Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hubbell, Man, Peanut, this Memorial Day weekend hits home. In about a month it will be 20 yrs since you passed. From Basic, to AIT, to Ft Rucker, Kuwait, and Iraq. I remember being there the day you passed. It seems like yesterday watching everything that happened. You will never be forgotten brother."
Aaron of FT Sill

"Cory not a day goes by that you dont cross my mind i know you are watching over us all my daughter was born on your birthday you all were the same weight and the same length till we meet again brother love ya"
ben of urbana il

"RIP brother. I remember going to AIT with you. I remember how we use to be inseperable .. You are missed daily. You were like my best friend."
Aaron of Fort Stewart

"i wish i could have met u and my mom said u were a good man she loved and my dad did to my mom nicol greer dad shane l valentine if u were just here im going to were and finishing the battle u died in"
shane l valentine 2 of bement il usa

"To Cory's beloved parents, we met at the Gold Star Mothers ceremony yesterday afternoon in the parking garage with the Illinois Patriot Guard Riders. I wrote about the event on my blog this morning, and found that I have a picture of you standing with the riders.

http://mothergoosesmiles.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/honoring-gold-star-mothers/

God bless you each day, and know that we will never ever forget your sacrifice and your courage."
Natalie of Oak Park, IL

"Cory's family, I have previously posted on here about how my 8 year old daughter had been wearing a hero bracelet with Cory's name on it, it has been several years since that post. She is now a teenager and stopped wearing his bracelet several years ago. I kept it and when the bracelet I had been wearing broke, I replaced it with the one with Cory's name on it. Recently as I was canoeing with my family I realized it was the anniversary of his death. I just want to let you know that I still think of the great sacrifice he gave for his country. I am an elementary school teacher and every year my students ask me about the bracelet. I tell them the only information I know about him and express how he is a true hero. He will never be forgotten."
Kim Willliams of Newport, Ky

"Man is this day really coming again? This many years later? Miss you so much brother!!!!"
Brandon Davis of philo, IL

"Corey, May you rest in peace. I had the honor of seeing your mother at a awards ceremony tonight, and she is so proud. God Bless her for her sacrifice, and Thank you for yours. God Bless America."
Chad of Ogden, Il

"Just wanted to stop in its been a while.. think about you day in and day out... miss ya"
Brandon Davis of Illinois

"Cory "Happy New Year" 2011 Thinking of you everyday"
Ellen Thomas

"hey uncle cory.. tonight was just one of those nights that it really hit me hard. i can't stop thinking about you not being here. i think about you every single day of my life. your picture is my most prized possession. the bear that grandma made with your name on it is a close second. i have so many of your shirts, and i love wearing them.. they're kind of big. but thats okay. :) they're so special to me.. all that's happened in the past couple of weeks makes me think about you even more then i already did. and now i can't stop. i love and miss you.. so so much. <3"
Kayla Pryor of Illinois

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,000 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Project Compassion Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Corey we still miss you man. Your sacrafise will not go forgoten"
MattW. of champaighn,il

"To the family of:Cory A. Hubbell 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 am part of a project titled The American Soldier Memorial Project. The mission of this group is to show support to the fallen service men and women of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom by giving a cross-stitched memorial to their family. These memorials are hand-stitched by volunteer members of this group and are provided at no charge to the families. We would be pleased to provide a memorial to the family of Spc. Cory A. Hubbell, but do not have a current address of his family or next of kin. If you see this message and can provide us with an address, please email either me (Sue) at suzyr@tbcnet.com or Pam at pmlaea@hotmail.com. Thank you"
Sue Rozycki of Sycamore Illinois USA

"February 8, 2008
To the family of Spc. Cory A. Hubbell:
Cory 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

"Cory,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"To Achieve"(46th Engrs Motto)"

"Cory and I met a just befor he went to Kuwait, but we were fast friends. Cory was so full of love and happiness, it was hard not to want to become his friend. He is loved and grately missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to Cory's Family.
Cory much love!"
Robin Colvin of Enterprise, Al USA

"Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay that day,
to laugh, to love, to work or play.
Task undone must stay that way.
I found peace at the close of the day.
If my parting left a void,
then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with time of sorrow.
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one touched.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
but don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me.
God wanted me now, He set me free!""
William Darby Taylor Jr. of Bonita Springs Florida

""MEMORIAL DAY 2007"
Hello Cory, Today we remember and Thank you for your unselfish service, But everyday you are in our hearts and you are missed. Thank you for sending me to your mom and family. I will never forget. Love you."
Ellen Thomas of Proud GoldStar MOM

"I'm studying soldiers in class.(I am
9 yrs. old.)I got him to study.I've
learned a lot about Corey.So I thoght
I'd make a letter.I wrote this 5\14\07"
Andrew Johnson of Bloomington,IL

"Peanut was one of the people who sticks out in your mind, and made such a impression on people and their lives I thank you for all the good times and memories. We love u and miss u."
SGT Kanan Aston of Gastonia Nc

"I know this is my second message but i just wanted to say: There's not a day that go's by that I think why,Not a day that go's by that I dont want to cry, Not a day go's by that I dont want to fly high to the sky just to say hi, Not a day that go's by that I wished I couldve said bye... I think about you all the time but yet there's not a day that go's by that I dont wonder why!!!!

Miss You Lots Bro!!!! You will NEVER leave my heart. This piece of steel on my wrist will be with me till im laid to rest!!! LOVE YA!!!!"
Brandon Davis of Urbana IL U.S.A.

"Thank you Cory. Because of heroes like you my children will live in freedom."
John Charlton of Columbia, SC

"Veteran's Day 2006
Thank You Cory"
ELLEN

"I served with peanut until the very night of his passing. His ethics, attitude, and inner drive for life placed him above his peers. The story of his life was a full and couragous one, even at his young age. He Was truly a shooting star."
SGT. VAUGHN, WESLEY A. of Valdosta, GA

"I never new Cory but his family has told me so much about him. He means alot to me no matter what. And his family means a ton to me also."
Sabreena of Royal/IL/US

"I will always remember all the wonderfull fun filled times i shared with Cory,Shane,and Tim. From art class in middle school to rolling around the rink at Skateland. Cory put a smile on my face every day. There are so many things I want to say but how do you exsplain feelings that bring a smile to your face from all the wonderfull memories that were shared and tears to your eyes? We all knew this free spirt at all differant points in our life but one thing stays the same... The Love that he has for all of us and the Love that we will always cherish for him. My heart and prayers go out to everyone. God Bless."
Tricia L. Miller of Chandler AZ

"As I sit here reading all of the wonderful messages, I am so proud of Cory. I miss him so much, but I know he is with us, and always will be. There isn't a day that goes by without thinking of him, he will always be OUR HERO! RIP"
Melissa (sissy), Ron, Kayla, Lindsey of St Joseph Il.

"Cory was a great brother and uncle his memories we will always hold dear in our hearts.Although we miss him so very much his spirit will live on forever.CORY IS OUR HERO!!! I know as hard as it may be family and friends will pull through his loss together.We will all be strong for Cory!!! All our love until the day we see you again!"
Heather,Brittaney,Taylor and Hailey Bickers of Rantoul IL

"I trained, sweat, cried and served our country with SPC Hubbell(peanut). He was the best of the best! I have never let a day go by with out thinking of Cory and WILL NEVER FORGET SPC Cory Allen Hubbell or his family. I miss him every day and appreciate the fact that I was one of the lucky ones who new him. To his family and great friends, I will never forget you."
-The one who brought you home- of US Army

""Memorial Day" 2006
"CORY A. HUBBELL"
"I WILL NEVER FORGET""
Ellen Thomas of Burbank, IL

"My name is Cameron Schilling and I have started “Portrait of a Soldier” which donates a portrait sketch of every Illinois soldier who has fallen in Iraq or Afghanistan. All 122 sketches will be on display for a Memorial Day Presentation in Chicago, Illinois on May 26-31 at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. After the ceremony the sketches will be given to the immediate families of the Illinois soldiers. I would invite any friends or family members to come and honor these men and women from Illinois who have given their lives to our country. For more information please contact OperationHomeFront.org at 866-417-8889 which is an organization headed by the Lt. Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who is in charge of the Memorial Day Presentation. Thank You.

Please check out www.portraitofasoldier.org
To contact Cameron email cameronschilling84@hotmail.com
To contact Operation Home Front call 866-417-8889"
Cameron Schilling of Charleston, Illinois

"Cory was my 3rd cousin. Although I never actually met him, I seem to have a special connection with him. He is my hero and I will never forget him. Whenever someone says something bad about the war I tell them my cousin died for our freedom and I'm proud of him. If you have any information on the hero braclets with his name on it please let me know. I would really like to have one. You can e-mail me at haileykcharlton1991@hotmail.com
I love you and miss you Cory. You are my hero."
Hailey Charlton of Columbia, Missouri

"My name is Cameron Schilling. I am a college student from central Illinois. I am the first generation of my family not to serve his country. I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice you and your loved one has given for the United States. I am disappointed by the way the news media has covered this war and the deaths of our youth. The media has stopped listing the names of the soldiers killed in Iraq and people only talk about the soldiers when we reach a specific milestone in deaths. If you just started watching the news today you would not even know there is a war going on. Partisan politics have replaced coverage of our young generation who have traveled to a foreign land in the name of the United States. Whether you believe the war in Iraq is wrong, right, justified or not everyone should pay even just a little more attention to what these young men and women are sacrificing. This is what I would like to do. I want to do my part in honoring these soldiers and their memories. Along with being a college student I am also a budding artist. I draw pencil portraits of local people in my community. I want to offer a pencil portrait sketch to the immediate family of every Illinois soldier killed in Iraq. Please contact me at cameronschilling84@hotmail.com."
Cameron of Illinois

"I am Cory's mother and I would love to hear from you about the hero bracelet. I did not know that they were being sent out. Please contact me at tcbickers@sbcglobal.net"
Connie of St Joeph, IL USA

"Cory's family, My 8 year old daughter received a hero bracelet with Cory's name on it in the mail last month. We searched the web to find out any information about him, to understand what an awesome gift he gave and price he paid, so that she can grow up free and strong. She tells everyone that her bracelet is "for Cory Hubbell who was a 20 year old carpentry specialist.He is a real hero who was helping his country". (She is still not sure what a carpentry specialist is, but she knows what a hero is) I know she will remember him for the rest of her life as the person who taught her, and myself really, what a true hero is and what true sacrafice means. We pray to him and for you all the time. God Bless, his memory will truly live on and we will never forget."
Kim Williams of Newport Kentucky

"Cory, I cannot imagine that you, with whom I went to school at Yankee Ridge, are no longer with us physically. Your memory lives on in those whose lives you touched with your fun-loving gregarious spirit of comraderie. I still remember your jokes and your caring friendship. You will be sorely missed by all of us who thank you for your service and sacrifice. Here is a poem I composed called "To Strength"

Afternoon’s folding hour
found familiar feet trodding
the far high field
aching steps ignoring.

An encasing green canopy
soars regally overhead
And those mighty trees above
their aged limbs grasp blindly
for unshaded expanses
still strangle their hold
of the skies’ rays.

Their fiercely forked form
gnarled and vascular
pumping the blood of fortitude
against vicissitude
as stalwart soldiers of the ages.

The lone field oak’s reign
reclines in unfettered peace
and I,
exhaling underneath it,
dream of its winter-weathered core,
the silent secret of the blue ceiling’s
fading light."
Zsolt Bognár of Cleveland, OH

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

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

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

"For everyone that was involved in Cory's life I know you will feel the same way I do about this: Cory, You had the best of both world's a family who loves you and friends that will never ever forget you. Loved to laugh and have fun never argue or fuss live life to the fillest at any moment, We had good times since the day we met and none will ever be forgotten. A good friend a brother someone who was easy to talk to about anything. You will always be in my heart and mind in everything I do I will always remember you. As hard as it may be we all will pull together and be strong as you would want us to be, While you be all you can be. We miss you bro and love you!!!"
Brandon Davis of Urbana Illinois

"For Cory and his loved ones. You will be forever missed and never forgotten. I've known you since 5 or 6th grade and will be deeply missed. And may God Bless your loved ones and watch over. Remembered for keeping me laughing in school.lol Miss ya."
Ebonee Johnson (E.B.) of Urbana,Ill 61801

"Thank you Cory Hubbell, 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 of Cory Hubbell I am sorry that you lost a love one. I only new hiw for about a year. He was a sweet and kind person. My prayers are with you.GodBless you.."
Stephanie Kirby of Daleville/Al/US

"May you Rest in Peace, and may the Almighty give comfort and grace to your family. You have made the ultimate sacrifice, and we are all very grateful. May God Bless you and your family."
M.L.Z. of Illinois

"To the family and friends of Spc. Cory Hubbell:
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 Cory 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 Spc. Cory Hubbell:
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 Cory, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia