Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Met Mrs. James and her family at the tenth anniversary of Col. James passing. Attended this memorial at Arlington VA
with Martin and Frank Swirko, whom were under his leadership in Iraq war. I felt Col. James spirit that day thru his family and friends. A good soul never dies."
Thomas P Teahan of Boston ma

"15 years. Seems like yesterday.Never forget the sacrifice he and his family made."
1SG (RET) Martin Swirko of Manchester, NH

"Lean and I attended the same college together at Furman, and shared many a steak meal at the local steak house. We met when he was a freshman, and stayed friends until my graduation. Today is May the 25th and I still remember you Leon and Honor You, your family and all who served in support of our country and freedoms. Blessings to all the James especially on this memorial day."
Jim Custer of Cumming, Georgia

"I know it's after Memorial Day, but I think of him every Memorial Day. We served together in different units and I got to know him as we used alot of the same systems in Iraq in 2005. We were both advisors but of different units. I heard of his injuries and passing after I left Iraq. God bless the James family. Leon and I had alot of happy moments."
LTC Martin Gilmore (Ret) of Newark, NY

"RIP Leon, miss you Brother, We thought about you all day yesterday driving through Oklahoma."
Danna and Bryan of Killeen, Texas

"My Retirement orders from the US Army went into effect today. As I sit and contemplate my life, and think about the sacrifices others have made during this Memorial Day Weekend 2015, I feel blessed to have lived to reach this day, and in relatively good health. So many others did not have the fortune I now enjoy. As I sat on my couch a short time ago, thinking about LTC. James, and his family, a few tears fell. Anyway, I think of Col. James often and his family, and their supreme sacrifice. I will never forget you all, and I am proud to have served with LTC James in Iraq. Rest Easy Sir."
First Sergeant (RET) Martin F. Swirko of Manchester, NH

"My apologies for the late condolences. LTC James was my instructor back in my officer basic course. A top-notch officer, he set a great example for the young lieutenants. He held us to high standards and professionally developed us, but at the same time, he was very approachable and would do anything to help one of us out. A tremendous loss for the Army and our country. He will be truly missed but never forgotten."
Mark Metzger of Fort Knox, KY

"I want to thank everyone of you personally for writing a memory about my father, LTC James. He was, as all of you said, a great man, and someone who loved his family dearly. Because of his dedication to his country and to his family we still feel his love today, almost 7 years since he's left us. It is so encouraging to us (my mother, and younger sisters) to hear what he meant to you. Just know that you are in our prayers as well. He has touched so many people around the World and I wish one day I will be the type of person he was. God Bless all of you! Hooah!"
Maria James of Murray, KY (via West Lafayette, IN)

"Sir, I just wanted to say that on this Memorial Day, 2011, I still remember and always will remember the sacrifice you and your family has made for the rest of us. I will not let those around me ever forget you or your family-Thunder 3-7."
1SG Martin Swirko of Manchester, NH

"september 26 wil always mean something more to me than just a day in september. I was there that day. Col. James was a great leader who led from the front. I am proud to say that I knew him and served under him. I think of him often and always will.Col. James was a good good man who talked often about his wife and family. I miss him."
MSG. Francis Swirko, USAR of Manchester, NH

""To the family of Leon G. James ,I am so sorry for the loss of your love one.He died a hero.May you know the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Hopefully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need someone to pray with you or talk to please call or write my pastor at Gateway Community Church,Rev John B Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd. Covington Ga. 30016 phone 770-787-1015""

"I remember leon as sgt. James back at Ft. Riley Kansas. He was our squad leader with 3/37 co. we were mortor men with the 4.2 mortor co. Sgt. James was always very smart and always liked a good joke. We lived in the barricks on 3rd. floor and at c.o.b I can say we had some damn good times. He loaned me money one time to go home for christmas. To this day I always think of him and what a kind hearted man he was. My time was up in 1985 and I got out of the service and came back home to dayton ohio. Remembering my soldiering buddies and the good times and the not so good times we all had. One day I was on my p.c. at home surfing the web and pulling up old army friends when I came upon LTC.Leon James, who was a falen service member. I thought to myself this can't be, But it was true. After finding his picture that had been painted by someone it all hit me as to what he had done after I e.t.s. out of the service. A big chill came over me and I paused. What a great soldier, couldn't ask for a better friend. I will always think about James and our good times. To his family, My very deep condolences to you and all his loved ones. God Bless!
R.I.P Brother."
Bob Griffith of Dayton, Ohio

"”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 you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 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!
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"
Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"September 30, 2008
To the family of Lt. Col. Leon G. James, II:
Leon 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

"I also had the privilege to serve under LCT James in Iraq along with MAJ Mckinley and Doc Perkins, and many others who displayed remarkable courage on a daily basis. LTC James was an officer who appeared to enjoy working with and being around NCOs. I respected him, and liked him personally as well. LTC James led front the front at all times. A day doesn't go by when I don't think about LTC James, MSG Tuliau and SFC Howe. We'll never forget you Sir."
1SG Martin Swirko of Manchester, NH

"I had the privledge of serving with LTC James in the Salman Pak area of Iraq. Mission first, soldiers always were not just words to him. The "Boss" and MSG Tuliau will be sorely miissed."
McKinley, Kevin J USA (ret) of Seekonk, MA

"Sir,

I never had the chance to tell you thank you for encouraging me to continue my education and telling me not to give up hope during troubled times. I remember our conversations well from everything to politics to just ordinary smokin' and jokin'. You made a difference in my life, sir. I thank you everyday I get the chance. God Bless you, sir and your family."
SGT James H. Evans III 2nd BCT, MP Platoon of Ft. Stewart, GA

"I last saw Leon just the week prior to me leaving Iraq. We shared the same computer on base to receive our official mail and assignments. He was advising the Iraqi police and I was an advisor of the Iraqi army. We talked about the north country as I love the St Lawrence river and the Adirondacks. He was a good man and always a gentleman.I enjoyed knowing him. I heard of his death several months after I returned home. God bless him and his family."
LTC Martin Gilmore (ret) of Newark, NY

"May 28, 2007
Still thinking of you Leon, and forever thankfull that I was able to serve with you."
Al Dolby of Silverdale Wa

"LTC James was given a very difficult mission and was doing his best to accomplish it. His final act was to pull one of his wounded interps to the secure side of the vehicle. I managed to shake his had before he was loaded onto the medevac and can only hope he heard me. God Speed Sir. You will be missed"
Doc Perkins of 3rd POB SPTT ( now in Springfield IL)

"My condolences to the family of LTC James. Although I was not on his team I was in the same Advisor group that trained up and deployed along with him."
MAJ Hevr of Fort Siil, OK

"my name is Cassidy and i am a volunteer for the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run. We are a group of people that have built a memorial wall in Marsielles Illinois for all the fallen soldiers in Mideast conflicts since Beriut. Your loved one's name will be permenently added to this wall. For any further information visit our website www.ilfreedomrun.org please e-mail me at me1196@aol.com to let me know that you have recived this message. If you decide to come to this memorial on June 19th, 2006, you will recieve VIP seating and treatment for the cermonies that day. ALL OUR WELCOMING TO HONOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS
**Cassidy"
Cassidy of Brookfield/ILL/red,white,blue

"I had the great honor to work with in this last year. He was in charge of the MAT at Ft. Drum, NY and I was amoung many mobilized reserviset that came to work for him. He treated us reservist as if we had been his along. We went to Ft. Dix last winter and he was so great to us. He would not let me go to Atlantic City by myself because he was concerned for my safety. He was always concerned for other. I will never forget him."
SSG Frascella of FT. Drum, NY

"MY SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMILY,I THANK HIM FOR FIGHTING FOR OUR COUNTRY!
(FROM A FRIEND OF MIKE VOIGHT'S)"
DEBBIE NOEL of HAVERHILL,MA.

"To the James Family, I wish to extend to you my most sincere condolences. Your Leon is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and God Bless Leon."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"I just want to offer my condolences to the Family of Lt Col James. I served with Leon back in the early 1980's at Ft Riley Ks, he was my squad leader back then (when he was still a regular ol enlisted Soldier).

I read in a recent article that Leon's Mom described him as a 'Soldiers Soldier', and that he was. His leadership ability was second to none, and he maintained a calm and decisive manner that everybody in our platoon admired...and he did indeed have the unwavering respect of all of us.

Rest In Peace Col James, and I pray your Family will find much comfort in your memory and knowing how much genuine respect everyone had for you."
Al Dolby Jr of Silverdale, Wa

"To the James Family,

Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this time of sorrow for the loss of your beloved LEON. He served America with honor and we join with you in the celebration of his life. LEON will always be remembered as an American Hero.

May God Bless You and help ease your pain during this difficult time. Thank you, Leon, for your courage and belief in keeping us safe at home. God's Speed.

From a grateful American Family of a US Army Soldier, serving in Iraq with the 101st Avn Regt."
Craig & Sharon Erwin of Oregon, United States of America

"We were shocked and deeply sadened when we learned of Leon's death. Leon was a true American hero who died doing what he loved, serving his country. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sylvia and the rest of the James family. We have all suffered a loss but Leon will not be forgotten."
Bob & Donna Farquhar of Lexington, KY

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

"TO THE JAMES FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE NEWS. WE LOST OUR SON GREGORY LAST YEAR IN BALAD,IRAQ. ALTHOUGH, HE WAS RECENTLY ASSIGNED TO VESLICK, GERMANY. HE WAS APART OF FORT DRUM FOR EIGHT YEARS PRIOR. AN EACH TIME A SOLDIER FALL'S. IT EFFECTS ME; MORE SO WITH A SOLDIER FROM FROM FORT DRUM. LEON THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR GREAT COUNTRY. AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. LEON YOU HAVE TOUCHED MANY MANY HEARTS. AN TO THOSE YOU HAVE. IN CAME IN MANY WAYS. ALL HOLD VERY PRECIOUS MOMENTS THAT YOU SHARED. WITH FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, RELATIVE'S, TO THOSE IN YOUR COMMUNITY AND YOUR AMAZING MILITARY FAMILY. LEON YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN. TO ALL YOUR SOLDIERS! IT WAS YOUR LEADERSHIP TO TRAIN, DRILL THEM TO BE PREPARED AND TO BE THE VERY BEST SOLDIER HE OR SHE COULD BE! AN WITH EACH SOLDIER YOU GAVE SO MUCH MORE. TIMES TO BE OH SO CARING, IN UNDERSTANDING, KINDNESS, GUIDANCE, AND LOVE. YOU PREPARED THEM FOR WAR! THAT WAS THE HARDEST THING YOU HAD TO DO. FOR NO COMMANDER EVER WANTS TO GO TO WAR OR SEND HIS SOLDIERS TO WAR. STILL YOUR LEADERSHIP; WILL HAVE SAVED MANY LIVES OF YOUR SOLDIERS. LEON YOU ALSO HEPLED TO FIGHT OFF TERRORIM IN THE WORLD. ALONG WITH GIVEN THOSE IN IRAQ HOPE! TO ONE DAY LIVE IN PEACE WITHOUT FEAR. TO ENJOY FREEDOM AND LIBERTY! MORE THEN ALL THAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED. IT'S THE FACT YOU UNSELFISHLY GAVE YOUR COUNTRY. RISKING EVERYTHING IMPORTANT TO YOU FOR YOUR COUNTRY. YOU ARE THE ELITE OF THE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF AMERICAN'S. FOR VERY FEW EVER SERVE HIS OR HER COUNTRY. I HAVE THE UPMOST RESPECT FOR YOU AND ALL OUR SOLDIERS! MY TEARS NEVER STOPPED ROLLING DOWN MY CHEEK FOR MY SON, ALL OUR FALLEN AND ESPECIALLY FOR YOU LEON! I AM VERY PROUD OF ALL OUR SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTNA AND IRAQ, TO ALL OUR WOUNDED THAT RETURNED HOME, AND FOR ALL OUR FALLEN. IN PAST WARS WE FAILED TO HONOR THEM. I SAY THAT FOR TODAY WE ARE HONORING THOSE FROM WWI, WWII, KOREAN AND DESERT STORM. I SUGGEST THE JAMES FAMILY REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. TO REQUEST A STREET BE NAMED IN HIS HONOR. SO THAT HIS COMMUNITY REMEMBERS HIS SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY, STATE AND COUNTRY. WE THE FALLEN FAMILIES MUST DEMAND OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS BE HONORED TODAY! WE NEVER WANT THEM FORGOTTEN! MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH LEON AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS!"
leonard t. wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"You had a tough mission and like so many didn't hesitate to do whats right. From my family to yours, thanks for your selfless service and May God Bless You and Yours."
Jim Glenn, COL, US Army of Washington DC (Pentagon)

"Thank you Leon James II, 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 Lt. Col. Leon James II:
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 Leon 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 Lt. Col. Leon James II:
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 Leon, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia