Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"19 years! Still missing you"
Cristina Draucker of Bakersfield, CA USA

"Jorge, I miss you. GOD called you to his side early. You are a special one. Te extraño, no eras solo un primo pero mi hermano. Happy Memorial Day primo!

Jasty, Thank you for making him happy and even though he didn’t meet Alonso, he was so proud to be a daddy soon!"
Cristina Draucker of Bakersfield, CA USA

"Love and miss you primo!!!! Mi hermano. My brother. Always missed and always thinking of you."
Cristina Draucker Gonzalez of Bakersfield CA

"Miss you cousin. Thank you for your sacrifice-i feel honored to call you my cousin. ❤️ 🇺🇸"
Julie Gomez of CA

"Thank you all for your loving messages he’s in my mind everyday
he was an amazing brother to my family
to me he was more than a brother he was my best friend and a role model i always strive to be like him even though his death came early and unexpected It burned a fire in my heart
When I feel down on my luck I read these kind messages and remember how much of an amazing person he was and it always makes me feel empowered and happy so thank everyone that still comes and sees these messages and keeps my big brother in their mind and hearts I love you all"
Alan Gonzalez of Rialto california

"Thinking of you everyday and especially today, when our Nation thinks of you and your brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate price. Love you and miss you cousin, i look forward to the day i see you again."
Julie of South Gate, CA

"May Jesus Bless you and your homes with love and joy as you reflect on your loved one's memories this upcoming holiday season. Semper Fidelis USMC Vet"
Matthew of CORONA,CA

"May Jesus Bless you and your homes with love and joy as you reflect on your loved one's memories this upcoming holiday season. Semper Fidelis USMC Vet"
Matthew of CORONA,CA

"What's up Gonzalez? Been a long time. Hope you're practicing your spades game because we aren't going to be on teams anymore when I get up there if you haven't been. All that time studying armor ID while being the lucky ones helping out Combat Cargo. Still some pretty awesome times. Both of our wives were pregnant. I hate you never got to see your son, you deserved better. I know you were fighting like hell to get back though, those mortars were singing freedom with every charge. God bless, and Semper Fi."
Ryan Steiger of Kabul Afghanistan

"Everyday is memorial day for many families such as mine. Its not a day day of fun but rather a somber day in which we dedicate to the remembrace of all who served, not just our family members. Today we grieve together, in unison, for the void of those who unselfishly paid the ultimate price so that we may continue to enjoy the freedoms of this wonderful country. Thank you for your sacrifice Jorge, how I wish ypu were here. We love you & miss you."
julie of CA, USA

"12 years to the day-still miss you my cousin and brother in arms...you are STILL, NOT FORGOTTEN. We are forever indebted to your sacrifice and that of your family."
Saul Gomez, Chief Petty Officer of United States Navy

"To the family of Jorge Gonzales, I ride with the Patriot Guard Riders and had the honor today of placing a Wreath on Jorge grave site. Thank you for his service to our country. RIP Jorge"
pete camarda of San Diego, CA

""Once a marine, always a marine." It is people like Jorge who the war movies are made from. But no movie can re-make a life that was so short lived. I would like to thank Jorge for making the greatest choice one can make in a life and that is to lay down your life for the greater good of the world to protect it with all your might, to dedicate your life to not only the United States Marine Corps, not only the United States of America, but dedicate and lay your life on the line for freedom throughout the world. I did not know you nor will I ever. But I would like to take the 10 minutes it will take me to write this to thank you for protecting and defending the United States and the world. Semper fi- "Always Faithful"."
John Paul of Canada

"I walked among the Garden of Stones in this hallowed place this morning and came across CPL Gonzalez's marker. Though I did not know him, I had to stop and contemplate his sacrifice. Too young.. God Bless you, CPL"
LDCR, USNR of Upstate NY, USA

"Para Mario hey if any one knows there new address or phone number can u guys let them know that gerardo barajas is trying to get a hold off them for years i havent had the guts to go see them since i came back from iraq i feel guilty because i got two chances to come back homeafter getting 2 purple hearts i will gladly give him one of mine if it willbring him back and my buddy didnt even have one soy llo el hijo de barajas and tell ur mom i have held on to all the words she told me before i left to iraq but i had to get some for my buddy i have something for here for years i brought back i promised here here call me 6263772825 please any one who could get a hold of them give them this number."
gerardo barajas of west covina

"Today marks my cousins eight year anniversary and the pain of losing him is not any easier. However, it makes me smile to read all these messages and to know that he will NEVER be forgotten. Thank you all you thoughts and prayers. God bless."
Julie Gomez of Los Angeles, CA

"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!""
Denna' Muncy of St. Thomas, USVI

"You are not forgotten. We met briefly met before the war began, and both served in Nasiriyah. I too had just had baby born a few days before Jasty. Little time passes where I do not think about you or your daughter. For what it is worth, my son just turned 7, and I do not take one day with him for granted.

Semper Fi"
of 29 palms, CA

"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

"With another year going by you are still missed. Hopefully your family is fine. I still remember your face when you heard the news about your baby being born. He was one happy man that day.
Doc Jamison"
eric d jamison of LANSING, MI

"To the Family and Friends of Cpl. Jorge A. Gonzalez. My condolences and deepest sympathy to you. Cpl. Gonzalez will never be forgotten as long as I live. I wear the Heros bracelet with His name on it always. I didn't know Him personally. But one day I will service with Him at Heavens Gates. Cpl. Gonzalez my Brother my Hero. SEMPER FI"
Cpl. Gonzalez, A.C. of Chino, Ca

"DEAR MRS. GONZALEZ, I WANTED TO PAY MY RESPECTS TO YOU AND JORGE. I KNEW HIM WELL AND HE WAS A GOOD MAN, MARINE AND HERO. YOUR FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYERS. SINCERELY MATTHEWS"
MATTHEWS of GEORGIA

"Hey bro, I just found this site and thought I would leave you a message...
I remember the day I found out about you, I was in Iraq when the computers finally came up and my sis e mailed me saying that she saw our platoon pic from boot camp. Man I was so pissed and sad that you had to go like that.. I was down the way during that figh..from what I remember our Battalion broke down and we were on the side of the road...I wish I could've talked to you out there..I remember the last time we talked was on the phone and we were supposed to meet up in LA....
I remember talking with your mom at our family day in bootcamp and remember her telling me that she was scared that you were going to get hurt out there..i feel bad that your mom had to find out the way she did. Well man I will always remember you from bootcamp when we got all the hispanics together and hung out all day while we were supposed to be cleaning the base..lol good times bro..I will see you soon and will be next to you up there fighting the good fight....cuidate bro...p.s. we could've been police together..I work for PHX P.D. now...man we could've chased down some bad guys together...."
Sgt. Chichil, Jesus 1/4 of San Gabriel, CA in Phoenix ,AZ

"January 29, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Jorge A. Gonzalez:
Jorge 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

"Your son is a true heroe, we share the same name and I felt compelled to let you know it is because of brave people like your son America is known as home of the brave."
Jorge Armando Gonzalez of San Antonio Texas

"hey you all are kind full for thinking about my bro he is a real nice guy but he went to the marines to be a cop but he needed some skill to join."
alan c gonzalez of rialto ca

"I am a student at a junior high and we are writing an essay about about The Fallen Heroes, and I chose Jorge. He seems like a true hero. My essay was not hard at all to write. The words people say about him has really helped me. I am so sorry about your son. May he be in peace."
christina of Amarillo,Texas/United States

"Thank you for not forgetting. Jorge we still miss you."
Nancy Gonzalez of Rialto, Ca

"May 30, 2007
To the family of Jorge A. Gonzalez. Jorge 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

"Jorge always made me happy even when I was sad I should know hes my brother & he was always helping anyone that needed him & even though hes not here in the flesh hell always be with me."
A loving sister

"Jorge. last time I saw you we played soccer together and rode our bikes to long beach. I was so proud of you then and I still am. I truly miss you. Being at your funeral was not a pleasent experience but I knew that it would not be the last time that I would see you."
Eddie Escobar of El Monte HS Class of 00

"Jorge,
I would like to say thank you to you and all the other Marines from 2nd MEB who were killed fighting in An Nasiriyah that day for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"To the family... I served with Jorge. During the annual rifle squad competition he was in my fire team and I was constantly stunned at how he could take a stressful situation and make it hilarious. I constantly remember him and the sacrifice he made. I'm proud to have served with him."
Jacob Warner of Madison, WI

"Im very sorry for what happend. At least we know that he is in a better place,he died with honor and pride and I give all my respects to him and his family.Also to all the fallen soldiers"
Tanya of Rialto

"To the family of CPL. Gonzalez J.A. I served with Jorge in Charlie co. He was a good man and Marine, You could say he was one of my best-friends. My wife and I were thier witnesses at thier wedding. Not a day goes by that I dont think of him and all our fallen brothers. He will always remain in my heart and prayers. To his wife and son, we love you."
Sgt. colella, Richard of Jacksonville, N.C.

"To the family of CPL. Gonzalez J.A. I served with Jorge in Charlie co. He was a good man and Marine, You could say he was one of my best-friends. Me and my wife where thier witnesses at thier wedding. Not a day goes by that I dont think of him and all our fallen brothers. He will always remain in my heart and prayers. To his wife and son, we love you."
Sgt. colella, Richard of Jacksonville, N.C.

"you will truly be missed gonzo,I hope to see you on the other side..you was a very good friend and you had a good heart.rest in peace"
x-sailor patrick medina of miami,fl

"To the family and friends of Jorge my deepest condolences. I didn't know Jorge but I graduated in 2000 from EMHS. I found out about him when I went to visit my mom, I think him and his brother played soccer with my mom's next door neighbor. The war doesn't really hit hom until you lose a loved one. I also had a friend pass and left his wife and kids. Those who have fallen will live forever in the hearts of those left behind. May God bless you all. To Jorge, thank you my brother in service...you will never be forgotten. Que en pas descanses, dios te bendiga. Nos veremos algun dia."
SrA Erika Castro, USAF of Tucson, Arizona

"hey jorge i didnt knoe you at all but i knoe that you are a hero..and i'm so glad to have had the chance to meet you're familia they are great people..i'm so happy that i knoe you're wife she is such an amazing and wonderful person.i wish i couldeve met you in life but i have a feeling that in death when my time comes i will get to meet you..a person i will alwayz knoe as a hero who risked his life for us back here in the U.S...we'll i must be going.."
Mara of salem,oregon

"Jorge,
I did not know you in life and that I am sad for. But because of you I know what true courage and bravery are. You are a true Hero!"
Fire Lt. Darci Fraser of Spokane, Washington

"Jorge,

I tried to make Fallen Heros Memorial Educational Fund a reality, but couldn't follow through. I wanted it to be an educational trust fund for your son. I didn't know how to start it, and got flack from people who thought I was a fraud. I hope that there is still someone out there that can make the Fallen Heros Educational Memorial Childrens Fund a reality. It would bring such peace of mind for the families of those left behind to know that their childrens Educations are paid for. Please understand that I tried hard. Please contribute to Jorges son's Education Fund by contacting the El Monte Police Officers Association in El Monte California.

Jasty, take life one day at a time.

Please rest in Peace, my Brother. Semper Fi."
Matt Manzano of Perris, Ca

"To the friends and family of Jorge A. Gonzalez:
Don't worry, he has seen his son, for he watches over you all from heaven every day. I am sincerelly sorry for your loss and want you to know how much I appreciate your loved ones sacrifice. It takes a lot of courage and bravery to fight for your country. My husband, Spc Justin W. Linden was also killed in action in Iraq. May it bring you comfort to know I pray for all of the families of the fallen soldiers every single day. Each and every American Soldier is a hero in my eyes. Jorge will NEVER be forgoten!!!"
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

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

"I am in seventh grade at Barker Middle School. I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I have had people pass away as well but I had seen them all of the time. On the other hand your loved one was far far away from you and you never even got to see them right before they died. I myself couldn't imagine that happening to me because it all just seems unbelievable. I have family members around the same age and I worry about them even though their not even at war. So I hope you can get through it."
Kasey of Barker, NY

"To start I am a seventh grader that was very interested on your son's desription. This is a project that our social studies class is doing for the people who have done their best to keep our country free. I am so sorry for the loss of your son. When I read about how he had a new 3 -week old baby it literally broke my heart knowing that he wouldn't be able to see his son grow up. It must be really hard knowing that the day he past on is coming up. I hope that everyone that adored him can get through their lives without him. I especially give all of my heart to his wife Jasty for her loss as well as to her raising her son all by herself. I wish you all the best from now on!"
Kasey of Barker, NY

"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

"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. Jorge , will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. We cannot imagine the horror you had to face on the news... We are so very sorry! Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Just God can comprehend the pain that you must feel. There are really no words that we can say that will describe what his death meant. God just probably needed one of his angels back to look over you."
Jay of San Francisco, CA

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

"May you find comfort in knowing how many Americans share in your sadness and loss.. Jorge is a TRUE HERO! Prayers and Condolences to his loved ones.
Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom..We will never forget!! Semper Fi!"
The Grogan Family (USMC) of Lakeland, TN

"Jorge... My deepest love and gratitude go out to you and your family for your ultimate sacrifice to keep America free. You will always be in my prayers. GOD BLESS YOU!"
Trica Deblois of Watsonville, Ca/USA

"Thank you Jorge Gonzalez, 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

"Jorge was one of my best friends along with his brother Mario. We played soccer together at EMHS and the nicest memory I have of him is when he came down from N.C and we rode our bikes for almost 8 hrs. straight and now that he's gone it will never be the same. Jorge will be in my memories and heart for as long as I shall live. I still don't understand why he died but I do understand why he was there... I will see you again Jorge..."
Eddie Escobar of El Monte, CA.

"To the Family of Cpl. Jorge Gonzalez, You have my heart cause I knew Jorge. I served in 1st Bn. 8th Marines. Even though we were in diffrent Bn. we still managed to stay friends and go out together. May god bless you and remember that he gave his life in the fight for freedom not just for us but the entire world. Semper Fi"
Sgt. Jason Mosqueda of 4th MEB (Anti-Terrorism)

"To the Family of Cpl. Jorge Gonzalez,
You have my heart cause I knew Jorge. I served in 1st Bn. 8th Marines. Even though we were in diffrent Bn. we still managed to stay friends and go out together. My god bless you and remember that he gave his life in the fight for freedom not just for us but the entire world. Semper Fi"
Sgt. Jason Mosqueda of 4th MEB (Anti-Terrorism)

"Thanks to everyone for supporting our family in the time of need. When one is need is one finds out who true friends are. Thank you all for your support."
Jessica H. Gonzalez of Bakersfield California

"Cpl Jorge A. Gonzalez was my cousin it really hard to go on without him I mean i think it's all joke sometimes and i think he will call and say hey im here. On his birthday and every month the day he died i get really sad. During holidays to because we always used to kick it together.We would go ride bikes on the bike route and he would always pull the craziest stunts. I really admired him i still do. When i am old enough i want to join the marines. I am only 15 right know but i have been trying to join the you marine corp. He was the best cousin i had and i will always have his memory in heart he will always be with me always."
Jessica H. Gonzalez of Bakersfield California

"To the Family and Friends of Cpl. Jorge Gonzalez,
May the memories and the birth of Jorge's son be a source of comfort and strength to you at this time. Our family will not forget him, nor his bravery . . . for he is and always will be a HERO!
Respectfully Yours,"
The Sibert Family of Redondo Beach, California

"I knew Jorge, he was one of the nicest and most honest people I have ever met and he was the world to so many people. I just want to say to Jasty, wherever you are, I am praying for you and your son. And to his family, I am so sorry for your loss and I keep you in my prayers at all times also. Thank you Gonzalez, you will never be forgotten and we love you."
Joey of Pittsburgh, PA

"Brave soldier...I bow my head in deep gratitude for your courage and your sacrifice. You will never be forgotten, for your incredible bravery and service has humbled me and touched my life deeply. Thank you and GOD bless you, Jorge. My prayers are with your loved ones...God Bless..."
susan choi of San Diego, 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

"We live in a place where everyday is war when we dont know when we might die but you gave your life for us when you bearly started to live your own and even if we never met you we keep your spirit alive Who says we have to meet you so that we can love you your still one of us even if you past on"
Anamarie Salguero BoogottiBabe@aol.com of Rialto California

"To the family and friends of Cpl. Jorge Gonzalez:
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 Jorge 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. Jorge Gonzalez:
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 Jorge, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"Thank you for fighting for the freedom of the Iraqi people, you wont be forgotten..."
Josh of Franktown, Colorado

"Rest In peace Marine...God bless you..."
Martha Garza of Ft. Hood, Texas

"Thank you for your sacrifice so many can live free."
Nancy of Ocala FL