Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I was lucky enough to have known John during service in 2nd battalion first marines. I will always remember you friend"
pvt king of pembroke pines, fl usa

"Love you John"
jake lueck of Rowlett tx

"I met your father today while visiting Arlington with my team, he's with you two to three times a week. He takes care of you and so many other service members who have fallen. He told me your story, and the story of many others around you. You were not forgotten, by your father, by your friends, and now by me. I will tell your story now too. God bless you Lance Corporal. I wish I could have learned your story face to face under happier circumstances. I am from Roseville, CA not far down the road from Grass Valley and Fresno now stationed in Northern VA where today I saw your final resting place. Rest in peace Marine."
SGT Yancey, US Army

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"To John, Hey buddy this is Paul Scott. I just wanted to say thank you for your sacrafice, Today is Nov. 16th its been 4 years now since we have talked, I just wanted you to know that you are not forgotten, your picture is still in my car. I miss hanging out with you in Santa Maria and having to race back to Camp pendelton in your car in order to get there in time for morning P.T. we had some good times together brother. I miss you...until we meet again. Semper Fi"
Paul Scott of Santa Maria Ca U.S.

"Johns family:

I was the adjacent rack from recruit Lucente at MCRD San Diego...Hell we used to get destroyed by the D.I..'s together! I really miss that..."
SGT G.M. Fanning JR of MCAS Beaufort, SC

"November 15, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. John A. Lucente:
John 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

"John,
Sorry its taken so long to get around to this, you were a great friend! We didn't know each other long enough, but there's never a day I don't remember you."
IT3 ALLEN, ANTHONEY (USN~LPD-7) of San Diego, CA/USA

"To the family of:John A. Lucente 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"

"John was a great young man. I would like to say Thank You to his mom Kristine and step father Shawn who John lived with for raising such a fine young man. John respected those he worked with and lived next to. I lived next to the Mason's and saw John grow up and go through school. Kristine thank you for raising JT and for having a son who served his country to the highest level. I am proud to say I know John."
Bob of Grass Valley, California

"To John's Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your fine young Marine. You are in our prayers. To John, you are a true American Hero. Thank you for all you have done in Iraq and keeping us safe. May God Bless you John and God Bless your family."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"John, I remember being in your spanish class when I was a Freshman. You were always so nice and funny. You always made wise cracks about Nieto at the most appropriate times and you made everybody laugh. I just heard about your passing. I know you died doing what you believe in, thank you. You were a great guy and I know that you are in heaven watching over us just like you were in Iraq defending us. God Speed."
Emmalee C. of Fresno/Grass Valley, CA

"May the angels keep you till morning.
May they guide you through the night.
May they comfort all your sorrows.
May they help you win the fight.

May they keep watch on your soul.
May they show you better ways.
May they guard you while you’re sleeping.
May they see you through your days.

May they show you new hopes.
May they still your every doubt.
May they calm your every fear.
May they hear you when you shout.

May the angels keep you till morning.
More that this I cannot pray.
And if the angels ever fail you.
Then may God be there that day.


Gone – but not forgotten.
Thank you for sharing your marine with us,
and for the sacrifice made by you and your family on our behalf.
Proud mom of Lcpl Alex
Currently serving in Iraq"
Patricia of Bishop, CA

"John,
I would like to say thank you to you and the four other Marines from your unit(2/1) who were killed for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"To John's Family,

I have no words to express the grief I feel at hearing of your son's passing. I vow you now, that John will forever be in my mind and heart. As I and thousands of other parents and Americans strive to protect our soldiers against Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and get them them the help they so deserve when they return home,...we will always remember those who didn't make it home...with tears, prayers, and the understanding of the deepest grief a parent can ever experience. God Bless You ALL, help you to take this tragedy and change history because of it.....this poem is on our Josh's website, and I'd like to leave it here for your John also:

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Author Unknown

MUCH Respect and Love,

Julie Westly
Aunt of SPC Joshua Omvig
http://joshua-omvig.memory-of.com/"
Julie Westly of Iowa, USA

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal John A. Lucente,

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. If you're not certain that your loved one's next of kin is registered, please use our link and register them for a quilt so we can send our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts "
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"Our family, would like to express our deepest and heart felt sorrow for your loss. We strongly support our service men and women, wherever they may be. My dad was a World War 2 veteran, along with many of my uncles. Praise God and protect those away from their familes."
Michael A. Lucente of Worcester, Massachusetts....U.S.A

"Tony & Naomi,
Thank you for sharing JT life with us during his short time here. He was such a wonderful big brother to Cris, and Cris always enjoyed being able to spend time with him. If it was not for your unselfishness, the boys would of not had as much time together in their life time. I know we all will forever miss JT, but we also will never forget him. And yes.....he has always and will remain our son's HERO. I find comfort that he is now with Cris at all times. God Bless you, and I am always here for you.

Love Always,
Sara Parfitt
Fresno, CA USA"
Sara of Fresno, CA USA

"Thank you everyone who has sent their prayers and condolences to our family during this difficult time. Yes, we are humbled by his service to our country, and yes, he died a hero. He has always been a hero to us! Your prayers have certainly brought us comfort. Just knowing that so many people are grateful for his service brings a smile to our faces. During JT's tumultuous childhood, (his parents divorced when he was an infant, (a very bitter divorce), followed by having 4 different step-fathers, numerous re-locations etc...)Because of this, JT was always searching for a true foundation. We are so very grateful that regardless of his rough upbringing, we were able to provide him that sense of security and stability that he felt he lacked when he wasn't with us. We raised him here in Fresno until he was 15 years old, then he relocated to grass valley with his mother, her 4th husband, and 1 of his 2 half siblings. He had a very difficult time re-adjusting to a different life, different surroundings. We were blessed to have such a wonderfully close relationship with JT, even when others tried to make that impossible. God is good, isn't he. And now God is taking care of our boy, our marine. For 19 years we were the luckiest parents in the world!
Thank you again for all of your prayers and condolences!!"
Mr. and Mrs. Tony Lucente of Fresno,ca. USA

"DEAR JOHN, WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. AN FOR BEING A MILITARY BROTHER TO OUR SON; AS HE WAS CONSIDERED YOU HIS BROTHER. WITH INDIFFERNCE TO SERVING VARIOUS BRANCHES; FOR MILITARY FAMILY IS THE ULITMATE BOND AMONG OU SOLDIERS! TO ALWAYS WATCH AND PROTECT ONE ANOTHER. JOHN YOU AND ALL THE SERVE BY YOUR SIDE. WAS MY COMFORT NOT TO WORRY ABOUT OUR SON. AN SADLY, YOU ARE RE-UNITED WITH GREGORY. THAT IS A DIFFERENT COMFORT TO ME. STILL DEAR TO MY HEART! JOHN YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. THOSE HEARTS YOU TOUCHED SHARED MANY MANY FOND AND PRECIOUS TIME'S WITH YOU. FROM NEIGHBOR'S, FRIENDS, THOSE IN YOUR COMMUNITY, AMONG YOUR MILITARY FAMILY AND YES, YOUR AMAZING LOVING FAMILY. TO TRUELY, HONOUR JOHN REACH OUT; I URGE YOU, REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS. IT IS THE VERY LEAST ALL CAN DO TO TRUELY: HONOUR JOHN. BY NAMING A STREET AFTER JOHN. FOR HE SERVED HIS COMMUNITY, COUNTY, STATE AND OUR COUNTRY. WITHOUT MEN AND WOMEN SUCH AS JOHN. AMERICA WOULD NOT BE SAFER TODAY THEN SINCE 911. AN HE IS ONE UNSELFISN INDIVIDUAL RISKED HIS LIFE DAY IN AND DAY OUT FOR US ALL AS AMERICANS AND TO GIVE OTHERS AROUND THE WORLD HOPE. TO LIVE IN PEACE! JOHN YOU ARE SOMEONE'S SOMEONE AND YOU ARE SOMEONE TO OUR FAMILY. YOU CERTAINLY: HAVE NOT DIED IN VAIN! YOU ARE AN AMERICAN HERO NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN, NOT TODAY, TOMORROW OR EVER!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"you the brave heroe ... we dont know how to thank all the U.S heroes how die for us .rest in peace"
spike of hartford

"you'll never be forgotten..thanks for your service. we truly appreciate it."
chris of usa

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

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