Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Mark was my cousin. He was a great husband and father and is missed dearly by his family. Today was the first day I saw the sign on 840 and was so hapy that he is being honored in this way, especially in Rutherford county. I have a son who is currently in the National Guard and is being deployed in a few weeks. He will be in a safe country but I still worry about and pray for him every day!"
Judy Toalston of Murfreesboro TN

"Although i havent met you however you would be remembered as a real hero who served for your country , my condolences to their loved ones. i pray for the best."
Thia Arnott of Bedford/Western Australia

"I didnt know Mark, but i just found after someone told on Militarycupid.com dating site that i have been scammed by using his pic with different name(Sgt Brandon). For the past 2 months (Jan-Feb 2012) i have attached emotionally. Until , i found that the pic was Sgt Mark Edward who died on war in Iraq 2005 as a fallen Hero. I cried for some reason, to be honest emotionally i have attached by his figure. If u can help me , please send his photo to my email Dynamoxx@Bigpond.com. I do apologize with my humble. if this is in appropiated. Regards THIA"
Thia Arnott of Bedford/Western Australia

"I did not know Mark but I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I drive on 840 everyday to and from work. Each day I pass the sign with Mark's name on it. Sometimes I stop and put flags on some of these signs. I wanted you to know each day I pass that sign I think of what each of these families gave up for our country. I decided that I would look up these men that I read their names everytime I pass by. God Bless them all and their families."
Debbie Walker of Lebanon TN USA

"he was a fine leader and role model god speed to your family"
spc r barry of tenneessee

"May 31, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Mark O. Edwards:
Mark 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 didn't know Mark outside of the Army, but he was an example to all who knew him in that capacity. He will live forever in my memories."
Kelly Warren of Supply NCO, Trp K, 3/278th ACR

"To the family of:Mark O. Edwards I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief. He died a hero defending freedom and we are so grateful for anyone defending our freedom.
Know that I am praying for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding for you and that one day we will all meet in Heaven where we will rest in the arms of Jesus.
If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with please call my Pastor at Gateway Community Church, Reverand John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd Covington Ga. 30016 Phone 770- 787- 1015 (fax)770-787-8215.Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew"

"Mark, I was right there beside you when you died. We all tried to bring you back so you could get back to Kim and Whitney, but you had already gone HOME. You being my tank commander was such a blessing, but more than that, like my best friend. We had such a great time fighting along beside each other, and I will never forget the memories. I am just sorry that I could not bring you back home. I keep thinking what if.....I might could have. I can speek for all of 3rd platoon that we all will never be the same without you. Mark, I will see you when I finally get HOME."
SGT. Josh Smalling of Johnson City, Tn

"to the Edwards fanily the fourth of July in Gatlinburg Tennessee will be the midnight parade and fireworks. I along with other fallen families will be attending. to enter a flaot to honour our fallen and to SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!*************Mark thank you for serving our country and for being a brother to our son.. Sadly, today you are together. You have not died in vain1 You are remembered today, tomorrow and always! Healing is a slow process. reflect on the many fond and precious memories you each shared with Mark, He is resting in peace. Still he is with you in your hearts. I just didn't lose my son, I lost Mark too! It's very important to me. That all AMERICAN"S honour our fallen, wounded and support our soldier's in harms way. I never want them to be disrespected as their Vietnam Veteran brother's and sister's."
leonard_wahl@hotmail.com of Spring Texas

"God blessed my life when he allowed me to be a friend to Mark. What a blessing in life I would have missed had He had not allowed this. Until that sad day and the days that soon followed, I was unaware of what he meant not only to those who knew him but to his church family and this community as a whole. Mark not only enjoyed life; his personality was bigger than life. Kim, Mark holds a special place in my heart that continues. I loved him and yes, I miss him too. In seeing the two of you together, it was very apparent you not only loved each other but were ‘in love’ with each other. The devotion he had for you was something to behold. May God hold you in His care until he reunites the two of you again."
Rhonda D. of Erwin, TN - Unicoi County, USA

"I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I didn't know him personally but I have met many of the men from the 278th unit. My husband deployed with them and my cousin is with them now. God bless your family in this time, and thank you for your sacrifice for our freedom. His death was not in vain."
Jennifer Laman of Gadsden, TN

"To Sgt. Edward's Family, I wish to offer my deepest condolences. Mark is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all"
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"I am so sorry and sad to hear of the loss of your loved one serving in Iraq. My son (with the 278th "H" Co.) is in Iraq and was serving along side of Mark. I, and so many other Americans are SO PROUD of Mark and our men and women serving and protecting our country. Mark will never be forgotten of his bravery and sacrifices. I know God will surround you and your family with His loving arms at this time. With my deepest sympathy. My prayers are with you. God Bless you!"
J S Dunford of Elizabethton, TN

"MY HEART GOES OUT TO FAMILIES & FRIENDS OF THIS YOUNG MAN.THE SACRIFICE
MADE HAS BEEN GREAT.
AN EXCERPT FROM A SCRIPTURE FROM THE BOOK OF MORMON COMES TO MIND. I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND IF I SHARE IT:
"When ye are in the service of your fellow beings,ye are only in the service of your God".
(MOSIAH 2:17)
THIS SCRIPTURE GIVES GREAT COMFORT TO ME AT THE LOSS OF OUR LOVED ONE.I HOPE THIS BRINGS COMFORT TO YOU AS WELL.
(I HOPE I HAVE NOT OFFENDED ANYONE WITH MY SCRIPTURE)."
SABRINA BIRCH, Aunt and friend of Dustin Birch of IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, USA

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
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

"RIP Devil Dog....

J and T USMC"

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

"MARK NO ONE WILL EVER FORGET YOU. THAT YOU BECAME A PROFESSIONAL FOR IT WAS YOUR CALLING IN LIFE. AN MARK, YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. YOU FOUGHT AGAINST TERRORISM AND TO GIVE THOSE INIRAQ FREEDOM. YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED BY FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, THOSE IN YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR MILITARY FAMILY OF BROTHER'S, SISTER'S AND THE WORLD. SO THANKFUL MEN LIKE YOURSELF. SERVED ALONG SIDE OUR SON. WE LOST HIMLAST YEAR. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU MARK AND YOUR FAMILY."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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