Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Peace & Grace to the family of SGT Jacob Dones.
Jacob, as many of those who have commented to your ulogy, I don't think I will ever forget your humble smile. You were a solid & dependable young Soldier who represented your family, state, and country with excellence and gave all you could give. I hated the day I learned of your death. I flew from Kalsu to Hit to be with your boys to remember your sacrifice. I met your Dad back at Ft. Irwin and told him what a fine young man he raised and how sorry I was for his loss. Seventeen years later I found this memorial site and felt the need to make a post for you. One day I will drive out to Dimmitt, Tx to visit you. Your unit will forever be in your debt. Hotel Company 2/11 ACR, Fort Irwin, CA. "ALLONS""
1SG (Ret) Mitchell of Athens, AL

"To JJ's Family:

It has been a long time since my friend left but he has not been forgotten. It has been a rough road to bear the fact hes not among us. I know God has him in peace and resting. Thank you brother."
Ret SSG Jose Guardado of Phenix city AL

"JJ
Time has gone by so fast that some times it feels so unreal and yet nothing changes. 10 years is easy to say but for all of us that lost a loved those 10 years have all had painful days, I know that you're in a better place where pain and sorrow is no longer a burden. Little brother I can still replay the phone call Ireceived to tell me of your death, I didn't know what to do or say all I know is that I felt a massive blow to my chest. I still feel that same blow today and any time I go visit your grave, your departure left us empty and sad. Little brother you will always be loved and missed not only from all of us that had the honor of knowing you but all of those who at one time or the other received a smile from you. Love you and miss you"
Carlos Cura of Rankin, TX

"It has been 10 years and we still miss you. I remember getting that phone call that you were gone and couldn't help but cry, I couldn't believe that a friend that I had known a lifetime was gone. It was so unreal and to this day is still so unbelievable. I remember growing up together in school and how you always had that smile on your face... I loved seeing that smile everyday... I miss you more that words can say, I remember you often and most of all I remember our last year in school together. You were determined to go to the Army, You were determined to make a better life for yourself and you succeeded. Not only did you make a better life for yourself but for us as well and for everyone that knew you their life was made a little better. We will always miss you and remember your smile... Until we meet again.... I love you Friend!"
Jessica Dominguez Posada of Dimmitt, Tx

"I served with Dones, In Cco, 1-12 Inf. On our first deployment to Iraq in 2003. He was an awsome dude, and he always had witty comebacks. I will never forget him, or his sly smile."
SGT. James Stallings of Oroville, Ca

"To the family of:Jacob D. Dones
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""

"Dones had to be one of the most humble soldiers the Army had... I still remember the day we had our first real conversation. I was in the turret of a Bradley Dones and I and he says to me... PVT Meyers although im an NCO I want you to teach me what you know... I asked him what does that mean.. His response was that I have an EIB and he doesnt and he wants one... That takes a lot for a NCO to ask someone he out ranks for help. He could have asked anyone of his peers or higher ranking for help. he chose to ask a PVT. that PVT being me. Thats when I knew Dones was someone good to have on the team. On behalf of the entire 2/11 Hotel company we miss u fool"
Adula Meyers of miami, fl

"Dones had to be one of the most humble soldiers the Army had... I still remember the day we had our first real conversation. I was in the turret of a Bradley Dones and I and he says to me... PVT Meyers although im an NCO I want you to teach me what you know... I asked him what does that mean.. His response was that I have an EIB and he doesnt and he wants one... That takes a lot for a NCO to ask someone he out ranks for help. He could have asked anyone of his peers or higher ranking for help. he chose to ask a PVT. that PVT being me. Thats when I knew Dones was someone good to have on the team. On behalf of the entire 2/11 Hotel company we miss u fool"
Adula of miami, fl

"Jacob, you were one of the kindest people I have ever known, you always had a big smile on your face and always saw the brighter side of things. I'm honored to have served with you and really enjoyed the last few times I got stuck on CQ with you in 1/12, we had some great conversations about life. I can't explain how pissed off and saddened I am that you were taken away from your family and all the rest of us so early, you deserved a long and fruitful life cheering people up with your infectious good mood. I'll always miss you brother, you will never be forgotten!"
Freddie Strickland C Co. 1/12 INF of Colorado Springs, CO

"JJ, Words are not enough to discribe the emptyness in my heart. there is not a day that goes by that I dont think of you. you were more than a friend I loved you as much as I did my own brothers and it hurts to know that you are gone. I owe you a lot and theres not enough time in this lifetime to say how much I appriciate what you did for me. I tell my son about you and how I got to meet him, I remember the day I got to come home to see my son and it was all because of you and for that I thank you. I miss you and Love you little brother, please keep and eye on us from up above. I will see you again some day. I salute you and I admire you."
Carlos Cura of Rankin, tx

"I miss you and love you everyday."
Priscilla

"Cousin I got this from John Brooks I too served and retired from the USAF hope GOD is with you in his hands. Now my sister is in Afghanistan till Feb 2011. Sandra Sandoval take care of her from upstairs. My prayers"
Emilio Sandoval Jr. of Las Vegas Nevada

"Dones, we are going on 5 years since that day that would change my life forever, and there isn't a day that has gone by that I haven't thought about you at least once. I wish I could hang out with you, sit on a cot and eat the snacks that my wife Jennifer had sent to us again. There are times were I smell a smell or hear something that takes me back 5 years ago. "D" I miss you so much brother I can hardley stand it. This has really been a tough 5 years, you were such a great man and friend! "D" I will never forget you, you will always be in my heart forever. I can't thank you enough for giving the ultimate sacrafice for our wonderful counrty. I miss you brother!"
Michael Sellers of San bernardino, Ca

"TO JJs Family,

He was the guy I loved to work with, he never let m dwn when I needed anything. My Soldiers and me enjoyed everytime his vehicle had problems because he would screw around and keep our spirits high. Sometimes even to the point where we would forget we were in a war. Dewitt and me are in Korea thinking of you daily, and your family may god and you watch over them forever and to all those that never new Jacob, there will never be another replacement for such a great man. RIP my brother!"
SFC Beck, Scott of Seoul , Korea

"I remeber talking to Jacob at his graduation, he sounded stoked about joining the military. He asked me a few questions about deploying with the military. I remember his speach at that graduation. I knew he had great potential and he proved it by making Sgt. at a young age. I have lost alot of friends in these two wars and Jacob will never be forgotten. We develop a brotherhood with eachother, we have something special that no one else has. We put everyones life before ours and are willing to lay it down so that this prosperous nation can endure its freedom. We are Guardians of our country, peace keepers of the world. In memory of Jacob Dones. Thoughts and Prayers to the Dones Family. Bravo Company 4th Platoon Baghdad, Iraq."
Aaron Arguijo

" "
Townsend, Janis N. of Brooklyn, NY

"Today I looked at the pictures Jacob (SGT Dones) and I took the week before he was killed and I decided to write a blog about it (note) on my facebook page. He is not forgotten. His heart was huge... he was a bright star. His name still rings in my ears and his words still live in my head. Thank you to his family. I feel so deeply for your loss and the loss of others right now."
Sgt Townsend, USMC of Brooklyn, NY

"August 30, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Jacob D. Dones:
Jacob 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 only knew JJ for the short time we were at Hitt together. We worked the election polls there and hung out some when we were traveling from different areas. He always had a great attitude about everything, wore a smile, and loved to sing. He was a great friend and person and will never be forgotten."
SGT Christopher Bell of Bruce, Mississippi, USA

"jj your always in my prayers ans even though i dont know you you will always be in my prayers miss you lots"
Amber SAnchez of Dimmitt Tx

"It's been over two years, yet I can rememner JJ's smile like it was yesterday."
Deputy Sheriff Matos of Riverside County

"Sgt Jacob Dan Dones was one of my cousins even though i didnt know him that well i still have this memory of JJ and me and some other cousins playing football at the city park and i remeber he was always smiling and i miss him for that and a whole lot of other reason well thats all i got to say that and i love you cousin.=)"
Justin Juarez of Lawton,OK/USA

"On behalf of Sgt. Jacob Dan aka "J.J." Dones Family. We would like to express our heartfelt thank-you's for all the phone calls, prayers and acknowledegments for our devasting loss of our beloved J.J. We have acknowledged that he was doing a noble thing by serving our country and trying to preserve all the freedoms we hold so dear. Our family knows that we are being lifted up by all your prayers and that Our Dear Lord will bring us comfort and understanding someday. We will miss you deeply... Until we meet again.. Love, Your Family"
Janel Beecher of Dalhart. Texas

"we all going to miss jj his smile and his happines. but most of all i have a hero that is sgt jacob dan dones i will always remmber him. if you passing through dimmitt tx stop by the post office. the building was name in honor of sgt jacob dan dones god bless you."
joe alvarez of dimmitt tx

"JJ, as days go by, It gets harder and harder. I miss you SO much. I love you and I know your in a better place, but I wish you were still here. I wish that I could still run up to you and give you a big hug. People tell me it will get better as time goes by but it doesn't. I miss you so much. I wish you were here to see me get married. I wanted you, Daniel, Jason, and Danny to walk me down the isle. Now we can never fulfil our dreams together; like we planned. I miss you so much everyday.
For everyone that has written to my family, thankyou. Thankyou for your sympathies and encouraging words."
Priscilla Dones of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Dear Dones I know you can hear me I just want to thank God for having you as a good friend and Im always going to have you in my hearth, I was blessed by your friendship, im going to miss you, but one day I will see you again."
SGT Ramos of San Bernardino, Ca

"J.J as the days go bye you are greatly missed I really miss hanging out with you but i know that you will alwayz be in my heart Thank you for everything and for keeping our country safe we will never forget you I LOVE YOU PRIMO"
Alyssa Saenz of Dimmitt, Tx/USA

"Jacob, you will be dearly missed by all your family and friends. It broke our hearts to see someone so young and full of life leave so soon. You were a brave soldier and for your courage you will always be remembered. You are dearly loved by all of your family and countless friends. You will live in our hearts forever. God Bless You JJ."
Nena Montemayor of Lubbock, Texas

"Jacob Dones was my best cousin. He was my close one too especially when he lived under my parents roof for about 6 months my parents put everything of them to help JJ graduate from Dimmitt High School also, to help him go to the Army me and him had alot of fun while he was here at my house we joked around who's muscles were better but of course who would always win?? JJ would he was the champ of everything he would say when he would go against something... But he was a very kind and sweet Cousin to some of us, Friend, Brother, Husband everything... He was always there for anyone when they needed some one there...But it is hard for some of us but we just got to be brave through it knowing he fought for our and his country Thanking him for all the hard work he did if it was not for none of them we would not be alive i thank him and the others that are fighting in Iraq every morning for keeping us alive each day i open my eyes... but i love him... he was cool!! See you "latta" JJ...
I would like to leave a message for the other family who has gone through the same thing " Families out there, i would like for you to know i have every each of one of yall in my prayers, my words to you are "keep your head up do not let nothing put it down" love yall lots!"
Mari Beliz aka Tana of Lazbuddie, Tx, USA

"Sgt Jacob Dones was one of the finest Soldiers that I ever served with. One of the only soldiers I ever served with. I only knew Sgt Dones for about a week during the October 15th Elections. I was on the Election Support Team with him. He was always so happy and never complained. His smile melted my heart every time I saw it. I have pictures of myself and Sgt Dones and of Sgt Dones and SSgt Matos during the elections. I just found out (Dec 22) that Sgt Dones was killed and it hurts so very bad. I send my condolences to his family and I have a flag and squadron patch from my unit that was flown in his honor to show my appreciation of the security he provided for me and the other females on our election support team. It was flown before I knew he was a fallen hero. Please contact me for pictures at: zakared@acemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil. I would love some help in contacting his family as well in order to send his flag to them. Thank you Jacob for the way you made me laugh and feel no fear when I was on the streets of Hit with you. I will never forget you, the way you made me laugh and I will never forget your smile."
Sgt Elizabeth Zakar, USMC of Al Asad, Iraq

"I had the honor of serving with SGT Dones in Iraq. He was one of my best friends in the army. I will never forget the good and bad times we shared together. From all of us in third platoon H company, you will always be in our hearts."
SSG Mariano Matos of Al Hit, Iraq

"I worked with Sgt Dones for two days on the Election Support team, Oct. 14th and 15th. We worked in a team of 9 Marines and Soldiers. There were 4 female Marines, including myself, who were sent to work with the Soldiers on Hit. During those two days, Sgt Dones had me laughing so hard. I was scared but he was having a good time. He was yelling, "Abebe, Abebe" ("I love you, I love you") to the Iraqis... he was dancing with them and singing... I just found out yesterday (Dec. 13 2005) that Sgt Dones passed away, it hurt. But I know that if I only knew him for two days that the people who knew him 'forever' have to be hurting so much more. He was so 'alive' and he was living in the moment... happy, not complaining, yelling on the megaphone with a huge smile on his face. I have pictures and video from those two days, not a lot but enough that I know the family may want to have it. My email is townsendjn@acemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil"
Cpl Townsend, Janis N. of Iraq

"Our HEROS will never be forgotten!!!Thanks to each and everyone of you for keeping the family in your prayers.May god bless you and be with you all."
Leticia of Lawton,OK (FT. Sill)

"Sometimes people write things about the ones that have passed that may have been their "better" side but I want to say that Jacob didn't have a bad side. The things written about him here are EXACTLY who he was. A friend, a soldier and a great American. I had the honor of serving with him in his squad in Iraq. The world is a darker place knowing he is gone. So long man, you'll be missed. "All gave some, some gave all.""
Kevin Averre of Colorado Springs, Colorado

"Siento la perdida de un ser humano, pero este es el precio a pagar de la guerra, piensen que jacob estarķa vivo si no fuese por george bush, una guerra totalmente injustificada, solo ampara intereses de las personas encargadas del gobierno norteamericano, solo piense que pasara si alguna de las hijas de el presidente bush estuviese en el lugar de jacob. solo imaginenselo."
Manuel of caracas, venezuela

"See you some day JJ. Although you left here early,you are a Martyr for our Christian Nation.You fought the enemies of our Lord and for that you will be rewarded.We all miss you,but will see you again.Love always."
Chris casas of Los Angeles

"One of the best soldiers that I have ever served with. Those of us that knew him personally were blessed by his friendship. You will be greatly missed Jacob."
SGT Jerrod C. McClure of Colorado Springs, CO

"As my driver in his first tour in Iraq, I knew I could always depend on him. He had a smile that made you feel warm inside. He became a great NCO, and I know he will be missed by his men. He is missed by his brothers that served with him before, and we know that he is watching over us today. I love you Jacob and I will never forget you."
Sgt. Walter Padilla of Colorado Springs, CO

"JJ was the type of person that you could count on for everything. He was a true gentlemen. He always had some words of wisdom when you were down or in trouble. I will always remember him for his smile and sense of humor. I treasure my memories of hanging out with him in school and in CCD classes at church. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Love
Dana"
Dana Gonzales of Dimmitt,TX USA

"It's hard times for those of us that knew JJ (as everyone who grew up with him know him). He was dedicated to his duty. May God have him in his glory. From the Class of '02 and all his endless number of friends, our most sincere condolences. I have so many fond memories of the times we had together on trips and in phone calls just like I'm sure many of us do. Thats how we must remember him and keep those memories alive in our minds and in our hearts. Gob Bless all of his family and friends."
Melissa Maldonado of Dimmitt, Texas

"Jacob was one of the nicest, most giving people I ever served with. He always had a smile and a joke to set you at ease. As a soldier, he was steadfast and responsible - and as a driver his skill was unmatched.
He never complained about his duty, and he was proud to wear the uniform.
Everyone who knew him and served with him liked him and respected him.
The Army has lost a great NCO, and my condolences go out to the Dones family."
SGT Jeremy Bechthold of Payson, Utah

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

"To Jacob'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 as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' sons. Our boys are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gloria.caldas@sbcglobal.net"

"I am truly sorry for your loss and the loss of another fellow Texan. May God
give you the strength and courage to face the days ahead.

Michele Carter
Sister of CPL Gary Walters
KIA in Baghdad on 24 April 2005"

"Thank you Jacob Dones, 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 Sgt. Jacob Dones:
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 Jacob 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 Sgt. Jacob Dones:
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 Jacob, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia