Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"This Veterans Day I stumbled upon your page and saw many familiar names. I’m happy so many people still keep you in their memories like we do. Thank you for being with my family and being such a huge friend/uncle/tio. I wish you were here to hear all of our dumb stories that are so funny and weird. Real up your alley in terms of humor!! Beer today in your name."
M

"Shawn, its been about 15 years since you left us. And there is not many days that I don't think about you. I always picture what life would be like if you were still here. I looked up to you in so many ways. I was 10 when I got the news, and I was heartbroken. I didn't understand back then why you always had to leave. But I have grown since then, and I am so proud to have know you. You were such an amazing man, friend, uncle, and father figure. I also think of your parents from time to time, and hope they are doing well. I remember going to visit them and getting to stay with them for a little while. I love and miss you so much. <3"
Brianna Dean of Red Oak, Texas

"Still often think of Shawn. 15 years now, a loss for everyone. Reading these messages and knowing him myself, he was an all American and a great guy. The best of what this country has produced. It was an honor to serve with him."
RK of Washington, DC

"G'day Shawn,
I will never forget you mate. You took me under your wing and mentored me on my first home drill,
I will see you in Fiddler's Green, Brother."
Anzac of Dallas, Texas.

"Shawn never leaves my thoughts. Every time I see a marine I think of him. We worked together at Worldcom. He was a really good friend to me and helped me stay in shape and stay in the gym. To the Graham family your son was an amazing person and it was a blessing to know him. When I say my prayers each night I always say hello."
Toshia K of Wylie, Texas

"To the family of Shawn Graham's family, I just found out today about Shawn's death. Looking at an old wedding picture we took together back in 1992. The caption read RIP Shawn Graham, I hit the floor...I've never seen Shawn without a smile on his face...every time I went into the test shop he would give me a " what have you broken now look" but he always fixed the problem. I was trying to find everyone from that 1993 Platoon that served in Somalia because I was planning a 20 year reunion at Camp Lejuene. After learning about two other Marines Deaths who served with Shawn, Lcpl Juan McAfee and SSGT Maurice Anderson this made me want to find everyone even more because we were more than a Comm Plt we were brothers. My heart goes out to you Mrs Graham, Shawn was a true friend and I will never forget him...I thank God I had the opportunity to serve with a true American Hero!
Roderick "Sandman" Sanders Conyers, Georgia
rsanders37@hotmail.com"
Roderick Sanders of Conyers, Ga USA

"Shawn was one of my best friends while we both served with 1/2 at Camp Lejeune. I have thousands of great memories of times spent with Shawn. We even took a road trip up to PA for a 96 over New Years one time. I had the pleasure of meeting his wonderful family and his dad took us to the local VFW post to have a few cold ones. He also took a few road trips home with me to Charlotte NC. I will never forget my time spent with Shawn. Somalia,the USS WASP, Abu Dubai, all the places...I will never forget him. It my honor to have known him. God Bless the Graham family."
Jesse Reynolds of West Jefferson, NC

"Shawn was one of my childhood friends. I have very fond memories of staying over at his house one weekend when we were kids with everybody and watching "Kelly's Hero's" on TV. Shawn was a great guy and I'm thinking of, and missing him, especially today on Memorial Day."
Daemon Hobbs, Lt Col, USAF of Honolulu, HI

"To the Family of Shawn, My name is Heath Culberson, I Served in the Marine Corps with him. I was a Member of 1/2 Communications Platoon. Shawn and I were not only roommates, but became close friends during that time of our lives. He and I were roommates in Okinawa Japan, went many places together, lifted weights together. Shawn had went with me to my parents home in Ormand Beach, Florida while we were at Camp Lejeune, NC. I am so sorry that we lost contact and I am just now learning of his passing. The only thing I can say is Sgt. Shawn A. Graham is one of the greats. A True Hero in Body, Mind and Spirit. Frankly, I am so sorry for the loss of contact, Webster doesn't even have the words for how I am feeling right now. It is so Odd as well, that I learn of this On Mother's Day. To Mrs. G. "May God so Bless you........." I'm sorry I dont' have the words. Now to my Brother, Shawn Graham, With Love and God's Speed, Your Spirit Lives on in each of us. I think I can speek for all of those at 1/2 Comm Platoon and all of those that served with you around the globe, you are an "Eternal Flame in our Hearts" my friend.... Semper Fi...
hculberson313@yahoo.com"
Heath Culberson of Falmouth, Kentucky, USA

"Thank you young man for the last message you wrote about Shawn..."
Mrs. G

"I currently serve in Baghdad in the same position doing the same job Shawn served in when he was killed. In our offices we have a memorial with his picture and details of his life and his service. I pass the memorial every day and think of his sacrifice and the sacrifice of his family. He is not forgotten, and his life and example will always be a reminder to us of the terrible price he and so many others have paid. Feb 2011."
JCIU SCID of International Zone, Baghdad

"My son, Ben Childs, was a part of the 124th/36th out of Ft. Worth, Texas. He personally knew Shawn Graham, and still remembers the exact date of this heroic young man's death. My son came back from Iraq a very different man from the naive and trusting boy that he left behind. However, he still remembers all of his fallen comrades, and they will be forever in his thoughts and prayers. I am grateful that Ben came back in one (physical) piece, but I will always grieve for the friends that he left behind. It was truly an honor to have met and known some of his "Army Family." May God bless and sustain you in the loss of your fallen heroes."
Cathye Childs of Frisco, Texas, USA

"Just learned about this site. So many memories with Shawn. He was on of my closest friends. I really miss him."
R Mulholland of Franklin, PA

"I only met you once when my wife and I traveled to San Antonio. I am honored that I had the chance to meet you. You gave your life so that others can enjoy freedom. I will make sure that I will always remember what you did for everyone. I keep each and every soldier close to my heart. Thank you Shawn for serving our country and helping others that want the same freedoms that we enjoy here in our country."
Salvatore Torelli of Culpeper, Virginia

"Just found out from my old friend Billy what happened to Shawn. The three of us were roommates at Camp Lejeune in 1993. He slept on the bunk below me on the USS Wasp for 6 months. He was a lot of fun and one hell of a Marine. Shawn loved being a Marine. My heart goes out to his family and friends.I only wish I had not lost touch with him. Now it is too late. Make sure you tell the people close to you how much they mean to you everyday. He will be missed."
Leon Schoemmell of East Setauket,NY

"I miss uncle Shawn because he was one of my best uncle and he died in the war. He played with me a lot and I never had an uncle like that. I now that he is in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ and one day I will see him again. I pray peace in the hearts of those who loved him."
Geovanni Villalpando of West Columbia Texas USA

"GySgt. B if you are on the site again, please leave a e-mail address."
Mrs. G

"wow you will always be remmembered
luve your niece was here
10/20/09 7:30 pm"
valerie of WEST COLUMBIA

"Thank you GySgtB I still read the board, can't help it. You are right, Shawn was always a Marine. 9-09"
Mrs. G

"To all of Sgt Graham's family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. I met and worked with Sgt Graham when he was a Marine, stationed at Camp Pendleton Ca. He was devoted to serving his country and I am proud to have known him. I have known about what happened since shortly after it happened and was truly saddened to hear about it. I know he was in the Army, but to me, Once a Marine, Always a Marine. To Shawn's mother, I have one son and I can't fathom the pain of losing a child. God bless you and the rest of your family."
GySgt, B, USMC of California

"Dear Graham Family,Shawn will not be forgotten. You are in our prayers. IN CHRIST,"
Pam Danny Reid of Saginaw,Tx.

"To the Family: We have some wonderful pictures of Shawn and would be happy to send you copies. Email littleonesmia@aol.com w/info on where to send. It makes my heart hurt missing him"
Billy & Stephanie Paschall of Rudy Ar

"this is his neice we all miss shawn
valerie villalpando rest in peice 3/10/09"
valerie villalpando of west coulombia, TX

"I check the message board to this day, probably always will. To the young man who left the last message, thank you. It was very kind of you to give the details about meeting up with Shawn for the flights home and back. Thank you for remembering Shawn, he was a very special person indeed. Our family has met many great people because of Shawn, and I feel blessed to meet each and every one. It keeps Shawn alive in all our lives. God bless all who serve. Shawns mom 12-6-08"
Mrs. Graham

"I knew your son very well. He and I were in the same unit together in Dallas. I Troop 124 Cav. We met up together in Kuwait and sat beside each other on the plane ride home. I was going on R&R from Afghanistan. We talked the entire 23 plus hour plane ride. We met again at the airport here in DFW and flew back to Kuwait where we discussed what we had done and had made plans to get together when we both returned home from the wars. If only I knew that I would not see him again on this earth I would have thought of such better things to say in our departure. I saw your son days before he was killed. I remember recieving the news. I for some reason decided to look at the Dallas Morning news on line on day while I was in Bagram, Afghanistan. The headline appeared and I lost it. I recieved a phone call later that day from Joe Rodriguez telling me the same news. I have struggled with this for a few years now. I can not even imagine what Shawn's family has gone thru and the pain they must feel. I just want you to know that I miss your son and that I share the pain you feel as well. I will never forget Shawn. He was a great friend and the most heroic man I ever had the pleasure of knowing and serving with. I wear a fallen soldier braclet in his memory to remember him and to help me deal with the pain. God Bless you Shawn and I can't wait to see you on the other side man."
James Lindholm of Burleson, Texas

"August 3, 2008
To the family of Sgt. Shawn A. Graham:
Shawn 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

"The family of SSGT SHAWN A.GRAHAM would like to say thank you to everyone for their prayers,and kind words . We must never forget our men and women from any generation, and the ones who still serve. Our prayers and thoughts are always with our military families. Please pray for our wounded soldiers, who seem to be forgotten."
Mrs. Graham

"May God Bless each and every family member and friend at the passing of Shawn, a fellow brother in arms.

Thank You Shawn!, for your dedication and commitment to your Family, Friends, Country, and the Freedom that you have given to us and others around the world.

Semper Fi!
USMC"
Dan Webb of Brandon, Mississippi

"We have both been deeply saddened to learn of this tragedy. Shawn was my best man at our wedding in Jacksonville, NC in 1995. We shared alot of good times back those days in 1/2 Comm. Plt. Shawn and I were friends and brothers from the day he checked in. I will never forget all trips we made together both here, and overseas. I'll never forget traveling to my family's home here in AR in his beloved '69 Mustang. One of the best friends I ever had without a doubt. Our hearts go out to all of his family. Semper Fi Shawn, God Bless and God Speed. You will be missed by all."
Billy and Stephanie Paschall of Rudy, AR

"Mrs. Graham,

My email is hayes_jax@bellsouth.net"
Thomas Hayes of Jacksonville, FL

"hi its mitchell brantley my moms name is deana incremona shawn used to live with us in redoak texas until the day he was shiped out to fight well i know its been a while sine i have found this place again but i really miss him personaly and loved him like my uncle { thats what my brother and sister called him uncle shawn } well im glad i found this place and wish him a happy after life i mss you man"
mitchell brantley of red oak tx .

"Your birthday just passed and we were thinking about the crazy things you used to say when you were around the family. We miss your big smile. When I talk to Lupe there isn't a day that passes that we don't talk about you. Thank you for all you did for our country. We love and miss you.!!"
The Perez Family of San Antonio, TX

"You will be missed brother. I know you are in a better place now and know that you will never be forgotten. SGT. Graham was loving family man, outstanding soldier, and faithful friend. I will never forget the good times we shared especially at 19D CAV SCOUT MOS training way before the IRAQ deployment.. RIP brother.. Michael Almon"
SGT Michael Almon of THE USA

"Thomas Hayes, if you see this message please leave your e-mail address."
Shawns mom

"To the family of:Shawn A Graham 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"

"Semper Fi. Sgt Graham may have left this earth as an Army soldier but to the Marines from 1st Battalion 2nd Marines, Comm platoon he will live in our memory as a Sgt in the Marine Corps forever.Sgt Graham may you rest in peace, you will not be forgotten. It was a pleasure knowing you and serving with you. thank you for all you have sacrificed in the name of freedom. from one Marine to another Semper Fi..."
P. Tucker of Lynn Ma.

"I will always have a place in my heart for Shawn. He and my son, Elliott, were such good friends while growing up. They were always getting into trouble together - especially when they ate all Elliott's sister's freshly baked cookies! I feel proud and honored to have known him, and it is so difficult to believe he is gone. We will always miss him and he will never be forgotten."
Gloria Householder of New Brighton, PA, USA

"I miss you very much Shawn . I never thought that there would be a day that I would never see you again . I am so sorry that I never contacted you in almost ten years . The times we drifted apart we always connected when you were home in Grove City . Man I still cant believe your gone . I really did think you would always be a phone call away . You are my closest friend , even in death you are in my thoughts everyday . Every day I think of you of our childhood of your frequent groundings , your crazy ideas , playing with matches , fights , going to Ginos and Damons , and all the other stuff we didnt get caught doing . I wont forget you Shawn . I'm sure I,ll see you someday ."
Elliott Hall of State College , Pa

"I feel like I grew up with Shawn. I have so many memories of him and I will never forget him. Shawn, you were my best friend even when we didn't keep in touch. I know that you were happy and that alone eases my sorrow. You were always a soldier, even in 10th grade when you organized the gang to go on a mission: out to my house in the country, dressed in full camo, in the middle of the night to camp out on my back porch to surprise me in the morning. Too bad my dad found you, Vince, Mark, and Jon at 3 or 4 in the morning! I miss knowing that you are out there fighting for our country. I miss you."
Laura Buck of Sharon, PA

"Shawn and I were buddies in the Marine Corps. He was a good a friend as one could find. I just found out today that he had passed. I know he loved serving and I thank God for the time I had to spend with "Debo""
Thomas Hayes of Jax, FL

"my name is Cassidy and i am a volunteer for the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run. We are a group of people that have built a memorial wall in Marsielles Illinois for all the fallen soldiers in Mideast conflicts since Beriut. Your loved one's name will be permenently added to this wall. For any further information visit our website www.ilfreedomrun.org please e-mail me at me1196@aol.com to let me know that you have recived this message. If you decide to come to this memorial on June 19th, 2006, you will recieve VIP seating and treatment for the cermonies that day. ALL OUR WELCOMING TO HONOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS
**Cassidy"
Cassidy of Brookfield/ILL/red,white,blue

"To the family of Army Sgt. Shawn A. Graham. Thank you for raising a fine man and giving him the support and love that he needed through this rough time. Sgt. Shawn A. Graham, thank you for going in at the call of duty. I too am serving our country. If I dont make it home, I want to shake your hand and a big salute for your honor and bravery."
Lt. Shawn Graham USMC of Albuquerque,NM, USA

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
You gave your all for us and our country."
Rick Graham of Poplarville, Mississippi

"I knew Sgt Graham, when I was in 124th Cav. I top bloody bloke. He talked with me at my first home drill. Telling me how to wear my BDU's. He will be missed, by all who knew him.
LEST WE FORGET!""
Sir Andrew Bass of Ft. Worth, TX USA

"Shawn, thanks for taking care of us. You were my friend and my hero.

Rich (Pablo)"
Rich S of Colorado

"Thank you Shawn, you took good care of us."
Mollie of Baghdad, IZ

"To the Graham Family,
We would like to offer our deepest sympathy. We are friends of the Brown family and even though we never met Shawn, we will never forget Shawn. God Bless America and God Bless Shawn Graham."
Robin and Will Cole of Wilmington, NC

"To Shawn'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. Our boys are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gloria.caldas@sbcglobal.net"

"TO THE GARHAM FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. SHAWN AND OUR SON SERVED TOGETHER! NOT SURE NEITHER KNEW ONE ANOTHER. I DO KNOW BOTH DIDN'T HAVE TOO. FOR BOTH WATCHED AND PROTECTED OVER ONE ANOTHER. TODAY MY TEARS ARE WITH SHAWN, AS WITH MY SON AND ALL OUR FALLEN SOLDIER'S. SHAWN YOU A MAN THAT ANSWERED A CALLING IN LIFE THAT VERY FEW AMERICANS DO!!!! THAT TELLS ME ALOT ABOT YOU SHAWN. YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. TO THOSE IN YOUR COMMUNITY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S AND YOUR HUGE MILITARY FAMILY. SHAWN EACH HAS VERY PRECIOUS MEMORIES. THAT YOU SHARED WITH THEM. AN AS YOU ARE CREMEMEBERED TODAY, YOU WILL BE TOMORROW AND FOREVER. I SUGGEST TO YOUR FAMILY! REACH OUT TO YOUR POLITICAL LEADERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY TODAY! TO REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED AFTER SHAWN. CONFLICTS AND WAR TAKE'S YEARS TO END. SHAWN DESERVE'S HIS HONOR TODAY. SO ALL AND NO CAN EVER FORGET HIS SCARIFICE! SHAWN OUR SON SERVED IN THE IRVING NATIONAL GUARD. SHAWN YOU ARE IN MY PRAYS."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"I don't believe that any person can express the gratitude that you deserve. True comfort is only found in the Lord--he knows what your family is going through. He knowingly sent His Son to die on the cross for our sin and to set all who believe in Him free. Go to God with your troubled and wounded hearts, He is in control, and He can heal your pain."
Jennifer of Red Oak, TX

"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

"I am truly sorry for your loss and the loss of another brave Texan. May you find comfort and strength in God to face the days ahead.

Michele Carter
Sister of CPL Gary Walters
KIA in Baghdad on 24 April 2005"

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

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