Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸"
Carl DePew of Cincinnati, Ohio

"Was thinking about you today. Never got to tell you I named my son after you. You were a brother to me and I miss you so much. 18 years later and your still with me.. and our days at the greenwood mall will always be with me.. miss ya"
Candice of Lawrence Indiana

"Hey buddy, We're still out here trying to do big things lol. Just commissioned as an Army officer, quite a long way from being privates in the Cavalry haha. Getting old in this game, but still pushing ever forward, ever upward. Rest easy friend, save me that spot in Valhalla."
Spoon

"Heard something years ago that has stayed with me. "The loved, the lost, they live in us, we must remember their name, their memory must never die, for it can't be reclaimed."

You live on within all of us still in the fight, still pushing ever forward, ever reaching. Us lucky few privileged enough to still be in the arena do so with the spirit of the hallowed dead flowing in our veins. We can't stop now, it's too important. It's a heavy burden some days, but one we bear with pride, for our success is yours as much as our own. Here's to our tomorrow, let's go out there and get it."
Spoon of Still in the fight

"I miss you everyday brother.... I've got your pic up in my mancave... hanging out with the guys"
BNeville of Greenwood, IN USA

"always knew you as Elliot's older brother.... your journey really guided me through life so far...pushed me to do the best in everything, I hope I can serve the country as well as you in the Navy"
of Beech Grove, Indiana

"CORY.
IT HAS BEEN 9 YEARS SINCE I SAW YOUR FACE, HEARD YOUR VOICE, AND LAUGHED WITH YOU. I MISS YOU MORE THEN WORDS CAN SAY. THERE IS NEVER A DAY THAT GOES BY THAT I DONT THINK OF YOU. YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY HEART AND ALWAYS ON MY MIND. I WISH THERE WAS A WAY TO BRING YOU BACK BECAUSE I WOULD. I VALUED OUR FRIENDSHIP SO MUCH AND THE FACT THAT YOU CALLED ME YOUR SISTER MEANT MORE THEN ANYTHING IN THE WORLD. I WILL STAND PROUD AS YOUR SISTER EVERY DAY AND I WILL LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU EVEN MORE! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH CORY. NEVER FORGET THAT! R.W.L. BROTHER"
SHERRY (SISTER) of INDIANAPOLIS IN

"Corey you were a great battle buddy at basic. You helped me through the toughest parts, and you did with a smile laughing lol. I do miss you more as the years go on. To the family, words can not express how deeply sorry I am. He wass an outstanding soldier. I have pictures with corey at basic. I would love to share with everyone."
Frank Killeen of Allentown, PA

"To the family of:Cory R.Depew
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""

"Cory. Its been so long since ive heard your voice or looked at ur face. I think of,u all the time no matter what im doing. I remember ur laugh but cant wait to hear it again. I love how,u made me laugh no matter,how upset or mad I was. I loved having english class w.u even tho we got in trouble alot. Lol. I still cant believe ur gone and it will never be easy w.out u here. I love u always and forever and I know,ur looking at me right now yelling at me to stop crying but I cant big brother I just cant. I love u bubby"
Sherry of indianapolis

"Corey,

I think of you daily and look over your pictures and videos of you from youth group in Plainfield. You stood out to me from the first day I met you...I remember I had to give you a quota on how many questions you were allowed to ask and answer during youth group or no one else would have to pay attention or take part. I remember searching high and low for you at the ski resort in Pennsylvania when you didn't show and no one had seen you all day because you had a "broken" foot...come to find out from the docs it was barely a twisted ankle and you had spent the better part of a day arguing with them insisting upon a cast or splint before leaving trauma center! I want you to know that until now I have faithfully kept your secret and I hope it resulted in much sympathy from the opposite sex! Icthus, concerts, drama team, and you and kelly-the girl who was kissing you one minute and pulling a knife on you the next-not a dull moment!!
I remember how much you loved the group and how much you loved your family. I know times were harder for you than they were for most students and it took you a while to find your way. I love the fact that you never stopped being you!
I have to admit that I still wrestle with the advice I gave you you to join the army. I fight back with how well you did and how much you excelled even from boot camp. I can't lie though and tell you that I wish I had told you to become anything else!! As a former serviceman I salute you though and I am so very proud of you Corey!
You are a hero in the truest form and you were before ever joining up. You challenged me so much and made a huge impact upon my life and the lives of my friends and bandmates (I think you were at every concert we played cause I see you dancing or moshing right offstage in all the recording of shows! I am sorry that I didn't spend more time with you when I know you wanted to talk longer and I was trying to get home or to the next kid who wanted to talk to me. I know you don't blame me...you never did.
I love you DePew!! I think I have finally come up with an idea that will truly honor you and your family. Sorry it has taken me a while. I know you would have jumped right on it! A couple more bases to cover and I will make sure you are honored properly and your story reaches young peopleYou had a heart to serve others. I love you and miss you terribly!"
Jim Conley of Indianapolis, IN (PUMC Youth Leader 2000-2003

"Love you Cory. The world is missing a wonderful man, but you died because you did what you knew you were meant for. Since as far back as I can remember thats all you ever wanted to join the ARMY. Now i did it too. WE LOVE YOU."
Mary aka KIBBLES! of Indianapolis, IN

"I remember that day like it was yesterday. I want you to know ad your family I did everything I could do I wish I could have won that battle...

-DOC"
SSG Sic, Steven of FT Bragg

"Hey Buddy, It's another year past now, sorry I missed the date, the world is crazy at times. I'm a Staff Sergeant now, getting ready to fight the war in another land, trying to teach these new kids what we learned the hard way. Be at Peace brother, now and always..."
Spoon

"Happy New Years Brother."

"Hey Buddy, it's been 5 yrs now to the day. I find myself in another foriegn land, Iraq is peaceful for the most part now, so maybe it was all for something bigger than we could see after all huh? I gotta go bro, but save me a seat, and put in a good word if you could..."
Spoon of Far from home

"Corey, As the Senior enlisted man in the 2/14 Cav Medical Platoon, all I can say is Sorry. We were charged with saving lives. We don't always win in our battle for souls. God won that fight and I hope you are at peace Brother."
Keven Perkins SFC (R) of Laurel, MD

"Halfway down the trail to Hell,
In a shady meadow green
Are the Souls of all dead troopers camped,
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddlers' Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell
The Infantry are seen.
Accompanied by the Engineers,
Artillery and Marines,
For none but the shades of Cavalrymen
Dismount at Fiddlers' Green.
Though some go curving down the trail
To seek a warmer scene.
No trooper ever gets to Hell
Ere he's emptied his canteen.
And so rides back to drink again
With friends at Fiddlers' Green.
And so when man and horse go down
Beneath a saber keen,
Or in a roaring charge of fierce melee
You stop a bullet clean,
And the hostiles come to get your scalp,
Just empty your canteen,
And put your pistol to your head
And go to Fiddlers' Green."
All Cav Are Angels

"You will Never Be Forgotten. I miss you so and will always remember. You were to be one of the Greats."
W1G

"Cory,

First and foremost, Thank You. Thank you for your contribution, thank you for your bravery, and thank you for your friendship. You were quite possibly the most energetic, life-loving person I've ever met. You left an amazing example. Modeling my attitude after yours has brought me to college and is carrying me through to be one of the strongest students at IUPUI. Although you are gone from this earth your example lives on through me and everyone else's life that you touched. Which is no doubt everyone you met. Not a day goes by that I don't cherish the short time we spent together and I'll never forget you or the things you did. It's hard for me to understand the amount of passion and bravery you showed. It's even harder for me to understand how God needed you more than we do. But I trust that your purpose is more important than anything I can imagine, and that gives me comfort. That helps me understand that you finished what you came to this earth for.

Steven"
Steven Lee Chase of Indianapolis, IN/USA

"I've been working on the Obama Campaign for the past few months. I was asked why I cared so much about the Iraq War and supporting our troops withdrawal. As I sat in my chair explaining my ideas, tears began to roll down my face, and repeatedly Cory's sacrifice represented to me the greatest loss I personally had experianced. It's been 7 years since I first met Cory. We both went to Roncalli, and both moved to Southport High School. Cory was always running, jumping, singing, dancing, laughing, and smiling all the time. Cory wore these ridiculous sunglasses indoors, that continually made me laugh. We argued, we joked, and we shared an education together. Cory you were tough, sure, brave, and willing. A perfect soldier and a wonderful example of a human being. You will be missed deeply. May God rest your beautiful soul."
L. Williams of Indianapolis

"June 2, 2008
To the family of Pvt. Cory R. Depew:
Cory 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 miss Corey and his smiles and eagerness in life. He was one of the best soldiers I ever knew and served with. On this Memorial Day in 2008, I still remember you buddy. Many do.

If I could somehow change places with you, I would -without reservations.

You are one of the best without equals.

SGT(R) David Emme
Charger-4"
David Emme of Walnutport, PA

"Corey, A disfunctional Family we had become, but in our differences we grew stong. We are still in Iraq, Im heading for my 3rd tour, life moves on, and we keep dying... but to me your loss is one of the worst. I miss you Buddy,"
"BB" of 2-14 CAV

"hey cory, its me ur lil sis. i miss you so much. well i had a son and tucsan and i gave it great thought to call him cory after our best friend and our hero. man i miss you so much u ment the world to me i wish that the last time we talked i told u every thing but i didn't but i do now when i talk to u everynow and then. i miss you and i hope your happy where ur at and i hope u take good care of my daughter till i get there. love you man"
candice of oak grove kentucky

"I keep the picture of Corey and his youg son on our refrigerator, each day I have my morning coffee I am reminded of the sacrifices our servicemen and their familes make for the freedoms we enjoy, I am also a veteran from another war who understands the loss and never for a moment takes it for granted. I cut his picture out of the VFW magazine more than two years ago, I don,t dwell on the war, or the loss of Corey, but Corey you are on my hero list. I griev for every young man that dies and I,m eternally greatful to them and thier familes. And to Coreys mother, if you read this " Your my hero too" John TMCSS USNR"
John Johnson of Buffalo Mn

"Hey Bro,
It's about that time of year again, back in the same land. None of us have forgotten you b, never will. Be at peace my friend, thy work is done..."
A friend

"I'm a combat veteran from another era, from another branch, from another state. I read a brief memorial to Cory a couple years ago in VFW magazine, then cut it out and taped to my desk at work. I look at the photograph of Cory with his beautiful son Brendan sitting on his lap, and it reminds me of my own two young children. I'm reminded that there are men and women giving their lives, and children who are growing up to miss their parents. I look at Cory and Brendan's photo on my desk every day, and take a moment to reflect on what is happening somewhere around the globe and how heroic the men, women and their families are to go through each day, fighting so that others may enjoy peace someday. I hope that Brendan is doing well, and he is growing up to know who his father is. He is a beautiful little boy. May you rest in peace, Cory. I admire your courage. There are people in this world who never met you, and we are grateful for your unselfish service. 9/19/2007"
Matthew Bahr of Phoenixville, PA

"CORY, OUR SON IS DOING GREAT!!! I TELL HE ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. I WILL NOT ALLOW BRENDAN TO GROW UP NOT KNOWING YOU!!! I WILL KEEP MY PROMISE TO YOU ABOUT FISHING I WILL HAVE SOME ONE IN YOUR FAMILY TAKE HIM! I WISH YOU WERE HERE TO SEE HIM!!! HE IS GETTING SO BIG!!! HE IS A HAPPY CHILD. HE LOOKS MORE AND MORE LIKE YOU EVERYDAY!!! I MISS YOU AND THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME!!! IF ANYONE WANTS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BRENDAN THE CAN CALL ME AT 3175146433"
SHANNON FAVRE of INDIANAPOLIS,IN

"Cory, I know this has taken me to long to write, but i miss you man... i miss you so much, i keep trying to find a way to contact your family, to tell them how great of a friend you were to me but every time ive requested information, the person i request it from starts crying so hard that i didnt want to ask them again. Cory i just want to say thankyou for your friendship , your constant encouragement to me while we were there... and i just want a chance to say goodbye... Ill see you soon my friend."
Stephen Goree of FT GORDON GA

"Cory was my best friend he was my soul mate. I have known Cory since I was 6 years old we not only grew up together but we loved each other. We knew each other better than we knew ourselves. That has not changed. Cory my not be my husband in life but he will always be my husband in my heart. Anne you will always be my mom. To all of his friends thank you for being there for him. He was the best person to hit all your emotions. I love you baby! you will always be my c-dawg!"
Lauren Zeiher of Plainfield, IN

"Cory,
You were a great fun loving person. We always had fun together. And my mom adored you which was very unusual for my mom to like any of my guy friends. You're very special Cory and I will never forget you or the fun times we had. Thank you for your service in our country."
Ashley Waldrup of Coatesville, IN USA

"Cory,
You know that me not being your blood sister it still sits on me like a ton of bricks to know that my "brother" is gone. Like you always said to me.."Dont worry about me I'm going to be fine and I will come home". I know you couldnt have predicted this but that promise hurts to think about. I also know that no matter what you DID come home. It may have not been in the way we all wanted but you are home. I can still remember sitting in choir class and joking around with each other and just being ourselves....goofy and stupid. And sitting in lunch with Jeff, Justin, and everyone. It was great. I know your looking down on us right now and I know your not going to let me even think about doing anything dumb that would get me into trouble. Because that was you then and still is. I love you so much bubby. I miss you. I will see you soon. Remember in life there are no goodbyes...Just "I'll see you soon's". Love you forever and always."
Miriam Smith "Sister" of Indianapolis, Indiana USA

"I was Cory's oldest half-sister. I am regretful that our parents didn't keep in touch enough for us to have any kind of relationship.I am sorrowful that as an adult I never pushed the issue. Cory was a hero, who gave his life for his country, and I will never know him now. In Cory's honor, please keep in touch with your family and friends, you never know if tomorrow ill be too late to make that phone call, or write that letter."
Stephanie Depew McHugh of Roebuck, South Carolina

"Corey,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"Corey ,
this is your brother I am so sorry i didn't get too know you as much as i wished I too live in Chariton Iowa when we where moving here i had told my wife that you lived in Indiana AN thatI planned too look you up but now that is lost your in our prays an will always be in my heart love your Brother Brandon Depew {If any of your friends read this please call me @ 641 7745069"
Brandon Depew of chariton IOWA USA

"To our fallen hero and his family,
We weep with you family members, for your loss. And we thank you, Cory, for defending us, and all the others here and over there. We may have a family connection in name [I have Indiana DEPEW relatives] and we definately have a connection in all being a big family in this country. My Husband is a disabled combat vet and we have 2 sons who answered the call. One in Desert Storm and one still serving, who trained at Ft Lewis. May God bless those of you who remain with his comfort and peace."
Kate DEPEW Dornbusch of Dunedin, Fl. USA

"Cory,
It feels like just yesterday we were sitting in choir class wondering what we were gonna do with our lives. I remember talking to you about your decision to join that army. I was nervous for you, but i know that's what you wanted to do with your whole heart. It's weird how things happen. I know in my heart, even if you would've known that was gonna happen in Iraq you still would've gone over anyways. I admire you so much. I don't think this is something i will ever understand. To this day, i can still remember what your hands felt like to touch. We all miss you Cory and we love you, Cory."
Rhyannon Lynn Ramsey of Indianapolis, IN, USA

"Cory,
I am so sorry I will never get to know you as an adult, man and soldier. You were my brother. I wanted you to be a part of my life. I will live with the regret that in this day and age I wasn't resourceful enough to find you before it was too late. I didn't even know you were over there. If any of your friends read this I hope they look me up to fill me in on what you were like and if you remembered me. I live in Chariton, Iowa, a small town and am listed in the phone book under Ryan or Gabrielle Hall. I love you, Cory.

Your half-sister,
Gabrielle L. Depew-Hall"
Gabrielle Depew - Hall of Chariton, Iowa

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

"Cory, I am sorry that you had to be one of the few that fulfilled there oath of enlistment to the Army. As a brother in arms and a brother in Christ I will continue my fight in this war. So that you and and our fellow brothers can have lasting peace knowing that we continue the fight in your honor and memory. Fly with Christ my friend! I remember when we met on that chrysalis flight. You have been a great light in this world for as long as I have known you! Peace be with you my fiend and to your loved ones as well."
A1C Warren M. Booth (aka Tiny) of RAF Mildenhall, UK

"I just learned of your passing - and I wanted you to know how proud I am of you- as are all your friends. We will miss you, buddy-

Alan - guitar - Triple-By-Pass"
Alan of Indianapolis, IN

"Cory, you always struck me of the kind of person who was friends with anyone, regardless of race, religion, or popularity. It's a rare quality today and I admire it. You will be greatly missed and forever remembered for your bravery."
Kelly of Indianapolis, IN

"To the family of Cory-please allow me to express my condolences. I want to thank you for your family's sacrifice. I too lost my my nephew on November 8. It was the worst day of my life. I thanked God for giving him to us and I thank God for giving Cory to us. It is people like these that make the ultimate sacrifice so we can be free."
Robin of Murfreesboro, TN USA

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

"To Cory'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 Pvt. Depew:
Thank you young soldier for defending our freedoms. Your deeds have made America safer and we are deeply grateful to you. You are our hero and we will remember you each day we raise our flag in the front yard. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"Thank you Cory Depew, 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 Pvt. Cory Depew:
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 Cory 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 Pvt. Cory Depew:
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 Cory, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia