Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Corporal Joseph E Fite didn’t know it at the time but his kindness saved my life. I’ve spent almost 20 years struggling with addiction and guilt wasting what he gave. I was supposed to be the driver that day and he volunteered to drive for me. I just want to say to him and his family Thank You. Thank You for raising a good man, Thank You for his selflessness so can live my life. Semper Fi."
Cpl Micheale Payelle of San Antonio Tx,

"My grandfather's name was Joseph Edward Fite, from Adam's County, Ohio. He was a WWII veteran. God bless you, Marine. My son is a Marine. God bless your family and thank you for the ultimate sacrifice."
Shela Fite of Florida

"You will be missed Cpl Fite. Had the pleasure of fighting beside him in Iraq. He was a great Marine. Miss you brother! 1/23 Wpns Co. Javs Plt.

Lcpl David Molina."
David Molina of San Antonio

"Happy Birthday, Joseph. 10 Nov. 2012"
Trevor Self of Oxford, England

"After many years and on my own battles of life, I wish to say that I've had the honor to meet him during my I&I tour in Austin. He will always be an outstanding Marine."
Sgt Flores of El Paso, TX

"It has been some time since we were together at the University of Texas NROTC, but I still remember you like it was yesterday. You were a stand up guy and a top notch midshipman. You were a man of few words, but the 'Run to Dallas' was a memorable experience nonetheless. Your family should be proud to have raised such an outstanding young man. Rest in Peace, Marine."
Jason C. of Austin, TX

"Cpl Fite - you are not forgotten. It's been 6 years and you are still missed. I remember when we were Corporals together - good times, brother! Memorial Day is for you!

Very Respectfully,
Russell Shinn
Captain, USMC"
Russell Shinn of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

"To the Family of Cpl. Joseph E. Fite I had the honor to become a Marine beside your son. We were in boot camp together and also infantry school. I will never forget the time he and I spent together and his sacrifice will not be forgotten! Semper Fidelis Marine! Delta Co. PLT 1071 graduated 25 Aug 2000"
CPL. Jason Laukaitis Wpns Co. 2/24 of Mendota, IL

"June 3, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Joseph E. Fite:
Joseph 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

"Joseph it has been over 3 years since we lost you, and I still can't believe you are gone. I think about you all the time. I wish we had spent more time together and I wish you could have met your new niece and nephew. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. I know you are watching and protecting us from heaven. And even though you are in heaven, you are still here too. Love You"
Mary of Serena, IL

"Joseph
you are missed everyday, and I keep the picture of me, you and mack at Big Bear on my desk. To your family--I have never spoken to you guys, but have heard so many great things about you. I try to call you all the time just to say I am sorry, but never can."
John Pickett of Tyler Texas

"To the family of:Joseph E. Fite 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"

"Joseph,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

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

"As we approach the anniversary of Cpl. Fite's death, I wanted to say to his family that his brothers have not forgotten him, nor will we. You have my deepest condolences and support. Semper Fidelis"
Trevor Self (Cpl. Fite's first Plt Sgt in 1/23) of Houston, TX

"Joseph, I'm sorry I never told you all the things I wanted to say. I think about you and what you have done for everyone. And I can't help but to be so sad that I'll never have the chance to sit down and buy you a beer and talk about everything. I wish I had been there with you. I miss you everyday. Thank you for showing me that there is no time like the present to tell someone how much they mean to me, before it is too late."
Mark

"I'M NOT SURE IF WE WERE RELATED BUT I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU'VE DONE FOR US. ALTHOUGH I NEVER KNEW YOU, YOU HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART FOR PAYING THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE SO THAT I MAY HOLD MY FREEDOM...I WISH THE FAMILY ALL THE BEST YOU WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS."
MARY KATHRYN FITE of KINGSLAND, TEXAS PROUDLY USA

"Joseph, I think about you every day. I miss you. I talk about you all the time with Jacob. He will know you and the sacrifice you made for him and the rest of the children in this country."
your sister of home

"Hey Joseph... Miss you, and can't help thinking about you... Your brother from weapons co."

"JOSEPH, IT WILL SOON BE A YEAR THAT YOU HAVE BEEN GONE. I THINK ABOUT YOU MOST EVERY DAY. WE ALL HAVE HAD A HARD TIME TRYING TO UNDERSTAND YOUR DEATH. WE ARE INDIVIDUALLY TRYING TO WORK THRU THE PAIN OF LOSING YOU. WE DON'T UNDERSTAND AND NEVER WILL. WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO COME HOME BEFORE YOU SHIPPED OFF. THAT WAS A GOOD WEEK.
WE MISS YOU SO MUCH. HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2005."
AUNT RUTHIE of NEWARK IL

"Joseph, You have been one of my best friends for many years and I am grateful to have known you and to have been your friend. My deepest condolences go out to your entire family. Olin, your son was an outstanding Marine and I know he passed away doing what he loved and what he signed up for. I take pride in knowing that men like Joseph our defending our liberty. Semper Fidelis."
HM2(FMF) J.C. McLinko (Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center) of Coleville, CA

"I just heard Joseph E Fite's name mentioned on the news. I saw his pictures and felt a great sadness. I don't know if we are related or not. My father was John F Fite. Although I never had the honor of meeting Joseph, I feel deeply sad at his loss. He will never be forgotten. May God bless you."
Judy (Fite) McGill of Lynn, Indiana

"My son Trevor served with you son Joseph with the 1/23. Although we have both lost our sons to this war, we must have hope that their deaths were not in vain. They fought the good fight, and left this earth a better place."
Jewel Aston - proud mother of Lcpl. Trevor D. Aston who lost his life in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom of Houston, Tx.

"I had the distinct pleasure to serve with Cpl. Fite during my short time with 1st Bn, 23rd Marines. He was a bright, gifted Marine who was in the Corps for all the right reasons. Javelins lost a true friend and a fine NCO.

Semper Fi, Fite!"
Sgt Russ Shinn of Al Anbar Province, Iraq

"My name is Jennifer fite, I live in Canton, Ohio. I had a grandfather who was Joseph W. Fite in Southern Ohio.
I was doing a search today reg. our family and I ran across this page, although we are not related I wanted to send my deepest sympathy.
God bless you and your family...
He paid the ultimat price for our freedom!
We will pray for you!
jennifer"
Jennifer Fite of Canton, Ohio

"Joseph was a former student of mine at Round Rock High School. He was an absolutely excellent young man in every way. I send my condolences to his family and particularly to his sister, Jennifer Fite Brimberry who was also one of my students at the school. Jennifer, may God bring you peace at this difficult time.

I will always remember Joseph for his willingness to put his life on the line to protect our peace and freedom."
Richard Berkley of Round Rock, Texas

"I will never forget. Peace and Love."
Erin Campbell of Austin, Texas

"To Joseph'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.

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, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

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

"Thank you Joesph for defending the freedoms we all cherish. You are our hero and we will remember you each day we raise our flag in the front yard. Semper Fi Marine and God Bless you and may He grant your loved ones peace at this time. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"To Joseph'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

"To the family and friends of Joseph E. Fite,
Please know that so many grieve with you. As for my family, we will never take for granted the freedom your loved one has so unselfishly provided. Our thoughts, tears and prayers are with you."
The Filbert Family of Lexington, SC

"To the family and friends of Corporal Joseph E. Fite,

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

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