Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Jeff,
You have been gone for 17 years now, but I still think of you often. You were always so nice to me in middle school and high school, and you were always fun to be around. I still remember where I was and who I was with when I got the call from my parents about your passing. I Dad worked with your Dad, so we knew about it before a lot of people. I pray for your wife and daughter that you left behind from time to time still. Miss you buddy...RIP!"
Amy Williams-McCormick of Kingston, WA currently but born and raised in Tucson, AZ

"Hello Jeff, it's your childhood cul-de-sac friend Armando. For some reason I was thinking about you tonight and I was googling your name and reading your story and what actually happened that day you were taken from us. As a kid you were tough, nothing could hold you down. You would always get back up and keep going. I remember all the childhoods games me you, your brother Mark, Jabez, Carlos, Chris, Joey, Adam and my brother would play like if it was yesterday. I know your up there with Jabez looking down on all your loves ones. I pray that your family continues to have the strength and I pray your daughter grows up and accomplishes everything she wants in life. Until we meet again, Armando"
Armando Aguilar of Tucson, Arizona

"Jeffrey Lawrence,

I never really knew you. I never really knew your family. But I knew about you. A friend of mine told me a lot about you, and it saddens me that you never got to meet your daughter. I'm sure she knows the sacrifice you made for your country and appreciates it. You were a kind-hearted man, I know that much. But just know that my heart goes out to your family, and may your sacrifice never be forgotten."
Chase Davidson of Dunedin, FL

"Jeffrey Lawrence,

I never really knew you. I never really knew your family. But I knew about you. A friend of mine told me a lot about you, and it saddens me that you never got to meet your daughter. I'm sure she knows the sacrifice you made for your country and appreciates it. You were a kind-hearted man, I know that much. But just know that my heart goes out to your family, and may your sacrifice never be forgotten."
Chase Davidson of Dunedin, Fl, USA

"Hello everyone. I'am Celeste Lawrence, wife of Jeffrey. Its been almost ten years since he's been gone. Our daughter Cadence has grown into an amazing young lady. She will be turning ten in July. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write and send thoughts and prayers. I have looked upon these inspiring messages from time to time. They make me smile and remember that I was not alone at that moment in time. Thank you all once again. Peace be with you all. Semper Fi

Celeste Lawrence"
Celeste Lawrence of Tucson, Az, Pima county

"To the family of:Jeffrey D. Lawrence
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"

"Jeff,

We miss you and know that you have given us the gift of freedom. We will always remember and appreciate what you have done for all of the people of the United States and Iraq. Our dream is to live in a world free from Terrorism. I know that you would want this dream for your daughter and family as well. God bless you Marine."
Richard Harper of Tucson, Arizona, USA

"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 E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"We will always have Andy's... I miss you brother!"
Doc Hamilton of Virginia Beach, VA

"Jeff,
You should know that your daughter is full of energy and spirit and that Cadence and Celeste leave a positive impression on all those they come across. I was fortunate enough to meet them on their Snowball Express trip this year.
Your sacrifice and service will never be forgotten."
Maj Paul Aguirre of Phoenix, AZ

"June 17, 2008
To the family of Cpl. Jeffrey D. Lawrence:
Jeffrey 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

"Jeffrey and family,

My name is Crystal. I have just met your brother Marcus. He has a sweet heart. He has told me what you mean to him. My heart and prayers go out to your family and your little girl. Your brother has told me of Candence's doll house. He is a proud uncle. I thank you for fighting for our country. You are a hero. I know you will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace with God in Heaven. May your wife and child be able to draw strength from you. God Bless.

Crystal, friend of Marcus
Tucson, AZ"
Crystal of Tucson, AZ

"Semper Fi"
SgtMaj Sprague of Belle Chasse, La

"I don't really know why its taken me so long to say this... Jeff you were a great friend, like a little brother! Our trip to San Diego still brings a smile and a laugh... I've even got the newspaper cliping of you on the Sports Page cover! You will always be in my thoughts and prayers as will Celeste and Candence... I miss you Lil Cowboy!"
Joshua Propp of Tucson, Az

"Jeff Lawrence is and will always be my hero. How or why isn't important. I went to high school with Jeff and remember seeing him at one end of the hall and running full speed to bump chests. Im a 260 lb guy. Thats who Jeff is. When he saw something he wanted he went at it full speed. Whether it was football or helping a girl change her tire he was the model for happiness and good. I miss you Jeff. co 2000!"
Chad of Tucson, Az

"I was Jeffs best friend at Dietz elementary school after we got into a fight.. My name is Bobby Stone. I was heart broken at the loss of him..Jeff was a kind hearted truly gifted person and I will never ever forget him..My heart goes out to his wife and child and I wish them all the best..I miss You Jeff.."
Bobbby of Tucson, Arizona

"Jeff, The other day my college english professor made us list all of the things that we were thankful for. Then we randomly selected names from a list. I got yours. Our assignement was to write an essay on why the person we selected was responsible for us having everything that we were thankful for. Having served in Afghanistan myself, I know what it can be like. I am sorry this happened to you. I only hope that one day we that carry on without you will be able to look back and know that your passing was not in vain. No words are enough for you. thank you."
GM1 (SW) Boyce D McClellan of Virginia Beach, Va

"well lawrence we came to lar at the same time. you were always in a good mood and always could make the best out of a bad situation. i will never forget you and your name will always be on my flag."
Dial of Camp Lejeune NC

"Hey Lawrence, it seems like yesterday that we were out on the smoking deck at the BAS in Lejeune, talking smack. I'll never forget you brother...SEMPER FIDELIS!"
Edward "DOC" Okoye of Titusville, Florida.

"Jeff I miss you a lot man. The nights in Iraq were better because of you. The bond and the friendship that we shared was awesome. The superbowl at youre house. Celeste being pregnant. It was awesome man. I miss you a lot. I learned a lot from you too. You taught me how to stay alive there man. I have been back for a 3rd tour and Im leaving again in November. The things you taught me have helped. My heart goes out to Celeste and the baby. Please continue to look out after us from above and you will never be forgotten! I love you man."
Cpl Hewitt of 2nd LAR Camp Lejeune

"I will never foget the smoking buddy that only had a few days until he had to quit for the baby. I will never forget you and I will always pray for your wife and daughter."
Trevor of Pantego, TX

"I work with Jeff's dad. I remember one day before Jeff was deployed to Iraq he came out to the Air National Guard Unit where his dad worked. His proud father walked him around office to office introducing him. It was obvious he and his father had a tremendous bond. I was introduced to Jeff and we exchanged a few words. When I see his dad I think of that brief time I had with his son. The handshake, the smile, how he looked straight into my eys and said he loved being a Marine. I remember crying all the way home from his funeral, and hugging my 10 year old son as soon as I got in the door. Jeff made me realize how precious each day is. I have Jeffs picture on my sons wall. When the topic of heros comes up thats where we go. Jeff is a true American hero who still lives in our lives."
Julie Sattler of 162nd FW Tucson Arizona

"Lawrence was always thier if I needed anything I just wish I could return the favors. My heart to Mrs. Lawrence and his beautiful daughter. He will live with me forever. Thank you! God Bless"
Doc Appleby of New Albany, IN

"To Celeste,
We are very sorry for your loss... we will always remember Cpl. Lawrence and you will always be in our prayers.

Cpl. Barocio and Family"
Octavio & Nancy Barocio of Hollister, CA

"I could never have asked for a better friend. I will always have Andy's... the time spent at lunch always included the topic of the love of our lives...our wives and the baby to come!"
Doc Hamilton of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Hello, everyone I'am Cpl Jeffs wife, today is christmas . Thank you all for your thoughtful words. It's very hard for me to deal with such a great loss. Today I thank you my husband for all you have done. You are and always will be mine and cadences HERO. I pray for all who have lost loved ones recently. I deeply pray for those in harms way. GOD BLESS AND SEMPER FI."
Celeste and Cadence Lawrence of Tucson Arizona

"Jeffery/Bro
You will be dearly missed by all who know you.I think about the times we spent & the memories I have of you.
You truly were the best brother anybody could ask for.You're bravery can never be matched.Im proud to be a Marine Brother. ( OORAH & SEMPER FI )

LOVE,MARCUS W. LAWRENCE"
LAWRENCE of Tucson,AZ

"Celeste,
You were with a wonderful man he was my bestfriend for years. He was the first person I met in Tucson when I moved here. I loved him like a brother. You couldnt have picked a better man for you. Im sorry hes gone we all love and miss him.I wish you and Cadence the best. Hope to see you again soon."
Michelle Bieger of Tucson,Az.

"JEFF WAS A GOOD FRIEND. WE PLAYED SOFTBALL TOGETHER FOR LAR BATTALION. HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED."
AARON FERGUSON of MANSFIELD OHIO

"Cpl Lawrence,
Thankyou for being the Marine you were. It was rough over there and I couldn't have asked for a better team leader or friend. I promise you that i will never forget you! I love you brother. -until we meet again!"
Sgt. Santiago, Nicholas of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"Celeste & Cadence, We only met right after your husband and father died. We have so much in common. We were both pregnant, our Dear Husbands died so close to our due dates, we had our precious angels within days of their funerals. We are sisters now, we love eachother as such. Our husbands will never ever be forgotten. Our children Robbie and Cadence will definitely be best friends. I Love You Guys and God bless you and your loved Jeffery."
Elena Zurheide of Tucson, AZ USA

"I know now that Jeff is at peace up above. The only thing I can say he was able to hold he daughter for 4 days before he let her to be born here on earth. Celeste you are truely a good person and I hope you and Cadence can move on with the grace of god and have only good memories of Jeffery to last you a life time. I wanna see pictures of that little one..lol...God Bless you and your family...You are in my prayers always."
Sonia Wallace of Jacksonville, NC

"Blessings to the family of Jeffrey. I too have lost someone in this war. The pain is very real. I will be coming to Tucson to visit family in September 7-15 and would like to meet with others who have lost loved ones in this war. Feel free to contact me at candymom50@hotmail.com"
Candy of Poynette, WI

"Dear Family of Jeffrey Lawrence: We will not forget Jeffrey and the cause for which he died. Our family, too, has lost a loved one, so we grieve and mourn with you. God Bless."
Daniel Desens Grama of Tucson, AZ

"Dear Family of Jeffrey Lawrence: We will not forget Jeffrey and the cause for which he died. Our family, too, has lost a loved one, so we grieve and mourn with you. God Bless."
Daniel Desens Grama of Tucson, AZ

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

"Thank you Jeffery for being such a wonderful human being. Thanks to your parents for raising a man of such morals and strength. Jeffery you a stand out in your generation. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. God bless you wife and baby and your wondeful parents."
Proud American of Tucson, Arizona

"To Jeffrey'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 loved one's 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"

"God's blessings to the family of Jeffrey. I know of the pain you are feeling at this time. Be at peace. He died fighting for our freedoms. Hold on to and cherish the memories you have. They will help you thru this tragic time.
I too lost a young man who was like a second son to me. He died January 29, 2004 in Afghanistan.
In September I will be in Tucson. If you want to talk, cry or just remember, my email address is below."
candymom50@hotmail.com of Wisconsin

"Corporal Lawrence, 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. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. You will not be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"To the family and friends of Corporal Jeffrey D. Lawrence,

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 the Lawrence family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you suffer in the loss of Jeffrey. May God give you encouragement as you go through this time. Our family has also suffered a loss of a precious life in Iraq. We will continue to pray for you."
The McClain family of Tucson, Az

"To Jeffrey'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 Jeffrey Lawrence, 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. Jeffrey Lawrence:
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 Jeffrey 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. Jeffrey Lawrence:
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 Jeffrey, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia