Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army 1st Lt. Edward D. Iwan

28, of Albion, Nebraska.
Iwan died in Fallujah, Iraq, when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Vilseck, Germany. Died on November 12, 2004.

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"I was out working in a field/green belt when my buddy and I found a obituary cut out from a newspaper. It was for 1LT Iwan. I brought the paper with me back home to look him up and this is one of the pages I found.

My condolences to friends and family of this fallen hero.

Thank you for your sacrifice and rest in piece, sir."
Armando Marquez - OIF 2010 US Army of Fort Collins, CO

"Still think of you, my friend."
Dewayne White of Woodbridge, VA

"I received Edward Iwan's name as the serviceman for me to thing about at Arlington Cemetery on Veterans Day. Hope that it gives his family and loved ones a sense of comfort that we still think of him and his giving his life for our country. He was a young man who died too soon but died a heros death."
Sue Ann Fraher of Oak Lawn, IL

"To the family of:Edward D.Iwan
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""

"Well done. Be thou at peace. I wish I could have helped."
LTC Johnson of US Army

"Honoring my fellow Nebraska ROTC comrade, that his memory continues to live in the minds and hearts of all those he has met. Ed, Be Thou At Peace. You are a true Veteran through and through."
Erica Gunnison of Killeen, TX

"We appreciate everything you did and you will always be remembered at the University of Nebraska. Thank you."
2LT Garrett Chandler of Fort Campbell, KY

"I was a Combat Cameraman who served with Lt Iwan many times up until his tragic death. He was a great man. I will never forget when he stood up for me and took care of me."
James Smith of Columbia Md

"I just read SSgt. Bellavia's book, and Lt. Iwan is a hero. I am sad that no one else has posted on his page in a while. I was in OIF I, and I can only imagine the sacrafice that he and his men made. God bless him."

"On this, and every Veteran's Day for the last 5, I have felt the loss of you and our fallen brothers. It is still hard to believe that you are gone. LT Iwan, it was a pleasure and and honor to serve with you, Sir. You will not be forgotten. Ramrods now and forever."
SGT Douglas Bert, A Co., 2/2 IN of Moline, IL

"I never knew him. But he was an Iwan who fought in a war. Thank you for keeping us safe back home."
Justin W Iwan of Burbank, Washington

"Lt. Iwan may you rest in peace."
Chris Sandoval of albuquerque NM

"November 15, 2008
To the family of 1st Lt. Edward D. Iwan:
Edward 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

"God Bless! Miss you man!! From your Engineer Brother!!"
SPC Joshua Rimer of Fort Carson, Colorado, United States

"I knew Ed my entire childhood and while we weren't best buddies I always truly respected him. I am now working on a film on how Fallujah has changed since 2004 and hopefully it will stand as a testament that the sacrifices made there were not in vain."
Joseph of Brooklyn, New York

"Ed is greatly missed. He was my buddy thru IOBC and the Mech Leaders' Course. They say that they good ones get taken too soon. That is true w/ Ed, for sure."
Dewayne White of Colorado Springs, CO

"God bless you and your family"
J.H.F. of Germany

"Iwan thought me everything i needed to know on how to be a nco when he was privet in ft hood
we all love you and miss you brother"
mases movsessian of streamwood il UAS

"becky of albion ne

"Ed was a great man. A great sense of humor and a good leader. He helped me through many tasks in ROTC and was always a strong person. You will be greatly missed Ed."
Andrew of Lincoln, NE

"We miss you! From your Engineer brother!"
SSG Shane Uras of Bamberg, Germany

"The politicians move on.... quickly. The rest of us remember...always.

We'd all be better off if he were with us still."
Anon. of USA

"I will never forget that day, as if it was yesterday. I will never forget how my Bradley Commander, 1st L.T. Iwan, was the best, and to this day the baddest TC to ever step foot in the M2A2 Bradley. Sir, it was a real honor to serve under a loyal, dependable and highly respected L.t. like you. Ramrods sir. HOOAH."
Matthew Carswell of jacksonville,fl

"1LT Iwan was a critical member of our A Company team. His professionalism brought so much to our unit. Iwan's steady and calm pressence taught me volumns as to the importance of a leader's accountability. But what made him so special to us all was his humanity and the way he was treasured by his peers and subordinates alike.

The Iwan family has lost so much over the years and I continue to pray for their comfort. I am so proud to have known your son. And am I proud to have served under him in battle.

I can tell you that the men of 2-2 Infantry are some of the greatest individuals I have ever met in my life. And losing your son in that fight, that day in Fallujah, truly galvanized an entire unit to handle all the tough things that would follow.

He is loved today and I am without words to express his importance..."
David Bellavia of New York

"I am and will always be Ed's friend. He taught me how to shoot the M-16 at Nebraska's ROTC det. I know now how to lead my troops from his example and will always remember him as a good, caring, and humorous person. I miss Ed terribly. God bless him. Love ya man!"
Ron of Roseville,California USA

"I never got to know Edward very well. But he always had a smile whenever I would look at him. My visits were too few and too short but I am proud to say he was/is my cousin. To Ed's parents: there are alot of "Why's" in life. Keep asking the questions and one day we will find the answers, together."
Sharleen Bruenn of Tacoma, WA

"Im am proud to have served with Lt Iwan. Spc Carswell was the driver and I was the Gunner for Lt Iwans Bradley. The only words he said after the RPG hit was “im hit” and whats weird is that he said those words in a very calm voice. The way he spoke his last words was as if he just wanted me and Carswell to stay calm. Lt Iwan was a leader to the very end and not thinking about himself but about his soldiers."
Tyler M. Colly of Hesperia, CA USA

"I love you Ed. Happy Thanksgiving."
max self

"XO, I loaded you onto my track, and took you to the aid station. I put my hand on your shoulder and screamed that you would be okay. You made it that far. I wish that there was more I could do for you. I wear a bracelet in your memory, and I train all of my soldiers well so that they will know what to do in those situations. HOOAH Sir, Terminator medic"
SGT William W. Smith of HHT 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. FT Lewis, Wa. USA

"It is said that the measure of a man can be seen through the character of the friends he keeps. I did not know this soldier personally, but I know the impact he had on at least one young man, and I am forever grateful for the resonance Ed's presence sounds in that life. Thank you for your loyalty, your compassion, your ability to listen, and your drive to do the best you could to do the right thing."
c

"Edward and I were good friends from back when were were stationed at Ft Hood. We were in the same squad and much of our squad was like family. I am proud of you bro and only wish we had the opportunity to have meet up once again. I just got back from Iraq and I thank God that I have the opportunity to live and appreciate what you believed in. I only wish I could treat you to the old school Samoan style BBQs we had back then. Love you and much alofa to the your family....Godbless my friend and his family...."
Sgt Forsgren, Anders J of Pago Pago, American Samoa

"I received my "Hero Bracelet" today with Lt. Iwan's name on it. He will be in my thoughts and prayers daily. God Bless him and his family!!"
Karen of Newington, CT USA

"I served under LT Iwan in Falluja with A 2/2. He was a great leader, very squared away, always a great example to follow. LT Iwan was a great American. I pray for peace and comfort for his loved ones."
SGT John Sabo of Norristown, PA

"I shot the man who killed LT Iwan when he tried to do it again. This LT was a fine man."
David Johnson

"LT Iwan set the example for what a great leader should be. Strong, fearless, patient, understanding, and above all a friend. He could always be counted on to get the job done as our XO in A Co, 2-2 IN. I know your looking down at us everyday Ed, the "Terminators" of A Co, 2-2 IN will never forget you friend."
1LT Meno, Joaquin M. of Vilseck, Germany

"Ed was one of the best friends I've ever had and I was honored to serve next to him in Iraq. Ed was a humble, kind, dedicated man that would do anything for his friends. His soldiers loved him and he was as dependable as a combat leader could ever hope to be. I will never forget Ed and the sacrifice he made. To the Iwan family, all I can say is that your son and brother was a proud, dependable officer that fell with honor. I know that this message can do nothing to quell your grief, but I feel you should know the impact Ed had on the other officers and soldiers of 2-2 Infantry. God bless him and his family."
CPT Kirby A. Jones of C/2-2 IN, 3 BDE, 1 ID Vilseck, Germany

"1LT Ed Iwan was an exceptional person. I attended Infantry Officer Basic Course with Ed. As young 2nd Lieutenants, we prepared to lead troops into combat. Even though we never thought we would. Ed had that rare gift. He was funny, quiet, and well spoken at times. He was a born leader. And his tightly cut red hair will always be remembered. To Ed's family, I would like to get in touch with you. It has been awhile; most of us either were in Iraq or had just returned. This was a great man. We lost another friend. It really hurts when we lose friends, but it hurts just the same if you didn't know them. I hope and pray that the family gets through this. Just know that your son too touched me. He affected me through his kind and wonderful friendship. I leaned on him a time or to while in IOBC. Thank you Ed for everything you did. And thank you God for taking care of him for us.

CPT Joslyn, FT Hood, TX, G2 plans, 4ID
trey.joslyn@us.army.mil"
CPT Trey Joslyn of Ft Hood, TX

"I am a soldier that served with Ed, I was the Task Force Fire Support Sergeant for 2-2 Infantry. My name is SFC Billy Hight, Ed's service to his country was above and beyond exemplary, he was a great soldier and American, but above that he was a good man. He will never be forgottten to me and the soldiers of my platoon, he is a true American Hero, God bless him and his family."
billy hight of Ft Drum, New York

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

"Peace, joy, love,
To the Beloved Family of Edward Iwan.
I was with Edward when he died. He was anointed and given the Apostolic Pardon. I sang with him as he peacefully went to Jesus. Moments before he died, I was singing O Holy Night when he shed a most awesome and beautiful tear. That tear was full of love for YOU, HIS BELOVED FAMILY. The angels brought him home. There was great light and love and glory filling the room. God Bless You. You are in my prayers."
Father Ron Camarda, CHC, LCDR, USNR, Diocese of St. Augustine of Camp Fallujah/ Bravo Surgical/ Iraq

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

"To Edward'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 Edward'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 for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"To the Iwan family from the Wahl family. The news of Edward is more personal. I realize our son's served together in Veslick and Iraq. An the chance are may not known one another. Still I feel the lost for Edward as I did for my son. As well as the others. edward was the elite of AMERICAN"S. An all of America should be thankful to Edward. our family heart and prays are with you. God Bless!"
leonard wahl of Valley Stream Long Island

"Thank you Edward Iwan, 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 1st Lt. Edward Iwan:
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 Edward 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 1st Lt. Edward Iwan:
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 Edward, 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