Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I appreciate everyone who has commented and left condolences. It's been a long time since he's been gone I was just a young Lad when he passed but I do always remember that smile and laugh that was always present at family function. God I miss him. Still to do this day my grandma has all his helicopter and spaceship and army figurines and they are the coolest things ever."
Thomas Lourey of Hinkley MN

"To the friends and family of CW4 Matthew Lourey: I knew Mr. Lourey for just a short period of time. I was attached to his unit in Iraq. What I can tell you about him is that he always had a smile on his face. He would take an interest in everyone around him by talking to them or by showing them something interesting on a map for example. In just a few days I realize that Matthew and Mr. Scott will have been gone for ten years now. I want you to know that he is missed and certainly not forgotten."
SSG Streeter of Townsend, MA

"My thoughts are with the family and friends of CW4 Matthew Lourey. Thank you for his many years of service and the supreme sacrifice he and you have endured for our country. He will live on through the countless memories of his friends. He will never be forgotten."
Jacqueline of Saint Paul, MN

"I have never forgotten that night... I don't think I ever will. I cannot express to you how much both you and CW2 Joshua Scott meant to us on the ground. Brothers forever..."
SSG(R) Travis Bennett of Luling, TX

"My name is SGT Shane Van Fossen. When Chief Lourey and Chief Scott came into our FARRP (Forward Area Re-Armament Refueling Point) we knew they were coming and had went to the dining facility to get them a plate of food so that they could eat before they flew out into sector again. This was a normal routine for us, as we knew that the pilots were hungry while out on their missions. I knew them quite well and always tried to take care of them. When they went down, we were the first to know and notified the extraction team to pull them from the crash site before the enemy had a chance to arrive there. I, and SGT Coriell were the ones who went to motuary affairs and processed their personal effects. The pictures of there loved ones, close to their hearts in their flight suits. There isn't a day goes by that I don't think of those two heroes and how kind and friendly they were to us at all times. How we would sit back and share stories for 20 or 30 minutes and just hang out. They are great men and brave men, who gave all for the freedoms that we all enjoy today. So I write this with a heavy heart, full of pride and respect, for I know within my heart and soul...They Are Never Forgotten!"
SGT Van Fossen, Shane of Tacoma. WA

"My name is Christine Anne Lourey, I live in Brisbane, Australia. My large extended family live in Victoria, Australia. The original family hail from Tipperary, Ireland. They came to the Western District of Victoria and established huge sheep stations. Our condolences to the Lourey family in America on the loss of your son, in the Iraq.war. Australia stands with America in the fight for freedom of all peoples and your family will always stand very proud for the efforts of your son. God bless you and your country and God bless Australia."
Christine Bannan of Brisbane, Australia

"I had the pleasure of serving with Matt in Iraq. I was with 1-82nd and he was attached to us from 1-17 Cav. I choose to remember him as the amazing Officer he was. He always had a smile for you and was a great mentor for me. I used to give him hell for eating so healthy. You did not have to be there but you went anyway. I miss you brother, and I'll see you on the other side."
CW4 Richard H. Finlan Jr. of Ft. Rucker, AL

"I had the pleasure of serving with Matt in Iraq. I was with 1-82nd and he was attached to us from 1-17 Cav. I choose to remember him as the amazing Officer he was. He always had a smile for you and was a great mentor for me. I used to give him hell for eating so healthy. You did not have to be there but you went anyway. I miss you brother, and I'll see you on the other side."
CW4 Richard H. Finlan Jr. of Ft. Rucker, AL

"June 1, 2009
To the family of CW4 Matthew Scott Lourey:
Matthew 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

"To the family of:Matthew Scott Lourey I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief. He died a hero defending freedom and we are so grateful for anyone defending our freedom.
Know that I am praying for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding for you and that one day we will all meet in Heaven where we will rest in the arms of Jesus.
If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with please call my Pastor at Gateway Community Church, Reverand John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd Covington Ga. 30016 Phone 770- 787- 1015 (fax)770-787-8215.Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew"

"i'm truely sorry to hear about Matthew Lourey (R.I.P). i am searching for Lourey's across the globe my name is Emma Lourey im sorry if this is inappropriate but please if you are a Lourey or know of some please contact me or have them contact me thank you. princess_emma116@hotmail.com"
Emma Lourey of Australia

"I will always love you and carry you in my heart. I miss you every day Matt."
Carolyn Hough of Duncan, SC

"hey im called matthew scott im from the united kingdom. maybe we could be related in some way.....anyhow love will become you and everything about you....love makes you love another....?"
lebernauch...? of manchester uk

"Warrant Officer Lourey, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"To the Lourey family, I was very sorry to hear about Matt. I went through Warrant officer Candidate School and flight school with him and we did everything together during that time. I guess we bonded because we both came from Minnesota. We lost touch after a couple of years due to my transfering services and him deploying but I will always have fond memories of him and his great sense of humor. He was a great man and I am sorry for your loss."
LT Keith Trepanier of Mobile, AL

"We cannot express the sorrow we felt upon learning of your loss of CW4 Matt Lourey. Our son, SGT Sean Connelly, is a crew chief with Blackjack. We have had the privledge to visit Ft. Bragg several times and meet our son's friends and collegues in the 1-17. We were always made to feel welcomed and part of the "family", so this loss to Palehorse, Crazyhorse, and especially to you is deeply felt by us. We ask God to grant you the same strength and courage that Matt had to get through this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest condolences and much gratitude for his service and sacrifice-
Mike and Linda Connelly
Blackjack,1-17 Parents"
Mike & Linda Connelly of Oregon, IL

"We have our freedom because of you. Thank you. We will always love and miss you."
Betsy Bragg of Lawrenceville, GA

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"TO THE LOUREY FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE LOST OF MATTHEW. HE IS IN OUR HEART AND PRAYS. MATTHEW YOU HAVE NOT GIVEN YOUR LIFE IN VAIN. YOU ARE A HERO! NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. SO THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL OUR SON SERVED ALONG SIDE OF YOU. NOT KNOWING ONE ANOTHER PERSONALLY; STILL MILITARY BROTHER'S WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER'S BACKS. WE LOST OUR SON LAST MAY. MATTHEW IF I HAD NO SON'S, I WOULD MOST CERTAINLY WANT ONE JUST LIKE YOU. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

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

"To the Family of CW4 Matthew Lourey we express our deepest and heartfelt sympathy. Our son is a fellow pilot with Matthew and the day we heard about the Helicopter going down and learning that two pilots lost their lives, we stayed up praying for them, not knowing if one of them was our son. My son called a couple of days later and told us that he lost two very good friends. He spoke very highly of Matthew and the good times they had. He asked that we all keep them in our prayers. Know that we will keep you all in our prayers May God Bless you all and our Thanks go out to Matthew for being an inspiration to our son. Ralph and Maria Zendejas, San Antonio, Texas."
Ralph and Maria Zendejas of San Antonio, Texas

"5/28/05 Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the family of Matthew. For many reasons you will never celebrate another Memorial Day Weekend without tremendous sadness, yet a great sense of pride. Matthew is a true hero and will go down in history as a great man who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation. May God give you strength to endure this most horrific painful loss.
John 15:13 Greater love than this no one has, that one lay down his life for his friends."
Webster and Ruth Reed(Father and stepmom of Jonathan Reed who lost his life in Operation Iraqi Freedom on 1/28/05) of Krotz Springs, LA

"Thank you Matthew Lourey, 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 CW4 Matthew Lourey:
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 Matthew 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 CW4 Matthew Lourey:
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 Matthew, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia