Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Semper Fidelis marine. May blessings be bestowed to your family as you recall his wonderful memories. May Jesus restore you with love, joy, peace and laughter once more."
Matthew of CORONA,CA

"The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here...It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion. -- President Abraham Lincoln, the Gettysburg Address

Never forgotten Andrew."
Michele of Edgerton WI

"Dear Halvorsen Family, a few years back I bought a random Wisconsin memorial bracelet and wound up with your Sons name. I wear it proudly. I sent you a letter back in 2010 and I hope you received it. Once again my condolences."
Ryan Hilton of Trempealeau, WI

"Dear Halverson family,
I am a Navy nurse who was stationed in Iraq from 2004-2005 and I think I took care of your son the day he was killed. I would like to speak to you and, if this is the Marine I took care of, I'd like to share with you his final moments and also ask you to help me bring closure. I've thought about this for many years now and I need to reach out and see if this is the Marine that has been in my heart and on my mind for so long. Please let me know if we can talk soon. Thank you for your time."
Kelly B. of Camp Pendleton, CA

"To the family of:Andrew Halverson
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"
SSgt of PA

"Its been a long time since i have thought about you man. I remember the times we wondered san diego before we deployed. A bunch of trouble makers back then. Ill never forget where i was when we lost you...You will never be forgotten brother, you are in our hearts forever. Semper Fidelis Andrew.
Cpl Kelso Mcclure
2/5 Weapons Company"
Kelso Mcclure of Mission Viejo, CA

"Not a day has gone by, that I don't think about you bro. We all miss you."
Adrian Murrietta of Camp Pendleton, California

"SEMPER FI BROTHER!!!"
1ST CEB of CAMP PENDLETON

"Momma loves you. I so miss your laugh.Your short time made such an impact on so many lives, your friends are so true, your Marine brothers "faithful". I know you are aware,of how much you are loved and missed, and those moments allowed in dream state..you tell me."
Andrew's Momma of Shopiere WI

"October 7, 2009
Remembering you everyday, but in particular as the five year anniversary of your sacrifice approaches. I haven't met your Sgt. Harding, but it speaks volumes that he has also held your memory close. You continue to instill in me the importance to thank individuals and families for their contributions to our citizenship. I think of you and yours every single time I say the Pledge of Allegiance. It will never be pledged in the same way it was prior to your death. Bless your memory, Andrew."
Aunt Sue of LaCrosse, Wisconsin

"Andrew what does this make it five years now my little brother? (You know I never called you brother before but, it seems right to me now.) Your were so honest. You told me to my face you were affraid of dying. I asked "Don't you believe in Jesus?" You said "Yes, Sergeant." And in my best John Wayne Sergeant Harding voice I yelled at you "Then what the hell you got to worry about!?" The rest is history and not a week that doesn't go by in which I don't think of you. Your Mom is such a strong lady and writes me every so often. You are a lucky young man in many ways. We have God's covenant and you have a Grateful Nation behind you and a Mother who is faithful to both. Until we meet again.
Semper Fi Andrew.
SSgt. Harding
2/5 USMC"
Justin Harding of Camp Pendleton, CA

"Andrew, you were my roommate, my best friend, my brother. I still remember how hard you laughed when I showed you my "happy I got legs" dance. I know you've watched over us since we've been over a few more times. I thank you for that. Youre our brother, our hero, and our guardian. The 31's will never forget.

To the family of Andrew. I wish you all the best. And my sincerest condolences.
God Bless.

-Hope your tweety bird pillow found you."
TRUE-31 of Camp Pen

"September 30, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Andrew Halverson:
Andrew 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

"You are not forgotten."

"Coming up on the 2 year anniversary. I'm paying my respects to you all on one day this year. It's too hard to visit each day. It may be selfish but I hope you understand. You are not forgotten."

"Remembered still."
anonymous of USA

"Dear Andrew Halverson Family, My sincerest condolences on your loss. My name is Marc Dull, I am a USAF Veteran and an Artist from Illinois. Thank you for your Andrew's Honorable Service and Ultimate Sacrifice for America and it's Values. His Legacy will endure by God! I found Andrew's Memorial page while doing some research for a very important project that I thought you might want to know about. I just returned from Camp Pendleton where I visited the Commanding Officer of the 5th Regiment. I am preparing to sculpt a large monument specifically for the 5th Regiment and the Fallen Heroes in Operation Iraqi Freedom for the Memorial Garden area on Camp San Mateo there. Please e-mail me at dullart7@cs.com if you would like to contribute any input or feedback. I would be honored by your participation on behalf of Andrew! Semper Fidelis, God Bless you and your Family, Salute"
Marc Dull of Illinois

"To the Family of PFC Andrew Halverson:
We have constructed a memorial to the service men and women from Wisconsin and Illinois who have died in Iraq which includes, as of 6/20/05, 111 crosses. We would like your permission to put PFC Halverson's name on a cross. We have called our display "Arlington MidWest." It is our expression of mourning for your loss. If you would like us to do this, please email martypres33@yahoo.com.

"As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them." Anonymous"
Marty Preston of Wisconsin Dells, WI

"To the family of Andrew Halverson:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"To the family of PFC Andrew Halverson: His 2/5 has now returned from its second deployment to Iraq. My "adopted" Marine returned safely and I truly believe that Andrew and the other men who gave the ultimate sacrifice were watching over him and helped to get him home safely. For that I will always be grateful. Please accept my condolences. Always remember that it is young heroes like Andrew that have kept this country free and safe. I hope and pray these wonderful men and women continue to serve to keep us the greatest country on earth. Semper Fi!"
Ted Cagley of Pontiac, Illinois

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

"To Andrew'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.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"I just wanted to send my deepest condolances to the family and friends of Andrew.My son CPL. Christopher Ebert was KIA In Iraq on 9/17/04.Nothing can take away the pain we are feeling now but remember you are not alone and many are praying for us now.Your son was a true hero."
Shirley Ebert of Union Mills,N.C.

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

"I am so sorry of your loss. Andrew is a hero who will be remembered. May God bless you and be with you thru this tragic time. I too lost someone dear to me January 29, 2004 in Afghanistan...The loss will always be felt but the intensity is replaced with wonderful memories.
Thank you Andrew for my freedom"
Candy of Poynette, WI

"Andrew Halverson - Thank you for all you did. You are a brave young man and a hero as well. To the family- God Bless you through this tragic time. Your son is a hero."
Alicia Bilby of Nevada, Missouri

"To the family and friends of Private First Class Andrew Halverson,

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

"To Andrew's Family:
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

"Andrew...You are in our hearts and souls. Rest in peace in beautiful heaven and may GOD bless your family. THank you for figting for our nation. Semper Fi *T*"

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