Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"10 years! I feel it like it was yesterday, you are missed by so many and always will be. You will never be forgotten!!!!"
Renee Kerr of Mifflinburg, Pa

"Mike, it is hard to believe that it has been 10 years since that day in Kuwait when we lost you. Although that terrible day seems like a long time ago, many of us remember it as if it were yesterday. Over these past years, there have been many posts from your friends and family and it is always a reminder of the tremendous sacrifice that you and your family have made to ensure our way of life. So many things have happened since that day, but seeing posts from your family really brings it home just how different their lives have been without you. Although the mission has changed and it is 10 years later, you are remembered my friend! To honor you and your family, we built a training room here in Afghanistan and have dedicated it to you. This training room is 100% U.S. Navy and every inch of it is a reminder of the HONOR, COURAGE and COMMITMENT that you displayed all those many years ago! I know that you would be very proud that we use this room to make better Sailors and instruct them on everything from their Rate to EXW training. We would also like your family to know that the very first flag we flew over our new compound, we flew in honor and remembrance of you! This very special flag now hangs along with pictures of you in our training room as a reminder of the sacrifice that you and your family have made for all of us. It is our hope that when your family reads this post, that they will realize that over these many years and during their times of sadness and loss that they were not, have not and will not ever be alone. We hope that your family can find some comfort in the fact that no matter where they are or what they are going through; there are many of us all over this planet thinking and praying for them while we carry out our mission. Shipmate, we hope that they know they are in our thoughts and prayers every single day and that we promise them that you will ALWAYS be remembered!
Respectfully, LSC Chris Franklin/USN"
LSC Chris Franklin of Afghanistan

"10 years, brotha, 10 years. It is just as hard today as it was on that fateful day 10 years ago. Your presence is missed. You were truly one of the best human beings to have ever walked this earth. I wonder what you would be today if you were still here."
Randy

"On this Memorial Day 2013 I wanted you to know you are still on my mind an in my heart. I can't believe it has been 9 years my friend. So many things have changed yet so many things remain the same. MIss you buddy...."
Vicki Cangelsoi of Midlothina, VA

"Even though i didnt get to know you that much i will always remember you. When ever i walk past all of your stuff hanging down in the hallway, i read everything on them. I always look at the picture of you and me when i was a baby. I MISS YOU!"
Amanda Gray of Chesterfield Va.

"Mike, I will never forget your kindness during our readiness excerise. You made a Yankee and fellow cop feel right at home. God bless you and your family shipmate. I will never forget."
GM2 Cassalia of Elkton, MD

"Many years have passed but your memory still lives within me. You are not forgotten!!!"
RK of Mifflinburg, Pa

"Mike, was just thinking about you buddy, it has been a long time my friend. I can still remember us talking about the military back in the academy, seems like a lifetime ago. If your family finds this I want them to know you are still in my heart and I think of you often. I hope they are doing ok, I bet the girls have grown so much. Until I see you again my friend, take care."
Scott Harrell of Powhatan, Virginia USA

"X4OeOe web20power.txt;1;1"
YWqeijiRaulBbtKwU of New York

"Seven years later and you are still in my thoughts. I saw a picture of you today right before that ill-fated deployment.....what a wonderful smile..."
Aj of WV

"I can't believe how fast the years have passed. I remember that day all the time, like it was yesterday. God Bless you Tish!!"
Renee Kerr of Mifflinburg, Pa

"To the family of:Michael J Gray
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""

"Mike, you are remembered! Your family should know that although we only knew each other for a short period of time before you were lost, it was clear that you loved them with every inch of your heart and everyday you spoke of your wonderful family and how much you missed and loved them. Mike, you are missed! Thank you for your friendship!"
SK1 C. Franklin of Las Vegas, NV

"Just remembering a great guy on Memorial Day. To Mike's kids; if you find this, please know that your dad had a great sense of humor, is well liked, and a good officer."
Mike McCray of R, VA

"February 22, 2009
To the family of Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael J. Gray:
Michael 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

"Fair Winds & Following Seas...Godspeed Shipmate!"
YN2(SW) Joe Corley of Camp Patriot, Kuwait Naval Base

"Army, stationed at KNB 05-06. Every day comming out of the DFAC I saw your painted Texas barrier memorial and thought that this must be a guy that made a difference and touched people. After reading this page, I realize I was right."
SFC Bever of Wisconsin

"Tomorrow will be 3 years. The letters online have not been as frequent but I remember and won't forget. We miss you and pray for your family."
STG2 Renee Kerr of Pennsylvania

"i salute you and your family. one sailor to another. your service and final sacrifice allows the rest of us to continue living in a safer world. thank you."
michael r gray of diana texas usa

"Missed you yesterday. Happy Birthday a day late. I had one too many for you:)"

"Mikey,
Sunday will be 2 years. I can't believe you've been gone that long. I won't be able to sit and talk to you this year. But I'll talk with Tisha and Jenny. Hopefully I'll get to visit with Tish and the girls while I'm home in June. Watch out for Jenny this year. Thank you for her friendship. You're the reason she's my best friend. Thank you for showing me what it means to be a loving, selfless friend. I'll always be a better person for knowing you. I miss you."
Beth Spaulding of Palm Harbor, FL

"I WILL NOT FORGET YOUR LOST"
EM1(AW) RODNEY S JOHNSON USN RETIRED of CHESAPEAKE, VA

"Mike, it's creeping up on Veterans Day, and all the boy's began talk of getting together with you and celebrating. We have not forgotten, and never will forget the sacrifice you made for us. We know that each night when we mark 10-41, that you are riding shotgun with all of us. We always know we have a backup when it counts. Tish, Cam, Amanda, Avery, and Emma... I think about you guys everyday and keep you in my prayers even though I don't see you guys as much as i would like to. God Bless you all."
Brian Rhodenizer of Chesterfield Va.

"As A Texas peace officer of 13 years on the street and have served the state ,county , city and THE U.S. Navy i left l.e. to serve in the Navy My Prayers are with you my Peace officers lic. was taken away when I went in the Navy But Im going back on the street God willing When I get back I will Put MICHAEL J. GRAY as a witness on my 1st arrest report ! he is still looking over my shoulder ...A Brother Of the BLUE ... at least I will all ways have back up !!!!"
Karl of Conroe ,tx USA

"I was with Mike and the others involved in the accident. I think of him often. I hope that Tish, his wife, is doing okay. Mike was a wonderful person. He was a giving, wonderful soul. If you needed a dollar and it was his last he would give it to you. Mike will always be with me in memory, I will never forget him. (rea424@yahoo.com)"
STG2 Renee Kerr of Mifflinburg, PA.

"How do you thank someone for the ultimate sacrifice? God bless you and all who love and miss you."
Linda - A Sailor's Mom of Ohio

"To the Family and Friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael J. Gray,

On this the first anniversary of the ultimate sacrifice Mike made, I’d like for you to know that he is not forgotten. He will always be remembered by my family as an American Hero. It means so much to me as a New Yorker to know that Mike joined the Naval Reserves after 9/11/01 in case his country needed him. It is because of valiant American Patriots such as Mike that Americans continue to board airliners with confidence. Because he chose to serve, the people of NYC and Washington DC are free to move about each day without fear.

To Mike I’d say, thank you so very much for defending my freedoms. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice in the service of the Land that I Love. I will keep your loved ones in my prayers until we all meet at Jesus’ feet.

Most sincerely,
Pat Shoukry – NYC - Six Miles from “Ground Zero”

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Pat Shoukry of New York, N.Y. - USA

"God bless your family Shipmate. I can not emagine what your family is going through. I only pray that this is over soon. I travel the same road "highway 40" towards KNB and nawaiseeb. I know how dangerous this road is and pray that no one else is hurt by anyone."
MA2 Brandon Sr. of cmp arifjan Kuwait

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael J. Gray,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"Petty Officer Gray, goodbye sailor and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Michael was my nephew. He would be amazed at the kindness shown by so many for his family. His loss has left a terrible gap in our lives, especially for his Wife and four girls (aged 7months to 7 years), his Mother, and Grandmother. Michael was my sister's only child. He was a decorated local police officer who gave his short adult life in service to his community and ultimately his country. He also was a mentor to help young people stay out of trouble. He was deeply Religous and practiced his faith daily as did his wife. He was a devoted husband and father. He was more than a nephew to me and my other brothers and sisters. He was like a brother to us all. After 9/11 he joined the Naval Reserves in case his country needed him. I am sure he is with God now looking down on us all. If he could talk to us now he would say, please show your support to all the other troops and their families, especially those still in harms way, whether or not you support the War. Thank you all again on behalf of Michael's family."
Brenda (Gray) Ramos of Richmond, Virginia,USA

"RIP SHIPMATE"

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

"Michael,
Thank you for serving our country and protecting our freedom.
To the family left behind, God Bless you and keep you."
Candy of Poynette, WI

"God Bless You Michael and your family that is left without our smile. May GOD hold them in his arms and carry them through this terrible loss"
The Taylors of USMC, NC

"To Michael's family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your son is a true hero for dying for the USA and her citizens. He will never be forgotten by Americans who realize his sacrifice."
mark reif of winchester, VA USA

"To Michael's family:
There are no words that can express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you and your family as Michael watches over you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Michael Gray, 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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Gray:
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 Michael 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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Gray:
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 Michael, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia