Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"10/31/2020
May we honor the lives of those who have fought for our freedom with the way we choose to live our own, I was chosen because of a very close friend who served with the 48 Marines and Corpsmen who sacrificed it all; to read each story, to get to know a small piece of their lives through families and friends. I chose to honor each of them with a bible verse:

Thomas O. Keeling 6/9/05
"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." - Proverbs 11:25 (Kind)"
Haleigh Kilgore of West Virginia

"I pass Thomas' Memorial on I-71 daily, and therefore am reminded daily of his sacrifice and that of so many others in defense of our country. God Bless all."
of Medina, OH

"Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thomas you Brad,Daniel and the others who gave the last final measure that day will always be in my heart as my son moves forward with the 3/25 I know I will always honor your sacrifice and never forget you. Semper Fidelis."
Marine Dad of Lakewood, ohio

"Remembering Thomas on this Memorial Day 2013. Freedom is not free."
Devon's mom

"On this Memorial Day in 2013 I wanted to let your family no that you are always remembered and that we are THANKFUL for our freedom."
db of Saint Anthony, Idaho, USA

"06-09-2012
You are ALWAYS REMEMBERED!!!"
db

"06-09-2011 We are thinking of you and your family today. We will always REMEMBER!!!"
db of Saint Anthony, Idaho, USA

"I met a man named Thomas Keeling. I spoke with him about you. He was 80 yrs. old and had blue eyes like you. He was a vet. I had tears in my eyes, he said, "Well Im just an older version of Tommy". I miss you, Thanks for always protecting me."
Jess

"5 years have passed and not a day goes by that I don't remember my good friend Tom, your brother in arms"
Ryan Peters of hometown, strongsville, ohio

"5 years have passed and not a day goes by that I don't remember my good friend Tom, your brother in arms"
Ryan Peters of hometown, strongsville, ohio

"5" years and never forgotten'
The initials T.K. & D.S. (Devon Seymour) remain on my baseball cap as I coach each season of High school Baseball. Each playing of the National anthem comes the reminder of his sacrifice. My stepson (Mike Lafferty) proudly served with Thomas, Devon, and the other fine men of the 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment 4th Marine Division.
Just wanted to drop a line here, to say, Some gave all, and they are not and will not be forgotten."
Mark Eckard of Heath, Ohio

"It's been 5 years. You will Never be forgotten. God Bless You and Your Family."
Janet Seymour - Devon's Mom

"06-09-2010
We remember and keep your family in our hearts and prayers."
db of St. Anthony, Idaho

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH / USA

""June 9th, 2009 and it has been four years. Not a day goes by that we don't think of our heroes. Freedom is not free but I promise it is a treasure I will never take for granite. We will always remember you and your family. Thank you!!!""
db of Saint Anthony, Id./USA

"Today is June 7th and I wanted to let you know that your family and Thomas are in my thoughts and prayers. June 9th is a day that will forever be a day of rememberance. You have given much and words do not tell you well enough just how much your family is loved and thought of. May you always know that you are thought of and remembered. We love you! Semper Fi"
Debbi Birch of Saint Anthony, Idaho/USA

"Dear Thomas O. Keeling and family you are in my thoughts and I wanted you to know that you will always be remembered."
db of St. Anthony, ID

"In the time it takes to blink an eye
Soldier’s lives go marching by;
History on the fly-
Hearts are beating, time is fleeting, yeah!

Intolerance, one for another,
Brings about weeping mothers;
Sons and daughters flags have covered-
Pressure growing, blood is flowing, yeah! Oh, yeah!

“Here we stand, on this day,
United,” some dare say.
Democracy is now in play-
Sands are drifting, climates shifting, yeah!

Will the world remember me
An architect of liberty
I’ve one comfort; (Can’t you see?)
Comfort knowing hope is growing, yeah! Oh, yeah!"
P K of Cleveland, OH

"June 15, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Thomas O. Keeling:
Thomas 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:Thomas O.Keeling 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"

"tommy, we hung out every day till the day you left for the services. i love you bro and always will."
chuck vinyard III of parma, ohio, USA

"Thomas,
I would like to say thank you to you and the four other Marines who were also killed in that blast for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"tommy,you were my favorite cousin. Thank you for the great memories. You have impacted my life so much words can't describe it. I love you, and you will always be my hero"
Brian Gutierrez of Chicago, IL

"i miss u tom i met you whean i was a baby love you r cuz angie calvillo go usmc"
angie calvillo of cleveland,ohio

"Man its almost been a year since you've been gone. Still not a day goes by that your face or your name doesn't pop up in my mind / memory. Just can't shake it. Its hard to talk to people about it cuz they don't know nor understand how I feel or what I'm going through. You continue to be in my memory and always a good friend. I read your letter the other day ago. You never did have the easiest handwritting to read. I'm also sorry for not staying in touch with your family. Its bad of me, but what do I say to them? Life just isn't the same anymore that your not around."
TJL

"It is now August 11, 2005 around midnight and I want you to know how proud I am of you and that you are my hero...think about you all the time."

"To Thomas's Family, I wish to offer my deepest condolences to you. Thomas was a great Marine and is now a true American Hero. Thomas will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"To Thomas's Family, I wish to offer my deepest condolences to you. Thomas was a great Marine and is now a true American Hero. Thomas will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"I'm Lcpl Devon Seymour's mother. He lost his life with your son, Lcpl Birch, Lcpl Chavez and Cpl. Squires. In reading the tributes about your son I realized that he sounded a lot like Devon. I am honored to have been a part of the life of one of these good men. They stood tall and did what they could to protect our country. It took awhile for me to accept the thought of my son being a Marine. I don't know why. To be a man of integrity, courage and bravery with a good heart...Something To Be Proud Of. Devon liked a song by that name. I'm very proud of them all! God Bless!"
Janet Seymour of St. Louisville, Ohio 43071

"thought and prayers are with the family of Lance Cpl. Thomas Keeling. He is now a solider of God still watching over and protecting us.. Semper FI"
of Ohio

"I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and love during this time. I lost my nephew to Iraq also, I feel for anyone who has to go through this. Thank you Tom for your sacrifice so that we may live free. My heart is with you all.
In Christ"
Maureen Ledet of Loveland, Ohio

"Dear family and friends of Thomas O. Keeling, My prayers are with all of you. Thomas is truly an American hero and will be remembered as one who was willing to fight for the freedom of us all. I am a marine mom of Strongsville and I believe our men and women in the military are the real heros of this country and should be honored. My prayers are with all of you. I pray God will bless you with a peace that goes beyond our understanding but could only come from Him. Sincerely, Pam Spencer, a proud marine mom."
Pam Spencer of Strongsville

"To Tom's grieving family. My son, Cpl Brian Abell, was serving with Tom with Weapons Co in Iraq. Brian called this morning at 3:00 am and I told him that I had attended the calling hours for Brad Squires earlier last evening and that I will be there for Tom on Monday night. I asked Brian if he knew Tom and he said that besides knowing him as a Marine brother he said that he and Tom were in the same class at Kent last year and that Tom was 'a good Marine'. All the Weapons Co. families share your pain and wish there was more we could do to help. We all grieve for the loss of your very precious son. Tom will forever be a true American hero."
Kolette of Twinsburg, Ohio

"Hi, my name is Jerimy Spencer and I graduated from Strongsville in 1999. I am sorry to say that I did not have the honor of being aquainted with your son. Having a younger brother who has been to Iraq twice already, I can only contemplate a small portion of what you are going through. Please know that my heart goes out to you as I will continually keep you in my prayers.

In Christ,

Jerimy Spencer"
Jerimy Spencer of Strongsville, OH

"My heartfelt sympathy goes to your family. Thank you for trying to make sure our country remain free and safe."
JC of Middleburg Hts., Ohio

"To the family of Thomas O. Keeling,
You are in my prayers and thoughts. My deepest sympathies go out to you. He is a true American hero."
Cathy O'Neill of Strongsville, Ohio

"To the family of Thomas Keeling, I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all of you, I know the sorrow you feel as I lost my brother Tom Scullen in Vietnam 1968. My son Ryan Scullen is in the Marines with 3/25 at the Dam of Haditha and together we send our condolences. We are proud of Thomas Keeling and thank him for his sacrifice."
Linda Payne & Family of Berea Oh USA

"To the family and friends of Thomas Keeling: your son died with my friend Brad and I am truly grateful for the boys having the courage and bravery to keep me free. God bless your family. Thomas, Brad and all the boys/girls serving are heros and will be forever remembered."

"To the Family and Friends of Tom Keeling - our prayers and thoughts are with you. We grieve and know the pain you are enduring. Our lives will never be the same, our hearts have broken with yours. Together our Marines will protect us forever. Semper Fi, Keeling Family."
The Squires Family

"To the family and friends of Thomas Keeling. His sacrifice IS APPRECIATED. We know this is a horrible time for you and your comments posted are out of grief and anger. God Bless you. As the Bible says we never know when our time will come. No one who truly cares will ever forget the sacrifice that your family member gave. I truly feel that he would not want you to relish in anger but remember him with love and caring. He will never, ever be forgotten by our family."
3/25 family member of in Ohio

"Thomas Oliver you left your cousins Joey and Alexandra a fine example of "what a hero" is and "who a hero is". I am proud to have been your Aunt even for a short time. You were much like your beloved Grandfather & followed in his footsteps. You and Pop are side by side now and know no more pain or sorrow. Thank you for all your sacrifices and we will see you again one day!!!
All our Love Aunt Tina, Joey and Alex"
Tina Oliver Scotoni of Chicago, IL USA

"We are very sad to hear of your loss of Thomas in the war against terrorism. He will always be in our prayers and we will be having a mass said for him at "Our Lady of the Pines" Church, Black Forest, Colorado. Our hearts go out to you and your family, Shirley (sister of Dolly Kuzlik)and Randy Kliner, Falcon, Colorado"
Randall and Shirley Kliner of Falcon, Co USA

"Thomas was a kind, considerate thoughtful person, trying to make a difference in a country that really does not get it. Tom gave his life for you and me, to be a better life and all that goes with it. Dont' ever forget my nephew. When you go to church, say a prayer and NEVER forget him because he gave his live for you. You who are in every city and every state."
of Chicago

"Our Hero, my Thomas, who deserved to live a full life. This country better appreciate what he gave for us?? Do you know.... his life....for America... and for what....a better place for who.... you or me....what do you think?
He will always be my hero...do not forget about my Tom...."
of Chicago, Illinois

"To my Tom, I will miss you, you are my Hero. I hope this country appreciates your sacrifice!!!!!!!!"
lynn Oliver of Chicago, Ill

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Thomas O. Keeling,

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 use our link and register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts "
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"To the Keeling & Berry Families:
Tom was a great friend to me and he will forever be missed, but never forgotten. I'll miss all the times we had, but I will keep them close to me for as long as I live. Thank you Tom for being a great friend to me."
Todd Lamont of North Royalton, OH

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Keeling family at this time. Thank you for sacrificing your loved one to defend our country....thank you isn't enough. God bless."
Friend of Cpl. Brad Squires of Berea, Ohio

"God bless you Thomas Keeling, and God bless your family and friends. I am Brad Squires cousin, so I am also suffering a deep loss. May God continue to bless you all."
Charlie McGuigan of Willowick,Ohio,USA

"Our deepest condolences to Tom's family. Thank you Tom for your service and trying to make this world a better place so we can all live in freedom.
Your pals from the housekeeping staff at KSU."
Housekeeping of Kent, Oh

"tommy, our tommy. you were a great cousin, and war hero. words can't describe how much love and compassion you had on people and the world. i remember playing games and stuff when we were over at your house, when brian and i were smaller. you have had such an impact on our lives that we will never forget you. we love you all so much and will miss you... our american hero."
Lauren of Chicago

"To my cousin, Tommy, whom I only met when you were a child. I am so proud of you and what you did on behalf of our country. You are truly a special individual and a great American. We are honored to be a part of your family."
Lisa & Allen of Stone Mountain, GA

"Thank you for your sacrifice brave soldier. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Deena, we are so sorry for the loss of your cousin. God bless you all and keep you in His loving arms."
Sincerely, Lisa, Jerry, Nick, Jake and Ben Bloxsom of Parma, Ohio

"My prayers are with LCPL. Keeling and his famiy!"
The family of a 3/2 marine serving in Al Qaim, Iraq of Medina, Ohio

"Thomas - We will remember you always - you're our hero! Thank you for being a part of our lives. You were always a happy child and a great friend to Kenny."
The Yosicks of Medina,OH,USA

"MY SINCERE PRAYERS AND SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS OF THOMAS KEELING.I AM SURE YOU ARE FEELING THE SAME TRAGIC LOSS AT THIS TIME AS OUR FAMILY IS.WHAT GREAT YOUNG MEN TO GIVE THEIR TIME AND ENERGYAND ULTIMATLEY THEIR LIVES TO DEFEND OUR NATION FROM TERROR AND THE EVIL THAT LURK IN THE HEARTS OF SOME PEOPLE.I FOR ONE AM GLAD TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE SUCH GREAT,BRAVE MEN IN THIS WORLD.I KNOW THEY WILL RECIEVE GREAT BLESSINGS IN HEAVEN FOR THEIR SERVICE HERE ON EARTH."
SABRINA BIRCH, Aunt & friend of Marine Llance Corpral Dustin Birch of IDAHO FALLS,IDAHO,USA

"To a cousin I only met once. May your utlimate sacrifice be remembered by future generations and understood by those who love you."
Mike of Stone Mountain Georgia

"Wow, I'll never forget growing up on North Meadows Lane. Me, Tommy, Kristen, Dave and Susie. I remember capture the flag in Dave's yard, ghosts in the graveyard (if I was allowed out past the street-lights:-), building forts in the woods, raking leaves, long hot summer days riding bikes or playing basketball...and then there was the day we discovered that we were cousins! I consider it a privilege to have grown up with Tom...I remember him as a cousin, but more so as my childhood friend. Strongsville has lost a great Marine. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Keeling/Berry family. He will never be forgotten."
Rachel Prahst of Strongsville, Ohio

"My husband Jerry Fought just told me of your loss. My prayers go out to you and your entire family. I never had the opportunity to meet your son, but the notes listed on this site from both family and friends paint a wonderful picture of a very giving and loving young man. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time."
Love Deborah and Jerry Fought of Columbia Station, OH

"This world is a better place because Tom was in it. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to Tom's family, I have never known someone as selfless as Tom was.
RIP Tom. ~Always~"
Amy Recktenwald of Akron, Ohio

"Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. You will never be forgotten."
Proud Sister of a 3/25 Marine of Massillon, Ohio

"To the family of Thomas Keeling: I believe that I met Thomas last summer in Kent. He told me he was going to Iraq this year. We talked about how important this mission was and what it meant to the American people, the Iraqi people and freedom in general. I was honored to talk with him for a few minutes, and I offer you my deepest sympathies. All peace loving people owe you and Thomas a debt of honor that can never be repaid. May God Bless you and Thomas and may he help you through this difficult time. Semper Fi"
Joseph Ferencie of Solon, Ohio

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Thomas Keeling: Tom was a great guy, whether he was at class, at the bar, or on the battlefield, he left a lasting impression on everyone and he will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to you.Thanks Tom."
Friend in Akron

"A great friend, I'll never forget the memories of our childhood. You were so quick to put a smile on my face. My sincere condolences go to the entire Keeling Family.

You, Tom, are MY hero. Thank You. God Bless."
Dave Murphy of Middleburg Heights, OH

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
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

"RIP Devil Dog....

J and T USMC"

"My heart and prayers go out to the family, friends and comrades of Thomas Keeling."
Marine Mom 3/25/4th of western NY

"To the family of Thomas, I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. LIke others your son/brother made the ultimate sacrifice and my family and myself couldn't thank you enough.The honor Tom fullfilled of his duty will help me drive on my future missions. You're a true battle buddie Tom and you won't be truly dead because of the memories of you will never fade."
SPC. James, David of North Royalton,OH

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

"To The Keeling 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. God Bless You and your Brave Marine..Semper Fi!!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN 6/10/05

"Your son will forever be in our hearts & minds. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends at this time."
A 3/25 MARINE WIFE of AKRON, OH

"Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas O. Keeling, "thank you" isn't enough for the ultimate sacrifice you gave to each of us. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family during this difficult time."
Jerry & Toni Longville of Akron, Ohio

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