Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I was on scene the day he and 3 other men were killed and I am truly sorry for their loss. He would not have recognized me in a Police line up but he certainly made an impression on me and everyone in my team. After 14 1/2 years I am still thinking of Ivica and the others. I wish I had more to say, just know that I am thinking of you. May God bless you and your family."
Fitz of Carson Valley, NV

"I am proud to say that I was a friend of Ivica and Sue before and after he entered the Army. We were members of the same church and enjoyed a lot of good times. Ivica may not have started life as an American, but proudly lived and died as one of America's best. Ivica will be missed by many. God bless him and Sue."
Mike Collier of Nouston, Tx.

"Ivica was my section Sgt in 690th Med Co. To this day I remember his integrity, his caring for all of his soldiers and others. We were always ready and ready due to Ivica's effort alone. I am thankful to have been coached, mentored by on of the best!"
Mike Looper of lexington, sc

"Ivica, thinking of you today, brother..."
Stew of houston, tx

"Sue, you are such a strong woman and I am proud of you and admire your courage! Ivica was a special man and will live in our hearts and memories forever. His and your sacrifice will never be forgotten! We love you!"
Dave, Amber, Jaleigh and Colten of Whispering Pines, NC

"A 4 years after than yours departure,my dear brother,miss you very very much.He was be and still remain my best brother.
Thanks all people that you memory and visit your last home.
I believe in the ours again meet.
Brother Boris Jerak and his family from Croatia"
Boris Jerak of Zadar,Croatia

"July 3, 2008
To the family of Master Sgt. Ivica Jerak:
Ivica 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 the family of:Ivica Jerak 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"

"When I reported to my first Special Forces "A" team (ODA 076), at 10th Special Forces Group in the mid 90's I was blessed to have Ivica as my Senior Medical Sergeant. The Special Forces Medical Sergeant's course may have taught me what I needed to know, but Ivica showed me how to put it all together and make it work. He was a friend, a professional, and above all a Man of Integrity. May God Bless Ivica; and may God Bless his wife, and his entire family...for they shared him with a Nation that so desparately needs more men like him!---Rest in peace my friend. Eric Thor Olson"
Eric Thor Olson of Kewanee, Ilinois

"When I reported to my first Special Forces "A" team (ODA 076), at 10th Special Forces Group in the mid 90's I was blessed to have Ivica as my Senior Medical Sergeant. The Special Forces Medical Sergeant's course may have taught me what I needed to know, but Ivica showed me how to put it all together and make it work. He was a friend, a professional, and above all a Man of Integrity. May God Bless Ivica; and may God Bless his wife, and his entire family...for they shared him with a Nation that so desparately needs more men like him!---Rest in peace my friend. Eric Thor Olson"
Eric Thor Olson of Kewanee, Ilinois

"Ivica Jerak was a dear friend since I worked with him in Croatia in 95. He was a very courageous man who believed in the mission. I am sorry I never got to have those beers with him after he was supposed to come back. I will miss him. I wish I could tell him that we will carry on the fight. I'll see you on the other side brother."
Sean Fontaine of xrayspecs@zensearch.com

"To Sue. On the one year anniversary of your husband being killed in Iraq, my thoughts go out to you. He was one of many "HERO"S" and I'am very proud of him."
Mary Jo Lechner Aunt of Trevor Diesing of Menomonie, Wi

"To the Jerak family: Primite moje saucesce. Ivica i ja smo se upoznali kada smo zajedno radili u Bosni. Tek sam danas saznala.
He was a very tough and strong soldier and I'm very sorry for your loss. There are quite a few translators who will miss him - he helped a lot of us."
L. Sharich of Chicago, IL USA

"Jerak was a good soldier and a great man. I served with him during Desert Shield/Storm. He is a hero for which I am proud I knew. May God bless his family."
Archie Kennedy of Hemingway, SC

"To Sue,
We are so sad for the loss of Ivica. He fought a hard fight. Please know you are in our prayers. We miss you."
Ann, Daren, Alexa, Macy, & Jet Wilkinson of Brookings, SD

"To the Jerak Family, I wish to offer to you my deepest condolences. Your Ivica is a true American Hero who will always be remembered and honored. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you all and God Bless Ivica."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"To Ivica'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

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your
Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the loyal service and sacrifice that was made and
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Our cousin LCPL Michael Smith Jr. gave his life on 4-17-04 fighting for freedom.
Please know that this was not in vain and these American Heros will FOREVER be honored.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"TO THE JERAK FAMILY FROM THE WAHL. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE LOST OF IVICA. WE LOST OUR SON LAST YEAR IN BALAD, IRAQ. AN THANKFUL GREGORY SERVED WITH MEN AND WOMEN AS IVICA. OUR FAMILY IS DIVIDED LIVING IN SPRING, TEXAS OUTSIDE OF HOUSTON. AN OTHER FAMILY IN NEW YORK. STILL WE BOTH LOST A SON SOMEONE VERY DEAR AND A HERO! MY PRAYS ARE WITH IVICA AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"THANK YOU ALL for being with us, in this hard time for our family, It means a lot.
He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom, and we are so proud and lucky for having him in our lives.
He will live forever in our minds and hearts.

THANKS one more time to all of his friends for being with us....

WE LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Brother Petar Jerak with family!

To contact us:
pjerak@globalnet.hr"
Petar Jerak of Zadar, Croatia

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

"Your bravery goes beyond words. 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 Croatian."
Dubravko of Croatia

"To Ivica'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 as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' sons. Our boys are truly heroes!

By His Grace,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern", 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"Ivica was a fine soldier that I had the privelage of knowing. I learned a great deal from him. He will be missed. He was great at what he did for the Army and enjoyed it."
Pete Schichtel of Ft Campbell, KY

"To The Jerak Family,
Our Family, Our City, Our Country grieves with you. We are so saddened by your loss. Your Soldier IS OUR HERO! We will never forget him or the others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
S Grogan of Lakeland, TN

"Thank you Ivica Jerak, 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 Master Sgt. Ivica Jerak:
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 Ivica 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 Master Sgt. Ivica Jerak:
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 Ivica, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia