Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"10/31/2020
May we honor the lives of those who have fought for our freedom with the way we choose to live our own, I was chosen because of a very close friend who served with the 48 Marines and Corpsmen who sacrificed it all; to read each story, to get to know a small piece of their lives through families and friends. I chose to honor each of them with a bible verse:

Christopher J. Dyer 8/3/05
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9 (Persistence)"
Haleigh Kilgore of West Virginia

"Although I did not know Christopher I served with both H&S and Kilo company and lost many friends during the deployment. Last week over Memorial Day weekend brothers from kilo company ran a 106 mile relay to bring remembrance and honor to all we lost in 2005. I hope this post gives you solace and for all who read it to know that we will never forget the sacrifices made by young Americans. Their memories will be honored and remembered forever. Semper Fidelis!"
Nick Boyko of Pittsburgh, PA

"FOREVER REMEMBERED"
The O'Haras of cincinnati,ohio

"On May 9, 2014, I had the privilege of taking a flag with Chris' name and placing it in the ground as part of the Fallen Heroes memorial. Even though I never met Chris, these stories on the website are amazing. I am so thankful for Chris and his sacrifice to our country. Please know that my family and I are praying for Chris and his family. May God bless you."
Greg Galla of Strongsville, OH

"In december of 2001 I was in the high school pool chris was one of the guys in the class with me. One day as I surfaced from below one of the guys landed on my head, I recieved a 2 inch laceration and a concussion. Semi concious and bleeding heavily from the scalp laceration chris was one of two guys to grab me and keep me aflot and get me to the pool side. I dont reme, ber much from when I first noticed the blood til I was being treated minutes later. I do know if chris had not been there that day the chances of me blacking out and sinking to the bottom would have been very good. I followed in Chris' steps a few years later and in 2009 I was stationed in Ramadi. I was lucky to make it back home. I live each day to my fullest out of respect for the man who did what was needed to save me that day. Every day I think about my friend, my brother marine. SEMPER FI"
Ray of Springdale, Ohio

"SEMPER MEMOR.....SEMPER FI !
....7/4/13....."
The O'Hara Family of Cincinnati

"5/27/12 Forever in our thoughts and prayers..........."
The O'Hara Family of Cincinnati

"To the family of:Christopher J.Dyer
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""

"God bless you Chris"
Mortarboy85 4RHA of United Kingdom

"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"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH

"i think of Christopher often and hold you in my prayers."
joann Reda of Baltimore, MD

"I am so sorry for your loss. I do not know you or your son but have read what others have said about him and his family. Christopher and your family have given the ultimate sacrifice and I'd like to thank you. May your memories of Christopher continue to give you a reason to smile in your heart. Please know that Heaven is a much brighter place since he arrived. Christopher will always be in your heart and only a thought away."
Cindy Dyer, mom of two AL Army National Guard soldiers, one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan of Montgomery, AL USA

"July 1, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Dyer:
Christopher 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

"im very sorry"
tyler of ohio

"May his soul rest in peace."
Rama Devi of Patent art, Hyderabad, India

"i'm sorry for your terrible loss"
ron heller of chicago, il

"To Chris' family,

On September 8-11, 2006, The Sons of Amvets post 176 sponsored a flag in the Akron Ohio Patriot's Healing Field. Each flag was dedicated to a service person or a 9-11 first responder. Our flag was dedicated to Christopher. We can only tell you that we are sorry for your loss. From what we have read, Christopher was an outstanding young man. He chose to give back to his country himself and it is truly regrettable that we had to learn about who he was in this way. We grieve for you and for every family that has lost a loved one in any war. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
Sons of AMVETS Squadron #176 of Richfield, OH

"hey chris thanks so much for everything! i know that i only met you a couple of times b/c you and my bro Chris played soccer together and everything but you were always nice and always smiling and loved teasin my brother with me lol. we miss you and know that you are watching over us as we speak protecting us and the ones we love in heaven as you were doin on earth~! love ya dyer family"
Leslie Vanover of Sprindale/Cincinnati, ohio

"One of the finest - Visited your gravesite while on a boy scout trip in Feb 06. You were resting peacefully and yet having an effect on the 40 boys who were in my company. Rest well. Thanks for your sacrifice."
Lt Col J Savage of Hamilton Oh

"thank you for serving our country... you made a difference in some way! :-)"
Sarah of Cincinnati, ohio

"My nephew was in Iraq and returned 2/16/06. I just wanted you to know how sorry I am that you lost your son. Proud and thank you aren't big enough words to let these men know how much they mean to our country. SEMPER FI.
Many thanks for the patriotism you and your family have shown. Stay strong and God Bless."
Mariann of Greenhills, OH

"I saw him on the news and had to write about him in my journal. Then I always read prayers from my lives of the saints book. On the day chris died was the day of St. Lydia, patroness saint of dyers. I just thought that was interesting that his last name is dyer and he died on the day of the patroness of dyers. That has always stuck with me and I will never forget him. May God bless you."
Burgundy Ohle of Bellevue, Ne

"Reading all of these messages brings a smile to my heart. For a long time, Chris was a really good friend of mine throughout high school, and I am saddened that he is gone. He and I would listen to the Backstreet Boys as he'd get on his guitar and try to sing and play along. Man, he was awful! He'd try out for the show choir early in his career and wore more face makeup than our school's dance team. It was hilarious. There was nothing about Chris that someone couldn't like. Innocent, funny, and the nicest guy ever. Sometimes you wonder why God would take someone as special as Chris away from us, but he's hopefully ... better yet, he is definitely ... in a better place."
David Johnson, II of Springdale, OH

"To Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Dyer, I owe you many thanks. To a friend and a former employee, you have re-enlighted me to what life is really about. The freedom we have andand share, to the many thanks for the American Soldiers like yourself who have made that possible. There is not a day that passes when I enter work, that i don't see what you stood for. Chris, you are a true American Hero. And I am so proud to have your Marine picture displayed on the restaurant wall. People as me daily, is that your son? No, i say, he is a friend, fellow employee and a true American hero. Whom i am so proud to say i have had the opportunity to have known. Thank you, you will never be forgotten or loved."
Terry Huber of Cincinnati, OH

"my family honors your son and his family durning this time of grief. "god bless you"
gary pittman of livermore ca. 94550

"I would like to thank Christopher and his family for the sacrifice's they have made for our country.
I am the Grandmother of a fallen hero as well, Cpl Mick R. Bekowsky my life is abundant because of people like Christopher and Mick.
With much love I Thank You
Proud Marine Grandmother
Cecile Bekowsky"
Cecile Bekowsky of Concord, CA

"Dryer Family: My heart goes out to you all on the lose of your son Chris. In his photo I see a handsome young man doing what he wanted to do with his life. That being to serve his nation and being a United States Marine. I too wore that same uniform over 42 years ago as a young Marine home from Paris Island with a strong sense of duty to my family, country and Corps. In Chris as it was with all Marines past, present and future I see the same look. I will remember Chris and the Dryer Family in my prayers. God Bless you all. Former Marine Charles A. Robinson"
Charles A Robinson of Philadelphia, PA, 19154

"A lasting picture of a fine looking Marine who served his country well. May you guard that gate well up there in Sky 6. Blessings to the family of this wondeful Marine. Your son gave his life for this beautiful country...we will remain free and safe because of his sacrigice. I will join you someday Lance Corporal Dyer and take your place at that gate. We must never forget our present day warriors. Don't let the same thing happen as did in Vietnam. Don't forget these wonderful souls who protect us.

Semper Fidelis,
Don "Sgt. Mau Mau" Maurer
Vietnam Veteran, 1968-69"
Don Maurer of Canal Fulton, OH 44614

"America is blessed with young men and women who go into harms way so that the rest of us may sleep easy at night.

Semper Fi from an Army Vet. May God bless this man's family and give them comfort.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 (KJV)"
Jeff "Mario" Smith of Leftington, KY

"Dear Dryer family,
Your sons sevice to this nation will never be forgotten. Our sons would be proud to say they served with him.
Please know that millions of Americans will always be there for you and your family in your time of greif ."
Mike & Peggy Conklin of San Ramon, California

"I never met Marine Chris Dyer but I know him as a Brother. As the Father of one of our fallen local Marines said to me "He was doing what he loved when he died, so I don't mourn him - I honor him". I believe this is true of all of our Brothers. God Bless his family and friends.
Semper Fi, Chris."
John Wintersteen of Danville, CA, USA

"Christopher:

There are no adequate words to thank you for your service. The Nation and the world will come to know that you, and all your comrades, who gave your all, have helped preserve our Freedom and advance the planet to some higher level of civilization. Semper Fi."
Bob Rohrer of Bermuda Run, NC USA

"Christopher,
I was reading the USA Today Newspaper and read that your younger sister was enlisting in the USMCR to honor you. I would like to say thank you to you and the other Marines who were on that Track with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend mhy deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"Christopher,
Words cannot express the sadness I feel over your passing. I am the sister of a Marine and, even though I never met you, you are still family to me. Thank you for your courage. Semper Fi, Devil Dog."
Morganne of USA

"Dear Mr. Dyer: Like me, you probably check this website every day for messages from Christopher's friends and acquaintances. I saw the CNN special and was touched by the way you articulated your grief and how you honor your son's memory. I too, do everything in my power to ensure that our sons are not forgotten. There is a face to every name. Our boys are not just statistics. They leave grieving parents, sisters, brothers, grandparents and loved ones who are humbled by their sacrifice and miss them every second of every day. We've had to redefine normal ... our lives will never be the same. Please know that you are in our prayers.

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernie Blanco-Caldas
82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003
gloria.caldas@sbcglobal.net"

"To The Dyer Family,
Our Family, Our City, Our Country grieves with you. We are so saddened by your loss. Your Soldier is OUR HERO! We will never forget him or the others who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety & freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You and your Brave Marine..Semper Fi!"
The Grogans of TN..

"My name is LCpl Kasey Whilding. I went to boot camp and SOI with Dyer. I call him Dyer because that is how I know him as. Dyer is not one of my friends, moreso he is one of my brothers. I consider him a brother because we went through it all together in the short time I knew him. We were hungry together, we were tired together, we were homesick together. During boot camp me and Dyer actually became the same person. The DIs would often confuse the both of us and call for Whilding and mean him or vice versa. By the end of boot, we would both step out if either one of our names were called. When we were at Camp Geiger, we went out together every weekend. He went with me on my BDay and we got tattoos together. I am in Montgomery, AL at Lima CO. 3/23 and have just recently found out about his death through brothers in other units. I have family in Ohio and we had planned for me to come by on my way through, but never did. I only wish I would have made a better attempt. I send my love out to his family. Christopher Dyer is the best Marine I know, and I love him like a brother. I only wish I could have been there with him. I thank God that I have had the chance to know him. To the Dyer family: I love you. To Christopher "Dyer" Dyer, I love you Devil Dog."
LCpl Kasey Whilding of L CO. 3/23 Montgomery, AL USA

"I was checking my email when a news blurb popped up on the side about a 19 year old from the cincinnati area having been killed in Iraq. Normally I disreguard blurbs about the war, but for some reason this time my curiosity got the best of me. I read a news story about Christopher and his comrades and was almost in tears. I never knew Christopher and I have never had a family or friend member die in service, but the thought of someone, only a year younger than myself, giving so much sent a pang through my heart. I could have known him, and I could have lost a friend like so many others have. This was the closest impact on my life that the war has had, and to touch me this deeply, I can't even imagine what friends and family are going through. I'm sorry for your loss, and you will all be in my thoughts... my heart goes out to all of you."
Scarlett Hayes of Cincinnati, Ohio/USA

"CHRISTOPHER YOU ARE A TRUE AMERICAN HERO! ONE THAT SERVED ALONG SIDE OUR SON. SADLY, NEITHER OF YOU KNEW ONE ANOTHER. STILL AS SOLDIER'S YOU BECAME BROTHER'S WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER AND EACH OTHER'S BACK NOW YOU ARE REUNITED ONCE AGAIN! MY PRAYS ARE WITH GREGORY AND YOU CHRISTOPHER. CHRISTOPHER YOUR THE REASON I NEVER WORRIED ABOUT MY SON. AN MY TEARS NEVER DRY, NOT FOR YOU OR THE NEXT AMERICAN SOLDIER THAT GIVE'S HIS OR HER LIFE! CHRISTOPHER THIS IS ONE THANK YOU, I WISH COULD OF BEEN IN PERSON. YOU REST NOW AND GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Chris was in the first class I taught. He was in my eighth grade English class. Chris was a very funny, sweet kid. He always had a smile and some days a smart remark:) Chris made my job easy. I was lucky enough to get to see him at the high school too. He would always wave/speak. Chris is just a wonderful young man. I feel blessed to have known him. I thank his family and send my prayers. I know I am a better person for having known him.
Thanks,
Bridget Z"
Bridget Zentmeyer of Cincinnati, Ohio/USA

"To Chris's family and friends
My fiancee, Sgt. Bradley Bergeron, also gave his life for us in January. I truly understand your pain and emptiness. I'm not sure when it will go away, but I know that they had such an impact on our country and the iraqi people. Their whole country is being liberated because of what our men did. Although I keep that in mind, I still hurt. Please contact me if you need to talk to someone who understands. imthemary@hotmail.com
Love and Prayers""
Amber Stilley ~fiancee of Sgt.Bradley Bergeron KIA 1-6-05 of Baton Rouge,LA

"Chris- You are my risen hero. May you rest in peace in the mansions of the Lord."
Melody M. of Cincinnati, OH

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Christopher J. Dyer,

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 use our link and 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

"I never met Chris, but I have known his mother since she was a young girl, and his grandmother is a dear friend. I know this young man was a brave Marine, and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. A group of his Mother and grandmother's friends are making contributions in his memory to the USO office at the Raleigh-Durham Airport, which helps over 3,000 servicemen and their families each month as they are in transit through our area. We will have a plaque mounted their in his honor. I have been told by current and former Marines that the best way to honor a fallen Marine, is to assist his comrades in his name. If you would like to help, send a check to the USO of North Carolina, PO Box 91443, Raleigh NC, 27675. Put on it, 'In memory of Chris Dyer'. Thank you all. God bless Chris and his family."
Roger Evans of Raleigh, NC

"I met Chris in the 5th grade.We first met sitting next to eachother at one of our concerts that our schools had put together...We both played the viola so we had something incommon.In the 7th grade our school had a spring fling dance...While we were there I wanted to dance with him so bad ! He said he couldnt because his dad was there...So we just hung out and walked around the school gym.Chris was-is a great guy ! Everything that he did , he made sure he did his best at it and no matter how hard something seemed , he never gave up!I know that Ill never forget him! ever and ill always care about it.My condolences go out to his family and other friends !
I love you Chris !"
Kellie L. of Cincinnati,Ohio

"I met Chris in the 5th grade.We first met sitting next to eachother at one of our concerts that our schools had put together...We both played the viola so we had something incommon.In the 7th grade our school had a spring fling dance...While we were there I wanted to dance with him so bad ! He said he couldnt because his dad was there...So we just hung out and walked around the school gym.Chris was-is a great guy ! Everything that he did , he made sure he did his best at it and no matter how hard something seemed , he never gave up!I know that Ill never forget him! ever and ill always care about it.My condolences go out to his family and other friends !
I love you Chris !"
Kellie L. of Cincinnati,Ohio

"On behalf of Betty Harrison, our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Let God support you as you grieve your loss and celebrate Christopher's life."
Elizabeth & Betty Harrison of Raleigh NC

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your
Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the loyal service and sacrifice that was made and
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Our cousin LCPL Michael Smith Jr. gave his life on 4-17-04 fighting for freedom.
Please know that this was not in vain and these American Heros will FOREVER be honored.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Dyer, "thank you" isn't enough for the ultimate sacrifice you gave to each of us. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family during this difficult time."
Jerry & Toni Longville of Akron, Ohio

"6 Aug 2005
Marine Lance CPL Christopher J. Dyer:
You are an American hero whose ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten by a grateful nation. Rest in peace Marine. You will be remembered for always being faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Christopher and may memories comfort you during this most difficult time and always."
DOROTHY E. BURT of PORTSMOUTH, RI

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

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