Curtin by the way. My older brother served in Iraq from Feb 2003- Oct 2003. When he came home he was wearing a black wrist band with a soliders name on it. To be honest with you I never really looked at it until recently. The name on the wrist band is Michael E. Curtin. I want to tell you that the wrist band has been here with my brother for so many huge occasions in his life including his wedding and the birth of his first child. He has never taken it off for the 3-4 years that he has been home! I can not imagine what you and your family have gone through since the loss of Michael but I want you to know that his memory lives in our family and always will. God Bless him and all the soliders who have their lives for us. Even though we may not be blood related Michael will always be part of Our Curtin Clan here in Ohio, as will your family!! God Bless and Love always"
Ashley Curtin of Parma, Ohio

"Michael,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldiers who were killed in that blast for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Volens Et Potens"(7th Inf. Motto)"

"Michael, we remembered you in our prayers today...and your family. the lord bless you and keep you...and your family as well."
Dennis, Janice, Meredith, and Connor O'Neill of Whitehouse Station, NJ

"Mike,

You are dearly missed. You were such a good guy and you made us as Americans proud. You were also a great team player and always put smiles on all of our faces. We will miss you dearly, god bless and a heartfelt and sincere honor it was to know you and your wonderful family."
Restituto Family of Howell NJ

"It has been years and I never knew this site was here. I still think about Curtin(jersey) everyday and I will never forget him as a hero."
Kyle Hartley of Nashville, TN

"Curtain, you were a great solider, rest now and know that you will never be forgotten."
N Driggers of Las Vegas NV

"I remember when he first came to my team in Ft. Stewart- my first impression was that he was a fine soldier and the Outlaws were fortunate to get him. He never did anything that made me change my mind about that first assesment. He had a gentle sense of humor and did his job with enthusiasm and without complaint. I remember our clumsy attempts in the Kuwaiti desert to build a kite that would fly. I will always carry with me his face and the faces of his teammates who died on that road in Iraq."
Matt Phillipson of Shirley, MA

"You were one of the best and will always be remember'd rest easily now my friend youve earned it."
wyatt boltin of orangeburg SC

"I am related to michael. i met him ounce or twice. i may not have known him well but I am still proud that he fouight for our country and what he believed in. His funeral was a very sad event but I truley feel sorry for his family. it was a sad event and i am truley sorry that you had to go through such a devistating event. he shall truley be missed and i am sure he is with all of us in spirit."
John Lawler of brick, NJ, usa

"Curtin---We just wanted to say how much we miss you. We got to know you fairly well while you were stationed with my husband. We always thought of you and Brooks as our kids. A piece of both myself and my husband died with you when you left this earth. We will forever miss you and keep you and your family in our heart and our prayers. We will love you always.

To the Curtin family--- I'm honored to have met you and I send you my most heart felt sorrows. I will never forget any of you. God Bless You"
Christy & Kaleb Finley of Tallapoosa, GA

"from SSG Roderick, Maurice, HOTROD, you were a great soldier, i was thier the day you left this earth in Najaf, i will always remember it as it was today. You are a true american and may God Bless Your Soul, Cottonbalers by God, 2-7 Infantry Outlaw Platoon."
SSG Maurice J. Roderick, A Co 2-7 INF of Fort Stewart, Georgia

"From the membership of the Curtin Clan:

We feel your loss and pray for Mike's family and loved ones. Michael fought for freedom for opressed human beings, an American tradition. He embodies the best America has to offer.

Dan Curtin
Chief of the Curtin Clan International
www.curtin.org"
Dan Curtin of Los Angeles, CA

"It is now just over 2 years since Michael's death. (best friends and neighbors for 20 years!) We talk on the phone and in the street, and I know you all have been handling it as well as possible. Your faith is your strength, and you know he has "gone home" to a wonderful place. Although I know that you'd rather have your son, than have a hero...always remember that he was CHOSEN to go home. Eventually, you will find some comfort in that. HE only takes the good ones early, and Michael had grown into such a special, wonderful person! I remember him as a silly, young, pita, and then saw him grow up into such a wonderful, spiritual, loving young man! God Bless you all and his spirit...and many thanks to Michael and all the other USA Armed Forces, for standing up to and fighting terrorism and their attempts to bring us down. Our fight to bring peace and freedom to formerly oppressed nations is SO important...and needed!! This is what the USA is all about!...FREEDOM throughout the world!!! A BIG PS...to those who died with "Jersey"...Rincon,(Recon) Williams,(Sgt Wills) and Creighton...GOD BLESS YOU ALL,and your families"
Kim of Howell, NJ

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as this difficult anniversary approaches. May God bless and watch over you. God bless and keep Michael always. He will never be forgotten."
The Roe Family of Howell, NJ

"To the family of a fallen friend... i cannot begin to say how sorry i am. I know God looks upon him as a true hero as so many of the rest of us do."
Spc. Andrew Andreadis of Brick, NJ

"I had the honor of meeting Michaels family at his memorial service in Howell. I will never forget his family and I pray for Michael and Diego (the soldier that also died with Michael).To his parents: I have in my dinning room a mirror on my wall that I keep Michaels memorial card on. I will always keep it there in memory of your brave son."
Ellen Pawlowski of Millstone Twp, NJ

"To Michael Curtin's family, friends, and colleagues: Michael was your loved one but he is hero to all of us. Thank you for your sacrifice in the name of freedom. God Bless."
Pamela Butterfield of Basking Ridge, NJ

"To the friends and family of Michael Edward Curtin:
He is always watching over you, and will live on forever in your hearts. I am so sorry for your tragic loss, but know that he is happy in heaven and one day you will be reunited. We grieve together... My husband, Spc Justin W. Linden, was KIA in Iraq on June 4, 2004. Your loved one will never be forgotten."
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

"Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen."
Ancient Order Of Hibernians Division 16 St. Oliver Plunkett of Freehold NJ

"Michael, Thank you for everything you have done for this country. I am honored to have known you. God bless."
jamie of Howell, NJ

"i'm honored to have known you in my life even if it was a short while,you will always be remebered as jersey to me cause thats how my husband introduced you as.i will never forget you nor shall sgt.richard snavely,i'm honored to have known a ~HERO~,you're in our prayers"
bobbie snavely of titusville,fl,us

"To my fellow Americans, this young man is a true American Hero. To all those lost souls that have given their lives in the name of freedom, you are our heroes, and you will never be forgotten. I've met this young man's grandparents, and if he is a reflection of them then we really lost a good man.
God Bless You Michael Curtin!"
Scott Waters of South Plainfield, New Jersey

"To Remember Them..In loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"I would like to express my gratitude for the sacrifice Michael and his family have made to protect our freedoms and the American way of life. All my fellow military members here at the Department of State honor Michael's heroism on the one-year anniversary of his death. You are all in our prayers and may God bless you all."
Major David King of Washington, DC

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

"We Will NEVER FORGET !" As the first anniversary of the death of your loved one arrives;
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Michael, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi B from Montana "

"God Bless you and your family. As a member of the "Curtin" family worldwide, we are so very proud of Michael and all of the soldiers that are fighting for the freedom of this world."
Jimmy Curtin of Lewisville, Texas

"my cousin kaleb and his wife were best friends with michael kaleb had the pleasure of serving his this country with him he truly is a hero"
guitargurl 03

"Curtin, the best way I can describe him is as a brother. He will be missed and I know our lives are forever changed because of his life. I can never forget him and I will always have him and his family in my heart and in my prayers. May God bless you"
Spc Kyle Hartley of Ft. Stewart, GA

"Good evening I am the sister of Sgt. Eugene Williams who served and was killed with your son. I belive that they are all in a higher place and I want you to that on this one year anniversary that you are in my thoughts and may God continue to bless you and your family."
Lori Ann Ackert LPN of Kingston, NY

"Michael you will be missed so much! im best friends with your sister and she always talks about him .. Michael was .. wait scratch that he is an angel and hopefully he is watching down on stephanie and everyone else."
Michelle of Howell,NJ,USA

"Michael, you were a great cousin to me and I'll never forget you and what you have done for our country."
Jesse Burgess of Richmond, VA

"My son attended Boot Camp with Michael and spoke of him often. My thoughts are with you at this time. I have been thinking about you but did not know how to reach you until I found this site. Thank you for your sacrifice - it may not lessen the loss but know that he died protecting the rights of others and so that our country may continue to enjoy freedom. Again, be proud, Michael was a wonderful young man!!!!"
Shari of Davenport, Iowa

"Curtin, I"ll never forget you. We work together for a short time, but it was great. I was there with u threw all the bullsh*t. you Creigthon, Ricon and Sgt. Wil will always live on in my heart. I miss u all very much."
PFC. adrian cavazos of Ft Stewart GA 2-7 INF

"Thank you Michael Curtin, 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

"Thank you to your bravery and all the things you have done for the rest of us to live here in this country. Your thoughts are in our prayers.. Bless you and your family.. Thank you"
Gina of Jackson NJ

"Michael was my cousin, and he was a great role-model for me. I love the military and I plan to join the army when I'm old enough, and he would tell me stories of basic training, about the different weapons, and about different operations. I think about him every day and I miss him a lot."
Colin Thompson of Point Pleasant, NJ

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrifice will nerver be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"I briefly met Michael's mom at his grave today. I lost my mom in March after a two year battle with cancer. She is buried close by your son so I've been visiting and praying that he is at peace. My mom had a lot of heartache in life including the loss of my sister at the age of 11. But, she never gave up hope and never doubted her faith in God. I hope you too will continue to have faith and believe in your hearts that he is in a place far better then this life we have on earth. May God give you the strength you need to go on and, may you find comfort in knowing so many others share your loss."
Maureen of Point Pleasant, NJ

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

"Michael Curtin is a true American hero. Each and every American should be so proud of our service men and women. We live in such a wonderful country and should never forget those who helped to make it that way. I hope the Iraqi people one day will have true freedom such as we enjoy. God bless you Michael."
Terri Curtis of Green Forest, Arkansas

"What a hero. He went to a place so far away to help those that could not help themselves. His life was not lost in vain. His sacrifice has allowed those that were never free to taste freedom. We are also a stronger nation because of this brave soldier. RIP...You are with the Lord now and no one can hurt you."
The Taylors, USMC of NC

"Thank you for allowing your hero to protect our freedoms!"
Holly of VA