Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Hello, My name is Desiree. I attended the commenmoration of Lance Cpl. Lopez Tuesday evening, September 12, 2023. I am writing a story for the Ingleside Index highlighting Hilario's service and sacrifice. Is someone from the family willing to speak with me more about Hilario? I spoke with his sister and greeted his parents there. My cell # is 832-263-9125"
Desiree Beaudry of Ingleside Texas

"I just want to say thanks to my family and friends I love you all and thanks Hilario for everything he's done he's been in the heart he's been in our lives and everything he's done for us"
Gabriel, Gomez (his brother) of ingleside tx

"Miss ya bro"
Mario orta of Ingleside

"I was a corpsman who worked on Hilario and Jason. Both wonderful people and I think about them everyday. They have dramatically affected my life and given me the will to keep living to honor them."
Melson Bacos of Richmond Indiana

"to the family of h.lopez, i know &feel your grief,it never goes away. i'm sorry for your loss&pray for you all.let's all pray for the day when all of our brave men&women can come home for good.may GOD be with you &yours."
v.clairday of colorado

"Corina,
I had the honor to serve with Hilario and all the men in Kilo 3/5. I was the company First Sergeant at the time and am now retired. I would very much like to contact you as Colonel Pat Malay has informed me of some possible benefits for Hilaro Lopez Jr. Please reach me at slknox@hotmail.com I also have Hilaro's former SSgt, Sean Perkins and Sean's father who is now the Mayor of Ingleside trying to locate you. God Bless, My Sincerest Regards,

Steve Knox"
Steve Knox of Murrieta CA

"To the family of:Hilario F.Lopez
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""

"Our brothers and myself we will never forget you Lopez, you and the rest of the our brother are always in my heart.
SEMPER FI"
Jesus Guerra of El Paso Tx

"After so many years I'm just now doing this. I miss you man. All the good times we had. You were a great friend and this veterans day is for you. Well don't think we will forget about you. It's hard to forget someone who has done no harm. Thanks for the good times. Michael R. Booth"
michael booth of west virginia

"I miis you,Bro
Semper Fi"
Guerra of El Paso TX

"its been a while bro,u aint forgotten,still look into the sky and wonder why....miss ya brother"
mario orta of ingleside,tx

"Thinking of your family two days after Hilario's birthday. I think of him often and it always makes me smile. He was always such a happy person and was always joking around. I just re-read the last letter he wrote me Nov. 30 and he was talking about how of course they had Turkey for Thanksgiving and he didn't like it :) I didn't know him that Long but what I learned in that short time left a very lasting impression. He crosses my mind often and always brings a smile to my face. He was an amazing person."
Meghann Hampton of Spencer, IN

"My name is Corina Martinez and I am the mother of Hilario Lopez Jr. Since today is Veterans Day I wanted to remember the person that contributed in the most valuable and important thing in my life, "our son". I cant help but smile sometimes when I see him; although he looks a lot like me, he has so many features and characteristics of his fathers. Lets start with that gorgeous smile of his. That smile where you don't have to do or say anything but its always there. His odd eating habits lol, If you knew queckos you would know those very well :-). Our son is very loving and caring. He has this overprotective nature just like his fathers.It amazes me how two people who never met could have so much in common. I give thanks to him everyday for leaving this unique and beautiful gift behind. I know in my heart he would have made the world best father and husband anyone could have. We remember you everyday! Your were a great friend. We miss and love you very much. Our beloved Queckos!. 11/11/10"
Corina of Ingleside, TX

"BROTHER THERES NOT A DAY THAT I DONT THINK ABOUT YOU I MISS YOU VERY MUCH AND IS STILL DEAPLY SANDDEN BY YOUR LOST,WHEN I SEE YOU LITTLE BOY NOW GOING TO BE 5 HE REMINDS ME OF YOU.YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTON YOU ARE ALWAYS ON MY MIND,IT SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY THAT YOU PAST OVER,IT IS NOW 5YS SCINCE YOU BEEN GONE,I WILL ALWAYS LOOK AFTER YOUR BOY,AND SHOW HIM RIGHT FROM WRONG AND WHEN HE GETS OLD ENOUGH TO NO ILL TELL HIM EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU,YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY HERO,I LOVE YOU BROTHER AWAYS YOUR BRO TIMOTHY FLORES 3-13-2010"
TIMOTHY of INGLESIDE TX

"“God of our fathers, who by land and sea have ever lead us to victory, please continue your inspiring guidance in this the greatest of all conflicts. Strengthen my soul so that the weakening instinct of self-preservation, which besets all of us in battle, shall not blind me to my duty to my own manhood, to the glory of my calling, and to my responsibility to my fellow soldiers. Grant to our armed forces that disciplined valor and mutual confidence which insures success in war. Let me not mourn for the men who have died fighting, but rather let me be glad that such heroes have lived. If it be my lot to die, let me do so with courage and honor in a manner which will bring the greatest harm to the enemy, and please, oh Lord, protect and guide those I shall leave behind. Give us the victory, Lord.”
- General George S. Patton


On this day, I ask that you take a moment to remember our Fallen Warriors. Remember their families, for this day must be especially hard for them. Pray that they may have comfort and peace in their hearts.

Semper Fidelis
Sergeant Jason Arellano
3/5 Get Some"
Sergeant Jason Arellano of Springfield, MO

"I will always miss Hilario he and I have the same birthday he was a year older we would hang out and talk i miss him dearly i remember wishing him happy birthday on our birthday and not a year goes by i don't think of him on our birthday he was one of the best men i ever met i hope he is at peace God Bless He was always there for his fellow marines ."
Guy Wall of Springfield,IL

"December 7, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Hilario F. Lopez:
Hilario 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

"Hilario-
I hope this finds your family in the best of health and spirits. I pray that your family has comfort and peace. It is hard to believe that it has almost been 4 years. The Marine Corps Birthday is in a few days, I wanted to say "Happy Birthday Marine". The anniversary of your passing is also near. It was an honor and a pleasure to have served with such a fine Marine. I know that your family is proud of you. I am proud of you and forever grateful for your willingess to fight and die for our country. Your son must be getting big! From talking to your mother, she says that he looks like you and that with him she has a piece of you. I would like for your son to know that his daddy did not die in vein, but that he died for the Freedoms we share as Americans. Your son will know that his daddy was an American Hero! It has been a while since I've talked with your family, forgive me for that. I will be in touch with them. When I learned that you and Clairday had been killed. I layed in a bed after surgeries for wounds I received that same day and wept. Your actions on that day may have contributed to countless others coming out alive, again, for that I am grateful. My wife is due any day now, I am praying that our son is born on the 10th of November.....Ooh Rah! My son Cruz will also know of the brave men that fought along side his daddy. I will teach him to know that our Freedoms are not passed down through the blood but that it is passed down through the blood that is shed. It will be a glorious day when we can all rejoice and dance together in Heaven. May the Lord God Almighty continue to Bless you and your Family. I miss you Bro! You are never forgotten. Semper Fi"
Sergeant Jason Arellano, jason@resolutiongear.com of Springfield, Missouri

"I was a friend of Hilario's sister Blanca during high school. He was a great fun guy and will be missed very much. I know his family will miss him, but his honor and name will continue to live through them.
Thank you Hilario for serving your country."
Janie (Olivo) Holtz of Port Arthur, TX

"hey im sorry for your loss my name is the same as his and i too am a marine who lives in corpus christi texas and also 22 and i am grateful for his sacrifice God had plans for your family member but let me remind us this life is but temporerary and i assure you one day youll be able to reunite with your soon my heart goes out to your family and i am truly saddened about your loss"
Hilario Flores of corpus christi,Tx

"So I met trix when my sister had a huge crush on his brother, needless to say they never hooked up but I did get one hell of a friend out of it. He was funny, and always knew how to get you to laugh! Even if it did take a few drinks! To the Lopez family: I am truly sorry for your loss and I will always have you in my prayers becuase w/o you I would have never got the chance to meet such an amazing, wonderful, and brave person! With much respect and love! RIP Hilario"
Rebecca Bates of Ingleside, Tx

"hiraldo was my nephew jasons friend. they served together, they laughed together, they died together.they are still together guarding the gates of heaven. my heart goes out to the family.i know the pain never goes away.
today is a day i cant get jason off my mind,as i am sure hilarios family knows all too well. love connie clairday johnston,tccflowerpeople@yahoo.com"
connie clairday johnston of thayer mo

"My name is Stephany Blackard. Me and Hilario were in the same graduating class, I've known him since the 6th grade. I found out too late about his death I wanted badly to be there at his services. Hilario was alway a nice guy, he was funny and there was just something about him that was different. We weren't that good of friends but I'm truly sorry for his families loss. He was a great guy and I have much honor and respect for him. I admire him for doing what he did for this country, my cousin has been in Iraq for over 2 years, and I pray for him every day I could never put myself in that place and anyone who does deserves much respect. R.I.P. Hilario I miss you man."
Stephany of Ingleside, Tx

"Hi my name is Blanca Flores I am 26 years old. Hilario is my younger brother of which I will have to live the rest of my life without. We got close when he joined the military. My brother was the kind of guy who was always there for me. He would look for me any where I went. He helped me whenever I needed help and was my protector against anyone. Even though he was younger than me he was bigger than myself and my older brother. He was the bravest of the family and decided to join the Marines in 2002 after High School. The day my brother was taken away from me I was so hurt that I did not want to talk or be near anybody. His death had changed my life deeply and to never be the same. Since he is gone I will always carry the memories I hold together within my heart. I am honored to have had him as my brother who served for our military. He is and always will be my hero. I wished all you people out there could have known him the way I knew him. He was a very sweet guy looking for the right girl and when he finally found her he told me that when he is around her he gets nervous inside. Right then I told him that she was the one. He told me "I am never like this in front of any other girls" I don't know what it is. I told him what you feel for her is real. Before he left for his last tour that same girl conceived his baby boy named just after my brother Hilario Lopez J.R. on April 27, 2005. Although he did not get to meet his son he was aware in his heart before leaving for Iraq. His exact words " Tell her I will come back for her and be there for her and the baby." I know that his son will be very proud of his father and the man the military made of him. I just want to say to everyone out there that I appreciate the support my family has recieved and the support we still continue to recieve. Support our Troops!"
Blanca Flores of Ingleside, TX U.S

"to the family of lcpl lopez your love one was a worrior.i was good friends with low dog and everyday we spent together he had me all smiles.his name will live on in all the marines of kilo co 3/5 .................r.i.p dawg"
Lcpl Rogers of Brenham Tx, camp pendleton

"To the Family of Hilaro Lopez...I lost my son in law, Manny Lopez in Iraq on 4/12/05. Our lives haven't been the same since that day. I just want to let your family know that I feel the heartache in every family who has sacrificed their loved ones for this war. I just pray that you as well as all the others can find peace in our Lord Jesus, especially on this Christmas Day. It is all that has gotten me through this time. My son in law and daughter have a beautiful daughter who is now 1 year old and is a beautiful reminder of how life goes on. Thank you for your sacrifice. God Bless you. Bobbi"
of CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA

"To the Family of Hilaro Lopez...I lost my son in law, Manny Lopez in Iraq on 4/12/05. Our lives haven't been the same since that day. I just want to let your family know that I feel the heartache in every family who has sacrificed their loved ones for this war. I just pray that you as well as all the others can find peace in our Lord Jesus, especially on this Christmas Day. It is all that has gotten me through this time. My son in law and daughter have a beautiful daughter who is now 1 year old and is a beautiful reminder of how life goes on. Thank you for your sacrifice. God Bless you. Bobbi"
of CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA

"thanks TRIX i miss you and love you like a brother cause thats what we are
R.I.P I visit you all the time but of course you knew that,im still drinking with you bro."
MARIO ORTA JR of INGLESIDE TEKSUS

"HILARIO LOPEZ MY BROTHER YOU ARE TRULY MISS BY FRIENDS AND FAMILY.IM TRULY HONOR TO HAVE YOU AS MY BROTHER. YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS.MY LIFE HAS CHANGE ALOT SINCE YOU PASS OVER.I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT IM PROUD OF YOU SO MUCH.I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU,BRO."
TIMOTHY.F.LOPEZ of INGLESIDE,TX

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

"Hilario Lopez was the sweetest guy anybody can ever know when he would come back from Iraq he would always come and visit us and we really do miss him alot R.I.P We will always love you and never forget you."
Sabrina R. of Ingleside/Texas

"To Lopez's family and friends,
i had the pleasure of meeting him over the summer of 04 while i was here working in hawaii. i went back home and we kept intouch through email. i anticipated him coming back in 6 months. he gave me his silver braclet and i gave him a silver ring. we were suppose to get our things back from each other when he came back. he promised to visit me in memphis (my hometown). i prayed for him as well as family. the other night i faced reality.... i had moved to hawaii in november and here it is end of feburary and i havent heard from him. i was scared to research him but i couldnt bear the thought of not knowing where he was if i was going to see him again. i didnt know him very long but well enough to know what an amazing man he was. i lift yawl's family up in prayers. i cannot express the sorrow i feel. i have so much love and respect for him. im am truely blessed to say i knew him"
casey of from memphis/ now hawaii

"there are no words to say, but as far i know you, i can say that you were a nice person around your friends and people. you were the kind person who gave your life for this country, who fought bravely. your friends from DQ will always remember you as a heroe."
silvia Lopez of oceanside, san diego

"Jimmy and Angie,
There are no words that can express the sorrow I feel for you. Spending 3 years of high school with Hilario was great but I never knew it could bring so much pain. I can't even imagine what you must feel after having him for 22 years. But in those years memories were made that can never be taken away no matter how many years pass. I remember his eyes, his beautiful smile, his laugh, and even the time I needed to borrow a pencil for chemistry and he gave up the only one he had so I could use it. We laughed because it was only about an inch long, bitten up,and the eraser was missing but it got the job done. It was always scary doing labs with him because he liked to do little experiments of his own when Mr. Townsend wasn't looking. The hot air balloon we made also flew the longest out of all the other balloons. Those are the things that I hold onto and relive when thinking about him. The happy times. Jimmy and Angie, you have to do the same. Remember. That is what will get you through these tough days. You are in our prayers and anytime you need us we are just down the road. We can never repay you or your son for your sacrifice. You gave your son and he gave his life for our freedom and for that your family and Hilario will never be forgotten!!
Always in our hearts,"
Lisa Periman of Ingleside, Texas

"Hilario F. Lopez
you was a especial person in my life Hilario and i will remember you forever."
Judith colmenares of Oceanside Ca

"To Hilario'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 soldier's bravery and sacrifice as we lose yet another of Texas' sons.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"I have never actually met Lopez in person but he was in the same unit as one of my friends. That is how I started talking to him. Last year over Christmas break he stole my number out of my friends phone as a joke. But once we started talking we continued. We talked almost every day. He was such an awesome person. He could always make me laugh. I will miss being able to talk to him. He was always there for me. Lopez last sent me a letter from Iraq in November after Thanksgiving. I was so excited to hear from him. I only got to talk to him on the telephone once while he was deployed but I am glad that I was able to. I know that it was a great loss to his family and friends. I am just glad that I had a memory of him to live on inside me."
Meghann Hampton of Spencer, Indiana

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

"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

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Hilario F. Lopez,

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 use our link and 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

"Thank you Hilario Lopez, 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 Lance Cpl. Hilario Lopez:
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 Hilario 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 Lance Cpl. Hilario Lopez:
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 Hilario, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia