Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Danville Primary School is having an in-school memorial day service, and I have created a memorial star for display in honor of Zach. Your sacrifice, as well as his, is not forgotten. With Love,"
Vanessa of Danville, PA

"As Memorial Day 2015 is approaching, I think of you. Your selfless service and ultimate sacrifice to this great nation and all that she stands for. Forever Young."
COL Lisa Harbach of Jersey Shore PA

"not a day goes by that I don't think of you and wish you were here. I would love for you to be playing w/myah. I know you picked her and god sent her to me thank you I LOVE YOU"

"God bless you, Zach, for your voluntary service to your country, and God bless the parents that raised such an incredible person, and may God be with those you left behind."
former Spec. S.J.J. of Pittsburgh Eastern Suburbs, PA

"As a neighbor of Zach's, I think of him often as there are reminders all around me. Just today I was walking in an area where Zach would ride a mini bike and I started to think about him, which led me to this website. One of the greatest young men I have ever met, he is my hero and we all miss him very much."
chip of milton

"I miss u so much. I think of you every day. It's so hard without you. You were my one true friend. I love you and your famliy so much. God bless you"
genie ficks of lewisburg pa

"To the family of:Zachariah W. Long 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"

"I often think of you Karen and your family as well as visiting Zachariah's grave. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers along with all the soldiers and their families. I am grateful to them all."
Melissa Saleski of Coal Township, PA

"January 28, 2008
To the family of Spc. Zachariah W. Long:
Zachariah 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

"Zachariah,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other two soldiers who were also in that truck with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Airborne All The Way!"

"I want to thank you for your sacrifice. If not for you, the fate of our Nation would suffer the greatest harm. Our mere Thanks cannot convey our gratitude to you, for your bravery or your family's willingness to share you with us. You and your family are in our prayers."
mildred mahoney of brooklyn, new york, usa

"I miss you my son. It is once again mother's day and you are not here. My heart aches and my soul misses you greatly. I love you."

"IT has beem almost 3 years now since I carried Zach to Tikrit, please know that both him and his family are still in my prayers. Soldiers never forget thier own."
SSG Berrios of Egypt

"Zach slept in the bunk next to me in Basic Training . We talked many times of Home (PA) . I remember the last time I saw him at FT bragg . My heart goes out to his family . Zach was a model soldier and friend ..."
Brian Keen of Altoona , PA

"Thank you to everyone who has sent us a message. Zachariah was the ultimate soldier, brother, and son. My life is forever changed. Please continue to remember him and to pray for his fellow soldiers. Love to all Zach's mom."
karen of milton

"3 years has past yet I remember that day like it was only an hour ago. You are not forgotten."
J. Aklan of Dothan, AL

"To Long's family. I was deployed with your son during OIF. I will always remember when I used to visit the company he was assigned to with the Battalion Commander. One day we visited he was so excited about a newspaper article. It was an article from his hometown paper and had you (his parents) expressing your love and graditude for what he has done. That made him smile and so proud to be serving.
My husband was in the same convoy that took your son away. My husband said it was the worst convoy he's ever been on and will never forget it. Your son is truly a great hero and loved every minute of every day and for that I will always remember him.
Sincerely
Crystal Aldridge (Goodman)
crystal.aldridge@us.army.mil"
Crystal Aldridge of Stuttgart, Germany

"Rest in peace my brother.."
GySgt Larry Long

"Thank you, Thank you.

This thanks is not only for Zack, but for the great family that raised Zack to give selfless service to all Americans. I bought a flag with Zack's name on a yellow ribbon tied to the flag pole. I will say a prayer for him and his family every time I fly this flag. My Nephew and My self just arrived home from Afghanistan. It was a hardship on our family, but nothing compared to your loss. I hope you receive some comfort knowing that I will share in your grief. I will share your son's story with all who admire our flag"
CW2 CAMERON R. NERDIN of SALT LAKE CITY UTAH

"To the Family of Zachariah,
I am 2LT Hugh E. Bailey Army, 1-131st AV BN. I wanted to let you know that I received a POW/MIA/KIA bracelet for christmas '04 with Zachariah's name and unit on it. I want you to know that I am saddened for yours and this great country's loss, and that I am going to wear his name with pride on my wrist and tell everyone that ask about him how he is a national hero! My family and I said a prayer for you this holliday season. I would love to know more about him if anyone reading this wants to let me know anything or wants to contact me. Superbetle@aol.com Thank you."
Hugh E. Bailey of FT. Rucker, AL

"Zach, you were always more like my brother than my best friend. I think about you every day and I miss you so much. I wish I could just pick up the phone and call you, but I am just proud and honored to have had the chance to know you and grow to love you. I love you and miss you. Thank you for everything you have done for me,your family, this country, and the world."
Erin (a good friend of Zach's) of Watsontown, PA/USA

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these guys as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace Zachariah, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest"
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"Thank you all for your prays, love and support. It means alot that no one forgets Zach."
Mandy (Zach's Sister) of milton pa

"Longy, you are truly missed and will forever be in our hearts. Thank you for your courage and bravery. You were a great friend and one of the funnest and nicest guys I have known. You will be forever missed!"
Amanda Herman of Milton, PA

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier!! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"Hello. I saw Zachariah in an issue of "People" magazine. I was delighted to see that the magazine paid tribute to the soldier's that parished instead of the usual star gossip.

I just want to thank Zachariah for his honor, courage and bravery. I also want to say to his loved ones that I am so sorry for the loss!

He is in paradise now. God pick's his roses!

God Bless! Colleen <3"
Colleen Marie of Pittsburgh PA

"As a friend of Zachariah's mother, I pray every morining that she and her family find the strength to make it through another day without their beautiful son. Thank God for our heros, without them America wouldn't be free. God bless all of our soldiers both past and present."
Shelly Summers of Jersey Shore, PA

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

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

"Thank you Zachariah Long, 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 Parents of Spc Long.
My heart goes out to you. My name is SPC Berrios and I was the Crewchief on that sad day. I can promise you that your son will never be forgotten. His name is forever imprinted on my mind. I would like you to know that I was Proud to carry your son on my aircraft, and have never seen my crew work harder. Your son was my first Casualty and will forever hold a place in my heart. I would like you both to feel free to contact me at pv2berrios@hotmail.com. Your son was a true hero."
Spc Berrios of 57th Med Co, Ira

"To the family and friends of Spc. Zachariah Long:
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 Zachariah 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. Zachariah Long:
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 Zachariah, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia