Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hey bud. Still think about you often. Can't believe it's been 19 years since we lost you. Your little girl must be all grown up now. I share your story all the time with Marines. I tell them that some where out there, there's a Marine behind an M249 watching over us. Rest in Peace warrior."
Major Mike Castaneda of Virginia Beach

"I just found this site and want to send my condolences and prayers for your family. Matthew Shallenberger USMC Iraq vet 2003-2004 Jesus loves you and bless you for raising a hero."
Matthew of CORONA,CA

"Dear dad I know you're in heaven but I know you're watching over me i love you"
serenity of scott, Ohio

"I just found this site. thanks so very much to all of you for remembering my son."
christians mom eldonna of ohio city ohio

"Its Memorial Day 2013, I sit here and think of all those who have fallen this past 10 years. I did not know Chris but he is a brother to me all of us who have served in combat. You are not forgotten!"
Sgt. James Haggerty of Ohio

"I can't believe it has been 10 years...just seems like yesterday. I am forever thankful for the sacrifice u made for our country...from the stories I hear...I'm sure u are one proud dad looking down on serenity...she sounds like an amazing girl/daughter. You are missed by so many!"
Chelsea Ellis of Van wert

"R.I.P. Christian miss ya man! Pleasure knowing you!"
Brock Blackmore of Van Wert, Ohio

"Hi, Christian im at school right now, i didnt really know you when you died because i was too young to understand, but your still my stepdad, in a way... I love you and thanks for doing all you do. Serenity is doing awesomely! she's in a lot of sports, and she is one feisty girl, you would be so proud, and Eldonna is too!"
Tye Thurston of Scott, OH

"Christan,
I just wanted to say that even tho I never got the chance to meet you, you will always be in my heart. You are a wonderful guy from what I was told. And I am glad I got the chance to meet your family and you beautiful little girl:) I will never forget you and you will be in my heart forever.
Love always,
Rochelle Mercer"
Rochelle Mercer of Hobbs New Mexico

"It's been almost 8 years since you passed. Can you believe I am graduating college in 22 days. I majored in communications and I minored in Journalism. I got a job at a newspaper. I guess you knew I would always be a writer. So much has changed since you've been gone. And you should see Serenity. The older she gets, the more outgoing and like you she becomes. I have to be honest, I was a little worried there for a few years. She was so shy and bashful. You don't have to worry about me. No man in my life. I remember when you called from your base and said that you almost beat a guy up for saying I was cute. You said she is only 14 and my cousin so back off. haha. You were always so protective over me. I miss that security. There aren't really any men in our family who really want to protect me. None besides my dad at least. Anyways, I just wanted to let you know what's going on in my life, and say hello. I'll always love you.

Your cousin"
Jenna Leigh Dailey of Edon, OH USA

"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"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH / USA

"we all love you"
jerrickah of scott

"Bro,5 years came quick. I remember being in Kuwait with our faces full of sand from the sandstorms as we stood behind the vehicle and talked about what we could'nt wait to do when we got back. There were answers like, go eat at Whataburger in Texas, have a Budlight and you said, "Kiss my girlfriend". Bro, you were something else and I promise you and your family that you will never be forgotten. To the Gurtner family, I just want you to know that I still have the Beanie Baby that was given to me when we met."
U.S.B.P. Atkinson, Rene of El Paso, Tx. 79935 Ph#(956)434-1514

"today is 5 years since that day my aunt called to inform us that christian had died and i have to say that there's not a day that goes by that i don't miss that smile that when you saw it you know that he was up to something and that it wasn't always going to be a good thing that we were about to be doing we got into a lot of trouble but we always had fun
i love and miss you"
Reonn c. Gurtner Emerich of gulfport ms

"July 4, 2007
To the family of Christian Daniel Gurtner. Christian 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

"This message may come late but it is no less heartfelt now then at the time of your loss. I am the Mother of Staff Sgt Christopher Cerillo who cradled your Son in his arms in the last hours of his life. I wanted you to know that my Son has always been a loving and kind person and he devoted all his emotions to helping your boy through his
transition. My Chris spoke of your Sons bravery and his own sadness in not being able to help him other then give him comfort. Christian has been in our prayers and thoughts through the years. I cannot even begin to understand your pain but hopefully it is of some comfort to know that my boy has a stong religous belief and I know that Christian did not feel alone. I am so sorry it took me so long to contact you. My Son has been back to Iraq twice since the first operation and my heart is heavy everytime. Your Son was young and brave and proud to serve his country. I hope you know our country is very proud of him.
You have the prayers of our entire family and the gratitude of a Nation. Should you ever want to contact us, our home is open. God Bless you."
Jo-Ann Naples of Boca Raton, Florida USA

"best of luck to your family.. im sorry for your loss.. Just think of the good place Christian is in right now... Thank you Christian for serving our country"
jessica of Wisconsin

"Christian,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"christian,
there isn't a day go by that i think about you. you giving me grief about being a corpmen. or tell me about your little girl. you was a good person, marine, and truely a good friend. i tell my boys about you all time. every time i do i get choked up and teary eyed. my oldest one finely asked me the other day about what happened. i tolded him about that morning. your in my dreams and your family is in my prayers every night."
justin curtis of jonesboro, ar

"Christian,

I was thinking about you today and came across this website. It's hard to believe it's been over three years since you left the burdens of this world behind, it seems like only last week. As I type I can't help but blubber like an idiot at our loss, but then I think back to taking you around Hooter's to get the waitresses to sign your shirt, and I smile. Man did we tick your Mom off that day. Gary & Eldonna, you are in my thoughts daily. Semper Fi."
Dave K of Delphos, Oh

"Christian, I wish there would have been more time spent together because you were a great guy. I enjoyed all the times you came up to Edon Ohio and hung out with your cousin Jessica, my brother, and I. Those times I will never forget. I will remember you always."
Deidre Disbro-Kishpaugh of Edon, OH

"Thankyou for your sacrifice, you will never be forgotten"
guard girl of Ohio

"Gurtner,
Wow its been a while since we talked. We went to boot camp together and then to SOI. After that we went our seperate ways but still kept in touch. You helped me with so many things in the little time that we got to know eachother. We even had big plans (more like dreams) of four of us opening a bar when we got out of the Marines. Im sorry we didnt get to keep in touch that much while you were over there. I just got back from Afghanastan as well. I'm gonna miss you a lot bud.
-Last call out, Where you at Gurt?-

I'll see you again brother... I love you"
CPL Scott V. Mores II USMC of Pembroke NH- Camp Smith HI

"I never got the privilege of meeting Christian, but I can tell he was a great person. I know his family loved him dearly and miss him even more, especially Reonna. I hope one day when you remember him you can smile instead of cry."
Alex Ingram of Pass Chirstian, MS

"Its been 2 years now Christian since the morning you came crashing into my life and since then I have realized that life can come and go so quickly and I try not to take this for granted so thank you Christian your are always in my thoughtsand prayers I haven't forgotten you"
SGT Heath Mains of Yarmouth, Maine

"hey to everyone i want to say thank you to all of you who left a message on this site. you have no idea how much it means to myself and christain's family. thank you again. christain was so much more then just a freind, son, bother, father, soldier, and a student. he was truely a gift from god."
reonna (reo) gurtner of memphis, tn, usa

"christian and family,

we came in together bud, we went through boot camp and soi together. then we went off to war together. i just want to say that i miss you so much man. i wish you were here with us today. i know your up in heaven watching out for us though. we are off in iraq right now on our second tour. i would do anything to have you back. you will always be in my heart and in my thoughts forever bro. you'll never be forgotten christian. love you"
lcpl shane weldy of iraq

"I didn't know Christian but my Mom works with his. I know she's a real sweet lady, and I can't imagine what's she's been through. When I met her she was wearing her son's Marine undershirt and dogtags. I know when I visit where he rests, it's beautiful with chimes hanging from a tree above him, but it hits home, reminds me of my fellow soldiers over in the sand.
I'm glad he has a page honoring him, along with all the other soldiers.
My sympathy to his family and friends."
PFC Sheena Searight of Ft Meade, MD (from Rockford, Ohio)

"Hey whoever is reading this i am 16 but this is killing me and probably whoever reads this....Christian was a great friend and i wish he would have never joined but i guess he thought he had to.I will always Remember his name when-ever i think about the war.I feel bad for his family for losing some-one they loved i know Chritians parents and they are really sweet they did not deserve that...Always Chad A. Young"
Chad Young of Mt. Sterling Ohio

"To the family of PFC Gurtner...please know that we are thinking of you in our thoughts and in our prayers. We have compassion for you in this time of sadness. I am going to share your son's story with my three children, tonight at prayer time. We will pray for him and for your family every night. I believe children have a very powerful connection with God. Please cherish your fond memories of your son and your special time with him on earth. Please remember that others care about you. We will never forget the sacrifice of your son. He sounds like he was a wonderful son, person, friend and Marine. Bless you and your family!"
MAJ Donna Rojas/Army Nurse of San Antonio, TX

"To the friends adn family of Christian Daniel Gurtner:
No words can ease the pain of grief, but I would like you to know that I truly appreciate your loved ones sacrifice and I will never forget these fine soldiers. My husband was KIA on June 4, 2004 in Iraq. I will continue to pray for the families of these soldiers. Christian will live on forever in your hearts."
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

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

"Hey Christian, I will miss you soo much, I love you!! You'll be in my heart forever. So many memories that will be in my heart forever. Your my fav. cousin! I LOVE YOU"
Joelle Dailey of Edon, OH

"Our family deeply appreciates all of the heart-felt messages and prayers for us. Your words help us to go on. Christian will always remain in our hearts. LCPL Kirk, Weldy & Welker; thank you for loving Christian and for being his brother. Heath; we deeply appreciate you being there with Christian and doing all that you could for him.
May God bless all of you for caring about our family and for remembering PFC Christian Daniel Gurtner."
Christian's Aunt Jolenna Dailey of Edon, OH

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

"miss you..."
cortney of lakeview

"Remembering them..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!! SEMPER FI! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family (USMC) of Lakeland, TN

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

"Hey Christian...
We all miss you so bad. it's hard to think about someone we all knew for so long and now you're gone. It's coming up a year since your death. I think about you a lot. Everytime i do i cry. Tyler misses you bad too. Oh God, i miss you so much."
Cortney of lakeview...soon to be Ohio City again...

"DEAR BRO,
I DON'T KNOW HOW TO START THIS LETTER B/C ITS SO HARD TO HAVE LOST A BROTHER LIKE YOU. WE STARTED TOGETHER AS A GROUP OF FOUR AND IT GREW TO BECOME A BAND OF BROTHERS THAT WILL NEVER FORGET YOU WE LOVE AND MISS YOU AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU BRO!! AND WE ALSO KNOW THAT YOUR ALWAYS THERE W/US NO MATTER HOW FAR AWAY YOU ARE!! LOVE YOU BRO"
LCPL KIRK, WELDY & WELKER of OCEANSIDE CA USA

"dear family of Christian,
I am one of the Marines that helped Christian on April 2, 2003 I am deeply sorry about your loss, there is not a day that goes by I do not think of him he will be always remembered, god bless."
Heath L. Mains of Escondido, CA

"Thank you Christian Gurtner, 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

"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

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

"God Bless you Christian. You will be missed but NEVER forgotten ! Rest in peace."
Cindy of CA

"Thank you brave soul, because of you many are free."
Nancy of Ocala FL

"Thank you Marine..for protecting our freedom and being so brave. RIP Devil Dog..."
The Taylors, USMC of North Carolina

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