Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Scott was assigned to me as my fallen hero for a Memorial Day Run I participated in several years back. Following the run, I was inspired to learn everything I could about him. It is now 7 years later and I have his picture on my phone and continue to pray for him and his family often. Thank you, Scott for your bravery and for your love of country. You will never be forgotten."
Caroline of Belleair Beach FL

"I had the honor of serving as Scott Dougherty's Team Leader during his first deployment to Iraq in 2003. It seems like a lifetime ago now, but my memories of Scott and our deployment are as vivid as ever.

Scott loved the Corps, and he took great pride in his service, both overseas and back at home. He was loyal, brave, and exactly the kind of Marine you wanted to have fighting with and for you.

To the entire Dougherty family -- especially Scott's father Keith (who he idolized) -- you are forever in my prayers and Scott's memory will never fade. As I shared with Keith many years ago, I hope you take some small comfort in knowing that Scott enjoyed the respect of all of his peers and leaders, and everyone who served with him was better for the experience. He was a damn good Marine, with a heart much bigger than his body.

Semper Fidelis, and rest in peace brother."
Donald Dotson

"Scott was assigned to me as my Fallen Hero for the Run for the Fallen, sponsored by Marine Families in Tampa last weekend 9/20/2015. It was an honor. Keeping Scott in my heart and my prayers."
Caroline Cornely of Palm Harbor, Florida

"December 16, 2014,
Scotty, it's been 10 years and I've never forgotten about you. I miss you so much. I love you so much. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you."
Paige of United States

"Hey cousin, you did a great job"
Mvd of Pa

"My name is Brandon Kang. I am a second grader at Seoul American Elementary School. I have choosen you as my fallen hero for our March for heroes on May 24, 2012. You are a hero! My teacher is from Bradenton, Florida"
Mrs. Lundy's Class of Seoul, Korea

"My name is Brandon Kang. I am a second grader at Seoul American Elementary School. I have choosen you as my fallen hero for our March for heroes on May 24, 2012. You are a hero! My teacher is from Bradenton, Florida"
Mrs. Lundy's Class of Seoul, Korea

"To the family of:Scott E.Dougherty
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"3-1-11"

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry at times. I understand, in theory only, that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take your families and friends 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
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Scotty and I were best friends in high school... oh where do I start... there are so many memories from back then, like when I went to his dad's house for dinner- we had pizza; or when we went to his grandparent's house and I saw the Bucmobile.. I remember all the great times from JROTC and all the inside jokes we shared... My nickname for him was Mr. W... I love him dearly, and still carry his picture from JROTC that he wrote me a letter on in my wallet, and I show everyone I can to let them know that I think of him all the time, and that I miss him so much. He had a courage that I could only admire, and he will always have a special place in my heart. I remember him every day, and I cannot wait until I see his smiling green eyes again!"
Amber Kesatie (Becerra) of Bradenton, FL

"Scotty, as we used to call him was a very special young man. His energetic dedication and efforts towards any given task was second to none, he always was there for everyone, the kid with many friends. Rest in Peace my little friend!!"
1SG (Ret) Jorge Anaya, Bayshore HS JROTC Instructor of Bradenton, FL, USA

"I remember scottie from school and everyday before the bell me and him to raise the american flag i still think about him everyday"
SGT John Owen of Bradenton, Fl

"I also don't know scott, but I wear his bracelet, and he will NEVER be forgotten. Thank you, and we all love you..."
Sgt. Elizabeth Villarreal of Plano, IL

"June 9, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Scott E. Dougherty:
Scott 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

"Hey Scotty I love you so much you are my cousin and I miss you so much!!!!!"
Paige of United States

"scott hey little bud, ya know i still cant seem to believe it, it was an honor knowing and serving with u. rest in peace brother see u again one day. Delta company Outlaws 2d Plt!! for life!! miss u bro semper fi!!"
Alberto Armendariz of Albuquerque, NM/USA

"Scotty, Where do I start? I remember so many things... how much we would fight on the boat over the lobsters and make up. You died doing what you LOVED and I hope that is something that I learn from you..to be so passionate about something!!! You loved your family SO MUCH and we all LOVE YOU SO MUCH & MISS YOU. I love you and miss you and I will see you again. Love, Magen"
Magen of Gaylord, Michigan

"i never could have imagined early that morning as we woke up and got ready for patrol what was about to happen, and it will forever haunt me in my sleep. we were together from the beginning, i think of you every moment of every day when i look down at the memorial braclet on my arm that bears your name. i love you brother and i know we will meet again."
Cpl J.M. DOUB of pfafftown n.c.

"I never met Scott....but I'll wear his "hero bracelet" and remind everyone how he made a difference in our lives...."
Nikki Dougherty of Pendergrass Georgia

"scotty... just wanted to let you kno that you are not forgotten... i miss you and so does everyone else... I love you so much!... you are def. my hero. MUAH!"
Angelica Dougherty of Suffolk, Virginia

"You know, Scott... I remember the first time we met. It was on the bus going to our JROTC summer camp six years ago, now. You and I became fast friends, and I always loved how we could come together at drill meets under a "flag of truce" and talk about what was going on in our lives. Even though we were both from rival schools, you never acted callous in any way, and even went out of your way to make me feel special. I think about you quite often, and I'll never forget how your eyes would become so expressive when speaking about something you loved. At least you left our world doing what you loved to do, and because you followed your heart through life, it will lead you where you need to go now that you've gone. I miss you, I love you, and I'll see you soon."
Katie Beckett of Palmetto, FL

"IT WAS JANUARY 2004 I WAS HEADED HOME TO VISIT MY FAMILY IN DETROIT. I REMEMBER VIVIDLY I WAS AT THE CONCOURSE AND I WAS JUST READY TO SHOW WHAT I THOUGHT WOULD BE ID AT THE CHECK POINT WHEN A YOUNG SHORT MARINE TAPPED ME ON THE ARM AND SAID, " SIR YOU DROPPED YOUR PASSPORT, THEN HANDED TO ME."

HIS NAME WAS DOUGHERTY, AS I THANKED HIM I ASK WHERE ARE YOU FROM, HE SAID BRADENTON AS WE BOTH BOARDED THE TRAIN TO THE GATE, HE WAS DRESS IN DESSERT FATIGUE AND AS WE BOTH WERE APPROACHING THE TA'S FOR CARRY ON BAGGAGE INSPECTION, HE TOLD ME HE WAS ON HIS WAY TI IRAQ. THE YOUG MARINE THEN TOOK OFF HIS BOOTS, AND BACK PACK ON TO THE BELT OF X-RAY MACHINE AND PASS THROUGH SECURITY.

I THEN PASS THROUGH SECUIRTY AND SAW THE YOUNG MARINE PUTTING ON HIS BOOTS. I TOLD HIM I WAS HEADED TO DETROIT TO SEE MY FAMILY, THANKED HIM AGAIN FOR FINDING MY PASSPORT (WHICH0 I HAD UNKNOWINGLY DROPPED)AND WE HEADED OUR SEPARATE WAYS.

IT'S WAS MONTHS LATTER I WAS HEADED FOR WORK AT ECKERD DRUGS AS A PHARMACIST WHEN I LEARNED FROM TV NEWS THE YOUNG I CAME TO MEET AS DOUGHERTY FROM BRADENTON HAD LOST HIS LIFE.

I SAW HIS GRIEFING FATHER ON TV, LEARNED HIS FIRST NAME WAS SCOTT, HE DESCRIBED HIS SON JUST LIKE I MET HIM A YOUG MAN OF SHORT STATURE AND A GIANT BIG HEART. I TOLD MY AUNT AND MY BROTHER THAT'S THE YOUNG MARINE THAT FOUND MY PASSPORT...I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO LET SOMEONE IN THE DOUGHERTY FAMILY KNOW OF MY BRIEF ENCOUNTER WITH SCOTT. THEN ONE NIGHT I CAME ACROSS THIS WEB SITE IN TRIBUTE TO FALLEN HEROES I SAW SCOTT'S NAME AND DECIDED TO LEAVE MY TRIBUTE AND MY STORY,,,,WHAT MORE CAN I SAY BUT THANK THE FAMILY OF SCOTT DOUGHERTY FOR A WONDERFUL SON AND YOU ALL HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY"
norm of Tampa,fl, US

"Scotty my wife and I spent today in Arlington and never thought we would venture across your path and thank you and so many others for that chance in life we crossed paths young but I cherish the moments together. We have so much graditude to you and the two others that fell with you that day but will never be able to express it to you or your family but I will say thank you...We respect you and LOVE YOU for what you have done for us and all our families and OUR COUNTRY from a fellow bruin...Jason Griffin"
Jason of Ruskin

"I was going through old pictures today and I was reminded of all the good times we had. We will meet again."
Trevor of Pantego, TX

""We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free."
SEMPER FI SCOTT
God bless Scott's family and thank you for raising a GREAT son."
Rich Campbell USMC 1988-94 of Bradenton, FL

"hey scott im proud of you for what you did and the way you served your country. Im going to be in your shoes suppporting a family I knew your dad very well. He is very proud of you and he supported your decision. I didnt know you that well but I want you to know I am very proud of you!!!"
tony nolan of bradenton

"To the Doughertys: Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. My sons lost their dad 24June04, Capt Chris Cash, Baqubah Iraq. Our prayers are with all of you."
S Cheatham of NC

"To the Dougherty's. I am sorry for your loss, i can only remember the good times of your son,the joy we all shared in big pine key, his smile his passion to dive. I will always remember him. A hero, a soldier who has given the most he can give. I can always picture him on Grandpa Cy's boat always smiling. I will miss it. maybe he will see my father in heaven and remember the great life they had on earth. I love you guys"
3rd marine regiment corpman chris scott of bradenton, fl

"Hey scott i can't belive you are gone i remember when we use to hang out in rotc.hang out around school.but you did what you were dreamoing your how life and did what you had to do to bad yyou had to lose your life.hope to see you up above in the future.Marines for ever"
Adam Cressy of Bradenton,fl

"Scotty, i miss you so much and all the good times we had together, all the talks, and seeing you when u came home. I miss my best friend, but you did what you wanted to do, and you did an amazing job, i had my own real life hero, and im so thankful that i met you and the time we had together. i love you and miss you. To your family im sorry and i know that he would want us to be happy for him and i hope you all are doing okay. Be strong and thank u for scotty he was truly my best friend in the world."
mandy metzcher of bradenton, florida

"Thank You! I have not forgoten what you have achieved, I will not forget, and I will educate the future. You were a very brave man! I will not dissapoint you with the freedom you have given me. Again, Thank You!"
Stephen of Sarasota, FL

"I'm a Mom of a Marine 21 yrs.old who was just recently deployed.He is with 2nd maintenance Bn Alpha/Second.I just wanted to extend my deepest heartfelt sympathy with your family at this difficult time.Please know that even though you don't know me.We support you.Without even knowing you're son I know He was a fine young man to have served as a Marine.And I know you are equally as proud, as I am of my son.MAy God bless you and your family.And please keep my son in your prayers as well. THankyou."
Marie of Cocoa, FL,USA

"I miss you "Baby-D". I think about you and the rest of my marines. And I think about the what-ifs of that night. Not being able to change things breaks my heart. One thing that will never change is that you are a heroe and i'll never forget you! -until we meet again brother!"
Sgt. Santiago, Nicholas of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

""Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference...Marines don't have that problem" - Ronald Reagan

Gung Ho and Semper Fi, brother Marine, you will not be forgotten !"
master gunnery sergeant Broyles of Georgia

"To Scott's family in memory of their loved one:
You do not know me, but I am an aunt of Pfc. Christopher R. Cobb who died in Iraq on 4/6/04. I know this is a difficult time for all of your extended family. I am sure Scott had the same passion that Christopher did about being a Marine and serving his country. I personally will never forget our young people's sacrifices for what they have done for us.
Semper Fi and Rest In Peace."
Pamela Morris of Bradenton, Florida

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

"To the family of Scott; I want to express my condolences to your family. I did not know your son personally, but please know I consider him a true Hero of ours for serving his country as he did. We will always remember the ultimate sacrifice he has made for our freedom. Sincerely, Allen and Lori Jefferson"
Allen and Lori Jefferson of Sarasota Fl

"We miss your laugh, we miss you smile,
the way you always listened with such intensity. We miss your letters e-mails and phone calls, most of all, we miss you Scotty Dougherty. You will always be in our hearts. Love you..."
Metzchers of Bradenton, Florida Manatee County

"To Scott'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 loved one's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To Scott'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

"I am very sad for the families of our heroes and pray my soldier comes back alive. There has been quite a few who have fallen In the middle east.
I feel proud that our soldiers did a great job. I am especially proud of our marines. I want President Bush to bring us home now..."
cheryl of Pennsylvania

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

"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 and peace in their time of need and sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. You will not be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Scott E. Dougherty,

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

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

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"to the family of marine Lance Cpl. Scott E Doughherty im so sorry for your loss scott will be with you always just remember hes in a better place now and hes watching over us all now he was a true hero and he did what he wanted to do be a united states marine god bless"
sheila cobb mother of PFC. CHRISTOPHER COBB WHO DIED APRIL 6TH 2004 IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM of BRADENTON FLA USA

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