Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"It's been almost 18 years since your passing BROTHER and all i wana do is thank YOU for watching over me and keeping me out of trouble . My girlfriend and i are expecting a lil boy so you are goin to be an uncle i wish you were around to meet them both because i know you would love them both . I CANT tell you in words how much i miss you and our stupid conversations that always ended up in deep belly laughs . Your memory carries on through me brother and i will NEVER forget you and the others whos lives were lost in combat . keep them cold for me til i get there . until GOD calls me home"
SGT. EVERARDO ARREOLA of HUNTINGTON,WV

"Today is 28 August 2021, as 8 Sept approaches I think of Daniel. 2004 seems so long ago.
My daughter Lisa had plans to marry Daniel and spent time in San Antonio prior to his last mission.
I wonder at what a tragic loss his passing was to so so many.
As our nation leaves Afghanistan I reflect on all the wasted lives. I hope our nation sends our young men and women into harms way ONLY when our nation is in immediate peril.
When I served in the Army in the mid 1970’s I never imagined I would have a daughter whose fiancé would be killed in a foreign land.
To Daniel - you remain in our famines heart and we pray for you often.
To Daniel’s mom and dad, and all his immediate family, we pray for peace.

The week leading to 8 September is always difficult."
Dennis L Moreno of San Antonio, Texas

"Hey Faulkner,i know its been a good while since i posted on here but every day i think about you . today makes 16 years brother since you were taken from us . Thanks for protecting me from harm all the times you have . when i get off work i will make sure we have our yearly drink , i MISS you brother and your jokes . hopefully when the time comes we will tell each other all the jokes we know like we used to . Hope you get to meet my Dog MILA who passed away 3 weeks ago . she will tell you all about me and what ive been doin these past 12 years. im tryin to honor your memory and live my life in a way that makes your PROUD of me brother . WE love you Dan the MAN"
Sgt. Arreola, Everardo of Huntington, WV USA

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of James. I was his room mate for some time on Ft. Hood. James was genuinely a great person. He was also a fine soldier. Essayons brother..."
Will of USA

"Today is such a beautiful day. I thought of Daniel Faulkner and my daughter Lisa. We had dinner on the RiverWalk in August 2004. We discussed the difficult situation in Bagdad and the hopes you and Lisa had when your tour was done. I think of you often. I think much about your mom and dad and pray for their loss to soften. You are missed, I continue to search you on the Net."
Dennis L. Moreno of San Antonio, Texas

"To the family of:James D.Faulkner
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""

"A life time will not be long enough for us to forget...

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

Author Unknown

Veteran's Day 2011"

"""A life time will not be long enough for us to forget...

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

Author Unknown

Veteran's Day 2010"

"most people might not know me, but my name is bentley joseph i was the same vechile Sgt Faulkner the day his life was taken away and i would like to let everyone know that his last moment with us he was laughting. he was a great team leader and a friend so today i would like to take this time out to remember his legency."
bentley joseph of maryland

"Dan,
Today is Memorial Day 2010. We miss you and love you. It is not the same without you being here. A member of the 20th engineer battalion from Ft Hood called today to say that you and your fellow fallen comrades from the 20th will always be remembered. I know we will never forget. Greg gave a very nice speech at the Utica Memorial Day service. It was about you and what it meant to know you. He wanted to let people know just something about you so that they could put a face and family with the meaning of Memorial Day. Things continue to evolve here with out you but they are not the same. There is and always will be a hole in all of our hearts. You now have 9 nieces and nephews. Soon to be 10. Jason and Chrissy's baby is due in November. Tomorrow Lincoln is graduating from 8th grade. He is going to run cross country for Providence next year. He is also going to present two scholarships in your name to two of his fellow classmates at graduation. Just know that we are trying to do the right things and honor you. We have decided to put the golf scramble we have had in your name for the last 5 years on hold for 1 year. We have enough money to fund the scholarship fund this year. Please know that you will never be forgotten. I still do not understand why it had to be you but then I am sure every parent, spouse and child of a fallen soldier wonders the same thing. The gentleman from Ft. Hood said they would be having a rededication of the memorial when the 20th returns from Afghanistan. I think I would like to attend to honor you. I will always love you and remember you. I miss you dearly and that will never change."
Momma of clarksville, indiana

"And when he gets to heaven
To St. Peter he will tell
One more soldier reporting sir
Ive served my time in hell
-Sr. Winston Churchill"

"Dan, Its been awhile since I've been here. I just wanted to say I miss you and you are always in my thoughts. I'm getting ready to go on my 3rd tour to Iraq in a couple months, and I know you'll be with me. I love and miss you lots bro'."
SSG Jason Richardson of Eco 2-8 CAV Fort Hood, Texas

"August 3, 2008
To the family of Sgt. James D. Faulkner:
James 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

"DAN, HERE I AM 3 YEARS LATER STILL KNOWING THAT THE GOOD THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING TO ME ARE BECAUSE YOU AND THE REST OF THE BARRACUDAS ARE CUTTING ME SOME SLACK AND I REALLY APPRECIATE THAT.

I MISS HAVING MY TRUE FRIENDS AROUND BUT I KNOW THAT WHEN I NEED SOME ADVICE OR HAVE SOMETHING TROUBLING ME I JUST REMEMBER THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT WE AS A TEAM COULD NEVER ACCOMPLISH. I HOPE YOU ARE PROUD OF WHAT I HAVE DONE SINCE OUR LAST HOORAH AND I AM KEEPING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS AND IN MY THOUGHTS DAILY. ITS HARD TO LET GO OF THE FRIENDSHIP AND BROTHERLY BOND WE HAD BUT I KEEP THAT WITH ME AND IT WILL NEVER DIMINISH FOR NOTHING. I HOPE THAT WHEN MY NUMBER IS UP AND WE REGROUP WE CAN RECALL ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD AND ALL THE LAUGHS WE SHARED. BROTHER I MISS YOU AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND FOR ANSWERING MY QUESTIONS
MAY YOU CONTINUE TO REST IN PEACE AND REMEMBER YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. EVER!!!!!"
EVERARDO ARREOLA of HUNTINGTON, WV

"the full moon can light a city but the great memorys of james is greater than both day and night.the memory of him in high school walking from class to class from day to nigh from holiday to the new year and all the great thing james did under the sun that mean so much more today than ever before.lames left all that he had in america and fought the enemy on the other side of earth and i wish all the luck on earth to his family and friends and he will be remembered like all the troops who came long before him and all the ones to come long after him..peace out buddy."
eric flores of barstow

"WOW, ITS BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE YOU WERE PICKED UP TO PERFORM A DUTY IN THE HEAVENS BROTHER BUT YOU ARE STILL HERE WITH ME AND I KNOW IT. YOU DONT KNOW HOW HARD IT IS WITHOUT YOU TO LAUGH WITH AND HAVE SOME DRINKS WITH SO JUST IN CASE I GOT A BOTTLE OF TEQUILA JUST WAITING HERE FOR US BOTH MAN. "DAN THE MAN" INDEED YOU ARE AND NO ONE THAT KNEW YOU WILL FORGET THAT NO MATTER WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES YOU MANAGED TO CRACK A JOKE AND EASE EVERYONES NERVES AND TENSION WITH THAT RELAXED ATTITUDE YOU HAVE.

TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS, YOU ARE STILL IN MY PRAYERS AND IN MY THOUGHTS. LET IT BE KNOWN THAT I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVING NEXT TO SGT JAMES D. FAULKNER SIDE BY SIDE EVERY DAY IN IRAQ AND IF THERE WAS ANYONE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO GO ON A MISSION WITH IT WAS HIM. NO ONE CAN TAKE AWAY THE MEMORIES I HAVE OF THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD HANGING OUT AND TALKING ABOUT LIFE. EVEN THOUGH YOU WERE A YEAR OLDER THAN ME I STILL CAME TO YOU FOR WORDS OF WISDOM ABOUT LIFES PUZZLING QUESTIONS AND FOR ALL THE ADVICE THANKS FOR IT ALL.
MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN HIS MERCY AND MAY ONE DAY WE BE REUNITED TO FORM THE DUEL OF "DAN THE MAN AND BIG SEXY MEXY". BUT UNTIL THAT DAY YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS FOR YOU ARE A GREAT FRIEND AND A GREAT SOLDIER .

THANKS FOR THE HONOR AND KEEP THEM ON ICE FOR ME"
EVERARDO ARREOLA of HUNTINGTON, WV

"Dearest Sgt. Faulkner:

My son, PFC Brian Howard, was with you the day that you were killed. He was driving, you were manning the gun. He received a traumatic brain injury, but walks the face of God's earth because your body took the greatest force of that explosion. He has, in most part, recovered physically but nothing to him or me will ever forget you, your service or your sacrifice. May God take you into his kingdom and hold you up as an example of American courage!"
Christine Howard of Adams Run, SC

"Wow, i grew up with Daniel and it is bringing tears to my eyes seeing all the nice things you guys said about him. I'll always remember playing wiffle ball with him and his brothers (Pat and Jason) across the street in the neighbors backyard."
Michael of Ga/ Clarksville In

"To the Family of a good man,

My daughter Lisa was engaged to your son. You never really get to know a young man until you meet his family. Sadly, I met the family at Daniels' funeral.
All the family of Daniel are kind, loving and very respectable people -- exactly that kind of family any Dad would want his daughter to join.

Daniel's passing is truly the loss of a good son and young American soldier. My last memory of Daniel was in San Antonio at dinner before he left for Baghdad.

Your son will ALWAYS remain in my heart. To a good soldier and loving family - all my best."
Dennis L. Moreno of San Antonio, Texas, USA

"We all think of you often...Veteran's Day 2005
Barracuda Family"

"A life time will not be long enough for us to forget...

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

Author Unknown

Family and Friends of Barracuda
In loving Memory of SGT. Faulkner
1yr. 9-8-2005"

"To the family of a very best friend:
I still think of Daniel all the time, as I'm sure you do as well. He was loved tremendously, and I'm so proud of all he did. He will be missed forever, and I am thankful for all the wonderful memories he has given me. Sending my warmest wishes to you all...."
Emily of Indiana

"Still thinking of DAN THE MAN...Much love to the Faulkner family."
Laine of Clarksville, IN

"Memorial Day 2005 - He will always be remembered and loved...we will never forget!"

"Thank you for raising such a great son and hero.Many of the gold star parents lives are simular with the quality of children we raised and they grew up to be our nations greatest patriots. I'd like to think what we do in this world is the trial run for what eternity has for us.I'm sure our sons are with God. I'm sorry for your loss and pain. S.SGT.MATTY'S POPS"
JAMES MATTESON of Celoron,New York,America

"To the family of SGT Faulkner.

We are so sorry for your loss. Daniel was such a kind and loving person, he will forever be in our hearts and memories."
SPC Sconyers and Amanda of Fort Hood, Texas

"To the friends, family, and fellow american soldiers who were afforded the great opportunity to know SGT JAMES DANIEL FAULKNER; may we never forget our fellow brother in arms who served so heroically beside us no matter what the mission required. He was my fourth brother, even though i only have 3 blood brothers he was the fourth one and he knew that. He knew that we are all a big family and i will never forget the day that i lost my brother DAN, 08SEP04. You will be greatly missed and my life will never be the same without my brother. I will leave a place open at my table and will always raise my glass in your honor. To his fiancee Lisa i appologize for not being able to keep my promise and it eats at me every day.I know he is watching over me"
SGT ARREOLA, EVERARDO of CAMP EAGLE, BAGHDAD, IRAQ

"Sgt Faulkner. You are missed by all the Barracuda's. We the 2nd plt soldiers miss you everyday. There isn't a day that goes by without us thinking about you. You were a great leader and will be missed by all. I was lucky to serve with such a great NCO. You made an impact in our Platoon. I know you are watching over us everyday. God Bless you and your family."
Barracuda 29 SFC McStay of Camp War Eagle

"Daniel will forever be in the hearts and memories of the Barracudas. Sending our thoughts and prayers to his family."
Sgt. Stocker and Family of Ft. Hood, TX

"To James' 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

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

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

"Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. James is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"To James' 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.

Sincerely,

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

"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 in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"To the family and friends of James, our hearts and prayers go out to you. We share in the sorrow of a loss of a soldier and hero. My brother SPC Shawn Davies also past on July 8. May God be with you. James will never be forgotten."
Toni Peters of Concord, OH

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