Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hello I’m the fiancé of Cpl Covarrubius nickname (Cova). He always speaks so highly of Dallas Kerns and considered him a brother. He still carries him in his heart."
Trina/Cova of Virginia Beach Virginia

"My Name is Chris Bengtson I was your son's platoon sergeant while he was in Iraq. I was in the same vehicle that day and I just want to say that your son and the others that died that day have forever been with me. I will never forget that day. I am sorry for the loss of your son we all miss him."
SSGT Chris Bengtson of Rochester Mn.

"May Jesus Bless you and your family today as the memorial day holiday approaches. I too was a Marine in Iraq during 2003-2004. His presence saved lives as each of ours did. We all looked out for others and wanted to make our folks n friends n family back home proud. I am sure he did.May Jesus restore your joy and laughter onice more and wipe away your years. Thank you from a Fellow Marines during 92-2007 Iraq 2003-2004"
Matthew of CORONA,CA

"June 30, 2015
Kerns today you are in my mind, this is my safe place to let the world know that you are that Hero that we look as a model. Miss you brother!"
E. PerezBrignoni of Novi, Michigan, USA

"9 years ago we lost you. You may be gone, but you are never forgotten. We love and miss you Dallas!"
Danny, Jenny, Sissy and buddy of West Plains Mo

"To Dallas's family, your son was my room mate before we left. We were always talking about when we came home and all the goofing around we were going to do. We never talked about our families to each other but we were able to play enough games and drink together on weekends. I still think of him around the 4th of July and of hanging out at our last party together at Al Qaim, he was a good brother."
Mark Juarez of San Antonio,Tx

"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_V_UOFHCAM&feature=youtu.be
Rest in Peace Marines"
carlos rojas of miami,fl

"To the family of:Dallas L.Kerns
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"3-3-11"

"TO MY HERO I MISS YOU EVERYDAY THERES SOMEONE WHO CUTS THEIR HAIR THE WAY YOU DID OR THAT SMILE I LOVE YOU MY HERO
BROTHER AND MOTHER"
MS. KERNS of MTN GROVE MO

"I have put this off for years....I regret that....I have tried to call and not left a message when the phone ring ends....I regret that.

I have called several times since to the same end....I have left messages that do not come close to explaining the friendship and sacrifice that Corporal Kerns left me with. I hope you and your family are doing well,truly.

Corporal Kerns was an honorable Marine. He challenged others by his performance. He never lost his strength and determination in the face of any challenge....he was a strong leader. We served together for years in the same Company (Kilo) and then in the same platoon. We roomed in the barracks together for over a year and he was as good as a Man as he was a Marine. He was a TRUE Marine AND Friend!


I can imagine how hard it has been for you and your family...and I hope the words above make your burden easier to bear. The future and direction of a country is the direct reflection of that country's hero's....your son is one of them!!!

- SSgt. Bilbao"
SSgt. Bilbao of Utah, Utah

"CPL Dallas Kerns, you will not be forgotten. We love you and miss you always."
Marina Geringer of Fort Bragg, NC.

"It's been 5 years and so much has changed but he is still missed as much today as he was the day he passed away. The love is still there and He is still a hero in my heart and always will be"
Marlissa of Graham, TX

"Cpl. Kerns, It's been over 5 years and I still hold you in my prayers at night. Your family did an excelent job raising their son. At that point in my life you were one of the nicest people to me. I was there with you at the end, and I hope to see you again at my new beggining. Cox"
Dustin Cox of Texas

"Kerns you will never be forgotten brotha"
fernando Cabeza of miami, fl,usa

"This is Cpl. Dallas Kerns mom here to thank you for time and love ms. kerns"
ms. connie kerns of springfield mo

"Friday 27, 2009
Kerns almost 5 years since you deploy away from us. Honors to you Brother."
Efren Perez-Brignoni of Roseville MI US

"June 15, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Dallas L. Kerns:
Dallas 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

"Dear Family of Dallas Kerns:

To honor the Missouri soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, the professional portrait artists of the Grateful Hearts project are offering to paint a portrait of the individual soldier for his family.

These 16"x20" original portraits are being offered free of charge in recognition of the sacrificies made by these brave soldiers and in condolence for their families loss.

For more information, please email us at gratefulheartsproj@sbcglobal.net

Sincerely;
The Artists of Grateful Hearts"
J.Gragg of Lee's Summit,Mo.

"To Connie of Springfield,Mo. i have a very short video clip of Dallas my son took of him,which i believe it belongs with you and the family. lkylu1@cox.net"
lucrecio of Phoenix Az.

"Kerns, a great Marine and an excellent human being. It's so sad that you're life had to be taken over a bullshit war. I can't wait to see you in the ressurrection. Peace and Love to your family"
CPL. SHANE MILLER AKA ROACH of LOS ANGELES

"Until we see you again Dallas."
Cpl Hadziomerovic and Cpl Powell of Atlanta/Troy

"To family and friends, im sorry for your loss, and im sure he was a great kid. But he fought for our freedom and the freedom of Iraq and i thank him."
Brandon Kriss of ofallon, mo , usa

"I had the pleasure of training Kerns when he first came to 3/7 Kilo compnay in 2002. The first thing I noticed about Kerns was how tough he was. He was one of the most disciplined young men that I have ever met. I served with Kerns on his first and my last tour in Iraq in 2003 and it made me very proud to see how Kerns and all the other new guys were handing themselves. Kerns was a true warrior and the Marine Corps will miss him. I have pictures of him in my scrap book and I thank God that I had the pleasure of training him and working with him. He is truly my hero. SEMPER FI! Thank you Kerns for making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I love you man."
Lakieth Alsobrook of Los Angeles, CA

"To the family and Friends of Dallas Kerns, I am very sorry for your loss..I am from not so far away,Mansfield, and when I heard about this it really hit deep down...Also as a fellow service member, corpsman also, he made the ultimate sackrifice...Thank You"
Stacey of stationed Italy

"Mrs. Kerns,
I wanted to write to you and tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your precious son. I too lost a son in Al Kut, Iraq on June 6, 2003. His name was Doyle "Wayne" Bollinger, Jr. May God Bless and keep you always."
Wyvonne Bollinger of Poteau, Okla

"I expend the first 8 months of the war next to Kerns we were fighting buddys attach to each other i miss the guy i really do till today i cant believe it. Now i tell you this he still one of the bravest Marines ever and one of the finest young men that i ever knew GOD BLESS Him."
Efren PerezBrignoni of Roseville,Michigan/ US

"St. Charles Democratic Alliance held a Tribute & Memorial to the 20 fallen soldiers from Missouri on 3/19/2005, the 2nd anniversary of the War in Iraq. Four families of the fallen attended the event, and nine families shared messages that were read during the tribute by Connie Greene, sister of fallen soldier Jamie Huggins. The event aired on all four local newscasts (Fox KTVI, KPLR, KSDK, KMOV.) Biographies of each of the fallen soldiers were read while photos of the soldiers were displayed. The event also included Bible readings, songs, keynotes speeches by Rev. Jason Samuel and Viet Nam Veteran Ken Peters, and a fellowship in the church hall immediately following the tribute. Our organization was sensitive to the fact that even though information on Missouri’s fallen soldiers is a matter of open record, we had to go beyond the name, rank and serial number – we needed to share information on the fallen soldiers from the family’s perspective and present a tribute that each of the soldiers would have approved of. This was a day for honoring Missouri’s finest, as well as the sacrifice the families made, and continue to make every day. Special thanks to the Burkhardt, Gottfried, Huggins and Spink families for traveling long distances to Transfiguration Church in Lake St. Louis to participate in this community tribute. (anngastler@charter.net)

PS Connie, I'll send a video as soon as it gets finalized - sorry you couldn't be there."
Ann Gastler of St. Charles Democratic Alliance of St. Peters, MO

"Thank you Dallas for the gift of freedom that you so proudly defended for all of us. You will be in our thoughts as we raise our flag in the front yard daily. Semper Fi Marine. From a grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"We will not forget you. Thank you...Thank you...Thank you...there are really no words to express my gratitude for the freedom you have given us and my sorrow for your family and their loss. I vow to live my life in such a way that your sacrifice will not have gone in vain. Your family and you are in my prayers."
natasha of Pittsburgh, PA, USA

"thank you men in kilo for the love you all shared with my son and yes he is missed more than word to say, but he is a angel now in a nother way and very much love by all thanks again.. connie"
connie of springfield mo

"Dallas was a great friend, and was a great person to have on your side while fighting over in Iraq, he was a great man, and was very kind i give you all the best of luck in the near future, and remember that your son was and is a great hero of the United States, he will always be remebered by the marines of 3/7 Kilo co."
Leo Kendall of Hampton, VA USA

"MY HUSBAND JOHN AND I ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. OUR SON LCPL JOHN J. VAN GYZEN IV WAS KILL WITH YOUR SON AND MICHAEL. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU CONNIE AND YOUR FAMILY IN THE WEEKS AND THE MONTHS AHEAD. WE DID NOT KNOW YOUR SON BUT IN OUR EYES HE IS A HERO ALONG WITH ALL THE OTHER BRAVE SOILDERS WHO HAVE MADE THE ELTIMATE SCRACIFICE SO THAT WE CAN LIVE FREE. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. E-MAIL ADDRESS JJVG3@COMCAST.NET."
JANE VAN GYZEN of NORTH DIGHTON, MASS

"Connie and Randy I am so sorry for your loss. We wrote to Dallas and talked to him on the phone - such a wonderful nice young man. We are proud that he is our cousin and forever our hero. We love him - May God bless and keep him always. Cousins Rosalie, Holly, Candy Markus, Joshua and children."
Rosalie of Vancouver, WA USA

"I am deeply sorry about the lose of Dallas. I know he will be loved and missed dearly. He will be in my heart forever."
Marlissa of 29 Palms. CA

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

"To the Kerns Family - We are deeply, deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Dallas. Our son, Lcpl. Christopher Lellis was his roomate in 29 Palms and spoke affectionately of Dallas on many occasions. Our saddened hearts go out your entire family."
Peter, Sonia and Ryan Lellis of Houston, TX

"To Dallas' 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 his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To my Hero Dallas and his family I feel your grief. My son also died on that fateful day with your son and Michael S Torres, they were brothers. I will never forget them as nor will you. My son is John J VanGyzen and he is my hero as is your son and all who have sacrificed their lives so we could have freedom. I prayed for and loved your son like my own. I ask God to give you peace at this time, I feel your pain. Our boys have a new post in Heaven and they will always be watching over us. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I pray for peace so we can bring all our children home.
"God Bless"
Dotti Arsenault of West

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

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort and peace in their time of need and sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. You will not be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"i am the mother of dallas and i thank everyone for their love he was a great man, and we love hhim soooo very much thank you... e-mail basemonkey@hotmail.com"
connie kerns of springfield mo

"My Dear Friend Rosalie,

My heart is heavy with the sadness in your news ... I am so sorry, please
know that we consider Dallas a hero and appreciate his supreme sacrifice
... he is now in a wonderful place where there is no pain or sorrow.. may
this knowledge bring peace to your heart and to those of your family.

a friends love

Verna Lea"
Verna Lea Jeffries of Frankfort, Kansas

"To the family and friends of Corporal Dallas L. Kerns,

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 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 Dallas' 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 Dallas Kerns, 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 Cpl. Dallas Kerns:
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 Dallas 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 Cpl. Dallas Kerns:
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 Dallas, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia