Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I can't believe you've been gone for 10 years. I miss your contagious smile..."
of Portland

"Justin,
I wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you this Memorial Day. All of your friends and family miss you so much. You are a hero to us all and will always be in our hearts. I miss you friend.

Kenny"
Kenny Bowman 1st Plt D Co 2/162 of Nashville, TN

"I was just telling my son about you today, about how you performed the bravest act, I ever knew of someone doing. I remember talking to you before Chow, and I looked up to you then, as I still do now. I feel proud to have known you, to have an example such as you. I live my life thankful for yours. I miss you, and you touched my heart forever."
Sgt, Jmael, Mercado of Portland

"Donna and Sarah my thoughts and prayers go out to you, today and everyday for the loss of Justin. As the mother of a Fallen Hero, Aaron Contreras, my heart goes out to all mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, wives, sons, daughters. May the Lord bring you the peace and comfort needed until we see our loved ones again."
Rosary Contreras of Sherwood, Or

"Justin,
Happy Veteran's Day... You were a great friend and an even better soldier. You gave your life for another soldier in need and for our country. You will always be a hero to all who knew you.
Miss you man.."
SGT Kenny Bowman of Kingman, AZ

"A plead for those yet unsaved by JESUS,

I just wrote something for Justin, and his loved ones below, but I ask all of you who read his memorial, please remember JESUS The SON OF GOD died for all of us in the world as well. Please when you hear the call of the HOLY SPIRIT listen to HIM and accept and receive JESUS The CHRIST as your LORD and SAVIOUR in your heart and believe in HIM that HE is the only way to GOD, and repent of your sins and GOD so lovingly will forgive those sins as far as the east is from the west, forever, for eternity, for eternal freedom. No sin is too great that GOD can't forgive. I tell you the truth. GOD's freedom of HIS sent SON for us is the very freedom that our very soldiers die for to protect and preserve for us in America. I've been learning through the years not to take the freedoms I have from JESUS, and those who serve our country who protect those freedoms, and my country America for granted. I still can worship and pray to GOD in JESUS' name, and read The HOLY BIBLE and talk about JESUS in this country thus far. It is a privilege and honor and my GOD given right to serve my JESUS and to honor those soldiers who have the character qualities of JESUS' heart. I humbly say this and pray what I've spoken in love in JESUS' name will honor Justin and those who are his loved ones and all who read this memorial and I hope this honors GOD HIMSELF. For Justin and his loved ones, I will always keep you Justin and you his loved ones in my prayers."
Sherry of Portland, OR

"Dear Justin and Sarah, family and friends of Justin W. Linden,

Thank you Justin for your sacrifice to protect mine and America's freedom. Thank you Sarah and Justin's family and friends for the sacrifice of knowing that your brave loved one went to fight for our freedom and I can't even begin to imagine what it was like to be at home and wait and hope and then get that dreaded call one day and yet feel so proud of what your loved one did for our people in America. I never knew Justin W. Linden but yesterday May 29th, 2011 even 7 years after his tragic but heroic loss, from my garden I put a purple iris stem on his grave for Justin, his wife, family, and friends, all who loved him, in memory of a fallen hero. A purple iris for a man with a purple heart, a good and nobel heart, who layed down his life to save others. Justin was a perfect example of how JESUS would want us to be like. Just the way JESUS layed down HIS life to save us. For it is because of Justin and other war heros like him that I still have my freedoms today, the freedoms that JESUS gave to us permanently for eternity and here in America, Justin died to protect and preserve that very freedom GOD gave us all. It was emotional for me doing that yesterday knowing the full meaning and as I write this I cry. I can't even imagine what you Sarah and Justin's family and friends must have felt and still feel today at the loss of Justin. May GOD bless all of you and keep and comfort you for your loss and sacrifice. Justin is in your future when you see him again in Heaven. Justin W. Linden you will not be forgotten, nor will other brave soldiers like you. GOD bless this country, America, land of the free."
Sherry of Portland, OR

"I am saying a special prayer to justin and one for his family. I am very blessed in my life and it is truly because of people like him and others who risk and give their lives to protect it. please know that there are always people supporting and loving you!"
maria of ohio

"To all of Justin's family,

When I learned of Justin's service to our country, I was not surprised as I knew him to be a kind and loving young man.

When I learned that he had married, I knew that his wife was a lucky young woman to have married someone who was so fun!

When I learned that he was KIA, I was instantly in tears even though I had not seen Justin or his family since about 1994.

I also knew instantly that his family would be so proud of his service and so devastated by this loss.

I cried for you then and as I reflect on my gratitude this Memorial Day weekend for all who have served this country so that my daughter can grow up free, I cry again for your loss and for everything Justin's service gave to so many.

God Bless You All!"
Dede of USA

"03-02-2010
It has been more than 15 years since I have seen any of the Linden family, but I will never forget that kid from Clinton, WI who played baseball for Wonder Lake, IL. I remember staying on your farm on the weekends. We would kick the pigs around and get knocked in the mud, have bb gun fights, listen to music in the car with John, ride your horse Houston, talk about girls, sleep in the barn. There was so much just going through my mind right now I could type for days. Those times were some of the greatest in my life, and they were spent with great company! The memories Justin and his family gave me will be some of the stories I will one day tell my children. I am very sorry for the loss of your son, brother, and husband. I am proud to have known someone who stood up for freedom in a time our country needed it most. JUSTIN, thankyou for giving your life to keep us safe. YOU ARE A HERO! Godbless your family, I will see you again someday!"
Richard Basham of Harvard Illinois USA

"As the Mother of Justin Wayne Linden, I want to Thank all of you for remembering my son. It is especially hard for me at this time of year, as the last time I spoke with my son was on Mother's Day 2004. Shortly after that he was killed in action. Justin never missed calling me on Mother's Day or my birthday. I can tell by your messages that he was loved and is missed. Thank you."
Donna Beckman of Elkhorn WI

"Spec. Linden,
Thank you so much for your service. Reading about your life only greatens my appreciation for your sacrifice. Sarah does well and honors your memory."
Anon. of Portland, OR

"To the family of:Justin W. Linden 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"

"June 17, 2008
To the family of Spc. Justin W. Linden:
Justin 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

"Hey Justin. Another year has passed and it doesn't get easier. My heart goes out to your family. We miss you!

-SPC Walter
C Co. 2/162 INF"
Chad Walter of Medford, OR

"Justin-
I just wanted to say that even though I barely knew you, SGT Eyerly, and LT McCrae, I constantly think back to when I last saw all of you. This may sound childish, but I still keep the NCAA 2004 football game we played on my PS2 while overseas saved on my memory card; refusing to erase it. Seems silly, I know, but for only having known you a short time I feel it is the strongest tie of friendship we had. It also serves as a reminder for me to cherish the short time we all have. I thank you for the brief time you were in my life and I give my sincere condolences to your family. May you rest in peace, "Ladies Man.""
SPC Andrew Ashpole Bco 1-186 IN (formally of Dco 2-162 IN) of Newport, OR

"Justin, I still think about you everyday. I miss the times that you made me laugh at the worst times possible. I miss the "ladies man" impressions. You proved your worth as a compassionate human and US Soldier until your last moments. I miss you friend."
Kenny Bowman/E Trp 82nd of Portland, OR

"I can't even describe how proud I am to say that I was once a friend of justins. Because of him and many others like him we have the freedoms of today...."
of Arizona

"Sarah,
My son's father, CW3 Eric A. Smith, was KIA in April '03. You left a note on his page after your husband died. I am very touched by your concern for others while you, too, are grieving. I'm sure that Justin felt very lucky to have someone so kind, caring and sensitive in his life. Please accept my belated condolences for your loss. My prayers are with you. (jamnmom@cox.net)"
Robin Leininger of Topeka, KS

"Sarah,
It is such a tribute to your husband that you have honored other fallen soldiers by trying to ease their families' grief. You are as much a hero as your husband is. God Bless both of you!"
Becky Rollings of Groveland, IL 4/8/06

"In your honor and with gratitude to you, Justin Wayne Linden, I’ve planted a daffodil in your name, as have others across the United States as part of Project LIVE ON, a not-for-profit program founded to memorialize each U. S. military who has died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thousands of beautiful daffodils will come up each Spring, and, like your Spirit, will LIVE ON...and ON. Blessings to you, the family, as you grieve, and heal. For details, contact projectliveon@aol.com. Jan. 23, 2006."
Gretchen Forbes of the northcentral mountains of Pennsylvania

"I have planted a daffodil for you Justin along with 49 more bulbs to represent other soldieers who have been killed in Iraq. Your flower will be seen every year and your sacrifice remembered. Projectliveon@aol.com"
Ruth Anderson of Mountain View , California

"Hi Sarah,
I wanted you to know I am thinking of you over the Thanksgiving Holiday. I am thankful your wonderful Justin was there to protect our Country. I'm also thankful that you are such an inspiring person, Sarah. God Bless you and continue to give you strength and the ability to share your joyful memories of Justin in the years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
Rose (Joe Maglione's Mom)"
Rose Corr of Flourtown, PA

"Hello Sara, We want to thank you for the words of comfort that you wrote and to extend our's to you and the rest of Justin's family and friends. We who have lost loved ones while in the service to our country share a common bond of sadness and pride that others cannot know or share. Our grief is deep but so is our pride and it will always be so. They were a piece of our heart that has been ripped away but what is left bursts with the memory of their smile, the warmth of their laugh, and the gentleness of their love. We will continue to miss them, we will continue to love them, and we will always be thankful that GOD brought them into our lives. We pray for all the families of fallen heroes every day. May he send us his peace and may he someday bring us all together again. May GOD bless you Sara and may his spirit bring you comfort."
Ed & Rosary Contreras of Sherwood, Oregon

"Dear Sarah,
Thank you for your kind words about my brother Frank Carvill who died along with your husband, Justin. Your husband was a very brave man running into trouble to help fallen soldiers. He and his family made the ulitmate sacrifice,thank you. You are right about my brother Frank, if the table was turned, he would of done the same for Justin, running to his aid. May God Bless Them All. I pray for your family."
Peggy A. Carvill-Liguori of Kinnelon, NJ

"Dear Sarah, and all loved ones and friends of Justin Linden -

My deepest condolences. My heart aches for you and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that the deep hurt you feel can be in some part eased by the feeling of great pride for Justin's valor and deep sense of patriotism.

Justin, you have made the ultimate sacrifice and did so willingly and without hesitation. Thank you so very much for defending my freedom. It means so much to me, to the people of NYC and to the entire nation. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice in the service of the country that I love so very much. You will always be remembered as an American hero.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Sarah, you are my hero too. Justin must be so proud of you and the way you have reached out to other families to ease their grief. You are one very strong lady, and I know that you will be alright. My prayers and good thought will always be with you.
Most Sincerely,
Pat Shoukry"
Pat Shoukry of New York City, USA

"Thank you Justin for defending the freedom that we all cherish. Your loved one can take solice in knowing that when they close their eyes for the last time, standing there with open arms will be their Justin. Thank you brave soldier. From a very grateful American family."
The Shaw family of Pasadena, Maryland

"To the wife of soldier Justin Linden,
It is with tears in my eyes that I write to you. How noble of a woman, and how lucky a man was Justin to have a wife willing to reach out and help others during her own time of grief. I am a teacher and had my students write to the families of those who have gave their utmost, and I am heart broken at the many options that they had. War is terrible, faith and works are not. You, Mrs. Linden, remind me to keep mine. God bless you and your family."
of Tenn.

"Sarah,
My name is Deborah May and you wrote a note on my husband's page.....you are so sweet. Can you please contact me? It is somewhat important. Thanks."
Deborah May PW of MarineSSgt. Donald C. May, Jr of Jacksonville, NC

"Sarah,
Thank you for the kind, comforting words that you left for my husband and my family...
It is difficult to continue on... but knowing that there are other wives reaching their hands out makes it much easier to handle. Justin will always be in your heart and I know he must be proud of your strength. Please contact me at debm29palms@yahoo.com."
Deborah May-Proud wife of Don KIA 03/25/03

"Sarah, I think of you often. Your strength is contagious. I'm so glad you were able to contact others who shared in your loss and have made similar sacrifices. I hope your memories of Justin bring you and Justin's family the strength and courage you need to carry on. Your message was like a giant hug. Back at you."
Rose (Joe's Mom) of Flourtown, PA

"I'm so proud to say that Justin was my cousin!!! He really is a hero and I wish I could have told him how awesome it was for him to be over there. Even though I have not seen him in a few years, he will truly be missed by the whole family! Thank you Justin!"
Michelle S. Linden of Monmouth, Illinois

"What can I possible say to explain....??!?! I will forever miss Justin and pray everyday that he knows just how much he meant to everyone. That he knows he knows just how much the smile he would put on my face meant to me. I'm so sorry to all the people who will have to wait a lifetime to meet him."
N. White of Portland, Or

"'The Fallen'
Lo, I have stood my watch this day
I have kept our enemy at bay
God and Country I serve, so I swore
For peace today and evermore
A new watch I proudly stand
So glorious and bold, as God took my hand
With shield and armor, I now bear a sword
My comrades and I stand tall with the Lord
My eyes are fixed, my path is sure
My heart and mind so blessed and pure
As my God now dwells with me
My spirit with you will always be"
Amber Mans of Brick, NJ

"I just found this website and wanted you to know how very sorry I am for your loss...our loss..My brother Spc. Chris Duffy was with Justin.. and together they passed.. but together they are watching over us all...if you ever want to talk, please dont hesitate to email me..
njshoregrrl25@yahoo.com"
Rachel of Brick nj

"Sarah-
I didnt know Justin very long but I miss him dearly.I dont know how you can be so strong and brave when its hard for me to think of him without crying. I admire you and you are my idol.


Thank you Jusin you are my hero and I'll nevr forget you."
anonomous of Portland, OR

"Sarah-
I didnt know Justin very long but I miss him dearly.I dont know how you can be so strong and brave when its hard for me to think of him without crying. I admire you and you are my idol.


Thnk you Jusin you are my hero and i'll name my son after you in memory of you."
anonomous of Portland, OR

"Dear Sarah:

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to you and to your husband for his ultimate sacrifice in behalf of our country. I was touched that you took time in your grief to leave a message about our brother, SSGT James W. Cawley who was also killed in Iraq. What a wonderful person you must be to think of others during this time. Only we who have lost a family member can really understand what it is like. May God shower you with blessings in your life ahead. Your husband was a lucky man to have had you for the short time he did."
Debbie Cawley Seamons of Allyn, Washington

"Dear Sarah, From the family of SGT Jacob Lee Butler Thank You. We miss Jake so much as you do Justin. It is hard. Our Jake never had a wonderful wife as did your Justin.You are a special woman and dont ever forget it. The honor you show for Justin.As Jake wrote in his last letter to us "Please dont forget me". No they are our heroes and will not be forgotten ever. Thank you again for contacting us on Jacob Lee Butlers web sight. God Bless You Cindy Butler (Jacobs Mom)"
cindy butler of Wellsville,Kansas USA

"Dear Sarah,
I and my family want to thank you for your kind words and warm prayers for us and our only son and grandson Donald S.Oaks Jr.We know your pain.Wepray that GOD will ease your suffering and gives you the comfort that only comes from knowing HIM.They were our brightest stars.We can know comfort now , knowing that they will shine on forever.We will keep you and your family in our prayers. GOD bless you."
Sam Oaks (Papa) of Erie,Pa. U.S.A.

"Sarah,
My heart goes out to you. Your husband sounds like such a special person. I am so touched that you reached out to comfort me on the loss of my son, LCPL Joe Maglione. He, too, was one of the best and a joy to be around as was Justin. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I hold my memories dear as I know you will, too. When our President asked who will go, they stood up. They have earned a special place in heaven, since they risked all to defend our way of life. You must be pretty special too. God bless."
Rose Corr of Flourtown, PA

"Justin, just as my son Sgt. Michael F. Pedersen KIA 4/2/03 in Karbala, lives on through us, you to live on through your family, I know the pain they feel only to well. When you see Michael in Heaven let him know how proud we are of each of you brave soldiers! What a great Army our God has! Peace to your Mother and your beautiful Sarah and the rest of your family."
Lila Lipscomb of Flint, Michigan

"Justin was a wonderful person and a great friend. He, along with all the other men and women of the service, is a hero for everything he did. He will be missed greatly by everyone who was blessed to meet him. RIP JUSTIN. We Love You!!!!"
JMF of Portland, OR

"Sarah Linden - Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. Your husband is a
hero, and I thank you for his service and your sacrifice.
I also thank you for your kind words to Capt. Chris Seifert's family; the past 16 months since Chris' death have been so hard, and I am so sorry that you and so many others must make this sad and lonely journey. Please know that you are in my prayers - God bless. Sincerely, A friend of the Seifert family"
Mary of Buxton, ME

"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 during their time of need and sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. You will not be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona

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

"Justin isn't only a hero for what he did, but he has always been a hero. Every soldier fighting for our freedom will always be a hero to me. Justin was a fun, outgoing, loving, caring, and brave young man. He was not only my husband, but also my bestfriend. I will miss him forever. Thank you so much for posting your comments, and you are all wonderful people and great Americans."
SARAH LINDEN (WIFE OF SPC JUSTIN W. LINDEN) of Portland, OR USA

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

"To Justin'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 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"

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