Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"May Jesus Christ bless you this holiday as you remember your loved one who gave his life in the line of duty. Jesus loves you. Semper Fidelis from a US Marine vet who served in Iraq during2003-2004. May You be blessed as you honor his memories."
Matthew of CORONA,CA

"As part of a Memorial Day Ceremony honoring all of the fallen of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, I am honored to read Fernando's name. I lost my own son, Neil, on Aug. 13, 2004 when he was KIA."
Diane Santoriello of Verona, PA

"Not a day goes by where I dont sit down and think about our fallen brothers. You are our heros and because of people like you we are free. Semper Fi"
Cpl Justin Thompson

"Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday. I miss you a lot. My son who is named Perez reminds me of you. Until we meet again. Semper Fi!!!"
Richard Silva of San Diego, Ca

"I just thought of my cousin Geoffery and Fernando and wanted to Wish his family Happy holidays. And know that they will never be forgotten"
Vanessa of Los Angeles, 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

"August 15, 2009

My darling baby brother Fern, Today is the 5th year of your death, My heart still aches knowing I will never hold you in my arms, and see your big happy, loving smile. You brought so much joy and peace to our lives. We were all blessed to have been touched by you. I remember your gentle soul, and how much you cared and loved your family. Your love for each and every one of us was special. I still think I was your favorite, I don’t know why our other sisters name Sonya keeps coming up. But that’s how you made us all feel. When we lost you, I wanted time to stop, if you were not here I wanted everything to stop. I was horrified that you would be forgotten, and that just could not happen. But I know you would not have wanted us to stop living. I realized you would never be forgotten by your family or those who were fortunate to have known you.

I have a message for Sgt. Felix Garcia, and James Sperry. And all the other brother Marines who are still hurting, feeling guilt and pain because of the lose of my brother Fernando, and Geoffrey Perez. Please honor Fernando and Geoffrey and our families, by being strong honorable men. Honor, respect and cherish, yourselves and your families, live life to the fullest. The same way you know Fernando would have lived, loved and cherished his own wife and children if he had lived to have one. This is what you can do for us. I also want all of you to know my mom prays for all of you every day.

I would like any of you who new Fernando to share your thoughts and memories of my brother, knowing he is not forgotten makes us happy.

Ruth I love you, you will always be our baby sister. Because of your love, loyalty and strength, my healing was possible. I wish you the best, all the happiness in the world.


Alicia Tovar"
Alicia Tovar of Los Angeles, CA, USA

"HANNON I WAS ONLY WITH YOU FOR A SHORT TIME. YOU IMPACTED MY LIFE GREATLY. YOU AND PEREZ WERE MY FIRST JUNIOR MARINES IN THIRD PLT. YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.

BE VIGALENT MARINE AS YOU GAURD THE GOLDEN GATES."
CPL. T.K. LANE (USMC) of NASHVILLE, N.C.

"Marine as I sit here in tears trying to find words to write and allow myself to tell you that there has not being a day that i wish i could trade place with you so that your family could have you here. Hanon you were a quite brave man and it was my honor to have served with a man of your caliber you and perez are my true heroes and i will always think about you everyday. hey man i wish that everyday when i see you guys do me a favor holla back at me man. ruth and family again i am sorry for your loss and gods gain. if there is anything that i can do for you guys let me know i know that i just dissapered but it was hard for me to be around when i have blamed myself for you loss. my number is 386 793 8065"
sgt garcia (Your Squad Leader of florida

"July 1, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Fernando B. Hannon:
Fernando 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

"Hey man, I know this is hella late....but I was just thinking about you...I don't know why...maybe because I saw your brother walking down the street awhile back and he looks like a spitting image of you....I remember I use to be so jealous of Ruth..lol..I had a crush on you forever....lol...well I hope everything is all good up there man...just thought I'll let you know we still thinking about you dude...

To his family my condolence"
Nourbese Flint ( highschool classmate) of (formely LA) Bay Area, CA USA

"Yo Fern. You're still in our minds. You will not be forgotten."
Luis of Los Angeles, CA

"Fernando you are missed every day by your brothers. The gentle giant that would go without so that his brothers would not have to. Fernando your sacrifice allowed all of us to come home and see our families. We can never repay you for this great gift. We can only pay respect and devotion. You watched over us and you were with us as we assaulted Fallujah. You were with us when we crossed the line of departure, you were with us when we sent the last insurgent to Allah, and you are with us now. Brother daily I pray that it could have been me instead of you, so that you could see Ruth and Sonya just one more time.

Remain Vigilant and watch over us brother...you will never be forgotten.

To Fernando's Loved ones and Family -

"I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

Excerpt from the letter President Lincoln wrote to Mrs. Bixby.

Fernando's Platoon Sergeant & recipient of his great sacrifice."
Staff Sergeant McElwain (Mack)

"To all of Fernando's Loved ones I didn't know him but He died with my cousin Geoffrey Perez. It's two years today that they passed and this is the first time I actually leave a message for fernando but it's hard enough to go on my cousins page but I wanted to pay my respect may god be with you Fernando and those you and geoffrey left behind. Watch over us and all you fellow marines and service men and woman."
Vanessa Atilano of Los Angeles, CA

"Hey Fern, I saw your dad at the store the other day and i remembered when we were kids and you would come over to the house and play with Jose you and Ricky-D and Danny you were all like brothers. I can still remember how you would always leave so early on Sundays to go watch Dr.Quinn medicine woman oh my God and how you all used to watch those darn Indiana Jones movies and then reinact them oh how abput when you all thought that you were rappers and made that dumb tape on the tree in the back yard how you used to play with Lily you left nothing but good memories and I love you for that. You were the best lil annoying neighbor ever and I can only hope that all this suffering will end. I love and see you soon. You tryly are an angel. Hey remenber when Cathy fell at griffith park jumping over the tenniss net???that was funny you looked so scared. you dont ever have to be again... remember we made our communion together we thought that we were so cool..."
carol of Los Angeles

"Remember you everyday especially on this memorial day...I love you always. We will be together someday."
Ruth Ponce

"Whatzup Mr. Fernando Hannon, How is life up there with Geoffrey Perez? Is he making you smile every day. I wish that you two would have not died. I guess your brothers in God's world now. Geoffrey and Fernando keep looking out for those that love you guys and cared for you. Look out for them like you did for each other while in IRAQ. IRAQ is a mess two other Marines died today 4-14-06 in Al Anbar Prov. what a shame to hear that because that is where we lost you two. May peace be with you and every fallen hero."
Louie Avalos of San Gabriel.

"I too went to King Jr high, and Marshall high, and joined the Marines. Although we have never met, we are connected in that way. I returned from Iraq last week. In war, it's no longer about country or family, it's about the man to your left and right. Semper Fi my brother. I know you're still walking your post..."
Sgt Bory Chann of Los Angeles, CA

"To the family of:Fernando B. Hannon I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"Remembering your great sacrifice on this Veterans Day, you made our world better."
Joe Hannon of Lowell, Ma

"To a fallin soldier i am very proud of buddy i remember when we played basketball at king middle school and marshall high you tought me to always keep my head up no matter what i was shocked to here about this huge loss i always saw u as a very quiet but responsible guy you will be missed know just rest in peace my friend."
Jesse Rodriguez of Los A ngeles CA

"TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF PFC. HANNON OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU IN THIS ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY SINCE WE LOST A TRUE HERO."
ADAN RIOS ( COUSIN OF PFC. GEOFFREY PEREZ ) of SOUTH CENTRAL LOS ANGELES

"Hilaria,Sonia,Araceli, and Spurgeon, I will always Remember Fernardo as the quiet little boy that would come with his mom up the steps of my mom's house for a visit. That is the memory that I will always hold in my heart of him. God Bless ! And I will pray for Ricardo."
Alejandra of Chino, Calif

"WELL FERNANDO YOUR NOT WITH US ANY MORE BUT I JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YEAR WE MET EACH OTHER AT MARSHALL HIGH WERE THE BEST YOU WERE SUCH A GREAT HELP.
WELL TO THE PARENTS THANKS FOR BEING NICE PARENT AND FOR RACING A NICE YOUNG MEN LIKE FERN. LIKE I USE TO CALL HIM."
ERIKA VALLES of LOS ANGELES, CA

"Its been such along time since I've seen you. It seems just like the other day we were walking down the halls bumping into each other. Now your an angel. It feels weird knowing I never had a chance to say goodbye or even hello. I feel like crying sometimes because I know I will never get to see you again. All those things that use to feel normal are now just a memory. A wonderful memory that I wil never ever forget. Thats a promise. I'm sorry you had to go so soon, so young. I hope you will come and visit me in my dreams.You've had an incredible impact on me. I respect the fact that you left your family and friends to protect all of us. Even though most people don't realize whats going on. You lost your life to save ours, thats a "TRUE HERO". I guess I'll see you next life time. Friends Always.
My deeps thought go out to The Hannon family.
bmcdancer@yahoo.com
YOU ARE MISSED GREATLY!!"
Bianca Calderon of Los Angeles, California

"Dear Fern,
I still remember seeing you pass me by at boot camp. Those words you said to me, a little gesture to an old friend gave me motivation to make it through hell. Even when we used to hang out in high school, back when i was a junior and you were my senior, under that tree in the mound in the middle of school, i will always remember. You and i both share a common bond of brotherhood in the corps, but it's what i knew of you before that made this hit hard. It's been a long time since you've gone and only now have i had the strength to write to you. Now that i'll be off to the desert, i know i will be out there to honor you. Your friend, brother~ Semper."
LCPL JOHN ALVAREZ of Kaneohe Bay, HAWAII

"To the Hannon family I was just reading some messages that have been writting to Geoffrey Perez because he is my cousin He was a person with a good humur and verry friendly to peopleand I read that Fernando died went Geoffrey died My deepest wishesto the Hannon family We the Irahetas family feel your pain are deepest condolence to you all.
Them two will always be in are heart they will always be are heros. re deepest condolence from the Iraheta Family."
Cecilia Iraheta of Arleta CA Los Angeles

"To the love of my life Fernando,

Happy Birthday! Today is one of the hardest days since you would have been 20 years old. I miss you more everyday but I will always have and cherish the wonderful years we spent together. I miss my partner and soul mate. I have lost a big part of my life since you are everything to me. I'll never give up on us. I have your lovely and wonderful family and my family who always help me get through the day. I know you will always be with us. Remember..."If love proves real, and two people are meant ot be together, nothing can keep them apart." I love you with everything I have and always will. I also want to encourage people who knew Fernando to VOTE in this upcoming election for change. Thank you."
Ruth Ponce, Fernando's fiance of Mojave, CA

""Fernando . . . I sat with your father . . . just yesterday . . . after learning of our cost for freedom was your life. Your father is proud . . . know that . . . you have made him proud in life . . . for life. You have made this country proud. I have not personally known you . . . and only spent a short time with your Dad . . . he misses you . . . he loves you . . . and in his pain he grieves . . . and with pride . . .. to know a son like you . . . was he forever blessed. . .

Take care dear person . . . I am but only a stranger . . . touched by the hand of your father . . . in remembrance of you and your gifts . . . yes he is proud.

Pfc. Fernando B. Hannon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force . . . thank you for all you have done . . .thank you for loving our country . . . thank you for our freedom . . . united we stand.

. . . a neighbour.""
Kevyn Major Howard (actor) 'Full Metal Jacket' of Los Angeles,

"Fernando . . . I sat with your father . . . just yesterday . . . after learning of our cost for freedom was your life. Your father is proud . . . know that . . . you have made him proud in life . . . for life. You have made this country proud. I have not personally known you . . . and only spent a short time with your Dad . . . he misses you . . . he loves you . . . and in his pain he grieves . . . and with pride . . .. to know a son like you . . . was he forever blessed. . .

Take care dear person . . . I am but only a stranger . . . touched by the hand of your father . . . in remembrance of you and your gifts . . . yes he is proud.

Pfc. Fernando B. Hannon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force . . . thank you for all you have done . . .thank you for loving our country . . . thank you for our freedom . . . united we stand.

. . . a neighbour."
Kevyn Major Howard of Los Angeles, California, United States

"Fernando . . . I sat with your father . . . just yesterday . . . after learning of our cost for freedom was your life. Your father is proud . . . know that . . . you have made him proud in life . . . for life. You have made this country proud. I have not personally known you . . . and only spent a short time with your Dad . . . he misses you . . . he loves you . . . and in his pain he grieves . . . and with pride . . .. to know a son like you . . . was he forever blessed. . .

Take care dear person . . . I am but only a stranger . . . touched by the hand of your father . . . in remembrance of you and your gifts . . . yes he is proud.

Pfc. Fernando B. Hannon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force . . . thank you for all you have done . . .thank you for loving our country . . . thank you for our freedom . . . united we stand.

. . . a neighbour."
Kevyn Major Howard of Los Angeles, California, United States

"How can I express myself in words about the deepest, saddest and most heartfelt feeling I've ever felt...I can't. I Love You Fern & to me you're not gone...you're here in my heart where you have and will always be. Here to listen, understand and give that love that only you could give. I share in everyone's pain because I can't bare thinking that I can't hug him or see him but he's in our hearts and memories...he's taking a vacation and I can't wait til the day I get to see you again. Thank you for all those times you took care of me. Les choses que nous avons partagées ne pouvons pas et ne serons jamais cassés. je t'aime maintenant et toujours."
S.H. of Hollywood, CA/USA (Blinded_Faith21@hotmail.com)

"On behalf of the Hannon family and I, we want to thank you for your words and support. Our lost was great but we must remember and celebrate the life of our Fernando. He was an angel that God has come to claim. He was the light of our lives and we are glad he touched so many."
Ruth Ponce, Fernando's Finace of Mojave,CA

"To the family and friends of PFC Fernando B. Hannon,

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 the Family of Fernando Hannon:

I feel for your deep loss. I know that no words we say can make you feel better in this time of grief. I pray that God will bring comfort to your family and friends during this time. Fernando will not be forgotten. I hope John Marshall High can place a memorial for Fernando for other students to know his story. I attended John Marshall High School as well. And anyone who went to that school is like family because we all came from the same community.

Sincerely,
Frank Ponce
Class of 1978"
Frank Ponce of Palos Verdes, California

"As a graduate of John Marshall High and a former Marine, I salute you, my comrade in arms. To your family and friends, I give my most heartfelt condolences.

Semper fi"
Joe Buford JMHS '74, USMC '79 of Corona, Ca

"To the family of Fernando B. Hannon, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I went to John Marshall High School with your son. WE played basketball together on the same team. We all call him Fern. He was a great friend with a great personality. He always had this nice smile on this face no matter what happend. Alittle quite but well matured. Fern was one of those friends that will be there for you in bad and desprit situations raer now-a-days. I remmber at prom we had so much fun, i have a picture with him at prom. I am glad I knew him. He will Truly be missed. "Stay up Bro"...Gold bless all the soldiers."
Mike Khdrlaryan of Los Angeles CA - Hollywood. USA

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

"Marine PFC. Fernando B. Hannon was a warm and kind young man. He wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father a Vietnam Veteran. Those who knew him have nothing but wonderful memories of Fernando. Heaven has gained an angel but we have lost a great person. My deepest and most sincere condolescenses to his family, Ruth Ponce his fiance, and to all his friends."
Claudia V. Bermudez of North Hollywood, California

"TO PFC HANNON'S FAMILY AND FIENDS MY PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES ARE WITH YOU. PFC HANNON DIED ALONG WITH MY COUSIN PFC GEOFFREY PEREZ. I THANK YOUR SON FOR COMMITING THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR WHAT WE USUALLY TAKE FOR GRANTED(FREEDOM). AT A TIME LIKE THIS ITS BETTER TO UNDERSTAND THAT PFC HANNON IS AT A BETTER PLACE THAN HERE. HE IS AWAY FROM ALL THE MADNESS DOWN HERE AND HE IS FINALLY AT PEACE WITH HIMSELF. IM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS ONCE AGAIN AND FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.
-ADAN- 323-228-2884"
ADAN RRIOS of SOUTH CENTRAL LOS ANGELES, CA

""Thank you for the sacrifice that you made. Thank you for the ultimate price that you paid. Thank you for the life that you gave. I just want to thank you! I just want to thank you! www.cdomusic.com""
Carl Dorsey of Easton, Pa

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

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. For the family/friends: May time provide happy loving memories in place of present sorrows. Look to the sky for in the infinite meadows of Heaven the bright shining stars bloom....the forget-me-nots of angels. God bless you and thank you."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"TO MR. AND MRS. HANNON
I'M TRULY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, MY DAUGHTER AND YOUR SON WENT TO SCHOOL TOGETHER. YOUR BABY WAS ONLY 19. HE WAS A BRAVE SOLDIER WHO DIED DEFENDING THIS GREAT COUNTRY. WE WILL NEVER FORGET HIM OR WHAT HE DID FOR US.
MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
MICHELLE GUIJARRO & FAMILY"
MICHELLE GUIJARRO of LOS ANGELES, CA U.S.A.

"To Fernando'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"

"To the family of Fernando Hannon;

Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Fernando is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to this country. May God bless you during this difficult time and bring you strength and comfort."
The McClain family--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"To Fernando'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

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