Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I selected your name randomly matching my own first name, during a visit to Arlington Cemetery on "Mindful Memorial Day". While promising to giving a moment of silence and prayer, rest assured that you will always be prayed for, remembered and honored for your duty and service to our country."
Daniel Gaulin of Greenwich, CT/USA

"Its been ten years since you have passed. I probably would not have made it out of high school without you. I still remember preparing for boot camp and working on the farm together in high school. I will never forget what you have done. My son is named after you and we have instilled in him what a honor it is to be named after a hero. I will never forget how big of a loss the world suffered on this day."
lance leach of Sellersburg indiana

"Well Brother its been almost 10 years since that morning . Not one day has gone by where I dont think of you and wish I could turn back the hands of time for you and our fallen brothers . I hope at the end of the day I earned the life you have sacrificed for us brother . It sucks with so many unanswered questions about that morning and things I question myself about and things I should have done differently . At the end of this screwed up journey I want to look back on my life and say to myself did I live a life that you would be proud of or did I waste my life . The time I had with you as a room mate in Iraq and a friendship I cherish everyday . I hope I dont let you down and our friends who have also fallen ."
SSG. Bruce L. Morrow aka Ole Blue of Pittsburgh, Pa/USA

"On Memorial Day W/e 2014, the Women in Military Service Memorial was honoring the 6,000+ who gave their lives since 9/11. I was given Daniels name on a yellow ribbon to wear, honor him and keep his memory alive. I wore it all Saturday while touring in ANC and DC and then wore it Sunday at Rolling Thunder. I spoke with a sweet, caring member of Rolling Thunder and asked her if she would take Daniel with her "on her ride." You will be happy to know she said she would be "honored to wear the ribbon home to Canada." Daniels memory lives on. God Bless him and his family. Ll"
Lou Ann of Washington DC

"Uncle Danny,Everybody misses and loves more than anything and you should have saw MiMi's face when she saw you on the internet we did not and never will forget about you I <3 U"
Gracey Hazlett (niece) of East Freedom PA

"Uncle Danny,Everybody misses and loves more than anything and you should have saw MiMi's face when she saw you on the internet we did not and never will forget about you I <3 U"
Gracey Hazlett of East Freedom PA

"Uncle Danny,Everybody misses and loves more than anything and you should have saw MiMi's face when she saw you on the internet we did not and never will forget about you I <3 U"
Gracey Hazlett of East Freedom PA

"i never got to meet danny but my dad and grammy have told me all about him my dad and danny went to school toghther worked at the strawberry field togather and were great friends one time grammy said she got a phone call from a game warden danny and my dad were fishing were they were not aloud he left them off with a warning she said they had great times togather and she was glad dad had a friend like danny i was named after danny my name is connor daniel leach and my dad is lance"
connor daniel leach of sellersburg indiana

"Thank you Dan for all of your sacrifice, you were the most honest,genuine, honorable, and selfless person I have ever met. I met you when I was probably 7 or 8 years old and you never changed. I know that because I haven't seen you since we graduated in 95, and every comment I have read sounds exactly the same person i met so long ago. You were a profound influence on my life for the better you taught me diligence, loyalty, and a hunger for something more. Thank you"
Mark Foor of Hburg

"Danny thanks so much for everything you've done! All though i was just little when i met you, i still remember the time we spent together. I love and miss you. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE U IN HEAVEN!!!!!<3"
Madison Miller of Altoona, Pennsylvania

"Danny, "uncle poopyhead" I LOVE AND MISS YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD!!!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU IN HEAVEN!!!!! WE ALL MISS YOU!!!! AND WE ALSO THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE EVER DONE!!!!!"
ashley hazlett (niece) of eastfreedom,Pennsylvania

"Danny, "uncle poopyhead" I LOVE AND MISS YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD!!!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU IN HEAVEN!!!!! WE ALL MISS YOU!!!! AND WE ALSO THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE EVER DONE!!!!!"
ashley hazlett (neice) of eastfreedom,Pennsylvania

"Just seen a report tonight on Sky News in the UK about you Danny. You may of paid the ultimate sacrifice, but you will forever be an American Hero. Thankyou for your service. And to your family - stay strong."
Alistair Chase of Northwich, Cheshire, UK

"Dan....Miss talkin about the simple things with ya,mustangs and such!! won't ever for get ya man!!!until we meet again!!!randy"
brandon danser of houston pa

"SSG Lightner gave his life so we could continue to have our freedom as others before him have also. May one day we meet in heaven. Thank you sir for your service"
David Lightner of Canadohta Lake Pa USA

"Dear SSG Lightner,
I never met you, but your life had a great impact on mine. My father was your causulty assistance NCO. And hearing your story and reading things about you made me want to join the PA National Guard even more if for no other reason but to carry the torch of freedom as you did. Mrs. Lightner and family, you will always be in my thoughts and prayers."
SPC. Christopher G. McCreary of Ogletown, PA/USA

"Been nearly 5 years already, seems like 50. Went to the cemetery on Memorial Day, they put on a great service. Had bag pipes, drummers, Patriot Guard, ABATE, no fly over this year though. Tom drove the Mustang...was gonna let me drive it (told him some other time). Judy still hasn't been to the stone since that day, but she muscled enough courage to attend the service. Hunter kept asking "mom, why is she saluting ?" He is sooo beautiful. Don't know if I'll ever get through TAPS without crying. My heart is slowly healing, but I still think of you everyday. I have been living a good life, I know you are proud. Say hello to Keith, Sharlelle, and Mike for me :)"
SSG Melanie Rininger (Kline) of Johnstown, Pa

"Danny its Ole Blue as time has passed I have missed you so much and wish that morning never occurred . I cant get passed 27 Oct 2005 , there is so much anger and so much pain and I beought back half of my life and spirit . Some day I will have to give you a bear hug I miss you so much Brother and our date is in 12 days and it lives in me like its everyday . I have tattoo'd your name and Keiths on my arm and call signs and the dates I will never forget . I am sorry Danny .."
SSG. B. Morrow -AKA Ole Blue of Pittsburgh , Pa , US

"Danny was one of my husbands best friends. He was suppose to be my hubands best man at our wedding but was deployed before that happened. I used to get so mad at Danny when he would show up at the house without calling first, because it never failed me and the house were always a mess. It seems like such a stupid reason to get mad now looking back on it. Danny didn't get to be around for the birth of our two boys, C.J. and Kyle, he would have enjoyed seeing how happy they make my husband. Danny was a good man, a good friend and a damn good state trooper and solider. He died protecting his family, friends, total strangers and his country. If he'd know death would have been the outcome he still would have gone over and over again. Danny was on his second tour of duty, a voluntary second tour of duty. What do you say when Thankyou doesn't even come close, he gave his life so others could be safe. Here's to you Danny, we miss you!!"
Michelle, Chris, C.J. & Kyle Lear of Altoona, PA

"”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 Staff Sgt. Daniel R. Lightner, Jr.:
Daniel 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 never ment you before but I heard you were a good man and a great hero to all America and though u your gone u will always stay in your love ones hearts forever.I respect you Danny Lightner and forever I shall!you gave me a new look on life of how one day your sitting down and eating dinner with your bro/sis and then the next day your all grown up and then your gone.I unstand that things happen so fast that you should be grateful to have your love ones alive the while you can because before you know it a love one can be gone like that and there is nothing you can do when their gone.I respect the family I wish good to them and I want Mr.Lightner to know that he has done America alot of good and he is a very brave man."
unknown of unknown

"I was blessed to have known "Danny Boy" from the time he was born. He was always the little man of the family..watching out for his sisters, his mom, the younger kids (my son was one of them!). He was a true hero to so many...the world is just a little darker without his smile. Thank you, Danny, for all that you have done. We love and miss you. Judy, you and the girls are in our prayers."
Donna Farrell of High Springs, FL

"SSG Lightner, I never got o tell you this, but you were like a father to me. Although you were not too much older than I, I respected you like a father figure. I try to live each day thinking, what would you do. I dont always do what you would have done, but I always ask myself first. I have gotten promoted and now stand as a sergent. I try to treat my troops how you always treated yours. Every now and then I can just picture how things used to be, you knocking on my door and walking in going straight to my fridge. Grabbing a can of Mt. Dew and giving me some news, with a big smile on your face the whole time laughing because you know Im only going to * as soon as your done telling me what stupid mission we have going on next, or just laughing because it was the last pop in the fridge. Ill never forget the Crawlfish festivel we went to down in Mississippi. That had to be the first time I ever seen you talking to a girl, well hitting on one. It took alot of picking on you to get you to do it, but SGT bennett and I got it done. I wish you were still here with us today, times get really though sometimes with out you here man. I went to your funeral and got to talk to your family and friends, I just wish there was more I could have done or said. What more can you really say though, you had the best line ever and no one can top that. "I dont drink smoke or chew, or mess around with women who do"


"Doing what right is not always easy" The last conversation I had with SSG Lightner he said this to me as we were returning from the chow hall and getting ready to go out on his last misson.

I live my life by that sentance..."
SGT Strotman of Pittsburgh, PA

"=P"
sasori of okinaowa, japan

"It was my great honor to have known Dan. I attended the 115th Cadet Class at Hersey with Dan. He was in my platoon. He was like and loved by everyone. Dan, would never say a bad thing about anything or anyone. Always willing to help those that needed help with P.T., Studying you name it. He missed by all. God Bless You Dan. You served your County, and I now you are serving God. My condolences to his family."
Russ of Brockway, PA

"I worked with Danny at the Penitentiary and the number of times that we had together were great. Danny was a good person and a great officer. Never had a bad thing to say about anybody or anything. I miss Danny and enjoyed the workouts in the gym together. He was proud of his time spent here at the Pen and we all here,still think of him. May god Bless him and his Family"
Paul Fetterman s.o.s of USP LEWISBURG

"Of the whole family, Dan is the only one I never knew. I personally know how much he is missed and it was also a very sad day when Dan was lost."
Chris Quigley of Hollidaysburg, PA

"To the family of: Daniel R. Lightner,Jr. 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"

"To The Family of
Daniel R. Lightner Jr.We only hope that our son Daniel R. Lightner can become half the man that your son was. You have our thoughts and prayers always. When we first heard of your son our son was just a couple of months old and seeing his name in the paper just jumped out as us. He left an impression in our thoughts and we thought of him often. We are sorry for your loss."
Tammie Englander and Brian Lightner of Ashville, PA 16613

"Danny was brave enough to stand up for his family and country for the United States of America."
Frankie of Duncansville

"Daniel is in heaven now, and we all miss him. He was one brave soldier!"
Natashia Snyder of Pennsylvania

"Hi, I'm Bridget Hebler, Daniel's niece. My family loved Daniel and he is in heaven now, in peace."
Bridget Hebler of Duncansville, PA

"To Daniel's Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. Daniel, you sir are a true American HERO. Thank you Daniel for all you have done for us. God Bless you Daniel and God Bless your family."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"DANIEL THANK YOU FOR SERVINTG OUR COUNTRY. AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON. TODAY THE TEARS THAT FLOW FOR OUR SON ARE YOUR'S TODAY. I REALIZE NEITHER DANIEL AND GREGORY KNEW ONE ANOTHER. BOTH SERVING IN ONE HUGE MILITARY FAMILY. A COMFORT NOT TO WORRY. FOR I KNEW ALL SERVING HAD EACH OTHERS BACK. DANIEL YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. AN ALL REMEMBER THE VERY FOND MEMORIES YOU SHARED TOGETHER. THAT YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN, NOT TODAY OR EVER. AN TO ASSURE THAT REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS TODAY. TO GET A STREET NAMED IN DANILE'S HONOR. FOR HE SERVED MORE THEN HIS COUNTRY, HE SERVED HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY AND STATE. MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU DANIEL AND YOUR FAMILY. I FULLY UNDERSTAND THE PAIN OF LOSING A SON. AN IT IS NOT EASY WITHOUT HIM AS YOU ARE TO YOUR FAMILY. DANIEL YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN! YOU ARE AN AMERICAN HERO! GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"I worked with Dan from 1998 - 2003 at USP Lewisburg as a Federal Correctional Officer. We hunted together and had many conversations. Dan always brought out the best in everyone with his positive attitude and never failing smile. If any of those in his unit in Ramadi want photos of his stateside services, email me at blbacon(at)ptd.net

I was very touched by Sp4 Melanie Kline's tribute. It just goes to show that his effect on everyone was universal. My time in the military is far behind me. I spent many years as a Drill Sergeant and would have loved to work with Dan in the military. When the going got tough and you looked over your shoulder, Dan was right there. You could count on him. He had no concept of fear.
God Bless Dan Lightner"
Brent Bacon of Lewisburg, PA

"This speech was given at SSG Lighner's Memorial in Iraq : You could always count on Danny for a good laugh, even in the most stressful of times.
......... May we never forget his boyish smile and contagious laugh.
He was simple, in the sense that he never needed much of anything to keep him comfortable and happy. He was modest, satisfied and content with what he had. The seven Army values, I believe, were founded on his behalf, so that we could fit his mold, and also be the perfect soldier
.......... May we never forget his kindness and strength.
He was a true leader and a faithful brother. He was real, and he kept it that way. Everyone that knew danny was touched by him in some little way. He kept to himself most of the time, and we all attempted to get him to be a little more social. He was loyal to his promises, morals, and values and could not be corrupted or cohersed into doing anything to wild.
........ May we never forget his innocence.
The man was stuck in the 80's, and lived up to the phrase "good old country boy". He mostly loved old western movies, any food you put in front of him, soda, pt, fishing & hunting, football, muscle cars, road trips, skinny blonde haired big boobed broads, the bible, his family and friends. He lead a very happy & fulfilling life. So many people loved him, and we will all cherish the time we had with him.

We all have the responsibility now, to take what we have learned from him and carry it with us all the days of our lives. Because SSG Lightner was such a good man, I have no doubt that this is why God called for him. Share your memories and stories with anyone willing to listen, and spread the word about the man, the myth, the legend.
......... May we never forget him."
Spc Melanie Kline of Ramadi, Iraq

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

"Thank you Daniel Lightner, Jr., 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 Staff Sgt. Daniel Lightner, Jr.:
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 Daniel 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 Staff Sgt. Daniel Lightner, Jr.:
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 Daniel, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia