Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hi Francisco,
I could barely remember you, but I still remember the day you and my tia took me to the beach on a hot summer day. It's one of my favorite memories to this day :) And I think that's when I first fell in love with the sunset. I didn't know you very well, but I saw you were like a friendly and fun tio to me. It was a tragedy of what had happened to you. I just wanted to say, thank you. And thank you for your service. Because of you, I have always look up to those who serve our country."
a small friend of Whittier, Ca

"Never Forgotten!!! Semper Fidelis!!!"
Randy P.

"Think of you everyday dude! Missed by everyone! Love you brother!"
Christopher Dix of San Diego, CA

"DEVIL DOG YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART I REMEMBERED THAT NIGHT IN IRAQ WHEN I LAST SAID BE SAFE AND I HAD COOKED YOU YOUR LAST OMELET I WAS YOUR FAVORITE COOK IN THE MARINES YOUR IN MY HEART FOREVER BROTHER. SEMPER FIDELIS GUNNERY SERGEANT A. 2003 1ST TANKS MESSHALL"
Jay of Bakersfield, California US

"DEVIL DOG YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART I REMEMBERED THAT NIGHT IN IRAW WHEN I LAST SAID BE SAFE AND I HAD COOKED YOU YOUR LAST OMELET I WAS YOUR FAVORITE COOK IN THE MARINES YOUR IN MY HEART FOREVER BROTHER. SEMPER FIDELIS GUNNERY SERGEANT A. 2003 1ST TANKS MESSHALL"
Jay of Bakersfield, California US

""I am creating a display to honor all our fallen heroes since 9/11. The statues I have are a cross with a pair of boots and a helmet next to it. There will be four of those with the name of my nephew Matthew Wilson and his three brothers in arms on the crosses who were killed by an IED 1 June 09. Another cross is of a wounded soldier being carried from the field by another soldier. The third one is of a soldier kneeling at a cross. The last one will represent those we have lost to PTSD after they return home. The names and information of each of the over 6,000 soldiers that have died in these wars will be placed on a 4x8 piece of birch and include the following:
PFC Matthew W. Wilson
USA
18 OCT 89 - 1 JUN 09
Age 19 MO
Afgthanistan

I have reached Evan T. James but can only find the year of his birth. If anyone has the day and month of his birth please post it here.

I am trying to get this done in time for the 4th of July parade and it will then be displayed at local bases/posts and local businesses in the hopes it helps people realize just what this war has cost us in these great heroes and the families they left behind.

I would like to include my condolences to the family of PFC Martinez Flores and encourage any soldier having a problem dealing with the memories of the war to PLEASE contact a battle buddy or a local VA hospital for help. My daughter entered a PTSD program and I think that is the only reason she is still with us today.

Thank you."
Trish Glore of NM USA"
Trish of NM USA

"Hello I have recently stayed at a boyscout camp and they had a marmoreal to him. I had taken a picture of it and I had read the plaque multiple times. I am sorry for your loss and if you hadn't seen the memorial for him just text me asking for it and I will give it to you. (909-202-2116) thank you and have a good day."
alan williams of fontana CA

"Tiner... Once again this month I hate so much is here. As I sit here staring at these Colorado mountains I think of you, Rodriguez, Oday, and May and just feel weak and helpless. There's not much in this world that can do that. There's always a guilt and emptiness within me knowing you guys didn't make it back. We love and miss all of you. I promise you did not pass in vain, you've changed my outlook on life and I'm sure others as well. I try to live everyday with purpose and honor. I miss you guys. I miss everyone. Semper Fi -"Big Daddy C""
Carrillo-CCO of Denver,Colorado

"Martinez, There is not a day that goes by that I am not thinking about you, Oday, Rodriguez, and SSgt May. I will always remember the events that night on the bridge. You were a great Marine and I appreciate everthing you did to boost the company's morale. You were always in high spirits. I know you are finding rest now and one day we will meet again. I walk through the offices of Charlie Company almost everyday since returning back to the Battalion. Semper Fi and Thank You! You will NEVER be FORGOTTEN! Charlie 5."

"Hey Tiner,

I miss you and your goofy antics. You were always the life of the party. That night by that bridge has been the worst night of my life and has haunted me for over a decade now. We lost four outstanding Marines there. You were my brother and friend. I have never forgotten who you were and the Marine you became. I have seen you in my dreams sometimes. I always say I am sorry. Take care, Brother.

Semper Fi!"
Jason Hightower of Newbury Park, CA

"Hey Martinez, I did not know you well but I was your Doc and cared for you. I never thought that I wouldn't at least have a chance to save a good Marine's life. I remember when we pooled about 125.00 together to watch you drink that bottle of chew juice and you got kind of sick for a second. I thought I was toast but we all had a good laugh and you did it. The bond between Corpsman and Marine is strong and I couldn't help you guys but I think about you from time to time. Rest peacefully Devil Dog."
HM3 Darst of Denver, CO

"Hey brother. Its me, Bowles, just wanted to let you know I still keep the pic of us from Ft. Knox next to my computer. Remember trying to deer hunt outside the barracks with our K-bars? Crazy times, Vato. Makes me wish I could have kept better in touch with you before it all went down the way it did. A year after your passing I found myself standing over that same river and could feel you standing next to me. I tell everyone who see's the picture about the crazy crap we've been through and done. You may have fallen Devil Dog but you will NEVER be forgotten. Semper Fi"
Cpl Bowles, Benjamin B Ret. of Fort Worth, TX

"Brother, I still think about you everyday and you are always with me."
James of Wasilla Alaska

"thought of you today, always the clown, always the joker, we'll always miss you."
jason zelinger of mcallen, texas

"I served with martinez at Ft. Knox Kentucky at MOS training. we had a lot of fun togeather and some good memories. i was with 2nd maint. btln. me and some of my mechs. carried that tank to kuwait. i just found out who's tank it was. he will be missed and thought of often. OOHRAH MARINE, Semper Fi!"
Cpl. Felder, Brooks J. of Austin Texas

"I light this candle in memory of your Angel Martinez's.
Heavenly anniversary. Praying your day is peaceful. Thank you."
Carol Angel Michael Carico's Mom of Bradenton,Fla USA

"Francisco may whispers from the heaven's on this ur angel day-touch ur soul for u 2 know-ur loved in every way-GB."
Myers Family of MI USA

"I light a candle for Francisco in his memory.Rest In Peace."
mary^j^benny of Davao City.Philippines

"Thought of you today, Martinez...the 7th anniversary of your passing. Just wanted to say THANK YOU...for everything."
Mrs. Bratton of California

"cuando ivan hacer vacociones yoestaba estaba felis x q yban abenir mis primos de california sienpre esperaba conganas amiprimo para yebarlo ala tienda que le gustaban los gancitos y pedia puros gancitos ahora que estoy lejos quiciera que alguien meiciera elfovor de llevar le unos gancitos asu tunba onde des cansa ya que estoy en guadalajara se los agradeseria con mucho amor"
bardo michel flores of guadalajara jal mexico

"cuando ivan hacer vacociones yoestaba estaba felis x q yban abenir mis primos de california sienpre esperaba conganas amiprimo para yebarlo ala tienda que le gustaban los gancitos y pedia puros gancitos ahora que estoy lejos quiciera que alguien meiciera elfovor de llevar le unos gancitos asu tunba onde des cansa ya que estoy en guadalajara se los agradeseria con mucho amor"
bardo michel flores of guadalajara jal mexico

"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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Tiner dude, I just found this picture of you from mississippi get hog tied by jimenez, franco and hernandez. Got me thinking man. Kinda bugs me that I never got to slap you around a little for leaving that punks sucks thing on my going away paper. Ah whatever, You were one funny dude and years later I still think about you. Hopefully where your at now you dont have to drive that old piece of crap thunderbird. Semper Fi"
Sgt. Will Rice of Midway City Ca

"Francisco tought me how to take life as it goes, always with a smile in my face, I still see him in my dreams, every dream his smile, laugh and voice little more faded then the last. I just want to say I miss him so much. Im so proud of my Friend Francisco, Your My hero in every way."
Friend of Duarte

"even though i didnt get to know him i know what kind of a pain it was to lose a brother and a son at the same time..
as i see around i still dont look at all that happy ness in the family they cant get over it for its brothers its a really painful topic to talk about..
i seen you in pictures and mypace things i know how painful it is..
i think you are beter up there than in this world with lots of poor circumstances"
a friend of in california

"I know that you are looking down on us, with the same smile that lit up the maintenance bay. Your spirit lives on in every grain of sand and every drop of oil on every Charlie tank you helped me fix. You were more than an aprentice, you were a brother. Rest in peace. "what boot?""
Sgt. Charles Davis of Gilroy Ca.

"I WISH I WAS ABLE TO THANK HIM FOR ALL THE TIMES HE HELPED ME OUT ......... ONE LOVE MY FRIEND...."
CPL SEAN C RUTT of KONA HAWAII

"I went to boot camp with this guy we were in the same platoon and were good friends the entire time we were on the Depot. I remember we were in Edson Range getting ready for our last part of training when I got notice that my grandfather had passed on, the first person I went to was Francisco and he gave me words of encouragement and helped me through that part of my life. He had an awesome personality and could make you laugh in a moments notice because thats the kind of person he was. I wish we could have stayed in contact after boot camp but having 2 different MOS's and being sent to different duty stations really didnt help. I never got to tell you this but thanks for being a great friend throughout our boot camp and SOI experiences, you are missed."
Sgt. Gilbert S. Garcia USMC of Camp Pendleton, CA

"Remembering with you the life of someone so dear."
Shirley Billingsley of Huntsville, AL

"once again my brother a day that i feel i should be where you are and not you. You had so much to live for and my life is shambles, i know you protected me my 2nd tour. I know one day i will be seeing you again. I hope i dont disapoint you my brother please help my pain. I cant deal with it anymore. Hopefully this march i will see and feel you again in duarte. Love always one the few the proud your brother"
hayes of colorado springs colorado

"i never knew francisco but i'm so touched by his story. just know that my heart and preyers are with u and your loves ones!!my brother is a marine and even though he hasnt been to iraq i woulnt imagine my life with out him!!i have much respect for those who have died for our country and those who are doing it right now!!may god be with you and give strenght to your family!!you'll forever be in my heart!!"
alex of maywood,CA

"May 30, 2007
To the family of Francisco A. Martinez-Flores. Francisco 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

"CISCO I KNOW THAT WE WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL TOGETHER U ALWAYS MADE ME LAUGH NO MATTER WHAT, AND WHEN NO ONE WAS THERE TO MAKE MY MISTAKES DISAPPEAR U WERE.I WISH I COULD OF HAD MORE TIME TO KNOW U BETTER. WE MISS U DEARLY. U WILL ALWAYS HAVE A PART IN OUR HEARTS. WE WILL MISS YOU AND OUR MEMORIES WILL BE CHERISHED FOREVER FOR U ARE AND A TRUE DEAR FRIEND WHO STOOD UP FOR US WHEN WE WERE SILENT AND COWARDLESS. I CAN NOT EXPLAIN IN WORDS HOW MUCH U MEAN TO ALL OF US AND HOW MUCH U WILL BE MISSED IN OUR HEARTS AND LIFES..

AS I QUOTE FROM THE BIBLE I KNOW THAT UR THERE FOR US WHEN WE NEED U AND NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO.

A Psalm of David.

The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

CONTINUE TO RIP AND KNOW U WILL BE HONORED AND MISSED MY DEAR FRIEND AND CLASSMATE"
SILVIA REYGOZA of DUARTE, CA

"Francisco,
I would like to say thank you to you and your fellow tank crewmembers for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. After, reading the previous reflections about you I know you must have been one hell of a Marine and human being. I saw the HBO documentary about you and the other men and women who have died serving our Country in Iraq. It was very sad when your mother and sister read your last letter home and showed the picture recovered from your camera of you and your crew in front of your tank. And just like one of the previous reflections mentioned, I am a former Marine and it always hurts when another Marine dies, but I know you and your fellow Marines are now standing watch on the the streets of Heaven.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"Whats up Martinez, I know you are looking down from the heavens keeping an eye on us. I remember taking you home and you being so scared because I was driving so fast in the rain, I think you had you're eyes closed most of the time. Yeah I still cant forget when we got to Kuwait and some one was throwing rocks over the burm and hitting me, as I looked I saw you throwing them, then I gave chase you were to fast for me but I cought you later. The comapany took a big blow when we found out what had happen to you guys. You have given the bigggest sacrifice ever, God and the world and Corp, Family, friends cannot thank you enough for what you have done. I am really glad to have met you. Rest In Peace brother God Bless you"
Sgt Julio A Renteria of Oceanside CA USA

"http://www.myspace.com/mayodayrodriguezmartinez"
of CA

"On the third anniversary of Pfc Martinez-Flores' death, please know that I think of him, and of his family every day. I wear his name on my wrist, and I have never taken this bracelet off. I will continue to honor him. I never met him, but I hold his memory close. He will not be forgotten."
Jennifer Wilson of New Germany, Minnesota

"ur contribution will not be forgotten in this small town."
matt of duarte CA

"we miss you"
sammy martinez of duarte

"Dear Francisco I don't know how to star to tell you all the things I need to tell you and we well miss you any where you are the best person I would never get to be as you and as big like you were well I don't have anything else to say to you"
Ana Centeno of Palmetto/Florida

"I hope for you to find the hope you lost I khow its a bad thing to forget someone you lost love and whishes the best of all."
Ana Centeno of Palmetto/Florida

"Tiner whats up man... its DOC, just want to let you know i will never forget about you, since the time we were inside the M88 during steel shaf in 29 where i was sleeping the entire time. Until i was checking up on your eye on the road in iraq, (sorry for the wrap looking funny). We always talking about what we would do when we return home, either you telling me about opening your car shop or remembering the good ol days of growing up in L.A and eating moms food. Who ever had the privileged to meet you will never forget you, you were that type of person who everyone enjoyed your company. It was very difficult for everyone to accept what happend. You take care up there, if you ever need a can or some smokes let me know, maybe we could finally make a run to Camp DOHA."
HM3 Javier Solis USN of East Los Angeles, CA.

"Martinez...where do I begin? I have the words I want to say to you in my heart, but when I try to write them in this message it just doesn't seem to capture exactly how I feel and what I want to say. I guess that's why it's taken me over two years to finally write you a message. Although I'm sure you know what I want to say, I guess I just want to post this message for your family and friends. I only knew you for a very short time...but I will never forget the type of person you were. You were funny, a great character, and fun to be around. I know that all the Marines from Charlie really miss you because you were the life of the company. I've been told stories of ways you would make the company laugh, even when you were out there in Kuwait, about to start a war. In the short time that I knew you, you introduced me to the Marine who is now my husband and for that I have always wanted to say THANK YOU. I know my husband misses you dearly, even though he won't really talk about it. The two of you were good friends and we will always honor you. We keep a picture of you up in our living room. Thank you for so many things Martinez. You were a brave Marine, and you are a real Hero. Not only that but you were a great person and I know that everyone who got the chance to know you, or even meet you, was blessed. You had a way of making people laugh and I'm sure you're still doing that up in Heaven. Thank you for serving our country Martinez. God bless you and God bless your family."
Debbie Bratton of 29 Palms, CA

"To the family of Francisco A. Martinez-Flores, I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully 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 at Gateway Community Church: Rev John B. Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington, Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington Ga.

"My Dear friend,
I cant get over you and this tragedy I still cry and find myself thinking of the void you left in my life!!! I'll never forget that day when we all went to eat at Dennys and they took so long to get our order so we left and got Mickey D's!!! that day when I saw you in your Marine uniform I thought, yup its true your one of them, a Marine. My heart dropped and I said to you "Don't go! Something will Happen" and you said "Nothings going to happen" I didn't mean what I said I just didn't want you to go!!! I knew you were gonna make it out there as A proud Marine I just missed you even before you left! We didn't talk much thereafter only when we would go to the mall and buy CD'S (Rage Against the Machine, I still remember) The point is I miss you and I want to see you and hug you and talk to you!!! I'll see ya in my dreams and when its my time to serve God and the Angels! and since your in HeaVen tell Matthew I miss him and to visit me in my dreams. I'll always have I place in my heart for both of you and in my prayers! Muah!"
HeLeN of DuaRte, CA

"another year francisco i still and always will remember you brother"
james of alaska

"My Dearest Friend,
I don't want to say goodbye
Don't tell me to even try,
But, still here I cry &
To my heart I must not lie.
You are gone now and out my life.

Without your embrace,without your face,
Without your contagious smile.
Oh, what a deprived life I have to lead
Without you here beside me tomorrow,
And, although i am full of unbelievable sorrow
As well as indescribable pain
The good Lord will soon help me find,
Serenity & tranquility regain.

Since now, I know that you,my dearest friend
Have gone off now, to a much better place

I MISS YOU FRANCISCO!"
helen of duarte

"I never knew Francisco A. Martinez - Flores. But I saw the special on HBO and my heart was moved by the program. I am an ex-marine, I am a Vietnam Era Vet., 1st. Marine Div. They say once a Marine always a Marine and for that reason I give all my respect to the family. All I can say is that my families prayers are with your family in this time of need. Please know that if in anyway I can help your family please feel free to reach me at jaramillopr@yahoo.com
All my respects:
Jose A. Jaramillo"
Jose A. Jaramillo of Mcallen, Texas, USA

"I am very sad to hear such a tragic death that had to occur to your beloved one. I must tell you, he is in a better place. You are so worried about his death, but it was his time. You might feel like it was your fault he was killed, but it is not. He helped are country and died for are country. We must go on when events like this happen, even how bad we feel inside. We have to face this world and try to get along with others. We would be in a better place is every body helped support are world, we live in. I hope you feel better."
Patrick Geibe of Huntington Beach/California/United States of America

"It's weird to know someone who was killed in a war. Someone you worked with stateside. Someone you would see on the grinder, passing by on his way to the chow hall. Someone who was just like you. Someone who gave all he had for his country, for his people, for freedom"
I. M. MARINE of Tanks

"To the friends and family of Francisco A. Martinez-Flores:
It is so hard to get on this website and think of how many of us have to bare this horrible pain. I lost my husband on June 4, 2004 to the war in Iraq, and I am so sorry you have to go through this. Know that people are praying for you all the time and will always remember Francisco's sacrifice."
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"I am a student in seventh grade at Barker Central. The reason I choose your son was because he was a hispanic and I too am a Mexican. I am very sorry for your loss. Your son is the type of person that you can't find any words to describe him. I think your son is an absolute image of an angel that was heaven sent and now has returned home now that he has finished his mission here on Earth. Francisco will be greatly missed by his friends everywhere.
Francisco is a person of many great qualities. Even though I never met your son I'm sure that he was a an absolute hero. Some little kids referred to him as a "super hero". At the funeral that your family held people could see the endless groups of friends and family. This shows that your son was a great friend to everyone and that will be truely missed."
7th grade student of Barker Middle School

"To the family of Francisco Martinez-Flores: Your son is a hero...not only to those people in America who believe so strongly in freedom...but to those downtrodden, oppressed peoples of the world whose hopes and dreams rest upon the endeavors of American intervention and deterrant to terrorism. God Bless Your Son!"
Mrs. Martinez of Texas

"To Remember Them..In loving Memory..Its been a year..

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.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Marine!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"My Beautiful Soldier...sometimes I live as if you're still out there somewhere, and I'm still here waiting for you. When I think about all the many different posibilities for my future, there's one thing that my heart wont let go of and keeps holding on to, and that's the love I have for you. The only future I see has you in it. Thank you for everything you are in my life Francesco =). You are my best friend, my "personal hero". Thank you for choosing me. No matter what I become in life, what I do, or where I go...you will always keep that great piece of my heart, Always. I miss everything we lived together, but most of all I miss simply you. Love is more powerful than death, and our love will go on throughout eternity like you promised.
Thank you Samuel, Martha, Nayeli, Marleen, Sammy and Family for Francisco, and for accepting me for who I was in His life. Thank you for everything. I love you Martinez-Flores family! And for my sweetie...I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you...Me Amoure ut!"
Yours always, Marisela Campos of Duarte, California and my heart

"Well Francisco its going to be a year since you've been gone and you are still being missed like the first day you went to Heaven. We will never forget you and what you did for all of us. Thank You so much!"
of california

"Private Martinez-Flores, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Hey Tiner,
Although we only knew each other for about 3 months, it was the best 3 months of my life. From the moment we met you seemed to me like a very special person. That time we spent in Kuwait before the war helped me to cope with the situation we were currently in. Without you there to keep the entire Company laughing i know that we would have all been miserable. Your very expressive look at life kept all of our spirits high while on the verge of war. Man.....I miss you. I am deeply honored to have met such a great person. I've wished at times that we could trade places......I have some much to say but very little words in which to say them.....I miss you Tiner....oh by the way ....don't worry about that beer you owe me..."
Lcpl Carlos Hernandez of Huntington Park, CA

"We Will NEVER FORGET !" As the first anniversary of the death of your loved one arrives;
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Francisco, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Our Hearts go out to you
May the thought of others caring and the sympathy they feel
Be a source of consolation that is very deep and real,
And may your happy memories bring help and comfort, too,
Throughout this time of sorrow that is so difficult for you
In deepest Sympathy"
Rosalba Kuhn of Laguna Vista, Texas

"To Franciso and your FAMILIA. First and foremost I want to give my condolences on your great loss. No words that I say can heal the pain and the loss that you have experienced. I was a Tanker in the US Army stationed in Germany and in Ft Irwin. I know that youre son was brave and I know THAT YOURE SON IS A HERO! From one Tanker to another Tanker Francisco THANK YOU! GOD BLESS YOU!"
Tony Ruiz of Anaheim

"To my little buddy, Tiner. Hey Bro. I know that everyday that passes us by you are keeping an eye on me and my family. I promised to watch over your family for you and rest assured I am going to. You were such a great friend out there in Kuwait and I thank you for always keeping a smile on my face....we did alot of crazy stuff together huh? I am proud of the work that you did, you were a damn good tanker and mechanic, and most of all you were a damn good friend. Your memory will forever be in my heart. Heaven truly got a great angel up there, I know that you are rollerblading down those streets of gold everyday, and you are putting a smile on everybodies face up there. Thanks for the memories...love ya little buddy!"
Richard Velasquez(formerly of "C" Co. 1st Tank Bn. of Upland, Ca.

"Francisco.. welll bud i know im going to see you again some day and i know that your going to keep me laughing......God i still remember the day that you and me started calling reuben zesati "chubaca" During football practice .. or the day we went to taco bell with ivan, junior and salomon......rest in peace and see you in the after life"
Louie of Duarte, CA.

"MARTINEZ I CAN STILL SEE YOU. IN YOUR ROOM WITH RYAN AFTER WORK I HAD JUST CAME BY TO BORROW YOUR GREEN SOCCER JERSEY IT TOOK YOU THREE MONTHS TO GET IT BACK.
I MISS YOU AND I WISH WE WERE BACK AT THE TANK RAMP COMPLAINING ABOUT STEEL NITE AND GUNNY HALCROW REMEMBER AT THE RANGE WHEN I WAS YOUR COACH AND YOU WERE FREAKING OUT ON QUAL DAY... JUST RELAX! I HAD TO TELL YOU THAT LIKE 20 TIMES MAN YOU HAD ME WORRIED ..TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS I KNEW FRANCISCO AND I WILL NOT FORGET HIM

UNTIL I SEE YOU AGAIN FRANC.."
LCPL. JAMES JONES of ANCHORAGE ALASKA

"Thank you Francisco Martinez-Flores, 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

"Francisco was a crazy little dude. As part of Charlie Company, I would get to see all the crazy things my Marines would do on a daily basis. Francisco would always have to be the center of attention. Always cracking jokes or putting on a Mexican wrestlers mask and running around the barracks like a madman (as a tribute to him, I had that mask displayed on the outside of my tank with his name on it for the rest of the war. We could always count on him to do his job when it needed to be done. He was a hard worker and a good Marine. We will miss him terribly. Semper Fidelis Marine and tell St. Peter we said hello."
SSgt Matthew E. Dordal of Charlie Company, 1st Tank Battalion

"even though i know pancho knows how i feel and what im thinking i would like to write something for him and his family. Francisco is the best. Im so proud of you, "my goofball". I know this is not the end of our friendship. I want to say thank you for the big sacrifice you did for all of us, you are always gonna be our heroe. We miss you a lot its not the same without you, and we all love you a lot i know i speak for everyone when i say this. Ivan,Isabel,Helen,Victor,Bear,Sammy your bro,and i love you and miss you a lot. Thank you and God bless you. A la familia solo les quiero decir que su hijo sigue siendo alguien muy importante en mi vida nunca lo olvidare. Sigan estando orgullosos de el y gracias por abrirnos las puertas de su casa, los estimo mucho y gracias por darme a uno de los mas chistosos amigos que he tenido. Me siento muy orgullosa de haber sido parte de su vida. El es mi heroe por siempre. Gracias a toda la familia Martinez Que Dios los Bendiga"
Gabby of Duarte CA

"To the Martinez Family:
Myself along with my family was fortunate to have been a part of your sons life. Although I have only met your family one time from the first day I met Francisco you were all he could talk about. He brought a smile into every room he walked in to. Little did I know the first letter I recieved from him once he departed was going to be the last. Your family and Frank will be in my thoughts and prayers as well as my families. Thank You for bringing such a wonderful man in this world for all of us to enjoy! (Sorry about his flame tattoo if you read this that was my fault)"
Dianna Gracia of El Monte, CA

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrifice will nerver be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"Please know that your loved one Pfc. Francisco A Martinez Flores is one of my heroes. I will think of him and the others who gave their lives that I may enjoy my freedom. Every day I will say a prayer for each of the families who have given such a sacrifice. Thank you and my God bless you."
Terri Curtis of Green Forest, Arkansas

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Francisco Martinez-Flores:
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 Francisco 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 Pfc. Francisco Martinez-Flores:
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 Francisco, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"Francisco,
You will always be remembered and honored in our hearts. To the Martinez family; My deepest sympathies to you all on behalf of myself and the Bergan family"
Bobbie Wagner of Dubuque, Iowa

"You will always be a hero in our hearts, and your life was not in vain, you are now listed in the hearts of all americans, as a hero who served for the freedom of this country and I thank you and your family for this. I honor YOU."
Rudy Fierros of West covina,Ca 91791

"Thank you, for fighting for our nation,for your unselfishness. May your memory persevere long after the memories of all of us on this earth have passed. To the Martinez Flores family; you gave your son just like the lord gave his only son. God Bless You!"
Maggie of Covina, CA

"YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS."
CHRISTINA of DUARTE,CA

"I never knew that I would ever meet a HERO. but I did. I will never forget you and what you did for all of us. Your in my prayers and in my heart. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY."
of Duarte,CA.

"while returning home from shopping on Sat., I noticed my main street home had been blocked by police units. I then attempted to take a side street and was blocked again, now with no where to turn. My 6 year old son and I sat in our car in front of the police block and waited. Suddenly I saw a hurst about to pass and realized that a funeral service was occuring. Seconds later I observed several Marines looking very proud in their dress blues. At that moment I realized I was fortunate enough to be part of saying good bye to a hero. Seeing the flags and the hurst made me appreciate (more than ever) the sacrifice our military men & women (and their families) have made to keep me and my family safe. In awe I watched as endless groups of friends and family walked past. when suddenly my son from the back seat said, "wow, this person must be famous, do you think he knows spiderman?" I said to my son, spiderman is not real , but this super hero was.
Thank you for your sacrifice!"
cindy s. of el monte, ca

"Francisco, Although I never knew who you were until I saw the news your story touched my heart. I cried as many other did over your death. You seem to have been such a brave and proud soldier, a good son and friend. Your dreams were cut short but you will live in the hearts of your family forever. I wish I could thank you for fighting for this country. It was so unfair the way your life was taken away but I know that you are in a better place. Maybe one day I will see you up there...your my hero."
Me of California

"Thank you for your bravery. Rest in Peace brave Marine."
The Taylors, USMC of North Carolina

"Thank you for allowing your hero to protect our freedoms!"
Holly of VA