Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Marine Staff Sgt. John R. Howard

26, of Covington, Virginia.
Howard died in a helicopter crash in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. Died on August 11, 2004.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Marine Staff Sgt. John R. Howard.

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Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

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"You and Hurley still cross my mind from time to time. February 27, 2010
chad"
Chad Nicely of Lexington, Virginia

"11 Aug 04 was and will always be a sad day for me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about THE DUCK. You will always be on my mind.You are missed and will never be forgotten."
Don of San Diego, Ca

"November 10, 2008

Rest in Peace, Duck. You are not forgotten..."
Ken of Willow Grove, PA

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. John R. Howard:
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

"To John's family - this and every Memorial Day (and every time I see a 53 in the sky over me) I think of John and pray for all of you. My ex-husband (husband at the time) Gus Gauthier was on that helicopter with John when he died. You are always so sincerely in my heart, and so is John. I hope you have experienced peace and love in the past few years. God Bless!"
Carol Morabito of San Diego, CA

"I miss you"

"Dear John's Family,

I recently received my memorial bracelet. I had asked for a random name of a Marine. I got John's. He made the ultimate sacrifice and this nation will always be thankful for men and women like him. I am very proud to wear the bracelet and remember John for all he did.

Tabatha
Proud Marine Brat and Fiancee"
Tabatha R Platte of Berrien Springs, MI

"hey john we just wanted to let you know that even though we didnt know you for very long we saw how much you loved amy and the kids we also wanted to tell you that you have became a part of our family we love and miss you so much"
tabi & bre of sacramento ,california

"I will never forget him or his sweet heart. I will always love you John. Amie Howard"
Amie of San Diego

"John R. Howard was my uncle. I miss him very much. Our whole family does. I am heart broken that he won't get to meet his great niece my daughter Kelsey but I know he knows about her. They say that when a baby smiles its the angles kissing her and she smiles a lot so I know that she is not missing his love just his presence."
Natasha of Covington

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. John R. Howard,

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

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

"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 John'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 John Howard, 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 Staff Sgt. John Howard:
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 Staff Sgt. John Howard:
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

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on