Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Forever in my heart! Love you!"
Aunt Vida of Covington, Louisiana

"15 years to the day have never forgotten and never will. rest in peace buddy."
Spc Robert Lear of Huntsville Alabama

"Family of DJ. He was an awesome friend and a brother to lean on.T school was where we met and Campbell was where we served. He on a hawk me on a hook. He will always be missed and a loss never forgotten."
Hamilton,john of Houston tx

"He helped me when I was in need he was always there.i think about him every day I have with my family I am blessed because of his sacrifice he is one of gods angels now my brother ."
Gilbert Duran of El Paso,Texas

"It's been 10 years. Forever in my heart!"
Aunt Vida Allison of Covington, LA

"I'm so out of the loop on this board. It has warmed my heart reading all the fantastic things Jeremiah's friends and family members have said over the last nine years. Wow. Nine years. Definitely does not seem like nine years has passed by. I'm not going to be sad today. Jeremiah would not want us to be sad. He would want us to be happy in remembering him and all our memories with him.
Love you."
Julia DiGiovanni of Chicopee, MA

"My heart goes out to your family, You gave the most and we can never repay you!"
Laura of Puyallup, Wa.

"It's almost Valentine's Day...the day you were deployed...You're still missed just as much as ever. I'm seeing Gram and Boom next weekend, I'll give them a hug for you."
Julia of Columbia, SC

"Hi... I miss you so much..."
tina fedorchak of augusta, ga

"”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! Over 1,850 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 some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we 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"
Project Compassion - Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"I was just thinking about you... like I do everyday. Just thought I would stop by.. loving you always"
Tina Fedorchak of Clarksville, TN

"i love you and will never forget you .
you were a great person.and are loved by many."
presley toney 2008 of covington

"November 9, 2008
To the family of Spc. Jeremiah J. Digiovanni:
Jeremiah 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'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry. You gave your life and it's too painful to think about."
Tanya of VA

"jeremiah i hope that you always know that we love you and will keep you in our hearts forever"
presley toney of covington louisiana

"To the Parents, friends, and family of Specialist Digiovanni. My daughter attended the Soldier Healing Fields Flag Memorial in Lynchburg, VA. this year. She made a Flag and tied a yellow ribbon around it in honor of Jeremiah. As a proud veteran I would like to let you know this flag is flying proudly in front of our house this holiday season in honor of him. I will send a pic if you wish. My email is wakes6@verizon.net"
The Wakefields of Spotsylvania, VA

"4 years! I'm thinking of you!
There are no words for how much you are missed. I love ya!"
Aunt Vida of Covington, Louisiana

"to mr. and mrs. digiovanni,
dj was a good friend to me, he was a like a brother to me in iraq and i watch the boondock saints every year on november 15"
jared hedleston of horn lake, ms

"You were in my thoughts today. Miss ya kid!"
Aunt Vida of Covington, Louisiana

"WE ALL MISS YOU JEREMIAH!!! you were the greatest person i know you didnt know me that well but i am racheal connerly's best friend we all miss you so much " without you, everyday is like a rainy day" I LOVE YOU JEREMIAH!!!"
Keeley Dibble of Mitchell, SD

"WE ALL MISS YOU JEREMIAH!!! you were the greatest person i know you didnt know me that well but i am racheal connerly's best friend we all miss you so much " without you, everyday is like a rainy day" I LOVE YOU JEREMIAH!!!"
Keeley Dibble of Mitchell, SD

"To the family of Jeremiah. You have been in my thoughts since I received my bracelet a year ago. I am humbled by the thought that he gave his life for me. Know that you are in my prayers.

Jeremiah, How can I say thanks to you. You have paid a price that most of us sitting at home can't comprehend. And you did it for people you didn't even know. The word 'hero' is used all too often these days. However, the word does fit, you are truly a hero. Thank you Jeremiah."
Linda Maguire of Oakland, NJ

"Three years today. I miss you! Forever"
Aunt Vida of Covington, LA

"your never forgotten always thinkin about you i know you are watching from above i miss you my brother"
kendall

"THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.""
Sgt. Ross of Mississippi

"Merry Christmas From Heaven

I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold wintery nights

I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you
to help set your place

You don't have to be
perfect all of the time
He forgives you the slip
If you continue the climb

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
In a new special way

I love you all dearly
now don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year"
Vangi & McKaLyne Lunsford, wife & daughter of the late Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford of Batesville, MS

"Jeremiah,
It felt great reminiscing with old friends about you. We just completed a Memorial Run for you and your fellow Soldiers. We put alot of heart and soul into this, and our finishing point was your Memorial on Fort Campbell. To be able to pluck a leaf from your tree and put it in my wallet, was so wonderful. To have been able to travel the country freely just to visit you made me even more grateful for this country. Your sacrifice, and the sacrifice of your fellow Soldiers, made it possible for me to freely travel across this country. God bless you DJ! I miss you so much, but it was good to see you. I'll never forget, and the rest of the world will never forget. Thank you DJ."
Amy Hancock of Fort Hood, Texas, USA

"Thank you for serving, for your sacrifice. Not just to Jeremiah, but to the family he left behind. He sounds like a wonderful and talented young man, a very "hooah" kind of guy that I'm sure must have certainly loved the unit and job he was assigned to. At this moment, I remember him and his family with a prayer of thanks for this kind of dedication. I'm sure his Heavenly Father will put his air assault capabilities to task again!"
De'on Miller, Proud Mom of L.Cpl. Aaron C. Austin, USMC, KIA April 26, 2004 Fallujah, Iraq of Lovington, NM, USA

"I ran the James Joyce Ramble 10 K road race in Dedham, MA this AM. Each participant had attached to his/her bib number, a name of a fallen member of the military operation in Iraq. I ran in honor of Spc. DiGiovanni and I wish him peace. To his family, I express my deepest gratitude for his sacrifice and heartfelt condolences on their loss. My step-son, 1LT Eric James Joyce, is currently in his 7th month stationed in Mosul, with the 1/25 Infantry."
Peter Cellucci of Quincy, MA U.S.A.

"To the family of the late Jermiah J. Digiovanni. With deepest heart felt sympathy in the loss of your love one. May God bless the family and always give you comfort. You will always be in my prayers. Look to God for strength.
SFC Collette Hammond Weary, Tylertown, Ms. FT Sam Houston, TX"
SFC Collette Hammond Weary of SA, TX

"i want to send out my deepest condolence to the families of our fallen soilders, my prayers are with you!"
sarah bellamy of clearwater

"everyone has lost someone over there, have it be a relitive, son, daughter, niece, nephew, friend, lover, and even if it is someone you dont know, they were over there for you. And even though they may not be there with you physically but they will always be with you in you heart, to everyone that lost someone you are in always in the prayers of those who care. good luck to everyone out there. we miss you. and to josh, ill always be missing you."
mandy of elk grove, ca USA

"Hi I am 17 and my school, Plano East Senior High, is doing memory bracelets for the fallen soilders from the War on Terror. I was lucky enough to get Jeremiah's. I thank you for giving your life for the protection our homeland. To his family, THANK YOU for creating such a wonderufl boy and raising him to be such a wonderful man. I am soo proud to have the honor to wear your sons name on my bracelet. I will wear it with pride and keep it forever. Thank you and I am soo proud of him and all the sacrifices he has made for the protection me and my country. HE IS MY HERO!"
Lauren Talbott of Plano, Texas

"It's been almost a year, and I still haven't been able to get over the loss of you. I wish that there was some way I could say sorry for the times that I had upset you. I am married now, and am very happy. But part of my heart still belongs to you. Everyday I think of the times I shared with you. I hate to say it, but I compare everything my husband does to what you would have. Mr. Joe, if you still read this, or check this, I am very sorry for the loss of your son. Thank you for letting me be apart of your family when I was. I really wish there was a way that I could repay you for all the times you were there for me. I pray for your family everday. Thank you. You will always be in my heart and so will Jeremiah. I love you Jeremiah."
Tina Bell (Fedorchak) of Clarksville, TN

"Dear Jeremiah, i was just remembering some of the things we used to do when we were little. Like, "the blue goose," sliding down the stairs on sleeping bags, biting, and all those snow balls that made us look like we'd been eating paint. Sorry for taking you for granted these past few years, I would like to have spent more time with you on a more mature level,but I certainly appreciate the good times. One, Two, Three- NOT IT! That game is a classic. Here's to you, Love, CC"
CC Aymami of Covington,Louisiana/US

"My name is Lindsey Matthews and I go to Tarrant County College in Fort Worth Texas. My honors class is creating a standing memorial in memory of all the fallen soldiers of Iraq. Each student was required to choose three soldiers to personally remember. I chose Jeremiah. Im writing to let you know that our unvailing ceremony is on November 11th, and we would love to have any family join us. Also, I would appreciate any information you would like to share with us about Jeremiah. Things like, how would you or Jeremiah want the world to remember him by? What was his hobbies? Anything that I could use in a formal speech to let the world know about Army Spc. Jeremiah J, Digiovanni. If you would like any pictures of his mane on our memorial or a rubbing of his name I would be more than happy to send you one. If you want to send me information my email is : lynz2004@tellmeimcute.com. If privacy is too important to you I completly understand and honor that completly. Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon."
Lindsey Matthews of Haltom City, Tx./US

"Jeremiah (D.J.), I really miss you but I know you're in a good and better place. I still wish you were here. The family misses you, too. I guess it's good where you are. Wish you were here, or at least me there. You've shown me a lot and you mean a lot to me. Now you have shown me to be strong. Wish you didn't. Still it's okay. I really miss you. Also love you. Your little sister"
Sarah Brock of Lakeland, Florida

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

"THANK YOU JD FOR GIVING YOUR ALL TO YOUR COUNTRY AND TO YOUR FAMILY MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND COMFORT YOU. SO YOUNG AND SO MUCH KINDNESS YOU ARE SURELY AN ANGEL."
DANA HUSLEY A PROUD MILITARY WIFE of MISSISSIPPI

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

"DJ was a very good friend and almost my son in law. He has brought joy and happiness to my Daughter and me while they were going together. It was very hard for her and me when we heard the bad news. I would like to thank DJ and all of the soldiers that have fought for freedom around the world. And I am deeply sorrowed by his passing. I know that he was doing what he loved and that was to fly. I also want to pay my deepest respect to his family for their loss.

THANK YOU DJ FOR GETTING THE JOB DONE AND PROTECTONG FREEDOM AROUND THE WORLD. WE WILL MISS YOU!!!!!!!!!

DJ ( DITMAR J. FEDORCHAK)"
Ditmar J. Fedorchak of Clarksville, TN.

""OUR special chosen words since day one of finding this site last year...have always been......REST IN PEACE BRAVE SOLDIERS/MARINES/WARRIORS We love you and MAY GOD BLESS you each. Your loved ones are in a beautiful place called Heaven now....When you look up to the sky at night and see the brightest star...it's your hero..shining down on you"
The Taylors USMC of NC

"DJ was a sweet and kind person, though he could be very naive at times, he always put the other person first. Sometimes that was his biggest downfalls but my husband and I could always see the potential in him. I knew him because I worked with him and my husband was one of his ncos. I don't ever remember anytime that he would allow negitivety to get to him. I know that whenever he screwed up my husband could not get mad at him because DJ was always trying so hard to do it right. DJ you are in my heart and will alway be there. I am deeply sorry to your family and pray that they have the strength to get through this. I will never forget you."
Stephanie Day of Clarksville, Tn

"Jeremiah was my second cousin. He was a funny guy back when we were kids. Unfortunately, I never got a chance to know him as an adult. We're all grateful for his sacrifice."
Bryan Menard Jr. of Lake Jackson, Texas, U.S.A.

"My Heart and prayer go out to my nephew & his family - Kendall & Laurie Brock in Lakeland, Florida on the loss of their son, jeremiah, A FALLEN HERO





My heart and prayers go out to my nephews family-kendall & Laurie Brock of Lakeland,Florida on the loss of their son. A FALLEN HERO"
Lorraine Davus of Mobile,Al.

"Thank you Jeremiah Digiovanni, 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

"My God Bless you, You will always be in our hearts. Don't forget to share your certs with the rest of the fallen but not forgotten. Condolences to the Digiovanni family. He was my soldier on the 4th of the 101st. I surely will keep in with me so he can keep me from harm. I am proud to have served with one of my heros.

SGT Resto-Lopez, Noel.

I will wear a band aroud my wrist with your name on so when anyone asks me. I will tell them about one great man.

Nelson Cruz (Formelly Military Police)"
Sgt Resto- Lopez of Clarksville TN

"To my BROTHER God bless you. You have fallen as human hero but you live on as a guardian angel looking after all of us who you went to Iraq to protect. I thankyou with all my heart. I will keep my promise to you and strive to be number one.Always remembered never forgotten.I love you my brother."
Kendall Richard Brock of Riverview, Florida

"I sit here and read all the good thing everyone has to say about my brother and I am still in shock that he is gone.I keep thinking about the time I lived in Miss. with my mom and stepfather (my dad) and all I can think about is how Jeremiah was my shadow, every where I went he was there,with that big smile to make me laugh when the kids were about to drive me crazy. Now I find myself wanting those days back so much, but I know that is not possible. So I will go on and remember that big smile that I love so much, and hold him close in my heart. I just hope that Mr.Joe (our dad) is able to do the same thing, Jeremiah was his only real child, but as long as GOD will allow us he will always have my sister Brandy, my brother Brett, my mother Helen, and myself. So if we hold Jeremiah close to our hearts and know that he is in a better place than we are, and that he died doing the one thing he loved, to keep us all safe and free,we will all get through this time that seems so unreal. Jeremiah is the most loving person I have ever known,he had a heart of gold, he never wanted to see anyone upset or hurting.I will always love him, and there won't be a day that goes by without thinking of him. Jeremiah is a true HEROE in everyones eyes. We will always love you!!! Caitlyn, Cynthia, Victoria, and Gerald Jr. love and miss you dearly, just as we all do and always will. Loving you always your sis."
Misty Blackwell of Georgeville, Louisiana, United States Of America

"I want to give my deepest sympathy to the family. I haven't seen jeremiah in years. We grew up together in Covington, Louisiana. His mother was my mom's best friend. Growing up, we always talked about being in the Army, and killing bad guys. I joined the Army in 1999. I just came back from Afgan.
My only regret is that, i wish i could have known my childhood friend a little more. My mother told me that Aunt Laurie called and said that Jeremiah was in the Army. When my mother told me, a big smile came across my face. He and I were doing our childhood dreams, I was thinking. Then my mother finished talking, and my smile then turned upside down. How, Why????? There is no answer good enough. However, God does know. When all else fails, talk to him, cause I know without a doubt, Jeremiah
is standing beside him, listening to your prayers.
So to the family, I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you Aunt Laurie.
Spc. Russell Jenkins
J.J.D NEVER FORGOTTEN"
spc. Russell Jenkins Jr. of Hammond, Louisiana

"To all who knew DJ (as we knew him at Campbell) were touched deeply by a boy who grew to be a man before our eyes. He was so proud to wear the uniform, be the best soldier he could be and so proud to serve our country. He studied hard to be a crew cheif and do what he loved the most. I miss his smiles and the fun we had in the short time I knew him. Those who knew him will never forget the boy who grew up beofre our eyes and became a man. To his family you have a very special man to remember and know that there are people who loevd and admired him and will never ever forget him."
Tonja Ludlam of San Antonio, Texas

"I want to express my deepest regrets to the family of Jeremiah DiGiovanni, or DJ as he had asked us all to call him. DJ was a very good friend of mine when I was stationed with him at Ft. Campbell Kentucky in 2001-2002. I enjoyed his friendship and I never had to worry, if I needed any help with anything, he was there for me. DJ, Jen, Karma, Jorge, Tanya, and myself were always known to be together. With DJ being the lead, the funny guy, and the honest friend who was always there to help any of us when we needed it, and the one we could depend on if we ever required his help. DJ will never be forgotten in the hearts of his Ft. Campbell friends, or in the hearts and minds of the soldiers who continue to fight this war against Terrorism, for which he gave his life. God Bless you DJ, and God Bless America."
Amy M Hancock (Koblos) of Ft Hood, TX (IRAQ, currently)

"To the Family and Friends of Jeremiah. I was a close friend to his ex-fiance' Tina. Although I had never met DJ in person, we talked through Tina, throught the phone and also the computer. He was such a wonderful person. So nice and kind and was ready to help if somebody needed something. This is a very big loss and I still am in denial. He was a GREAT soldier and will be missed very deeply. Sorry for your loss. May God Bless you and your family."
Candice Bowen of Auburn, Ny

""Jeremiah was my cousin, he lived in Tylertown, Mississippi. I miss him very much and so do his parents and family. So we will live on with happy memories of him.""
Presley Toney age 8 of Covington, Louisiana

"My heart is heavy from the loss of my nephew. I will miss him forever. I know he loved his Country and his Family. His smile will live on forever in my heart. My prayers are with my sister and his father and all who loved him.
He will forever be a shining star!"
Vida Allison of Covington, Louisiana

"I am Jeremiahs first cousin on his dads side. I miss him a great deal! I am so proud of him and the rest of the 16 other soldiers who lost thier lives in the crash. I love him so much!"
Hannah King of Bush, Louisiana

"To the family and friends of Spc. Jeremiah Digiovanni:
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 Jeremiah 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. Jeremiah Digiovanni:
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 Jeremiah, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia