Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I speak of you often to the young women and men I coach. I speak about your sacrifice and commitment not only to your country, but to your fellow American. Your willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done and never seek praise. You would always give credit to others and that is what is missing in today's society. Although you are gone, you are not forgotten."
Terry Carden of Fredericksburg, VA

"Looking for fellow Howman's on the internet and I came upon this site. As a former Royal Marine Commando and veteran of Iraq I feel compelled to pass on my regards for a special Marine who gave the ultimate sacrifice. To his friends - strength. To his family - love."
Paul Howman (ex CSgt RM) of Dorset, England

"To the family of:Gregory C. Howman
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""

"Its been 7 years since you left us. We all miss you and cant wait for a reunion. Love you brother!!!!!!!!"
Tim Ducoeur of USA

"Happy Memorial Day litte brother...you are in our thoughts today and everyday. We love you and miss you so much!"
Becky of Gulf Breeze, FL

"To the family of Greg,
Stumbled across this site when my curiosity was raised being a fellow Howman having served in the Royal Marine Commandoes UK.Thought I would pay my respects to what is obviously a well loved and respected man. This is a great site in which people can express their feelings.
May you rest forever in peace Gregory C Howman."
Paul Howman (ex C/Sgt RM) of Dorset, UK

"Howman!! So here we are still pluggin away. Most of us are nasty civilians but our memories of you are always good. I wish there was some way I could go back in time and take your spot or move you somewhere else to avoid this life long pain. Too many tears. I love you brother! Miss you like crazy!!!! Pain never ends or goes away!"
Tim Ducoeur of California

"Happy Birthday little brother. Its hard to believe you would have been 34. I miss you so much. All my love,"
Becky of Scott AFB, IL

"5 years...it's hard to believe it's been this long. I miss you terribly, but I always know you're with me. Semper Fi little brother. I love you!"
Becky of Scott AFB, IL

"You where one of my favorite senior marines Howman, I think of you often. I remember the late nite chats you and I would have on the catwalk at the barracks, you would relax my mind about the upcomming deployment to Ramadi. I miss those times man. Just know you will never be forgotten.
Semper Fi
Sgt.Raymon Ellis
2/5 Echo 1st plt"
Ray Ellis of Denver, Colorado

"To the amazing Howman family. Ever since that tragic night at 1130 pm when the explosion hit us we all lost a fantastic friend and brother. Howman was an amazing individual and was always willing to do things for anyone no matter how far the distance or what the issue. He would always tell me gunny needed me and when I went to see gunny I would get my butt chewed for bothering him and Greg would be laughing. I tremendously miss him. In OIF I Greg, Jesse Trader and I (Tim Ducoeur) would always play catch with whatever we had baseball, frisbee, football whatever we could get our hands on we were throwing it. Amazing memories. I have been out since 06 and think about Greg everysingle day. He has changed me to be the very best I can and I can not wait for the day where I get to meet him again. I would like to thank the Howman family for raising such an amazing person and wish you all the very best. I love you all very much and cry often when my brain goes over that miserable night. Feel free to contact me anytime t_ducoeur@yahoo.com
Thank you so very much and God Bless you all!!!"
Tim Ducoeur of Aliso Viejo Ca

"i am thinking of you today in so many ways. I wished I would have said thank you for serving this country and your bday was just a few days ago. most of all the family misses you! keep your heavenly eye on savaanah and becky cuz they need it right now. your dad talks about you everytime I speek to him. you are being remembered by so many today. may God bless your spirit and may he watch over becky and savanah and ur dad... love for you, your cousin denise"
denise burkard of marion, oh USA

"Happy Birthday little brother... I miss you so much! We're hoping to visit DC again this year. Until then...we love you."
Rebecca of Scott AFB, IL

"I'm thinking of greg today. this close to memorial day and all. I think of him often. he was my cousin after all and we all miss him"
denise burkard of marion, oh usa

"August 3, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Gregory C. Howman:
Gregory 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

"Becky and Family

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just recently learned of this tragedy from some old high school friends. I pray your family feels peace and comfort as time helps you to heal. What a hero your brother is to our country!"
Christi Murphy Robinson of Holly Springs, N.C.

"Hey there...I'm sorry I'm late this year...Dad and I had a nice talk about you Saturday. I miss you so much! Love you!"
Becky of Florida

"It's Memorial Day...a day when the nation honors and remembers our fallen heros. We remember you everyday and miss you so much. You live in our hearts little brother! We love you!"
Becky of Florida

"I'm late visiting you this year. It's hard to come. See you next year."

"Little brother.........I miss you so much! Not a day goes by that you're not in my thoughts. Savannah is so big now, but I know you are with her and all of us! We love you!"
Becky of Florida

"hey bro, well it's been a year now. it still stings. i'm sorry that i could not have done more for you, but i guess it was just your time. take it easy brotha. you are and will always be missed. echo 2/5 1st plt."
doc wilson of camp pendleton, ca.

"Gregory, I will always remember the times we had together. I truly miss our conversations we had about sports and life in general. The months that we worked side by side, I will cherish forever. You made me a better person. One day I will join you and we can have our one on one tournament once again. Semper Fi, my friend I miss you."
TC

"I just wanted to say that i served with Howman in the marine corps. He and i rode the same van to bootcamp on Paris Island, S.C. We went to the school of infantry together and were stationed in California together. I remember him like it was yesterday. Platoon 1024...him waking me up one day when i didnt get on line on time. He didnt even stand next to me on line, yet he ran over to wake me up before i had to count off. I remember him also in bootcamp when he used to request permision to speak...he would clear his throat every time,"hmm...recruit howman...hmmm..." I remember it so well. God i miss him. I was so sad the day i heard what had happened. I prayed for him and all his family and esp. for his fellow marines that loved him so well. I unfortunately didnt deploy a second time, but i could only imagine the heart ache it caused to all. I would just like to say that he was a good Marine...and as far as i remember never caused problems with any one. He loved his baseball...go yankees...he loved his dip...and he loved his country just as his family did(from what he's told me). I wish you all the best of luck, and if you ever have any questions ask...I know it's hard for all of you, friends family and fellow marines...but he died a hero, and im sure he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. -LCPL Terrone"
John Terrone of Sag Harbor, N.Y.

"Dear Gregory C. Howman 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 Gregory's Honorable Service and Ultimate Sacrifice for America and it's Values. His Legacy will endure by God! I found Gregory'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 Gregory! Semper Fidelis, God Bless you and your Family, Salute"
Marc Dull of Illinois

"To the family of LCPL Gregory Howman: His 2/5 has just returned from its second deployment to Iraq. My "adopted" Marine served with them and I truly believe that he is home safe because Gregory and the other men who gave the ultimate sacrifice were watching over him. The company lost 15 wonderful young heroes this time. Please accept my condolences and always remember this country is free and safe because of the young men and women who serve and are willing to make that sacrifice to keep us the greatest country on earth. Semper Fi!"
Ted Cagley of Pontiac, Illinois

"I paused for a moment of silence and prayer at the grave site of Gregory Howman while at Arlington National Cemetery visiting the grave site of my son, Staff Sgt Jason Hicks, this week. Arlington Nationa Cemetery is full of HEROES."
Theresa Hicks of Jefferson, S. C. USA

"I served with Greg in Echo Co. in Iraq and in Pendleton. He and I were one of the older "junior" Marines in the company, so naturally it gave us something to talk about. He was a good Marine and he will be sorely missed."
Brian Hollingsworth of Cleveland, OH

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

"Dear Marine..Soon as I saw your name I contacted the paper in Charlotte and asked that they do a story on you about your bravery and how honorable you were (and still are). Next day, a beautiful story appeared about you. You are in heaven now with my brother Tommy and we know you are always with us. God Bless you family and when we see the brightest star at night, we know it will be you shining down on us with the rest of the hero's that are in heaven. RIP Marine. Semper Fi *T*"

"To all the Howman Family: My heart goes out to you. I feel your pain, I also feel your pride in knowing that Gregory Howman died a hero and was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. My son, Staff Sgt. Jason Hicks, died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on March 23, 2003. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on April 22, 2003. Time helps to heal our broken hearts. Hold on to your faith and your precious memories of Gregory Howman and the Lord will see you through."
Theresa S. Hicks of Jefferson, S. C.

"I really do not know what to say. A friend of mine just called to let me know that he had seen Gregory's name on CNN. As the Howman family knows, our name is not a common one. To see that a person, a hero, with my name has died is just wrong. My name is also Gregg Howman. I am a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and have been for the past 24+ years. I am presently waiting to hear if I will be going to Jordan to train Iraqi police officers. Having read that Gregory was killed in action deeply saddens me but it makes me aware that this is a battle worth fighting. I am of the feeling that he died fighting the good fight. That he was in a position to help people who have been oppressed for many generations. I pray for Gregory's family, possibly a family that is also mine. Gregory's death hurts me more than I can express. I know that, one day, I will visit his resting spot and praise him as he should be praised. God bless you, Gregory and God bless your family."
Gregg Howman of Ashcroft,British Columbia, Canada

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

"My brother, PFC Tim McGurthy is in 2/5 division - he spoke very highly of "Howman" - I can not begin to imagine what you are going through at this time. I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you, your family and friends, and pray that the Lord will carry you through this terrible time."
Debi Elder (d.elder@iwon.com) of Glendale, Arizona

"Thank you Greg for the contribution you have made to our country and the contribution you have made to my life personally. I will never ever, ever forget you. I keep your family in my prayers daily. You would be so amazed at just how proud the whole world is for the sacrifice you have made, especially your dad (I know how good that would make you feel). Everyone is so very proud of you, and misses you deeply~"
Kristen Bradley of Charlotte, NC

"You are in my thoughts and prayers as you make the journey to Arlington this week. Thank you for raising and loving a man who was brave enough to sacrifice his life fighting for the freedoms that we so often take for granted. I grow more proud of our soldiers, marines and airmen with every day that passes. Please contact me if you need anything at all."
Leslie & Grace Hufstedler of Charlotte, NC

"To the Howman family from the Wahl family. Our family is deeply sadden by your lost. GREGORY is one special soldier, family man and our HERO! Finding words of Condolences is very diffucult. So I pray for your GREGORY AS I DO OUR GREGORY. WE LOST HIM FOUR MONTHS AGO. aN I WIOLL BE PRAYING FOR YOUR FAMILY. god bless!"
leonard wahl of Valley Stream Long Island

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

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Gregory C. Howman,

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, California

"To Gregory'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"

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