Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Edgar I didn't know you.. but I was there when the IED took your life and changed things for those who Combat patrolled around Balad Forever... route @$!%@^s was always a dangerous road.. Hell every road was and we had it the next day... still fresh in my mind you being taken by those SOB insurgents... Fortunately on our mission no one was killed or wounded.. I wondered if you were watching over us as we mine swept the entire length of that road... When your memorial on Anaconda was announced.. I could not go... Bro not that I couldn't go but chose not to as I could not fathom the reality of what had happened to you and what was in front of me for the next 7 months. I try to live my life with no regrets but this one haunts me to this day.. I thought maybe if I didn't go see your boots rifle and helmet I could convince myself its not real.. and survive the next 7 months... I'm sorry Brother for not being there... not having the intestinal fortitude to face the fact and honor you properly as you passed through the gates of Valhalla.. I know you meant so much to so many people and I feel over the years I have let them down too... I returned home to family and friends... but not going to your memorial.. I have to live with that my entire life. I do honor you, the Patriot and man you were.. and what you meant to your team mates and what you gave for all free Americans... You and your guys are some of the best guys I've ever got to work with... Hear me when I say I Respect and Honor you and your sacrifice... and all those that have fallen. I hope the shame of not going will subside one day but I felt the need to reach out to you and tell you what I was thinking at that particular time in Iraq... I am deeply sorry. You are not forgotten..."
MSgt Steve Neisen 2BCT, 1st Inf div 332 SFS of Cheyenne, WY

"I woke up at 4AM this morning, don't sleep much anymore. For some reason God brought you up in my mind. It's funny how life works, 14 years ago this day we were in basic training together. You and I only got to share a short time together, but enough time to have influenced me greatly. Once you left San Antonio for Germany I was still there- ended up meeting my wife (now of 13 years) and gave 2 daughters (Faith and Hope) I'm just thinking about you. I'm sorry your not here, I'm sorry your family misses you. Heavy heart right now, just wanted to talk, and let you know that your memory lives on!"
SSG Runyon of San Antonio

"To the family of:Edgar P.Daclan,Jr
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 am still mourning for the loss of a friend and a brother to me. It's been a long 6 years already but I could still feel the pain and disbelief that Edgar has gone away. I miss you bro! Watch over me. I wish I were as brave as you...

Your buddy since childhood,"
Gerard Panganiban of Cebu, Philippines / Dubai, UAE

"This is a song I wrote about the day Edgar was taken from us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LK9tYJK2XJg"
Jared Hinks, 1-18inf 2002-2005

"To the family of Edgar Daclan- My name is Jared Hinks, I was with Edgar or "Doc" as we called him (which you surely know by now) when he was taken from us. I wanted you all to know that Doc knew in his heart something wasn't right but he stood up to those fears and performed his duty anyway. Some of his last words before we stopped the truck and got out, was that he didn't have a good feeling about this one. I remember I was taken back by the way he said it. None of us ever had a good feeling about anything, but Doc never complained, so for him to even voice that opinion meant that he must of had a very strong conviction of it. But he did his duty anyway. I always respected him more than anything for that. They say only the good die young, and that is so true in his case. Without any doubt he was the most caring and nicest guy in the platoon. I never heard him say one bad word about anyone, never heard him complain (besides the normal complaints we all had about the food and day to day living...) He was one of those people you meet and just know that they are striving to be how God wants us to be. I can't put into words the emotions i feel (i'm in tears right now even) for Doc and that day September 10th 2004, around 7:30am, when my life (and all of yours) was changed forever. I don't know if you (the family) even want to know this, but his death was instant, he did not suffer. He was never alone. He had a family in the platoon. He was our brother. I'm so sorry we couldn't get him home to you. I'm sorry."
Jared Hinks, 1-18inf 2002-2005 of Duluth, MN

"Hey Daclan, man it has been a long time dude. There has not been a day that has not gone by that I think about you. I miss having you around and haing out with you bro."
SGT "Happy" Verhest of Ft Bragg NC

"To The family of SPC Edgar P. Daclan jr
a hero is gone. but not forgotten. our family is in prayer for your family.god is able to heal your hearts,and bring peace to your minds. may god continue to
hover over your loving family.our condolences of love."
Nannie T. Farmer of Milton N.C 27305

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"”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 1,750 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"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Hey declan, we done basic together and went off to ait, still rememeber the good times we had in san antonio,although i never got to say good by to you when you left ft sam, i heard you went to germany then i you got deployed...well its been 6years since basic and ait..i still think of you and all the fallen heros....never forget"
ruynon of carson,co

"I miss you so much bro! I will never forget you, but i know if there is a heaven you will be there waiting for the rest of us. I love you bro."
blake dyall of phenix city, alabama

"Yon, it saddens me still that you are no longer with us. I'm so grateful to have you as my brother. You have touch the lives of so many people with your positive attitude and your great sense of humor. We will always remember you. WE miss you and love you dearly. Happy 29th birthday from your family and friends."
Your Big Sister, Iris

"August 2, 2008
To the family of Spc. Edgar P. Daclan, Jr.:
Edgar 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

"From: Philippine News.com. Nov 03, 2004
Another most recent casualty from the Filipino American population is Army Spc. Edgar P. Daclan, Jr., of Long Beach , Calif.

Only 24, the Army combat medic was killed September 10 when a hidden explosive device detonated near his unit in the central Iraqi city of Balad , north of Baghdad .

A member of an immigrant family that eventually settled in a Los Angeles suburb, Daclan was two semesters short of finishing his electrical engineering degree when he opted to join the war in Iraq .

His family is still grappling with awe what great motivation had triggered his putting his life and limb – his life as it turned out – where danger was. He was scheduled to go on leave September 25.
Iris Daclan, Edgar Daclan’s sister who was a Navy veteran herself, having trained with the Marines as a field medical corpsman (also a medic), told Philippine News about her brother:

“My family and I are very proud of Edgar’s sacrifice – to give one’s life for others is the ultimate sacrifice. For now, I can only speak for myself, but I still grieve for his sudden departure. Edgar was my only brother, and to see him go so soon is very painful, especially, the fact that he died so tragically,” she said.

“It does not matter how I or my family for that matter stand regarding the war in Iraq ; what’s most important is that Edgar joined the Army to save lives.

He was a combat medic in charge of 35 soldiers. My brother took care of the troops to the best of his abilities. In fact, we met a soldier he saved. Edgar would come back from 16 hours mission and would stay up all night to tend to him. Yes, he was that dedicated to ensuring he would survive his injuries. Edgar will always be my hero.”

“After his death, his superior officer called in from Iraq and informed us that Edgar was a ‘very special solder’. He stated that he never saw fear in Edgar. He was very courageous, and he knew his duties,” Daclan recalled.

She said Edgar wrote to one of his friends that their situation in Iraq was similar to the movie ‘Black Hawk Down’.

It’s difficult to distinguish the civilians from the enemies, he was quoted as saying.

“I miss his smile and his laughter…”"

""Army Spc. Edgar Daclan Jr., 24, Torrance; Killed on Patrol in Iraq"

By Dave Mckibben
LA Times
September 19, 2004

Edgar Daclan Jr. was just two semesters short of an electrical engineering degree from Cal State Long Beach when he surprised his family by enlisting in the Army.

“He was upset about the terrorist attacks,” said Daclan’s elder sister, Iris. “He joined because he wanted to make a difference, do something for our country. He did a brave thing. He’s our hero and we’re very proud of him.”

Daclan, 24, immigrated to Torrance from the Philippines in 1993 with Iris and their father, Edgar Sr.

The Army specialist was killed Sept. 10 when an explosive detonated while his patrol was responding to indirect fire in Balad, Iraq, the Defense Department said. Daclan was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany.

Iris Daclan, 26, said her brother never regretted enlisting in the Army two years ago. “When he was interviewed in Iraq by a newspaper, a lot of the other soldiers said they had made a mistake by joining the Army,” she said. “But Edgar said he knew what he was getting into, that it was dangerous work.”

Deployed to Iraq in February, Daclan was an emergency medic and usually in frontline positions.

“He sent an e-mail to a friend saying every day was like the movie ‘Blackhawk Down,’ ” Iris said.

Aileen Daclan, 21, who is in the process of immigrating to the United States with other family members, said she bragged to college classmates in the Philippines that her brother had enlisted in the U.S. Army. “But I had no idea he’d be going to Iraq,” she said. “That’s when I started to get really worried.”

Daclan was due home Sept. 25 for a two-week leave before returning to Iraq. “We were so excited we were going to see him again,” Iris said. “It’s very hard to believe he’s gone.”

The only boy in a family of six, Daclan was a natural in math, just like his father, who is an engineer, his family said. After graduating from Narbonne High School in Harbor City, Daclan moved to Cypress and shared an apartment with three cousins. While working two part-time jobs, he still managed to keep his grades up. “He didn’t have to study as much as everyone else,” Iris said. “He was just so bright.”

In addition to his father and sisters Aileen and Iris, Daclan is survived by his mother, Gertrude; and sisters Cristine, Ira and Sheila. Daclan, who received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, will be buried Friday at Riverside National Cemetery."

"Yon, I will always be thinking of you. You were a wonderful brother. Happy 28th birtday."
Iris of Annapolis

"Kuya, Happy 28th birthday today. I will visit your burial place soon and will bring you fresh flowers. You'll always be in my heart."
Aileen P. Daclan-Cada of Chino Hills, CA

"SPC Dalcan,
It has truly been a while. I still remember when were on FOB Poliwoda when you and Maltinado use to always come over to my "room"..lol to hang out and complain. We still never turned you totally to Salsa music but we tried.
It took me a while before I could build up the courage to even seek out your memorial. It still hurts knowing you guys didn't make it back to Germany with us, but I know you are in a better place now. My prayers are with and have always been with you and your family. I just needed you to know that I guess. I know someday we'll all meet again. It just saddens me that I never got to say goodbye bro. But I do make this promise, I wil make it to your final place of rest and I'll tell you all that's been going on in my life. Sometimes it is a bit of a struggle but in honor of you guys I try as best I can to live in the moment and do good things in my life. I always thought you were destined for great things. I just hate that your life was cut so short. I just needed you to know you are missed bro."
SSG Dooley-Hernandez of St. Petersburg, Florida

"hello gar, i know your up there in heaven. hope we could gather again with our friends and classmates here in cebu in remembrance of you.. guys pls email me at jdg_johv@yahoo.com

johndo"
johndo of cebu, philippines

"hello gar, its me johndo... well we've been friends since childhood, and your like a brother to me. we had a lot of good mem'ries together, i just want you to know that i treasure it so much and see you soon up there in heaven.. we miss you gar and i know your with the Lord right now..."
johndonald galera of cebu, philippines

"hey yon, i did dream about you last night. I really felt ur presence and i'm happy to have spent time with you even if it's just in my dream.. I really miss you my friend.. you will always have a space in my heart.. Watch over us and guide us always.. thanks for your help and your prayers.."

"Doc, It's Me Hector. I Miss You Bro, Think About You Everyday. I Know Everybody Else Does Too, I Still Keep In Contact With Almost Everyone From 2nd Plt. Till We Meet Again Bro, In Heaven."
Hector Ferrel of San Diego, California

"Hi, gar. I was in great shock when I learned 'bout what happened. Since I left BHCA I never heard of anything from our classmates 'til I found this out in the net. Bro, I know you're in heaven right now but it's just kinda sad to note that we won't see each other again here on earth. During our elementary days, you were one of the best basketball players in out team (blue team) and I was wishin' we could have played now that we've grown up but situations are unexpected. Though we ain't that close during childhood, I'm so proud to have a former classmate who's so brave to defend his country. I'm so proud of you bro., See ya in heaven... rest in peace!"
Abelardo "Jay-r" Quilaton of Cebu, Philippines

"Hello Mr. Daclan, I am writing as a representative of the Home of the Brave Quilt Project. I want you to know a quilt has been made in your son's honor. My part is to find an address for a family member who would accept our quilt. I hope you will feel comfortable accepting this quilt and would provide an address where I might send it. Please be assured your information is not shared with anyone for any other purpose. As I am able to contact families and learn about their loved ones, I am struck by the wonderful responses that I receive. Know that I believe your grief is a private thing and any response, including a refusal, is also private. Please contact me if I can clarify anything. My prayers and thanks to you. Luann Parker
Home of the Brave Quilt Project
Los Angeles County Quilter's Guild
(562)927-7575
sewluann@hotmail.com"
LUANN PARKER of Downey, CA USA

"Doc Me Hendo, I miss you alot and still think of you everyday it was really a honor to meet your family when I Brought you home. Iam sorry it took so long to write in here but it was really hard ! I can never explain what you met to us when i was with you before i got hurt I wish I ever had to leave if I could go back in time to be with you then and our Platoon War Pigs ! I would in a heartbeat you did everything for the platoon and took the best care of my boys that you could !! no one will ever replace you !! you will never be forgotten a true hero !!"
SSG Hendrickson Dennis of FT Eustis VA USA

"I will NEVER forget that day. I know that you will always be at watch for your family and friends. You will always be my hero. Rest in peace."
MBM of Florida

"I am an old shipmate of your sister, Iris. We were both stationed in Key West where I met her. Iris spoke highly and dearly of you. Although we never met, I am grateful and proud of your service for our country. Rest in peace, soldier. We will meet someday."
Amy of Germantown, MD

"it is true what they speak of your professionalism and your character but beyond the military i was blessed to know u as a friend , as a person as a beautiful spirit, i had never seen u without a smile or in a moment of anger , you were truely an anjel and a great human being , u are missed for ever and always , gone physically but your spirit and memories will live on..cco-1-18inf ....mckenzie...big mack"
shawn of brooklyn new york

"Yon,

This month was supposed to be your 27th birthday. We miss you dearly."
Iris Daclan of Annapolis, MD

"i remember when it was you that patched me up and called in the medevac for me and then i heard you were no longer with us i wish it was my life and not yours although you are in a better place watch over the sodiers still fighting this gorrilla war. to the familly you raised an outstanding young man and he impacted everyone with his since of humor and way of thinking love you all"
marc of ft bragg former 1-77 ar bn soldier

"Hi Gar, i miss you my friend... There are still times that I'm put into tears whenever i come across some articles in the internet about you...Memories of our conversations before you left are still fresh in my mind. But I am happy. I know you are with God and with your Mom right now. We will see each other again soon! I promise you that..."
Gerard of Cebu, Philippines

"We honor the brave men, women and their families who often must sacrifice all for love of life, liberty and country. Thank You and God Bless."
Ferrel Family of El Centro, Ca

"Doc you will always be the standard in which I place the new arrivals that you once filled as “the PLT medic” a worrier, brother Plt doc to 2nd PLT 1-18 IN. It has been a long time since you left us. But there is not a single day that goes by that I don’t think about your professionalism and care of the troops. I will always remember our missions together and shared time in the B’s between missions. You are in all of our lives that you touched now and forever. SFC G ops grp"
SFc Goehlich of Germany

"Its been two years now. Miss ya and help watch after me when i go back. I wish i could have been a little further up the road that day to help watch after you"
Doc Searles of Fort Riley, Kansas

"As a veteran of the US Army I salute Edgar P. Daclan,Jr. and I salute and honor his loved ones. May God bless thee and keep thee. May God give you the blessed assurance that you will see him again. God bless all men and women that lay down their lives in pursuit of what is right and just in this terrible world. An Ex-Soldier"
Carl E. Davis,Jr of Hiawassee.Georgia

"Happy Birthday kuya! I love you and I miss you soooo much!"
Aileen of Chino Hills, CA

"Fallen but not forgotten."
Ferrel Family of El Centro, Ca/USA

"To the family of a True Hero!
God placed his chosen one in your loving care the parents of Edgar P. Daclan,Jr.! Just as God placed my brother, in my parents loving care!
You are special parents, who were entrusted with God's chosen ones! My heart breaks everyday, missing my baby brother... My heart break, is nothing to you Blessed Souls missing your Son!
I thank you everyday, for raising a fine man, who defended me and my family! God Bless your hearts!
To his sister? I read your message for another Fallen Hero. You are a Hero to me! Your words were Beautiful!
God Bless you and your family!"
Joy Kiser.. proud sister of SSG Chuck Kiser of Cinti, Ohio

"Well Doc you were our platoon medic in bosnia you were a good guy and it still isn't real to me that you or any of the rest of the guys are realy gone and its been almost a yr since we got back. I wish the best to all your family."
CPL Zimmer/SGT Verhest

"To the family and friends of SPC Edgar P. Daclan

I met Edgar when I was an embedded journalist with the 1st Infantry Division in May and June 2004. During this time I visited FOB Paliwoda where I photographed Edgar and his team in combat. "Edgar, you will be not forgotten, may God bless you"

Ralph Zwilling
Concord Publications Company
Hong Kong"
Ralph Zwilling of Coburg, Germany

"Yon (my brother),
It still hurts not having you here, but I know you are in a much better place. I just want to say "Happy Holidays". We will always love and remember you. Until we meet again in the after life."
Iris of Annapolis, MD

"september 2005. A year has passed already.. I still could not believe you're not coming back. I remembered the last time we talked (sept 1'04), you told me u cant wait to be in california again.. and everything was planned already, we were supposed to go clubbing, shopping, talk till morning, just like the old times... I miss you so much!!! I'm so proud to have you as my cousin... I love you!"
Rashel Daclan of Anaheim, Ca.

"DOC I MISS TALKIN TO GOIN OUT WITH YOU TO CLUBS. YOU HAVE BEEN A GREAT FRIEND TO ME, I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. YOU ALWYAS BE ON MY MIND, IN MY HEART. I GOT A TATTOO FOR YOU DOC ITS SAYS CIADOS PERO NO OLVIDADOS. FALLEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. ONE DAY WE WILL BE TOGATHER CHILLEN LIKE THE OLD TIMES. WELL I AM GOIN NOW BUT I LL WILL CHECK ON YOU TIME TO TIME. PVT SOTO JOSHUA"
JOSHUA WARREN SOTO of AVENAL,CA

"Happy Birthday yon! mis you..."

"Edgar, you left without visiting your friend
Hipolito Daclan"
Hipolito Daclan of Philippines

"Happy Birthday!!! You should have been 25 years old on May 14th. I miss you."
Iris Daclan of Annapolis, MD

"Yon i miss you... still can't believe youre gone.."

""Doc" I miss You, I will never forget you!"

""DOC"... I miss you so much, I still cant believe it happened, I wish it didnt. You will always be a hero. I think about you alot, it hurts, but I know your in a better place. I just wish you were here with the rest of us. I'll never forget you doc daclan. your the best. your battle buddy Spc. Cruz"
Spc. Nick Cruz of Schweinfurt, Germany

"You can also find a story and dedication on Edgar at http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSmid=23317045&GRid=10044231&pt=Edgar%20Daclan&"
Iris Daclan of Annapolis, MD

"02/15/05
Thank you Edgar for your brave service defending our country. You are our hero and we will not forget what you did for all of us. Your family can take comfort in knowing that when they close their eyes for the last time, standing there, smiling with open arms will be their Edgar. God Bless you soldier and may He grant your loved ones peace. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw Family of Pasadena, Maryland

"I finished my high school in Bob Hughes Christian Academy in 1983, I might not have met Edgar Daclan but when i came to know his story i feel like i already have personally met him. He had lived an exemplary life of a true brave American soldier and worthy of all emulation by the youth of his generation. Those loved ones he had left behind in the meantime should look forward to that day when they shall meet him again in that sweet beaulah land, and i shall see him for myself and shall meet him personally and shall shake his hand and i will applaud him for his unselfish patriotic deed in its highest level. I'll catch you later my fellow alumnus and fellow soldier in the Lord."
Atty. John deJesus of Jacksonville,FL USA

"Kuya, I am so proud of you. I'm so proud to be your little sister. I miss you sooo much. 'til we meet again. I LOVE YOU ALWAYS.
------- GOD'S FLOWER GARDEN ------- It's hard to lose the ones we love, to see them pass away, The sweetest and the kindest gone, while others are left to stay! But if we had a garden, with roses fair and bright, We'd often pick the loveliest and think it to be right. And so it is with Jesus in His earthly garden here; He often picks the fairest flowers, the ones we love so dear. The flowers that are picked by Him will never fade away. We know Edgar Jr. will live forever, and we'll see him some sweet day."
Aileen P. Daclan of Torrance, California

"To the family of "DOC EDGAR DACLAN", my
sincere condolences for his death and to EDGAR may you rest in peace. Being a
filipino living in this country I'm so proud of you."
Alfred Maala of Riverside, CA

"My son, you are not coming back to me. But I know we will meet again in Heaven. I am so proud of you. You died with honor serving this country. I love you son."
Your dad, Edgar D. Daclan Sr. of Torrance, California

"no one has touched my life more than you did. i know i have to learn to let go.. please help me get over this pain.. God! i miss you soooo much! i'll never forget you and u'll be in my heart til eternity.."

"A student group on my college campus was passing out name tags today, each with the name of a soldier we lost in Iraq. My name tag says, "SPC Edgar P. Daclan Jr." and after doing some research online, I feel honored to have worn this name today. He is remembered by Northwestern University."
Jessica of Chicago, IL

"EDGAR, I KNOW OUR VETERANS WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT YOU'VE DONE FOR OUR COUNTRY AND NEITHER WILL WE. TO THE FAMILY OF EDGAR, HE TOUCHED SO MANY IN A POSITIVE WAY AND CONTINUES TO EVERY DAY."
FERREL FAMILY of BRAWLEY CA

"yon, we all miss you.. you will be in cherished and remembered... ALWAYS"
of cebu

"Edgar,
I miss your smile and your laughter."
Iris Daclan (sister) of Annapolis, MD

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

"To the Daclan family,
I heard Edgar's story on NPR and was touched by the life of this young man. I edit a newspaper, Phil Asian Times, and would like to pay tribute to his heroism. You could get in touch with me at tel. (909) 802-0668 or jamessaspa@aol.com May God bless you indeed."
James Saspa of Covina, CA

"Spc. Edgar P. Daclan Jr.
" Though only a select few know this - I always wanted to be in the Army, especially in the U.S. Army. I salute you for your courage and bravery my friend."

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever. - 23rd Psalm"
Stephen L. Lumagbas of Cebu CIty, Philippines

"To the family of Edgar,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Army Spc. Daniel A. Desens, Jr. KIA 6/24/04. Edgar is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
Vic and Tammy McClain--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"Edgar P. Daclan although I never had the chance to meet you, as a retired Air Force SSGT I salute you with honor. I give you my sincere "THANK YOU" for everything you have done. I also know that you are now part the heavenly host and ask you to pray for us. Thank you Edgar. I will always love and take care of your sister. May you be at peace."
M. Monell of Glen Burnie, MD

"My Dearest and Only Brother,
Though it's with a heavy heart to say goodbye so soon, we will always remember and love you. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made. We are very proud of you. As a former Navy Corpsman with the Marines, I know what you've gone through. You did your duty to the best of your abilities; you save lives as a combat medic. You are very brave, and truly a HERO in all our hearts. We miss you so much."
Iris Daclan (sister) of Annapolis, MD

"Heard his story on NPR and it made me very sad. I too am an electrical engineer who loves basketball and Braveheart. My deepest sympathies."
Rich of Minneapolis, MN

"Heard about Edgar's story this morning on NPR on the way to work. My deepest sympathies to Edgar's friend's and family. It's heroes like Edgar that truly make me proud to be a Filipino in the United States. His courage and honor are an inspiration that I will always keep with me."
David P. of Eugene, OR

"My deepest sympathy to the family of Edgar P. Daclan Jr. Gar, you have been a great friend and a hero. Since childhood we have been great friends and I really miss being able to talk you and just joke about anything and everything. It has been really tough losing you. I will never forget you and I will always treasure the friendship we had."
Pearl of Lansdale, Pa

"This guy taught me how to start reading books and learn from them.. He was my book buddy way back elementary at Bob Hughes Christian Academy.. We used to barter books and work in the same learning center together with my other friends who, even though I seldom see, I treasure so much in my heart. Edgar, I am so proud of you being a classmate and a close friend.. Even though we never really got to see each other again after that graduation day way back April 3,1993, you are still one of the best buddies I will treasure whatever we have shared. The sad news just crushed me to pieces but nevertheless, I know you are in the safe hands of our Lord and I know He will be taking care of you from now on. No Goodbyes Edgar, just a smile because someday, I know we'll meet again.

~~I will remember you, will you remember me? Don't let your life pass you by. Weep not for the memories [Sarah Mclachlan]~~

You will be truly missed. Thank you so much for being such a great friend."
LenLen Rustila of Bob Hughes Christian Academy Class 15 Batch `93 Cebu City, Philippines

"To the family and friends of Edgar, he is a true hero and will never be forgotten. Our family shares in your sorrow, we lost my brother SPC Shawn Davies on July 8, 2004. May God be with you at this time and until you meet with Edgar again."
Toni Peters of Concord, OH

""All things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose."Romans 8:28

Edgar P. Daclan, Jr. I know that you are in the most beautiful place and that you are in Christ. I would like to thank you so much for the friendship and the memories. I have always admired you when we were still kids. I had a huge crush on you though I never get the chance to tell you this. Life has so many surprises and your one of them. From the day that I met you when we were still kids till the day that you passed away you have always given me traces of qualities and uniqueness that make me admire you more. You have always been so good, so great. How I wish that I have just told you how much I appreciate you before you left but everything has its own reason. Thank you gar for all of the nicest things that I can always remember when it comes to you. Thank you for being so brave. Thank you for being a good and handsome friend. Thank you for being so beautiful. I am so proud of you and I know that your family is so proud of you too. You have lived a life of honor. I believe that you have always been a witness about God's love for all of us. No goodbyes...till then...We will see you soon in heaven. I am so blessed to have a friend like you. I will truly miss you so much."
Dianne Lesley Magtulis of Cebu City, Philippines

""We will really miss a friend and a hero! It's really hard to accept the fact that you are gone, but what comforts us is the fact that you are now in the presence of our Lord and Savior. We know you are now in a better position than us. We can never forget you, you will always remain in our hearts. We love you and we will truly miss you! NO GOODBYES...JUST SEE YOU WHEN WE GET THERE!"
BHCA classmates of Cebu City, Philippines

"To Edgar'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

"Edgar Daclan, Jr. will always have a special place in all our hearts. We will never forget how this brave man touch our hearts in a very special way."
your friends from Bob Hughes Christian Academy - Au-au, Abigail, Sheryl, Katkat, Denise, Cheryl, Gerard, JohnDo, Aniano, Junjie of Cebu City, Philippines

""You will always be in our hearts. A hero, a friend, and a best friend. We will always be grateful for the times that you've made us happy, for the friendship and even for you presence. We will surely miss you. You are now in God's care. Thank you for everything and we love you... God bless you gar. Condolences to your family"

Your Cebu (Philippines) Friends,

Au-au, Abigail, Sheryl, Katkat, Junji, Michael, Denise, Dianne, Cheryl, JohnDo, Gerard, James, John
15 September 2004

"I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die"
John 11: 25,26"
Gerard of Cebu City, Philippines

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"To Edgar'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"

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