Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Dear Garza and Mata family Jessie Garza shared this website with me. Although it was a tragedy that brought you all together on this page and across the country I am so happy to see that the lives of these brave soldiers and their legacies willl live on forever. Let me say Thank You to all who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that my children and my family can sleep in peace at night. Thank You for your service and your heroic duty! Israel I remember you as a shy teenager and the especially the summer you, your mom and your sisters spent in Brownfield with us. You were always sweet and kind. I know that you are in heaven looking down upon all of us. God Bless you all!"
Stephanie Muniz of San Antonio TX USA

"This is Danny Koch. We put on a dinner last yerar for the families that had lost a soldier in Iraq. Will have our second dinner honoring our fallen heroes; their families as well as wounded warriors. Like for the Garza family to attend again."
Danny Koch of Lubbock, Texas

"Thinking of you Israel on this April 4th 2012. Your not only my son's best friend but one of my heroes.
mother of Spc. Robert Ray Arsiaga"
Sylvia Macias of Midland, Tx

"Isreal my son ,its been eight years today ,since youve been gone.they say memories are golden --well--maybe thats true .i never wanted memories .[i only wanted you]amillion times ;i,needed you.a million,tears i cried.if love alone could have saved you .you would have never died.if the tears that i have cried for your emptyness in my heart.could build a srairway and a path to heaven ,i would walk the path to heaven.and bring you back again.life and love goes on i know thatstrue.but never the same since loosing you.a daily thought a silent tear.rolles down my face.wishing you were here.till we meet again my only son.i am so proud of my solderwho every day i feel he is taking care of me.his old man.like he promised me.il be back dad.and i will take care of you.you will wait and see.love you always [DAD]"
santiago garza of lubbock tx

"Man, I still miss you. I still look at the pic of us the day we left. I wish i could have done something to help. To the Garza family im sorry for your lose and hope for the best your husband and father was a great friend and i was bless to know him and you. God Bless"
Jamie of Edinburg, TX

"I am a senior a mount baker high school in washington state.I just read a book on robert and i a very sorry for your loss. may he rest in the right hand of god. rest in peace robert and i am very sorry to the family and my prayers are with you.
Mcj1223@yahoo.com"
Matthew jameson of demming, washington/US

"I am a senior a mount baker high school in washington state.I just read a book on robert and i a very sorry for your loss. may he rest in the right hand of god. rest in peace robert and i am very sorry to the family and my prayers are with you.
Mcj1223@yahoo.com"
Matthew jameson of demming, washington/US

"Specialist Israel Garza, Bravo Section, 3rd "Wolfpack" Platoon, Alpha "Warriors" Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. A true friend to his men, Father to his children, and Husband to his Wife. A Man that will never be replaced in anyones heart. My Hero."
Ernie Avalos, 1SG (Ret) of Killeen, Texas

"To the family of:Israel Garza
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" 1-9-11"

"Lupita, This is Robert's mom and need to get a hold of you. If you can will you email me at sylviammacias@yahoo.com. I need a picture of Israel in his military uniform for an artist that is doing a portait of all the guys that died that day on April 4th,2004. Please when you get this message email me. Thanks"
Sylvia Macias of Midland, Texas

"Re: SPC Israel GarzA

Hello,
I represent PRAYER SHAWLS 4 FALLEN SOLDIERS (PS4FS), an organization that since October 2007 has sent over 2,800 prayer shawls to military families who have lost a loved one. We are an organization of over 240 groups from all over the country. We make every effort to reach families even when post cards are returned after they have moved. Would you kindly send me a contact email/address so that we may send a loving hand-made prayer shawl to the family? Thank you!

Cozette Haggerty, Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers
Email: ps4fs@charter.net
Website Address: http://webpages.charter.net/ps4fs/shawls"
Cozette Haggerty of Wilbraham, Mass.

"To everyone who has left a message, Thank you so much. I will print this out for my boys so they know how much everyone loved and cared about their father. I think about my husband everyday and miss him more every minute.I think I miss him the most when I see my boys smile. Tracie if you read this I want you to know that it was such a pleasure meeting you and Robert's mother. It was such an honor to be his friend and I too am glad that they left this life together as best friends.I will always love Israel."
Lupita Garza (Israel's wife) of Lubbock,Tx

"To Israel family, I will honor Israel this year by reading his name and all the other guys that died that day with him and Robert. I think of you often, but more on this April 4th. Thank you Israel for your service and sacrifice
04-04-04"
Sylvia Macias of Midland, Texas

"January 12, 2009
To the family of Spc. Israel Garza:
Israel 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

"Dear Garza Family,

I served with Israel in Ft Benning Georgia as part of the Delta Dragons in basic training. He was a soft spoken gut who I enjoyed very much. I recenetly read the book of his passing and was sad to come and find that years after meeting him that I would come to find he was killed in action. My deepest condolenses go out to all who lost a great man and even better patriot."
wesley headdress of wolf point, Mt

"July 17th 2008
11:52am

Dear Garza Family: I served in iraq with him an Arsiaga. I wasn't too close to him but i can recall he and Robert Arsiaga were; in fact they look so much alike. On April 4th 2004 we were on chow line when I saw them both a few feets on front of me talking and laughing not knowing that and hour later I will see them both laying dead next to me. Despite those horrible memories I will always remember Garza with an smile on his face. MY deep sympathy to all of you. We have to remember that he is in paradice next to our Lord enjoying the real life.. If anyone wishes to contact me my email is warriorb6a@yahoo.com

GOD BLESS YOU ALL."
Former Sgt. Fabrizzio Panimboza of Kansas City, Missouri

"Dear Garza Family: I served in iraq with him an Arsiaga. I wasn't too close to him but i can recall he and Robert Arsiaga were; in fact they look so much alike. On April 4th 2004 we were on chow line when I saw them both a few feets on front of me talking and laughing not knowing that and hour later I will see them both laying dead next to me. Despite those horrible memories I will always remember Garza with an smile on his face. MY deep sympathy to all of you. We have to remember that he is in paradice next to our Lord enjoying the real life.. If anyone wishes to contact me my email is warriorb6a@yahoo.com

GOD BLESS YOU ALL."
Fabrizzio Panimboza of Kansas City, Missouri

"Israel was my nephew he was a very cute little boy, who turned into a handsome man.He has a beautiful mother and beautiful sisters.I am so proud of Israel and the sacarfice he gave to his country.His grandfather "my dad" fought in World War two,his second cousin fought in Vietnam,they both came home alive.I live in Magnolia,De where Israel first landed in US soil. Dover Air force Base. When I was inform he had landed I called my sister and told her he is home. Thank you Israel.... your aunt Cookie.My husband is retired Air Force..........."
Helen Candelaria of Magnolia,Delaware

"Israel was my nephew he was a very cute little boy, who turned into a handsome man.He has a beautiful mother and beautiful sisters.I am so proud of Israel and the sacrafice he gave to his country.His grandfather "my dad" fought in World war two,his second cousin fought in Vietnam,they both came home alive.I live in Magnolia,De where Israel first landed in US soil. Dover Air force Base. When I was inform he had landed I called my sister and told her he is home. Thank you Israel.... your aunt Cookie.My husband is retired Air Force..........."
Helen Candelaria of Magnolia,Delaware

"Israel was my nephew he was a very cute little boy, who turned into a handsome man.He has a beautiful mother and beautiful sisters.I am so proud of Israel and the sacrafice he gave to his country.His grandfather "my dad" fought in World war two,his second cousin fought in Vietnam,they both came home alive.I live in Magnolia,De where Israel first landed in US soil. Dover Air force Base. When I was inform he had landed I called my sister and told her he is home. Thank you Israel.... your aunt Cookie.My husband is retired Air Force..........."
Helen Candelaria of Magnolia,Delaware

"I want you to know how sad I am to hear of your loss. I also want you to know how proud I am of Israel--for giving his life for our freedom. I am praying for you and your family."
laura mosier of Oceanside, CA

"I want to thank all who have pray for us.and all of our pray goes to the mothers who have lose a love one thank you Israel, mom"
Dinah Mata of Hobbs ,New Mexico

"MY DEEP SORROW GOES OUT TO JIMMY AND THE FAMILY. GOD HAS TAKEN ISRAEL HOME AND SOME DAY WE TO WILL SEE HIM AGAIN. GOD BLESS YOU ISAEL AND YOUR FAMILY."
THOMAS BALDWIN of SARANAC LAKE NEW YORK

"Hello, just browsing around the internet looking for Garzas. I saw this page of Israel Garza and it does sadden me. I dont know who he was, but I'm a Garza too. Alot of family in Texas of Garza. My name is Virginia Garza. My dad is Santiago Garza. But there are alot of Garzas too. Last I heard about him was that he lives in Texas, in brownsville? Well Just want to let you know that I will be praying for your loss."
Virginia {Garza} Gandaria of Hollister. Ca. U.S.A.

"To Israel family,I'm Robert Arsiaga mom and I am so proud of our boys. I sorry it take so long to send you my message, but it been real hard. I did want to tell something that happen the other day. I was hanging some clothes that belongs to Robert in the closet and I came across some cammies I thought were Roberts. When I looked at the name on it it said Garza. I just sit there and cried and remembered what Robert use to say about him and Israel changing their clothes to trick people. So you can say that I laughed a little too. I miss Robert so much and I know that you miss Irael too, but they keep us laughing even after their not here. If you would like that jacket let me know. sylviammacias@yahoo.com"
sylvia macias of midland, texas

"GARZA YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED BY THE BLACK KNIGHTS. WE ALL MISS YOU AND PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY."
SGT. SUTHERLAND of 2-5 CAV FT. HOOD

"Dear Lupe,
Thank you for your kind words and your support. I would also like to give my deepest condolences to you and the rest of your family. I know we didnt know each other for a long time but any friend of my husband is a friend of mine and you both were one of the best friends that Robert had and I'm happy to say that I'm glad that I got the chance to meet the both of you. I am so proud of our husbands for the sacrifice they made and unselfish dedication to make this world more peaceful and more free. If you or your family need someone to talk to I am always here. You can reach me at 4325221838 or email me at traciearsiaga@yahoo.com. Once again I'm truely sorry and god bless you and your family. I'm glad that my husband left with a very special person we both held dear to our hearts and for that thank you both it means alot to me that he didnt go alone. I will forever honor there memory."
Tracie Arsiaga spouse of SPC. Robert Ray Arsiaga of Midland, TX

"Israel, my Brother in arms. You've paid the ultimate cost. For this, you and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank You."
Jose Benitez Jr., SrA, USAF of Lubbock,Texas

"Thank You for serving your country and for protecting your people. You are a hero in my eyes forever."
Diana of Forest Hills, New York

"I would like to thank all of those who took the time to put the Garza family in their thoughts. I didn't realize this website was set up. I just stumbled across it by accident. I hope and pray that all those who have lost loved ones throughout the world during these past few years can find peace in knowing that their loved ones fought bravely for freedom and peace, not only in America but also around the world."
Santiago Garza (Father of Israel Garza) of Lubbock, Texas

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

"To the family and friends of Israel Garza, what a terrible loss has befallen us all. He was a wonderful person and friend who died fighting for what he believed in most. Thank you Israel. We all love you and miss you very much. My prayers are with his wife, Lupe, and his children."
Crystal Britton of Lubbock, Tx USA

"to the family of israel garza. i am michael mitchell's sister, and i believe he was was also killed in this attack that took your loved one. my heart goes out to you because i know that my family is feeling the same grief, frustration and heartache. my family is still searching for more information on exactly what happened that day. we know that mike was not ordered to go out on that "patrol", but volunteered to "help out his buddies". although we know it will not bring him back, we are looking to find out more specific information in regards to that day. if you have anything you would like to share, or would just like to talk, please email me at formichaelwilliammitchell@charter.net"
christine jayroe of atascadero, ca usa

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

"Thank you Israel for loving your country and your fellow americans enough to do such a brave job for us all. We have 2 marine sons and 1 army son-in-law and your bravery and committment goes far deeper than most people will ever understand. We pray God will help your loved ones to understand and accept the committment you made and realize you'll never leave their hearts nor their memories of what a wonderful person you must've been!"
S & R Doggett of Lubbock, Texas

"On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincere condolences. We share the same loss...the same pain. Our prayers are with you and we thank you for your child's bravery & sacrifice.

From the family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

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