Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"You will never be forgotten Andrew."
Daniel of Foster City, CA

"Never forgotten brother."
GySgt Rosenquist

"I am glad to have served with you Dang. From the get go we became good friends. I still remember when you got promoted to LCPL. It was a huge day for you. Everyone in the platoon loved you. You were a hard working person. I still think about you and Whiskey all the time. I still cant believe you guys are gone. I have a picture of you in my room and I always look at it to remind me of why I joined the Marine Corps. To have served with the best men this country has to offer. I was in Oakland on a business trip two weeks ago, I really tried hard to see you but the Golden Gate cemetery closed at 5. I promise to visit you soon. Later brother. Semper Fi."
Robert jacob sotelo of Brawley, ca

"You are never forgotten, I still remember you every day brother."
GySgt James Rosenquist of Oceanside, CA

"god bless u as a former airman i respect your sacrifice i easily could be in your shoes and respect what you have done, may we never forget."
chris of davis CA

"To the family of:Andrew S.Dang
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""

"Thank you all for your wonderful comments on this web site. Andrew touch so many people in his life, and he made all of us proud. Andrew absolutely never forgotten, and all our fellow USA Marines are in our hearts and prayers. May all be safe and come back home to loving families. Your sacrifice is immeasurable. God Bless."
Antoinette MEdina (Andrew Dang Mom) of Ontario, California USA

"To Andrew Dang's Family,

I am from the Vietnamese American Armed Forces Association (VAAFA), we are looking to connect all Vietnamese American families of a Fallen Hero. Our contact information is vaafa.org@gmail.com or www.vaafa.org"
LT Tin T. Tran of Garden Grove, CA

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl Andrew Dang: Four years ago, I received a "hero bracelet" (www.herobracelets.org) with Andrews name on it. I just want you all to know, that in those four years, I've never taken the bracelet off. I look at my wrist every day and think about how grateful I am for Andrew's courageous sacrifice. He is a brave man that truly will never be forgotten. People ask me all the time what my bracelet says, and what its for, and I tell them about Andrews tremendous sacrifice he's made for all of us. I thank God for Andrew, and his family. Although I never got the pleasure to meet him, he and his family will always be in my thoughts and in my prayers."
Mara Rowcliffe of Washington, DC

"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

"Andrew,
I also have lost many Marines in Iraq. I don't know you but had the Honor of serving with you brother, and through him I feel I was able to hear how great of a Marine you are. Semper Fi!"
Sgt. Richard Silva USMC RET of San Diego

"June 2, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Andrew S. Dang:
Andrew 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

"Dang,

You will never be forgotten by anyone who knew you. I know you still watch over all of us. Rest in peace my brother until I see you again. To the Dang family I offer my condolences and respects, especially to you Anthony, maybe someday we can talk."
SSgt. Rosenquist of Oceanside, CA.

"I was a schoolmate of Andrew's for a long time, but we didn't become good friends until early on in High School. The thing I remember about Andrew most was his ability to cheer up the people around him, whether intentionally or not. We would go hang out with our little group and he would always know what to do to make everyone bust up laughing, like the time when he came home from boot camp and told us stories about his drill instructor. I don't ever remember laughing as hard as I did that night when he kept yelling "Axe stomp! Vertical stomp!"

I remember playing video games with that guy and always getting destroyed, whether it be on the computer or nintendo, and whether it be at his house, mine, or someone else. And he would laugh so hard, or in some cases do his "worm" dance that would crack us up and make us lose even more.

I remember Andrew being wicked smart, and insanely creative. His garage was like a mad scientist's laboratory. One time I came over just to see if he could help me with my rubber band car for Physics class. I had just meant for some pointers...he ended up building for me one of the fastest cars in the class.

And I didn't know anyone else besides him that would build robots on their free time...I remember sneaking out of tennis practice early to go check out what he was doing in the school's auto shop room...it amazed me every time.

I remember when I moved into the dorms at Santa Cruz...Andrew, before he went away to boot camp, visited me more than any other friend of mine. More than any of my relatives. At one point, he made the 1.5 hour drive on his bike just to give me a cd with a song he wanted me to learn on guitar. It was his favourite song, and it's mine now too. Every time I play it I remember Andrew.

I guess I'm remembering all these times I had with Andrew because it keeps him alive a little for me. After his funeral, me and and several other of our friends gathered to eat and just remember times like these for hours. I can't even scratch the surface of the vault full of these memories I have with this guy. I thank God for letting me have such a good friend, if only for what seemed like a short time, and I pray that Anthony fares well and remains safe. My prayers also go out to his mom, who I remember being a rock of support for her boys over the years.

If an enemy were insulting me,
I could endure it;
if a foe were raising himself against me,
I could hide from him.

"But it is you, a man like myself,
my companion, my close friend,
with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God.

I call to God,
and the LORD saves me."
[Psalm 55:12-16]

I miss you man."
Mike Query of Santa Cruz, CA

"To the parents of Andrew,
He was a great marine, I served side by side with him , in Iraq. He was such a great person. Me and him were on the same quick reaction force with Fox Co. 2/4. Andrew was a friend of mind, I remember speaking to him the morning of that tragic day.I still can't believe his gone, till this day, god needed an angel so he decided Andrew was the angel for him. I miss you Brother."
Cpl. Guillen, R of Fort Worth, Tx

"Hello everyone, if you have time, please visit: http://www.andrewstevendang.com - Andrew's younger brother Anthony Van Dang is also a USA Marine and will be going to Iraq March 1, 2006. You can send mail to him to keep his spirits up.
Lcpl Dang
Combat Assault Battalion FMPAC PLT HMNT
3rd Marine Division Unit 36280
FPO AP 96602-6280
- his address is also on the web site. Our family appreciate all the prayers that you send his way. Thank you for all the prayers."
Antoinette Medina of Rancho Cucamonga, CA USA

"Hello everyone, I can be contacted at my email address: antoinettemedina@yahoo.com I miss my son so much, thank you for all your prayers. I think of Andrew every moment of my life, and I pray and stay strong with everyones prayers of love and healing. There are just no words, to explain the loss of Andrew, there hasnt been a day gone by that I dont cry and pray and wish him back into our lives. My family has stayed strong, his brother Anthony is stationed in Okinawa Japan and serving as a USA Marine and he will return to the bay area this summer 2006. Andrews youngest brother Anderson is in his junior year and will pursue computer engineering at Calpoly. I will absolutely honor Andrew and I am following through with taking care of my sons, and making sure to do what Andrew would have wanted me to do. Thank you everyone and God Bless."
Antoinette Medina of Rancho Cucamonga, CA

"I miss you Andrew..."
From Alicia of Modesto, CA

"hi, this is for Andy's family. I had made an embroidey picture, with Andy's name and his rank, and the date. I was involved with a group for Fallen Soldiers, Andy's was the 2nd.one I did, because he was so close to home. The first one was for somebody my son helped recovery. I never was able to find any of Andy's family, I would feel i accomplish something in his memory if I can get this to his family. it was made with a lot of love, for some one that gave his life for the rest of us to have a life, with respect for some one that gave his life for all of us to live with respect. If you know how I can get the picture to the family please contact me at: gworth510@comcast.net. please on the subject line put Andy Dang."
graciela worth of Fremont, California

"Thank you Andrew, for putting yourself on the line for me, your family, and our country. Thank you for being a great friend in school. I will always remember the first time I met you in algebra class freshman year. You were always quick to answers and very intellectual. You will NOT be forgotten my friend. Thank you."
Kevin Tang of San Mateo, CA

"my name is GYSGT Mclean I left Camp Pen while your son was gone I was not in the unit that he was with but I knew of him and I am sorry that he did not make it home I just found out. I am sorry that I did not send my thoughts earlier. He was a outstanding marine and I know that he would have done well and would and did made all of us that knew him proud."
GYSGT Mclean Milatary police USMC of Bay St. Louis ,MS

"I am Lance Cpl. Arthur with the Public Affairs Office on Camp Pendleton and I am trying to get in touch with LCpl Andrew S. Dang's mother to extend a memorial made from a group of ladies in Texas. The ladies asked that I receive the memorial then send it on to her. I am at a dead end of where to send the article because of a change of address. Any contact information would be appreciated. I have tried to e-mail her, but the address I was given is not in working order. If you could get her in contact with me or vice versa I would appreciate it. Thank you."
Lance Cpl. Arthur of Camp Pendleton, CA

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Andrew S. Dang,

"Perhaps they are not the stars,
but rather openings in Heaven
where the love of our lost ones
pours through and shines down upon us
to let us know they are happy."

Eskimo Legend



The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

We need you to provide the address of the next of kin so it can be sent.

http://www.marinecomfortquilts.us/

click register, or

https://oxygen.vhnoc.com/~pmmquilt/register.htm

Proud Member Of Marine Comfort Quilt group, and Proud Marine Mom"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca

"Your sacrifice shall live in our hearts!
Semper Fi, marine!"
Niels of Netherlands

"To the Dang family,
I want to say how sorry I am for what happened to Andrew, he meant alot to me and was honestly one of my favorite kids that I recruited. I feel that if I had not worked so much with all of the documents to help get him in this would not have happened. I want to apologize and give my most sincere respects to the family. Anthony, you are just as strong as your brother and have all of his strong characteristics and I am just as proud of you. Please forgive me. Semper fi."
Ssgt. Rosenquist of Camp Pendleton, CA.

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

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

"I only recently learned about the valiant death of Andrew Dang. I would like to express my belated but heartfelt condoleances to his family. No words can make up for your loss, but do know that many of us are proud of him."
Hien Nguyen of Princeton, NJ

"To the family and friends of L/Cpl Andrew Dang - "A Marine never dies as long as he is remembered by his brother Marines." We believe this and we live by this. I attended Andrew's service in San Mateo as a representative of the Marine Corps League, Mt. Diablo Detachment 942. We are so proud to count Andrew as one of us - his life and his upbringing brought us a fine young man. As I told Mr. Dang, I never met Andrew, but he was and is my brother. He will not be forgotten."
John Wintersteen, USMC of Danville, CA/USA

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Andrew S. Dang,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort
in love's everlasting connection.

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. 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. Please register so we can send you
our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Member Of Marine Comfort Quilt group, and Proud Marine Mom"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"Andrew was a great guy. I went to MOS school with him. He was always upbeat about things and was never negative. He was always doing the right thing and never once the wrong thing. Everyone could count on Dang and no-one questioned his loyalty. He believed in what the United States was doing against terror and so do we. None of us that knew Andrew will ever forget him; we will always remember him being a great guy. Our payers are with you and I believe God received a special angel when he Andrew came to him. My thoughts and prayers are with Andrew and his family.
He gave his all and that will never be forgotten."
Pfc. Earle of Virginia

"Thank you all and God bless you for all your prayers for my son and our family - We all miss Andrew so deeply, all those who had the wonderful opportunity to meet him immediately liked him, and soon enough he would become one of your best friends. Andrew was a natural born leader, his brothers and others looked up to him and when he came home during his leaves all three brothers would gather at home with friends and it would be like old times when they all were in school. Andrew was so smart, considerate and kind, and so disciplined, in all aspects - he worked hard - yes, and loved challenges, he was a good hearted young man - and we all miss him so much and are still in the healing process of accepting these circumstances. But God willing and through all the prayers we will all learn to heal. Thank you all and your honorable comments on this site.

Here is my letter I wrote for Andrew and Chaplain Barber, of the Marines read during the services for Andrew:

MY SON

Before you were born, you were my sparkling wish,
You came into all our lives and touched each one us,
Giving us laughter, joy and priceless memories…

Your smile….
Everyone said, when Andrew smiled it was all over,
You melted our hearts, you won us over and you had that talent of making friends wherever you were…

My sweet son, how I will miss you:

Seeing you…
Watch your favorite cartoons and sci-fi and action movies,
The front door slamming at 5am for your early morning runs,
You taking off on your motorcycle with a roar,
Your late night studying till 3am and late nights out with sports, and robotics,

Sharing with you…
Your favorite foods,
Your car driving – sharp turns and zipping in and out of lanes just as if you were still riding your motorcycle,
Your Rock music cd’s you played,
Your mad scientist wild look in your eyes when you completed making a rocket to launch,

Hearing you…
You’re yelling and shouting while you play video games,
Your boisterous laughter over mischievous pranks,
Your talent as a human parrot and the funny voices you mimic…

But especially the one word in the world that is the sweetest most heartbreaking word that I would give anything to hear from you right now is … Mom.

I would ask every parent, brother, sister, - all parents kiss your child on their forehead and say to them these words, I love you child, and give them a big hug and child hug them back. Because at this moment I can’t reach over and hug my baby but… I know his spirit is here smiling at us all, and he would want you all to value each other and keep the love in your family strong.

Now looking up at the night sky - my son, you are back up there as a sparkling star,
That wish I had is back up there where you came from and now you are an angel,
God thank you from all of us for giving us Andrew - he was a beautiful baby, a joyous young boy, and a cherished young man. And son we love you and you are in our hearts forever.

God Bless.

Andrews Mom

************"
Antoinette Medina of Foster City, CA

"While never having the true privilege of meeting this hero, my family and I would like to extend our dearest sympathies to his family and friends. Our words, however simple they may seem, can never heal the hurt you must be going through, but I am hoping that it may bring you some comfort to know that others care. Please know that we wave our flag everyday, and we wave it with pride and honor, and now we will wave it in honor of your son, your friend, and our hero.

May we all try to live a life that would make Andrew proud, as we must earn what he and his other brave soldiers gave up for us.
God Bless . . ."
The Dehoff Family of Foster City, California, USA

"To the Family of Lance Corporal Andrew Dang: I never had the privilege of meeting Andrew (he went to Parris Island a week before I did), but I know two Marines who went to MOS school with him. When one of them called me with news of his death, I was heart-broken for your family's tragic loss. What words of condolence I can utter will never be able to mend Andrew's sacrifice that was made so tangible with his actions. But as I speak with other Marines, one thing is certain: we all feel the pain and sorrow of having lost a Brother in Andrew."
LCpl Lee of Virginia

"i never knew andrew but i did go to aragon high school the same years and i myself being a veteran of operation iraqi freedom and loosing a good freind there myself i know how it feels. my heart goes out to andrews family and i am sorry that me amd my fellow soldiers couldnt bring him home. i will never forget any of my fallen comrades"
SPC.Justin Marella of Dco 2/325 AIR 82nd Airborne Ft. Bragg nc

"As a graduate of Aragon High School in 2001, I got to know Andrew through school and football. We played on the same team for two enjoyable years and worked out together for three. He was such a hard worker and an inspiration to me that I will never forget him. I remember coming back to Aragon the year after I graduated and seeing him. He remembered me quite well and it was great to catch up with him. At that point, he did not tell me that he was going into the Marines, but it is great to hear that someone so smart and so successful decided to be a part of the ongoing war for freedom in Iraq. I am proud of him and will always remember the kind hearted Andrew Dang that I knew at Aragon High School. God Bless you Andrew and Rest In Peace."
Charles Lundquist of Hillsborough, California and Tempe, Arizona

"REST IN PEACE BRAVE WARRIOR
May God Bless your family and friends"
The Taylors USMC of NC

"To the family and friends of Lcpl Dang:
For the loss you had, words do not heal. May the memories within your heart help sooth your spirit at this dificult time. Lcpl Dang's dedication, commitment and sacrifice will always be remembered and appreciated. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless."
Trang Le of Alpine, CA/USA

"Attending Aragon High School with Andrew, my sister and I both got to see what an aspiring person he was. Lance Cpl. Andrew Dang will be remembered by those who knew him, and even those who didn't. He gave his life for our country, and that truly represents a great hero. Our condolences go out to the Dang Family."
Taylor and Kirstin Ineich of San Carlos, California

"To the friends and family of Lcpl Dang, my deepest sympathies. As a former Marine, I support the sacrifice your family has made. God bless you and your family, Andrew is safe now."
Daniel S. (USMC 1988-1995) of Columbus, OH

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
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, Andrew, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Andrew Dang, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Andrew Dang:
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 Andrew for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

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