Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Thats agood sharing, I would love to subscribe your Blog but I can't see any tab to subscribe your blog. brain memory games"
Ernest of Singapore

"Karla,I am your aunt Tammy your moms sister I'm so sorry to hear about John I wasn't told till after the service.
If you want to reach me you can at 502-996-0628.Tammyschultz146@yahoo.com.Tammy"
Tammy Schultz of Louisville, KY

"John, It is getting close to Christmas and you and your uncle Matthew are both on my mind. I hope you are together in heaven. So proud of the both of you. Love and miss you Grandma Carole Moquin"
Carole Moquin of Scappoose, Oregon

"To the family of John. I have just purchased a home in Gresham Or. And there is a memorial tree that I'm told was planted by his friends in the back yard. I would like to verify this and get more information so that I can have a permanent marker to honor him. I'm a veteran myself and fully understand this honor. Please family of John, contact me at pnwcudaman@gmail.com"
Dana of Gresham Oregon

"I am a 89 year old World War 2 Marine and I paint portraits in oil of our fallen heroes and give them to the parents free of charge. I just got a e-mail about Karla Comfort and the hummer. I will give you my e-mail address and I can send back some pictures of my work....ayawor142@comcast.net I thought that the mother would want a portrait."
Alexander Yawor of Aliquippa, PA. 15001 U.S.A.

"Let us never forget that the reason we sleep safely in our beds at night is because rough and ready men stand ready in the night, prepared to do violence on those who wish to harm us. John is now guarding the streets of heaven. God Bless him and his family for their ultimate sacrifice."
Robert Wiser of St. Helens, Oregon

"john,
you were an amazing brother. i have missed you so much and i think about you all the time. its been 3 years since you died and i still miss you and always will. one thing i always think about is the last conversation that i can remember having with you. we were at our house and you were about to leave for the airport. i asked you if you were scared that you would die you told me that you weren't scared and that you weren't going to die. it still gives me the chills when i think about it. i kind of feel like i jinxed you but i know its not true. I LOVE YOU BIG BROTHER FOREVER AND ALWAYS!
love, your sister hailee"
Hailee Holmason of scappoose, oregon

"YOUR SACRAFICE IS ONE THAT IS KNOWN ONLY TO GOD, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU GAVE, TO KEEP US FREE"
LINDA STVENS of SAN ANTONIO TX

"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 E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"I could not imagine losing one of my sons let a lone lossing him because of him being in a dangerous situation for others. It made me happy when I read people's response to the hummer, the first funeral I went to as a kid was a Green Beret from the vietnam war, (He took his own life). I remember how they were treated when they came home. It's important that we remember these are our sons, children, fathers, friends, neighbors ... people who are putting themselves in danger for us to continue to live in a country about freedom. I wish I could thank your son for what he gave up for me and my children, grandchildren and others. I know he is proud of you for what you have done. God Bless you and your family."
Venus of Arlington, TX

"As a veteran of 22 months of action in Vietnam, I am considered old. I shed a tear for your son and his comrad in arms. My dixie cup is off and I applaud your efforts."
Eric L. Kramer of Northridge, Cal.

"November 30, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. John M. Holmason:
John 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

"John I love and miss you so much everyday you really are a hero you were a hero even before you went to Iraq, it was just in your nature. Your smile could brighten a room and your humor could make the world laugh I am so blessed to have had you in my life I got to spend everyday, every vacation, road trip dr. visit bus ride with you and am lucky enough to have endless memories of times you and I shared to our many adventures and never ending bond I love and miss you then now and forever! love you heartboken sister!"
kaysha comfort of Scappoose OR

"John, I am sitting here before your headstone with tears in my eyes. I stopped by chance and looked in your direction because of the many flags flying on your resting place. It has been two and a half years, the grass has filled in, the sun is out, and you pictures still allow me to see the man who went to war for me. You went to do what I could not do and gave for me what I could not give for you. 'Death Before Dishonor.' I did not know you, I wish I had. I would be proud to shake your hand, slap you on the back, and say thanks. You look really good in your dress blues.
To the family, thank you for introducing John to me through his headstone. May God be with you always.

Chris Shepherd
Astoria Oregon"
Chris Shepherd of Astoria Oregon

"Karla,
My boss sent me an email regarding your son and the hummer that was painted in memory of him. It was so very touching. We would like to see if there is any way we could schedule some time with you to view this moving memorial. Our town is hosting it's annual Spring Fling April 19th 2008 in Zillah Wasington and would love to display your hummer during this event. No service men should ever be forgotten.

Sincerely,
Toni Locati, sci@nwinfo.net"
Toni Locati of Zillah, WA

"I am stationed in Okinawa Japan and I got the email today with the pictures of the Hummer. My heart goes out to you, your son, his family, and his friends. I hope everyone can find comfort in knowing he gave his life in one of the most beautiful ways a person can.
Respectfully,
Cpl Mills U.S.M.C"

"John,

Today is December 1, 2007. It has been two years since that tragic day in Iraq when you and the other 9 marines were killed. I just want you to know I think of you every day. Life will never be the same for those who loved you. There is a void in our lives. A hole in the heart that was your space alone to fill. However, even in our saddness we want you to know that we are thankful for the time we had with you and the memories that will live on forever. I pray for your parents, step-parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents and the extended family and friends who loved you.

Love and miss you,

Grandma Jan"
Grandma Jan of Scappoose, Oregon

"I saw the email with the pictures of the hummer and was moved to tears. I have a son who is serving now and cannot imagine how you feel. My heart broke as I read the email and saw the pictures. What a sacrifice! I am so grateful to your son and others who have served and who now serve. Like my son, I imagine that your son was more than willing to serve his country. I also know that the sense of pride, duty, and honor comes from deep within. No doubt something you taught him and are to be commended for. I pray that God will comfort you in your sorrow and pray that time will heal your wounds. As your son looks down from Heaven, I know that he is proud of you and how you have honored his memory and his sacrifice. May God bless you!"
Alice Padilla of Alta Loma, California

"Karla,
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this project. As you know it was very moving for us to see the faces of this young men and to think of their sacrifice. God Bless you and your family. www.airbrushguy.com"
Robert & Victoria Powell of Benton, AR, USA

"Dear Karla,
I saw an article in regards to your Hummer that you had custom airbrushed in memory of your son. I hope that i can see your Hummer someday as it bears the picture of my son as well. He is Sgt. Andy A. Stevens. I am his natural mother. He was given up for adoption when he was an infant. We re-connected when he was 19. My heart was broken twice when he was killed. thank you for carrying his image across the nation as well as your sons. i hope all remember what every mother of every soldier knows. there is a painful price for freedom, for each soldier that falls has a mother."
Luanne Paulson of Luck, WI

"Well over a year after the death of your son, I received an e-mail today showing your wonderful memorial to him and his comrades in arms. How wonderful a thing it is, not only for you, but for your son as well, and those that served with him.

As our politicians continue to fail to grasp what this war is really all about, the freedom and ideals that your son stood for and believed in (he was a United States Marine!) the cost will only go higher. However, the price paid by your son, his comrades, and every other Marine, Sailor, Soldier and Airman maintains our freedom today. There can be no greater honor then to serve your country for the protection of our values, mores and ethics.

My nephew now wears the Eagle, Globe and Anchor that your son wore, and wears it just as proudly. He may be assigned to Iraq or Afghanistan at some time in the future, my brother in law expects to be headed there before the end of the year is out.

I pray for Gods hand of blessing on my family, and every member of our service deployed there, and everywhere. I also pray for the families of those individuals who have had to make the ultimate sacrifice, that they will be brave and strong, and honor the memory of their children and their children's decision.

People like Cindy Sheehan are a disgrace to the memory of their child. Karla Comfort is a shining example of what a parent of one of our servicemen should be. No amount of comfort, condolences or anything we say will ease the pain of John's passing, nor should it. Only his example of service to others, to our country, and to his family can begin to heal the wounds. His, as all those who have lost their lives, was with meaning.

God bless those who are there, those who have fallen, and the families of those people.

God bless America, because right now, we need it more than ever!"
Gary Curran of Silverdale, Wa. USA

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal John M. Holmason:
Please accept my most sincere and heart felt sympathy from the loss of John! I know you may not know me, however, I once served our country in three branches of our Armed Forces. There are not enough words to say how proud I am of our men and women of The U.S. Armed Forces... yet, I feel the loss of those who gave the Supreme Sacrifice. I am very grateful for our troops and highly respect and admire their bravery. It is not easy to see a friend or loved one part from us all too soon, we have lost three fine young men in our immediate area lately. My sincere belief tells me that we are all blessed and fortunate to live, speak and meditate freely because someone like John and his buddies stood up for what they believed to be right and true. Really love The Memorial Hummer! The first time I came home and saw Our Flag flying, it left me in tears. I can never forget those who gave all for our sake. Once again I have those tears... not only because I share your loss, but the deep instilled love and pride I have in my home, country and its people. Thank you for sharing your healing with us, God bless and keep you! REMEMBER SEPTEMBER THE 11th of 2001 and the years before that we have suffered our losses!
Sincerely, Ron "Tree" Stephen
Sgt. At Arms of The Patriots Headquarters, Mattoon, Illinois"
Ron Stephen of Mattoon, IL U.S.A.

"twice I was a soldier....
Thank you for the Hummer...
I know it honors your son but, I feel you are saying something to me. It brought so much to the surface. You must be a wonderful person."
tony of dallas

"The San Jose Detachment # 1122 - Marine Corps League wishes to make contact with Karla Comfort. Anyone who may be able to contact Karla, please inform her to make contact with Mike Glazzy @ 408.296.8282 or email at mglazzy@sbcglobal.net"
Mike Glazzy of San Jose, CA

"I'm a Marine's mom, and I read the e-mail about the fallen servicemembers. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. My heart aches for you and I wish I can be there and give you a hug and cry with you.
Wish you can come to Hambug, Ny with the Hummer. I would love to see it.
God Bless you all."
Myriel Villarroel of Hamburg,NY

"I recieved an e-mail showing your vechicle and sharing your story. It is truly a beautiful and wonderful tribute to your son. He is a hero and I am glad you are letting the world know. your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington, Ga"

"To the family of:John M Holmason 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"

"I wanted to write and let you know that there are those who understand your pain. My son was also based in Twenty-Nine Palms and lost his life in 2004. Like you are proud of your John, we are so proud of ours. I was touched when I saw the E-mail of the dedication to the hummer you had done. It was beautiful and such a memorial to what and who he was as a Marine. At the end of your E-mail you said how much you still miss him and as a Mom like you,I understand. God bless you and your family."
Terri Bowman of Las Vegas, NV.

"John, you died for what you believed in and we will carry your memory and good times with us forever. We had a going-away party for John at his cousin Brian's house a few nights before he left and he was so happy to be going...and so proud. We will miss you so much."
Always, Stephanie and Jeremy of Phoenix, AZ

"This is to the family of LANCE CPL. John M. John M. Holmason i knew john for 8 years an he was the best guy ive ever met i look up to him an always will i was there when he got his eagle an i knew he would excell in life an he did. he made his country proud i cant thank him enough for what he has done for every one in the United
States of America GOD BLESS"
Robert Hekmick of Beverton OR, 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.
Our nations HERO, John will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "

"To the Holmason Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your fine young Marine. We are praying for you all. Your John is a true American Hero. John will always be remembered and honored. May God bless you all and God Bless John."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"You have not died VAIN! John you unselfishly answered a calling to serve your community, county, state and foremost your COUNTRY! American owe's our deepest respect. I do! You been a military brother to our son as he felt of you. An you John, had been a comfort to me. Never to worry about our son. So I thank you! I realize neither of you knew one another. Sadly, we lost Gregory! An i have shed many many tears. No different then today for you. I want your family to know AMERICAN"S do care! please reach out to your community and political leaders today. Request a STREET be named in John's honour. We can not ever allow our fallen to be forgotten. John has touched the hearts of so many. An to those he has. All will remember and reflect on precious memories shared with John. An realize HOW? He touched them. healing is a slow process. Take it one day at a time. Be supportive to one another. John is with you and he love's you. An he knowns you all loved him very dearly. God Bless!"
Leonard Wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Thank you John Holmason, 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 Lance Cpl. John Holmason:
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 John 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 Lance Cpl. John Holmason:
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 John, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia